Carlitos Mexican Tacos: Where to Find Them and What to Order

What Carlitos Mexican Tacos serves and where to find them

Carlitos Mexican Tacos operates as a mobile food truck across South Carolina, specializing in authentic Mexican street tacos made to order. The truck serves carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, and pollo asado tacos, along with tortas, quesadillas, and fresh lime agua fresca. Rather than a fixed location, Carlitos moves between neighborhoods and events, so you'll need to check their current schedule before heading out.

The best way to track Carlitos is through their social media accounts, where they post their daily or weekly location. Many food truck operators in South Carolina use Facebook or Instagram to announce where they'll be parked, what time they open, and when they close. Call ahead if you have the number—most trucks appreciate the heads-up and can tell you if they're running low on any items.

Key Takeaways

• Carlitos serves authentic Mexican street tacos and other made-to-order items from a mobile truck, not a permanent storefront.
• You can find their current location and hours by checking their social media pages or calling directly.
• Tacos are typically priced lower than sit-down restaurants, and the truck usually accepts both cash and card payments.
• Peak hours are usually lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), so arriving early or late means shorter waits.

Popular menu items and what makes them stand out

Carne asada tacos—grilled, marinated beef—are the signature order at most Mexican food trucks in South Carolina. Carlitos grills the meat fresh and serves it on corn or flour tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime. The al pastor, made with pork that's been marinated and cooked on a vertical spit, carries a distinctive pineapple-forward flavor that sets it apart from other taco fillings.

Carnitas tacos use slow-cooked pork that's tender enough to fall apart, while pollo asado offers a lighter grilled chicken option. Tortas—pressed sandwiches on bolillo rolls—let you stack multiple proteins and toppings. Many customers order a combination of two or three different tacos to sample the range, since portions are modest and prices encourage trying more than one item.

How to pay and what to expect in terms of pricing

Food trucks typically charge less per item than brick-and-mortar restaurants because overhead is lower. A single taco at Carlitos usually runs between $2 and $4, depending on the protein and whether you choose premium cuts. A full meal—three tacos, a drink, and a side—typically costs $12 to $18.

Most food trucks accept both cash and card payments, though some prefer cash to avoid processing fees. Ask when you order. Agua fresca, horchata, and Mexican sodas are common drink options and usually cost $2 to $3. If Carlitos offers a combo or special, it's worth asking about—many trucks run daily deals that bundle items at a discount.

When and where food trucks typically operate in South Carolina

Food trucks in South Carolina often park near office parks during lunch hours, at breweries and entertainment districts in the evening, and at farmers markets or community events on weekends. Carlitos may rotate between several neighborhoods throughout the week, so their Tuesday location might differ from their Friday spot. Some trucks stay in the same area for a full week before moving; others change daily.

Weather affects schedules—trucks may close during heavy rain or extreme heat. Summer months typically see more consistent operation, while winter can mean reduced hours or occasional closures. If you're planning a trip specifically to Carlitos, checking their social media the morning of your visit is the safest bet.

Parking and how to order when you arrive

When you find the truck, there's usually a line or a window where you order and pay. Have your order ready—tacos are made quickly, so the line moves fast. If you're unsure what to order, ask the staff for a recommendation; most food truck operators are happy to describe their most popular items or suggest a combination for first-timers.

Seating is rarely available at food trucks themselves, so plan to eat in your car, at a nearby park, or take the food with you. Some trucks park near benches or picnic areas; others are purely grab-and-go. Check the location when you find them to see if there's a comfortable spot to eat nearby.

How Carlitos fits into South Carolina's food truck culture

Mexican food trucks have become a staple across South Carolina's cities and towns, filling a gap between fast-casual chains and sit-down restaurants. They offer authentic recipes, fresh ingredients, and lower prices than traditional restaurants—and they bring those options directly to neighborhoods that might not have nearby Mexican restaurants. Carlitos is part of a broader movement of immigrant-owned food businesses that have shaped South Carolina's food scene over the past two decades.

Supporting food trucks also means supporting small business owners who often work long hours with minimal overhead. Many operators are family-run, with recipes passed down through generations. Visiting Carlitos is a way to experience authentic regional Mexican cooking while supporting a local entrepreneur.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out where Carlitos will be tomorrow?

Check their Facebook or Instagram page—most food trucks post their location and hours the night before or the morning of. If they don't have social media, try calling their phone number directly. Some trucks also appear on food truck locator apps or websites that track mobile vendors in your area.

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Most food trucks don't take phone orders because they operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cook to order. However, it never hurts to call and ask if Carlitos makes exceptions. If there's a long line, you can ask how long the wait is before joining.

Are the tacos made with corn or flour tortillas?

Many Mexican food trucks offer both and let you choose. Corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos, but flour tortillas are softer and hold more filling. Ask when you order, or request your preference—most trucks will accommodate.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Tell the staff about your restrictions when you order. Most trucks can modify items—removing certain toppings, using different proteins, or preparing items separately to avoid cross-contact. Be specific about what you can and cannot eat so they understand your needs.

Do food trucks accept card payments?

Most do, but some prefer cash. Ask when you arrive. If Carlitos only takes cash and you don't have any, ask if there's an ATM nearby—many food truck locations are chosen partly because of nearby banking access.