El Rey Del Taco — Where to Find Authentic Street Tacos in South Carolina

What El Rey Del Taco serves and where to find it

El Rey Del Taco is a casual counter-service restaurant that specializes in street-style tacos, the kind you'd find from a vendor in Mexico — soft corn tortillas, grilled meat, onions, cilantro, and lime. The menu centers on carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, and pollo asado, each cooked to order. Most locations also serve tortas (pressed sandwiches), quesadillas, and fresh aguas frescas. The restaurant operates multiple spots across South Carolina, with the original and most established location in the Midlands region, though hours and exact menus vary by site.

The ordering process is straightforward: you step up to the counter, choose your protein and how many tacos you want, and watch the kitchen work. Tacos come three to an order, and prices run between $3 and $5 per order depending on the meat. The space is typically small and informal — picnic tables, bright walls, and a focus on speed and flavor rather than ambiance. Most people eat there or take food to go.

Key Takeaways

• El Rey Del Taco serves authentic street tacos with grilled proteins, soft corn tortillas, and fresh toppings, cooked to order at the counter.
• The restaurant has multiple locations across South Carolina, with hours and menus that can differ between sites, so check ahead before visiting.
• Tacos cost between $3 and $5 per three-taco order, making it an affordable option for a quick meal or casual dinner.
• The space is casual and informal, designed for eating quickly or taking food home rather than lingering over a sit-down meal.

What makes the carne asada and al pastor stand out

The carne asada — grilled strips of beef — is the signature order at most El Rey Del Taco locations. The meat is marinated, charred on a flat-top grill, and served with onions and cilantro on warm corn tortillas. The char gives it a slight crust while the inside stays tender, and the simplicity of the toppings lets the meat flavor come through. This is not a complicated taco; it is a well-executed one.

Al pastor tacos use pork that has been seasoned with dried chiles, spices, and pineapple, then cooked on a vertical spit (or in a way that mimics that technique). The result is meat that is slightly sweet, smoky, and deeply flavored. A few pieces of grilled pineapple often come on the side or mixed in. If you have never had al pastor, this is a good place to start — the version here is straightforward and true to the style.

Other menu items beyond tacos

Tortas at El Rey Del Taco are pressed sandwiches built on a bolillo roll with your choice of protein, beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayo. They are heartier than tacos and meant to be a full meal. Quesadillas come filled with cheese and meat, cooked on a griddle until the outside is crispy. Both are made to order and take about the same time as tacos.

Aguas frescas — refreshing Mexican beverages made from fruit, rice, or seeds — are available at most locations and pair well with the food. Horchata (rice-based and sweet) and agua de Jamaica (made from hibiscus flowers and tart) are common options. These drinks are not overly sweet and cut through the richness of the grilled meats.

How to order and what to expect

Walk up to the counter and tell the person taking orders what you want: how many tacos, which protein, and whether you want anything else. They will give you a number or a bag, and you step to the side to wait. The kitchen usually has your food ready in five to ten minutes. Payment is typically cash or card at the counter, though this varies by location.

The tacos come wrapped in foil or paper, warm and ready to eat. If you are eating there, grab a seat at one of the picnic tables or a small booth, add salsa and hot sauce from the condiment station if available, and eat. The whole experience — ordering to eating — usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes, making it ideal for a lunch break or a quick dinner.

Which locations are open and current hours

El Rey Del Taco has expanded to several locations across South Carolina, but hours and days of operation differ between sites. The most reliable way to find current information is to search for the specific location you plan to visit — by neighborhood or city — and check Google Maps or call ahead. Some locations close on Sundays or Mondays, and a few adjust hours seasonally or for holidays.

The original location in the Midlands tends to have the most consistent hours and the fullest menu, but newer spots are worth trying if they are closer to you. If you are traveling to a location you have not visited before, a quick phone call can confirm they are open and whether they have your preferred protein in stock that day.

Dietary notes and customization

Most tacos can be made vegetarian by substituting grilled vegetables or beans for the meat, though you should ask what options the kitchen has on the day you visit. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible in a small kitchen, so mention any allergies when you order. The restaurant does not typically post full nutritional information, so if you need specific details, ask the staff directly.

Customization is usually straightforward — you can ask for extra cilantro, no onions, or extra lime. The kitchen is used to adjusting orders, and the counter staff will relay your preferences to the grill. Keep requests simple and clear so nothing gets lost in translation.

Why El Rey Del Taco fits into South Carolina's food scene

South Carolina has a growing community of Mexican restaurants, but many lean toward Tex-Mex or Americanized versions. El Rey Del Taco represents a different approach — street food that prioritizes technique and fresh ingredients over novelty or fusion. The tacos taste like they were made by someone who knows the style, not someone interpreting it from a cookbook.

The casual, no-frills setting also reflects how tacos are actually eaten in Mexico — as quick, affordable food for working people and families, not as a trendy dining experience. If you are looking for that authenticity in South Carolina, this is one of the few places that delivers it consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or do I have to go in person?

Most El Rey Del Taco locations operate as counter-service only and do not take online orders. You order in person at the counter. Some locations may partner with delivery apps — check Google Maps or call ahead to see if your nearest location offers this option.

What is the best time to go if I want to avoid a wait?

Lunch rush (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner time (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.) are busiest. Mid-afternoon or early evening before the dinner crowd tends to be quieter. Weekday visits are usually faster than weekends.

Do they have a kids menu?

Most locations do not have a formal kids menu, but the kitchen will make smaller portions or simpler tacos if you ask. A single taco or two tacos with just meat and tortilla is usually an option and costs less than a full order.

Is there parking at El Rey Del Taco?

Parking depends on the location. Some sites have their own small lot, while others are in strip centers with shared parking. A few locations on busy streets have limited parking. Check the specific address on Google Maps to see what parking looks like before you go.

What should I order if I have never been before?

Start with three carne asada tacos and three al pastor tacos. This gives you a sense of the two signature proteins and the kitchen's skill. Add an agua fresca if you want a drink. This combination costs around $12 to $15 and is a solid introduction to what the restaurant does well.