Barberitos: Fast-Casual Mexican Food Across South Carolina

What Barberitos Serves and Where to Find It

Barberitos is a fast-casual Mexican chain with locations across South Carolina that builds bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads to order. You choose your protein—chicken, steak, carnitas, or beans—then add rice, beans, cheese, salsa, and toppings at the counter. The menu also includes quesadillas, nachos, and sides like chips and queso. Most locations are in the Midlands and Lowcountry, with the largest cluster in the Columbia area.

The ordering model is straightforward: you move down the line, telling each station what you want added. Prices run between $8 and $14 for most entrées, with combo options that bundle a main dish with chips and a drink. The restaurant operates during typical lunch and dinner hours, though hours vary by location.

Key Takeaways

• Barberitos builds customizable bowls and burritos with your choice of protein, rice, beans, and toppings at the counter.
• Most South Carolina locations are in the Columbia area, with additional restaurants in Charleston and other Midlands cities.
• The fast-casual format means you order at the counter and receive your food within minutes, making it suitable for lunch breaks or quick dinners.
• Vegetarian and meat-free options are available by choosing beans as your protein base.

The Menu and What to Order

The core of Barberitos is the bowl or burrito. You start by selecting your base—a flour tortilla for a burrito, or a bowl if you want to eat with a fork. Then you pick your protein. Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and steak are popular choices, but chicken is the most affordable option, and black or pinto beans work for vegetarian diners.

From there, the line moves through rice, beans (you can choose a second type), cheese, salsa (mild or hot), and a final station for extras like sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Most people spend $1 to $3 extra on toppings. The quesadillas come stuffed with cheese and your protein choice, griddled until crispy, and served with salsa and sour cream on the side. Nachos are loaded with cheese, beans, and your protein, then topped with jalapeños and sour cream.

Locations and Hours in South Carolina

Columbia has the most Barberitos locations, with restaurants in Five Points, near the Vista, and in shopping centers around the city. Charleston has at least one location in the downtown or nearby area. Smaller Midlands cities like Lexington and Irmo also have Barberitos restaurants. Hours typically run 10:30 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., though some locations close earlier on Sundays or may have different weekend schedules.

Because locations and hours can change, checking the Barberitos website or calling ahead before your visit is worth the minute it takes. If you are planning to visit during lunch rush—usually noon to 1 p.m.—expect a short line but quick service once you reach the counter.

Atmosphere and Dining Style

Barberitos locations are casual, bright, and designed for speed. Most have a few tables inside and some outdoor seating, but the restaurant is built around counter service and takeout. The décor is simple—colorful walls, menu boards above the counter, and a no-frills approach that keeps prices down. It is the kind of place where you order, grab a seat if you want to eat there, or take your food with you.

The vibe is friendly and unpretentious. Staff members are used to customization requests and move through the line efficiently. If you are new to the restaurant, do not hesitate to ask questions about portion sizes or what comes in each dish—the counter staff can walk you through the options.

Pricing and Value

A single burrito or bowl typically costs $9 to $12, depending on your protein choice. Carnitas and steak run a dollar or two more than chicken. Quesadillas and nachos fall in a similar range. Combo meals add chips and a drink for $3 to $4 more. Guacamole and extra toppings add $1 to $2 each. A full meal for one person usually lands between $12 and $16 before tax.

For the price, portions are generous—most burritos and bowls are filling enough for one meal, and many people find leftovers. The fast-casual model means you are not paying for table service or a full-service restaurant overhead, which keeps costs lower than sit-down Mexican restaurants in the same area.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

Barberitos makes it easy to build meals around dietary preferences. Vegetarian diners can order any bowl or burrito with beans as the protein and load up on vegetables and cheese. Vegan options are possible if you skip the cheese and sour cream, though you will want to confirm that the beans and rice are prepared without animal products—ask at your location. Gluten-free diners can order bowls instead of burritos, though cross-contamination is possible if the restaurant shares prep surfaces.

The counter-service format means you can see exactly what goes into your meal and request changes on the spot. If you want extra lettuce instead of cheese, no salsa, or double the protein, the staff can accommodate you. This transparency is one reason fast-casual restaurants appeal to people with specific food needs or preferences.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) are the busiest times, especially on weekdays. If you prefer a shorter wait, visit mid-afternoon or after 7 p.m. Weekends tend to be steadier throughout the day rather than having a single rush. Even during peak times, the line moves quickly because the ordering process is streamlined—most people spend two to three minutes at the counter.

Barberitos works well for a quick lunch break, a casual dinner with friends, or takeout on your way home. The food is ready within five to ten minutes of ordering, so it is not a place to linger, but it is perfect if you want good Mexican food without the wait of a full-service restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or through an app?

Some Barberitos locations offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps, but availability varies by restaurant. Check the Barberitos website or call your nearest location to confirm whether online ordering is available there.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. You can order any bowl or burrito with black beans or pinto beans as your protein base, then add rice, cheese, salsa, and vegetables. Ask the staff to confirm that the beans and rice are prepared without meat or animal products if you follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.

How big are the portions?

Burritos and bowls are large—most people find one meal filling and satisfying. If you have a smaller appetite or want to share, you could split one burrito between two people, though the restaurant does not officially offer half portions.

Do they have kids' meals?

Some locations offer smaller portions or kids' meals, but menus vary. Call ahead or ask at the counter when you visit to confirm what options are available for children.

What is the difference between a bowl and a burrito?

A bowl is served in a container with all ingredients mixed or layered, eaten with a fork. A burrito wraps everything in a flour tortilla, making it handheld. Both contain the same ingredients; it is just a matter of how you want to eat it.