I couldn't help myself but order the Mexican pizza, in honor of our fallen menu items from Taco Bell. I admit, the base was delicious but the toppings could use some work on the seasoning side of things. Not a bad option if you want the convenience of campus. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - a large pizza on a blue plate - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I wasn't expecting authentic Mexican food by any means but I also wasn't expecting to be served the whitest version of Mexican food possible. It's clear the wait staff and the costumers go to USC and are friends. If we needed our waitress she was likely speaking to another table and not serving or waiting, had to stop a server in a different section for our check. This is a restaurant with a college bar atmosphere- loud, USC students screaming stereotypical Spanish words or phrases, and of course trivia in between all songs you actively avoided on the radio. Unless you're ready to spend 35$ on one entree and two drinks then don't bother coming here. Edit: was never served chips not even when I ordered guacamole- this isn't Mexican this is just expensive Taco Bell. This isn't even Tex mex this American food with Mexican influences. read more

I have been sitting in this restaurant for over half an hour and still haven't gotten to order food. Service has only provided a little bit of drinks to some people here. The chips are noticeably old and taste like nothing but garlic. Will never be back and wouldn't be surprised if they're out of business soon with this terrible service. read more

Had some amazing tofu tacos here. The bar tender was great and patient while I picked through the drinks only to revert back to my Paloma which was beautifully made. They were fast with food and drinks. I love the atmosphere; it's definitely a college hangout and was packed by the time we were leaving. They're great for college students or happy hour. read more

Tios is cool little college spot with some good food! The queso and chips are always a go to appetizer. The margaritas were really good, I really enjoyed the mango one. On Tuesdays they have the Tio tacos for 2.99 each. We got three of those, the salmon taco and the street tacos. All were pretty good and filling. Service was good and quick for a busy night. read more

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It wasn't great. They serve cold chips, which I don't really understand. It was almost like they went to the store, bought a bag of Tostitos chips, and dumped them into a bowl. The fries were not very good either, and the taco was alright, yet below average. The margarita was pretty good, and the waiter was a cool guy. Probably won't go again though. read more

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I actually think Tios is the best Tex-Mex in Columbia, with fair prices to boot. Their tacos are great with a wide variety and vegan and vegetarian selections available. I recently discovered the burrito bowl. I decided to leave a review while I was enjoying this amazing combination of textures and flavors in the burrito bowl, chewy, crunchy, soft, pineapple, avocados, corn. It all just blended together very nicely. There is a piece of perfectly grilled mahi-mahi on top, too, underneath the lettuce that I had added. .In the photo, you can also see what's left of my partner's pork Carnitas taco set. To top it all off, they have good prices on drinks, What and daily specials. read more

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Food quality has significantly improved since last visits. They will still ask you if you want things you didn't ask for without disclosing the cost which is annoying and deceitful but otherwise it's a decent stop. Cool Mexican themed decor and neon give it a welcoming feel too! read more

Good drinks very very basic food! Considered Tex mex was the explanation we were given. Chips aren't even fried in house. Pineapple pork tacos were good. Burrito bowl very mushy. Service was ok. read more

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Jennifer and Kelly were the best from the moment we walked in the door! we were given great recommendations that gave us a 10/10 experience!

Tex Mex sums it up. This is not legit Mexican food nor flavor. Chips are meh at best. Wet burrito has a horrible sounding name that doesn't do it any favors. I'm sure it's a somewhat hit with the usc crowd and tall college themed drinks as it has proximity working for it.. but I'm not wild about the food. If that's what floats your boat have at.. I prefer other Mexican restaurants day in and day out. read more

Last evening I walked in and was greeted. I said that I wanted to order a drink and food to go. I sat down at the bar where there was only one other customer and waited. The bartender was at the other end taking pictures of frozen drinks. I waited a few more minutes and then stood up to move to a table and asked the wait staff if I could get service to order food to go and was told to site where I liked. So I sat and the wait staff went back to chatting in their group and looking at their phones while the bartender kept taking pictures of his drinks. So I walked out!!!! read more

