Wonderful things are happening in East Nashville’s McFerrin Park neighborhood. Shortly after Rolf and Daughters chef-owner Philip Krajeck opened his exceptional new spot Folk on the corner of Meridian and Wilburn (and if you haven’t been yet, go), Mas Tacos Por Favor owner Teresa Mason reopened neighborhood dive Wilburn Street Tavern right next door. If you’re a fan of Mas Tacos (who isn’t?), you’ll recognize the vibe here: casual, comfortable, hip, fun. And there’s a pool table!
But there isn’t a full-service kitchen at Wilburn Street, so Mason & Co. serve up simple fare that’s better than bar food has any right to be. Every item on the food menu costs just $5 — that includes three different hot dogs and a meat-and-three plate (meat, cheese, pickles and crackers) — but the nachos make for the best deal. It’s a staggering pile of chips topped with queso, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onions and pinto beans — the kind of goopy mountain that comes served with a fork. The plate is a meal unto itself if you manage to finish it all by your lonesome, but I like to split the nachos with a pal and throw a Lou or Sonora dog on the side. Add a cocktail or a Pacifico and you’re still getting out of there without breaking the bank.
