Tin Tin Street Tacos: Where to Find Them and What to Order

What Tin Tin Street Tacos offers

Tin Tin Street Tacos is a casual counter-service spot that serves authentic Mexican street tacos—the kind you'd find from a vendor's cart in Mexico, not a sit-down restaurant. The menu centers on grilled meats (carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, pollo asado) served on small corn or flour tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime. Most locations also offer quesadillas, tortas, and fresh aguas frescas to drink.

The appeal is simplicity and speed. You order at the counter, watch the cooks work the griddle, and eat standing up or at a high-top table. Portions are small and affordable—you typically order multiple tacos to make a meal. The flavors come from the meat itself and the char from the grill, not from heavy sauces or complicated toppings.

Key Takeaways

• Tin Tin serves street tacos with grilled meats, onion, cilantro, and lime on corn or flour tortillas, ordered by the piece.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order and eat quickly, with no table service.
• Prices are low—most tacos cost between $1.50 and $3 each, making it easy to try several varieties in one visit.
• Locations vary by region in South Carolina, so check the specific address before you go.

Where to find Tin Tin in South Carolina

Tin Tin Street Tacos has multiple locations across South Carolina, though the exact addresses and hours shift over time. The most reliable way to find the current location nearest you is to search online for "Tin Tin Street Tacos" plus your city name, or call ahead to confirm they are open.

Locations have appeared in the Midlands, the Lowcountry, and the Upstate at different times. Some operate as permanent storefronts; others run as food trucks or pop-ups at markets and events. If you find one, it is worth the stop—the turnover is fast enough that the meat is always fresh off the grill.

What to order and how to eat it

Start with the carnitas tacos—slow-cooked pork that shreds easily and has deep, savory flavor. The al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple undertones) is also a strong choice if you want something with a bit of sweetness. Carne asada (grilled beef) is leaner and works well if you prefer a cleaner taste.

Order at least three tacos to get a real sense of the menu. The tortillas are small, so one taco is a bite or two. Ask for extra lime and cilantro if you want them—most stands give you a small pile on the side. If you are unsure what to pick, ask the person taking your order; they can tell you which meat is fresh that day.

The quesadillas are worth trying if you want something more substantial. They are usually filled with cheese and your choice of meat, then griddled until the outside is crispy. Pair your tacos with an agua fresca—horchata, Jamaica (hibiscus), or tamarindo are common—rather than soda.

Why street tacos matter in South Carolina's food scene

Street tacos represent a direct line to Mexican food culture. They are not Americanized or adapted for a sit-down dining room; they are the same format sold on the street in Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Guadalajara. When a restaurant like Tin Tin keeps that format intact—small tortillas, minimal toppings, meat as the star—it gives you access to something authentic without pretense or markup.

In South Carolina, where Mexican food often means Tex-Mex or fusion, street tacos stand out because they do one thing and do it well. They also tend to be run by people with direct ties to Mexico, which means the recipes and techniques come from real experience, not a cookbook.

Price and what to expect to spend

Individual tacos typically run $1.50 to $3 each, depending on the meat and location. A meal of four to five tacos, plus a drink, usually costs $12 to $18 per person. This makes Tin Tin one of the most affordable sit-down or counter-service meals in South Carolina.

Most locations take cash and card. Portions are small by design—street tacos are meant to be eaten quickly and often in multiples. Do not expect a single taco to fill you up; order accordingly.

Hours and what to know before you go

Tin Tin locations often keep late hours, sometimes staying open until 10 p.m. or midnight, which makes them a good option for a late dinner or after-hours meal. However, hours vary by location and can change seasonally or without notice. Always call or check online before making the trip.

The restaurant is typically busiest during lunch and dinner rushes. If you go during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon, early evening), the line moves faster and you have more time to decide. The space is usually small and casual—expect to stand while you wait and eat at a counter or high-top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the tacos made with corn or flour tortillas?

Most Tin Tin locations offer both. Corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos and hold up better to wet fillings; flour tortillas are softer and slightly larger. Ask which one the cook recommends for the meat you choose.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Some locations offer cheese quesadillas or bean-based fillings, but the menu is meat-focused. Call ahead if you need vegetarian choices, as not all locations carry them.

Can I order a large quantity for a group or event?

Many Tin Tin locations take catering orders or bulk orders if you call in advance. The exact process varies by location, so contact the restaurant directly to discuss options and pricing.

What is the difference between carnitas and carne asada?

Carnitas is pork that has been slow-cooked in its own fat until it shreds easily—it is rich and tender. Carne asada is beef that has been marinated and grilled quickly over high heat—it is leaner and has a charred exterior. Both are excellent; it comes down to whether you prefer pork or beef.

Do they serve anything besides tacos?

Most locations also offer quesadillas, tortas (sandwiches on a roll), and sometimes nachos or other sides. Drinks usually include aguas frescas, sodas, and sometimes beer. The exact menu varies by location.