El Sombrero in Franklin, TN offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that delights both locals and visitors with its vibrant flavors and warm ambiance. Known for its rich, traditional dishes and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant has become a cherished spot for those craving genuine Mexican cuisine in the heart of Tennessee.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the menu at El Sombrero presents a wide array of options that cater to diverse tastes, ensuring every meal is a celebration of bold spices and fresh ingredients.
From classic tacos and enchiladas to specialty dishes and refreshing beverages, El Sombrero’s menu is thoughtfully crafted to balance tradition with innovation. The use of fresh, locally sourced produce combined with authentic Mexican recipes creates a feast full of color and flavor.
Diners can expect generous portions, friendly service, and an environment that captures the essence of Mexican culture, making it a perfect destination for families, friends, and solo food lovers alike.
Whether you’re a fan of hearty meat dishes, vegetarian delights, or crave the perfect margarita, El Sombrero Franklin’s menu delivers an unforgettable culinary journey. The carefully curated dishes and drinks reflect a passion for quality and authenticity that elevates every dining experience here.
Appetizers and Starters
El Sombrero’s appetizer selection offers a tempting introduction to the meal, featuring classic Mexican starters that awaken the palate. These dishes are designed to be shared or enjoyed individually, each bursting with fresh flavors and textures that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity.
From crispy chips served with freshly made salsas to hearty queso fundido, the starters set the tone for a vibrant dining experience. The balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch in these dishes highlights the depth of Mexican culinary traditions.
Many appetizers incorporate fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and lime, enhancing their natural taste. They are perfect for pairing with a signature cocktail or a refreshing agua fresca.
Popular Choices
- Guacamole Fresco: Made tableside with ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and a hint of lime for a refreshing start.
- Queso Fundido: Melted cheese blended with chorizo or mushrooms, served with warm tortillas.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce topped with cotija cheese.
- Nachos Supreme: Tortilla chips layered with beans, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and your choice of chicken or beef.
“The appetizers at El Sombrero are the perfect way to start your meal—each bite is a celebration of Mexican flavors and textures.”
Signature Entrees
The main courses at El Sombrero showcase a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, each carefully prepared to highlight authentic flavors and satisfying portions. These entrees are the heart of the menu, offering something for everyone from meat lovers to vegetarians.
Each dish is made with fresh ingredients and seasoned with a blend of spices that honor regional Mexican cooking styles. The entrees are designed to be hearty and flavorful, providing a fulfilling experience with every bite.
Whether you prefer grilled meats, slow-cooked stews, or vibrant vegetable dishes, El Sombrero presents diverse options that reflect the richness of Mexican cuisine and culture.
Featured Dishes
- Carne Asada: Grilled marinated steak served with rice, beans, and warm tortillas.
- Chicken Enchiladas Verdes: Rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken, topped with tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Sizzling peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini served with guacamole and warm tortillas.
- Chile Relleno: Poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried to perfection.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level | Serving Size |
| Carne Asada | Grilled steak, rice, beans | Medium | Large |
| Chicken Enchiladas Verdes | Chicken, tomatillo sauce, cheese | Mild | Medium |
| Vegetarian Fajitas | Peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini | Low | Large |
| Chile Relleno | Poblano pepper, cheese | Medium | Medium |
Tacos and Street Food
El Sombrero’s taco selection brings the essence of Mexican street food to Franklin, TN. These handheld delights are crafted with care, blending traditional fillings with fresh toppings for a perfect balance of taste and texture.
The tacos are available with a variety of proteins, including beef, chicken, pork, and seafood, alongside vegetarian options. Each taco is complemented by flavorful salsas and fresh garnishes that elevate the experience.
These dishes are ideal for casual dining or sharing among friends, offering a taste of Mexico’s vibrant street food culture right in a comfortable restaurant setting.
Taco Varieties
- Al Pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a spit with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
- Fish Tacos: Crispy fried fish topped with cabbage slaw and creamy chipotle sauce.
- Barbacoa: Slow-cooked beef with rich spices served with diced onions and cilantro.
- Veggie Tacos: Grilled seasonal vegetables with avocado and salsa verde.
“Tacos at El Sombrero are a must-try—they capture the authentic flavors and street-style charm of Mexican cuisine.”
Desserts and Sweets
The dessert menu at El Sombrero provides a sweet ending to the meal, featuring classic Mexican treats that satisfy any sweet tooth. These desserts often combine rich textures with traditional ingredients for a delightful finish.
Each dessert is prepared fresh, offering flavors that range from creamy to crispy, with hints of cinnamon, chocolate, and fruit. They pair wonderfully with coffee or a traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
Whether you prefer something light or indulgent, the dessert selection offers a variety of options to suit different tastes and cravings.
Popular Desserts
- Churros: Crispy fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate dipping sauce.
