Chicanos Tacos and Tequila in Columbia — What to Order and Why

What Chicanos Tacos and Tequila serves

Chicanos Tacos and Tequila is a casual Mexican restaurant in Columbia that centers on tacos, grilled meats, and tequila cocktails. The kitchen makes its own tortillas and focuses on straightforward preparations—charred proteins, fresh toppings, and salsas that change with the seasons. The bar stocks over 100 tequilas, from entry-level bottles to high-end añejos, and the staff can walk you through the differences if you ask.

The restaurant occupies a bright, open space with a lively bar area and communal seating. It draws a mix of weekday lunch crowds, date-night couples, and groups looking for a place to linger over drinks. The noise level runs high during peak hours, which suits the energy but makes quiet conversation difficult.

Key Takeaways

• The carne asada and al pastor tacos are the standout orders—both use house-marinated meat grilled to order and finished with onion, cilantro, and lime.
• Chicanos makes its own corn and flour tortillas daily, which changes the texture and flavor compared to mass-produced alternatives.
• The tequila selection is deep enough that ordering a flight or asking the bartender for a recommendation makes sense, especially if you do not have a preferred brand.
• Lunch is faster and less crowded than dinner; weekend evenings often require a wait, particularly after 7 p.m.
• The restaurant does not take reservations, so arriving early or calling ahead to check the wait is worth the effort on busy nights.

The taco menu and what stands out

The taco list rotates slightly, but the core offerings stay consistent. Carne asada—beef marinated in citrus and spices, then grilled—arrives with charred edges and a tender interior. Al pastor, the vertical-spit pork dish with pineapple and chile, has a sweet-savory balance that works well with a lime squeeze. Carnitas, the slow-cooked pork, shreds easily and pairs well with the house salsa verde.

Fish tacos appear seasonally and use whatever local catch is available; the kitchen typically prepares them fried or grilled depending on the species. Chicken tacos are milder but well-seasoned, and the vegetarian options—usually roasted poblano, black beans, or seasonal vegetables—hold their own rather than feeling like an afterthought. Most tacos come three to an order, and the kitchen encourages mixing and matching proteins.

Toppings are kept simple: diced white onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your choice of salsa. The house red salsa has a tomato base with moderate heat; the verde leans toward tomatillo and jalapeño. Both are made fresh and taste noticeably different from bottled versions.

Sides and what to order beyond tacos

Elote—grilled corn with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder—is a popular side that works as a standalone snack or a complement to tacos. The charred kernels pick up smoke from the grill, and the cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture. Refried beans and black beans are available, though neither is particularly memorable; they serve their purpose without standing out.

Queso fundido, a warm cheese dip with chorizo and peppers, arrives with warm flour tortillas for dipping and works well for sharing at the start of a meal. Ceviche appears on the menu when fish is fresh, and it changes based on what the kitchen sources that week. Chips and salsa come automatically and are complimentary, though the chips are fried in-house and taste fresher than most.

The tequila program and cocktails

The bar's strength is tequila, not mixed drinks. The cocktail list is short and straightforward—margaritas, palomas, and a few house specials—but the real draw is ordering tequila neat or in a flight. The bartenders know the inventory well and can explain the difference between blanco (unaged, bright, peppery), reposado (aged in oak, smoother), and añejo (longer aging, more complex). If you are new to tequila, asking for a flight of three blancos at different price points gives you a sense of how quality and cost relate.

Mezcal is also available, though the selection is smaller than the tequila list. Beer options lean toward Mexican imports and regional craft breweries. Non-alcoholic drinks include agua fresca, a traditional Mexican beverage made with fruit and rice, and standard sodas and juices.

Atmosphere and timing

The dining room is open and modern, with high ceilings, bright lighting, and a bar that runs the length of one wall. The space fills quickly during lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (6 p.m. onward), particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekday afternoons are quieter and a better time to sit without rushing or waiting.

The restaurant does not take reservations, so groups larger than four should arrive early or call ahead to ask about the wait. Takeout is available and moves faster than dine-in service. The noise level is high during peak hours—conversations at neighboring tables are audible, and the open kitchen adds to the ambient sound—so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter meal.

Price and what to expect to spend

Tacos range from moderate to mid-range pricing, with most orders falling between $3 and $5 per taco. A typical meal of three tacos, a side, and a non-alcoholic drink runs $20 to $30 before tax and tip. Cocktails and tequila pours vary widely depending on what you order; a basic margarita costs less than a premium tequila neat, which can run $12 to $20 or more for high-end bottles.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building, and street parking is also an option depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No, Chicanos does not take reservations. Walk-ins are welcome, but expect a wait during lunch and dinner rush hours, especially on weekends. Calling ahead to ask about the current wait time can help you decide whether to come now or return later.

What is the best taco to order if I am new here?

Start with the carne asada or al pastor. Both showcase the kitchen's grilling technique and the quality of the house-made tortillas. If you prefer milder flavors, the carnitas or chicken are solid choices. Most people order three tacos and mix proteins to sample the menu.

Can I order tequila if I do not know much about it?

Yes. Tell the bartender your budget and whether you prefer something smooth or with more flavor, and they will recommend a bottle or suggest a flight. A flight of three different tequilas is a good way to taste the range without committing to a full pour.

Is there parking?

Yes, there is a dedicated lot next to the restaurant, and street parking is available nearby. Parking is typically easy to find except during peak dinner hours on weekends.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes. The menu includes roasted poblano tacos, black bean tacos, and seasonal vegetable options. Elote and queso fundido are also vegetarian-friendly sides. Ask your server what vegetables are available that day.