Top 14 Gluten-Free Mexican Spots to Delight in Charleston

Bethany Bishop

Love love love! Celiac friendly. Delicious food, great prices and such a good vibe. The food comes out really fast too. Pretty sure I ate here 3 times during my last trip to Charleston.

Grace Dawson Beatty

Absolutely amazing. I have gluten and dairy intolerance. The staff were amazing in terms of thinking ahead and also educating me how food is prepared so I felt safe in my choices. 10/10. The steak and chicken fajitas were superb. Loved the margarita. Absolutely will be back. Thank you Ben and Peyton for an amazing experience!

Krista Radford

This place is absolutely amazing! The tacos are delicious and the salsa and queso are some of the best my family and I have ever had. We were so caught up in the food that we forgot to take pictures, but thankfully my girlfriend managed to snap a photo of her tres leches cake before we devoured it! The service was excellent. The only thing Taco Boy needs is some of my hotsos ;)

Eric Dempsey

if you’re looking for the best chips and guacamole in town, you gotta check this place out! The guacamole is incredibly fresh and packed with flavor, and the warm, crispy chips are perfect. Honestly, it is the best I have ever had. While I am not sure where they source their ingredients, you can truly taste the quality. The owner is a total sweetheart, making the whole atmosphere of the place very welcoming. You can tell she genuinely cares about her customers, which is so nice. Do not skip the tacos—they are just as amazing and definitely worth a try! They are also extremely considerate of dietary restrictions. My friend with celiac found plenty of options, making it very easy for us to order. They have a fantastic selection of nonalcoholic beverages that pairs perfectly with the food. All in all, this spot has won me over, and I cannot wait to go back for more deliciousness. Highly recommended!

Paul Collado

Lexi Adamczyk

So many gluten free options and the best tacos in the Charleston area!

Amber Easterling

No dedicated fryer, so no chips if you have celiac. Some sauces contain gluten. Be careful if you eat here. I did get enchiladas (corn tortillas) with verde sauce. They assured me that their rice was safe. I’m not sure I’d go back. I’d rather go to a restaurant that offers more GF options and seems a little more knowledgeable.

Amber Easterling

They mark GF items on their menu, but not all are celiac safe. Their chips and fries are cooked in the same fryer as the breaded onion rings, so are not safe if you have celiac, but may be ok if you’re gluten intolerant. Most tacos can be made GF by substituting corn tortillas. And their birria tacos can be made without being fried or they can pan fry them if you ask. Burritos can be made into bowls. I honestly had an amazing lunch here and would come back. Just sad I couldn’t have their chips and salsa.

Jason v

Awesome little taco bar - food was delicious and lots of options - all meats and vegetarian and gluten free as well. Great prices - friendly staff! Loved it!

Kelsey M

The food was fresh, delicious, and there were great healthy options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten sensitivities. The prices were great as well. The only complaints to be had were that it seemed a little small and cramped (though really not that bad) and that the frozen margaritas weren't really frozen margaritas...more like a margarita on the rocks with some ice slush swirled in. Still good, just not your typical frozen marg!

Gabi Murray

I had an incredibly disappointing experience at El Jefe in Charleston. I ordered a grilled shrimp corn tortilla due to my gluten-free dietary restriction, but the kitchen mistakenly brought out a flour tortilla. After taking a bite, I immediately noticed and informed the server, who was very kind and understanding. When my order was remade, it came with chicken instead of shrimp, which I couldn’t eat as I am pescatarian. Things escalated when what seemed to be either the manager or owner approached our table, asking to know why I didn’t eat the tacos. When I explained that I had originally ordered shrimp, he snapped at me, saying, “Take it up with your server.” His tone was hostile and unprofessional, which took me by surprise. Later, when we had some leftover food and drinks, we invited a friend of ours to help us finish them. Before he could enter, the manager insisted that one of us personally vouch for him. When I went to the front to do so, the manager immediately started yelling at me, somehow calling me by my first name, and aggressively demanding, “Either get out of my restaurant or get inside.” He got uncomfortably close to my face, which made me feel genuinely unsafe. When I returned to tell my friends what had happened, one of them went to the front to speak with him. At that point, the manager physically grabbed her and told her to leave. She was visibly distressed and crying, yet he showed no remorse whatsoever. The only positive aspect of our experience was our server, who truly tried her best despite the hostile and unprofessional behavior from what seemed to be management. However, the way we were treated by the manager or owner was absolutely unacceptable. I would strongly caution anyone considering dining here—especially if you have dietary restrictions or expect even a basic level of respect from management. We left shaken and appalled by how we were treated.

Erin Brady

First and probably last time I'll go. Sushi was decent and elote was good. But all the other Mexican food felt very off, crazy salty and all seasoned exactly the same way. I appreciated the various gluten free options, but for the price and frustration of a small place with loud music, probably not a place I'll frequent.

Ashly Dennis

I am so impressed with this restaurant. I am dairy free and gluten free and they were so great at accommodating that for me. The gentleman changed gloves and all! The food is incredibly fresh tasting. Their salsa tastes homemade and the vegetables are super crunchy. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable. The staff is super friendly and efficient. I will definitely continue to eat here! I'm so glad I found this place.

Annie Domville

This place is the bomb. Great local spot that serves good food in a causal atmosphere. The team treats you like family. The ajillo shrimp and blackened tuna taco are my go to order and never disappoint. Don’t skip on the rice and beans, great flavor. Thanks for being a great local seafood joint! Also great spot for people with gluten free and dairy free options.