Los Primos — Restaurant in Franklin

As a proud Mexican and a self-proclaimed connoisseur of Mexican cuisine, I hold our food to the highest standards—authentic flavors, meticulous preparation, and respect for tradition are non-negotiable. So, when I visited Los Primos in the morning, hoping to catch the kitchen in its prime, I was deeply disappointed by an experience that fell far short of expectations.

From the moment I stepped in, the kitchen was a chaotic mess. An all-male crew of cooks bustled about, but the disorganization was glaring. The hot bar, which should be a vibrant showcase of fresh ingredients, was a disaster. Food was carelessly strewn across trays, with proteins and garnishes bleeding into one another. For anyone avoiding pork due to dietary restrictions, this was a nightmare—cross-contamination was not just a risk but a near certainty. I watched in disbelief as grilled jalapeños were haphazardly tossed across the bar, touching at least three different proteins as the cooks shuffled them around based on customer orders. No regard for hygiene or precision.

Worse, the cooks’ practices raised serious red flags. They wore black gloves—conveniently dark to mask dirt or contamination—and never changed them. The same gloves handling raw meat were used to grab lettuce and tomatoes for tacos. This blatant disregard for basic food safety made my skin crawl. I had a sinking feeling I’d regret staying, and I was right.

The carne asada tacos, which should be a cornerstone of any respectable Mexican spot, were a letdown. Dry, flavorless, and utterly bland, they lacked the bold seasoning and juicy tenderness I expect from well-prepared carne asada. It was as if the meat had been cooked with zero love or care, a far cry from the vibrant, soulful tacos I grew up savoring. The presentation was as sloppy as the hot bar, with no attention to detail.

This experience was a masterclass in how not to run a Mexican kitchen. From the chaotic setup and questionable hygiene to the uninspired food, Los Primos disrespected the cuisine I hold dear. I won’t be returning, and I’d urge anyone who values authentic Mexican flavors to steer clear. Save your appetite for a place that honors our culinary heritage with the...

Los Primos is a staple in the surrounding latino community. The place is half store half restaurant and all Latino. The only thing I shop the store for here is meat and tortillas. Try getting the diesmillo cut a little thicker than their usual and ask them to season it. Then also but the Milagro tortillas go home throw that steak on the grill for a nice char and enjoy the tacos you make with it!

The restaurant side is always a great choice for a quick bite. They have various meats to choose from and you can make them in dishes, tacos, tortas etc. They also have decent tamales. A great choice is a torta chilanga which is so unhealthy but thats what makes it great. Basically its two tamales inside a bolillo (torta bread) then add some pico and sour cream. You'll love it I guarantee it.

The place may not look the most appetizing but it definitely has that homemade flavor...

Look, if you like authentic Mexican food, Los Primos is a must. It’s a cultural experience that you’ll only find in authentic Mexican taquerias. This isn’t Tex-mex, this isn’t generic Southern-Mexican-restaurant fare… this is the real deal.

The menu has English translations. The people were very nice. The food was excellent. Portions were very generous. The meat was so fresh.

I got 3 tacos. They were all good. I always get chicken as a backup at taco spots and it usually is my least favorite. Same here. Be adventurous and go for the others. The biztec (steak) was my favorite. Barbacoa was a massive hunk of tasty shredded beef. It’s like a roast beef cut. So good.

I used to live in Houston TX where these type of restaurants where everywhere. This one stacks up with the best of them. Give it a shot and enjoy the...