Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Mexican restaurant · Sullivan's Island

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Mexican restaurant · Sullivan's Island

1

2205 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

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Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina by null

Highlights

Mex 1 is the perfect surf inspired beach bar serving up craveable tacos, memorable margaritas and a killer Mexi-Cali brunch all in a friendly, laid back atmosphere. A visit to Mex 1 Coastal Cantina recreates an epic adventure off the west coast highway for which it is named. Until your next big adventure, we hope to provide you with the perfect little escape everyone needs from the daily grind of life! Always in Pursuit of the Endless Summer.  

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2205 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 Get directions

mex1coastalcantina.com
@mex1coastalcantina

$$ · Menu

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2205 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 Get directions

+1 877 363 4203
mex1coastalcantina.com
@mex1coastalcantina

$$ · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"Dining with children requires a hefty dose of Mex 1’s meal mantra: a grain of salt, a slice of lime, and a shot of tequila. All the restaurant locations are noisy and spacious, with fun vibes inside and out. With a kid’s menu full of Mexican favorites and servers schooled in substitution and alterations, just show up and chill out. For your twinkle-toed toddlers and tweens: The Sullivan’s Island location has a stage inside that makes for a perfect dance floor while waiting for the meals to arrive." - Erin Perkins, Erin Ziegler

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View Postcard for Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Amadea Friedl

Google
I tried something new! Usually I always go for the bangin shrimp tacos, but I decided to switch it up a bit by getting the bangin shrimp quesadilla instead. I was not disappointed. The sweet sauce with the little kick of spice was delicious. Loved how it was served with guacamole (I used it as a dip for my chips). Perfect place for after the beach!

Brooke

Google
Mex 1 has the very best shrimp quesadillas have ever had. The chips they bring out before the meal are great as well. I would eat here everyday if I could. By the far the best. Images are from two separate times, I have gone. Both are amazing.

Reiley Franklin

Google
Everything was amazing, I just wish they had all of the plastic covers opened outside! It was a beautiful day but got quite stuffy! Corn queso was great and the fish and shrimp tacos were very fresh and filling.

Tatum Picha

Google
My husband and I are big Mexican food fans and we’re excited to try this spot. The vibe here was cool but in my opinion the food and service was nothing special. My husband and and I both got different tacos and they were alright. We got a kids bowl and that was mediocre. The service was just alright as well. We had to ask for our chips to come out initially maybe 3 times. Our server did package up my sweet tea at the end for me to take on the road which was kind. Overall it was good but didn’t exceed expectations. Part of the reason we went is because I had read they had a stage for kids to entertain themselves while waiting for food but it looked like they had since covered the mini stage with more tables for customers.

Steve Lanys-Morris

Google
We stopped by here for some fish tacos and had a such a great time, we came back a second day for the same thing. The first day we got a platter of two tacos - one Mahi-mahi, and one Fresh Cath, which was Red Snapper, with the street corn. Kaylor was most kind and knowledgeable. Day two we ordered 2 Red Snapper tacos (not pictured) on corn tortillas (highly recommend) with the rice and beans. At first, we were brought Mahi-mahi on flour tortillas, but Lucy figured it out and we ended up with two free tacos! The Red Snapper was more tender, less chewy, and more delicious. Service was awesome! Pineapple Habanero Margarita is magic.

Grace Murra

Google
A great environment. There was lots of sports games playing. Service was quick, and the staff was attentive. We only ordered an appetizer and got drinks, but we enjoyed the setting. The margarita pitcher is delicious and great deal (they claim it fills 5 cups but it filled 7 for us). We also recommend the triple dip platter. I attached the photo below.

Eleni Pantelides

Google
Cute little Mexican place. Nice atmosphere and fun decor. I had the 3 tacos and the shrimp taco had way too much honey on it for my liking but was still tasty. Steak quesadilla was very very good. My daughters beef taco had so much meat we had to ask for a second tortilla. Overall it wasn’t bad but didn’t meet my expectations.

Chad Davis

Google
Very dog-friendly place with great Mexican food and drinks. Our server was excellent and went out of her way to accommodate us. I had the Mahi Bowl which was so good!!! The chips and salsa were really good also! I love Mex 1!!!!!!

