Cantina 76

Interior dining area at Congaree National Park with a long bar, high stools, and wooden tables.

Surf & Turf tacos strike with a crisp shell, tender steak, and fried wild-caught shrimp, finished with Cotija and a sly kick of sesame chili that lingers. Peruvian shrimp tacos bring light fry, sweet chili, and crisp coleslaw, while Brisket tacos wear a honey chipotle glaze and a bright squeeze of lime. Chips Trio sets up the texture game—salsa, guacamole, and queso each punch with bold flavors. Margaritas arrive hand-crafted—Blood Orange and Strawberry Basil are crowd favorites; veggies ...

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Surf & Turf tacos; Peruvian shrimp tacos; Brisket tacos; Buffalo Chicken tacos; Chicken Pimento Cheese; Chips Trio
Local Specialties: Fresh, unique ingredients and South Carolina produce
Popular Items: Surf & Turf taco; Peruvian shrimp taco; Brisket taco; Chips Trio; Hand-crafted margaritas

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Surf & Turf tacos; Peruvian shrimp tacos; Brisket tacos; Buffalo Chicken tacos; Chicken Pimento Cheese; Chips Trio
Local Specialties: Fresh, unique ingredients and South Carolina produce
Popular Items: Surf & Turf taco; Peruvian shrimp taco; Brisket taco; Chips Trio; Hand-crafted margaritas
Menu Recommendations: Skip the generic tacos; go for Surf & Turf; drink Blood Orange Margarita; beer: Macro Lager
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Vegan (mod possible)
Gluten-free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Tacos $4.50–$5; Chips Trio $13; sample meal (5 tacos + 2 beers) $56 before tip; Happy Hour items include Double Stacked Chicken Pimento Dilla $12 and Chorizo Nachos $10.
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only; tables of 8 or less.
Typical Wait Times: Busy during peak hours; visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed Days: Thursday
Happy Hour Times: Mon–Fri 4:00–7:00 PM: $1 off drinks, $5 Red Sangria; Mon & Wed: $5 Original House Margaritas or $20 Margarita Pitchers; Tue 4:00–7:00 PM: $5 Red Sangria and Wines by the Glass + Macro Lager $3.50; Thu 4:00–7:00 PM: Victoria Beer $3.50; Fri 4:00–7:00 PM: Corona $3.50. Food menu during 3:00–6:00 PM.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Nearby Lady Street, Taylor Street, and Lincoln Street garages; metered street parking available; expect tight spots during peak times.
Accessibility: ADA accessible entry and dining area. Ramp at entry. Accessible restrooms. Indoor seating, bar, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio.

Visit strategy

Best For: Casual dining
Happy hour with friends
Post-hike reward
Not Ideal For: Not ideal for guests who require guaranteed reservations
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Moderate
Vibe: Lively
Casual
Upbeat
Cantina atmosphere
Hip and fun
Noise Level: Moderate buzz
Busiest Times: Evenings and weekends
Best Visit Times: Off-peak hours; take advantage of 4–7 PM Happy Hour
Tips Advice: Arrive during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
Start with Chips Trio (salsa, guacamole, queso) before the tacos.
Try Surf & Turf or Peruvian tacos for standout texture and heat balance.
For drinks, go Blood Orange Margarita or Strawberry Basil Margarita; request corn tortillas if gluten-free.
Outdoor patio is dog-friendly; bring the pup if you’ve got one.

More details

Park Area: Congaree National Park
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 0
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Full bar with hand-crafted margaritas, premium tequilas, craft cocktails, and local beers
Local Beers: Macro Lager by Columbia Craft
House Made: Hand-crafted margaritas
Signature Cocktails: Blood Orange Margarita; Strawberry Basil Margarita
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Veggie Taco available; veggie options and kid-friendly choices exist
Bar Seating: 1
Live Music: Main Street location hosts live music on the 1st Thursday of every month from 6–9 PM; Devine Street location has select Thursdays 6:30–9:30 PM.
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Dog-friendly outdoor patio; bold, creative taco lineup; hand-crafted margaritas
Unique Factor: Surf & Turf taco with fried shrimp and Cotija; Chips Trio; hand-crafted margaritas
Nearby Facilities: Nearby parking garages (Lady Street, Taylor Street, Lincoln Street); metered street parking; downtown Columbia proximity
Best Time To Visit: Visit during off-peak hours on weekdays; enjoy the 4PM–7PM Happy Hour for drinks and bites to minimize waits.
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic taco and go straight for Surf & Turf—locals swear by the steak, fried shrimp, sesame chili, and Cotija. For drinks, order Blood Orange Margarita; For beer, pick Macro Lager.
The Vibe Check: Downtown cantina energy: lively, casual, and hip. Not a quiet, candlelit scene; bring friends or a post-hike crew.
The Crowd Factor: Walk-in only; lines form during peak hours; off-peak visits recommended to snag a table.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: You want bold, creative tacos and hand-crafted margaritas in a lively cantina vibe. SKIP IF: You need a guaranteed table or a quiet mood.
Distance From Park: approximately 22 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Tacos la carte are varied and crave-worthy; Chips Trio is repeatedly praised; margaritas are a highlight; value is solid with a meal for multiple tacos and drinks around $56 before tip.

Location

Photos

Bright lime margarita with salted rim beside tacos, captured near Congaree National Park.

Loaded nachos with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream at a park-side eatery in Congaree National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cantina 76 gluten-free friendly?

Yes. Clearly marked gluten-free options are available and many tacos can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas; the venue emphasizes gluten-free/celiac-friendly choices.

Do I need a reservation?

No. Cantina 76 is walk-in only and offers tables of 8 or less; plan for potential waits during peak hours.

Are there vegan options?

Veggie options exist (e.g., Veggie Taco and Veggie Refried Beans); vegan adaptations are feasible within the produce offerings.

Is there a children’s menu or family-friendly options?

Veggie options and a casual environment make it approachable for families; outdoor patio seating is dog-friendly and kid-friendly portions exist.

What beverages stand out?

Hand-crafted margaritas steal the show, with Blood Orange and Strawberry Basil as team favorites; macro lager and other craft cocktails are available.