The Fort Mill food scene has exploded in the past few years. Gone are the days of 2-3 restaurants with sub par food at a sub par price. Although it’s not quite in line with Charlotte, there are now multiple options to choose from when venturing out for a family dinner.
One of those options that recently opened is Paco’s Tacos and Tequila. Located in Kingsley (Fort Mill) next to Napa, I had doubts about whether it would be anything more than traditional Mexican fare. I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.
In my past work life, I visited San Antonio once a month for business. Although I didn’t love the city, I did love the food. The Tex Mex is the best I’ve ever had. Since I no longer have the same job, I figured those days were behind me. Little did I know I’d get a similar experience from a restaurant just down the road from where I live.
Complete with table side guacamole, massive margaritas and huge burritos, salads and tacos, Paco’s Taco’s and Tequila lives up to its name and then some. This is not a place where you’ll go home hungry.
After a fourth of July weekend filled with entirely too many sweets and carb laden sandwiches, I opted for the “Too Big Taco Salad.” The salad was large, piled high with ground beef, guacamole, queso and sour cream on a bed of lettuce. Thick and crispy tortilla chips covered the bottom, providing a nice crunch as you worked your way around the plate. A creamy chile lime dressing was a refreshing touch that paired nicely with the warm ground beef.
My wife got the same salad but opted for chicken, which looked well seasoned and nicely charred. My in-laws went a different route, one got a couple of tacos and the other a burrito. Both were unable to finish what was on their plate but left the table very satisfied with what they had ordered. I even had a bit of “order envy” as I peered over at what they had gotten.
Aside from a few menu items in the upper $30 range, most options were anywhere from $15-25. My salad was one of the cheaper items on the menu and ended up being quite the bargain at $13. There was even a margarita special for $10 that my mother in law took advantage of. My daughter got a kids taco and had nothing but good things to say, so that bodes well for the rest of you finding a place that caters to both you and your kids.
Similar to a well seasoned and delicious brisket, it’s hard to find excellent Tex Mex outside Texas. Based on our experience, your search begins and ends at Paco’s Tacos and Tequila.
Where to go: 1328 Broadcloth Street, Fort Mill
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
