This my go to! If you want the real this is where you can get it. I do have my preference on server but they all do they best but the one older lady on the weekdays takes care. Like reallymakes sure the order is what you ordered. Not what they used to making. read more

Taqueria Guadalajara - Corona Familar - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Amazing original latin food! This is one of the restaurants that has had food closest to what is served in Mexico. The service is great and prompt. The ambience is calm with a Bose music player sometimes playing in the background. The food is consistently good. I have been coming to this restaurant for 4 years and I have not been disappointed. I have tried multiple dishes and I must say that the Tacos are my favorite item on the menu. I also have had their carne asada plate, tortas, and various other dishes, and they have all been tasty. The restaurant is has always been clean and the staff amiable. Every time I have called in an order for takeout, they have gotten my order correct. Overall, I will continue to come to this restaurant and enjoy their delicious food! read more

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This place was amazing. I was visiting Columbia and decided to stop by. Being from San Diego and being Hispanic I had very low expectations. Their food blew my mind. The tacos were spot on. I felt like it was something I would find in California. If I'm ever in Columbia again, I will definitely go again. read more

I stopped in on a Tuesday an hour and fifteen minutes before closing. The place was kinda dirty and the food was okay... No chils and salsa, we ordered carne asada tacos with beans and rice plus Mexican Coca-Cola in the bottle. I didn't know Mexican Coca-Cola came in bottles that small. The tacos were just okay, you can get better tasting food across the street on Atomic Road. I was born in Chicago and half my family is Hispanic, I know good authentic Mexican food and the reviews saying the tacos are great probably are using Taco Bell as a reference. Maybe I was there on a bad night and all they had were leftovers from two days ago? read more

As of today I'm giving these place only 3 stars as some of the items I tried really missed the mark. The carne asada was bland and quite chewy, had to add local hot sauce to get it down. The flauntas were good but not great to us like we've had before at other Mexican spots. Now the beef tongue taco was the best thing I've had texture wise and it's always fun to eat some tongue for lunch. Overall 1 out of 3 items hit the mark. read more

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Don't let the low star review fool you - this place has legit Mexican food. Yes it is in a more run down part of town. Yes it is not the best when it comes to decorations. However, the food here is good. Pico de Gallo served fresh, as in you have to wait while they chop it up - and they use jalapeños! I opted for tacos and a side of beans but I think she forgot the beans. No worries, since the tacos were so doggone good. I really enjoyed the al pastor tacos, which are my favorite at any taqueria and the salsas were very tasty and spicy. Very good heat, not overwhelming at all. My co-worker wasn't a fan, but I think she was expecting tex-mex. This place is not that at all, it is REAL Mexican food. They don't serve "chips and salsa" just like you don't get that in Mexico. 4 stars for having great food but for needing a little more air conditioning - you'll sweat a little from the heat and from the spicy food! Looking forward to trying the sopes and carne asada entree at some point too! read more

Taqueria Guadalajara - it can be confusing, so here is the sign out front. - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I drove half an hour to this place. Being from San Diego California it's rare to find an authentic Mexican place in Columbia South Carolina. Me and my family were craving some tamales after calling a few places we found Taqueria Guadalajara and sure enough they sell tamales, I ended up buying two dozens twelve pork tamales and twelve chicken tamales quote on quote chicken tamales despite the 35 minute wait i thought they would be from a fresh batch they made but no i figured they'd be frozen and were steaming them up. When we got home from spending $59 two dozens of tamales a order of rice and a order of green salsa. To the unfortunate situation of finding out that the so called chicken tamales had no chicken in them but a tiny smeared of green salsa SMH since we drove 30 minutes and it was raining we didn't take them back or called to complain I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS HORRIBLE PLACE. Not to mention i bought a carne asada burrito to kill time and the burrito had NO FLAVOR whatsoever if I was a jerk I'd ask for my money back but i didn't it's sad how they finesse people with their products. read more

Taqueria Guadalajara - Where is the " CHICKEN " It's only a smeared of green salsa - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I am so conflicted in writing this review. I want to write this because I want to sing the praises of good food, but I also don't want to let the secret out about this tiny gem. But considering we're in a town that thinks El Jimador is Mexican food, I think we're safe-- so this is just for you guys reading this. Taqueria Guadalajara is the closest you'll get to proper Mexican food. But I won't lie-- I can't swear by everything on their menu, because when I go, I am going because I have a hankering for tacos, so I always get the same thing. But if you've ever been to Mexico and need a taco fix, this is your place. It's a tiny "hole in the wall," and it's loud because the TV is always blaring-- but embrace the telenovela and enjoy the experience. A tostada is a simple thing. It is a fried tortilla, beans, chorizo, and toppings. Their tostadas are better than any store bought crap that is usually rancid. Their beans are clearly homemade and yes that takes time-- and it may take lard too, which I don't have lying around the kitchen. And they chorizo is also special. So while you can make these at home-- it's never gonna be like theirs. If you go on a weekend they also have tostadas de ceviche, which are also excellent. I normally I get tacos al pastor. They used to pile on a lot of meat and give you two tortillas, but those days are over, so order two tacos al pastor and you should be fine. Unless you need to pig out-- then get three. I can't make this at home because how they make the meat is a mystery to me-- trust me I've tried a few recipes and I can't get it like theirs. There is no spice to these (spice as in piquante) so you'll need to add one of the two home made sauces at the table. Both are divine, and I can never remember which I like better and I can never remember which is hotter-- mind you, both are very hot. But one is hot the other is hellfire and damnation. And both are very flavorful. And having written this, I believe it's time for a taco fix. read more