Liz R.

Yelp
My husband and I dined here on Saturday evening and had the pleasure of having George as our server. He was so attentive to us and we never had to ask for a thing! The food wait time was minimal and the drinks were fantastic! The food was wonderful and ambiance was so cool. Also great vegan options which is always a plus! Awesome music and just good vibes all around! Thanks George for an awesome dining experience! We'll definitely be back again soon!

Suzanne S.

Yelp
Mex 1 was between 3 and 4 stars for me, but I'm going to give the bump because I was hangry when we arrived and that likely made me feel more negative. The location is great and the vibes are fun. We arrived around 6:30 on a Friday evening after spending a couple of hours on the beach. The place was very loud and everyone seemed to be having the best time. We were quoted a 30-45 minute wait for a table and loitered in the bar rehydrating with water. It was a little crowded but we appreciated the hospitality and we were never asked to move or pushed to order a beverage. Our table was ready in a little less than 40 minutes, so kudos for the spot-on accuracy of the wait time! We were promptly brought chips and salsa--very tasty! We ordered street corn queso, which came out quickly. I really enjoyed the street corn queso and highly recommend it. The portion was generous for two people, but we finished it. Our food orders took awhile, but we had the queso to hold us over and I suspect the kitchen was crushed. We each ordered the two tacos meal. My spouse had crispy beef and carne asada. I ordered the bangin shrimp and baja fish. We both had beans and rice as a side. My spouse reported that the crispy beef taco was his favorite. My favorite was the bangin shrimp. We both loved the beans and rice, which was flavorful and nicely spiced. I thought the bangin shrimp taco had a bit too much of the shredded cabbage, but it was tasty. The baja fish taco was overall disappointing. I didn't care for the crema / sour cream and it also seemed to have too much of the veg toppings (onions and shredded cabbage). I ended up deconstructing that taco and eating the fish with the beans and rice, leaving most of the tortilla and toppings behind. Maybe I should try a bowl with the baja fish next time? All in, we enjoyed our meals and would return--just be ready for the party atmosphere!

Anthony W.

Yelp
Solid four stars. The food is decently good and matches the price point which is pretty affordable. The chicken was great in tacos - a nice braise with a lot of flavor. The steak was somewhat bland and of lower quality, so I'd steer away from it. The guacamole was fresh and well done. The baja bowls were heavy on the rice and a little salty. The chips are also freshly fried and come to the table hot. The margaritas were light on alcohol for the price when you order the larger ones and a little sweeter than I'd like; however, they are making their own in house mix and overall were pretty tasty. The service is somewhat attentive and speedy. The atmosphere is vibrant. If on the island, it's convenient and you don't have to go far for a decent meal!

April P.

Yelp
I love Sullivans island and I'm actively trying to eat my way through all of the restaurants there! Mex 1 Cantina is okay. I ordered the bangin shrimp quesadilla with grilled shrimp. I think quesadilla is a bit pricey and should probably come with at least rice and beans. lol The chips and salsa are the star of the show! So flaky! The server was quite swamped and seemed to be the only bartender working, so service was a bit slow. It's a cool restaurant and I'd probably come back to try more margaritas. They had a lot of different options and I was able to try the mezcal margarita. There was a bit too much sour mix in it for me, however. It's definitely a beach vibe restaurant and I loved the bar seating. Check it out if you're in the area!

Emily Z.

Yelp
This is for cocktails and appetizers only, but it was a solid 4 stars. Sat on the outside part of the bar mid-afternoon for a cocktail and snack. Serving of guacamole was really large, chips were salty and warm and fresh, drinks made and served quickly, and all the food coming by us smelled amazing. Lots of fish taco options available, good variety of tacos, larger plates, vegetarian and kids options. People of all ages, groups of all sizes can easily be accommodated. Lots of fans to keep bugs away and also keep a nice breeze going on hot summer days. You are elevated off the street level at this restaurant so the road noise is limited which is nice. I started with a El Jefe margarita and it was very good and not too sweet. The ranch water was refreshing, even though pineapple isn't my favorite flavor. The citrus salt was a nice touch too! Cute place for drinks, lunch or snacks.

Paul V.

