Taqueria El Mexicano in Columbia: Authentic Mexican Street Food and Daily Specials

What You'll Find at Taqueria El Mexicano

Taqueria El Mexicano is a casual counter-service spot in Columbia that serves traditional Mexican street food—tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and tamales made fresh throughout the day. The menu centers on grilled meats (carnitas, al pastor, carne asada), and the kitchen will build most items to order. You order at the counter, find a seat in the small dining room or take your food to go, and the whole experience moves quickly.

The restaurant operates as a working taqueria, not a sit-down establishment with table service. Prices run low—most tacos cost between $1.50 and $3 each—and the portions are genuine. The space is plain and functional, with the focus entirely on the food. It's the kind of place where the cook knows what they're doing and doesn't need to dress it up.

Key Takeaways

• Tacos come in corn or flour tortillas and are built to order with your choice of meat, onion, cilantro, and salsa.
• Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and al pastor (marinated pork) are the standout proteins, though carne asada and chicken are also available.
• The restaurant makes tamales fresh daily and sells them by the dozen if you want to take them home.
• Tortas (pressed sandwiches on bolillo rolls) and quesadillas round out the menu and work well for a larger appetite.
• Cash is preferred, though many locations now accept cards—call ahead to confirm payment methods.

The Taco Order: How to Navigate the Menu

Walk up to the counter and tell them how many tacos you want and which meat. The default is three tacos per order, though you can ask for more. They'll grill the meat in front of you, warm the tortillas, and hand you a plate with onion, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Salsa—usually a red chile and a green tomatillo—sits in bowls at the counter for you to add yourself.

Carnitas are the most popular choice: pork shoulder cooked low and slow until it shreds, then crisped on the griddle. Al pastor comes marinated in dried chiles and spices, cooked on a vertical spit, and shaved onto the tortilla. Carne asada is grilled beef, simpler and leaner. If you're uncertain, start with carnitas—it's what the restaurant does best and what most regulars order.

Corn tortillas are the traditional choice and come thinner and more delicate. Flour tortillas are thicker and hold more filling without tearing. Neither costs extra; it's your preference. The kitchen will make them fresh if you ask, though they're usually ready to go.

Tortas, Quesadillas, and Tamales

A torta is a pressed sandwich on a bolillo roll (a soft, oval Mexican roll) filled with your choice of meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. The whole thing gets pressed on a griddle until the outside is warm and slightly crispy. It's a full meal on its own and costs more than tacos but less than most restaurant sandwiches. Carnitas and al pastor work well here too.

Quesadillas are flour tortillas folded around cheese and your choice of meat, then griddled until the cheese melts and the outside is golden. They come with a small cup of sour cream for dipping. Order them as a side or as a main if you're not in a taco mood.

Tamales are corn masa (dough) wrapped in corn husks and steamed, filled with meat or cheese. Taqueria El Mexicano makes them fresh daily, and you can order them by the dozen to take home and reheat. They're a weekend staple for many regulars and worth trying if you've never had a proper tamale.

When to Go and What to Expect

Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is the busiest time, especially on weekdays when office workers and construction crews stop in. The line moves fast because the system is efficient, but you may wait 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours. Dinner is quieter, and you'll usually walk right up to the counter.

The dining room is small—maybe six or eight tables—so during lunch you might not find a seat. Many people take their food to go or eat standing at a high counter by the window. The restaurant doesn't have a drive-through, so you'll need to park and go inside.

Tamales and some prepared items sell out by mid-afternoon on busy days, so if you're coming for a specific item, arrive earlier rather than later. The kitchen closes by 8 or 9 p.m. most nights, and hours may vary on Sundays.

Drinks and Sides

Taqueria El Mexicano typically stocks bottled sodas (Mexican Coca-Cola, Jarritos, and similar brands), agua fresca (a light fruit drink), and sometimes fresh-squeezed lime juice. There's no alcohol. Water is free.

Sides are minimal—usually just the salsa, onion, cilantro, and lime at the counter. Some locations offer rice and beans as add-ons, but the focus is on the tacos themselves. If you want something more substantial, order a torta or get extra tacos.

Price and Payment

Most tacos run $1.50 to $3 each depending on the meat. A three-taco order with carnitas or al pastor costs around $6 to $8. Tortas are typically $6 to $9. Quesadillas are $4 to $6. Tamales are sold by the piece or dozen, usually $1 to $1.50 each. A full meal for one person—three tacos, a drink, and salsa—costs under $12.

Cash is the safest bet, though many locations now take cards. Call ahead or check the door to confirm what payment methods they accept on the day you're going.

Location and Hours

Taqueria El Mexicano has locations around the Columbia area. The main location is on Devine Street, but there may be additional spots—hours and exact addresses vary. Call or check online before you go to confirm the location nearest you and current hours, as taquerias sometimes adjust their schedules seasonally or for staffing.

Parking is usually street parking or a small lot. The restaurant is casual and walk-in only—no reservations, no phone orders for pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order tacos without cilantro or onion?

Yes. Tell the person at the counter what you want on your tacos, and they'll build them that way. The default is cilantro and onion, but they're used to requests and will adjust without hesitation.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Cheese quesadillas and bean-filled items are usually available, though the menu is meat-focused. Ask at the counter what vegetarian options they have on the day you visit—it varies by location and what's prepared that day.

What's the difference between carnitas and al pastor?

Carnitas is slow-cooked pork shoulder that's tender and rich, often with a crispy edge. Al pastor is marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and shaved off, with a spiced, slightly smoky flavor. Both are excellent; carnitas is richer, al pastor is more aromatic.

Can I order tacos for a group or party?

Yes, but call ahead if you want a large order. The kitchen can handle it, but giving them notice helps them prepare. You'll still order and pay at the counter, and you may need to wait while they cook.

Are the tamales spicy?

Tamales themselves are mild—the heat comes from the salsa you add. The red and green salsas at the counter vary in spice level; ask which is milder if you prefer less heat.