El Paso Tacos & Tequila: Fresh Tacos, House-Made Tortillas, and Tequila in South Carolina

What El Paso Tacos & Tequila Serves

El Paso Tacos & Tequila is a casual Mexican restaurant focused on hand-rolled tacos, grilled meats, and a substantial tequila selection. The kitchen works with fresh ingredients—corn tortillas are made in-house, and proteins like carnitas, al pastor, and carne asada are prepared daily. The menu centers on tacos but also includes quesadillas, enchiladas, ceviche, and traditional sides like chiles rellenos and street corn.

The bar program emphasizes tequila and mezcal, with bottles ranging from entry-level to premium expressions. Margaritas are made to order, and the restaurant also serves beer, wine, and Mexican soft drinks. The dining room has a neighborhood feel—bright, unpretentious, with music and a bar counter where you can watch the kitchen work.

Key Takeaways

• Tacos are the centerpiece of the menu, with proteins like carnitas, al pastor, and carne asada available daily on fresh corn tortillas made in-house.
• The tequila and mezcal selection is substantial, with options at different price points and margaritas made to order with fresh lime juice.
• Beyond tacos, the kitchen prepares quesadillas, enchiladas, ceviche, and traditional sides like street corn and chiles rellenos.
• The space is casual and welcoming, designed for groups or solo diners, with a bar where you can see the kitchen work.

The Taco Menu and Daily Specials

The taco selection rotates based on what proteins are available that day. Carnitas—pork shoulder braised until it shreds—is a consistent offering, as are carne asada (grilled beef), pollo asado (grilled chicken), and al pastor (marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit). Fish tacos appear regularly, often with a lime crema or pico de gallo. Each taco comes on a corn tortilla made fresh in the kitchen and is typically served with onion, cilantro, and a choice of salsa.

Beyond tacos, the kitchen prepares quesadillas with cheese and your choice of protein, enchiladas in red or green sauce, and ceviche when fresh fish is available. Street corn—elote—is a popular side, served with cotija cheese, mayo, and chili powder. Chiles rellenos (poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and topped with sauce) are available as a main course. The restaurant also offers combination plates if you want to try multiple items in one meal, and beans and rice round out most orders.

Tequila, Mezcal, and Cocktails

The bar stocks tequilas across the spectrum: blanco (unaged), reposado (aged in oak for two months to a year), and añejo (aged longer, with deeper color and flavor). Mezcal—made from agave but with a smokier profile than tequila—is also available. Staff can guide you through the differences if you are new to either spirit, or you can order a flight to taste several at once.

Margaritas are made fresh, typically with fresh lime juice, triple sec, and your choice of tequila. The restaurant also serves beer—Mexican brands like Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico, as well as local options—and agua fresca (a traditional Mexican drink made from fruit, water, and sugar). Soft drinks include Mexican Coca-Cola (made with cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup) and horchata, a creamy rice-based beverage.

When to Go and What to Expect

El Paso Tacos & Tequila is open for lunch and dinner most days, with hours that typically run from late morning through late evening. Lunch is a good time if you want a quick taco or two without a long wait; dinner and weekends draw a larger crowd, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the bar is busier. The restaurant accepts walk-ins and also takes reservations for larger groups.

The space is designed for a relaxed meal. You order at the counter or from a server, and food arrives fairly quickly—tacos especially are ready within minutes. The noise level is moderate to lively, particularly when the bar is full. Families with children are welcome, as are groups of friends looking for a casual night out with good food and drinks.

Location and Parking

El Paso Tacos & Tequila operates in multiple locations across South Carolina, with each outpost situated in a neighborhood or shopping area with accessible parking. The restaurant has expanded beyond a single location, so you may have options depending on where you are in the state.

You can find the exact address, hours, and phone number for your nearest location by searching online or calling ahead if you have questions about the menu or want to make a reservation for a group. Each location maintains the same focus on fresh tacos and tequila, though specific menu items or specials may vary slightly by location.

Price Range and Payment

Individual tacos are inexpensive, typically in the range of a few dollars each, making it easy to order multiple tacos and try different proteins without spending heavily. Combination plates, quesadillas, and entrees cost more but remain moderate. Tequila and cocktails vary by what you order—a margarita or beer is affordable, while premium tequila flights or bottles cost more.

The restaurant accepts both cash and card payment. Most diners find that a meal of two to four tacos, a side, and a drink comes to a reasonable price for casual dining. The counter-service format also means you can control your spending by ordering only what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order just a few tacos, or do I have to order a full meal?

You can order tacos individually. Most people order two to four tacos as a meal, but you can also order one or two if you want a light bite. The counter-service format makes it easy to order exactly what you want without committing to a full plate.

Are the tortillas gluten-free?

The corn tortillas made in-house are naturally gluten-free. If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, let the staff know when you order so they can prepare your food safely and avoid cross-contamination with other ingredients.

What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?

Both are made from agave, but tequila must come from a specific region in Mexico and is made from blue agave. Mezcal can be made from many types of agave and is often roasted over fire, giving it a smokier flavor. The bar staff can explain the differences and help you choose based on your taste.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes. Cheese quesadillas, cheese enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and vegetable-based sides like street corn and beans are available. Ask the kitchen what vegetarian preparations they can make with the day's ingredients.

Is there a happy hour or drink special?

Many locations offer happy hour pricing on beer, margaritas, and tequila cocktails during certain hours. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website or social media to confirm the current specials and timing at your nearest location.