This month’s cocktailin’ excursion was a no-brainer! We simply spent the afternoon with the unbelievably friendly folks at our new favorite hang-out, the super casual, super authentic, 4 Tacos Locos on Augusta Road in Greenville. Ana and Benito are our new best friends –  for good reason. They know a thing or two about REAL Mexican dishes and, of course, cocktails – and we are in awe!

a diamond in the rough…

4 Tacos Locos is refreshingly off the beaten path (no fighting the downtown traffic, no driving circles in a parking garage) and might not seem particularly fancy on the outside (no shiny, new building), but you know you have found a true gem as soon as you walk in the door! Happy, smiling faces, colorful banners and mouth-watering aromas are the perfect greeting for one and all!

A margarita for any apetito…

We have had our fair share of margaritas -the bueno, the no bueno and the really no bueno! Until now, we have never had the most bueno marvelloso! Maybe it should be named after on of the owners, Benito. “Bueno Benito” has a nice ring to it- just sayin… Made with their house-made mix, it is plenty potent and delicious on its own, but if you’re feeling fiesta-like, feel free to add a floater. This delightful little hole in the wall will surprise you with its selection of upscale tequilas, so be warned, it will be fuerte! Available in small, medium and you better call an Uber, it meets everybody’s thirst level!

Jalapeño Margarita…

We were beyond delighted and thrilled by the spicy margarita! Si, they were so good we had two. and that rarely happens as we usually share well! Served in a jelly jar and sprinkled with fresh jalapeño and fresh cilantro, this is an absolute game-changer. It’s appropriately spicy at first but mellows on the back end. We would run with the bulls for this one! It’s by far the cocktail that you will continually crave…we certainly do and are fantasizing about one as we write! It also balances beautifully with everything on the menu. More about that in a momento.

The Michelada…

Since 4 Tacos Locos is open for lunch, which suits us as we have now gone multiple times, we have to talk about this south-of-the-border hangover cure which covers all needs without setting you back. A tub, yes TUB, of bloody Maria house-made mix blended with cerveza (beer for you gringos) is the Grand Patron of bloody marys. It will do ya right in the event you find yourself having been over-served the night before – a rookie move, but we all regress at times! #hangovercure

The happiest happy hour (or 3)…

While ANY time is a good time to visit, there’s a nice incentive to pop in for “Happy Margarita Hour”! On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4-7 pm, the margs in all sizes are super-specially-low-priced. No matter which size you choose, your temperature and mood will immediately chill!

And while we are slightly more cocktail-focused, 4 Tacos Locos doesn’t disappoint the staunch beer-drinker. They have all the usual suspects in the cooler, cold and calling your name, but the pièce de résistance for this hallmark of Mexican authenticity is the Corona Tradicional – hurra!!

Tacos, tacos, tacos, and soup…

We can’t say enough about the incredibly delicious treats coming out of this kitchen! The street tacos are epic! While they have the more typical tacos for those who want to stick to what they know, our favorites are the pork carnitas, the Alhambra (beef) and Mexican sausage, and the El Pastor which has a hint of sweetness with pineapple.

Another favorite is the Birria tacos, a slow-cooked short rib that is pulled and stuffed into tortillas then served with a side of consommé creating a gastronomic delight. We could eat the consommé alone, especially with Ana’s onion-cilantro creation and a squeeze of lime. One of us orders this every single time – even if she wants to try something else!

The sopa de pollo is the tastiest ever, the salads are compiled of the freshest of ingredients, and the guacamole de casera is beyond your wildest imaginations- we are not exaggerating! The hearty eaters in our lives dig happily into burritos, fajitas and enchiladas.

Ana is great at helping patrons navigate the wealth of choices on the menu and makes sure everyone is muy contenta. She and Benito deserve every accolade available in making the whole experience one you want to repeat over and over. Muchas gracias. Benito and Ana for giving Greenville a truly authentic Mexican experience!

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 am – 9:00 pm, Ana and Benito are ready and waiting to greet you!

4 Tacos Locos . 3400 Augusta Road . Greenville . (864)451-7804