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El Alteño tacos
El Alteño tacos
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8 Essential Taco Stops in the Lowcountry

Lengua or chorizo?

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El Alteño tacos
| jwkpec.com

Charleston may not be known as a taco town, but there are plenty of vendors serving up classics and fusion versions. Maybe you demand free chips with your order or expect the joint to serve offal speckled with cilantro and onions — there's a taco joint of every sort in Charleston. From handmade tortillas to Americanized offerings to places with giant margaritas, this is the list of the top taquerias in town. Don't see your favorite? Leave us a comment.

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El Alteño

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If you like the food truck experience, but hate chasing down the mobile kitchens, then stop by El Alteño in Summerville. The taco truck parks permanently next to the no-frills dining room for easy access to carnitas, lengua, longaniza, and other traditional meats sprinkled with onion and cilantro on a fresh tortilla.

Tiki Taco

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Tiki Taco is a bit like a dive bar that happens to serve good tacos. It’s a bit grungy, has cheap booze, and the service is nonchalant. Order a Corona, sit in the parking lot patio, and try the lengua or chorizo tacos.

Taqueria Espres

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Consistently rated as some of the best tacos from a truck around, Taqueria Espres gathers an almost cult following in North Charleston. The doubled up tortillas are stacked with perfectly seasoned meats, onion, and cilantro. Each order comes with a few pickled carrots and a jalapeño.

Lucy’s Deliveries Y Mas

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Petite eatery Lucy’s Deliveries Y Mas (previously known as La Cocina De Lucy) doesn’t have many seats, but it does have multiple options for tacos — asada, pollo, chorizo, lengua, and more come with containers of fresh salsa, limes, radishes, and a roasted pepper. Sit outside if it’s a nice day.

Tacos at Lucy’s.
Erin Perkins/Eater

El Molino Supermarket

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Mexican supermarket El Molino offers a variety of traditional fare to go, including tacos. Choices range from cabeza to carnitas to suedero — all at $2.25 (thought the lengua will cost an extra 15 cents). The taco box full of 15 tacos is a popular item for groups.

Las Lupitas

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The sign outside Las Lupitas states, "The Best Mexican Food in Town," so it's worth a trek to sample the traditional tacos like the barbacoa or tripe. The small space has a roadside diner sort of feeling with booths to slide into after ordering from the massive menu. Remember: It's cash only here.

Torres Superette

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In the back of convenience store Torres Superette sits some of the best tacos in the Lowcountry. The carnitas with corn tortillas is a popular option, but be sure to take a look at the specials board.

Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

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A favorite since 2003, Santi’s is a staple of the Charleston community. The outdoor patio is the place to be when the weather is nice. Order a giant margarita and then decide if you want Mexican or American-style tacos. The chips and fresh salsa are free and actually worth eating.

Santi’s Leslie Ryann McKellar

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El Alteño

If you like the food truck experience, but hate chasing down the mobile kitchens, then stop by El Alteño in Summerville. The taco truck parks permanently next to the no-frills dining room for easy access to carnitas, lengua, longaniza, and other traditional meats sprinkled with onion and cilantro on a fresh tortilla.

Tiki Taco

Tiki Taco is a bit like a dive bar that happens to serve good tacos. It’s a bit grungy, has cheap booze, and the service is nonchalant. Order a Corona, sit in the parking lot patio, and try the lengua or chorizo tacos.

Taqueria Espres

Consistently rated as some of the best tacos from a truck around, Taqueria Espres gathers an almost cult following in North Charleston. The doubled up tortillas are stacked with perfectly seasoned meats, onion, and cilantro. Each order comes with a few pickled carrots and a jalapeño.

Lucy’s Deliveries Y Mas

Petite eatery Lucy’s Deliveries Y Mas (previously known as La Cocina De Lucy) doesn’t have many seats, but it does have multiple options for tacos — asada, pollo, chorizo, lengua, and more come with containers of fresh salsa, limes, radishes, and a roasted pepper. Sit outside if it’s a nice day.

Tacos at Lucy’s.
Erin Perkins/Eater

El Molino Supermarket

Mexican supermarket El Molino offers a variety of traditional fare to go, including tacos. Choices range from cabeza to carnitas to suedero — all at $2.25 (thought the lengua will cost an extra 15 cents). The taco box full of 15 tacos is a popular item for groups.

Las Lupitas

The sign outside Las Lupitas states, "The Best Mexican Food in Town," so it's worth a trek to sample the traditional tacos like the barbacoa or tripe. The small space has a roadside diner sort of feeling with booths to slide into after ordering from the massive menu. Remember: It's cash only here.

Torres Superette

In the back of convenience store Torres Superette sits some of the best tacos in the Lowcountry. The carnitas with corn tortillas is a popular option, but be sure to take a look at the specials board.

Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

A favorite since 2003, Santi’s is a staple of the Charleston community. The outdoor patio is the place to be when the weather is nice. Order a giant margarita and then decide if you want Mexican or American-style tacos. The chips and fresh salsa are free and actually worth eating.

Santi’s Leslie Ryann McKellar

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