Anejo Tacos & Tequila: Where to Find It and What to Order

What Anejo Tacos & Tequila Offers

Anejo Tacos & Tequila is a Mexican restaurant focused on hand-crafted tacos and a substantial tequila selection. The restaurant builds its menu around traditional taco preparations—carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, and seasonal specials—paired with sides like street corn, black beans, and fresh salsas made in-house. The tequila bar is the second draw: the restaurant stocks both well-known brands and smaller producers, with staff who can walk you through the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions.

The dining atmosphere sits somewhere between casual and upscale. You'll find exposed brick or wood accents typical of contemporary Mexican restaurants, but the focus stays on the food and drink rather than elaborate decor. The space works for a quick lunch, a date night, or a group gathering—the bar area accommodates walk-ins, and tables fill with families and friends on weekends.

Key Takeaways

• Anejo specializes in tacos made with quality proteins and house-made salsas, with options for both meat and vegetarian diets.
• The tequila program includes entry-level bottles and premium selections, with bartenders who explain the spirit's flavor profiles and production methods.
• The restaurant operates as a full bar, so you can order margaritas, palomas, or other tequila cocktails alongside beer and wine.
• Street corn, ceviche, and other appetizers round out the menu beyond tacos, making it possible to build a full meal without ordering multiple taco plates.

What to Order: Tacos and Proteins

Start with the restaurant's signature taco offerings. Carnitas tacos—slow-cooked pork that shreds easily—are a reliable choice; the meat arrives tender and seasoned, and you can add your preferred salsa at the table. Carne asada tacos feature grilled beef, often served with onion and cilantro, letting the char and seasoning speak for themselves. Al pastor tacos, made from meat cooked on a vertical spit, carry a distinctive spiced flavor and often come topped with pineapple.

If the restaurant rotates seasonal specials, those are worth trying—they often highlight ingredients at their peak or showcase the kitchen's creativity. Ask your server what's available that day. Vegetarian options typically include grilled vegetables, cheese, and bean-based fillings; these are not afterthoughts but prepared with the same care as the meat tacos.

Sides, Appetizers, and Dessert

Street corn—elote—is a standard Mexican side that Anejo usually prepares well: charred corn kernels coated with a lime-crema mixture and cotija cheese. Black beans and rice round out the plate. Beyond tacos, look for ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus), guacamole with fresh tortilla chips, and chile rellenos if the kitchen offers them.

Dessert options at Mexican restaurants often include flan, churros, or tres leches cake. These are not elaborate, but they provide a proper finish to the meal. If the restaurant makes churros fresh, they're worth ordering; if they're pre-made, a simple flan may be the better choice.

The Tequila Selection and Cocktails

The tequila bar is a defining feature. Blanco tequilas (unaged) are bright and peppery, best for margaritas or sipping neat. Reposado (aged two months to a year) develops wood notes and smoothness. Añejo (aged one to three years) is sipped like whiskey, with deeper caramel and oak flavors. The restaurant's staff should be able to recommend bottles at different price points and explain what you're tasting.

Beyond straight tequila, the bar makes margaritas (usually with fresh lime juice, not mix), palomas (tequila with grapefruit soda and lime), and other classics. If you're not a tequila drinker, the restaurant typically stocks beer—Mexican lagers and craft options—and wine. Agua fresca (a light, refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from fruit or rice) is often available and pairs well with spiced food.

Location, Hours, and Parking

Anejo Tacos & Tequila operates in South Carolina, though the exact location depends on which Anejo location you're visiting—the restaurant may have multiple outposts. Check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm the address, hours, and whether reservations are taken. Most Mexican restaurants in South Carolina are open for lunch and dinner, with extended hours on weekends.

Parking is usually available on-site or on the street nearby. If you're planning to visit during peak hours (Friday and Saturday evenings, or lunch on weekdays), arriving early or calling ahead can save time. Some locations may have a wait during busy periods, especially if you're dining as a large group.

Price Range and What to Expect

Tacos at a restaurant like Anejo typically cost between $3 and $6 per taco, depending on the protein and whether it's a signature or special. A full meal—three or four tacos, a side, and a drink—usually runs $20 to $35 per person before tax and tip. Tequila drinks (margaritas, palomas) fall in the $10 to $15 range; premium tequila pours are higher.

The restaurant positions itself as casual-to-upscale, so the pricing reflects quality ingredients and skilled preparation rather than fast-casual speed. You're paying for hand-made salsas, properly cooked proteins, and a curated tequila list—not for quick service. Plan for a full meal experience, not a grab-and-go stop.

Why Anejo Matters in South Carolina's Mexican Food Scene

South Carolina's Mexican restaurants range from quick taquerias to sit-down establishments with full bars. Anejo Tacos & Tequila fills a specific niche: it takes tacos seriously (not as an afterthought to burritos or enchiladas) and treats tequila as a spirit worth learning about, not just a mixer. The focus on house-made salsas and quality proteins reflects a commitment to flavor over volume.

For diners in South Carolina looking for Mexican food that goes beyond the standard Tex-Mex format, Anejo offers a more intentional approach. Whether you're a tequila enthusiast, a taco purist, or simply looking for a well-executed meal, the restaurant's dual focus on food and spirits gives you reasons to visit more than once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?

Most Anejo locations accept walk-ins at the bar and for tables, though calling ahead during peak hours (Friday and Saturday evenings) is wise if you're dining as a group. Check the specific location's policy by phone or website before you go.

Are there vegetarian or vegan taco options?

Yes. Mexican restaurants typically offer grilled vegetable tacos, cheese tacos, and bean-based fillings. Ask your server what's available that day, and let them know about any dietary restrictions so they can recommend the best options.

What's the difference between blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila?

Blanco is unaged and bright; reposado is aged two months to a year and smoother; añejo is aged one to three years and tastes like whiskey, with caramel and oak. The bartender can recommend which style suits your taste and budget.

Can I order tequila by the glass, or do I have to buy a bottle?

Most restaurants offer tequila by the glass or as part of a cocktail. You can order a margarita, a paloma, or a neat pour of a specific bottle without committing to a full bottle purchase.

What should I order if I'm not a taco person?

Look for ceviche, guacamole and chips, chile rellenos, or other appetizers on the menu. You can also order a full entree like enchiladas or a burrito if the restaurant offers them. Ask your server what non-taco options are available.