Yelp
Not even a late-summer squall could quash our spirits while Mex 1 quelled our appetites on a windy Sullivan's Isle evening. After the expected wait in line behind the elusive 12-top that never showed, we were seated just in time for the rain to pour, matched only by the flow of chips and delicious salsa as we made those all-important dinner choices. Don't pass up that guacamole on your way to heavier things, and if you're crazy pick the Tripple Dipper with Guac, black bean dip and queso crowned with jalapeños. There are "salads", which are actually way more, with the Cabo steak always a strong choice. The 2- or 3-taco platters will also leave you satisfied (if not stuffed) since you also get rice and beans. Lots of shrimp and fish taco choices as well. Standard tacos abound, and even a burger which is a Tex-mex smashburger of sorts. Maybe next time? Yes I settled on steak (of course) and the Baja bowls are excelente! All the meat varieties and even cauli and shroom versions for those who like to "eat light". All will fill you up. We outlasted the storm with another couple chips/salsa rounds (well mostly, since there was alleged barefoot rain-running to the car involved post-meal). But nobody was thinking about getting wet after all that food. We were glad our newly-local friends decided to take us on their first visit here, and I'm sure they'll be regulars now.

Ashley B.

Yelp
Highly recommend the amazing grilled mahi mahi tacos & pineapple ranch water! Had a drink at the bar and carried togo food back to the beach.

Cat A.

Yelp
Our server ROCKED!! She killed it on recommendations and she even helped me make sure the food I ate was gluten free. I love that they offer lettuce wraps for the tacos as a gf subscription. The large open windoeof this location made it so lovely for a post beach meal. Very delicious and will be back soon!

Lisa F.

Yelp
Great location but be prepared to go up the stairs and be devoured by mosquitos when sitting outside!!! We were greeted, server was friendly but one of eight had decent food. We started with the corn dip, it was ok; missing something. Guacamole seemed packaged. The chicken sandwich was bland and awful, another guest ordered a bowl and said it was bland. There was nothing special about the fish tacos. The side of Mexican street corn didn't have the Mayo or seasoning. My son ordered a burrito with fries in it; weird but he liked it. I ordered the veggie quesadilla which was bland too. Beer came in a can, never got the glass I asked for twice. There's too many places to eat at 7:30 pm on a Sunday night so I won't be back

Jeffrey R.

Yelp
Great atmosphere! Great service too! Makes you ask the question, why do people go to Mexico?

Amanda C.

Yelp
Great food and views on Sullivan island (if you sit outside). The food was pretty good as well. Drinks were awesome. My only complaint was I informed the waitress I was Diary Free due to an allergy. I asked her to inform the Chef, and instead of a sour cream or mayo based sauce to accompany my fish tacos, pico de gallon would be great. Well she bought the pico but still bought the dairy. I had to ask about it again. Next time just leave the diary out of someone says they have an allergy :)

Haru S.

Yelp
What a chill vibe at this restaurant! I wish we had been able to stay as the atmosphere was really nice. Great food, music, and staff. But my friend and I were only getting take out as we ordered online so we could have our lunch on the shore nearby. Despite the lunch rush on a busy summer day, our food was ready for pick up 15 minutes after ordering. There was a bit of a mix up thought which resulted in us waiting a little longer, but the staff helped us resolve it right away. We ordered a variety of food for a party of 4. My Baja Fish Taco in particular had the perfect crunchy texture. It's a little pricey, but worth it. If I'm ever back in town, but I would be happy to visit again.

Melissa L.

Yelp
This was a cool local-feel spot with solid, modern Mexican. With its beach surfer vibe, experienced staff, and awesome location, it's a great place to eat!

Cari P.

Yelp
Mex 1 Coastal has a cool vibe, service is friendly and prompt and the food was really good. I appreciated the fact that the quesadilla wasn't greasy at all. The flavor was amazing and full. The tacos were the same...really good. The chips and salsa were also yummy. The meal came w sour cream and guacamole on the side and that was a nice touch. If you want Mexican then give Mex 1 a try.

Graysen V.