- Flan: Creamy caramel custard with a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Sopapillas: Puffy fried pastries drizzled with honey for a sweet, airy treat.
- Tres Leches Cake: Moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with whipped cream.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Price Range |
| Churros | Flour, sugar, cinnamon, chocolate sauce | Sweet, crunchy | $$ |
| Flan | Eggs, caramel, milk | Creamy, rich | $$ |
| Sopapillas | Flour, honey, oil | Light, sweet | $ |
| Tres Leches Cake | Milk, eggs, sugar, flour | Moist, sweet | $$ |
Beverages and Cocktails
El Sombrero’s beverage menu complements its food offerings with a selection of traditional Mexican drinks and innovative cocktails. These beverages enhance the dining experience by offering refreshing and flavorful options suitable for every palate.
From classic margaritas to non-alcoholic aguas frescas, the drink menu caters to all guests. The cocktails are crafted with premium spirits and fresh ingredients, often featuring unique twists on beloved Mexican flavors.
Whether you’re seeking a perfectly balanced cocktail or a refreshing soft drink, El Sombrero provides a diverse range of options to quench your thirst and complement your meal.
Signature Drinks
- Classic Margarita: Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, served on the rocks with a salted rim.
- Horchata: A sweet, cinnamon-flavored rice milk drink, served chilled.
- Paloma: Tequila mixed with grapefruit soda and lime, offering a citrusy, refreshing taste.
- Agua Fresca: Seasonal fruit-infused water such as watermelon, mango, or hibiscus.
“The beverage selection at El Sombrero perfectly complements the food, balancing bold and subtle flavors to enhance every bite.”
Lunch Specials and Combos
For those seeking value without compromising quality, El Sombrero offers a variety of lunch specials and combo meals designed to provide a complete dining experience at a great price. These options are perfect for quick lunches or casual mid-day meals.
The combos typically include a main dish paired with sides and a drink, allowing diners to enjoy a balanced meal without the wait. The specials rotate regularly, reflecting seasonal ingredients and popular dishes.
This approach ensures that guests can enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine while benefiting from convenient and affordable meal choices.
Typical Lunch Combos
- Enchilada and Taco Combo: One cheese enchilada paired with a seasoned beef taco, served with rice and beans.
- Fajita Plate: Choice of chicken or beef fajitas with sautéed peppers and onions, served with tortillas and sides.
- Quesadilla and Salad: Cheese or chicken quesadilla served alongside a fresh garden salad.
- Vegetarian Combo: Grilled veggie tacos with rice, beans, and guacamole.
| Combo | Main Components | Price | Availability |
| Enchilada and Taco | Cheese enchilada, beef taco, rice, beans | $$ | Weekdays 11am-3pm |
| Fajita Plate | Chicken or beef fajitas, tortillas, sides | $$$ | Weekdays 11am-3pm |
| Quesadilla and Salad | Cheese or chicken quesadilla, garden salad | $$ | Weekdays 11am-3pm |
| Vegetarian Combo | Veggie tacos, rice, beans, guacamole | $$ | Weekdays 11am-3pm |
Gluten-Free and Dietary Options
Recognizing the importance of accommodating dietary needs, El Sombrero offers a variety of gluten-free and health-conscious options. This ensures that guests with specific dietary restrictions can still enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine.
The kitchen staff is knowledgeable about allergens and cross-contamination, providing clear guidance and alternative choices for those who require them. Many dishes can be customized to be gluten-free or vegetarian without sacrificing taste.
This commitment to inclusivity allows all diners to partake in an authentic and satisfying meal experience at El Sombrero.
Key Dietary Offerings
- Gluten-Free Tacos: Corn tortillas used instead of flour, with a variety of fillings.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes: Options like grilled vegetables, beans, and rice prepared without animal products.
- Low-Carb Choices: Fajitas and salads without tortillas or rice for those watching carbohydrate intake.
- Allergen Awareness: Staff trained to assist with dairy, nut, and soy allergies.
“El Sombrero’s dedication to accommodating dietary needs makes it a welcoming spot for everyone, regardless of restrictions.”
Conclusion
El Sombrero Franklin, TN stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, blending tradition with fresh ingredients and attentive service. The menu is a testament to the richness of Mexican culinary heritage, offering a broad selection from appetizers and entrees to desserts and beverages that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, showcasing vibrant flavors and generous portions that invite diners to savor every bite. The restaurant’s flexibility in accommodating dietary restrictions and providing value through lunch specials makes it a versatile destination for different occasions—whether a casual lunch, family dinner, or festive gathering.
Ultimately, El Sombrero offers more than just a meal; it delivers an experience that transports guests to the heart of Mexico through its delicious food and warm hospitality. For anyone in Franklin seeking a genuine taste of Mexican culture and cuisine, El Sombrero’s menu promises satisfaction, authenticity, and a memorable dining adventure.
