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Where to Eat Tacos in Charleston

Tacos! Tacos! Tacos!

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Taco Boy
| Neighbourhood, LLC

Maybe you demand free chips with your order or expect the joint to serve offal, but there's a taco joint of every sort in Charleston. From authentic tortillas to Americanized offerings, we've gathered a list of the top taquerias in town. Don't see your favorite? Leave us a comments.

Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.

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167 Raw

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167 Raw is know for their lobster rolls and oysters, but take a look at the taco menu. They serve shrimp, carnitas, and fish versions of the South of the Border snack.
Stop by this stylish cantina for chef Bryan Cates's thoughtful interpretations of Mexican cuisine. Utilizing traditional techniques and local produce, Cates puts out buttermilk-fried chicken tacos and heritage pork chorizo-filled tortillas.

Carmen y Juan's

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The owners of Carmen y Juan's relocated to Charleston from East L.A. and set up shop in an unassuming strip mall in Park West. Reviewers rave about the food and service. Those in search of cilantro-speckled tacos may not need to chase taco trucks for the authentic fare — try this Mount Pleasant restaurant instead.

FUEL Charleston

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An oasis on Rutledge Street, Fuel is housed in an old filling station. The atmosphere is relaxed and the outdoor courtyard is lively. Try the braised pork tacos with green chili aioli.

La Nortena

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North Charleston stop La Nortena may look like a normal chain Mexican restaurant, but they make real-deal tacos and have a storefront store carrying fresh chorizo and other staples. Order lengua or tripe and soak the tortillas in the homemade salsas they put on the table. Photo: Google Maps

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

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Mex 1 feels like a surf shack, even if you aren't technically at the beach. Try the fish tacos or the crowd-favorite "Bangin' Shrimp."
MInero is the newest spot from celebrity locavore Sean Brock. The menu items take on Mexican and Lowcountry flavors. Brock spent months perfecting the tortillas for the East Bay eatery.

Poe's Tavern

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Most people go to Poe's for the burgers, but give the buffalo shrimp tacos a try. Spicy crustaceans are wrapped in a tortilla with bacon and blue cheese slaw.

Raul's Maya del Sol

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This petite taqueria puts out plates with traditional flavor. Raul's serves tacos on housemade corn tortillas with onions and cilantro. Patrons rave about the carne asada version.

Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

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Santi's 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 salsa are free. Photo: Wine Awesomeness

Taco Boy

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A visit to Taco Boy is all about the experience. The interiors are open and full of fun details. They have double tortilla tacos with unexpected fillings. Fried chicken tacos are slathered with mayo and sauteed shrimp are stuffed with slaw. Enjoy the patio with a frozen screwdriver and a few tacos.

Taco Spot

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Taco Spot is one of the few places in Charleston offering breakfast burritos and tacos. Wake up with a hangover and order a For Goodness Steak Taco: espresso-rubbed steak, griddled potatoes, scrambled eggs, and ranchero sauce.

White Duck Taco Shop

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The Asheville-based White Duck Taco brought new flavors to Charleston, like banh mi tofu tacos or a lamb gyro version. The James Island restaurant is for anyone looking for a unique type of taco.

Zia Taqueria

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Outdoor seating at Zia fills up as soon as the weather turns nice. James Island residents know this is the spot for cold margaritas and the filling Baja fish tacos.

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167 Raw

167 Raw is know for their lobster rolls and oysters, but take a look at the taco menu. They serve shrimp, carnitas, and fish versions of the South of the Border snack.

Basico

Stop by this stylish cantina for chef Bryan Cates's thoughtful interpretations of Mexican cuisine. Utilizing traditional techniques and local produce, Cates puts out buttermilk-fried chicken tacos and heritage pork chorizo-filled tortillas.

Carmen y Juan's

The owners of Carmen y Juan's relocated to Charleston from East L.A. and set up shop in an unassuming strip mall in Park West. Reviewers rave about the food and service. Those in search of cilantro-speckled tacos may not need to chase taco trucks for the authentic fare — try this Mount Pleasant restaurant instead.

FUEL Charleston

An oasis on Rutledge Street, Fuel is housed in an old filling station. The atmosphere is relaxed and the outdoor courtyard is lively. Try the braised pork tacos with green chili aioli.

La Nortena

North Charleston stop La Nortena may look like a normal chain Mexican restaurant, but they make real-deal tacos and have a storefront store carrying fresh chorizo and other staples. Order lengua or tripe and soak the tortillas in the homemade salsas they put on the table. Photo: Google Maps

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Mex 1 feels like a surf shack, even if you aren't technically at the beach. Try the fish tacos or the crowd-favorite "Bangin' Shrimp."

Minero

MInero is the newest spot from celebrity locavore Sean Brock. The menu items take on Mexican and Lowcountry flavors. Brock spent months perfecting the tortillas for the East Bay eatery.

Poe's Tavern

Most people go to Poe's for the burgers, but give the buffalo shrimp tacos a try. Spicy crustaceans are wrapped in a tortilla with bacon and blue cheese slaw.

Raul's Maya del Sol

This petite taqueria puts out plates with traditional flavor. Raul's serves tacos on housemade corn tortillas with onions and cilantro. Patrons rave about the carne asada version.

Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

Santi's 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 salsa are free. Photo: Wine Awesomeness

Taco Boy

A visit to Taco Boy is all about the experience. The interiors are open and full of fun details. They have double tortilla tacos with unexpected fillings. Fried chicken tacos are slathered with mayo and sauteed shrimp are stuffed with slaw. Enjoy the patio with a frozen screwdriver and a few tacos.

Taco Spot

Taco Spot is one of the few places in Charleston offering breakfast burritos and tacos. Wake up with a hangover and order a For Goodness Steak Taco: espresso-rubbed steak, griddled potatoes, scrambled eggs, and ranchero sauce.

White Duck Taco Shop

The Asheville-based White Duck Taco brought new flavors to Charleston, like banh mi tofu tacos or a lamb gyro version. The James Island restaurant is for anyone looking for a unique type of taco.

Zia Taqueria

Outdoor seating at Zia fills up as soon as the weather turns nice. James Island residents know this is the spot for cold margaritas and the filling Baja fish tacos.

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