Yelp
Had a great time here! Has such a lively and fun atmosphere, with lots of festive customers, good music, and colorful decorations. The nachos were great (loaded well with toppings, including lots of cheese and pico which I love), but the tacos were just okay. Another perk is that they're pet friendly and have lots of tables and patio seating. All around, a really fun vacation stop!

Danielle W.

Yelp
First time in SC, was in town for work and came here our 2nd night. Staff was awesome, our waitress was very friendly especially helping me with but some merch. We got the street corn queso for the app, it was amazing! I couldn't believe how much I liked it, couldn't stop eating it even after I was full from dinner lol I had the two taco platter, bangin shrimp and Baja fish, both were really good but I liked the shrimp one better. Can't remember what everyone else got but they seemed to like their dishes. The drinks...oh boy were those yummy! We all had the El Hefe margarita, definitely recommend trying this place.

Hannah G.

Yelp
We had a great meal at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina on their deck overlooking Middle Street. We started with the dip trio and some of their cocktails -- all were delicious! For my meal I had the santos shrimp tacos and would definitely order them again. Friendly service and overall great spot!

Hannah P.

Yelp
Really cool, open atmosphere. The food was good. I tried the bangin' shrimp taco which was one of the best tacos I've had lately. I also tried the ground beef baja bowl. The beef was too salty for me, but otherwise the bowl was pretty good. Our server was pretty unfriendly and rushed us a bit but other staff stopped by to check on us and were nice. Also worth noting - the music was way too loud and there was no parking.

Mark C.

Yelp
Mex 1 is a cool little place on Sullivan's Island that deserves a very high rating. If you get a chance to sit outside overlooking the road on a nice day, I highly recommend it. Parking in that area is a bit of a task but it's well worth waiting for a spot. The primary reason I give Mex 1 a 5-star rating is because of the food and the service. There truly isn't anything spectacular about the restaurant itself but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for with outstanding Mexican inspired dishes. Our server was Amber, and she was just a pleasure. She had a bubbly and friendly personality. We had a food allergy in our group, and she went out of her way to make sure that the food was correct and allergen free when it got to the table. We all ordered different types of tacos and they were so delicious between the crumbled cotija cheese, fresh ingredients, perfectly spiced meats, and soft tortillas, each one was perfectly balanced and filled with flavors in every bite. They didn't just taste delicious, they looked amazing. Everyone in our party except for me had margaritas and my wife said that it was one of the best margaritas she had ever drank. If you have a reason to be on Sullivan's Island, Mex 1 Cantina is a must for lunch, dinner, drinks, or just a snack. It's the perfect place to wind down from a beach trip or a day wandering the streets of Charleston.

Rita G.

Yelp
Been here 2nd time now. I dont usually like mexican food but this place is legit good. We got lucky summer is done so it was not busy . Usually this place is pack . Ambiance is good and clean

Betty J.

Yelp
Came into Mex 1 on Sullivan's Island yesterday for brunch and brought a few a friends visiting. No wait time for table service, and very quick with food and drinks. Our server, Celia, was delightful and very attentive. She recommended food for each of us based off of our taste, and we were well satisfied! Also taught our visitors a little bit about history on the Island, always great to have a local waitress in this town full of new people! Thanks Mex 1 and celia! Definitely recommend.

Sarah-Bradley D.

Yelp
My new favorite taco. We went after a Saturday on the beach and got to sit on the patio. Service was great as was the food. We ordered the pineapple infused Topo Chico which was super light and refreshing and then the queso. My husband said at least eight times how much he loved the chips. They really were good. For our entrees we got the banging shrimp taco, Baja fish taco, thunderbird taco and carnitas taco. All were great but the banging shrimp was the hands down favorite. Can't wait to come back this summer for more drinks and tacos.

J David H.

