Chester's Cantina
Franklin · Mexican
Mexican cantina in Franklin. Confirmed in Franklin 28734 via a zMenu listing but the exact street address didn't surface in our usual public sources — if you know it, ping us at /submit/.
Kid-friendly
Local-only · no chains · not ranked
Mexican restaurants in Franklin, NC
Where Franklin goes for tacos, fajitas and a margarita: a sit-down spot on the Square across from the gazebo, one on East Main, and a string of them out Georgia Road and Highlands Road. After those come the panadería and the paletería on Highlands Road, for pan dulce, paletas and mangonadas. Listed A to Z, not ranked.
For the Mexican community's shops, churches and services, see /comunidad-mexicana/ (in Spanish).
8local spots
8kid-friendly
5with a full bar
Sit-down Mexican
6 spots
El Charro Mexican Grill
201 Highlands Rd · Mexican
Family-owned Mexican on Highlands Rd — owner Mario Perez has served authentic Mexican food in Franklin for 20+ years. Known for generous portions and reasonable prices. Open daily 11 AM–9 PM.
Kid-friendlyFull bar
Habaneros Mexican Grill
2726 Georgia Rd · Tex-Mex
Mexican grill on Georgia Rd with outdoor seating. Wheelchair-accessible.
Kid-friendlyFull bar
Las Barricas Mexican Restaurant
2722 Georgia Rd · Mexican
Authentic-leaning Mexican on Georgia Rd. Pork dishes get the most praise from reviewers.
What to order: The carnitas and the pork burritos; margaritas from the full bar
Hours: Sun–Thu 11 AM–9 PM · Fri & Sat 11 AM–10 PM as of 2026-09-06
Phone: (828) 349-4484
Kid-friendlyFull bar
Las Margaritas
24 Iotla St · Authentic Mexican
One of Franklin's two main Mexican restaurants per locals. Across from the gazebo on the Square. Family-friendly with a patio; full bar.
Kid-friendlyFull bar
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant
788 E Main St · Mexican
One of Franklin's two main Mexican restaurants per locals (with Las Margaritas). Sit-down spot on East Main. Full bar.
Kid-friendlyFull bar
Pan dulce, paletas & mangonadas
2 spots
Juanito's Neveria y Paleteria
495 Highlands Rd · Mexican ice cream
Mexican ice cream and paletas with mangonadas, coconut horchata, and traditional treats. Kids' arcade area. Now appears to have taken over the space the former Casa Tequila Mexican Grill occupied.
Kid-friendlyNo alcohol
La Toluca Bakery
724 Highlands Rd · Mexican panadería
Mexican panadería on Highlands Rd. Pan dulce, conchas, tres leches cakes, breads, and savory items made fresh daily. A staple of the Franklin Mexican community and worth a stop for anyone who loves a real bakery — the kind where the case looks different every day.
Kid-friendlyNo alcohol
About this list
Every entry was cross-checked against at least two public sources (Yelp, the Franklin Chamber, Experience Franklin, the venue's own site). Restaurants are categorised, not ranked. Kid-friendly and alcohol notes reflect what reviewers and venues themselves say — if your experience differs, let us know and we'll fix it.
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