Whether you’re new to Charleston or shopping around for a home in the area, one thing you’ve probably considered is the proximity to good eats. Especially when it comes to ‘Taco Tuesday’!
While Charleston may be best known as a hub for Southern BBQ and burgers, this gem also has some of the best taco spots in the South!
To help you curb your craving for Mexican food when living in the city, we’ve compiled this list of all the best Mexican restaurants in the Charleston area. Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week, one of these tasty cantinas is sure to satisfy!
Photo Credit: Mariam
- 1503 King St, Charleston, SC
- rancholewischs.com
- $$
Home of the self proclaimed, “border-food-meets-cowboy-cooking,” Rancho Lewis prides itself on serving food that has roots in both Mexico and Texas. Its expansive menu includes everything from Mexican favorites like old fashioned tacos to sizzling fajitas fresh off the grill.
In addition to delicious tacos, this spot also offers southern stapes like beef back ribs and burgers. If you’re looking for a taste of the sea, they also have a few fresh fish options to enjoy. When that craving for a sweet after dinner treat hits, be sure to try their sopapillas!
Located just off King Street, Rancho Lewis has seating options both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors offers the option to enjoy your meal while watching the bustling streets of Charleston. Indoors you can admire the wagon wheeled walls and Western decor for an authentic Tex-Mex experience.
Photo Credit: Pete S
- 2065 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC
- pinkcactuschs.com
- $
Owned by a Charleston native, Pink Cactus provides a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Inspired by the owner's travels to Oaxaca, the menu at this spicy eatery offers fresh Oaxacan ingredients skillfully prepared by talented chefs.
Open Tuesday - Sunday, it’s easy to find time to pop by this local gem and grab a taco. From vegan options like Taco de Coliflor to grilled to perfection Taco de Asada, there are options here to satisfy all the taste buds in your party.
You’ll find specials here on Taco Tuesday and daily from 4:00-6:00 pm during Tequila & Taco hour. On Sundays, Pink Cactus offers an incredible brunch spread from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm. Other Mexican dishes are celebrated on weeknights, including Wednesday Burrito night, Thursday Birria Taco night, and Sunday Fajita night.
Photo Credit: Eddie Smith
- 217 Huger St. Charleston, SC
- tacoboy.net
- $$
Taco Boy has been bringing fresh Mexican-inspired flavors to the Lowcountry since 2006. This lively taqueria has the appearance of a rustic den decorated with colorful Mexican folk art. The authentic vibe of this Spanish eatery extends to its menu which is filled with delicious drinks and dishes.
At Taco Boy, you’ll find a wide variety of taco options, from al pastor to American-style tacos and everything in between. There’s even the option to turn your taco into a quesataco by adding a crispy layer of cheese. You can also choose from a number of quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, or rice bowl options. Outside you’ll find a large turf patio perfect for an al fresco dining experience.
Originally opened in downtown Charleston, Taco Boy locations have now popped up in other southern spots, including Summerville, SC; Asheville, NC; and Charlotte, NC. Be sure to visit one of their spots on Tequila Tuesday to grab $5 Casa Margaritas, which perfectly complement their tasty tacos.
Photo Credit: Ben Watson
- 2065 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, South Carolina
- taco-kitchen.edan.io
- $$
When that craving for tacos hits, Taco Kitchen is sure to meet your tortilla-tasting needs. Open Monday to Saturday, this busy kitchen serves tacos all day long.
Whether you’re hoping to grab a breakfast taco loaded with morning staples like eggs, bacon, and cheese or looking for a more traditional taco, like a basic bean and cheese, you’ll find it here. Their tacos are served in delicious corn tortillas that perfectly complement the flavors inside.
In addition to tasty tacos, you can grab many of your favorite authentic Mexican dishes at this popular spot. From burritos to fajitas to tamales, Taco Kitchen has you covered!
Photo Credit: C J
- 864 Island Park Dr, Ste 105 Charleston, SC
- vivatacostequila.com
- $$
When you first arrive at VIVA, you’re greeted with the perfect photo opp. Its sleek, modern exterior includes a tall, colorful standing logo. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a quick photo to remember your Charleston trip.
The interior of this upscale restaurant is just as thoughtfully designed, with festive Mexican art and decor lining the walls. Inside you’ll also discover a bright long bar flanked by beautiful tilework and a giant mural. Even more impressive is the vast array of tequila choices lining the shelves.
The menu here is packed with a variety of traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. VIVA’s savory lobster tacos and birria tacos are popular choices that never disappoint! If you’re hoping to indulge in a Mexican breakfast, be sure to stop by on Saturday or Sunday morning to sample their brunch menu. The brunch menu also offers some delicious drinks to start your morning off right.
Photo Credit: Brian Granger
- 10 Windermere Blvd. Ste 105 Charleston, SC
- yobocantinafresca.com
- $
Serving up great tacos for over two decades, Yo Bo Cantina is a Charleston favorite. This local gem is also well known for its delicious drinks, with its Mason Jar Margarita being a popular choice among locals.
You can build your perfect taco here with their wide assortment of meat and veggie options. You can’t go wrong with the Baja shrimp taco or any of their banging burritos! Don’t forget to add chips and queso to your order. You won’t regret it!
Yo Bo Cantina also has a strong commitment to protecting your health and the environment. They use locally sourced meat and produce and show their dedication to protecting the neighboring ocean by using recyclable take-out containers.
Photo Credit: Merlin Siler
- 159 E Bay St. Charleston, SC
- rurustacosandtequila.com
- $$
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this Mexican cantina is the perfect place to stop for lunch after strolling through the streets of Charleston. It’s easy to pass this spot by with its unassuming exterior. However, passing by is the last thing you want to do.
This restaurant is known for its cleverly named street tacos. Menu options here are named after cult comedy favorites like the “I’ll have what she’s having taco,” a nod to the classic rom-com When Harry Met Sally.
While there’s plenty of Mexican fare on the menu, RuRu’s also draws inspiration from other cuisines with options like the Korean Long Duck Dong taco. They also have a number of vegetarian and vegan options.
Photo Credit: Shawn Lilianstrom
- 817 St Andrews Blvd. Charleston, SC
- mex1coastalcantina.com
- $$
Named after the Mexican Federal Highway that runs from California to Cabo San Lucas, Mex 1 is a coastal cantina that prides itself on bringing those authentic taco flavors to Charleston.
From seared steak carne asada tacos to fried to perfection fish tacos, you’ll find so many delicious taco choices to fill your belly. If you’re looking to skip the tortilla in lieu of rice, Mex 1 also offers a large assortment of Baja bowls.
Open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, this coastal eatery offers lots of specials throughout the week. From Margarita Monday to Burrito Thursday, you’ll find lots of deals on your favorite Mexican eats here.
Ready to start looking for that perfect Charleston home? NV Realty Group can help you find the best Charleston restaurants and your dream home, all within the confines of this legendary lowcountry city.