Whether it’s Birria, burritos, or traditional tamales, there’s definitely a fair share of awesome Mexican restaurants to try out here in Charlotte. We’ve gathered a list of both family-owned and contemporary Mexican eateries that do big plates and big flavor. Here’s the list of our 10 favorite that we hope you enjoy!
1. Tacos El Nevado
Sometimes it may feel like there’s no affordable options left in the city anymore, but not when you come to Tacos El Nevado, which has $3.99 gorditas and $3 tacos on the menu. Known for being one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Charlotte, Tacos El Nevado is operating in two different locations: Central and South, and at great prices, so come if you want to devour cheap and delicious tacos, which come in multiple proteins like asada, barbacoa, and al pastor, to name a few.
Where: 4715 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
2. Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina
Three Amigos has been a Charlotte staple since 2010 when they first opened. They’ve got some specials during the week, like Tuesdays half off all desserts and Margaritas specials on Friday. Plus, on Mondays, kids eat free. Their menu is regional Mexican cuisine, from 6 different types of enchiladas, fajita platters, traditional platters like nachos and quesadillas, and of course, tacos.
Where: 2917 Central Ave A, Charlotte, NC 28205
3. Tamales La Pasadita
For delicious and authentic tamales, head to Tamales La Pasadita. The best in town, La Pasadita is doing huge plates complete with rice, beans, and 3 tamales for only $3. And insider tip, they’re cash only. Try their savory tamales, like pollo in salsa roja and puerco en salsa verde or dulces (sweet) with pineapple or sweet corn.
4. Party Locos Tacos
Who doesn’t love a food truck, especially a taco truck? For delicious and authentic tacos, find Party Locos Tacos and enjoy perfectly cooked meat inside perfectly charred street tacos with all of the fixings. While it may seem a bit unassuming from the outside, those are usually where the best tacos are made, in our opinion, plus at $2 a taco, the prices can’t be beat.
Where: 3042 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
5. Tacos El Regio
Tacos El Regio claims to be the best taco spot in Charlotte and taking a look at their menu, they might be right. From huge tortas to authentic asada street tacos sprinkled with onions and cilantro, to piratas, which are tortillas covered in melty cheese and a choice of chorizo, asada, or more. One of the more interesting items on their menu are their papas, or large baked potato smothered in meat, cheese, sour cream, and more.
Where: 8829 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227
6. Mal Pan
A chef-driven location with plates of food as beautiful as they are tasty, and at a bit of a higher price point. The restaurant has its roots in family, with the name of the restaurant coming from Chef Andre Lomeli’s grandmother who grew up in Merida, Yucatan and moved to California. The tortillas at Mal Pan are house made, the cocktails are regionally-inspired and contemporary, and the food is traditional meets modern. Give their Surf and Turf Cali a try, a burrito that combines steak, sautéed shrimp, and chimicurri fries inside a beautiful flour tortilla or go for their tacos, sweet potato for something different or cochinita pibil for something meaty.
Where: 4625 Piedmont Row Dr 115 D, Charlotte, NC 28210
7. Cabo Fish Taco
NoDa’s got its very own fish taco spot called Cabo Fish Taco that all seafood lovers should give a try. It’s not hard to imagine you’ve stepped away from Charlotte and into in a small coastal town in Mexico at Cabo’s with their Cabo Signature Tacos like Beer-Battered White Fish and Shrimp, Blackened Mahi Mahi, or Honey Soy Glazed Tacos for a bit of an Asian flair.
Where: 3201 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
8. Velvet Taco
Optimist Hall is doing tacos in all types of funky flavors over at Velvet Taco. While this might not be traditional, it’s definitely modern and interesting and might just suit your palate when you’re in the mood for something different. Try things like Chicken and Waffles, Spicy Tikka Chicken, Beer Battered Cauliflower, Kobe Bacon Burger, or Fish N’ Chips. Pair your tacos with elote or queso (like their Red Curry Coconut Queso).
Where: 1115 N Brevard St Suite 11, Charlotte, NC 28206
9. Maria’s Mexican Restuarant
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant was made even more popular by local Charlotte influencer @wyneesworld, after she posted about their QuesaBirria on Tik Tok. The QuesaBirria is cheap and it comes with delicious consomé broth on the side for pouring and dipping. Don’t forget to pair them with a refreshing corona or a spicy jalapeñ0 margarita.
Where: 5234 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
10. Superica
Those looking for Tex-Mex can come to Superica, run by Chef Ford Frye. A bit on the pricier side, but plates are full and filling, meaning you probably won’t leave with less than a full stomach. Try the queso fundido to start, paired with hot, crispy chips then go for any sort of plate like their enchiladas (which come in chicken verde, pollo con mole, or veggie) or Pescado al Carbon which is blackened NC catfish, shrimp brochetas, and a froth Mexican butter.
Where: 101 W Worthington Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28203