Dave's Smoke & Tacos: Barbecue and Mexican Street Food in One Truck

What Dave's Smoke & Tacos serves and where to find it

Dave's Smoke & Tacos combines slow-smoked barbecue with Mexican street tacos from a single food truck, offering a hybrid menu that draws from both traditions without trying to be authentic to either one. The truck serves brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken alongside tacos filled with those same proteins, plus carne asada and al pastor when available. Sides include beans, coleslaw, and Mexican rice, and the truck typically stocks beer and soft drinks.

The truck operates from a rotating schedule of locations across the Midlands and Lowcountry, posted on social media rather than a fixed website. Most regular stops are in Columbia, Charleston, and surrounding areas, with weekend appearances at farmers markets, breweries, and community events. Checking Dave's Facebook or Instagram before heading out is the only reliable way to know the day's location and hours.

Key Takeaways

• Dave's Smoke & Tacos serves barbecue and Mexican street tacos from the same truck, with smoked meats as the core offering.
• The truck moves between locations daily, so you must check social media to find where it will be parked and when.
• Prices typically range from $12 to $18 for a plate and $4 to $6 per taco, though exact pricing varies by protein and location.
• The truck accepts both cash and card payments, though cash is faster during busy periods.
• Peak service times are lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), with shorter waits in mid-afternoon.

The barbecue side of the menu

The smoked meats are the foundation of Dave's operation. Brisket is smoked low and slow, typically sliced thick and served with burnt ends available when the truck has them. Pulled pork comes tender enough to fall apart on the plate, and smoked chicken is moist rather than dry—a detail that matters more than it sounds, since many food trucks undercook or oversmoketheir poultry.

Plates come with two sides, usually beans and coleslaw or Mexican rice and coleslaw. The beans are often refried or black beans with a slight char from the smoker, and the coleslaw is creamy rather than vinegary. Cornbread or flour tortillas come on the side, letting you build your own sandwiches or eat the meat straight. Sauce is typically available at the window—a thin, vinegar-forward style that complements the smoke without masking it.

The taco menu and rotating specials

Tacos use the same smoked proteins as the plates: brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken are the consistent offerings. Carne asada and al pastor appear when Dave sources them, usually on weekends or special events. Tacos come on corn or flour tortillas, with onion and cilantro as standard toppings, plus salsa and lime wedges at the window.

The truck occasionally runs specials that combine both sides of the menu—smoked brisket nachos, pulled pork quesadillas, or tacos with smoked chicken and Mexican rice. These rotate based on what's been smoked that day and what Dave feels like building, so regulars check the social media posts for the day's specials before heading out. Pricing for specials is usually between the plate and taco price points.

How to find Dave's Smoke & Tacos and what to expect

The truck's location changes daily, with a schedule posted to Facebook and Instagram usually the morning of or the night before. Common stops include breweries in Columbia (like Craft Hut and Conquest), farmers markets in the Midlands, and event spaces in Charleston. The truck also appears at community festivals, food truck rallies, and private catering events, which are sometimes announced with less notice.

Arriving 15 to 20 minutes after the posted start time usually means a shorter line than showing up at the opening bell. The truck serves from a single window, so orders move at the speed of the smoker's output—if the truck is slammed, expect to wait 10 to 15 minutes even if you're third in line. Bringing cash speeds things up during peak times, though card payments work fine during slower periods.

Parking and seating near the truck

Seating depends entirely on where the truck is parked that day. At breweries, you can eat at brewery tables and bring your food inside. At farmers markets, picnic tables or standing room is usually available nearby. At events, there's often a designated food truck area with communal seating. On street corners or parking lots without built-in seating, you'll need to eat in your car or take the food to go.

Parking for customers is almost always free and available within a short walk of the truck. The truck itself is easy to spot—it's a full-size food truck, usually painted in bright colors with the name visible from the street. If you're unsure whether you've found the right location, the social media posts usually include cross streets or nearby landmarks.

Dietary considerations and customization

The menu is meat-forward, so vegetarian options are limited. The truck can usually make a plate of beans and rice with cornbread, or a quesadilla with cheese and vegetables if you ask, but these aren't standard offerings and availability depends on what's in the truck that day. Calling or messaging ahead through social media is the best way to confirm whether a custom order is possible.

Spice levels are mild to medium across the standard menu. Salsa at the window is usually available in at least two heat levels, and Dave can add jalapeños or hot sauce to tacos or plates on request. Allergies should be mentioned when ordering—the truck handles peanuts and tree nuts, and cross-contamination is possible in a small space, so if you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with Dave directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dave's Smoke & Tacos take orders ahead of time?

Most days, no—the truck operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For large orders or catering, you can message Dave through social media to arrange something custom. Private events and catering are available but require advance notice and a minimum order.

What's the best time to go if I don't want to wait?

Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) is usually quietest. Lunch rush runs 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and dinner is busiest from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Arriving 15 to 20 minutes after the posted opening time also tends to be slower than the first hour.

Can I get the barbecue without the Mexican side, or vice versa?

Yes. You can order just a smoked meat plate with traditional barbecue sides, or just tacos without any barbecue elements. The menu is flexible enough to let you pick what you want, and the staff will build it however you ask.

Does the truck operate year-round?

Dave's operates most of the year, with occasional breaks for holidays or equipment maintenance. Winter weather can affect the schedule, so checking social media before a trip is especially important during colder months. The truck typically posts any extended closures in advance.

Is there a way to know what's being smoked before I go?

The social media posts usually mention what proteins are available that day, especially if something special is being smoked. If you have a preference, messaging Dave the day before or the morning of can sometimes get you an answer about what will be ready by the time you arrive.