South Carolina Locals Say These Are The 11 Best Mexican Restaurants In The State
One restaurant on this list brings a robot into the dining room to help with service. I had to read that twice.
A robot, delivering Mexican food, in South Carolina.
The surprises keep coming. One kitchen tops chicken tinga with a peach sauce and tomatillo.
Another spot treats birria like the main event, with quesabirria tacos built for dunking.
I love that the best picks are scattered all over the map. A few sit in fancy downtown rooms with rooftop seats.
Others work out of small shops and drive-through windows near busy roads.
The common thread is food that people keep coming back for. Tableside guacamole, salsa bars, banana leaf tamales, and fresh elote all show up somewhere on this list.
So which one deserves your very next taco night?
1. Matador Charleston
Chicken tinga with a twist of peach sauce and tomatillo sounds like a dare. On Meeting Street, it shows up on a seasonal menu.
Matador takes Mexican food in a chef-inspired direction. The kitchen cooks from scratch with fresh seasonal produce, seafood, and meats.
The room deserves a look before you even order. Hacienda touches include a custom-built metal fireplace and a stained-glass window.
Big windows let in plenty of Charleston light. The style feels trendy, yet the mood stays casual enough for jeans.
Head upstairs and you’ll find a mezcaleria and a rooftop patio. That rooftop makes a strong case for lingering after lunch.
Tacos come in a wide variety here, so bring friends and share. Small plates make it easy to sample without overcommitting.
Plant-based eaters get real attention too. The restaurant offers a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu.
Hours run long, which helps if dinner plans drift late. Late-night food is part of the deal, and weekend service begins at 11 AM.
The spot opened in Charleston in May 2023, so it’s still fairly new. Even so, it already feels like a downtown anchor for South Carolina Mexican fans.
Parking can be tricky in this part of town. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find a paid lot or street spot.
Groups, tourists, and solo diners all fit right in. A private dining room even handles bigger celebrations.
Address: 235 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
2. Tacos Nayarit
Birria is the headliner at this Columbia favorite on Percival Road. Quesabirria tacos arrive ready for serious dunking.
Tacos Nayarit started with food truck roots, and that spirit still shows. You order at the counter and grab a seat without fuss.
The menu goes well beyond one star dish. Tacos, tortas, quesadillas, burritos, and sopes all share the spotlight.
Hungry for something to sip? The horchata gets plenty of love, and it pairs nicely with seasoned meats.
Families have an easy time here. High chairs and a kids’ menu help the little ones settle into taco life.
Vegans and vegetarians aren’t stuck with a side of rice either. Full menus for both make group outings simpler.
Got a dog? Pups are allowed, which makes this a fun stop after a walk.
Timing matters if you hate lines, or rather, dislike them. Sunday afternoons and Friday and Saturday evenings run busiest.
Mornings tend to be calmer for a quick lunch run. Doors open at 11 AM most days.
Wednesday is the odd one out, closing at 8 PM instead of 9. Plan accordingly before you promise anyone tacos.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up hungry. Catering is available if you want birria at your next party.
For quick, affordable Mexican food in South Carolina’s capital, this spot keeps things simple and satisfying. Fast service seals the deal.
Address: 1531 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
3. Cucho’s Taco Grille
A taco shop with a drive-through might be the most useful invention in Greenville. Cucho’s offers one on North Pleasantburg Drive.
Of course, you can also come inside and sit down. The setup is counter service, and food is made to order.
Signature birria leads the menu here. Street corn is another big draw, so consider it mandatory.
Not feeling tacos? Rice bowls, fish tacos, and burritos give you solid backup options.
The space keeps things casual and clean. College students, families, and groups all wander through.
Kids get high chairs and their own menu. That makes weeknight dinner a lot less stressful.
Vegetarians have a full menu to choose from. Nobody has to settle for chips and salsa only.
Parking is usually plentiful, which feels like a small miracle. Free lot and street spots make stopping in easy.
Outdoor seating works well on nice days. Dogs are welcome outside if your pup wants a road trip.
Plan around Sundays, because the doors stay closed. Friday and Saturday hours stretch until 10 PM.
Tuesday evenings can get busy, along with weekend nights. Arrive a little early if you want a quiet table.
Delivery is available, including no-contact options. Catering can bring the birria to your office or party.
For an Upstate taco stop that’s quick without feeling rushed, Cucho’s hits the mark. Fast service keeps the line moving.
Address: 3111 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29609
4. Cantina Imperfecto
Guacamole made right at your table is a little bit dinner and a little bit show. Cantina Imperfecto turns it into a signature move.
The name says imperfect, but the setting aims high. Expect stylish decor and elegant table settings in a Myrtle Beach shopping area.
