Blue Tequila Tacos & Grill in South Carolina — What to Order and Where to Find It
What Blue Tequila Tacos & Grill serves
Blue Tequila Tacos & Grill is a casual Mexican restaurant focused on made-to-order tacos, grilled proteins, and traditional sides. The menu centers on street-style tacos with your choice of fillings—carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, and seafood options rotate depending on the location and day. Most locations also serve burritos, quesadillas, and combination plates that come with rice and beans.
The restaurant's signature item is its grilled meats, which are prepared fresh throughout service. Taco shells come as soft flour or corn tortillas, and the kitchen will build them to order rather than pre-assembling. Salsas and hot sauces are made in-house at most locations, and you can usually request them mild or spicy.
Beverages include Mexican sodas, aguas frescas (fruit-based drinks), and beer at locations with liquor licenses. The atmosphere is typically casual counter-service or quick-casual, meaning you order at the counter and find your own seating.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Tequila specializes in street-style tacos with grilled proteins made fresh to order, not pre-made assembly-line style.
- Most locations offer both soft flour and corn tortillas, and you can customize heat level and toppings at the counter.
- Sides like rice, beans, and house-made salsas come with combination plates, and portions are typically generous for the price.
- Seating is casual and counter-service, so expect to order at the register and find your own table or take your meal to go.
Where Blue Tequila locations are in South Carolina
Blue Tequila Tacos & Grill operates multiple locations across South Carolina, with the strongest presence in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The original and flagship location is in Columbia, and additional restaurants have opened in Charleston, Greenville, and surrounding areas in recent years.
Each location maintains the same core menu and counter-service format, though some have expanded seating or added full bar service. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, with most locations closed on major holidays. It's worth checking the specific location's hours before you go, as they can vary by day of the week.
What to order if you're new
Start with a basic taco order—three or four tacos with your choice of one protein—to get a sense of the kitchen's execution. Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and carne asada (grilled beef) are reliable choices that showcase the grilling technique. If you want to taste the house salsa, order it on the side rather than on the tacos so you can control how much you use.
If you're ordering a combination plate, you get a larger portion and the sides help round out the meal. Quesadillas are worth trying if you want something less traditional than tacos, and they're often made with cheese and a protein of your choice. Ask the staff what's fresh that day—many locations feature daily specials or proteins that aren't on the printed menu.
Pricing and portion size
Individual tacos typically cost between $2 and $4 each depending on the protein, with seafood options on the higher end. Combination plates that include three or four tacos plus rice and beans usually run $10 to $15. Burritos and quesadillas fall in a similar range, and most meals can be made larger for an additional charge.
Portions are generally substantial—a three-taco order with sides is a full meal for most people, not a light snack. Water and basic condiments are usually free, though premium beverages and extras like guacamole cost additional. Many locations offer family packs or party platters if you're feeding a group.
Dietary considerations and customization
Blue Tequila can accommodate vegetarian orders by substituting grilled vegetables or cheese for meat proteins. Most locations will build a custom plate if you ask—you can request extra vegetables, skip certain toppings, or ask for sauces on the side. Corn tortillas are typically available for those avoiding wheat, and staff can usually tell you which items contain common allergens.
If you have specific dietary needs, ask to speak with a manager or kitchen staff rather than relying on the counter person alone. They can often explain how dishes are prepared and what oils or seasonings are used. Bringing up allergies or restrictions before you order ensures the kitchen takes proper precautions.
Parking and accessibility
Most Blue Tequila locations are in strip centers or standalone buildings with dedicated parking lots. Street parking may be available at some urban locations, but you should plan for lot parking as the default. Wheelchair accessibility varies by location—older buildings may have limited access, so call ahead if you need to confirm.
The counter-service format means you'll need to stand to order, though seating is available once you have your food. Some locations have high-top tables, booth seating, and regular tables, so there's usually an option that works for different mobility needs. Takeout and delivery are available at most locations if you prefer to eat elsewhere.
When to go and what to expect
Lunch hours (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner hours (5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.) are the busiest times, especially on weekends. If you want a shorter wait, go mid-afternoon or early evening on a weekday. The counter-service model means you'll typically wait in line to order, then your food is prepared while you find a seat—total time from arrival to eating is usually 10 to 20 minutes during peak hours.
The restaurant is casual and family-friendly, so you'll see groups, couples, and families with children. Noise levels are moderate to high during busy times because of the open kitchen and hard surfaces. If you prefer a quieter meal, choose off-peak hours or consider takeout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get tacos without cilantro or onions?
Yes. Tell the counter staff or the person assembling your tacos what you want removed or added. Most locations are used to customization and will build your order exactly as you request. If you have a long list of changes, it helps to speak clearly and repeat it back to confirm.
Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?
Vegetarian tacos and burritos are available with grilled vegetables, cheese, or beans as the main filling. Vegan options are more limited but possible—ask if they can make a bean-based taco with no cheese and confirm that the beans and rice are prepared without animal products. Staff can usually answer this question quickly.
Is there a kids menu?
Most locations offer smaller portions or combo options suitable for children, though a formal kids menu may not be printed. Ask the counter staff about smaller taco orders or cheese quesadillas. Prices for children's portions are typically lower than full-size meals.
Can I order online or through delivery apps?
Many Blue Tequila locations accept orders through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, though availability varies by location. Some locations also have their own online ordering system on their website. Call ahead to confirm which ordering methods your nearest location supports.
What's the difference between the tacos and the combination plates?
Tacos are sold individually or in small groups and let you choose exactly what you want. Combination plates come with a set number of tacos (usually three or four) plus rice, beans, and sometimes a side of salsa or guacamole. Plates are better value if you want a full meal; tacos are better if you want to try multiple proteins or eat lighter.