Hidden Taco And Burrito Restaurants In South Carolina Serving That True Lowcountry Taste

South Carolina’s Lowcountry holds secrets beyond its famous shrimp and grits, and I’m thrilled to share them with you. Hidden among the coastal towns and inland communities are incredible taco and burrito spots that blend authentic Mexican flavors with that unmistakable Southern charm.

These aren’t your typical chain restaurants they’re family-run gems, vibrant food trucks, and local favorites serving up dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance. Get ready to explore a delicious side of South Carolina you never knew existed!

1. La Birria Loca

When you’re craving something truly special, this Hilton Head Island treasure delivers flavors that transport you straight to Mexico. La Birria Loca is a family-run spot where every dish comes with a side of genuine hospitality and warmth.

Their Ramen Birria and Quesabirria Tacos have become legendary among locals who know where to find real deal Mexican cooking. The slow-cooked meat practically melts in your mouth, and the rich broth for dipping adds another layer of deliciousness.

Both tourists and residents flock here because the atmosphere feels like eating at a friend’s house rather than just another restaurant. You’ll notice the difference immediately when you taste food made with love and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

2. Pa’Ke-Pikes

It’s amazing what incredible flavors can come from a silver food truck parked on Arrow Road. Pa’Ke-Pikes brings authentic Central American cooking to Hilton Head Island with dishes that remind people of home-cooked meals from Guatemala, Honduras, and beyond.

Their mixed fajitas sizzle with perfectly seasoned meats and vegetables, while the fried chicken offers a crispy, golden perfection you won’t forget. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their mondongo soup a traditional tripe stew that’s comfort food at its finest.

Finding this truck at 115 Arrow Road means discovering flavors many restaurants don’t even attempt to recreate. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the authenticity is undeniable.

3. Taco Fiesta

Bright colors and mouthwatering aromas greet you at this lively taco truck that’s become a Hilton Head institution. Taco Fiesta sits at 580 William Hilton Parkway, serving up some of the best handheld meals you’ll find anywhere in the Lowcountry.

Quality ingredients make all the difference here, from the perfectly seasoned carne asada to the fresh cilantro and onions topping each creation. Their quesadillas come loaded with gooey cheese, while the burritos are stuffed so full you might need two hands.

Don’t sleep on their tortas either these Mexican sandwiches pack incredible flavor between soft bread that soaks up all the delicious juices. You’ll understand why locals keep this spot busy from lunch through dinner.

4. Taco Brown

Bold flavors hit you from the first bite at this authentic Mexican street food haven on Marshland Road. Taco Brown doesn’t hold back on spices, seasonings, or portion sizes, giving you the real experience of eating tacos the way they’re meant to be enjoyed.

Their mixed taco platters let you sample asada, pastor, chorizo, and Mexican sausage all in one sitting. Each meat brings its own personality to the plate, from the smoky char of the asada to the sweet-spicy notes of al pastor.

Usually parked at 40 Marshland Road, this truck has earned a reputation for consistency and quality that keeps customers coming back weekly. The casual vibe and reasonable prices make it perfect for a quick lunch or relaxed dinner.

5. Taqueria Suadero

How often do you get to try Venezuelan and American flavors mixed with Mexican classics all in one place? Taqueria Suadero makes this fusion work beautifully, creating a menu that offers something unexpected with every visit.

Located behind Barnacle Bills in the Food Truck lot on U.S. 278, this spot serves everything from traditional tacos to juicy burgers and fresh seafood. Their Venezuelan dishes add an exciting twist, introducing you to arepas and other specialties you might not have tried before.

The variety here means you can bring friends with different tastes and everyone leaves happy. One person orders tacos while another tries the seafood, and you all share bites to experience the full range of flavors available.

6. Taste of Mexico

Homemade Mexican cuisine tastes different when it’s prepared with recipes that have been perfected over generations. Taste of Mexico travels around Bluffton and Beaufort, bringing authentic flavors to parking lots where hungry locals gather for their fix.

You’ll find this beloved truck at Big Lots in Bluffton, Lowe’s in Beaufort, or local hangouts like Side Hustle and Locals Only Taproom. Their tacos showcase simple ingredients done right no fancy gimmicks, just solid execution of classic recipes.

