Looking to satisfy your cravings for delicious Mexican cuisine in Charleston, SC? Look no further! In this article, we have curated a list of the top 9 must-visit tacos and tequila spots in the city, bringing you the best of Mexican flavors right to your plate.
From the vibrant and flavorful dishes at California Tortilla to the authentic and traditional fare at Lola's Authentic Mexican Cuisine and the mouthwatering creations at Maya, this article will guide you through the diverse and delicious Mexican restaurants in Charleston, ensuring you have a memorable dining experience.
Jump to places
- Santi's Restaurante Mexicano
- Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant
- Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
- La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
- Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila
- Maya
- La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
- Señor Tequila
- Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale
Santi's Restaurante Mexicano offers a unique and charming dining experience that sets it apart from other Mexican restaurants in Charleston. With a hodgepodge of greenery and Hispanic accents, Santi's outdoor eating area provides a perfect ambiance for a meal with friends.
Visitors rave about the free salsa, which is not your typical run-of-the-mill liquid, but rather a flavorful blend with chunks of cilantro, onion, and tomato. The thicker styled salsa is said to be addicting, and guests recommend trying the outstanding enchiladas verdes, especially the pork variety.
The accompanying rice and beans also receive high marks for their taste. However, what truly sets Santi's apart is their delicious queso, which keeps visitors coming back for more. Seasoned and more than just melted cheese, the queso receives such praise that guests often order it to-go when they have leftovers.
For a Mexican dining experience that goes beyond expectations, Santi's Restaurante Mexicano is a must-visit in Charleston.
Santi's Restaurante Mexicano Full Review
Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant is a popular place to go with family and friends, offering delicious and quick Mexican food. Visitors rave about their well-stocked and varied lunch buffet, which is both tasty and satisfying. The restaurant also has a nice bar and outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the pleasant weather.
Many guests have been coming to Los Reyes for years and plan on returning soon. According to one visitor, the food was pretty good and they ordered plenty of it. The drinks were also tasty, adding to the overall dining experience. Another guest mentioned that the outside seating and atmosphere were really nice, and they highly recommend the restaurant for its delicious food.
Even picky eaters were pleased with the options, particularly the ACP, making it one of the best Mexican restaurants they have ever tried.
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is a lively eatery that has quickly become a favorite among visitors and guests in Charleston. With its hip and casual atmosphere, it offers a delightful dining experience for Mexican food enthusiasts. According to people who have visited, the food is exceptionally delicious, even for to-go orders.
Guests highly recommend trying various menu items, such as the mouthwatering CRISPY BEEF, RANCHERO CHICKEN, and CARNE ASADA tacos. The Ranchero Chicken taco, in particular, is praised for its delectable sweet sauce. In addition to the incredible food, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina also hosts trivia nights, adding to the fun and engaging ambiance.
A reviewer even mentioned that a mix-up with their delivery order was promptly resolved by an attentive staff member named Steve, ensuring a stellar experience. While the chips and salsa received mixed reviews, the tacos, including the carne asada, ranchero chicken, and crispy beef, were all described as amazing.
For dessert, guests highly recommended trying the fantastic churros, a recommendation that came from their attentive waiter. With its enticing menu, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is definitely a must-visit Mexican restaurant in Charleston.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant is a local chain known for its Cuban classics, offering guests a taste of the authentic hacienda-style setting. With a bar and a clean, casual dining atmosphere, it is certainly worth a visit. Visitors rave about the amazing food, with one stating that it tasted fantastic.
The bar's La Especial sampler is highly recommended, as it is generously portioned and perfect for sharing. The restaurant also receives praise for its great customer service and convenient parking lot. However, some guests have noted a few downsides.
For instance, one reviewer found the table to be beaten up, although they still gave the establishment a perfect score. Another guest mentioned confusion regarding the menu items and noticed that many entrees did not come with beans and rice, which they found strange.
Additionally, the fajitas they ordered were served flat and thin, making it difficult to cut with the provided butter knife. Furthermore, this guest expressed disappointment in the poor service and overcharging by their waiter. Despite these minor flaws, La Carreta Mexican Restaurant offers an overall enjoyable experience for those seeking delicious Mexican cuisine.
Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila is a charming Mexican restaurant in Charleston that should be on every foodie's radar. Visitors raved about the affordable prices and the welcoming atmosphere, disproving any assumptions of it being an exclusive spot. Guests were delighted by the impressive selection of food and drinks, with a special mention of the delectable chips and queso that left reviewers wanting more.
The restaurant adds a unique twist by naming their dishes after movies, adding an element of fun and creativity to the dining experience. Additionally, the house hot sauce received high praise, compelling one reviewer to purchase a bottle to take home.
If you're craving a memorable taco experience and a lively environment, look no further than Ru Ru's Tacos & Tequila.
Maya is a popular Mexican restaurant that is worth visiting for a night out in Charleston SC. Guests have praised Maya for its patio, which provides a very nice and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors have also raved about the mango-Chile margaritas, describing them as wonderful.
The food offerings at Maya are also highly reviewed, with excellent queso, superb brisket tacos, and flavorful black beans in generous portions. One reviewer even mentioned that the side of black beans was enough to share between two people. The restaurant has been commended for its beautiful ambiance, offering a spacious yet cozy feel.
The personalized welcome greeting card, signed by many staff members, added to the surprise experienced during an anniversary celebration. The attentive service was also a highlight, with one reviewer even receiving a complimentary entree to make the evening even more special.
With delicious food, great service, and a friendly atmosphere, Maya comes highly recommended for those looking for an amazing dining experience.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Full Review
Señor Tequila is a low-key Mexican bar and kitchen that is worth a visit for its fantastic food and amazing drinks. Visitors have raved about the hot and delicious dishes, with one guest particularly recommending the Taco al pastor and Michelada combo.
The seating is quick and simple, ensuring that guests never have to wait long. Reviews also mention that the service at Señor Tequila is excellent, with a personable and friendly server who takes the time to cater to each guest's needs. The lunch specials are also highly recommended, offering great food at an affordable price.
Additionally, the bartender is praised for their attentiveness, going above and beyond by even making extra hot salsa upon request. Overall, Señor Tequila provides a satisfying dining experience that exceeds expectations.
Located on King Street, left from Francis Marion Hotel, Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale is a restaurant that should not be missed when looking for the best Mexican food in town. People say that their excellently prepared nachos are well-seasoned and made using fresh ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavors with every bite.
The wait staff is known for providing wonderful service, making guests feel welcome and attended to throughout their dining experience. The environment is described as very colorful and relaxing, with the option of outdoor dining available, including a covered area for when rain showers pass through.
Visitors appreciate the generous portion sizes of the dishes, which are priced appropriately. One reviewer even raves about the huge size of the Beef Nachos on Torteia Chips, a must-try option. Despite occasional issues with busy work days affecting the service, guests are still enamored with the food varieties offered.
Fast service is also highlighted, ensuring that guests can enjoy their meal in a timely manner. If you're not particularly hungry, it's recommended to order the half-sized Steak, as the full-size serving is known to come out on a pizza-sized plate, guaranteeing a hearty meal that may be difficult to finish.
For a laid-back spot to enjoy delicious Mexican fare, Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale is highly recommended.
