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Señor Tequila in Summerville: Margaritas, Carne Asada, and Late-Night Dining

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Señor Tequila in Summerville

Señor Tequila is a casual Mexican restaurant in Summerville that specializes in grilled meats, fresh salsas, and a tequila selection strong enough to justify the name. The space is bright and informal—the kind of place where you can show up in work clothes or weekend wear without a second thought. The menu leans toward carne asada, carnitas, and chile rellenos, with a solid lineup of enchiladas and traditional sides like black beans and Mexican rice.

The restaurant draws a mix of regulars and families, particularly on weekends. Service tends to be attentive without hovering, and the kitchen moves quickly even during the dinner rush. Margaritas come in several styles—frozen, on the rocks, or straight up—and the bar stocks enough tequila to let you pick your own bottle if you want to get specific about it.

Key Takeaways

  • Carne asada and carnitas are the standout dishes, grilled to order and served with warm tortillas, onions, and lime.
  • The restaurant is open late most nights, making it a reliable option for dinner after 9 p.m. when other Summerville spots have closed.
  • Margaritas are made fresh and can be customized by tequila choice, strength, and whether you want them frozen or on the rocks.
  • The dining room is casual and family-friendly, though the bar area draws a crowd on weekend evenings.

Carne asada and grilled specialties

The carne asada here is the main draw—thin-sliced beef grilled over high heat and served with grilled onions, lime wedges, and warm flour or corn tortillas. The meat comes out charred at the edges and tender in the middle, and you build your own tacos at the table. It's the kind of dish that tastes simple because the technique is solid, not because the ingredients are fancy.

Carnitas—slow-cooked pork shoulder shredded and crisped on the griddle—follows the same format. Both proteins pair well with the house salsa, which is chunky and bright, and the guacamole, which is made fresh and charged by the portion. If you're not in a taco mood, the same meats show up in burritos, quesadillas, and combination plates with rice and beans on the side.

Margaritas and the tequila bar

Señor Tequila takes the second half of its name seriously. The bar stocks a range of tequilas from budget-friendly to high-end, and the bartender can walk you through the difference between blanco, reposado, and añejo if you're curious. Most people order a house margarita—lime juice, triple sec, and tequila, either frozen or on the rocks—but you can also request a specific bottle and have them build around it.

Frozen margaritas come salted or unsalted, and the kitchen also makes them with fresh fruit if you want strawberry or mango. Prices are reasonable for the portion size, and happy hour (if running) typically covers beer and well drinks rather than top-shelf tequila, so check the current specials when you arrive.

Hours and location in Summerville

Señor Tequila stays open later than most Summerville restaurants, typically until 10 or 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight or later on Friday and Saturday. This makes it a solid choice if you're looking for dinner after a movie or a late meal on a weekend night. The restaurant is located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Summerville, within walking distance of shops and other dining options.

Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots, and the restaurant does not require a reservation for most nights, though calling ahead on Friday or Saturday can save you a wait during peak dinner hours. The space fills up quickly between 7 and 9 p.m., so arriving earlier or later tends to mean shorter waits.

Combination plates and traditional sides

Beyond the grilled specialties, Señor Tequila offers the full range of Mexican-American classics: chile rellenos (poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and topped with ranchero sauce), enchiladas verdes or rojas, and flautas. Each comes with black beans, Mexican rice, and your choice of protein. The portions are generous—most plates are large enough to share or leave you with leftovers.

The chile rellenos are particularly good here, with a light egg batter and a sauce that tastes like it's been simmered rather than poured from a can. Enchiladas come in both red and green sauce, and you can mix and match proteins if you want some chicken and some beef on the same plate. Vegetarian options include cheese enchiladas, bean burritos, and veggie quesadillas.

What to order if you're undecided

If you're new to the restaurant, start with the carne asada tacos and a house margarita. This combination gives you a clear sense of what the kitchen does well and what the bar can deliver. If you're dining with others, order the carne asada and carnitas together so you can compare, and share a guacamole and salsa to start.

For a full meal without overthinking it, the carne asada combination plate—which includes the grilled meat, rice, beans, and tortillas—is a safe bet. Pair it with a beer if you're not in a margarita mood, or stick with water and lime if you're driving. The kitchen also makes a solid chile relleno if you want something more traditional and less meat-forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Señor Tequila take reservations?

The restaurant does not require reservations for most nights and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead on Friday or Saturday evening is a good idea if you're bringing a large group or want to avoid a wait during peak dinner hours between 7 and 9 p.m.

What's the difference between the carne asada and carnitas?

Carne asada is thin-sliced beef grilled quickly over high heat, resulting in a charred exterior and tender interior. Carnitas is pork shoulder that's slow-cooked until tender, then shredded and crisped on the griddle. Both are served with tortillas, onions, and lime for building tacos.

Can I customize my margarita?

Yes. You can choose your tequila from the bar's selection, decide whether you want it frozen or on the rocks, pick your salt preference, and request fresh fruit flavors like strawberry or mango. The bartender can also adjust the strength and sweetness based on your preference.

Is there parking at Señor Tequila?

The restaurant is located on Main Street in downtown Summerville with street parking available nearby and access to public lots. Parking is typically easy to find except during peak dinner hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.

What time should I arrive to avoid a long wait?

The restaurant fills up between 7 and 9 p.m. on most nights. Arriving before 6:30 p.m. or after 9:30 p.m. usually means shorter waits. The restaurant stays open late, so a late dinner is a realistic option if you prefer to avoid crowds.