34 Best Mexican Restaurants in Charleston

“Finally, an authentic West Texas [El Paso] Mexican restaurant in Charleston, SC. The food was delicious with layers of seasoning and flavors. Authentic Hatch Chilis!! Everything was wonderful. Not your Daddy's Mexican restaurant.Update 4.16.2024: unfortunately the food quality has decreased since Patty left Rancho Lewis. Our last few visits have seen a significant slip in food quality - stale tortillas, room temp food, un-melted cheese in Chilis Rellenos, .... the food just misses the mark. Some items are still excellent, but there are disappointments also in execution.“

“Had absolutely the best Mexican meal I've had in Charleston ever and the staff was kind polite, professional, and took the best care of us. We definitely cannot wait to go back and I recommend it to anyone considering dining downtown not just for Mexican as they have quite a wide variety of delicious dishes, you will not be disappointed“

“The food is amazing and authentic. The workers are super nice and the food comes out fast. There isn't much of an atmosphere because it is a grocery store, but it's still super cool to look around at all the stuff that they have. they also have really amazing baked goods.“

“This place is all about ambiance, the crafted bars and tables and decor are such a fresh treat for Charleston. And the food is fantastic! Great beans are proof of great food. The Tequila selection is probably the largest I have ever seen! Well Done!“

“My first time at this place. I've been wanting to go based on how packed the parking lot is and it looks like a party. I went on a Friday afternoon at 3pm. One hour before happy hour (story of my life). There were very few people there. You seat yourself outside. The patio has been decorated like a tropical rainforest. It's unlike anything I've been to so far in Charleston. I was served chips and salsa immediately and asked what I wanted to drink. I ordered a mango margarita. I'm always on a quest for carne asada fries. They almost have them. They have skirt steak w fries. I had them put the steak on the fries and cover w cheese. Delish!! The meal came w beans and rice and 2 flour and 2 corn tortillas. Everything from the food to the service to the ambiance was on point. Highly recommend. Especially since I am posting on Cinco de Mayo. It's going to be an epic party there today.“

“They have great frozen margaritas ! I had the Clarence Beeks Bowl which was skirt steak bowl very tasty ! The waitress was great very attentive and friendly ! We will be going back on our next visit to Charleston ! I highly recommend this place ! I would like to try the tacos next time as a way to expand my horizons !“

“The restaurant staff did a great job making accommodations for me and my wheelchair. Despite being busy, the bartender came around and helped me clean food off my chair and arm after one of my fits. Thanks to Abbi for a great first Yobo Cantina experience.Wheelchair accessibility: The space has enough flexibility to accomodate wheelchairs“

“Oh boy, let me taco 'bout Taco Boy in Charleston, SC! First off, let me shell out the basics: this place is nacho average taco joint. It's a fiesta of flavors that'll make you wanna salsa dance right there on the beach!Now, I'm a simple man. I like my lawn mowed, my jokes dad-level, and my tacos packed with flavor. And let me tell you, Taco Boy doesn't disappoint. Their tacos are like a treasure chest of taste, and I'm not just spicing things up here. The **Carnitas Taco**? More like Car-NEAT-as, because it's the neatest little package of pork you'll ever eat. And the **Fish Taco**? It's off the hook! Literally, it must've been swimming yesterday because it's that fresh.The atmosphere? It's like if a beach party and a family BBQ had a baby. It's casual, it's fun, and there's enough sun to go around. The decor is as colorful as the language I use when I stub my toe on the beach chair—vibrant and full of life!Now, let's taco 'bout the service. The staff at Taco Boy are the real MVPs. They're quicker than me running to the thermostat when someone touches it. And they're friendlier than me when I see the neighbor's dog—always happy to see ya!But wait, there's more! The **margaritas** are so good, they'll make you forget about your long "to-dew" list. And the **chips and guac**? Holy guacamole, it's like dipping into heaven.So, if you're in Charleston and looking for a place that's got more charm than a dad's puns at a family gathering, head on over to Taco Boy. It's a place where every day is Taco Tuesday, and the only thing better than the food is the company.Taco Boy is the place to be if you're looking to spice up your life with some good eats and great beats. And remember, if you don't like tacos, I'm nacho type of guy! Keep it cheesy, Charleston!“

“Cute corky place to eat at. Service was good and so was food. Wish we could try their ceviche and but by 7:30 pm they ran out of few staples and closed early. Pink cactus lemonade was good. Place has a nice vibe. We only sat outside so I am not sure how inside is. Pink cactus decor outside was super cute.“

