Salud: South Carolina's Mexican Restaurant in the Midlands

What Salud Serves and Where to Find It

Salud is a Mexican restaurant in Columbia's Midlands neighborhood, known for traditional dishes prepared fresh to order. The kitchen focuses on regional Mexican cooking rather than Americanized versions—expect hand-rolled tortillas, slow-cooked meats, and salsas made daily. The dining room has a casual, neighborhood feel with colorful walls and a bar that runs the length of one side.

The restaurant sits on a busy street in an older commercial strip, easy to spot and easier to park near. It draws a steady mix of regulars who come for specific dishes and newcomers exploring what's beyond the standard chain restaurants. The staff speaks Spanish and English, and the kitchen will adjust heat levels or ingredients if you ask.

Key Takeaways

• Salud specializes in hand-rolled tortillas and slow-cooked meats prepared fresh daily, not pre-made or frozen components.
• The menu includes regional Mexican dishes you won't find at most American Mexican chains, with salsas and sauces made in-house.
• The bar serves Mexican beer, tequila, and margaritas, with the bartender able to make drinks to your preference rather than a fixed recipe.
• The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards, and portions are large enough that many people take leftovers home.

Signature Dishes and What to Order

The carne asada—grilled strips of marinated beef—comes out tender and charred, served with warm tortillas, grilled onions, and lime. Many regulars order it as their first dish to test a new restaurant's technique, and Salud's version holds up. It pairs well with the house salsa verde, which has a bright, slightly sharp bite from fresh tomatillos and cilantro.

The chile relleno—a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter, and baked in red sauce—is heavier and more comforting, the kind of dish that fills you up and stays with you. The mole, if they have it that day, is worth ordering even if you're not sure what to expect; it's a complex sauce with chocolate, spices, and depth that takes hours to make properly. Ask your server what's fresh that day, because the kitchen rotates specials based on what came in and what the cook wants to make.

The Bar and Drinks

The bar stocks a solid selection of tequilas and mezcals, not just the well brands. If you order a margarita, you can ask for it with specific tequila, lime-forward or sweet, on the rocks or frozen. The bartender will make it that way rather than pouring from a mix. Mexican beers—Modelo, Pacifico, Corona—are cold and cheap, and they're the right drink if you're eating something rich and want something light to cut through it.

The bar also serves aguas frescas, which are cold fruit drinks made with water, sugar, and fresh fruit or rice. They're not on every menu, so ask if they have them; they're refreshing, not too sweet, and pair well with spicy food. Horchata—a creamy rice drink—is usually available and works as a dessert drink if you're full but want something sweet.

Timing, Crowds, and When to Go

Lunch is quieter than dinner, and you'll get a table faster if you come between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a weekday. The kitchen is less rushed, so food takes a normal amount of time rather than coming out in a blur. Dinner starts picking up around 5:30 p.m. and stays busy through 8 p.m., especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Weekday evenings are a sweet spot if you want to eat without waiting—you get the full dinner menu and a calmer dining room. The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner for a couple of hours, so plan accordingly. Call ahead if you're bringing a large group, because the kitchen needs notice to manage the timing.

Price and What to Expect to Spend

Entrees run from the mid-range to moderate—most main dishes cost between $12 and $18. Combination plates that come with rice, beans, and multiple items are on the lower end. Carne asada, chile relleno, and other made-to-order specialties are on the higher end but still reasonable for the portion size and quality. A margarita or beer adds $5 to $8 to your bill.

Most people spend $20 to $30 per person for a full meal with a drink, less if you order just a taco plate or a single entree. The portions are large—many diners take half their plate home—so you can eat twice from one order if you're budget-conscious. They don't charge for chips and salsa while you wait, which is standard but worth noting.

Dietary Needs and Customization

The kitchen will make dishes without meat, with extra vegetables, or adjusted for heat level if you ask. Beans are usually made with lard, so mention it if you need them vegetarian. Corn tortillas are standard, but flour tortillas are available. The staff is used to modifications and won't make you feel difficult for asking.

If you have a serious allergy, tell your server and ask to speak with the kitchen. They take allergies seriously and will tell you honestly if something can't be made safely. The restaurant is not certified gluten-free, but many dishes are naturally gluten-free if made with corn tortillas and without flour-based sauces.

Parking and Accessibility

There's a parking lot directly in front of the restaurant with enough spaces for regular traffic. It fills up during peak dinner hours, but there's usually overflow parking on the street nearby. The entrance is at ground level with a single step, and the dining room is open and easy to navigate. The restrooms are in the back and accessible.

The restaurant is not huge, so it can feel crowded when it's full, but it's not cramped. If you need a quieter table, ask when you arrive and they'll seat you away from the bar if possible. The noise level is typical for a busy restaurant—you can have a conversation but not a whisper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?

Salud takes walk-ins and also accepts reservations for groups of six or more. Call ahead if you're bringing a large party or if you want to make sure they can seat you at a specific time. For smaller groups, you can usually get a table without waiting, especially at lunch.

What's the difference between their salsas?

The red salsa is cooked and has a deeper, slightly smoky flavor. The green salsa (salsa verde) is fresher and brighter, made with tomatillos and cilantro. Both are made fresh daily. Ask your server which one pairs better with what you're ordering—they know the menu well.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, takeout is available. Call ahead during busy times so the kitchen can have your order ready when you arrive. Dishes travel well in containers, though items like chile relleno or carne asada are better eaten fresh if you can.

Do they have a kids menu?

They offer smaller portions and simpler dishes for children—cheese quesadillas, tacos, and rice plates. Ask your server what they recommend for kids, and they'll point you toward what's quick and filling.

Is there outdoor seating?

Salud does not have a patio or outdoor seating. Dining is inside only. The windows face the street, so you get some natural light and people-watching from your table.