Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Located in West Ashley, 817 St Andrews Blvd holds Mex 1 Coastal Cantina—the ideal Charleston lunch spot. With warm tortillas and charming staff, how can you go wrong? They offer weekday Happy Hour Margaritas, Taco Tuesday, and a host of other specials scattered through the week— coming from both the kitchen and the bar.

You can tell walking in, these guys handle a lot of regular guests coming in each week in addition to the infuxe of visiting traffic. Almost every time we’ve walked in, we have been greeted by the same staple members of the staff, who already know what you’re drinking. How can you beat that?

Surfer’s Paradise

The whole restaurant is decked out in surf boards and tropical colors. The perfect vibe to sit back and relax.

This Coastal Cantina exudes California surfer vibes, often playing Island music or featuring Californian artists like No Doubt or Sublime. The perfect pairing to mouthwatering Mexican and any of the coastal cocktails they offer.

Mex 1 offers frozen drinks as well, that rotate frequently. This last visit they were serving up the frozen classic— the Miami Vice cocktail; a pina colada with a strawberry twist. Refreshing on a steamy Charleston day post-beach!

Garnish Got Game

The bartenders have access to tons of dehydrated garnishes, the look really elevates their drinks.

Their bar offers a little of everything; with a huge selection of tequila for their margaritas. Odds are they’re serving just what you require to pair with that taco… They also compliment their drinks with fresh and dehydrated garnishes— adding a little something special to already delicious drinks.

Having made them frequently, I can’t imagine the quantity needed for volume of service. Hats off to that dedication.

Street Corn Queso

Creamy queso combined with their famous street corn

As refreshing as their cocktails are, everything is better with queso. And at Mex 1… Everything is better with their Street Corn Queso (and fresh chips). This appetizer keeps pulling me back in for more and is often the reason we end up here for lunch. I can honestly say since I’ve started living here, I don’t believe I’ve been able to walk back out the door without it.

***Disclaimer*** I am not responsible for any life changing moments due to this appetizer.

Topping it Off

Anything and everything you might need to accompany your dish

Their menu displays a variety of tacos, bowls, burritos and other specialties—giving anyone who walks in for lunch or to belly up to the bar options. Usually too many good ones to pick from.

I’m lucky we usually end up sharing meals, I get the better end of the deal getting to have more than one of what we had our eyes on.

Ancho Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas— pick your protein, served with onions, peppers, lettuce, jack cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, chipotle mayo, tortillas and rice

(See above for all sides included)

This venue has been an overwhelming staple week-to-week, especially when we find ourselves close to West Ashley. It’s a no brainer, they’re so consistent with putting out delicious food and always there to casually drop in.

To find out more about Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, at this or another location, check out their website at www.mex1coastalcantina.com