Tacos & Bla Bla Bla in Charleston: Casual Mexican Food with Personality

What Tacos & Bla Bla Bla offers

Tacos & Bla Bla Bla is a casual taquería in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood that serves made-to-order tacos, tortas, and other Mexican street food. The restaurant's name signals its approach: straightforward, unpretentious, and willing to let the food speak for itself. The menu centers on grilled proteins—carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, pollo asado—paired with fresh toppings and housemade salsas.

The space itself is small and bright, with a counter-service setup that keeps things moving. You order at the counter, grab a number, and find a seat at one of the few tables or the bar. The atmosphere is neighborhood-casual: locals stopping in for lunch, families on weekend evenings, groups of friends sharing plates. The walls often feature local art or rotating displays, and the vibe changes slightly depending on when you visit.

Key Takeaways

• Tacos come in corn or flour tortillas with your choice of protein, and the carnitas and al pastor are standouts worth ordering.
• The restaurant is located on Upper King Street in Charleston and operates counter-service only, so expect to order at the counter and wait for your number.
• Tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and quesadillas round out the menu alongside tacos, and portions are generous for the price.
• The space is small with limited seating, so it works best for quick meals or small groups rather than large parties.

The taco menu and what to order

Each taco starts with your choice of protein. The carnitas—slow-cooked pork that arrives tender and slightly crispy at the edges—is the most popular order and for good reason. The al pastor, marinated in dried chiles and pineapple, brings a sweet-savory depth that works especially well if you like a bit of heat. Carne asada (grilled beef) and pollo asado (grilled chicken) are leaner options that let the char and seasoning shine through.

Tacos come in corn or flour tortillas. Corn is the traditional choice and holds up better to the juices from the meat; flour tortillas are softer and slightly richer. Most people order three or four tacos as a meal. The toppings bar lets you add onion, cilantro, lime, and your choice of salsa—the verde is bright and herbaceous, the roja is deeper and slightly smoky. Pico de gallo and pickled jalapeños are also available.

Beyond tacos, the tortas (Mexican sandwiches on bolillo rolls) use the same proteins and come loaded with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Quesadillas are made to order with cheese and your choice of filling. Both are filling enough for a full meal and worth trying if you want something different from tacos.

Pricing and what to expect when you visit

Individual tacos run a few dollars each, and most people spend between $12 and $18 for a full meal of three or four tacos plus a drink. Tortas and quesadillas are similarly priced. The restaurant does not take reservations—it is first-come, first-served. During lunch hours (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner on weekends, there can be a short wait, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Payment is cash or card. The ordering process is quick—you tell the counter staff what you want, they give you a number, and you find a seat. Food usually comes out within 10 to 15 minutes. The seating is limited, so if the restaurant is full, you may end up standing or waiting for a table to open up. On quieter afternoons, you can usually sit right away.

Location and hours

Tacos & Bla Bla Bla is located on Upper King Street in Charleston, in the same neighborhood as other casual restaurants and shops. The area is walkable and has street parking, though spots can be tight during peak hours. There is a small parking lot nearby if street parking is full.

Hours vary by season and day of the week, so it is worth checking ahead before you go. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner most days, but closing times can shift. They are usually closed one day a week, though which day may change. A quick phone call or online search will confirm current hours before you visit.

Why locals return

Tacos & Bla Bla Bla has built a steady neighborhood following because it does one thing well: straightforward, flavorful Mexican street food at a fair price. There is no pretense, no fusion twist, no attempt to elevate tacos beyond what they are. The carnitas are consistently good, the salsas taste fresh, and the staff moves people through efficiently without rushing them.

The restaurant also fills a gap in Charleston's dining landscape. While the city has upscale Mexican restaurants and food trucks, Tacos & Bla Bla Bla sits in the middle—casual enough for a weekday lunch, good enough to return to on purpose, and welcoming enough that you do not feel rushed. It is the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers feel comfortable ordering.

Dietary considerations and customization

The restaurant can accommodate vegetarian orders—cheese quesadillas, bean-based fillings, and veggie-loaded tortas are all possible. Let the counter staff know what you need, and they will work with you. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, though cross-contamination is possible in a small kitchen, so mention it if you have a severe allergy.

Spice levels can be adjusted. If you do not like heat, ask for mild salsa or skip the jalapeños. If you want more kick, the staff can add extra chile or hot sauce. The kitchen is flexible about customization—this is street food, and street food is meant to be made your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Tacos & Bla Bla Bla is counter-service and first-come, first-served. You order at the counter and wait for your number to be called. During busy lunch and dinner hours, there may be a short wait for seating, but the food comes out quickly.

Can I order for a large group?

You can order for a group, but seating is limited. If you have more than six or eight people, you may not all fit at once. It works better for small groups or as a stop-by spot rather than a full group dinner destination.

What is the best taco to start with?

The carnitas is the most popular and a safe first choice—tender, flavorful, and not too adventurous. If you like spiced meat with a sweet edge, try the al pastor. Both come highly recommended by regulars.

Is there outdoor seating?

Seating is mostly indoors at small tables and a counter. There may be limited outdoor space depending on the season and the restaurant's current setup, but it is not a primary feature. Call ahead if outdoor seating matters to you.

What payment methods do you accept?

The restaurant accepts both cash and card. There is no minimum for card payments, so you can pay however is easiest for you.