Los Mexicano's in Columbia — Authentic Mexican Food and Margaritas

What Los Mexicano's offers and where to find it

Los Mexicano's is a Mexican restaurant in Columbia that serves traditional dishes alongside a full bar. The restaurant is located on Devine Street, a stretch of Columbia known for its mix of dining and retail. You'll find standard Mexican fare — enchiladas, tacos, burritos, chile rellenos — plus a margarita menu that draws both casual diners and groups looking for a night out.

The space itself has the feel of a neighborhood spot rather than a chain. Décor leans toward the traditional: warm lighting, tile work, and the kind of casual atmosphere where families, couples, and friend groups all feel at home. Service is typically quick during off-peak hours and can slow during lunch and dinner rushes, which is normal for a popular local restaurant.

Key Takeaways

• Los Mexicano's serves traditional Mexican entrees, appetizers, and drinks in a casual dining setting on Devine Street in Columbia.
• The restaurant has a full bar with a margarita selection, making it a destination for both meals and social gatherings.
• Peak dining times are lunch (around noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), when waits can be longer.
• The menu includes vegetarian options alongside meat-based dishes, so diners with different preferences can find something to order.

Menu highlights and what to expect

The menu centers on recognizable Mexican dishes prepared in-house. Enchiladas come in several varieties — cheese, chicken, and beef — typically topped with sauce and melted cheese. Tacos are available as street-style or in larger portions, and burritos can be customized with your choice of filling. Chile rellenos, a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and covered in egg batter and sauce, appear on most tables during dinner service.

Appetizers include queso dip, guacamole, and fried items like chimichangas and flautas. The salsa served at the table is fresh and comes with complimentary chips — a standard practice at Mexican restaurants in South Carolina. Combination plates let you order multiple items at once, which works well if you're dining with others and want to share.

Prices are moderate for the portion sizes. A single entree typically runs between $12 and $18, and combination plates that include rice, beans, and multiple items cost a few dollars more. The restaurant does not charge for chips and salsa, so you can eat while you wait without adding to your bill.

The bar and margarita selection

Los Mexicano's has a full bar, and margaritas are a signature offering. The restaurant makes them fresh to order rather than from a mix, which affects both flavor and price. Standard margaritas come on the rocks or frozen, and the bar offers variations with different tequilas and flavored options. A single margarita typically costs between $7 and $12 depending on the type.

Beer selection includes Mexican imports like Corona and Modelo alongside domestic options. The bar also serves wine and mixed drinks, so it functions as a place to grab a drink before or after dinner, not just during a meal. Happy hour specials may be available during certain hours — it's worth calling ahead to ask about current pricing.

When to go and how to plan your visit

Lunch service runs from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. or later, though hours can vary by day of the week. Weekday lunches tend to be busier than weekday dinners, and weekends are consistently full during traditional meal times. If you prefer a quieter experience, mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) or late evening (after 9 p.m.) are typically slower.

The restaurant accepts walk-ins and does not require reservations for most party sizes, though large groups (8 or more) may want to call ahead to ensure a table is ready. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building, which fills up during peak times but usually has space available. The restaurant is accessible by car and is located near other Devine Street businesses, so you can combine a meal here with shopping or visiting nearby venues.

What makes it a neighborhood destination

Los Mexicano's has been part of Columbia's dining landscape for years, which means it has built a regular customer base. You'll often see the same faces, and staff tend to remember frequent visitors. This kind of familiarity is part of what distinguishes a neighborhood restaurant from a chain — the owners and staff have a stake in the experience.

The restaurant also serves as a gathering place for groups. Birthday dinners, friend outings, and casual family meals all happen here regularly. The bar area is separate enough from the dining room that you can have a quieter meal if you want one, but it's also connected enough that the energy of the bar adds to the overall atmosphere rather than overwhelming it.

Dietary considerations and customization

Most dishes can be modified to suit dietary needs. Vegetarian versions of enchiladas, burritos, and tacos are available by substituting beans or cheese for meat. The kitchen can typically accommodate requests to hold certain ingredients or add extras, though it's worth mentioning any allergies or strong preferences when you order.

Rice and beans come with most entrees and are made fresh daily. If you have questions about ingredients or preparation methods, asking your server is the most direct route — they can check with the kitchen or tell you what options exist for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for most party sizes, and the restaurant welcomes walk-ins. If you're bringing a group of 8 or more, calling ahead is a good idea to make sure the kitchen and staff can accommodate you without a long wait.

What are the parking options?

There is a parking lot adjacent to the restaurant on Devine Street. During peak meal times, the lot can fill up, but there is usually space available. Street parking is also an option if the lot is full.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, most Mexican restaurants in Columbia offer takeout, and Los Mexicano's is no exception. You can call to place an order and pick it up, or order in person and wait. Takeout is a good option if you want the food without dining in the restaurant.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Cheese enchiladas, bean burritos, and vegetable-based dishes are available. You can also customize most entrees by substituting beans or cheese for meat. Ask your server what options work best for your preferences.

What's the best time to go if I want a quieter experience?

Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and late evening (after 9 p.m.) are typically slower than traditional lunch and dinner hours. Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends, though this varies depending on the day.