Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina is a Nashville-based restaurant known for blending modern Mexican flavors with Southern influences, coining the cuisine name “Nash-Mex.” It was founded in 2017 by Catharine and Will Newman, the creators of Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Originally invited to bring their barbecue concept to downtown Nashville’s oldest building, the Newmans found the space too small and instead launched a taco-focused eatery featuring tacos, beer, and tequila.

The restaurant’s name, inspired by outlaws, was conceived by Will Newman during a brainstorming session. Pancho & Lefty’s opened within seven weeks across from Bridgestone Arena, just in time for the 2017 Stanley Cup run of the Nashville Predators. A second location followed in 2019 in the Sylvan Park neighborhood. In 2022, the Downtown location relocated to the Melrose area, taking over the space previously home to The Sutler.

Pancho & Lefty’s has earned multiple accolades, including Nashville Scene’s “Best Margarita in Nashville” (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), and has 4.7 stars from over 300 reviewers on Google.