Cócteles El Primo

At first glance, you might think, "Really? A restaurant in a gas station? And it closes at 8:40 PM?" But trust me, once you get over the initial skepticism and step inside, you're in for a treat. The food is exceptional—Michelin star quality—and the service is super friendly. I couldn't have imagined finding food this good in a place like this. Highly recommend giving it a try!

The food is awesome! I made a blind guess for first time here. I got the stuffed crab with shrimp. We ordered to go. Then they bring me with a big party tray. And there are 2 whole crabs stuffed with tasty cheese and shrimps. The rice soaked in the sauce is so good! Yummy! I followed my intuition this is an authentic place, and it is right!

Ordered chicken empanadas to go. They were delicious. Seriously they were ridiculous. Good texture, right amount of filling to dough ratio, the chicken was seasoned good and they’re 4 for $13. Definitely worth it. The wait wasn’t too bad, just lets you know it’s fresh. The staff is very friendly and bilingual so don’t be intimidated because it’s not worth missing out on this place.

THE EL PASTOR TACOS ARE YEP - yummmmmie 🤤. They are $3 but for me it is worth it. Thennnnnnn the green salsa is tasty!!!!!!! They got that one perfect!!!

Wow! so glad we found this place while on vacation. Definitely worth the wait. Absolutely delicious authentic Mexican. Even had live music.

Amazing food at a great price. Great service too. On par with restaurants I have eaten at in Mexico. I will return!

This time we tried the fried mojarra, nothing better, crunchy outside juice inside. The best

Food was fine but there was bugs inside

Don't let the outside appearance fool you. This little restaurant is wonderful! Immediately knew we entered the right place because it was packed. We ordered jaiva en bano de camerones (stuffed crab with shrimp), and Camaron con pescado (shrimp & fish soup), and the melon drinks. The portions were huge and delicious. Attentive service and clear communication by the staff. Can't wait to come back for other dishes.

If you can look past the location and immediate surroundings, open the front door you have found the spot. Enjoy

A rare place, next to a gas station, hard to see from the road....don't judge a book by its cover. This is the MOST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN SEAFOOD anywhere in Charleston, Dorchester, etc. Built around the Veracruz style of fresh seafood, the menu boasts both RAW seafood and cooked. But the ultimate test is in the freshness of mollusks and the quality of the other ingredients, all being top notch and benefiting from having access to the freshest shrimp and oysters in Charleston. Portions are MASSIVE, generous, filling. Everything is fairly or marked priced. I was very happy with my bill and the experience. I love that this is in Ladson and we will be coming here often. Veracruz Style, Mexican Raw Seafood!

This place is at the BO gas station, and the food was delicious! The service was fast, and efficient for a to go order. They speak a little English, but the menu explained all I needed to know. Next time, I'm going to get the Cameron/shrimp cocktail with avocado. The person ahead of me had this, and it looked so good! I'll definitely be going back.

Amazing place I love the food, traditional cooking, the flavor is amazing, and the presentation of the food when it comes to ya is incredible. Will definitely recommend this place and also will continue to go there.

A new favorite! Lots of new Mexican restaurants have popped up in the area and I am learning more about the variety of cuisines the country has to offer. I had passed this place a few times when they weren't open and was beginning to become discouraged (I think the location had changed hands a couple of times). I was on my way to my Mom's house for dinner when I noticed that they were open. I had to stop in to find out if they sold tortas. Immediately, this cup of something caught my eye. I thought it was a drink at first, but many people had it and I had to have one too. I ordered one and come to find out, that cup contained a mouth fiesta that just wouldn't quit! There were huge shrimp, oysters, chunks of crab and more, swimming in a flavorful concoction of tomato juice, onions, cilantro...My words do it little justice. I shared the one I had with my buddy and bought another one to take home. Keep in mind that I was headed to dinner. It was just that good though, that I had to share it with others and taste that flavor at least one more time before I left the area. I can't wait to go back!

As previously mentioned don't judge by appearances.have only tried the mixed ceviche but found it really fresh and tasty. As I waited for my order I saw huge caldos(large bowls) of seafood soups and mariscos fritos (fried seafood. Wow. Awesome mixed seafood ceviche and could very well serve 3 adults per serving. One now; we went there to grab seafood on Good Friday and the line was 20 out the door.

Cócteles El Primo on College Park Road in Ladson has delicious and flavorful food that is unique to the area. I like all of their different seafood options and everything is fresh and well prepared. The staff here is very accommodating and works hard to make sure that you are well taken care of and that you have everything that you need. They are well worth a visit for really good food.