“Hard to give 5 stars for the food. I had the street tacos. They were good especially the pork with pineapple. The service and atmosphere was very good. The prices are very reasonable especially for 2024 . Will definitely go back and try to find the 5th ?!“

“From the moment we walked in, we knew we were in for a treat! The food was so good ?? and the service ?! we love the manager Nahomi she’s so friendly and makes us feel loved and welcomed❤️she’s the best manager ever!!!!!! definitely coming back !!!“

“Los Reyes is a great option for quick, local Mexican cuisine! The atmosphere was clean and inviting. I loved the option to sit outside with the garage doors open and the bar flow between the main dining and outdoor. Service was great - Alex was awesome! He was extremely attentive and friendly. He provided recommendations and was also checking in on our table. My friends ordered a variety of margaritas (frozen and on the rocks - all delicious they said, especially the Pomegranate.) For food, it all came out hot and Alex's recommendations were well received by the table. Everyone spoke very highly of their plates. I had the biggest disappointment with my salad. I asked for a few accommodations but when it came out, it was not what I expected at all (minimal ingredients, barely ANY lettuce). Also, when I got an additional side of veggies, they were DRENCHED in oil. I think next time, I'll get a new menu item instead. Like I said, overall a great expereince and would go back!“

“I love this place! I have been coming since they opened. Such wonderful tasting food. And always made fresh. The staff are courteous and the restaurant is always clean. You should definitely give it a chance. You won't regret it, I promise!“

“This spot is a fantastic mom and pop Mexian food truck. You can tell they put some love into their food and it shows because I had one of the best torta sandwiches ever! Definitely a must if you're around Daniel's Island and you want something authentic.“

“We have enjoyed the food every time we have been here. The service is quick and average price. The queso is really good. The fajitas are a good size, but id love a little more favoring. We have never had a poor waiter or waitress. They have always been helpful and prompt. The food also comes out very fast. We love the outdoor seating.“

“I went for lunch with a buddy. I got two carnitas tacos with rice and beans which is their lunch special. Everything was great the meat was very flavorful. My friend got the ramen and I tried some and it was very close to being the best ramen I’ve ever had. I will definitely be back and I will definitely get the ramen.“

“This place is a true gem. It's everything you want from a neighborhood bar including a great staff, good drinks and awesome food options. The local community that Lucky Luchador serves is warm and welcoming--as an out of towner I felt completely embraced by them. I wish I had a great spot like this near where I live, and can't say enough nice things about it. If you're lucky enough to live in Charleston, you won't regret visiting Lucky Luchador.“

“I got a Cachitaco, a shrimp taco, and a fish taco. The fish and shrimp tacos were both on a double stacked corn tortilla. I know a lot of places that do this, but I'm just not a fan. The stuff inside was very good though. The cachitaco was AWESOME! 5/5, would eat again. They dip a flour tortilla in the rendered fat from the meat, then char it before filling it up with meat and cheese.“

“The food was amazing. The staff was very nice, though communication was sometimes difficult. There was no wait when we came in. We got our food quickly. The tables were clean. This place is a hole in the wall with good food and kind people.“

“Really glad I don’t own a restaurant in this city, some of these reviews are so hyper-critical and nitpicky.This place is awesome. As someone who is GF/DF, I can safely eat some of my favorite foods that are typically difficult to find allergen friendly.Have been numerous times, never disappoints. Staff are friendly, music is spot on, and the seating is charming.One of the staff even gave us a homemade, complimentary salsa on our way out.Will continue to go back and recommend this to my fellow locals who support local.“

“This place is amazing, especially for bachelorette's and birthday's. They brought out drinks for our friends who were celebrating a bday and a bachelorette and played music for them and let them bang the gong with a drum! The server was super friendly, gave us passes to skip the line at nearby clubs and when the kitchen messed up an order of sushi rolls, they gave us the messed up one for free and brought out the correct one super quickly. 10/10 service, and really good food and prices!“

“I'm SO HAPPY THESE GUYS HAVE MASTERED THEIR BIRRIA! When I say it's the best, I mean it's the absolute best. I've been going and ordering it for the past three years on and off and every time I was saying to myself "never again". But I always kept coming back. Especially since moving next door. I was praying that someone would step up in there and show them how to make it. The first time it was watery and bland. Basically just watered down beef broth. After getting Togo today, my fourth time trying their birria, it will be my go to every time I have a birria craving (which is a lot). lol. The service when you walk in is super attentive and they acknowledge you right away. When I've eaten inside the food comes out fast and your drinks are never left empty. I appreciate whoever makes the birria now and I appreciate the others that provide great service.“