Yelp
My daughter had Mex 1 Coastal Cantina on her foodie radar when planning for our trip to Charleston. As it turned out we did back to back dining on Sullivan's Island. Parking is off street and free. If they offer their own I missed it. We arrived at approximately 530 on a Tuesday without reservations and was told by the host an hour wait. We happen to spot three seats at the bar and took advantage that they do not seat at the counter. The outside deck is used for a waiting area. However there are a few bar seats seats on the deck. The bartender was friendly and immediately attentive. I do love setting at the bar. It's where all the action is and typically the best service too! We got Cadillac margaritas flowing immediately with chips and guacamole. Then looked the menu over. A festive beach environment with warm sunshine pouring in was the perfect way to spend our last day in Charleston area. Chips and guacamole came out in minutes to our delight and WOW! Authentic fresh guacamole with tasty chips were the bomb. Washed down with amazing margaritas made by our waiter. This alone gets them a 4 star review. All three of us ordered a trio of tacos which were recommended by our waiter. Wife and I got the Fresh Catch and daughter shrimp. The chips and guacamole was holding up nicely as we sipped on our drinks and awaited entrees. Tacos hit within 15 minutes and the plates were placed correctly in front. The visual looked great and the taste of my Fresh Catch confirmed it. Price point is pushed, but it's a resort type of situation on Sullivan's I guess. We did receive periodic food follow ups which was appreciated. The bill was prepared in a timely manner. I do not always mention price points, but it was on the higher end. I think they can push the envelope. But again resort, however end of the day we are talking tacos. A 4.5 rounding down seems to fit well. All three of us agreed if back on Sullivan's we would return.

Eilen S.

Yelp
GET THE BANGING SHRIMP TACO! (If you like shrimp of course) it was absolutely delicious. I got a banging shrimp and a crispy beef - which by the way just means crispy shell ground beef taco lol (AND YES YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH TACOS). Both were really tasty but the shrimp one was my fave. The prices where totally reasonable and all the food I tasted was delicious. They were able to sit us right away in a quiet and cool corner. We had a baby with us so this was a plus. Service was fast and friendly and while I asked for rice and beans as a side and it was brought out with Elote, the food runner quickly brought me out a side of rice and beans and all was well right away. The vibes of this place where beach shack, beach town.. and totally awesome ! I'll be back

Kamryn E.

Yelp
Always a good after the beach spot or causal place to bring people who are visiting. The happy hour is great and so are the margs! I always get the banging shrimp Baja bowl or banging shrimp tacos and you cannot go wrong - always so good! We always go for HH or a random time after the beach so never had a problem with getting a table or spot at the bar.

Victoria B.

Yelp
Overall great vibes and truly encompasses the "coastal cantina" atmosphere. Perfect beachy vibes to spend the day drinking a refreshing margarita, enjoying chips and dip - the chips are served warm, guacamole is fresh, and queso is flavorful. Service is wonderful, even on the busiest of days.

Lisa S.

Yelp
Charming and relaxed restaurant with great service and friendly staff. The food is ok but nothing special. We had the queso with chips which was ok but nothing special. Then we had the mahi mahi taco which had a tiny piece of fish that was overcooked with loads of cabbage (85% of taco) and onions. The second taco had shrimp with a corn salsa which was a bit better balanced between the protein and filler. I'll be going back but will try the meat tacos the next time to see if you get more protein.

Annette L.

Yelp
This place always hits the spot! The guacamole is fresh. The so-cal Caesar salad is so good and the santos shrimp quesadilla is prepared perfectly! We always sit outside which is really nice and the service is always great!

Erika B.

Yelp
Delicious drinks and amazing food!!!! I had the shrimp quesadilla and it was amazing. The servers were great and it was a fun time worth's beach vibe. Highly recommend!

Jacquelyn B.

Yelp
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, great food, pet friendly on porch 10/10 would recommend

Amanda M.

Yelp
The tacos were so good and offered good portion sizes as well. Nice place for a low key night

Anita J.

Yelp
Love it here! Service quick, drinks great, and food awesome. Definitely recommend the street corn, tacos, and quesadilla. The Baja bowls are good too.

Alexis P.

Yelp
Good food, cute vibe, and good service. Nothing crazy or outstanding but I thought my food tasted very good and I'd come back with friends. I ordered the thunderbomb and santos shrimp tacos. They were yummy and there was a lot of filling in the flour tortillas. Theyre definitely not real tacos but they're their own type of taco and they're tasty. They were filled so much that those 2 tacos were enough for dinner for me. We also got chips and guac (chips and salsa for the table are free). The guac was nothing special but it was good and the chips are thin and salty (the best). The restaurant kind of looks like a tiki island grill/bar. There's lots of seating inside and outside. There are lots of little lights and the decor inside is cute. It's definitely a fun and casual place to eat. No one wore masks and I'm pretty sure the vibe is "COVID is non existent down here" (VERY different from DC). Our waiter was very bubbly and friendly. He came back to check on us often and was very accommodating. Splitting the check between our party was super easy (which is a first these days)! Overall, pretty good experience here. I'd definitely come back on a weekend for some dinner and drinks with friends.

