Taco Tuesday: The Spicy History and Summerville's Best Hot Spots
There are certain things in life we simply don't question. The sun rises in the east. Sweet tea needs to be actually sweet. And Tuesday? Tuesday is for tacos.
But have you ever stopped mid-bite of a perfectly seasoned carne asada street taco and wondered, "Wait… who decided this was a thing?" Well, grab your chips and salsa, Summerville, because the history of Taco Tuesday is way spicier than you'd expect, complete with corporate drama, trademark battles, and even a cameo from LeBron James.
And once we've covered the history lesson, we're taking you on a tour of the best spots in Summerville to celebrate this sacred weekly tradition. Spoiler alert: your Tuesday nights are about to get a serious upgrade.
The Surprisingly Long History of Taco Tuesday
Here's the thing, Taco Tuesday didn't just pop up when your favorite chain started slinging $2 specials in the '90s. This tradition has roots that stretch back nearly a century.
The earliest documented taco promotion on a Tuesday dates all the way back to 1933. Yep, the Great Depression era. The White Star Cafeteria at the St. Regis Hotel in El Paso, Texas was advertising Mexican tacos at discounted prices on Tuesdays before your grandparents were even born. Other restaurants quickly caught on, some offering free coffee with taco purchases or even giving tacos away entirely on Tuesday nights. (Can you imagine? Free tacos. The dream.)
But the actual phrase "Taco Tuesday" didn't show up in print until 1973, when Snow White Drive-In in Rapid City, South Dakota ran an ad in the local paper that read, "Stop in on Taco Tuesday." From there, the alliteration gods smiled upon us, and the phrase slowly worked its way into the American lexicon.
The Great Taco Tuesday Trademark Battle
Now here's where things get a little wild.
In 1982, a New Jersey restaurant called Gregory's Restaurant & Bar registered "Taco Tuesday" as a state trademark. But the big player in this saga was Taco John's, a Wyoming-based fast-food chain that started using the phrase in the late '70s and eventually snagged a federal trademark in 1989.
For decades, Taco John's held onto that trademark like it was the last tortilla chip in the basket. They sent cease-and-desist letters to restaurants across the country, essentially telling everyone, "Hey, you can't say Taco Tuesday, that's our thing."
And honestly? Most people had no idea. We were all out here hashtagging #TacoTuesday on Instagram, completely unaware that a fast-food chain in Wyoming technically owned the phrase.
Enter: Taco Bell and LeBron James.
In 2023, Taco Bell filed a petition to "free" Taco Tuesday, arguing that the phrase had become so generic and widely used that no single company should own it. LeBron James, yes, that LeBron James, filed his own petition around the same time (the man takes his tacos seriously, apparently).
The result? Victory for taco lovers everywhere. The trademark was released to the public, and now anyone can legally use "Taco Tuesday" without fear of corporate lawyers knocking on their door.
So the next time you're enjoying a Tuesday taco special, raise your margarita to the unlikely alliance of a fast-food giant and an NBA legend who made it all possible.
Summerville's Best Spots for Taco Tuesday
Alright, history lesson over. Let's get to the good stuff: where to actually eat tacos in Summerville.
We're blessed with some seriously fantastic Mexican and Tex-Mex spots in town, and these three should absolutely be on your Taco Tuesday rotation.
Azul Summerville
📍 Located on N Main St, Downtown Summerville
If you haven't been to Azul yet, what are you even doing? This spot has quickly become a Summerville favorite, and for good reason.
The atmosphere alone is worth the visit: vibrant, welcoming, and just the right amount of lively without being overwhelming. It's the kind of place where you can bring a date, meet up with friends, or roll in with the whole family and feel right at home.
But let's talk food. Azul's menu goes way beyond your standard taco joint. We're talking sopes (those thick, handmade corn bases topped with meat, beans, and all the fixings), perfectly crafted street tacos with your choice of protein, and a selection that'll make you want to come back every Tuesday just to try something new.
And the margaritas? Chef's kiss. Whether you're a classic lime purist or you like to get fancy with flavors, Azul's got you covered.
Pro tip: Go hungry. You're going to want to order more than you think.
Get in Touch (Azul Summerville)
- Address: 1200 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
- Phone: (843) 285-8120
- Website: https://azulsummerville.com/
- Instagram: @azulmexicanosummerville
Taco Boy
📍 Nexton Area
Head out toward Nexton, and you'll find Taco Boy: a spot that's earned a cult following for its vibrant vibe and creative taco offerings.
This isn't your cookie-cutter taco experience. Taco Boy brings serious personality to the table, from the colorful, Instagram-worthy décor to the inventive menu that plays with flavors you didn't know you needed in a taco. Think fresh, bold ingredients with a playful twist.
The energy here is infectious. It's casual, fun, and the kind of place where you'll linger longer than planned because the vibes are just that good. Perfect for a weeknight Taco Tuesday adventure when you want something a little different from the usual routine.
Get in Touch (Taco Boy)
- Address: 106 Nexton Square Dr, Summerville, SC 29486
- Phone: (843) 900-5935
- Website: https://www.tacoboy.net/
- Instagram: @tacoboygram
Matador
📍 Downtown Summerville
If you're looking for a Taco Tuesday that leans a little more toward the "treat yourself" end of the spectrum, Matador in Downtown Summerville is calling your name.
Known for their impressive selection of agave spirits (hello, tequila and mezcal flights), Matador takes the margarita game to another level. But it's not just about the drinks: the food holds its own with flavorful, well-executed dishes that pair perfectly with whatever you're sipping.
And here's the real insider tip: their happy hour is legendary. Time your visit right, and you'll get great deals on drinks and appetizers, making it an affordable way to elevate your Tuesday evening.
The atmosphere skews a bit more upscale-casual, making it a great spot for date night or a grown-up gathering with friends who appreciate good tequila and even better company.
Get in Touch (Matador)
- Address: 202 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
- Phone: (843) 633-1466
- Website: https://matadorrestaurants.com/
- Instagram: @matador_restaurants
Make Every Tuesday a Taco Tuesday
Look, we get it. Life is busy. The week is long. But there's something almost magical about knowing that every single Tuesday, you have a built-in excuse to grab tacos with friends, try a new spot, or just treat yourself to a margarita (or two).
Summerville has no shortage of amazing local restaurants ready to help you celebrate this delicious tradition. Whether you're craving street tacos at Azul, creative flavors at Taco Boy, or craft margaritas at Matador, you've got options: and they're all worth exploring.
So this Tuesday, skip the sad desk lunch leftovers. Round up your crew, pick a spot, and dig into the weekly ritual that's been bringing people together since 1933.
Discover More Local Favorites
Looking for even more great spots to eat, drink, and explore in Summerville? Check out the What's Up Summerville Business Directory to discover local restaurants, shops, and services that make our town so special.
Got a favorite Taco Tuesday spot we missed? Drop us a comment or tag us on social media( we're always hungry for recommendations.) 🌮