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. This second location followed in 2019 in the Sylvan Park neighborhood, taking over the former Local Taco location. 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 4.6 stars from over 870 reviewers on Google.