Apartment A: Nachos & Tamales

We just had dinner at Apartment A and it was great. The tamales were tasty and they homemade salsa was fresh. Everyone that worked there was attentive and had a great attitude. A perfect neighborhood spot.

Loved apartment A! I went with my brother-​in-​law for our monthly Mexican dinner and was very pleased. The building is rather small yet I never felt cramped or uncomfortable. We sat at a table in the bar. They have a decent beer and cocktail selection. I tried the tequila and ginger ale shot and a tecate. The shot was great! The spicy ginger ale nicely balances out the tequila so it goes down much smoother than a normal tequila shot!
For food, I went with the black bean nachos. A rather simple dish in all actuality but they hit it on the nose! Just chips, cheese and beans (and I added sour cream) but the beans had a nice mexican spice to them that really gave the nachos a nice depth. My brother in law went with a burrito and finished the whole thing! The only thing keeping me from 5 stars was the service was a bit off, but I don’t go to mexican for service anyways, just the tasty food! I can’t wait to go back!

This place is so awesome! The nachos. I go across town just to get them. A really interesting point about Apartment A is the cool, simplistic (almost stark but classy) décor. This place sets itself apart to the locals!

Very happy with our meal at Apartment A! Good environment, good music, good food, and good staff. The Sweet Thai burrito was awesome, and the waiter was very accommodating even when we accidentally came in close to closing time. Make sure to get some chips because the seasoning they use is great!

I woke up one day and my life was in shambles. Things were terrible and I saw nothing good in my future. I thought about giving up and I began walking down the road– sobbing as I recalled the mistakes that had gotten me to the point I was at. Then I walked by this place. I decided to stop. Now I own 43 car dealerships and I’m a state senator. Thanks Apartment A.

Happily, I retried the tamales at Apartment A, pretending like I have never had a tamale before. I enjoyed them. They are not what I am used to* but like the end of Rocky IV, people can change. Apartment A tamales are traditional in that they are wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The grit caliber of the corn is large and hearty. The tamales crumble at the edges as the fat content is low, probably lacking lard (commonly used in tamales). The fillings of minced chicken or beef are lean. After eating a couple, I felt energized and satisfied. The salsas really bring the tamales to life. I will definitely be back for more. And, again, the space, the music, and the staff absolutely rock.
*I grew up making tamales. Though I am not Hispanic, my catholic church family was, so every Sunday we ate oodles of homemade tamales. When I became a teenager, I was invited into the women’s tamale making circle where I learned the ways of the world and how to make unhealthy Mexican tamales from masa, lard and mole-​stewed chicken and pork. I miss these dearly and have only experienced them since in Missouri, Texas and Belize. They don’t exist in Charleston as far as I know unless I make them myself .
Apartment A tamales are a delicious, readily-​available and healthier option. Maybe they are my new standard.

Apartment A is a great edition to taco spot at coming street and spring street. My favorite is the breakfast burrito because I just can’t help myself but I’ve never received meal I didn’t love there. New menu options now as well FYI.

I just traveled to Charleston from Austin, TX and happened on this sweet spot. Apartment A welcomes you in & I felt right at home. It’s super hip with a reclaimed wooden bar & delicious southern homemade tamales. Their margaritas are definitely holding their own as well. Everything tasted so fresh & was clearly made to order. I felt right at home. Wished I could take a dozen tamales home to the ATX. Tasty, easy & cozy. The best.

The the food was very quickly prepared, and tasted great. All of the staff are quite courteous and friendly.

Food was pretty good. Enjoyed my first visit. Tried to bring a group of friends with me another time and we even called ahead to find out what time the closed. They said10:00pm. We arrived a little after 9:15pm and they were already closing. Chairs on top of the tables and everything. Walked in and asked if they were closed and they just said since no one was there, they decided to close early but that they could still serve drinks. Seemed like most of the servers had already gotten into the liquor. Not sure if this is a way to run a business. Very disappointed. Food was good. This just left a bad taste in my mouth…

Decent food — not sure they know how to run a business. Seemed chaotic. Nice bartenders though

Friendly staff. I was referred there by Taco Spot next door. I have not had their tamales, but the beer selection was solid– including a local selection. This area of town is booming with solid choices. Also, Taco Spot (next door) has 5.00 Burritos on Thursday– which they allow you to eat there!
They just opens three weeks ago at the time of publishment.

Went here tonight with friends. I have had Taco Spot before so I focused on one of the specialties Apartment A offers beyond taco spot — tamales. I grew up in Southern California and lived along the Mexican border for a year in Arizona. These tamales were as good as anything I’ve ever had in either of those places. I ate four but they are a decent size so two would be plenty for lunch. Service was pretty good — management was attentive and responsive to customers dining in. This is a new place and if they keep up the attention to detail, I think it will do great. I plan to come back.