I'll admit it… I'm a bit of a Mexican restaurant snob. There are a few things I look for when judging a good spot, and Santi's checks every box. First, will I feel slightly embarrassed if I mispronounce what I'm ordering to the waiter? If yes, that's a sure sign I'm in the right place. Second, are there random decorations on the walls that make it feel like the restaurant has been there forever? A modern vibe is a no-go for me. Third, does the menu come bound like a small novel, with big plates and even bigger portions? That's the sweet spot. And finally, am I shocked when the bill comes because it's so affordable? Always.

I went here with the founder of Palmetto Parents (Hey, Courtney Berk!) and a few other moms for a moms' night out, and it was everything we needed. Their patio is adorable and perfect for a sundress, but it's also totally acceptable to show up in sweatpants straight from the gym. We had the freshest guac, lots of tacos, and the house margarita was amazing. I promised I wouldn't post the blurry parking lot photo, but here you go!

They have three locations: Downtown (1302 Meeting Street Rd), Mount Pleasant (1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd) and West Ashley (1660 Savannah Hwy). They are open from 11am-10pm. Although I have been here a few times for mom's nights, it is perfect casual spot for a family looking to enjoy an early dinner out without breaking the bank!