Your Guide to Mexican Eats in Charlotte

From tacos and guac to margaritas, grab a table at these places to curb your queso craving.

by DeAnna Taylor

Photo courtesy of Cabo Fish Taco

Whether it’s Tex-Mex or the “real deal Holyfield” of authentic dishes, this guide to the area’s best eateries will surely please. It’s time to upgrade your taco Tuesday plans folks! May the odds be ever in your flavor.

Azteca

With more than 20 years in the industry, this family-style restaurant offers some of the areas best traditional Mexican food. Each of Azteca's locations vary on their specials, but you’ll definitely want to check out the Mariachi band at the Woodlawn Road location on Friday nights.

What to order: Chicken carnitas

Cabo Fish Taco

Inspired by the flavors brought to Baja, California by Mexican surfers, this eatery Cabo Fish Taco has been a local favorite almost since the day it arrived. It’s so popular that Food Network’s Guy Fieri stopped by in 2010 to shoot an episode of ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.’What to order: Any of the Cabo signature tacos and a ‘Queen City’ margarita.

Photo courtesy of Cantina 1511

Cantina 1511

The original home for Cantina 1511 started on E. Blvd back in 2004 and they’ve now expanded to 3 spots for your convenience. Check out their $9.95 lunch features Monday through Friday from 11am- 2:30pm.

What to order: Chimichanga

El Cancun

Just outside of Charlotte, down I-77 S, El Cancun has been serving up Rock Hill’s best traditional dishes for more than 30 years. Lunch combos start at only $5.99. You definitely can’t beat that.

What to order: Mexican steak fries

La Revolucion

Have your La Revolucion meal inside or outdoors on the patio. Check out Salsa night on Tuesday and a live DJ spinning on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What to order: Mixed fajitas

Photo courtesy of Que Onda Tacos + Tequila

Lady GoGo’s

This popular Charlotte-based food truck brings Mexican food with its own vegan flare. Get there early, because Lady GoGo’s ’s will definitely sell out.

What to order: Smothered Burrito

Paco’s Tacos and Tequila

You’ll find all of your favorite Tex-Mex staples at this South Park area spot. What sets them Paco’s Tacos and Tequila apart is that their bar features over 100 different tequilas. They feature daily drink specials too.

What to order: Unholy guacamole

Picante Mexican Grill

If you are looking for a quick meal, this fast-casual spot is a great option. Grab a burrito or a bowl for only $5.75 on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, Picante Mexican Grill will throw in a free fountain drink with your burrito or burrito bowl purchase.

What to order: Steak nacho bowl w/your favorite toppings

Que Onda Tacos + Tequila

Nothing says brunch like mimosas and this is one of the few places to offer a bottomless option, at only $19.95. Also, you can’t miss their Que Onda Tacos + Tequila's $2 Taco Tuesday.

What to order: Pulled chicken tinga taco

Photo courtesy of RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila

RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila

Catch live music every Wednesday, April thru September, from 6-8:30 pm at RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila. They offer $2 tacos on Tuesday, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and $5 Monday margaritas.

What to order: ‘Death by RuRu’ burrito

Southbound

Fill up on select margarita pitchers on Tuesday and Thursday for only $25. In addition to the eats, this spot Southbound is also a live music venue. You can eat and jam at the same time!

What to order: Mango margarita

Superica

This Tex-Mex spot is still considered a newcomer on the scene. Located in the heart of Southend, stop in for Superica's dine-in only lunch specials for $11.99, Monday through Friday. On the weekends, they offer a pretty amazing brunch menu too.

What to order: Grilled Chile Relleno

Tacos 4 Life

When you eat at this Concord-area taco joint, you’re also helping to feed a hungry child via their partnership with Feed My Starving Children. Tacos 4 Life brings a unique spin to regular tacos.

What to order: Korean BBQ steak taco

Three Amigos

Bring the whole family on Mondays because kids eat for free with a paying adult. Or, stop in Three Amigos on Thursdays for all-you-can-eat enchiladas for only $8.99. They run daily beer specials and even sell Mexican Coca Cola.

What to order: Enchiladas Rojas

Vida

Offering some of the best views for people watching, this trendy Uptown spot is a winner. On Mondays Vida features half off margaritas, Tuesdays bring $2 tacos and $3 Coronas.

What to order: Any of the combos to try a little of everything

DeAnna Taylor

DeAnna is a NC attorney turned travel blogger and writer. She also writes for Travel Noire, an international travel publication, as well as CharlotteFive and a host of other publications. She is a native of Charlotte and loves highlighting the city whenever she can. You can find her on social media at: @brokeandabroadlife.