Cheryl R.

Yelp
The smoked chicken nachos are the hands down best nachos I have ever had . The meat really tasted smoked . These babies were layered nice with the black beans , so as you dug down you still got cheese , beans and guacamole and sour cream . I had the frozen strawberry margarita A+ . My friend loved his quesadilla, would I come back ? Absolutely! Ps to managers, please for the love of god put up sun shade on the patio / porch , the sun is blinding !!!!

Doug H.

Yelp
Slightly better than average Mexican restaurant on Sullivan's Island. The beach vibe makes it attractive

Damon M.

Yelp
Last week, my family and I visited Charleston for the first time; we asked a college friend for places to eat and Mex 1 was at the *top* of his list. His recommendation did not disappoint as Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, no lie, served some of the best Mexican food I have had in my life! I immediately feel in love with the vibe of the restaurant: local hang-out, with a festive pub/sports bar feel. Our waitress, Jerrica, was relatively new but you would have never know it; she was warm, responsive, and knew the menu inside and out. For cocktails, my wife had the Pineapple Margarita and I ordered the Frozen Margarita -- both were outstanding and STRONG. We also had the Triple Dipper appetizer which was as delicious as it was generously-portioned. For dinner, I had the Baja Bowl with Bangin' Shrimp. Everything about this dish was just amazing. The pico, green onions, lime, and cilantro tasted so incredibly fresh, if I was told that they have a private garden in the back, I would've believed it. The shrimp was local, lightly breaded, and mouthwatering and the sweet and tangy sauce drizzled on top made for a savory pairing. Not to mention that the brown rice was light, fluffy, and flavorful as well. My wife ordered the Bangin' Shrimp and Baja Fish Tacos which were just as delectable. Also, shout out to the general manager, Mark, who came to our table and was so passionate and hospitable. With the service, food, drinks, and atmosphere at Mex 1, it's easy to understand why he is in love with the place! When we return to Charleston, Mex 1 may be our first stop from the airport!

Makaela P.

Yelp
This place is so good! We stop by Sullivan's Island every year, this is our go-to place. If you enjoy cocktails, order one of their frozen margaritas. You'll never be disappointed. Sometimes they have specialty ones that are also always amazing. I ordered the chicken quesadilla and my husband ordered two different types of taco. Honestly we always love our time at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, no need to go anywhere after a gorgeous day at the beach.

Kat B.

Yelp
Great Mexican restaurant with huge portions and lots of flavor. Not the absolute best Mexican I've ever had but definitely packed with flavor and a great spot for big groups. Skip the nachos and guac. Nothing special and kind soggy

Fioanna R.

Yelp
Banging shrimp taco.... Phenomenal!! That's it. That's the post! Street corn wasn't what I expected (it was in a bowl not on the cob still). Everything I tried tasted very fresh! Service was very good and prompt!

Diego C.

Yelp
My fiancee hadthe shrimp tacos and I had the mahi mahi ones, food was incredible. Our server, Skyler helped us a lot navigating through the menu. It was a little hot inside the restaurant maybe just more fans? other than that 10/10.

Stephanie C.

Yelp
Great food, super friendly service, good atmosphere!! The waiter was super friendly and chill! His personality was charming and definitely made it a great experience. The food was delicious! I had a bowl and it was super good! The place played great music! I had to shazam some songs that i didn't know and add it to my playlist!

Katie F.

Yelp
We had a large group and they accommodated us without issue. The food was excellent- shrimp Baja bowl was a favorite!!

Christy M.

Yelp
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Charleston, Sullivan's Island. Walking distance from the beach. We fell in love with it a few years ago when we visited. This time we made sure to go twice. Food is fresh and full of flavor. Drinks are yummy. Service is great.

Mark W. S.

