10 Hot Spots for Killer Tacos

Tacos rank right up there with pizza when it comes to favorite eats. But, like pizza, the simple construction and authentic flavor profiles have gotten lost in the quest to impress the "more is more" American palate.

It's time to get back to basics and experience tacos as they were meant to be - uncomplicated pocket sandwiches in which a few earthy flavors are melded then spiked with a hint of spice. From the highways to the back roads, South Carolina is rich with taco treasure troves just waiting to be discovered. Here are 10 to start you on your journey:

Alicia's

Greenwood
Forget the modest atmosphere here - what this place lacks in ambiance it more than makes up for in flavor. This is the real deal when it comes to tacos and everything else. While you should sample the rustic stews and other offerings from across the border, there's plenty to satisfy your taco tooth. Nothing fancy - just tender meats, tantalizing salsas and the obligatory chopped onion and cilantro served up in warm corn tortillas. Gracias, Alicia's.

Jazmin's

Lake City
This is a pleasant, family-run restaurant with a full bar for tipplers. Tortillas are handmade and you know it at first bite: light enough to wrap around the fillings but substantial enough not to succumb to the juices. Lots of diced onion and cilantro make the perfect taco toppings. If you like your salsa hot, ask for the one your server eats.

El Molino

North Charleston
This taco hub operates within a multi-purpose concept: restaurant, ice cream shop, seafood market, grocery store, bakery and - perhaps the biggest draw of all - taqueria. Taco Tuesdays are especially busy at El Molino and that's your cue to join in. Tacos of all varieties are made to order here, with the birria tacos enjoying elevated popularity and considered by the taco-loving masses to be some of the best around. The fact that the tortillas are hot off the press enhances their reputation for aunthenticity. 

Farmhouse Tacos

Travelers Rest
This farm-to-table taco spot is building delicious momentum in the Upstate with offerings like Verde Braised Pork Shoulder (with charred tomatillo salsa, pineapple and red onion), Ancho Charred Chicken (with guacamole, romaine, cheese and honey-jalapeño crema), and Farmhouse Buttermilk Fried Chicken (with upcountry slaw, honey jalapeño crema and dill). The fresh and inventive combos come tucked inside house-made tortillas, too, for the ultimate taco experience. 

Tacos Nayarit

Columbia
There's plenty of freshness on the menu at Tacos Nayarit. Chow down on Adobo-style favorites and bask in the complex flavors. If authentic technique and homemade everything are priorities, then this is your place. Tacos are served up on corn tortillas fresh from the griddle. Meats are seasoned just right and juicy enough to bathe the taste buds with glorious, peppery spice. The chorizo tacos are particularly yummy.

Tacos San Juanito

Aiken
Asada, pastor, pollo - you'll find all these varieties and more at Aiken's hidden gem taco spot. Folks drive from miles around to load up on these authentic, mouth-watering Mexican pocketbook sandwiches. The birria tacos, served with a rich consomme for dipping, are particularly addictive.

Taqueria el Portrero

Hilton Head
This no-frills taco joint has a robust, loyal following. These tacos are legit - simple fare that captures and balances the hallmark flavors of Latin America. Homemade tortillas deliver an earthy corn flavor. Meat fillings are flavorful enough to pop at first bite, but don't overpower the other components. If you're up for a carnivorous adventure, try the lengua tacos, which are remarkably tender.

Taqueria Espres

North Charleston
There's a lot of love emanating from the crowds surrounding this nondescript food truck. Tucked behind a building on Ashley Phosphate, this taco hot spot has picnic table seating for your noshing pleasure. Think taste bud animating pepper sauce, moist meats infused with spices, pickled jalapeno and carrot for crunchy toppings. One bite and you'll be haunting this taco truck for a long time to come.

Willy Taco

Greenville, Spartanburg & Boiling Springs
Admire this funky cantina for its environmental aesthetic (which involves dispatching table scraps to a compost facility) but become a lifelong fan for its toothsome tacos. You can veer off the grid with a Southern-style option, like the Carolina Q - smoky mojo pulled pork, slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. But it's the Crispy Avocado taco, featuring wedges of tempura-coated avocado, shaved cabbage, sweet chili sauce, sesame seeds, microgreens, crema and pico, that you'll fall for hardest. Southern Living did.