Margarita's in South Carolina: Where to Find Authentic Mexican Food and Margaritas

What Margarita's Offers and Where to Find Locations

Margarita's is a casual Mexican restaurant chain with multiple locations across South Carolina, known for fresh Tex-Mex fare, hand-rolled tortillas, and a full bar focused on tequila-based drinks. The restaurants typically feature bright, welcoming dining rooms with colorful décor that reflects Mexican tradition, and most locations offer both dine-in and takeout service. You'll find Margarita's in cities including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, though specific locations and hours vary.

The menu centers on familiar Mexican-American dishes: enchiladas, fajitas, chile rellenos, and carne asada, alongside appetizers like queso fundido and chile con queso. Most locations make their own tortillas daily, which you can taste in the freshness of the chips and salsa that arrive at your table. Margarita's also serves breakfast at some locations, with options like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos available in the morning hours.

Key Takeaways

• Margarita's locations across South Carolina serve fresh Tex-Mex food with house-made tortillas and a strong selection of margaritas and tequila drinks.
• The restaurant operates in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and other South Carolina cities, though hours and menus vary by location.
• Most Margarita's locations offer both dine-in and takeout, with some featuring full bars and happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.
• Breakfast service is available at select locations, featuring traditional Mexican morning dishes alongside the regular lunch and dinner menu.

The Margarita Menu and Signature Drinks

The margarita selection is the draw for many regulars. Margarita's offers variations beyond the classic lime version—you'll typically find fruit-flavored options like strawberry, mango, and jalapeño, as well as frozen and on-the-rocks preparations. Most locations use quality tequila and fresh citrus juice rather than sour mix, which changes the taste noticeably. The bar staff can also build custom margaritas if you want to adjust sweetness, spice level, or spirit choice.

Beyond margaritas, the bar stocks Mexican beers, sangria, and cocktails built around tequila and mezcal. Many locations run happy hour specials during late afternoon and early evening, typically offering discounted drinks and appetizers. The specific timing and deals vary by location, so calling ahead or checking the restaurant's website for your nearest Margarita's will tell you when happy hour runs at that spot.

Food Quality and What to Order

The standout element at Margarita's is the tortilla program. Because the restaurant makes tortillas in-house, the chips that come with salsa taste fresher than mass-produced versions, and the flour tortillas in burritos and enchiladas have a noticeably different texture—softer and more pliable. This matters most for dishes where the tortilla is central to the eating experience: enchiladas, quesadillas, and burritos all benefit from that quality.

Fajitas are another reliable choice, arriving sizzling on a cast-iron plate with grilled peppers, onions, and your choice of protein. You build them yourself with the warm tortillas, which lets you control the ratio of filling to tortilla. The carne asada—grilled marinated beef—tends to be tender and well-seasoned, and it works well in tacos or as a standalone plate with rice and beans. Vegetarian options include cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos (poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and fried), and bean-based dishes.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

Margarita's locations are designed for casual, social dining. The décor typically includes warm colors, Mexican artwork, and often a lively bar area where you can watch the bartender work. Noise levels tend to be moderate to high during peak hours—lunch and dinner rushes—so it's a place where conversation happens but you won't have a quiet, intimate meal. The service is generally friendly and efficient, with staff trained to handle both walk-ins and larger groups.

Most locations accommodate families with children during daytime and early evening hours. If you're planning a larger gathering, many Margarita's can handle groups and may offer family-style platters or set menus for parties. Calling ahead to reserve a table or discuss group options is wise, especially on weekends or during special events.

Pricing and What to Expect to Spend

Margarita's falls into the mid-range casual dining category. Entrées typically run between $12 and $18, with combination plates (which include rice, beans, and a choice of two items) on the lower end and specialty dishes or larger portions on the higher end. Appetizers range from $6 to $10, and margaritas usually cost between $8 and $12 depending on the type and whether happy hour pricing applies.

If you're ordering for a group, family-style options or combination platters can offer better value than ordering individual entrées. Takeout orders are subject to the same pricing as dine-in, and most locations accept online ordering through their website or third-party delivery apps, though delivery fees and service charges will add to your total.

Finding Your Nearest Location and Hours

Margarita's has expanded across South Carolina over the years, but the number and location of open restaurants can change. The most reliable way to find a current location near you is to search "Margarita's Mexican Restaurant South Carolina" online or visit the restaurant's official website, which should list all active locations with addresses and phone numbers. You can also call ahead to confirm hours, ask about current specials, or make a reservation for a larger party.

Hours typically run from late morning through late evening, with lunch service starting around 11 a.m. and dinner service extending to 10 p.m. or later, depending on the location. Some locations may have different hours on Sundays or may close earlier on weeknights. Calling your nearest Margarita's directly is the fastest way to confirm whether they're open and what time they stop seating new customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Margarita's locations take reservations?

Most locations accept reservations, especially for groups of six or more. Calling ahead is the best approach, particularly for weekend dining or if you're planning a party. Walk-ins are generally welcome during slower hours, though you may wait during peak lunch and dinner times.

Can I order Margarita's food for delivery?

Many Margarita's locations offer takeout and work with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Check the restaurant's website or call your nearest location to confirm whether delivery is available in your area and what the current ordering options are.

Are there vegetarian options at Margarita's?

Yes. Cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos, bean burritos, and vegetable fajitas are standard vegetarian choices. Most locations can also modify dishes to remove meat or substitute beans for protein. Asking your server about specific ingredients or preparation methods ensures you get what you're looking for.

What's the best time to visit for happy hour?

Happy hour timing varies by location, but it typically runs in the late afternoon, often from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Call your nearest Margarita's to confirm the exact times and which drinks and appetizers are discounted during their happy hour.

Do Margarita's locations have outdoor seating?

Some locations have patios or outdoor seating areas, but this varies. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website for your specific location to see whether outdoor dining is available and whether reservations are needed for patio seating.