Sinas Tacos & Cheesecakes Sabores Mexicanos: Where Mexican Street Food Meets Dessert

A hybrid restaurant that treats cheesecake like a main course

Sinas Tacos & Cheesecakes Sabores Mexicanos is a restaurant in South Carolina that does something unusual: it serves authentic Mexican street tacos alongside elaborate cheesecakes in flavors you won't find at a typical bakery. The menu splits evenly between savory and sweet, so you can order carnitas tacos and finish with a slice of cajeta cheesecake or tres leches cake in the same meal. It's the kind of place where the kitchen takes both the taco filling and the dessert seriously, rather than treating one as an afterthought.

The restaurant operates as a full-service dining space, not a counter-service taquería, which means you sit down, order from a server, and the kitchen prepares everything to order. The cheesecakes are made in-house and change seasonally, so what's available in summer differs from what you'll find in winter. The tacos use traditional techniques—slow-cooked meats, fresh tortillas, minimal garnish—which keeps the focus on ingredient quality rather than elaborate plating.

Key Takeaways

• The menu features both authentic Mexican street tacos and house-made cheesecakes in Mexican-inspired flavors like cajeta, dulce de leche, and cinnamon.
• Cheesecakes are prepared fresh in-house and rotate seasonally, so availability changes throughout the year.
• The restaurant operates as a sit-down establishment with table service, not a quick-service counter.
• Taco fillings include traditional slow-cooked options like carnitas, barbacoa, and al pastor, prepared using time-intensive cooking methods.

What the taco menu typically includes

The taco selection rotates based on what the kitchen is preparing that day, but you can usually find carnitas (slow-cooked pork), barbacoa (shredded beef), and al pastor (marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit). Each comes on corn or flour tortillas, and the restaurant keeps the toppings simple—onion, cilantro, lime—so the meat is the centerpiece. Some locations also offer fish tacos or seasonal specials that reflect what's available from their suppliers.

Tacos are priced individually, so you can order two or ten depending on appetite. The kitchen doesn't rush them; if you order barbacoa, it's coming from a pot that's been simmering for hours, not a warmer. This approach means wait times can run longer during peak hours, but the texture and flavor reflect that investment.

The cheesecake program and seasonal flavors

The cheesecakes are where Sinas distinguishes itself from standard Mexican restaurants. Rather than offering plain New York style, the kitchen develops flavors that connect to Mexican dessert traditions: cajeta (dulce de leche made from goat's milk), cinnamon, chocolate with chile, and tres leches variations. Some locations experiment with flavors like horchata cheesecake or guava and cream cheese, though these may not be available year-round.

Each cheesecake is baked fresh, which means it takes time to prepare and the texture is denser and richer than frozen or shipped-in versions. Slices are substantial—often four to five inches tall—and one slice is typically enough for two people to share. The restaurant also sells whole cheesecakes for special orders, though you'll need to call ahead and allow time for preparation.

How to order and what to expect on a visit

You arrive, sit at a table, and receive a menu that lists tacos on one side and desserts on the other. Servers can describe which cheesecakes are available that day and which tacos are currently being prepared. If you're unsure about flavors or portion sizes, asking the server directly is more reliable than guessing from the menu, because availability changes and the kitchen can sometimes prepare off-menu items if you ask.

Ordering both tacos and cheesecake in one visit is normal and encouraged. Many people order three to four tacos as an entrée and then a slice of cheesecake to finish. The restaurant doesn't have a strict "you must order this way" policy, so you can also come in for dessert alone if you're just interested in the cheesecake.

Pricing and portion sizes

Tacos are typically priced between $3 and $5 each, depending on the filling and whether you order corn or flour tortillas. Cheesecake slices usually range from $6 to $9, and whole cakes for special orders cost more but require advance notice. These prices can vary by location and change over time, so calling ahead or checking the restaurant's current menu is the most accurate way to budget.

A typical meal for one person—three tacos and a cheesecake slice—runs between $15 and $25 before tax and tip. The portions are generous enough that many people share, especially if they're ordering multiple cheesecake flavors to sample.

Where to find Sinas Tacos & Cheesecakes in South Carolina

Sinas operates multiple locations across South Carolina, though the exact addresses and hours vary. The restaurant has a presence in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions, but locations have opened and closed over time. Before making a trip, search for the current address and hours online or call ahead, because restaurant locations and operating hours change seasonally and can shift without notice.

The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner, though some locations may have different hours on weekends. If you're planning to order a whole cheesecake or have a special request, calling a day or two in advance gives the kitchen time to prepare.

Why the combination of tacos and cheesecake works

The pairing reflects a real aspect of Mexican food culture: the importance of both savory and sweet in a single meal, and the skill required to execute both well. In Mexico, it's common to finish a meal with a substantial dessert, and many traditional Mexican desserts are rich and sweet in ways that American palates often find surprising. By offering both on the same menu, Sinas acknowledges that a complete meal includes both elements, and that the dessert isn't secondary.

The restaurant also appeals to people who want authentic tacos but don't want to sacrifice dessert quality. Many taquería-style restaurants treat dessert as an afterthought or don't offer it at all. Sinas invests in the cheesecake program the same way it invests in slow-cooking the meat, which means you're not choosing between good tacos and good dessert—you're getting both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order just cheesecake without tacos?

Yes. The restaurant welcomes dessert-only orders, and many people stop in specifically for a slice of cheesecake and coffee. You don't have to order a full meal to sit down and enjoy a slice.

Are the cheesecakes vegan or do you have dietary options?

The standard cheesecakes contain dairy and eggs, so they're not vegan. Call your local Sinas location to ask whether they offer dairy-free or other dietary options, as this varies by location and may change seasonally.

Can I order a whole cheesecake for a party or event?

Yes, most locations accept whole cheesecake orders for special occasions. You'll need to call ahead with at least a day or two notice, specify the flavor you want, and confirm the price. Whole cakes are typically larger than individual slices and feed multiple people.

What's the difference between the corn and flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas have a more delicate texture and authentic flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and hold fillings more easily. Both are made fresh at most locations. Choose based on personal preference—there's no "correct" choice, and many people order some of each.

How long does it take to get food during busy times?

Because tacos and cheesecakes are made to order, wait times during lunch and dinner rushes can run 20 to 40 minutes. If you're in a hurry, calling ahead to place an order or visiting during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or late evening) usually means shorter waits.