There’s no slowing down the craze for all things Latin American, but the taco trend has a life of its own.
Tacos are not just for lunch or dinner but are also showing up for breakfast and desserts across the country.
The versatile taco can be stuff with a variety of fillings and toppings, making them an inexpensive dining option.
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is a trendy, casual dining spot with an incredible array of tacos, including The Grand Tinale, fried tortillas tossed in cinnamon and sugar.
History of Tin Lizzy Cantina
First opened in an Atlanta suburb, Buckhead, four college friends strived for a friendly atmosphere, specializing in superb hospitality.
With numerous awards and accolades, Tin Lizzy has expanded to many franchise locations throughout Atlanta, and now in South Carolina, including Columbia and Greenville.
The relaxed, fun environment is great for a quick lunch or a light-hearted dinner celebration. Music pumps through the bar and dining area but is not unbearable. Several televisions are scattered throughout the restaurant, displaying sporting events.
Dining at the Greenville location, I found the high ceilings and bright colors supporting their vibrant, hip atmosphere.
Cocktails
Of course, the key to a great cantina is the cocktails; Tin Lizzy does not disappoint
A large selection of tequilas are available and choosing from their specialty margaritas was tough, but the TLC was probably the BEST restaurant margarita I have ever consumed!
Light, citrusy and refreshing, without overbearing tartness; it was difficult to stop at just one – I was driving.
An impressive list of signature drinks and specialty shots are available, including an extra large margarita, mixed tableside and meant for more than one person ($30).
The beer selection was kinda limited, with most of the commercial beers and one micro-brewery available.
Menu
Let’s talk about the food!
Probably the best tacos, I have eaten since on vacation in Mexico.
Diving into the Southwest Chicken Club tacos, I found crispy, but tender chicken strips with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, Monterrey Jack cheese and a smokey honey-chipotle sauce.
Great bacon flavor and the sauce was not spicy – two tacos were more than enough.
Your choice of corn, flour or wheat soft shells are available – and sold individually unless you order the “Trifecta,” a choice of three specialty tacos.
We ordered the shrimp, crispy lobster, and Philly Cheesesteak tacos.
The Philly Cheesesteak taco was amazing; along with the shrimp; however, the lobster taco was slightly over-cooked and rubbery.
I dislike black-beans, so I had trepidation about trying the black-bean and rice side cup, served with the Trifecta; however, I was pleasantly surprised. The black-beans did not have a burnt taste, which I am frequently offended by.
Instead, they were creamy and flavorful. A great accompaniment to the tacos.
Of course, you can’t try a new taco joint without trying their Queso Blanco dip.
Served piping hot, with the jalapenos cooked in (you cannot order them separate), the dip was robust and creamy – perfect with their crispy, warm tortilla chips.
But tacos are not all they offer.
Salads, iron skillet rice mixtures and mouth-watering quesadillas are on the menu.
For a franchised restaurant, I was very impressed.
I will return again to try something different and for one of those TLC MARGARITAS again!
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
1025 Woodruff Rd. Greenville, SC
http://www.tinlizzyscantina.com/index.html
