Taqueria Restaurant Simon: Authentic Mexican Food in South Carolina

What to expect at Taqueria Restaurant Simon

Taqueria Restaurant Simon serves traditional Mexican food in a casual, family-friendly setting. The menu centers on tacos, tortas, and grilled meats, with recipes and techniques rooted in Mexican home cooking rather than Americanized versions. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the register, find a seat, and the kitchen brings your food out when it's ready.

The space itself is modest—bright lighting, simple tables, and walls often decorated with Mexican cultural touches. This is the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and families gather for weeknight dinners, not a destination for tablecloths or reservations. Prices run low to moderate, making it accessible for a quick lunch or casual family meal.

Key Takeaways

• Taqueria Restaurant Simon focuses on tacos, tortas, and grilled meats prepared with traditional Mexican methods and fresh ingredients.
• The restaurant operates as counter-service, so you order at the register and wait for your food to be brought to your table.
• The atmosphere is casual and family-oriented, designed for quick meals rather than long, leisurely dining.
• Prices are affordable, making it a practical choice for lunch, dinner, or feeding a group without spending heavily.

Signature dishes and what to order

The tacos are the main draw. Taqueria Restaurant Simon typically offers both soft corn tortillas and flour options, filled with carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, or pollo asado. Each protein is seasoned and cooked to order, and you can customize toppings—onion, cilantro, lime, salsa—to your preference. The quality of the meat matters here; it's grilled fresh rather than sitting under heat lamps.

Tortas—Mexican sandwiches on bolillo rolls—are another strong option. They come loaded with the same proteins, plus lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayo, and they're substantial enough to be a full meal. If you're ordering for a group or want variety, carne asada plates with rice and beans give you a more complete dinner without the bread.

Salsas and hot sauces are usually made in-house or sourced from local Mexican suppliers, not bottled commercial brands. Ask what's available that day; the options can shift. Agua fresca—a light, refreshing Mexican beverage made from fruit, water, and sugar—is often on hand and pairs well with the food.

Location and hours

Taqueria Restaurant Simon operates in South Carolina, though the exact location depends on which branch you're visiting, as some locations have multiple sites or have relocated over time. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, closing early enough that it's not a late-night destination. Call ahead or check the restaurant's current information before making a trip, as hours can shift seasonally or for special events.

Parking is usually street parking or a small lot, depending on the neighborhood. The restaurant is often located in areas with other small businesses and local shops rather than in shopping centers, so the vibe reflects the surrounding community.

Dining experience and atmosphere

This is not a quiet, upscale restaurant. Expect noise—the kitchen is open or close by, other customers are eating and talking, and the energy is lively. Families with children fit in naturally here. The staff moves quickly and knows regulars, but they're also friendly to first-timers and patient if you're deciding what to order.

Seating is first-come, first-served. During lunch and dinner rushes, you may wait a few minutes for a table, especially on weekends. The turnover is fast, though, so waits rarely stretch long. If you're in a hurry, you can order and take your food to go.

Pricing and value

Individual tacos cost a few dollars each, so a meal of three or four tacos with a drink runs under fifteen dollars for most people. Tortas and plates are slightly more but still affordable. Combination meals or family packs, if offered, provide better value if you're feeding multiple people. Drinks—sodas, agua fresca, or Mexican hot chocolate in cooler months—add a couple of dollars.

The value is strong because portions are honest and ingredients are fresh. You're not paying for ambiance or table service; you're paying for food made well and served quickly. For families or groups on a budget, this is an efficient choice.

When to visit and what to bring

Lunch (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 or 9 p.m.) are the busiest times. If you prefer a quieter experience, mid-afternoon or early evening just before the dinner rush works better. Weekends tend to draw more families and groups, so weekday visits are calmer if you want to sit and eat without noise.

Bring cash if possible—many small taquerias operate primarily on cash, though some now take cards. Check ahead if you have a payment preference. If you're dining in, you don't need to bring anything; the restaurant provides napkins and utensils. If you're taking food to go, a bag or container is provided.

Dietary considerations

Vegetarian options exist—beans, cheese, and vegetable fillings are available—but this is a meat-focused restaurant, so the menu isn't built around plant-based eating. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian, ask the staff directly; they can tell you what's in each dish and what can be modified.

Gluten-free diners can order tacos in corn tortillas and skip the tortas and bread-based items. Rice and beans are typically safe, but confirm with staff if cross-contamination is a concern for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Taqueria Restaurant Simon is counter-service and first-come, first-served. Walk in, order at the register, and find a seat. During very busy times you may wait a few minutes for a table, but reservations are not taken.

Can I order online or by phone?

Many taquerias now offer phone orders for pickup, though it depends on the specific location. Call ahead to ask if this option is available. If you're ordering for a large group, calling in advance is a good idea so the kitchen can prepare everything at once.

What's the difference between carne asada and carnitas?

Carne asada is grilled beef, seasoned and cooked quickly over high heat until it has a charred exterior and tender inside. Carnitas is pork that's slowly cooked in its own fat until it's very tender and can be shredded. Both are popular taco fillings; carne asada is leaner and more charred, while carnitas are richer and more tender.

Are the salsas spicy?

Salsa heat varies by type and recipe. Red salsa is usually mild to medium, while green salsa (salsa verde) can be spicier. Ask the staff which salsas are available and how hot each one is before you pour it on your food. You can always start with a little and add more.

What if I don't know what to order?

Ask the staff for a recommendation. They eat there too and know which dishes are popular and well-made. A safe first order is three or four tacos with your choice of protein, plus rice and beans on the side if you want a fuller meal. You can always come back and try something different next time.