Pedro's Tacos in South Carolina — Where to Find Authentic Street Tacos and Fresh Salsas

What Pedro's Tacos Offers

Pedro's Tacos is a casual Mexican eatery focused on street-style tacos, fresh ingredients, and house-made salsas. The menu centers on soft corn tortillas filled with grilled meats, topped with onion, cilantro, and lime—the format you'd find in Mexico City or Guadalajara, not the Americanized versions with hard shells and shredded cheese. Most locations also serve quesadillas, tamales, and rice-and-bean plates, but the tacos are what bring people back.

The restaurant operates as a small chain across South Carolina with multiple locations in the Upstate and Lowcountry regions. Each location maintains the same commitment to simple, quality preparation: meat is seasoned and grilled to order, tortillas are warmed fresh, and the salsa bar lets you choose your heat level. Prices run low—most taco orders cost between $2 and $4 per taco—making it one of the more affordable sit-down meals in the state.

Key Takeaways

• Pedro's Tacos specializes in street-style tacos with grilled meats, fresh cilantro and onion, and house-made salsas you can customize by heat level.
• The chain has multiple locations across South Carolina's Upstate and Lowcountry, each with the same menu and preparation style.
• Tacos typically cost $2 to $4 each, and most locations offer a full salsa bar where you can sample before committing to a bottle.
• The restaurant is designed for quick service and casual dining—expect counter ordering and communal or small tables rather than full table service.
• Lunch hours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) are busiest; arriving outside those windows means shorter waits.

Menu Highlights and What to Order

The signature item is the carne asada taco—thin-sliced grilled beef seasoned with cumin and lime, served on a warm corn tortilla with white onion and fresh cilantro. If you prefer chicken, the pollo asado follows the same format and is equally reliable. Al pastor (marinated pork) appears on most menus and carries a subtle pineapple note that balances the savory spice.

Beyond tacos, the quesadillas are worth trying if you're dining with someone who wants something different. They're made with flour tortillas, melted cheese, and your choice of filling, then cut into triangles and served with sour cream and salsa on the side. The tamales—usually available on weekends—are hand-rolled and come in cheese, chicken, or rajas (poblano pepper) varieties. Rice-and-bean plates round out the menu for anyone wanting a heartier, sit-down meal.

The house-made salsas are the real draw. Most locations offer at least three: a mild pico de gallo (tomato, onion, cilantro, lime), a medium salsa roja (tomato-based with dried chiles), and a hot salsa verde or habanero blend. You can taste before ordering, and many customers buy a jar to take home.

Where Pedro's Tacos Locations Are in South Carolina

Pedro's Tacos operates in the Greenville and Spartanburg areas of the Upstate, with at least one location in each city. The Greenville location sits on Wade Hampton Boulevard and draws a steady lunch crowd from nearby offices and the university. The Spartanburg location operates in a similar casual format and serves the same core menu.

A Lowcountry location exists in the Charleston area, though hours and exact address vary by season and demand. Before driving to any location, call ahead or check their social media pages—hours can shift, and some locations close on Sundays or Mondays. Most locations do not take reservations; you order at the counter and find a seat while your food is prepared.

Atmosphere and Dining Style

Pedro's Tacos is not a full-service restaurant. You walk in, order at the counter, pay, and then seat yourself at one of the small tables or high-top counters. The space is bright and casual—often decorated with Mexican flags, colorful papel picado (cut paper banners), and a few framed photos of Mexico. The noise level is moderate during off-peak hours and can get loud during lunch or dinner rushes.

Families with children fit in well here; the quick service and simple menu appeal to kids, and the casual atmosphere means nobody minds if a toddler gets messy. The restaurant is also popular with construction crews, office workers, and college students—expect a mix of regulars and first-timers at any given time.

Pricing and Payment

Individual tacos range from $2 to $4 depending on the meat and location. A three-taco combo (usually served with rice and beans) runs $8 to $12. Quesadillas cost $6 to $9, and tamales are typically $1.50 to $2.50 each. Beverages—agua fresca, horchata, Mexican Coke, and standard sodas—add $2 to $3 to your bill.

Most locations accept cash and card. Some older locations may be cash-only, so bring both payment methods if you're unsure. Salsa sold by the jar costs $4 to $6 depending on size and type.

When to Go and What to Expect

Lunch (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is the busiest time, especially on weekdays when office workers and construction crews stop in. Expect a line and a 10- to 15-minute wait for food during peak hours. Dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) draws families and after-work crowds but is usually less intense than lunch. Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and late evening (after 8 p.m.) are the quietest windows.

Weekends vary by location. Greenville's location tends to stay busy on Saturday lunch, while Sunday traffic is lighter. If you're new to Pedro's Tacos and want to take your time deciding, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.

Pairing Pedro's Tacos with Other South Carolina Experiences

In Greenville, Pedro's Tacos works well as a quick lunch before exploring Falls Park on the Reedy River or browsing the shops on Main Street. The Upstate's growing food scene means you could pair a taco lunch with a visit to a nearby brewery or coffee roaster. In Charleston, a Pedro's meal fits into a day of exploring the Historic District or visiting nearby beaches.

The restaurant also serves as a good reference point for understanding South Carolina's growing Latino community and the role Mexican restaurants play in the state's food culture. Unlike chain Mexican restaurants, Pedro's reflects the cooking and flavors of actual Mexican regions, offering a window into how immigrants have shaped dining across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian tacos?

Most locations offer cheese quesadillas and can make a bean-and-cheese taco if you ask. The salsa bar is fully vegetarian. Call ahead to confirm what vegetarian options are available at your specific location, as menus can vary slightly.

Can I order online or by phone?

Some locations take phone orders for pickup, but not all have online ordering systems. Call the location directly to ask about ordering ahead. During peak lunch hours, phone orders can speed up your visit significantly.

Are the salsas very spicy?

The mild and medium salsas are accessible to most palates. The hot salsa is genuinely hot and best for people who enjoy heat. You can taste each one at the salsa bar before deciding which to order with your meal or take home.

What's the difference between street tacos and regular tacos?

Street tacos use soft corn tortillas, simpler toppings (onion, cilantro, lime), and focus on the quality of the meat. Regular American tacos often use hard shells, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Pedro's follows the street-taco format, which many people find lighter and more flavorful.

Do they serve alcohol?

Most Pedro's Tacos locations do not have a liquor license and do not serve beer or margaritas. They focus on traditional Mexican beverages like agua fresca and horchata. Check with your specific location to confirm.