Every time we visit, this place has a different policy. The first 2 times, chips and salsa were complimentary. The next, they weren't, and I don't understand and why! The food isn't great, the place isn't near, and BEWARE of the cash discount policy! They don't disclose it first on the bill and when they swipe your card, add extra for non-cash payment. This is their cash discount policy apparently. Ordered a brownie with ice cream and the ice cream was melted by the time it got to the table. Dont recommend this place. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Homemade Brownie Sundae - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Amazing every time. 10/10. My wife and I love the classic margs-raspberry is a show stopper. We've only ever found ourselves enjoying the tacos, but they never fail to disappoint. Definitely a must try hot spot if you're in the area looking for a margarita tower. Also, if you sit close enough to the bar, people will probably send you drinks. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - steak tacos - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Went here for a late night meal with some friends. The staff was super kind and the food was delicious! I had the avocado tacos, the tofu tacos, the pineapple corn salsa, and the hot salsa. My friends had chicken tacos, chips and queso, and margaritas. We were stuffed. The food was totally scrumptious and I've already ordered from them since! read more

The chips were 100% out of a bag from the grocery store. The salsa tasted like marinara sauce. The restaurant/ambiance itself was adorable, and the service was good, but the food was just awful. $16.99 for a large queso? Go to San Jose's on forest drive, get a large queso for $8.99, and fresh chips made in house. Is this place a front for some money laundering scheme? I have no clue how else it'd be open after this long still. read more

This place is NOT authentic. The vibes upon entry were extremely promising; but we were very disappointed by the food, and overall atmosphere. The chips were stale and 1000% the Satitas store bought brand. The small queso was decent but paired with stale chips and a WHOPPING $10! The pulled chicken quesadilla was below average and tasted like a home made quesadilla I used to make back in Uni. The ACP was mostly rice (90 second microwaved rice). The nicely folded tortillas were an anonymous upcharge. How wonderful. The service was interesting to say the least!! Our server was clearly strung out on drugs and kept promising the water would be right up! As if water is cooked up by the chef. All around the local Taco Bell puts this place to absolute shame. read more

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My server Ariel was awesome. She even gave me recommendations for places to visit during my time in Columbia. I had the burrito bowl. It was great! To drink, I had a screwdriver with Tito's. I will definitely visit when I'm in the area again. read more

Tios has been a continuing font of disappointment for over 10 years. After graduating USC, I made the choice to leave it behind for good, and stood by this until last night. The Good: The service was prompt and the waitress was kind and attentive. They were slammed but we were seated quickly and placed our order within five minutes. The food came out within ten minutes and was hot. Drinks were appropriately refilled and the check was delivered fast. The queso and chips were good. The Bad: There were no napkin dispensers on any table. We ordered chips and queso, and had to go hunting for a napkin. We sat at a table for two, however had almost no table space for our meals and chips. Also, I understand that a lot of places are moving to no physical menus now, but it took a bit of time to get their QR code to scan properly and open up on my phone. My fiance had no issues on hers The Ugly: The food was simply dreadful. The chips, salsa and queso were decent, but the guacamole had to be some of the worst I've had. It was poorly mixed and lacked flavor. It really tasted like they only mixed avocado with a few tomato chunks. I had a quesadilla with egg and mushrooms. The mushrooms were overcooked and unseasoned. Literally no seasoning. It came with a side of sad shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream. My fiance had three fish tacos. I do not remember what each one was, but one was ok she said. One had really weird seasoning on it that tasted off and just not good. The third was a shrimp taco which was devoid of any flavor. For chips, queso, guac we paid around $16, which is ludicrous. Altogether our meal, tip included was around $55. Incredibly overpriced for bad food. Conclusion: I gave it another chance after a decade and it seems to have gotten worse. Supposedly the drinks are good and this seems like a drunk college spot for when you don't care about taste or money. It gets 2 stars for good waitstaff and quick service. read more

Fish tacos were AMAZING!!! Most definitely get a margarita tower. Lol and salsa was good too ! Definitely going back!