Yelp
Homemade Tacos made with fresh ingredients. Can't ask for much more from a Tex-Mex place. The tuna, carnitas, beef, and bang'in shrimp tacos were all delicious. Everyone loved the salsa and queso too. Service was excellent and the decor and atmosphere was cool. Will be back next trip.

Edie B.

Yelp
The food was great but the service was abysmal. I paid cash to avoid the added credit card fee, but was charged for it anyway. She wouldn't take it off. I was a party of 3, with one member eating an appetizer for her entree. The waitress billed me for one third of her appetizer. I got 3 tacos (17+tax). I ended up giving her $40 and she brought me back a $5. She said they don't do change, coins or single dollars. I complained, so she brought me all of my money. I had to figure it out on the back and find enough for my tacos, 1/3 of my friends food , tax and tip. I should've given it one star, but the food was good. I would never go back here EVER!

Steve E.

Yelp
The food was really bad. Margaritas that was 99% mix and ice, to the massively oversalted guacamole, corn & bean dip. So salty they went unfinished in a party of 8. The fish tacos came with cold flour tortillas and were absent of flavor. Again, tacos went unfinished. Such a fail.

Jenna A.

Yelp
New to the Charleston/Sullivan's Island area, and Mex 1 is one of my new favorite spots on the island. SC is pretty lenient with COVID, but they are still taking precautions. It's so great to see places opening up and getting back to normal. I am fully vaccinated and felt perfectly comfortable there - without a mask. Jara(h), one of their bartenders, went above and beyond! She was truly amazing. It''s clear she loves what she's doing and all the customers love her. We were waiting at the bar for a table, but ended up staying at the bar to chat with her! She is AWESOME. The drinks and food are delicious. I highly recommend their bangin shrimp bowls and skinny margaritas! We will definitely be back!

Ashley R.

Yelp
Vegan options (limited but yummy)! If you love hot sauce, be sure to check out the wall of hot sauces to choose from inside / upstairs.

Leah S.

Yelp
When we came to Sullivan's Island, we initially planned on dining at Poe's, however they were closed for the week that we arrived for renovations. I'm really glad that happened because if they had been open, it's unlikely we would have found Mex 1. It was restaurant week when we came to Charleston, which was not what we had planned our trip around, however it was just a really awesome coincidence. We picked the restaurant week menu for Mex 1, which was a three for $30 deal. For our starter, we picked the three dips and chips which included a smokey salsa, a wonderfully chunky guacamole, and a zesty queso sauce with crunchy chips. For our entree we were able to pick two tacos off of the menu as well as one of their bowl options, so we opted for the cauliflower taco and chicken taco, as well as the Baja bowl with mahi. Our waitress was super friendly and outgoing, was talkative and had lots of recommendations about places to try while we were in Charleston area for restaurant week. When the chips and dips came out, we were very happy to find the dips of high-quality and packed with flavor, alongside a well-made and salted chip. The cauliflower tacos were excellent, lightly charred, with a delicious soft tortilla and zesty sauce. The chicken taco was eaten by my husband and he said it was very satisfying with juicy marinated chicken. The other entree was the mahi-mahi Baja bowl, which was not only a beautiful dish but also well seasoned. The mahi was delicate and not dried out, perfectly cooked alongside cojita cheese and guac. The bowl itself was packed with lots of yummy items and was very filling. For dessert on our 3 for $30 choice, we picked the dulce de leche cheesecake, which was too sweet for my liking, but was the only thing we didn't totally love. The restaurant is super conveniently located off the main drag in Sullivan's Island, with lots of street parking and tons of indoor and outdoor seating. I appreciated the fact that their salsas were bold and not too sweet, with lots of spicy and smoky flavors. Their guacamole too was very good, chunky and smooth at the same time. I felt like overall, their food was very fresh and well made, with delicious flavors and an obviously successful goal at making sure their product is beautiful as well as delicious. The ambience of the restaurant was inviting, with a Mexican/Hawaiian vibe that made me feel like I was in Haleiwa, Oahu. I would definitely return here on another trip to the Charleston area.

Amber C.

Yelp
Vibe, service, and food were wonderful. May have been the best shrimp tacos I've had in my life.