Taqueria Simón: Authentic Mexican Street Food in South Carolina

What Taqueria Simón offers

Taqueria Simón is a casual counter-service restaurant that makes fresh tacos, tortas, and traditional Mexican plates the way they're prepared in Mexico—not the Americanized versions you find in chains. The kitchen works with real ingredients: hand-pressed corn tortillas, slow-cooked meats, fresh cilantro and onion, and salsas made in-house. You order at the counter, find a seat, and eat quickly or take it with you.

The menu centers on tacos in corn or flour tortillas, filled with carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, pollo asado, or barbacoa. Beyond tacos, you can order tortas (Mexican sandwiches on bolillo rolls), quesadillas, and plates with rice and beans. The portions are generous and the prices are low—most tacos run two to three dollars each. Taqueria Simón doesn't serve alcohol, and the dining room is simple: plastic chairs, bright lights, and a focus on the food rather than the atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• Taqueria Simón makes hand-pressed corn tortillas and slow-cooked meats fresh each day, so the quality depends on when you arrive—earlier in the day is usually better.
• The menu is small and focused: tacos, tortas, and a few plates, with no substitutions or modifications beyond what's listed.
• This is counter-service, cash-preferred dining, so bring small bills and expect to order and eat quickly.
• The restaurant is located in a strip mall or small storefront, not a destination with parking or outdoor seating, so plan accordingly.

The tacos and what makes them different

The tacos here taste different from what most South Carolina diners expect because Taqueria Simón uses corn tortillas pressed fresh throughout the day, not pre-made shells. The meat is the star: carnitas are braised pork shoulder cooked until it shreds, carne asada is grilled thin-cut beef, al pastor is marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, and barbacoa is beef brisket slow-cooked until it falls apart. Each comes with onion and cilantro, and you add salsa at the counter or from the bottles on the table.

The simplicity is intentional. There are no cheese, lettuce, tomato, or sour cream options on the tacos themselves—that's not how they're made in Mexico. If you want those things, order a torta instead, which is a bolillo roll filled with meat, avocado, tomato, onion, and mayo. The tortas are substantial and cost more than tacos, usually in the five to seven dollar range.

When to go and what to expect

Taqueria Simón is busiest at lunch, roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and again at dinner around 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you go during those windows, expect a line and a wait of ten to twenty minutes. The line moves fast because the staff works efficiently, but the kitchen is small and can only make so many tacos at once. If you're in a hurry, go mid-afternoon or early evening.

The dining room is small—maybe six to eight tables—so during lunch rush you may not find a seat. Many people take their order to go. The restaurant is cash-preferred, though some locations now take cards; call ahead if you're unsure. There's no drive-through, no delivery, and no online ordering, so you have to go in person.

Sides and drinks

Most tacos come with a small cup of rice and beans on the side, or you can order a full plate with more generous portions. The beans are usually refried and cooked with lard, which gives them flavor. The rice is simple—white rice cooked with a little salt and maybe a bit of tomato. Both are meant to round out the meal, not to be the focus.

Drinks are limited: agua fresca (a cold, lightly sweetened drink made from rice, melon, or other fruit), Mexican Coke in glass bottles, horchata, and sometimes fresh-squeezed lime juice. Coffee is usually available in the morning. There's no alcohol, no smoothies, and no specialty drinks.

How to order if you're new

Walk up to the counter and look at the menu board or ask what meats are ready that day. Tell the person taking your order how many tacos you want, which meat, and whether you want corn or flour tortillas. They'll ask if you want rice and beans. You pay at the counter, find a seat, and they call your number or name when it's ready—usually within five to ten minutes.

If you're unsure what to order, start with three tacos of different meats so you can taste the difference. Carnitas and carne asada are the most popular. Ask for extra salsa if you like heat; the house salsa is usually mild, and there's often a spicier version available. Don't be shy about asking questions—the staff is used to newcomers and will help you navigate the menu.

Location and hours

Taqueria Simón locations vary by city and can change, so search online or call before you go. Most are open for lunch and dinner, typically 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., though hours shift by location and season. Some close on Sundays or Mondays. The restaurant is usually in a strip mall or small storefront in neighborhoods with larger Latino populations, not in downtown or tourist areas.

Parking is usually free and easy, though the lot may be small. There's no website or social media presence at most locations, so a phone call is the best way to confirm hours or ask about daily specials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian tacos?

Most Taqueria Simón locations don't have a dedicated vegetarian menu, but you can order cheese quesadillas or ask if they have beans-only tacos. Call ahead to confirm what's available that day, since the menu is limited and focused on meat.

Can I modify the tacos—like add cheese or lettuce?

The tacos are made a specific way, and most locations don't modify them. If you want cheese, lettuce, tomato, or other toppings, order a torta instead, which comes with those ingredients built in. The staff will let you know what's possible when you order.

Is it cash only?

Most Taqueria Simón locations prefer cash, but some now take cards. Call the location you're visiting to confirm payment methods before you go, especially if you don't have cash on hand.

What's the difference between carnitas and carne asada?

Carnitas is braised pork that's cooked slowly until it shreds and is rich and tender. Carne asada is grilled thin-cut beef that's leaner and has a charred, smoky flavor. Both are popular; try one of each to see which you prefer.

Do they serve alcohol?

No, Taqueria Simón is a casual counter-service restaurant with no bar or alcohol service. It's a quick meal spot, not a place to linger over drinks.