This South Carolina taco joint ranks as No. 1 in the state. Why fans love it

A South Carolina restaurant serves tacos “dripping with flavor” — and fans can’t get enough, a new report finds.

So much so, the taco joint now ranks No. 1 in the state. Tacos Nayarit in Columbia received the recognition from Yelp, adding to the praise it’s received in the past.

“Fans flock to this fast-casual favorite for authentic tacos inspired by Nayarit, the namesake Mexican state known for rich history and natural beauty,” the review website wrote in its Sept. 25 report.

To determine the best places to eat tacos , Yelp said it studied taco restaurants across the country. Within each state, it “ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews” left from Jan. 1, 2019, to July 1, 2024.

Why the taco joint is a fan favorite

Tacos Nayarit topped the list in South Carolina after people went on Yelp to say they loved the popular birria tacos . Customers also raved about the service and atmosphere, helping the restaurant earn 4.7 out of 5 stars.

“Tortillas and salsas are all house-made, as are the fillings — grilled shrimp, ‘juicy and flavorful’ carnitas, barbacoa ‘dripping with flavor,’ and a ‘must-try’ birria,” Yelp wrote in its report. “Yelpers say it’s common to find a long line, but it moves fast.”

As of January 2023, Tacos Nayarit planned to launch other restaurants in Cayce and Irmo, The State reported. The location that won the Yelp honor is on Percival Road in Columbia, but it takes inspiration from more than 3,000 miles away.

“We’re proud to bring cuisine from the Mexican state of Nayarit right here to Columbia,” the business wrote on its Yelp page. “Located on the Pacific coast, things are done a little differently in the kitchens of Nayarit, and we’re committed to serving the most authentic flavors of the region to offer something unique.”

Tacos Nayarit reigned supreme ahead of National Taco Day, which falls on Oct. 1 this year. In the past, readers of The State named the restaurant one of the best places for tacos in the Midlands, and it also ranked among Yelp’s top taco joints in the United States.

In addition to tacos, the restaurant serves gorditas, burritos and other dishes, according to social media posts.

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