Mex1 Coastal Cantina
By Charlotte Park, @CharlotteParkCHS / Photos by Karmen Grey, @HangryMess
Our TasteMakersCHS group was invited to Mex1 Coastal Cantina (West Ashley location) by Beverage Director Morgan Hurley to experience their killer cocktails and cuisine. Morgan began the night with an awesome Tequila presentation, explaining the process of turning an Agave plant into the good stuff we all love to both shoot and sip. There was so much about the spirit we didn't know prior and we were all excited to have a better understanding of how much effort and labor goes into turning a plant into a powerful liquor.
We began by ordering cocktails and lemme tell you- Mex1's Margarita game doesn't disappoint. While many places overdo it on the sugar or sour component, Morgan and the rest of the Mex1 team know how to perfect a balanced Marg. The Pineapple Habanero Margarita was a favorite of the group, along with their Skinny Margarita made with house-infused Strawberry Cucumber Tequila.
Skinny Margarita: House Infused Strawberry Cucumber Tequila, Soda Water, Splash of Mex 1 Mix
We then were told the two most glorious words in our TasteMakers book- "Order Whatever!" With an extensive menu of starters, salads, quesadillas, tacos, torts and Baja bowls, we- in true TasteMakers style- all ordered a smorgasbord of everything to share. Some favorites included:
Cilantro-Lime Cantina Chicken Bowl: brown rice, seasoned black beans, jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, crunchy tortilla strips, queso fresco, green onions, fresh lime and cilantro
Mexican Street Corn
Bangin' Shrimp Torta: Lightly fried shrimp with spicy Bangin’ Sauce, cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of Mex 1 “Sweet Heat” sauce.
Chicken Quesadilla: Melted jack cheese, ancho chile, corn & black bean salsa and chipotle crema.
Everything on Mex1's menu screamed high-quality, fresh and delicious- true sweet spot in Charleston's Mexican food scene. With an unbeatable Happy Hour everyday from 4-7 p.m.. ($5 Margs, $4 house liquors and $3 Mexican beers), live music twice a week and an additional location on Sullivan's Island, our group can't wait to come back!
Downtown: 817 St. Andrews Blvd.
843-751-4001
Sullivan’s Island: 2205 Middle St.
843-882-8172