The menu brings more than beach-town basics. Chicken mole, quesabirria tacos, and octopus all appear among the standouts.
Signature tacos round out the lineup nicely. Small plates help you try a bit of everything without overdoing it.
Indoor and outdoor seating give you options. A fireplace adds charm when the coastal air cools down.
Save room for something sweet. Desserts here earn their own fan base.
Families fit right in, which surprises some people given the polished look. High chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu are ready.
Reservations are accepted, and dinner bookings are recommended. Thursday through Saturday evenings tend to get busiest.
Weekend nights run late, with Friday and Saturday hours stretching to 11 PM. Sunday dinner is also an option from 4 PM to 10 PM, while the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Brunch appears on the dining options, along with lunch and dinner. Coffee is available too if you need a pick-me-up.
Parking is usually easy around the restaurant. That’s a gift during busy Grand Strand weeks.
If you want a Myrtle Beach meal that feels like a night out, this one fits. Bring someone you want to impress.
Address: 950 Cipriana Dr Unit B8, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
5. Casa Carrion
Salsa lovers, your playground is in Lyman. Casa Carrion’s signature salsa bar lets you mix, match, and test your heat limits.
The outside is modest, and that’s fine. Inside, the focus stays squarely on fresh, authentic Mexican food.
Street tacos are a big reason folks make the drive. Load them up with your salsa bar picks and you’ve got a winning plate.
The menu stretches beyond tacos, with small plates and comfort food. Vegetarians get a full menu of their own.
Prices stay friendly for a family night out. That makes it easy to return without a budget meeting.
Kids have high chairs and a menu sized for them. Groups find plenty of room to gather.
Lyman sits between Greenville and Spartanburg, so it’s a handy stop. Spartanburg Highway runs right past the front door.
Hours are generous, with Friday and Saturday open until 10:30 PM. Sundays run from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Thursday and Friday evenings fill up fastest. Afternoons on weekdays tend to be calmer.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with birthday crowds. Curbside pickup and delivery work for nights on the couch.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Parking is usually plentiful.
Small towns in South Carolina often hide serious flavor. This one proves it one salsa scoop at a time.
Address: 105 Spartanburg Hwy, Lyman, SC 29365
6. Casa Tequila Mexican Grill
Your server might roll up on wheels in Rock Hill. Casa Tequila Mexican Grill uses robot-assisted service alongside its human crew.
Kids tend to think that’s the coolest thing ever. Honestly, adults usually agree.
The menu sticks to traditional favorites done well. Chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, and taco salads are popular picks.
Expect plenty of flavor and some spice. Fresh veggies show up across many dishes.
Prices are reasonable, so feeding a crowd won’t sting. Happy hour food deals add even more value.
The mood is fun and casual. A personable management team keeps an eye on the details.
Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu. Vegetarians have a full menu to explore too.
India Hook Road is easy to reach from much of Rock Hill. Parking is usually plentiful, both in the lot and on the street.
Friday evening is the busiest stretch. Weekday lunches tend to move along more easily.
Reservations are accepted, which helps for bigger gatherings. Catering works for parties and office lunches.
Outdoor seating offers a breezy alternative to the dining room. Takeout is available, and delivery can also be ordered through Uber Eats.
Hours run until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday doors open at 11 AM.
For a York County meal with a side of novelty, this one stands apart. Where else does a robot help bring your fajitas?
Address: 2215 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
7. Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill
Breakfast tacos at 9 AM on Hilton Head? Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill opens early enough to make that happen.
Most island days start with coffee and the beach. Starting with a burrito might be the smarter move.
This local counter-serve spot keeps things simple. Tacos, tortas, burritos, and other Mexican favorites fill the menu.
Portions are generous, and prices stay friendly. That’s welcome news on an island known for pricey dinners.
Service moves quickly from the counter. You can grab lunch and still make your tee time.
The space is casual and clean. Families, college students, and tourists all pass through.
Vegans and vegetarians have full menus to choose from. Kids get high chairs and their own menu.
You’ll find it on New Orleans Road, close to the south end of the island. Free parking is usually easy to find.
Afternoons on weekdays tend to get busy. Evenings and Saturdays are often quieter.
Sundays are closed, so plan your weekend tacos for Saturday. Hours run until 9 PM the rest of the week.
Reservations aren’t accepted, but the quick counter flow makes that easy. Outdoor seating offers a sunny option.
Catering is available for beach house gatherings. Imagine skipping the grill and serving a taco spread instead.
For a South Carolina island fueling stop, this one keeps it fresh and fast. Your vacation budget will thank you.
