Tequila's in South Carolina: Where to Find Authentic Mexican Food and Margaritas

What Tequila's Offers and Where to Find Locations

Tequila's is a casual Mexican restaurant chain with multiple locations across South Carolina, known for traditional dishes, fresh ingredients, and a full bar featuring tequila-based cocktails. The restaurants typically serve lunch and dinner daily, with a relaxed atmosphere suited to families, groups, and solo diners. Each location maintains the same core menu while some offer regional variations based on local preferences.

The chain has established itself as a reliable spot for people seeking authentic Mexican cuisine without the formality of fine dining. Locations are scattered throughout the state, making it accessible whether you're in the Lowcountry, the Midlands, or the Upstate. Hours vary by location, so calling ahead or checking online before visiting ensures you won't arrive to find the kitchen closed.

Key Takeaways

• Tequila's serves traditional Mexican entrees, appetizers, and sides prepared fresh daily, with options for both meat and vegetarian diners.
• The bar specializes in margaritas and other tequila cocktails, with a selection of tequilas ranging from budget-friendly to premium.
• Most Tequila's locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery through third-party apps, giving you flexibility in how you order.
• Locations and hours differ across South Carolina, so confirming details before you go prevents disappointment.

The Menu: What to Order

Tequila's menu centers on familiar Mexican classics: enchiladas, tacos, burritos, chile rellenos, and fajitas. Most entrees come with rice and beans, and you can typically choose your protein—chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetarian fillings. The kitchen will accommodate requests for modifications, such as substituting black beans for refried beans or requesting extra salsa.

Appetizers include queso dip, guacamole, ceviche, and fried items like chimichangas and flautas. Soups and salads round out the lighter options. If you're dining with others, the combination platters let you sample multiple dishes at a lower per-item cost than ordering entrees individually. Portions are generous—many people take leftovers home.

The kitchen typically uses fresh cilantro, lime, and onion in salsas and garnishes. If you have allergies or strong preferences about ingredients, ask your server or call ahead; the staff can usually tell you what's in a dish or suggest alternatives.

Drinks and the Bar Experience

Tequila's bar is built around tequila cocktails, with margaritas as the signature drink. Most locations offer margaritas on the rocks or frozen, in flavors like classic lime, strawberry, mango, and jalapeño. You can request top-shelf tequila if you prefer a smoother spirit, though standard margaritas use mid-range options.

Beyond margaritas, the bar stocks beer—both domestic and Mexican imports like Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico—and a selection of other spirits for mixed drinks. Non-alcoholic options include agua fresca, horchata, and traditional Mexican sodas. Happy hour specials, when available, typically discount margaritas and beer during early evening hours; ask your server or check the location's social media for current deals.

Dining Atmosphere and Seating

Tequila's locations are casual and informal, with décor reflecting Mexican themes—colorful tiles, painted murals, and warm lighting. Tables are close together, making it a social environment where you'll often hear conversations from nearby diners. The noise level can be moderate to high during peak hours, especially on weekends and around dinner time.

Most locations have a bar area where you can sit and eat if you prefer, and booths or tables for larger groups. Families with children are welcome, and high chairs are usually available. The restrooms are typically clean and accessible. If you need a quieter experience, calling ahead to ask about slower times—usually mid-afternoon on weekdays—can help you plan your visit.

How to Order: Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery

Walking in without a reservation is usually fine for small groups, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours (lunch around noon, dinner between 6 and 8 p.m.). Larger groups should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up. Some locations accept reservations; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Takeout orders can be placed by phone or through the restaurant's website if available. Many Tequila's locations also appear on delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, though ordering directly from the restaurant sometimes avoids delivery fees. Takeout orders typically take 15 to 25 minutes depending on how busy the kitchen is. Ask about any specials or discounts for takeout when you order.

Pricing and What to Expect

Entrees at Tequila's typically range from moderate to mid-range pricing, with most dishes falling between $12 and $18. Combination platters and lunch specials are usually less expensive than dinner entrees. Appetizers run $6 to $10, and margaritas are priced competitively with other casual Mexican restaurants in the area.

Takeout and dine-in prices are the same. Delivery through third-party apps will add a service fee and delivery charge on top of your food cost. Tipping is customary—15 to 20 percent for dine-in service, and a smaller amount (5 to 10 percent) for takeout if you wish. Cash and card are both accepted at all locations.

Finding Your Nearest Location

Tequila's has multiple restaurants throughout South Carolina, but the exact number and addresses change over time as locations open and close. The most reliable way to find a current location near you is to search "Tequila's Mexican restaurant South Carolina" online, which will show active locations with addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

You can also call a location you know about and ask if they have sister restaurants nearby. Google Maps and Yelp both list Tequila's locations with customer reviews, photos, and directions. Checking recent reviews before you visit gives you a sense of what current diners experienced—whether the food quality and service are consistent with what you're looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Tequila's locations take reservations?

Some do and some don't—it depends on the individual restaurant. Call ahead to ask. If they don't take reservations, arriving before 11:30 a.m. or after 8 p.m. usually means shorter waits. Weekday afternoons are typically slower than weekends.

Can I order a margarita without alcohol?

Yes. Ask your server for a virgin margarita or a non-alcoholic version. The bar can make one with lime juice, simple syrup, and a salt rim. Agua fresca and horchata are also good non-alcoholic options if you want something different.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Cheese enchiladas, bean burritos, chile rellenos with cheese, and veggie fajitas are standard vegetarian choices. Ask your server which dishes contain meat broth or lard if you want to avoid animal products entirely; the kitchen can usually adapt dishes to meet dietary needs.

What's the best way to order if I'm in a hurry?

Call ahead and place a takeout order by phone. This way the kitchen starts preparing your food before you arrive, and you can pick it up in 15 to 25 minutes. Avoid peak hours (noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.) if speed matters.

Do Tequila's locations have outdoor seating?

Some do and some don't. Call the specific location you plan to visit and ask. If outdoor seating is important to you, confirm it's available before making the trip, especially during good weather when patios fill up quickly.