Underground Burritos in South Carolina: Where to Find Them and What to Order
What Underground Burritos Are and Where to Find Them
Underground Burritos is a casual burrito counter in Charleston that started as a food truck and has built a loyal following for customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos made to order. The restaurant operates from a small storefront location and focuses on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and letting you build exactly what you want rather than ordering from a fixed menu. It's the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers leave wondering why they haven't been there sooner.
The space itself is unpretentious—order at the counter, watch your burrito get rolled, grab a seat at one of the few tables or take it with you. The vibe is distinctly Charleston casual: friendly, no-fuss, and built around the idea that good food doesn't need a lot of ceremony. If you're coming from the seafood section of this guide, Underground Burritos offers a completely different flavor profile and preparation style, but it shares the same commitment to quality ingredients and knowing what you're getting.
Key Takeaways
- Underground Burritos lets you choose your protein, rice, beans, vegetables, and toppings rather than ordering preset combinations.
- The restaurant is located in Charleston and operates as a counter-service spot with limited seating, so it works well for takeout or a quick lunch.
- Prices are moderate—most burritos and bowls fall in the $10 to $15 range depending on protein choice and add-ons.
- The menu rotates proteins seasonally and features both traditional options like chicken and carnitas alongside vegetarian and vegan choices.
Building Your Own Burrito: How the Ordering System Works
When you walk up to the counter, you start with a base: burrito, bowl, or tacos. From there, you pick your protein—chicken, carnitas, barbacoa, or whatever the kitchen is running that day. Vegetarian and vegan proteins are always available, usually including beans, tofu, or seasonal vegetables. The staff will guide you through the next layers: rice choice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime), beans (black, pinto, or refried), and then the toppings bar opens up.
Toppings typically include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa (usually multiple heat levels), and whatever else the kitchen has prepped that day. You can load it up or keep it simple—there's no judgment either way. The burrito gets rolled in front of you, and if you ordered a bowl, it's the same ingredients in a container. This build-your-own approach means you can return ten times and have ten different meals, or you can order the exact same thing every time if you find your perfect combination.
Proteins and Seasonal Offerings
The protein selection changes based on what's available and what the kitchen is focusing on. Carnitas—slow-cooked pork that's tender and rich—is a house specialty and worth ordering if it's available. Chicken is reliable and works well if you want something lighter. Barbacoa, when offered, is deeply flavored and falls apart in the burrito. The kitchen also experiments with seasonal proteins and preparations, so asking what's fresh that day can lead you to something you wouldn't have ordered otherwise.
Vegetarian and vegan customers have real options here, not an afterthought. Black beans and pinto beans are hearty enough to anchor a burrito on their own, and the kitchen often has roasted vegetables or seasonal preparations that make a vegetarian burrito feel complete rather than like a stripped-down version of something else. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, the counter staff can usually tell you exactly what's in each component and help you navigate the menu accordingly.
What to Order If You're New
If you're walking in without a plan, start with a carnitas burrito with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and the standard toppings—lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream. Add guacamole if you want richness and are willing to pay the upcharge. This combination gives you a sense of how the kitchen builds flavor and how the ingredients work together. It's not fancy, but it's a solid entry point that lets the quality of the ingredients speak for itself.
If you're not sure about burritos, order a bowl instead—it's the same filling, easier to eat, and you can taste each component more clearly. Tacos are also a good way to sample the kitchen's work without committing to a full burrito. Ask the staff what they're eating that day; they usually have a genuine recommendation rather than a script, and that recommendation often reflects what's particularly good in that moment.
Timing, Location, and Practical Details
Underground Burritos operates from a small storefront in Charleston, and hours can vary seasonally or by day of the week, so checking ahead before you go saves a wasted trip. The restaurant is popular during lunch hours, especially on weekdays, so arriving before noon or after 1 p.m. usually means a shorter line. It's not a destination you plan a whole day around, but it's exactly the kind of place you stop into when you're in the neighborhood and hungry.
Parking in Charleston can be tight depending on the location, so factor that into your planning. The space itself is small—a few tables and counter seating—so if you're going with a group, takeout might be more comfortable than trying to find seats. The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards, so either works. If you're ordering for multiple people, let the staff know upfront so they can pace the rolling and have everything ready around the same time.
Pairing Underground Burritos with Other Charleston Food Experiences
Underground Burritos fits into Charleston's broader food culture as a casual, ingredient-focused spot that doesn't pretend to be fine dining but takes its work seriously. If you're exploring the city's food scene, you might pair a burrito lunch here with a seafood dinner elsewhere, or use it as a quick meal between exploring other neighborhoods. The restaurant's approach—knowing your ingredients, letting customers customize, keeping prices reasonable—reflects values you'll find across Charleston's best casual dining.
The King Street and downtown Charleston areas have other casual spots worth exploring in the same visit, so Underground Burritos works well as part of a larger food itinerary rather than a destination on its own. If you're planning a day of exploring Charleston's neighborhoods, knowing where Underground Burritos is located gives you a reliable lunch option that won't derail your schedule or your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a burrito without rice?
Yes. You can ask for extra beans, extra vegetables, or just a lighter filling. The staff can build it however you want, so if rice isn't your thing, tell them upfront and they'll adjust. You're paying for the burrito, not a specific ingredient list, so customizing around your preferences is normal.
Are there vegan options?
Yes. Black beans or pinto beans work as a protein base, and you can load up on vegetables, rice, and salsa. Ask which toppings are vegan—sour cream and cheese are not, but guacamole, salsa, and most vegetables are. The staff can walk you through what's available that day.
How much does a burrito cost?
Most burritos run between $10 and $15 depending on your protein choice and add-ons like guacamole. Bowls and tacos are usually in the same range. Prices can shift based on ingredient costs, so asking when you order gives you the exact total before you commit.
Do they have a kids menu?
Underground Burritos doesn't typically have a separate kids menu, but the staff can make smaller portions or simpler combinations for children. Call ahead or ask at the counter what they can do for a younger diner.
Is Underground Burritos good for takeout?
Yes. The burrito format travels well, and takeout is probably the most common way people order. If you're eating in the car or back at your hotel, a burrito is easier to manage than most restaurant meals, and it stays warm and intact for a reasonable amount of time.