“Drop in; chill out.” As you may guess from the mantra of Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, the restaurant voted best taco by the readers of Mount Pleasant Magazine is about much more than tacos and tequila; it’s about a lifestyle. The So-Cal/Baja inspired restaurant is named after an interstate highway in Mexico and brings the coastal vibe of surfing, cantinas and taco shops to the East Coast.
“We strive to put out consistently fresh food in a laidback and fun environment. I think the combination of craveable eats and memorable margaritas with the relaxed vibe of the restaurant is the reason we were voted best taco,” said Dave Lorenz, owner of Mex 1. “We focus on locally sourced seafood and produce, freshly squeezed drinks and a place you’d want to come to refuel, whether you’re a surfer, a local, a tourist or just cruising with friends.”
But let’s talk tacos, which, at Mex 1, are flavorful and delicious, with daily specials focusing on seasonality. From the Baja fish taco with beer battered mahi-mahi, shredded cabbage, lime crema and cilantro-onion relish to the pork belly taco with slowly roasted pork belly, pimento cheese, shredded lettuce and pickled red onions, to the carne asada, with Tijuana steak, serrano jicama slaw and chipotle crema, the So-Cal style tacos offer something for everyone.
Lorenz said that the bangin’ shrimp taco is the best seller. It’s hard to turn down lightly fried shrimp, spicy bangin’ sauce, shredded cabbage and Mex 1’s “sweet heat” sauce. Coming close as a second favorite is the oyster po’ boy taco, with fried oysters, jalapeno aioli, tomato relish and cabbage.
From the whitewashed woods and surf videos to the fresh squeezed margaritas, infused tequilas, tortas and rice bowls made in-house daily, Mex 1 embodies the “come as you are” atmosphere. Kick your feet back with a drink and our readers’ favorite tacos upstairs at 2205 Middle St. on Sullivan’s Island – or at the original location at 817 St. Andrews Blvd. in Charleston.
To learn more, visit www.mex1coastalcantina.com.
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