My family and I came to visit USC to tour the school decided to cool off and fuel up at Tios Mexican Cafe after the tour was over. We were hungry and starving and super excited for our tacos. We started off with a small cup of queso and waited patiently for our tacos. Atleast 20 minutes passed by and we began to become confused as to why our food was not here. Here is where the problems started to unfold, our server Olivia F came up to our table and asked if we were ready for our checks. We had not gotten our food yet. Our own server did not realize that she had not delivered our food yet and was just ready to give us our checks for the food we had not eaten. She apologized and then went to check on our food, to our suprise she forgot to ring in our food. We look around the tables that walked in after us were happily eating their food. Our water cups and drink cups were never refilled, we decided to just leave and find better service elsewhere. Just to top off this whole experience we had to pay 20 dollars for our small cup of queso and 2 sweet teas, no discount or any sympathy for our 30 minute wait that ended in zero tacos in our stomach and a 20 dollar bill for some cheese. read more

Absolutely love this place. Pork tacos are my favorite. Queso is thick as it should be and staff is friendly. Ariel is a superstar and the mixed drinks she makes are always consistent. The decor and vibe of this place is great as well. read more

Came to Tios just to sit for 20 minutes and be told they were closing early due to slow traffic during the day... very disappointed.

Really good authentic food. Great chips and salsa! The service was very good and my kind of music.

Great food everything would be better if our waitress actually cared besides the AirPod in her ear if you don't want be here then don't be, don't be short and rude to customers read more

After I visited, someone told me Tios is known for great drinks and crappy food... well, it was the middle of the work day so no drinks, but the food held true to the adage... Beef is of the lowest quality and I think they are allergic to salt and pepper because the meat was bland to boot. Server (Elly) was great, which is the ONLY reason this place got any stars... I don't like writing poor reviews (looking for the good in everything), soooo..... Try the Margarita's... I hear they are the BOMB!!! read more

The food is very good but the salsa tastes store bought, nothing special. Great wait staff and friendly. Quick food delivery from ordering. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Quaint little place near the U of SC Campus - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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No way this place should be this expensive. The amount of money you pay for the absolutely mediocre queso is ridiculous. The chips are 100% out of a bag. Go to San Jose and get a $8 large queso and call it a day. 2 people to eat there with waters a queso i got the mexican pizza and my boyfriend got the wet burrito it was $50. I can not believe we spent that much there for MEDIOCRE FOOD. It was cafeteria level food. San Jose, El Jimador, La Chapala, and many many others are so much better. Don't waste your time or money here. It looks cool from the outside and we had really high hopes moving to 5 points just to he very sorely disappointed. read more

In terms of a college dining hot spot, I don't have high expectations for Tios. That being said, in terms of drinks the margarita towers are a quick and efficient way to get drunk on game day. I believe that the drinks are a good price in terms of quantity and if you're looking for a good place to pregame, Tios is your place. That being said, the food is less to be desired. The tacos are both small in portion and not appetizign and the rest of the food is very poorly made for the price. Charging $7 for 4 microwaved chicken tenders is a bit ridiculous. I give this place 3 stars for the drinks, but would not recommend dining here for a main meal. read more

I'm reviewing this as someone visiting from Texas, which has a lot of Mexican options. However, in my opinion, you should take the city's restaurant variety into consideration. In Texas, flat out, this place sucks. But, if you need Mexican food in Columbia, it works compared to the other restaurant I found nearby here. That being said, this is a college area so price to value is going to take a hit. I ordered tacos with beef and I couldn't see a hint of beef under the lettuce and tomatoes initially. The pic attached was taken 10 seconds after my surprise of seeing it. As a heads up to tourists, I've noticed most of the burritos are "wet" here as well. Aside from that, it'll fill you up and the sauce was okay. I asked for the wet sauce to be on the side but I still got it on top of the burritos anyways. Overall, not a good Mexican restaurant but at least an option in the area. read more

