Smokin' Gringo's: Mesquite-Grilled Tex-Mex in Columbia

What to expect at Smokin' Gringo's

Smokin' Gringo's is a Tex-Mex restaurant in Columbia that builds its menu around mesquite-grilled meats and Southwestern flavors. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable stretch of local shops and restaurants near the University of South Carolina campus. The space has a casual, laid-back feel with exposed brick, dim lighting, and a bar that runs the length of one wall—the kind of place where you can eat alone at the counter or bring a group and spread across a table.

The kitchen focuses on grilled proteins: brisket, chicken, and carnitas appear across tacos, nachos, and combination plates. Mesquite smoke is the signature flavor here, not the heat level. Most dishes land in the mild to medium range, though the salsa bar and hot sauces let you turn up the temperature if you want it. Portions are generous, and prices sit in the mid-range for a casual dinner out in Columbia.

Key Takeaways

• Smokin' Gringo's specializes in mesquite-grilled meats served in tacos, nachos, and plates with rice and beans.
• The restaurant is located on Main Street in Five Points, a neighborhood with street parking and nearby shops.
• The bar serves margaritas, beer, and cocktails, with a happy hour that runs on weekdays.
• The space works for solo diners at the counter, dates, and larger groups, with a casual atmosphere and no reservations needed for most times.

The menu and what to order

Start with the queso dip and chips—the cheese is smooth and warm, and the chips come fresh from the kitchen. The salsa bar sits at the front of the dining room, so you can taste a few options before you settle on one. The house salsa is mild and tomato-forward; the habanero version has real heat and a fruity undertone.

For tacos, the brisket is the standout. It comes shredded and tender, piled into corn tortillas with onion and cilantro, and the mesquite smoke is clear without overpowering the meat. The carnitas tacos are rich and fatty in the best way, and the grilled chicken tacos work well if you want something lighter. Most tacos come three to an order, and you can build a plate with two or three different kinds.

The nachos are loaded—choose your protein, and the kitchen piles on cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole. The brisket nachos are the most popular, though the carnitas version is worth trying if you like pork. Combination plates come with your choice of two or three proteins, plus rice, refried beans, and warm flour tortillas. The portions are large enough that many people split a plate or take half home.

Drinks and the bar scene

The margaritas come in several styles: classic lime, mango, and jalapeño. They are made with tequila and fresh citrus, not a mix, and the bartender will adjust the sweetness if you ask. The bar also stocks a solid selection of Mexican beers—Modelo, Pacifico, and Corona—and a few craft options from South Carolina breweries.

Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., with discounts on margaritas, beer, and appetizers. It is a popular time for the after-work crowd, so expect the bar to fill up around 5 p.m. The restaurant does not take reservations, but the turnover is quick enough that waits rarely exceed 20 minutes even during peak hours.

Parking and neighborhood context

Street parking is available on Main Street and the surrounding blocks in Five Points. The lot fills up during dinner hours on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to circle once or twice. The neighborhood is walkable—if you park a block or two away, it is an easy walk to the restaurant.

Five Points itself is worth exploring before or after your meal. The block has coffee shops, a bookstore, a vintage clothing shop, and several other restaurants within a short walk. If you are coming from campus or staying nearby, you can make an evening of it without getting back in the car.

When to go and what to know

Lunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and is quieter than dinner—a good time to go if you prefer a calmer atmosphere. Dinner service starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. on weeknights, later on weekends. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

The space can get loud during peak hours, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the bar is full. If you want to have a conversation, go early or on a weeknight. The restaurant is casual enough that you do not need to dress up, and the staff is friendly and patient with questions about the menu.

Dietary considerations

The menu is meat-heavy, but the kitchen can work with vegetarian requests. Rice and beans are available as a plate on their own, and the kitchen will make veggie nachos or a cheese quesadilla if you ask. Gluten-free tortillas are not on the regular menu, but ask your server—the kitchen may be able to accommodate depending on the day.

If you have a severe allergy, tell your server before you order. The kitchen uses shared equipment and handles multiple proteins, so cross-contamination is possible. The staff takes allergies seriously and will be honest about what they can and cannot may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Smokin' Gringo's operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Waits are usually short, even on weekends, though you may wait 15 to 20 minutes during peak dinner hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

What is the price range?

Tacos run around $3 to $4 each, combination plates are $12 to $16, and nachos are $10 to $14 depending on the protein. Drinks and appetizers add to the bill. Most people spend $15 to $25 per person for a full meal.

Can I get food to go?

Yes. Call ahead if you are ordering for a group, but single orders are usually ready in 10 to 15 minutes. The restaurant packs everything well, and the food travels without falling apart.

Is there outdoor seating?

The restaurant has limited outdoor seating on the sidewalk in warmer months. It fills up quickly on nice evenings, so arrive early if you want to sit outside.

What if I do not eat meat?

The menu is built around grilled proteins, but the kitchen can make rice and bean plates, cheese quesadillas, and veggie nachos. Talk to your server about what works for your diet—they are used to the question and can suggest options.