“Great place for families or social gatherings. We went to the newer suburban location, very spacious and classy decor, easy to park. It's mainly a family business and I think the owner was mostly serving us as it was pretty busy so he was helping out. Not perfect English but a perfect gentleman and extremely accommodating. My family is picky (I'm not) so we actually sent a couple of side dishes back due to cheese or onions being there when it didn't say that on the menu. Which was handled with speed and grace. Speaking of the menu it's huge. They must have like fifty things on there. Sometimes that's a bad sign but not here. Their range is so broad that my son found 'gringo tacos' with just ground beef, cheese and lettuce (exactly what I make for him at home) while I found Chile Colorado, a specialty dish I've never had before. Chopped beef tips in a spicy red sauce. Really hot and delicious. My wife loved the steak Ranchero which came out fajita style and sizzling and daughter liked her veggie bowl. Really enjoyable place.“

“My big ol buddy just saw a picture of the refried beans and he is really excited he is so excited he told me we should eat here. I am writing this before we eat I will finish after eating experience. I finished my experience. I'm still thinking about the ride over and all I could think about is how I am going to eat so many chips so I can have leftover for tomorrow I will try to have a taco for breakfast lunch and dinner!! I got fajita that was a baller move they tasted so good. My two buddies and I talked about celebrity crushes most the time one buddy and I said Jessica Simpson she is pretty.“

“We had a huge party of 20 this past weekend but had a little trouble with making our reservation. Tori and Kenzie were so kind and accommodating and went out of their way to ensure we were all sat together and comfortable.Liz was a wonderful server. She was the only server for 20 of us but was professional, kind and efficient.Preston and Deonte were also so kind and helpful.Ritual is one of my favorite places for good food and drinks and a great Sunday Funday vibe!“

“I HAVE to come here EVERY TIME im in town (which is every year)!! I'm talking, even before I go to put my bags down, lol! I always get the chicken nachos. It's something about that cheese that keeps bringing me back, lmao!! I will see you in about 3 months, Juanita!“

“The food was great! Decent prices and a huge verity on the menu. Everything was super tasty and well seasoned. The service was nice and the manager Alex (I assume) was a huge help! The restaurant was also very well decorated and has a nice high ceiling. We wanted to watch a Game and there weren't too many tvs so they sat us by the bar. Everything was fantastic! 9.5/10!“

“Love this place!Dietary restrictions: They have vegetarian optionsParking: Right next to King. So much to do!Kid-friendliness: Great place to bring the kids for some queso while you have a marg!Wheelchair accessibility: Wheel chair ramp on side of building.“

“Love the casual but great vibe. Our service was wonderful but noticed that all staff were working very hard, nice to see! Food was great, we tried the Queso con carne and an assortment of fish and beef tacos. Delish! Pineapple Coco drinks were amazing! Would definitely recommend“

“The food is phenomenal. The service is impeccable. The drinks are on-point. I’ve sat down and ordered takeout multiple times from this place and they never disappoint. The staff is always friendly and inviting. The cooks know what they’re doing. I love this place.“

“Excited to try the new Santi's in West Ashley! I have been a fan of the original Santis downtown for years. This new addition is fun, funky and a fantastic addition to this side of the river. The decor is fun and vibrant. Lots of artwork, murals and a Frida vibe. The food was delicious and the prices were great! They have lunch specials and favorites. We tried an appetizer, three entrees, a round of drinks for 75 dollars before tax and tip. Excited to have a fun spot for margaritas and Mexican food close by!“

“I had the Taquitos Mexicanos & it was amazing !!! it comes with 2 chicken & 2 steak. Me personally, i love the steak much better!! I ordered a side of steak to go on top of my lettuce, rice, sour cream, guac & tomatoes & i used the chips we get to make a nacho type of thing ! Was going to order churros until i found out that their frozen & come pre-made with caramel inside them. I hate caramel so that was a disappointment. Our server was super nice !“

“Good meal, and the service was superb. I enjoyed my burrito deluxe with a dos x draft. What I like about Mexican restaurants is the fact that they get you to eat right away with salsa and chips. Service is very friendly, and I felt appreciated.Parking: Plenty of parking.“