Unassuming store front tucked in the corner of this plaza on Decker. Has all the basics of a taqueria like tacos, tortas, quesadillas, sopes...Aguas frescas included melon, pineapple, tamarind and soursop (guanabana). No horchata unfortunately but wow, I've never found a place that offered soursop aguas fresca so that was a treat. Jukebox plays incessant loud music. Ample seating with at least one high chair available. The waitress spoke very limited English but they do have a menu in Spanish and English so you can order off the menu by number. Tacos (lengua, al pastor, asada, chicken) $1.75. Delish served with radish, lime slices and the 2 sauces (red and green salsa verde which is my personal favorite). Menudo is served on weekends. El Mariachi still has the better caldo de res but this is a great sit down taqueria. read more

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When we have a hankering for real authentic taqueria food, this is the spot. Friendly, pretty quick and hands down better than anything my own Mexican family can make at home-- we do lots of stuff, tacos al pastor is not one of them. Their tostadas de chorizo also are better than when we make them at home. Probably because they make their own beans and they get a different kind of chorizo than Publix sells! Their green and red salsas at the table are hellfire and damnation and both are delicious. Only drawback is the blaring television. Partly because of the noise, partly because you get sucked into whatever tele-novella that airs. But it doesn't stop us when we need tacos! I'd love to branch out and order other things, but if we go it's because we need a taco or tostada fix. read more

Great food and horchata. I had the pastor, carnitas, and barbacoa tacos. I've also had the tortas, though the bread could be better. read more

Taqueria Guadalajara - Working phone number - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

DELICIOUS. We showed up at 9pm on a Monday and the food tasted really fresh. We order tacos pastor and asada and wow! So yummy.

This one was a little tough for me to assign an actual rating to. I have been here several times as the owner is a friend of a friend. I am giving this place 3 stars based on it being a Mexican restaurant. If I were to just rate it on being a Taqueria, it would be higher. I'm a firm believer that if you're very good or great at one thing and not very good at others, you should either get better at the others or not do them. That being said, Taqueria Guadalajara is very good at doing tacos, but is average on most of the rest of their menu. The joint is a mom and pop (and kids) and aspires to be nothing above that. The food is served on wax paper in plastic trays or on disposable plates, and you're served plastic utensils. It is also part of a growing trend of ethnic restaurants that has a store (tienda) attached to it. So let's talk about the tacos. Real tacos are remarkably different (and tremendously better in this Yelpers mind) than their Tex Mex cousins. They should be served with a couple of soft corn tortillas, onions, fresh cilantro, and a slice of lime to squeeze over. This is exactly how Taqueria Guadalajara serves them. You have a wide choice of meat options, as the point of the taco should be a vessel to highlight and accentuate the meat. My personal preferences are the al pastor and chorizo. The lengua (tongue) is an interesting choice if you want to go outside the box. I've tried the barbacoa and wasn't a big fan as they use cow cheek which was too fatty for my liking. The other highlight of Taqueria Guadalajara is their sopes. If you haven't had one before, it's kind of like a tostada, except the base is made of masa and is rather thick. The sope you get here is fried perfectly to crisp it but keep it light and fluffy on the inside. You can get whatever meat on the sope that you choose, just like the tacos. The rest of the food on the menu, I can't speak very highly of. Most of the dishes are under seasoned and underwhelming. I haven't tried their tortas but tried most of the rest of the menu. I would recommend staying away from the seafood as a general rule. It all tastes like frozen product. Bottom line, if you're looking for a great Mexican restaurant, there are plenty of better options in Columbia. If you're looking for a good, authentic taco, this is a pretty good choice. read more

I'm from the west coast and have Mexican decent in my family so when it comes to "real" Mexican food I'm very picky and judge the food on its taste and the way it's made bc I grew up on it, and this place is dead on. I consider myself a regular here. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you want real Mexican food. read more

