Taco Spot may be small, but burritos are big

The Taco Spot, these days, is actually multi-spotted with locations in West Ashley and downtown Charleston.

The peninsula branch opened in late 2011, taking over at 221 1/2 Coming St. in place of the former Pep N' Cheese, which replaced the former Cosmo's Deli, which replaced the former Brindle Brothers, which replaced the former ... sorry, that's as far as my memory stretches.

But as for the future? The newest kid on the block should outlast its predecessors. The Taco Spot already has a nice following, as cultivated in West Ashley by proprietor and Johnson & Wales grad Jason C. Vaughan.

As the former chef and owner of La Cocina on Folly Beach, Vaughan still rolls 'em big even in reduced quarters. The West Ashley restaurant features a small area for dining, while the stand-alone downtown shop only offers delivery and takeout.

But at either, you can still find a selection of tacos ($2.89), burritos ($6.99) and quesadillas ($5.99) assembled on flour tortillas or gluten- free soft corn and fried crunchy corn tortillas.

Our preference? The grouper taco -- fried crunchy shell, please -- with a cilantro soy aioli. Nicely balanced, it's firm, tender and fresh.

Also choose from seared or blackened steak with a mild or hot salsa, blackened chicken or blackened grouper with a cayenne ranch dressing.

The guacamole ($2.49-$6.49) is made fresh every day, and sides ($1.99-$2.49) include Spanish rice, black beans and, unfortunately, sort of a ho-hum macaroni and cheese.

The wraps ($6.99) fare substantially better, especially the spicy ginger, a delectable vegan pick with green tomato chow-chow, green peas and Spanish rice tossed in a ginger-cucumber dressing.

And if you're picking a day to visit, might we suggest Thursday. The burritos are $5 all day long.