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I have found the perfect taco. – Hungry
I could bathe in your baja sauce! – Amanda
I HAVE bathed in your baja sauce! – Meg
mmmm... bloody marys.... – christina
We love Zia. – Mike and Janice

Baja Fish Taco Nachos Enchiladas Zia ext. 1 Chicken Yucatan Zia Rita Torta Yucatan + Rita Zia ext. 2 Zia int. 1

News & Reviews

Michael Franti & Spearhead Give Us A Backstage Shout-Out!

by Kevin Grant, Chef & Owner

Nancy Griffith from The Bridge at 105.5 was traveling from the radio station after an interview and recommended that they pick up some food before heading back out to the Coliseum. They ordered some food to go and ate some chips and salsa while waiting. Minding my own business and concentrating on my own lunch, I was not immediately aware that Michael Franti was at Zia. After coming to my senses, I got the nerve to go outside and introduce myself. We talked about the first Spearhead show I went to in 1998 at the One Love Music Festival in Crested Butte, CO. I was surprised to realize that concert was over 12 years ago. He said he loved the salsa and complimented how wonderful the place looked. They got their to-go order, I got a quick photograph, and off they went.

They really enjoyed their food and the band manager contacted me to see if I would be interested in trading some tacos for some tickets and backstage passes to hang out with Franti and Spearhead after their show. Full of excitement, we made all the arrangements and a serious taco party was set in motion for the rest of the band and John Mayer. The show was great, with seats just to the right of the stage: Super high-energy with about four or five new tracks.

After their set we headed backstage, called up the manager Catherine, and she took us to meet the rest of band. Everyone was excited about the food and in high spirits. The acoustic version of "Hey, Hey, Hey" in the dressing room was the most intimate musical experience I have ever had, it’s wonderful to know it was captured and placed up on You Tube.

Amazing experience. What else is there to say? Check out the video:

(Zia shout-out around 4:15)

Reviews

Best of Charleston 2010 - Eating & Drinking Out | Staff Picks

Best Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich

“Available lunch, dinner, and into the beery late-night hours, Zia’s crispy and tasty quesadillas hit the spot every time. Carefully filled and grilled, the basic house specialty features a Mexican Monterey Jack cheese blend with caramelized onions with guacamole, jalapeño relish, and pepper-flavored crema on the side (it’s a minor feast for just $7.99). For a buck more, they’ll add extra chicken, pastor (marinated pork), carnitas, portabella mushroom, or beef barbacoa.”

T. Ballard Lesemann, Charleston City Paper

Q & A with Zia Chef & Owner Kevin Grant

Mastermind of Zia Taqueria passionate about the joys of Mexican food

Interviewed by Angel Powell, The Post and Courier

“[…] put James Island’s Zia Taqueria on your weekly rotation. They’ve got a fully stocked bar, fresh tacos and fillings, and even huge Mexican tortas for the taking. It’s a little slice of Mexico, but in Inglés. Don’t miss the fresh guacamole, the bodacious fish tacos, or the generous margaritas.”

Jeff Allen, Charleston City Paper Dining Guide

“You cannot ask for a better dining-out option than Zia Taqueria.”

Deidre Schipani, The Post and Courier

Best of Charleston 2009 - Eating Out | Critics’ Picks

Best Vegetarian Mexican Sandwich: Portabella Torta at Zia Taqueria

“Pair it with a margarita and a post-dinner movie and this torta could anchor a perfect night out in the 'burbs.”

Stephanie Barna, Charleston City Paper

“The memory of the Zia Rita I tasted Friday night was still clear in my mind and [I] knew I would be throwing the ‘no tequila before noon rule’ out the window. This isn’t your run of the mill, syrup based margarita. One taste and you can tell everything was made fresh and that would be an ongoing theme throughout my lunch.”

Toriano’s “La Buena Vida”

“One of the best spots for happy hour festivities in James Island”

Angel Powell, The Post and Courier

“Zia Taqueria is laid back, hip and fun. When you stop in for lunch or dinner, you not only get quality food that won't break the bank but also a top-notch bar area. The bar is exactly the type of place most would like to find themselves after a long day.”

Jack Hunter, The Post and Courier