This is the read deal! This is a very good "real" taco stand style Mexican restaurant! If You want nacho cheese or queso goober sauce stay away from this place- however, if you want a simple taco or burrito made from tasty meat accompanied with cilantro, lime, and good old fashioned HOT sauce this is the place to go! The menu here is a stark as the decorations- It's simple tacos and burritos- and you can even get Tacos Lengua!! The menu list about seven or eight different types of flavorful beef, chicken, and chorizo choices that can be stuffed into what tasted like homemade tortillas (?) They also offer menudo and tortas, however I didn't try these. I was raised in Cali most of my life- this place is as close to the mom and pop Mexican meat market/ taco stands, that were as plentiful there as BBQ places are here in the south. These taco stands were very plentiful in Cali- it's nice to find one here! If you want a basic taco fix you have to try this place! Sit down with a nice spicy taco or burrito and a cold Corona- no extra frills other than "the beef"! read more

Not gonna lie this place is the dirtiest, ugliest restaurant I've ever seen! The food is super legit though! It's like the first time you ever did something that was really bad but it felt so good. Do I eat Mexican food to be healthy? No I don't, I like it because it's cheap and there's lots of it. This place deliveres classic authentic toilet destroying Mexican food you know to stay away from but you can't resist at the same time. The atmosphere felt like being outside a Mexican prison, the staff thought I was Mexican and spoke to me in Spanish the whole time, and they got my order wrong. The food was still amazing. Will go back again next time I feel really guilty about something I did the night before read more

Came in on a Sunday, do not come In after 12 this place gets packed. I sat down ordered three tacos de Asada and a coctel de camarones (shrimp cocktail). The shrimp cocktail was served in a bowl like cereal the shrimp tasted old like they've been in there for like weeks. Awful experience. Don't expect quality Mexican seafood from this place. The tacos, the tortilla wasn't full cooked so the tortilla was soggy and broke as I gripped the taco. The horchata drink was good and the Asada meat was good. This place is only good for their tripas (tripe) and their green taco salsa. Won't go back again, my search for tacos in cola continues read more

Authentic! Love this place... Highly recommend it. I was sketchy at first but once I went the first time I haven't stopped!! They always have "Aguas Frescas" and the tacos are the best I've had in Columbia yet. read more

This is the only Hispanic restaurant I go to in Columbia. I am from California and it's really hard to find good Hispanic food down here until this place i go at least once a week for the past year and a half and I absolutely love it. The service is really bad the lady that works there is an absolutely rude but the food is great. read more

First the food was pretty good. J got 4 tacos: chicken, steak, beef tongue and beef cheek. The meats were a little salty. Second I ordered over the phone and was told five minutes I arrived almost 10 mins later and had to wait another 10 mins for my food. Lastly and most upsetting I was overcharged. A taco is listed on the menu as 1.75, every time I order from a new restaurant I calculate the total before going there. 1.75 x 4= 7. 7 x .1 sales service tax = 7.70 I paid 8 for my food which means she rounded up my total to an even Dollar. I don't like the sneaky shit and I'll never be back. read more

Best real Mexican! Beef tounge tacos and a fried tilapia with all the trimmings for less than ten bucks. Speak Spanish or be prepared for minor mistakes! You can't go wrong if you point at the menu! Great cold beer and a festive atmosphere! Love them! read more

My favorite mexican food in Columbia besides the taco truck down the street its the best i can find other than my hometown in California. The food is very authentic and they don't use ground beef for anything ! read more

Just had lunch here and the staff was rude, the restaurant was dirty, and the rice and beans were cold. Also, they didn't have chips, salsa, or guac. Wouldn't recommend. read more

I will admit--this place looks a bit sketchy at first, but believe me.... All the best places are. Best carne asada I've had in a long while! Pico is fantastic. Tacos are cheap and meaty! I love this place. Only recommendation I would have is to carry chips, I've never heard of a Mexican restaurant that offers pico de gallo but no chips. read more

Authentic Mexican food is very hard to find in this part of the country. Make sure you bring a spanish speaker with you!

I had always wanted to try some truly authentic Mexican food here in columbia. And when my friend turned me onto this place I was blown away. San Jose can not touch this with a ten foot stick. My favorites are the lengua and al pastor tacos. read more

The best authentic food here in columbia. From the tacos to the tortas. You won't go anywhere else after this place.

Absolutely the best Mexican food I've ever had! The food is absolutely genuine and taste amazing! I defined let recommend the El Pastor Burrito with a Mexican coke! I've seen one waitress there and she is really sweet, I struggled communicating what I wanted in her language, and she helped me and now knows my order and says it to me as soon as I walk in! I tell everyone I can about this place! read more

Service was horrible! Employees were not friendly. Food was okay. Did not serve chips & salsa. Only people in restaurant were Hispanic so figured it would be great. Located in a run down area. We went so since it had good reviews on Yelp. read more

We were sad to find this place right before we left Columbia. These are REAL tacos...not Americanized Mexican food. (which is still good to me). So simple and delicious...beware the green salsa on the table if you're not good with spicy things...I thought I was pretty good with spicy, but that about killed me....but my boyfriend didn't seem to think so. So, just depends on your taste and what you think is spicy. You must give this place a try! I think the bad reviews are from people who think Taco Bell is real Mexican food. read more