Burrito Loco in South Carolina: Where to Find Casual Mexican Food and What to Order
What Burrito Loco offers and where to find it
Burrito Loco is a casual Mexican restaurant chain with locations across South Carolina that specializes in burritos, tacos, and other handheld Mexican fare. The restaurants are designed for quick service—you order at the counter, grab a seat, and eat in a relaxed, informal setting. The menu centers on customizable burritos where you choose your protein, beans, rice, and toppings, along with a solid selection of tacos, quesadillas, and sides like chips with salsa and queso.
Burrito Loco locations are typically found in strip malls and downtown areas across the state, with the largest concentration in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. Each location maintains the same casual vibe—bright, colorful décor with a counter-service format that keeps things moving during lunch and dinner rushes. The atmosphere is family-friendly and works equally well for a solo lunch break or a group dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Burrito Loco lets you build your own burrito by selecting protein, beans, rice, and toppings at the counter.
- The menu includes tacos, quesadillas, and combination plates alongside burritos, with vegetarian options throughout.
- Most locations offer dine-in seating, and many have drive-through or takeout service for quick pickup.
- Prices are moderate for casual Mexican dining, with most entrées falling in the $8 to $14 range.
How to order and customize your burrito
The ordering process at Burrito Loco is straightforward. You step up to the counter, choose your base (burrito, taco, or quesadilla), then select your protein—options typically include grilled chicken, carnitas, carne asada, or beans for vegetarian orders. From there, you pick your rice and beans, then add toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños. Some locations charge extra for premium additions like guacamole or extra protein.
The beauty of the build-your-own model is that you can see exactly what goes into your meal and adjust it to your taste. If you want extra cheese but no sour cream, or double meat with light rice, the staff will make it happen. For those who prefer not to customize, Burrito Loco also offers preset combination plates and signature burritos with set ingredients, which can be faster if you're in a hurry.
What to order: Popular menu items
The California Burrito is a standout—it combines carne asada, fries, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole in a flour tortilla. It's hearty and popular with people who want something filling. The Carnitas Burrito features slow-cooked pork that's tender and flavorful, paired with beans, rice, and your choice of toppings. Both are large enough to satisfy most appetites and often come with a side of chips and salsa.
If you're ordering tacos, the carne asada and carnitas versions are reliable choices, and the al pastor option (when available) offers a different flavor profile with its blend of spices and pineapple. The Quesadillas are another solid option—cheese and protein grilled between flour tortillas, served with sour cream and salsa on the side. Vegetarian diners can build satisfying meals around black beans, refried beans, or a combination of both, loaded with cheese, guacamole, and fresh vegetables.
Pricing and what to expect to spend
A single burrito typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on your protein choice and any premium add-ons. Tacos run slightly less, usually $2 to $3 each, so a three-taco meal with sides might total $10 to $13. Quesadillas fall in a similar range as burritos. Combination plates, which bundle a burrito or tacos with rice, beans, and chips, generally cost $12 to $16.
Guacamole and extra protein usually add $1.50 to $3 to your order. Beverages and desserts (often churros or flan) are priced separately. Most locations accept cash and card, and many participate in online ordering through their own websites or third-party delivery apps, though delivery fees and service charges will increase your total.
Atmosphere and when to visit
Burrito Loco locations are bright and casual, with colorful walls, simple wooden or plastic tables, and a no-frills approach to dining. The counter-service model means there's no table service, but the staff is generally friendly and efficient. Lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and early dinner (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) tend to be the busiest times, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for mid-afternoon or later evening.
The restaurants work well for families with kids—the casual setting means nobody minds if children are loud, and the customizable menu means picky eaters can get exactly what they want. It's also a solid choice for a quick solo lunch or a casual group dinner. Most locations have enough seating to accommodate small groups, though on busy days you might wait a few minutes for a table.
Dietary considerations and menu flexibility
Vegetarian and vegan diners have real options here. You can build a burrito or taco with beans as your protein, add rice, cheese (or skip it for vegan), and load up on vegetables and salsa. Many locations offer black beans and refried beans, giving you flexibility in your base. Guacamole and salsa are typically vegan-friendly, though you'll want to confirm ingredients with staff if you have specific dietary concerns.
If you have allergies or need to avoid certain ingredients, the counter-service format works in your favor—you can speak directly with the person making your food and specify exactly what you want and don't want. Gluten-free options are more limited since most items come in flour tortillas, but some locations may offer corn tortillas or have other accommodations; it's worth asking when you order.
Finding a Burrito Loco location near you
Burrito Loco has multiple locations throughout South Carolina, with the highest concentration in the Columbia area and the Charleston region. To find the nearest restaurant, check the chain's official website or call ahead to confirm hours and current menu offerings, as these can vary slightly by location. Many locations are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though hours may shift seasonally or for holidays.
If you're traveling through South Carolina and craving casual Mexican food, Burrito Loco is easy to spot in strip malls and downtown areas. Most locations are designed for quick service, so even if you're passing through, you can usually get in and out in 20 to 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for road trips or busy weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order online or through a delivery app?
Many Burrito Loco locations accept online orders through their website or third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Delivery times and fees vary by location and app. Calling ahead to order for pickup is also an option at most restaurants and often faster than using an app.
Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. You can build burritos, tacos, or quesadillas with beans as your protein and load them with vegetables, salsa, and guacamole. Ask about vegan cheese or confirm that salsa and guacamole meet your dietary needs. The counter-service format makes it easy to customize.
What's the difference between a burrito and a quesadilla at Burrito Loco?
A burrito is a flour tortilla wrapped around fillings like protein, beans, rice, and toppings, then folded closed. A quesadilla is cheese and protein grilled between two flour tortillas until crispy. Quesadillas are typically smaller and served with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Are there gluten-free options?
Most items come in flour tortillas, which contain gluten. Some locations may offer corn tortillas or other accommodations. Call ahead or ask the staff when you arrive to see what gluten-free options are available at your specific location.
How long does it usually take to get my food?
During slower times, you can expect your order in 10 to 15 minutes. During lunch or dinner rush, it may take 20 to 30 minutes. Counter service is faster than table service, and calling ahead to order can reduce your wait time significantly.