Lulu's To Go: Casual Tex-Mex Takeout in South Carolina
What Lulu's To Go offers
Lulu's To Go is a casual counter-service restaurant where you order at the window and pick up your food—no table service, no frills. The menu centers on Tex-Mex basics: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas, with a focus on straightforward flavors and generous portions. Most items run between $6 and $12, making it an affordable option for a quick lunch or dinner.
The restaurant operates as a takeout-only spot in South Carolina, designed for people who want Tex-Mex food fast without sitting down. You can eat in your car, at home, or take it to a park—the choice is yours. The ordering process is simple: walk up, tell them what you want, pay, and wait a few minutes while they prepare it.
Key Takeaways
- Lulu's To Go is a counter-service Tex-Mex restaurant where you order and pick up your food without table service.
- The menu features tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas at prices typically between $6 and $12 per item.
- Most orders are ready within 10 to 15 minutes, making it convenient for lunch breaks or weeknight dinners.
- The restaurant accepts cash and card payments and operates during standard lunch and dinner hours.
Menu highlights and what to order
The tacos come in soft corn or crispy shells, filled with your choice of seasoned beef, shredded chicken, or carnitas. Each taco includes lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo, with sour cream and salsa on the side. Many regulars order three or four tacos as a meal, since they are reasonably priced and filling.
Burritos are wrapped tightly and stuffed with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and your choice of toppings. The enchiladas come smothered in red or green sauce and topped with melted cheese and onions. Quesadillas are griddled until crispy and served with a small cup of sour cream for dipping. If you are unsure what to order, ask the staff—they know the menu well and can suggest combinations based on how hungry you are.
Timing and how to order
Walk up to the window, look at the menu board posted above, and tell the person taking orders what you want. They will ask you to specify your protein choice, whether you want your shells soft or crispy, and any substitutions. Payment happens before you leave the window—cash or card both work.
Most orders take 10 to 15 minutes to prepare, depending on how busy they are. During lunch rush (around noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner rush (around 5:30 to 7 p.m.), wait times can stretch to 20 minutes. If you are in a hurry, calling ahead is not always an option at counter-service spots, so arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) usually means faster service.
Where Lulu's To Go locations are in South Carolina
Lulu's To Go has multiple locations across South Carolina, with the strongest presence in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The original location and several others operate in and around Columbia, while additional spots serve the Charleston area and surrounding communities. Each location operates independently, so hours and exact menu offerings may vary slightly.
Before heading out, confirm the address and hours of your nearest location, since restaurant hours can change seasonally or due to staffing. Many locations are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, but some may have different weekend hours or close on Mondays. A quick phone call or online search will tell you what to expect.
Dietary considerations and customization
Lulu's To Go can accommodate some dietary preferences, though options are limited at a casual counter-service spot. You can request beans instead of meat, ask for extra vegetables, or skip cheese and sour cream if you prefer. Most staff will make reasonable substitutions without charging extra, but it is worth asking before you order.
If you have a severe food allergy, ask to speak with someone who knows the kitchen procedures. Cross-contamination is possible in a busy takeout environment, so be clear about your needs. The restaurant does not publish a detailed allergen menu, so if allergies are a serious concern, call ahead and speak with a manager.
Pricing and what to expect to spend
Individual tacos typically cost $2 to $3 each, so a three-taco meal runs $6 to $9 before tax. Burritos and enchiladas range from $7 to $10. Quesadillas fall in the $6 to $8 range. Sides like rice, beans, or chips with salsa cost $2 to $4. A full meal for one person—three tacos, a drink, and chips—usually totals $12 to $16.
Most locations do not charge for basic toppings like salsa, sour cream, or extra cheese, though some may charge a small amount for premium add-ons like guacamole or extra meat. Prices can vary slightly between locations, so do not be surprised if one spot charges differently than another.
Why Lulu's To Go works for South Carolina diners
Lulu's To Go fills a specific niche: people who want Tex-Mex food that is affordable, quick, and unpretentious. There is no wait for a table, no pressure to linger, and no complicated menu to navigate. You know what you are getting, and you get it fast. For families, solo diners, and groups grabbing lunch together, that simplicity is the appeal.
The restaurant also reflects South Carolina's casual dining culture, where counter-service spots and takeout are normal parts of how people eat. Lulu's fits alongside other quick-service favorites across the state—it is not trying to be a sit-down restaurant, and that honesty about what it is makes it work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order online or by phone?
Most Lulu's To Go locations accept phone orders, which can speed up your visit if you call ahead. Online ordering through their website or a third-party app may be available at some locations but not all. Call your nearest location to confirm their ordering methods before you assume you can order online.
Do they have vegetarian options?
Yes. You can order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas filled with beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables instead of meat. Ask the staff what combinations they recommend, since some items work better vegetarian than others.
What if I do not like spicy food?
Most items at Lulu's To Go are mild to medium in heat. Ask for salsa on the side so you can control how much you use, and let the staff know you prefer mild flavors—they can usually adjust the seasoning or recommend milder options.
Is there seating, or is it strictly takeout?
Lulu's To Go is primarily a takeout operation, though some locations may have a few outdoor picnic tables or limited indoor seating. Call ahead to confirm whether your location has seating, since this varies by spot.
What payment methods do they accept?
Most locations accept both cash and card payments. Some may have a card minimum or prefer cash, so bringing both is safest. Ask when you arrive if you are unsure.