El Charrito Taqueria: Authentic Mexican Street Food in South Carolina

What El Charrito Taqueria Serves

El Charrito Taqueria is a casual Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos, tortas, and grilled meats cooked to order. The menu centers on traditional street-food preparations: carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, and pollo asado served on corn or flour tortillas, with fresh onion, cilantro, and lime on the side. The kitchen also makes tortas (Mexican sandwiches on bolillo rolls), quesadillas, and chile rellenos.

The restaurant operates as a walk-up counter or casual dining spot depending on location, with minimal table seating. Most customers order at the counter and eat standing or take food to go. The atmosphere is unpretentious and fast-moving—this is neighborhood food, not a destination restaurant with table service.

Key Takeaways

• El Charrito Taqueria focuses on grilled meats and traditional Mexican street tacos rather than Tex-Mex or fusion dishes.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot with limited seating, designed for quick meals and takeout.
• Carnitas, carne asada, and al pastor are the core proteins, each with a distinct flavor and preparation method.
• Prices are low—most tacos cost between $1.50 and $3 each, making it an affordable option for lunch or casual dinner.

Where to Find El Charrito Taqueria in South Carolina

El Charrito Taqueria operates at multiple locations across South Carolina, with the strongest presence in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The original and flagship location is in Columbia, with additional spots in Charleston and surrounding areas. Each location maintains the same menu and counter-service format, though hours and exact address details vary by site.

Before visiting, confirm the specific address and hours online or by phone, as taqueria locations sometimes shift or adjust their schedules seasonally. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, with some closing between the afternoon and evening service.

The Meat: How Each Protein Is Cooked

Carnitas are pork shoulder braised low and slow until the meat shreds apart, then crisped on a flat griddle just before serving. The result is tender inside with a caramelized crust. Carne asada is thin-sliced beef marinated in citrus and spices, then grilled over high heat until charred and smoky. Al pastor is pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo) and shaved off to order—it has a distinctive sweet and spicy flavor from the achiote and pineapple in the marinade.

Pollo asado is whole chicken or chicken pieces marinated in citrus and achiote, then grilled until the skin crisps and the meat stays juicy. Each protein is seasoned simply—salt, pepper, and the marinade—so the quality of the meat and the cooking technique matter more than a long ingredient list. This is where the kitchen's skill shows.

Tacos, Tortas, and Sides

A standard taco at El Charrito comes with two corn tortillas (or one flour if you ask), a generous portion of meat, and a small pile of diced white onion and fresh cilantro. Lime wedges and salsa are usually available at the counter. Some locations offer pickled jalapeños, radish slices, or avocado for an extra charge.

Tortas are built on a soft bolillo roll with refried beans, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your choice of meat. They are substantial—one torta is often a full meal. Quesadillas come with cheese and meat, cooked on a griddle until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese melts. Chile rellenos (poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and covered in egg batter) are available at some locations but not all, so ask before ordering.

What to Order and How to Order

Start with three or four tacos of different meats to understand the range—carnitas for richness, carne asada for smoke and char, al pastor for complexity. If you are unsure, ask the person taking your order; they can recommend based on what is fresh that day. Most people order by the taco, not by the pound, so you can mix and match.

If you are very hungry or ordering for a group, a torta plus two or three tacos is a common combination. Prices are low enough that trying multiple things is affordable. Most locations do not have a printed menu posted, so look at what is written on the wall or ask what is available. The core meats are always there; seasonal or special items rotate.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

El Charrito Taqueria is designed for speed and informality. There is no table service, no reservations, and no wait staff. You order at the counter, pay immediately, and either eat at a small table or take your food to go. The space is usually small—a few tables, a counter, and the kitchen visible behind glass or an open window.

The clientele is mixed: construction workers on lunch break, families, students, and people from the neighborhood. The language spoken at the counter is often Spanish, but English-speaking customers are welcome and the staff can communicate in both. The vibe is casual and welcoming, not pretentious. Expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes from order to eating if you stay, or 5 minutes if you order to go.

Cost and Value

Individual tacos typically cost between $1.50 and $3 depending on the meat and location. Tortas run $6 to $9. Quesadillas and chile rellenos are in the $4 to $7 range. A meal of three tacos, a drink, and possibly a side comes to $10 to $15 per person. This is among the most affordable dining in South Carolina, and the quality is high relative to the price.

Most locations accept cash and card. Some smaller or older locations may be cash-only, so bring both or ask ahead. There is no tipping jar at the counter, though some locations have one—tipping is optional and not expected for counter service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian tacos?

Most El Charrito locations can make cheese quesadillas or cheese tacos, and some offer grilled vegetables or beans as a filling. Call ahead to confirm what vegetarian options are available at your specific location, as menus vary slightly.

Can I order online or by phone?

Some locations take phone orders for pickup, but not all have online ordering. Call the location directly to ask about ordering ahead. Many locations are designed for walk-up service, so expect to order in person.

What is the difference between carnitas and carne asada?

Carnitas are braised pork that is tender and rich, while carne asada is grilled beef that is smoky and charred. Carnitas are softer and more forgiving; carne asada has more texture and a stronger grilled flavor. Try both to see which you prefer.

Are the tortillas made fresh?

Most El Charrito locations use high-quality corn tortillas, though not all make them from scratch on-site. The tortillas are warm and pliable, which is what matters for a good taco. If you have a preference for flour or corn, specify when you order.

Is there parking?

Parking depends on the location. Some taquerias are in strip malls with dedicated lots; others are on busy streets with street parking only. Check the address on Google Maps to see what parking looks like before you visit.