Columbia’s vibrant taco scene is a tapestry of flavors and traditions. From bustling food trucks serving up authentic street-style tacos to cozy taquerias offering innovative fusion creations, Columbia’s taco spots are a testament to the city’s love affair with this beloved dish. This guide highlights the top taco spots in the city.
In a nation crazy about tacos, every city boasts its champions. Columbia, a melting pot of flavors and traditions, is a prime example. From humble food trucks to bustling taquerías, the search for the city’s best tacos is also a journey through its neighborhoods and a glimpse into the soul of its vibrant community. Join us as we explore the delicious tortillas and perfectly seasoned meats of Columbia’s top taco spots
Real Mexico Restaurant
9.2/10 (3475 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-750-8990
Generously portioned dishesFlavorful lengua tacosAffordable prices
Real Mexico Restaurant is a gem in Columbia, serving up delicious and generously portioned food. Despite limited parking, the flavors of their dishes shine through, especially with the seasoned meat and delightful lengua tacos. The margaritas could use a bit more tequila, but the birria tacos are a standout. The prices are a steal for the quality and quantity of food you receive, making it a must-visit spot for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.
Cantina 76
9/10 (2352 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-764-1769
Imaginative tacosHand-crafted margaritasWide assortment of dishes
Cantina 76 is a lively spot that caters to a wide range of customers, from young professionals to college students. The menu offers a variety of tasty dishes like the roasted chicken and brisket tacos, which are flavorful and satisfying. The hand-crafted margaritas are a definite highlight, made with fresh ingredients like lime juice and strawberries. The atmosphere is bustling, reflecting the restaurant’s popularity, but be prepared for a wait during peak hours.
El Salto Mexican Cuisine
9.4/10 (253 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-708-1893
Bursting flavorsGenerous portionsFriendly service
El Salto Mexican Cuisine offers a stellar culinary experience with flavors that burst in every bite. The generous portions, swift service, and delectable combination of savory rice, flavorful beans, zesty salsa, and fresh guacamole make for a standout feast. The shrimp quesadilla, Cóctel de camarón, and chicken tostada are particularly delicious, with warm chips that are hard to resist. While the horchata may need improvement, the friendly service, variety of food options, and overall casual dining experience make this spot a must-try for any Mexican food enthusiast. The fresh interior, homemade corn tortillas, and exceptional value all contribute to a fantastic dining experience at El Salto Mexican Cuisine.
Boca Grande Burritos
9.6/10 (440 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-834-4076
Flavorful burritosExceptional customer serviceLively atmosphere
Boca Grande Burrito is a hidden gem in Columbia serving up delicious Mexican cuisine with exceptional service. As soon as you walk in, the lively and colorful atmosphere sets the perfect tone for your dining experience. The staff at Boca Grande Burrito go above and beyond to assist you in creating a customized dish, ensuring you leave feeling satisfied and well taken care of. The food itself is a true delight, bursting with flavor and expertly prepared, from classic burritos to customizable creations. This place stands out for its outstanding customer service, clean facility, and affordable prices, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors served with a smile.
Coa Agaveria y Cocina
9.2/10 (820 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-851-5965
Cozy upscale atmosphereHigh-quality dishesTop-notch cocktails
Coa Agaveria y Cocina offers a cozy yet upscale atmosphere with warm lighting that sets the perfect tone for a night out. The attention to detail in both the service and food is evident, exceeding expectations. The menu boasts high-quality dishes, with a standout being the Birria tacos. The knowledgeable staff, like Sandra, adds to the overall experience, making it a great spot for a girls’ night or a date night. The cocktails are top-notch, worth a revisit, even if street parking can be a challenge on weekends. The quail with mole sauce and chorizo and cheese dishes are tasty options, complemented by a selection of delicious desserts. While some dishes may lack a bit of flavor, overall, Coa Agaveria y Cocina is a solid choice for a memorable dining experience.
Tacos El Puebla Mexican Cravings
9.2/10 (159 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-401-5064
AuthenticReasonably pricedRefreshing Agua Frescas
Tacos El Puebla Mexican Cravings offers a taste of Mexico City with authentic dishes like Huaraches and Birria. Situated by Whole Foods, this hidden gem provides reasonably priced options that allow you to sample a variety of items. The Torta sandwich and Al Pastor are standout choices, complemented by refreshing Agua Frescas like Melon and Horchata. The food is definitely worth a try, with the Tortabirria being a must-have for any foodie craving Mexican cuisine.
Tacos Nayarit
9.4/10 (2635 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-814-0727
Birria TacosCustomizationUnique Atmosphere
Tacos Nayarit offers delicious birria tacos that are juicy and flavorful, paired perfectly with a refreshing guava agua fresca. The restaurant’s unique customization concept allows customers to choose their own ingredients and create their perfect taco. The cozy atmosphere, complete with cool art and a salsa bar, adds to the overall dining experience. The birria tacos and consomme are definite highlights of the menu, making this spot a must-visit for taco lovers in Columbia.
El Gallo Restaurant
9/10 (838 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-851-5244
Delicious dishesStellar serviceCozy ambiance
El Gallo Restaurant has garnered rave reviews for its warm hospitality, authentic Mexican cuisine, and stellar service. Customers have praised the delicious dishes such as the chicken Chimichangas, beef tacos, and soft shell shrimp tacos. The menu offers a wide array of mouthwatering options bursting with flavor, perfect for gathering with friends and family. The service is fast, polite, and attentive, making every dining experience a memorable one. Customers have deemed El Gallo a true culinary gem in the community, and with offerings like these, it’s easy to see why.
Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
9.2/10 (882 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-731-5546
Authentic foodFriendly staffFlavorful dishes
Tucked away in a strip mall, Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant is a hidden gem serving up authentic and affordable Mexican fare. The Chili Colorado is a standout, with just the right amount of spice, and the flavorful beans are a nice accompaniment. The staff, including servers Jaimie and Gabriella, are welcoming and accommodating, making the dining experience enjoyable. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, including the Burrito California with shredded beef, which left nothing on the plate. The hot sauce served with chips and salsa adds an extra kick to the meal. With great food and friendly service, this is definitely a place worth visiting again.
Masa Mexican Street Food
9.2/10 (91 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-888-6299
Sleek ambianceFlavorful dishesTop-notch service
Masa Mexican Street Food offers a sleek and cool ambiance, paired with delicious food and top-notch service. The menu items are flavorful and well-presented, with standout dishes like the corn ribs and quesow beef and salsa. The cocktails are fresh and vibrant, adding to the overall dining experience. While some items may be a bit on the pricier side, the quality of the food and service make Masa a must-visit spot in Columbia.
TEX MEX COLUMBIA
9.4/10 (216 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-995-5445
Diverse menuWarm hospitalityStandout birria tacos
At TEX MEX COLUMBIA, guests are immediately met with warm hospitality and exceptional service. The birria tacos are a standout dish, arriving hot and fresh. The diverse menu offers a variety of delicious options, including sopes, tamales, and unique hot dogs like the Mexicano Dog. The house salsa is a must-try, adding the perfect kick to every bite. The small Mam & Pap restaurant exudes family-like atmosphere, making each visitor feel right at home. With affordable prices and 5-star consistent food, TEX MEX COLUMBIA is a hidden gem well worth the visit.
Taqueria El Jarocho Express
9/10 (248 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-290-3344
Generous portion sizesFlavorful homemade hot sauceAuthentic Mexican street food
Nestled in Lexington, Taqueria El Jarocho Express brings a taste of authentic Mexican street food to the area. The tacos, particularly the barbacoa and al pastor, are the stars of the show, bursting with flavor and satisfaction in every bite. The generous portion sizes ensure that you won’t leave hungry, and the homemade hot sauce adds an extra layer of heat to enhance the overall experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mexican cuisine or a newcomer to the flavors of the region, this hidden gem is sure to impress with its quality and taste.
Los Bellos Portales Latin Restaurant
9/10 (76 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-592-6265
Big portionsAuthentic flavorsGluten-free options
Los Bellos Portales Latin Restaurant offers a big dining experience in a small dining area. The appetizer of fried yucca was surprisingly light and crisp, my nephew couldn’t finish his chicken quesadilla because of the portion size, and my Pernil was generous. The server was kind and the decor intimate, making for a great dining experience with a friend. The authentic Hispanic and Latino food did not disappoint, with fresh chips, guacamole, burritos, and chicken quesadillas all standing out. The price may be a bit high, but the excellent food makes it worth it. The Latin American cuisine is hot, fresh, and authentic, with plenty of gluten-free options available, making it the best in the area.
La Morenita
9.2/10 (249 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-586-0582
Crisp carnitasFlavorful chickenAffordable prices
La Morenita is a must-try taco joint in the area, offering authentic and flavorful Mexican food that will keep you coming back for more. The carnitas and al pastor tacos are a standout, crisped to perfection. The lengua is rich and tender, while the chicken is well-seasoned and pairs beautifully with the green salsa. The cabeza tacos are a must-try, showcasing the true essence of this hidden gem of a restaurant.
Cocteles El Primo
9/10 (68 reviews)
| Directions | +1 803-828-9800
FreshSeafoodGenerous
Cocteles El Primo offers a taste of Mexico in Columbia, S.C. The freshly made Spanish food is flavorful and the portions are generous. The light salad accompaniment ensures you won’t leave feeling heavy or sluggish. While the seating may be limited, the colorful art adorning the tables adds to the lively atmosphere. This hidden gem is perfect for seafood enthusiasts seeking fresh and delicious dishes at reasonable prices.
Burrito Express
9/10 (254 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-991-4909
Delicious foodFriendly serviceConvenient location
Burrito Express, located inside the Samer Express Gas station, offers a diverse selection of delectable dishes that are sure to satisfy any appetite. The chicken burrito and steak tacos were bursting with flavor, showcasing the chef’s dedication to using only the finest ingredients to create mouth-watering meals. Whether you’re craving a giant pork burrito or a hearty breakfast burrito, this hidden gem delivers hot and delicious food at an affordable price, making it a must-visit spot for Mexican cuisine lovers.
La Cienega Mexican Grill & Seafood
9.2/10 (807 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 803-888-7471
Authentic flavorsExcellent serviceVariety of menu options
La Cienega Mexican Grill & Seafood has quickly become a favorite among locals for its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. The salsa bar offers an array of flavorful options, and the menu is filled with diverse choices that are sure to please any palate. The quality of the food is exceptional, from the perfectly spiced fajitas to the mouthwatering street tacos. The attentive and friendly service only adds to the overall dining experience, making La Cienega a must-visit spot for those craving Mexican food done right.