Rosy Ortiz came to Aiken from Veracruz, Mexico 23 years ago. During that time, she worked for several restaurants, but last week, she and her business partner, Juanita Brito, opened their own place, Taqueria El Charrito.
Mexican food is second only to Chinese cuisine in popularity. While you can find popular dishes including carnitas, tamales, and burritos on their menu, Ortiz is very proud of the tacos they serve.
“We have five or six different types of tacos available. Everything from the corn tortilla to the salsa, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole is made fresh daily,” Ortiz explained.
Perhaps, that is the reason Taqueria El Charrito lays claim to the “Best Tacos in Aiken.”
In the event you’re craving something else, they also serve a late breakfast and it’s not just the traditional Huevos Rancheros Mexican egg dishes, you can order eggs cooked any way you like them.
“We also have homemade soups daily and, on the weekends, raw oysters. There is a kid’s menu featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken fingers. If you save room for dessert, we have a variety of those also.”
Variety seems to be a keyword at Taqueria El Charrito. Whatever your tummy is craving, you can probably find it on the menu. If not, just ask Juanita, Rosy, Enrique, the kitchen manager who happens to be her husband, or their two sons who also help at the restaurant.
Taqueria El Charrito is located at 156 University Parkway Suite 100. Ortiz says they are working on a Facebook page and will soon offer online ordering. In the meantime, their number is 803-679-9482. They are open Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays till 9:00 pm. Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal)
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
