Best Mexican Food: Cantina 76

HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST MEXICAN food in Columbia, Cantina 76 has become well-known among USC students for its tasty and affordable meals, amazing drinks and a great atmosphere to hang out with friends and family.

Owned by friends Jeb Babcock, Chad Elsey, Rob Ward and Craig Wyatt, they opened their first location on Devine Street in 2009 before expanding to a second location in Columbia on Main Street in 2013, with further locations opening up in Greenville, Mount Pleasant and Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

The restaurant is well-known for its variety of tacos, including barbecue brisket, fried chicken, jalapeño shrimp and surf ‘n’ turf. It also offers other Mexican-style foods, such as queso, enchiladas, chimichangas, nachos and chips and salsa.

In addition to having five-star food, Cantina 76 also has top-notch drinks that are the perfect complement to their food. They are best known for their tequila cocktails like The Cantina, Prickly Pear, Strawberry Basil or The Devine. Guests can also order the Margaritas Muy Bueno by the glass or by the pitcher on the rocks.

With everything excellent that Cantina 76 has to offer, it’s no wonder that USC students and the surrounding community flock to it.