The homemade touch shows in every bite, from the handmade tortillas to the carefully seasoned meats and fresh toppings. Following their schedule on social media helps you track down their current location so you never miss out on taco day.

7. El Nopal

Daily specials keep things exciting at this Hardeeville gem that’s become a go-to for authentic Mexican street food. El Nopal rotates their offerings based on what’s fresh and seasonal, so you might discover something new with each visit.

Their tamales are wrapped and steamed to perfection, while the sopes feature thick corn cakes topped with beans, meat, lettuce, and crema. Traditional flavors shine through in every dish, proving that street food can be both simple and incredibly satisfying.

The rotating menu means regulars never get bored, and newcomers always have something interesting to try. Fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods combine to create food that tastes like it came straight from a Mexican mercado.

8. La Unica

Fresh, made-to-order tacos are what you’ll get at this Myrtle Beach spot that serves as many people’s introduction to real taquerias. La Unica keeps things authentic without being intimidating, making it perfect whether you’re a taco veteran or just starting your Mexican food journey.

Their al pastor features marinated pork with pineapple that’s been cooked on a vertical spit, while the carnitas offer tender, slow-braised perfection. The spice cart lets you customize your heat level with various salsas, pickled vegetables, and lime wedges.

Watching your tacos being assembled right in front of you adds to the experience and guarantees everything arrives piping hot. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door.

9. Taco Truck at Folly Beach

Beach vibes and delicious tacos go together perfectly at this coastal favorite near Charleston. After catching waves or soaking up sun at Folly Beach, nothing hits the spot quite like fresh seafood wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Their fish tacos feature crispy or grilled options topped with tangy slaw and creamy sauce that complements the ocean flavors beautifully. Shrimp burritos come loaded with rice, beans, and plump shrimp that taste like they were pulled from the water that morning.

The laid-back atmosphere matches the beach setting, where flip-flops and sandy feet are totally acceptable dining attire. Locals know to stop here before heading home, making it their post-beach ritual that caps off a perfect day by the water.

10. Los Primos Mexican Grill

Family recipes passed down through cousins inspired the name and menu at this welcoming restaurant. Los Primos means “the cousins” in Spanish, and you’ll taste the family connection in every carefully prepared dish that arrives at your table.

Their enchiladas come smothered in rich sauces red, green, or mole each one offering different flavor profiles that showcase Mexican cooking’s diversity. The burritos are hefty without being sloppy, wrapped tight so every bite includes the perfect ratio of fillings.

Traditional Mexican decor creates a warm atmosphere where families gather for celebrations and friends meet for casual dinners. The generous portions and reasonable prices mean you get authentic food without the tourist markup you’d find in more commercial spots.

11. Jalapeño’s Taqueria

Bright colors and even brighter flavors define this small taqueria that punches way above its weight class. Jalapeño’s might not look fancy from the outside, but regulars know that some of the best Mexican food comes from the most unassuming places.

Their salsa bar offers multiple heat levels and flavor combinations, letting you mix and match until you find your perfect accompaniment. The carne asada gets seasoned and grilled with expertise that comes from years of practice, resulting in tender, flavorful meat every single time.

Counter service keeps things quick and casual, perfect for lunch breaks or when you need a fast dinner that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The staff remembers regular customers and their usual orders, creating a neighborhood feel that’s increasingly rare.

12. El Mercado Food Truck

Market-fresh ingredients meet traditional Mexican recipes at this roaming food truck that takes its name seriously. El Mercado brings the feeling of a Mexican marketplace to South Carolina, where vendors cook food right in front of you using the freshest available ingredients.

Their tortas are Mexican sandwich masterpieces, piled high with meats, avocado, beans, and vegetables on crusty bread that holds up to all the juicy fillings. Gorditas offer thick corn pockets stuffed with your choice of fillings, creating handheld comfort food that satisfies completely.

You’ll often find them at farmers markets and local events, where their colorful truck stands out among the crowd. The combination of quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods creates food that tastes both familiar and excitingly different.