Tienda Mexicana Danny: A South Carolina Grocery Stop for Mexican Staples and Prepared Foods
What Tienda Mexicana Danny offers
Tienda Mexicana Danny is a small grocery store focused on Mexican and Latin American products, with locations across South Carolina. The store stocks dried chiles, fresh tortillas, masa, beans, rice, and spices you may not find in standard supermarkets. Beyond groceries, many locations prepare fresh food to order—tamales, carnitas, barbacoa, and other cooked dishes—making it both a market and a quick-service counter.
The store caters to people cooking traditional Mexican meals at home and to those looking for ready-to-eat options. Prices tend to be lower than mainstream grocery chains for bulk items like beans and rice, and the prepared foods offer an alternative to chain restaurants.
Key Takeaways
- Tienda Mexicana Danny stocks hard-to-find Mexican ingredients like dried chiles, fresh masa, and specialty spices at lower prices than supermarkets.
- Most locations have a prepared-food counter serving tamales, carnitas, barbacoa, and other cooked dishes made fresh to order.
- The store operates multiple locations throughout South Carolina, so you can find one near you by searching online or calling ahead.
- Hours and menu items vary by location, so confirm what you need is available before making a trip.
What to buy at Tienda Mexicana Danny
The dried goods section carries chiles you need for moles, salsas, and traditional soups—ancho, guajillo, pasilla, and chipotle—often in bulk quantities at lower per-pound costs than specialty stores. Fresh masa for tamales and tortillas is usually available daily, and the store stocks corn and flour tortillas in multiple sizes.
Beans come in bulk bins or packaged form: black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, and regional varieties. Rice, lentils, and grains fill out the staple section. The spice aisle includes cumin, Mexican oregano, and pre-mixed seasoning blends. You will also find Mexican cheeses like queso fresco and oaxaca, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and cooking oils.
The prepared-food counter varies by location but typically offers tamales (chicken, cheese and rajas, or pork), carnitas by the pound, barbacoa, chile rellenos, and enchiladas. Some locations make fresh churros or flan for dessert. Prices for prepared items are generally lower than sit-down restaurants.
Finding a location near you
Tienda Mexicana Danny has multiple locations across South Carolina. A web search for "Tienda Mexicana Danny near me" or "Tienda Mexicana Danny [your city]" will show addresses and phone numbers. Calling ahead is worth the effort—hours can shift seasonally, and prepared-food availability depends on daily demand.
Some locations are in strip malls or downtown areas with limited parking, so arriving during off-peak hours (mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays) can make shopping easier. Locations in larger cities like Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville tend to have more consistent hours and fuller prepared-food menus.
Pricing and payment methods
Tienda Mexicana Danny's prices on bulk items like dried chiles, beans, and rice undercut supermarket chains by 20 to 40 percent, especially if you buy in larger quantities. Prepared foods cost between $8 and $15 per pound for items like carnitas or barbacoa, and tamales typically run $1 to $2 each depending on filling.
Most locations take cash and card, though some smaller stores may prefer cash or have a card minimum. It is worth asking about bulk discounts if you are buying large quantities of dried goods or planning to order prepared food for a group.
When to visit and what to expect
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually quieter than evenings and weekends. If you want fresh prepared food, arriving by mid-afternoon gives you the best selection—popular items like tamales and carnitas can sell out by evening, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
The store is small, so aisles can feel crowded during peak hours. Bring a list of what you need, especially if you are looking for specific chile varieties or regional products—staff can point you to items or tell you if something is out of stock. Many locations have a small seating area near the food counter if you want to eat there.
Prepared food ordering and takeout
Most Tienda Mexicana Danny locations allow you to order prepared food to go or eat at a small counter. You can usually order by the pound for items like carnitas or barbacoa, or by the piece for tamales and enchiladas. Some locations take phone orders for larger quantities if you are feeding a group or planning ahead.
Turnaround time for made-to-order items is typically 10 to 20 minutes. If you want something specific—a large order of tamales, a specific meat preparation, or items for a party—calling ahead ensures they have enough on hand and can set it aside for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Tienda Mexicana Danny locations have a prepared-food counter?
Most do, but not all locations are identical. Some smaller stores focus mainly on groceries with limited hot food. Call your nearest location to confirm they have the prepared items you want before making a trip.
Can I order tamales or carnitas in bulk for an event?
Yes. Call ahead with the quantity and type you need, and the store can usually prepare a large order if you give them a day or two notice. Pricing for bulk orders may be lower than buying by the piece.
What payment methods does Tienda Mexicana Danny take?
Most locations take both cash and card, though some smaller stores prefer cash or have a minimum for card purchases. Call ahead to confirm what your nearest location accepts.
Are the dried chiles fresh?
Yes, Tienda Mexicana Danny restocks dried chiles regularly because they move quickly. Chiles stored in bulk bins are fresher than those sitting on supermarket shelves for months. Store them in an airtight container at home to keep them fresh longer.
Do they sell fresh produce?
Most locations stock some fresh produce—cilantro, jalapeños, limes, avocados, and onions—but the selection is smaller than a full grocery store. The focus is on dried goods, prepared foods, and specialty ingredients rather than a wide produce section.