Cabrito's Express

Tucked on a quiet stretch of 307 N Lindell St in Martin, Tennessee, Cabrito’s Express is the kind of place you stumble upon once and then keep coming back to, mostly because the food lingers in your mind long after you’ve left. The front porch smell of sizzling carne asada hits first, and it’s impossible not to peek at the colorful plates moving across tables. On my first visit, I went simple with chicken tacos, and they were everything—warm corn tortillas folded around tender, smoky meat, brightened by lime and cilantro. Since then, I’ve slowly worked my way through the menu, and each trip has been a new discovery, from the cheesy enchiladas dripping with red sauce to the crunchy golden chimichangas that feel like a celebration on a plate.

There’s a rhythm to how this diner runs, and you notice it as soon as you walk in. Orders come fast, yet the staff never rushes you; they seem genuinely proud to share what they make. Locals I chatted with swear by the burritos, and one college student told me she comes here twice a week between classes because it’s one of the few places in town that’s both affordable and consistently good. It’s the kind of firsthand feedback that sticks because it explains why the place is always buzzing around lunch.

The charm of Cabrito’s Express isn’t just in the food but also in how it folds into the fabric of Martin. It’s a small space, maybe a dozen tables, but you see every slice of the community pass through here—construction crews grabbing hearty plates, families splitting nachos on weekends, travelers stopping by because someone they trust recommended it. That reputation hasn’t come by accident; it’s the result of years of keeping things simple, fresh, and generous. If you’re nearby and searching for a place where flavor feels honest and comfort comes naturally, this unassuming spot on Lindell Street is worth veering off your usual route.