Rebel Taqueria:  From Pop-up to Food Truck, to a Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name – 10 Years and they’ve only just begun

By Mark A. Leon

“Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” – Cheers Theme – Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

We all yearn to live inside those lyrics that opened each episode of the iconic show Cheers every week and welcomed us into Sam’s world of fun, mayhem and most of all family.

We have that in Charleston, South Carolina and for the last 10 years Rebel Taqueria has been that place.  With its ominous logo, ode to mystique of the afterlife in its urban art, celebrations of SoCal and coastal influenced Mexican Food, world-class tequila and a place of comfort, Rebel has solidified itself as a bold leader in the Charleston food scene. 

Yet sometimes it is important to remind ourselves of why we love Rebel and share with those who have yet to experience its culture, the beautiful community that Lewis Kesaris and Paul Nettles (co-founders) have built.

Let’s take a few minutes to learn about Lewis Kesaris and Paul Nettles, the visionaries behind Rebel Taqueria

Rebel was founded by two Charleston food and beverage veterans with a vision of making exciting food and drinks at an affordable price in a relaxed atmosphere with a hint of Star Wars fandom.  Using experienced culinary knowledge and a collaborative spirit, they produced Mexican American food suited to the Charleston flavor profile.

Over the years, Rebel has worked with many local businesses, schools, neighborhoods, churches and charities.  Some of the most influential partnerships and catalysts of inspiration include “The Brick”, “Low Tide Brewing”, “Lunazul Tequila”, Mitla Tortillas”, “Riptide Coffee”, “Pay it Forward Charleston” & “Holy City Brewing”.  

Lewis and Paul know that without those partnerships and the thousands that have helped along the way, they would not have made become such a vital part of the Charleston footprint.  

In a way, Rebel Taqueria is a symbol of the resilience, passion and dedication and a trusted ambassador of the Charleston culture.

History of Rebel Taqueria

Rebel Taqueria was born when a cook (Lewis Kesaris) and a bartender (Paul Nettles) working a slow Tuesday bar shift downtown Charleston over a decade ago, decided to recreate the SoCal Taco Tuesday vibes in Charleston (shortly after a recent trip to San Diego), offering $2 tacos, $2 Tecate and $3 Tequila shots.  

Taco Tuesday became a huge success with word of mouth generating more buzz and attendance, until a fire engulfed the building putting many friends, including Lewis and Paul out of a work.  

Wanting to build on the Taco Tuesday success and not lose what was becoming something real, the Rebel Taqueria food truck was born.  On the day the food truck was bought, Lewis and Paul gave away 36 gallons of ice cream on Folly Beach, one cone at a time.  There is a real story of character, kindness and goodness.  

The boys worked up to three events daily keeping their foot to the metal with the goal of opening a brick-and-mortar location to call home.

After 5 years of hustling on the truck, a two year stint at “The Workshop” and enormous support of the community the team landed a permanent home at 1809 Reynolds Ave. N. Charleston (during the peak of the COVID Shutdown).  

4 years and one pandemic later, Rebel Taqueria is stronger than ever open 7 days a week 11:00 AM -10:00 PM.  

P.S. They still offer $2 tacos every Tuesday 

Whether you are a regular or coming out for the first time, we will save you stool.  

To Lewis and Paul, tacos, and tequila, we are thankful for a place where we can kick back, feel at home and throw a few down.

Follow on Instagram and check out their menus, events and more on the Official Website.