Nestled between the free cabs and your favorite late-night hangouts comes a new fast food option that will revolutionize the “Freshman 15.”
Former USC student Austin Dain has brought his business and cooking expertise to Five Points. Gringo’s Late Night Tacos serves up affordable American-style tacos.
Dain, a native of Virginia who graduated from USC last December, cites a trip to California as his inspiration to open his new mobile business franchise.
“I had this idea two summers ago, when I was in San Diego with a bunch of friends,” Dain said. “A lot of my friends would casually call me 'Gringo' (a Mexican slang term meaning American) when I would make tacos for dinner, and from there the idea kind of just came together.”
Operating out of a small food cart, Dain puts his own interesting twist on traditional tacos. Gringo’s, despite its size, is in no way limited, offering a myriad of choices for even the pickiest of eaters. With the motto “Cheap and Greasy,” Dain offers the traditional meat options of pulled chicken and beef for $2 each, as well as a veggie taco option for $1. In addition to meat, Gringo’s also stays true to its American style by offering the option of coleslaw as a topping instead of lettuce.
“The Dirty Southern,” which is filled with "dirty rice," is served hot and fresh on a whole wheat tortilla. This taco is one of Dain’s very own creations and can be purchased nightly for $1.
In addition to the set items on the menu, Gringo’s will also feature a variety of rotating options, including the classic Breakfast Taco. Comprised of savory, home-cooked scrambled eggs and small pieces of bacon, the Breakfast Taco oozes with flavor. Dain is also working on a recipe involving pulled pork, which is sure to be another fan favorite.
With countless late night food options in Five Points, the sense of competition is undeniable. When asked what about Gringo’s would set his franchise apart, Dain answered with confidence.
“I’m outside, I’m visible, I can move locations, I can go inside bars or venues. I can go anywhere because I don’t have a big staff, it’s just me. My size is in my favor,” he said.“(And) the one thing I have over everything else is that my food is really good."
Gringo’s accepts both debit and credit as well as cash payments. Though he does not currently accept Carolina Cash, Dain describes the option as something he “would consider in the future.”
Gringo’s Late Night Tacos is primarily located at 725 Saluda Avenue and will be serving tacos and select non-alcoholic beverages from 10:30 p.m. to 2 or 3 a.m. on Tuesdays, as well as Thursday through Saturday.
Hours can be flexible, so be sure to follow Gringo’s on Twitter for updates and hours @Gringos_Tacos.