Mason, the owner of Wilburn Street Tavern, isn’t interested in letting success inflate her ego. Her philosophy is simple: focus on quality over scale. “If I can do something very small, make one thing really good, then it won’t matter where I do it, and maybe people will come for it,” she states. This ethos has guided her journey from a popular food truck to a sought-after taco spot, Mas Tacos, and now to her latest venture, the Wilburn Street Tavern. At 41, Mason is embracing a new chapter as a restaurateur, energized by the capable team at Mas Tacos. “The crew at Mas Tacos is stupendous. I mean they are just fucking killing it and doing such a wonderful job. Last year was the first time I really felt like, ‘Oh fuck! They don’t need me!’” she exclaims, switching to a playful, high-pitched voice when quoting herself, a charming quirk that’s both funny and endearing.
Instead of constructing something entirely new, Mason chose to revitalize an existing piece of Nashville history. Wilburn Street Tavern, previously known as Lady T’s Tavern and briefly a biker bar, was already a neighborhood staple. Mason, familiar with the bar and its beloved owner, Miss Paulette, recognized its inherent value. In a city where historic establishments are often gutted and modernized beyond recognition upon ownership change, Mason opted for a different approach. “It had already been a wonderful neighborhood bar. [I want] to keep it that way ideally. Of course it’s changed some. Hopefully not so much that it hurts anybody,” she explains, emphasizing her respect for the tavern’s legacy.
“We left the bones, opened it up a little bit,” Mason describes, gesturing around the tavern’s space. “Tried to make it a little more comfortable…” The renovations strike a balance. Some patrons feel like nothing has changed, while others are amazed by the transformation. The reality lies somewhere in between. While Miss Paulette’s Wilburn Street Tavern solely served beer, Mason has introduced a liquor license. In a conspiratorial whisper, she confides, “I just. Enjoy. Liquor. More than beer.” She glances around, almost as if checking if Miss Paulette might overhear and be offended by her preference.
Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of Wilburn Street Tavern is what Mason didn’t add: a full kitchen. The absence of a traditional kitchen is, in her view, a positive. “[It’s] a blessing for me. Because what was I thinking when I started? I didn’t wanna start another restaurant. I wanna come and hang and be here. In the long run, I think it all worked out really well.” This decision aligns perfectly with her vision for a laid-back, unpretentious bar.
Despite the lack of a kitchen range, Wilburn Street Tavern still offers satisfying bar food. The menu is concise, featuring only five items, but Mason emphasizes the importance of quality, even in simplicity. With a serious tone, she asserts, “They’re just fucking nachos, but I want to be consistent. You know what I mean? I want them to be what they are.” Hot dogs dominate the menu, with three out of the five options being variations of this classic. Mason is particularly enthusiastic about the Sonoran dog – a bacon-wrapped beef hot dog topped with beans, lime mayo, and pico de gallo. Her excitement for the Sonoran dog was so intense that she briefly considered making it the only food item available. “I was like, ‘We’ll just do that! We’ll have one thing!’” she recounts with amusement.
Wilburn Street Tavern is an intimate space. “I know they used to do shows here,” Mason recalls. However, the current setup lacks a stage, lighting, or a proper sound system. Space is limited, particularly around the pool table. “Maybe if you’re an unpopular band, you can come and play here?” she jokes. For those seeking live music, Wilburn Street Tavern might not be the primary destination.
Mason is completely at ease with the Wilburn Street Tavern’s modest scale and offerings. It is, in her words, simply a bar. This unassuming approach is part of its charm, and reflects Mason’s own remarkably humble nature, especially considering her success in the Nashville food scene. “That’s another reason why I sort of avoid interviews,” she concludes. “In my heart, it’s not such a big story.” But for those seeking an authentic Nashville neighborhood tavern experience, Wilburn Street Tavern, with Mason at the helm, is definitely a story worth discovering.
