Top 5 Gluten-Free Taco Spots to Relish in Charleston

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 ;)

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.

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.

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.

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.