Address: 51 New Orleans Rd #4, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
8. La Marmota | Mexican
Elote on a stick is a snack that means business. La Marmota in Beaufort serves it alongside some seriously good tacos.
This small spot on Ribaut Road keeps things low-key. The atmosphere is casual and quiet, with a hole-in-the-wall feel.
Birria tacos are a specialty, including queso birria versions. Banana leaf tamales add a traditional touch you won’t see everywhere.
Feeling adventurous? Tacos de lengua bring tender beef tongue to the table.
The steak quesadilla offers a safer bet for picky eaters. Either way, you’re eating well.
Early birds should take note. Doors open at 7 AM every day, and coffee is on the menu.
Things wrap up at 6 PM, so this isn’t a late-night stop. Lunch and early dinner are the sweet spots.
A drive-through makes grab-and-go easy. Delivery and takeout work too, including no-contact options.
Staff are known for being friendly and quick. That helps when you’re on a lunch break.
Sunday and Thursday afternoons tend to be busiest. Tuesdays are often calmer.
Kids are welcome, and high chairs are available. Parking is usually plentiful.
Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry charm and historic streets. Now you can add great birria to the reasons to visit.
Address: 1180 Ribaut Rd #6, Beaufort, SC 29902
9. El Charrito Taquería
Choosing just one taco at El Charrito Taquería is a tough assignment. The menu offers a wide range of taco options.
This family-owned spot sits on University Parkway in Aiken. It’s a handy pick for locals and visitors exploring horse country.
A signature salsa bar lets you customize your plate. Go mild, go bold, or try a little of each.
Breakfast shows up among the dining options too. Lunch and dinner round out the day.
The mood is casual and calm. Quiet tables make it a nice place to actually chat.
Table service keeps things relaxed. Fast service means you won’t wait forever for your food.
Kids get high chairs and a menu of their own. Groups can spread out comfortably.
Sunday afternoons and evenings draw the biggest crowds. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons also pick up.
Friday and Saturday hours stretch until 10 PM. Other nights close at 9 PM.
Parking is free and usually easy. That’s one less thing to worry about.
Delivery and takeout are available for nights at home. Taco Tuesday on the couch counts too.
For South Carolina diners near the Georgia line, this taqueria is worth a detour. Grab extra salsa while you’re at it.
Address: 156 University Pkwy #100, Aiken, SC 29801
10. Taqueria & Antojitos El Cacheton
Antojitos are little cravings, and this Florence spot is built to satisfy them. The name practically promises snack heaven.
Taqueria and Antojitos El Cacheton sits on West Evans Street. It’s a casual, quiet place with table service.
Quesabirria takes a starring role on the menu. Flavorful tacos keep the supporting cast strong.
Small plates make it easy to sample several things. Comfort food lovers will feel right at home.
Need something fast? A drive-through and curbside pickup make quick work of lunch.
Service is known for being speedy. That’s great news for busy workdays.
Afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch on most days. Tuesdays are usually the calmest.
Hours run from 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Sundays close earlier, at 7 PM.
Kids are welcome and have their own menu. Groups can gather without much fuss.
Delivery is available through DoorDash, while pickup and dine-in are also convenient options. Parking is free and usually plentiful.
Florence sits right along I-95, making this a smart road trip stop. Swapping a fast-food burger for quesabirria feels like an upgrade.
Plenty of travelers race through the Pee Dee without stopping. This taqueria gives you a tasty reason to pull over.
Address: 2029 W Evans St, Florence, SC 29501
11. La Santa
Dinner and a show sounds fancy, but La Santa does it with tacos and salsa. Interactive tableside dining sets this Greer spot apart.
The restaurant calls itself immersive, and the experience leans into that. Expect dishes finished or prepared right at your table.
It sits on Trade Street in downtown Greer. That puts you near shops and strolls before or after your meal.
Creative drinks are another big draw here. Ask your server for the house favorites.
The staff earns praise for attentive, friendly service. A good server can turn a meal into a memory.
Opening hours vary throughout the week, so checking the restaurant’s latest schedule before visiting is a smart move.
Friday and Saturday evenings are especially appealing for a night out in downtown Greer, but it’s worth confirming the closing time when making plans..
Weekend evenings get busy fast. Friday and Saturday nights are the most popular times.
Weekday mornings and early lunches are calmer. That’s a good time if you want a relaxed table.
Parents will appreciate the changing tables in the restrooms. Little ones are part of the downtown dinner scene too.
Parking is easy, with free street spots and on-site parking. No circling the block required.
Greer keeps growing, and its downtown dining is growing with it. La Santa gives South Carolina’s Upstate a fun way to celebrate any night.
Address: 109 Trade St, Greer, SC 29651