I used to loveeeeee this place! I've been coming here since I was a student at USC. I have become friends with bartenders and servers due to how often I've come and have put so many people on to this place! This is my first time coming back in about half a year and I am sooooo disappointed in the service! It is def not the same. Waitresses are arguing about which tablet they're getting and which table they aren't in front of the table. I am so sad that this is what this establishment has turned in to. read more

I ordered a chicken quesadilla and this is what i got. Thin slices of cheese No lettuce, no tomato, no onions literally barley any chicken and the chicken was bad. Fist time and last time, I usually dont rate or review even if bad. But this is terrible, i threw up after eating 3 slices. Dont recommend its that bad read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Mid nachos extremely overpriced for quality of food. Nachos where extremely dry and where not good. For 12 dollar nachos I expect at least sour cream a salsa or guacamole. It pineapple salsa wich was really just canned pineapple. Extremely disappointing. read more

Well...I came here because I was excited they have vegan food (beans and rice are vegan). However, I was very disappointed. The food was just minimally warm. The veggies inside the wet burrito were still crisp. There was a woody stem in my food which I couldn't match with anything else (see picture). The chips were cold. The salsa tasted like it was from a can/tomato paste. Ugh. The table was sticky. Parking is tight. Positive-ish: service was okay. The plate presentation was attractive. I would not ever come here again; ever! :( read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Veggie Wet Burrito (sans cheese) - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Ordered a meal from Grub Hub and it was pretty great. The service was fast and my West Coast Trio Taco was tasty. The best was the shrimp with the fresh avocado ,,, real fresh with corn and bean salsa. Definitely worth a try if you are looking for delivery beyond pizza. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - West Coast Taco Trio Shrimp Taco ,,, - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Try another restaurant. The food was fresh and tasted fine. But I was left wanting more food than what came with the "Saturday Special" (2 medium enchiladas with a choice of meat - beef, chicken, or pork - and mushrooms or cheese inside with cheese and sauce on top, a little shredded lettuce on the side). The chips were VERY salty with no option of non-salted (must order food of chips and salsa or an up-charge was the first comment the waitress made?). We kind of like to taste the corn tortilla chip instead of just salt. This meal left a lot to be desired in a Mexican meal. I've tried better places in Columbia and hadn't been here in about 5 years -- I'd say this place is mediocre at best for food (should have been evident based on the fact that we were the only ones here on a Saturday for lunch). read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Got the special on Thursday (taco salad) and it was an $9 bowl of shredded lettuce. Overpriced and not that good. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Taco salad - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The service is great, everyone is very friendly, but the food is nothing close to authentic mexican. I ordered enchiladas and I actually think they dumped a can of tomato purée and called it "mild sauce". It was very disappointing. The waitress even said sometimes people dump their salsa on food, I'm assuming to taste at least something. The salsa tasted like it came straight from a pace jar and the beans were everything from a rosaritas can, except heated. If you do anything don't order the wet burrito. It is the most disgracing combination of Mexican food with (yet again) tomato sauce. A hybrid Italian burrito. Nasty. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I arrived in U.S. on August 10th, I ate the first meal in this restaurant.It was an unforgettable experience for me. My favorite is fried chicken.yesterday I ordered fried chicken at 11pm, it was so convenient and fast Every night there are lots of people who drink beerin there read more

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Do not come here. I ordered a steak chimichanga and the first time I ordered it, it was just beans. They brought me a new one and I'm still convinced there was no steak in there. I couldn't taste or see any steak. I asked to speak to the manager and he was so incredibly rude and told me to "read the menu next time." I told him I understood beans were in there but that it was ALL beans and he argued with me that there was steak in there. Very unprofessional and even our waitress was snippy and rude. Awful staff and mediocre food. read more

Tios Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina