Latino-Owned Businesses in Charlotte
Celebrating Charlotte’s Latino-owned gems and the communities they enrich.
by Julian Dominguez
Charlotte has long been home to many beloved businesses owned and run by Latino people. These businesses have helped shape Charlotte into the city it is today with passion and hard work. Charlotte is better for it, and these businesses are even better when locals and visitors alike all share in it.
Eat and Drink
Artisen Gelato
Area: Matthews
Artisen Gelato offers vegan and gluten-free gelato but delivers flavors that are decadent and creamy enough to please the non-vegan. When visiting this quaint spot, you’ll be able to sample the flavors you’re debating over and, if you can’t choose, get a cone for now and a pint for later.
A Piece of Havana
Area: South Charlotte
One of the few places in Charlotte to get authentic Cuban dishes and experience live music, A Piece of Havana should be on your to-do list. Enjoy Cuban comfort food like empanadas, ropa vieja or vaca frita, then burn some off while dancing a little salsa on the weekends!
The Batch House
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
The Batch House is lovingly surreal; it’s impossible not to feel like you’re visiting owner Cristina Rojas’ home rather than a bakery. Do your soul a favor and hop in for a cookie, cake or cupcake, including gluten-free options, and enjoy it on one of the comfy couches.
Calle Sol
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood, SouthPark
At Calle Sol, the ambiance is fun, bright and reminiscent of Miami dining spots. The menu boasts dishes inspired by chefs trained on location in South Florida and across Latin America. Try the croquetas appetizer and Cuban fried rice for a burst of flavor and add a pisco sour to sip.
Catalú
Neighborhood: South End
At Catalú, expect high-end Spanish cuisine with a modern flair. The service is attentive, and the space is upscale and classy — perfect for date night. Tapas are made to share, so be ready to experiment, especially the patatas bravas, croquettes and the pulpo a la gallega.
Customshop
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
With a casual yet chic vibe that’s inviting, Customshop’s chef Andres Kaifer regularly rebuilds a menu that focuses on seasonal ingredients local to North Carolina. Dishes are a fusion of refined American and European cuisine, and the cocktail and wine menus are crafted with the same care.
El Puro
Neighborhood: Madison Park
El Puro ventures to imagine what Cuba could have been with a 1950s retro/glamourous dining space. Regular live music and a menu of upscale takes on classic Cuban dishes transport you to Cuba of old, and standouts like the ropa vieja and the Cuban sandwich must be tried.
Las Americas
Area: South Charlotte
Las Americas is a perfect example of a neighborhood staple. Your close-to-home spot for to-go homemade pastries, custom cakes and hearty Colombian comfort food — all made with natural ingredients. Be sure to try the picada and order an almojábana, traditional Colombian cheese bread, and an alfajor sandwich cookie to go.
La Caseta
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Found front and center at Camp North End, La Caseta specializes in fresh, made-to-order Latin street food from all around South and Central America. You’ll never go wrong with anything on the menu, but popular choices include the empanadas, taco al pastor and arepa rumbera.
Los Chamos
Area: South Charlotte
Los Chamos prides itself in delivering authentic Venezuelan dishes that are freshly made with all natural ingredients. The casual and vibrant setting lends itself well to popular street food staples like the arepas, tequeños and cachapas. The award-winning patacón, a tostón made with green plantains, deserves high consideration.
La Dolcekca Bakery Cafe
Neighborhood: Montford
La Dolcekca is elegant and eclectic in its style and menu. Trained in Paris, Miami and throughout her travels in Europe, founder Karina Cooper bakes these lessons into her globally inspired pastries, cakes and meals. Must-tries include Nutella-stuffed cookies, chop cheese sandwich and tres leches cakes.
Los Paisas
Area: South Charlotte
Los Paisas is a comfortable, casual location that takes authentic Colombian cuisine seriously. With a focus on fresh ingredients that map the feel of home and nostalgia, you’re welcome in to try traditional and modern dishes like the empanadas, bistec encebollado and the Bandeja tipica Colombiana platter.
MaBi Cocina Tropical
Neighborhood: NoDa
At MaBi CocinaTropical, the vibe is equal parts loungey, friendly and vibrant. The menu and cocktail offerings are primarily Dominican inspired, and favorites like the mofongo or the seafood sancocho seafood stew are crafted like high cuisine while still maintaining what reminds so many of home.
Manolo’s Bakery
Area: East Charlotte
With a wide offering of Latin American pastries, cakes, desserts and over 60 kinds of breads, Manolo’s Bakery is a must-stop for any sweet tooth. Absolute must-tries include the churros and tres leches. Pick up some “Made in America by Immigrant Hands” merch while you’re there.
Mi Tierra
Area: East Charlotte, South Charlotte
At Mi Tierra, the owners care deeply about serving authentic Colombian comfort food. Everything is made from scratch and in house, from the salsa criolla to the empanadas and sweet plantains. The bandeja paisa is a great sampler with grilled steak, pork rind, sausage, rice, beans, corn cake, sweet plantains, egg and avocado.
Pio Pio
Neighborhood: Dilworth, Ballantyne
Pio Pio has refined and perfected Peruvian rotisserie chicken. Guests can expect a casual, colorful and welcoming ambiance while enjoying hearty meals. Your first should be the lomo saltado, a classic Peruvian stir fry, or quarter-chicken with your choice of white or dark meat.
Ricko’s Churro Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
Started by Tacos Rick-O food truck owner Ricky Ortiz, this marks Charlotte’s first churreria, where the delicious churro serves as the menu’s base and just gets more decadent from there. Choose from a bevy of glazed churros, churro-adorned milkshakes, horchata frappes and tres leches cakes.
Salud Cerveceria
Neighborhood: NoDa
Salud is casual and trendy, brewery and pizzeria, and both coffee-shop brunchy and night life-y. It’s hard to put a simple label on Salud and that’s why locals and visitors love it. Saunter through the experimentally fun menu at will, but be sure to include one of the beers and a pizza.
Tacos El Nevado
Neighborhood: Lower South End, East Charlotte
Taco El Nevado is serious about the quality and authenticity of the restaurant’s Mexican cuisine. With fresh ingredients and a food-first perspective, everything on the menu is a delicious hit. However, you’ll never go wrong with the carne asada tacos or the cheesy, crispy and juicy quesabirrias.
Three Amigos Mexican Kitchen & Cantina
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Three Amigos prides itself in maintaining its connections to home, and helps you feel at home when you walk in. Try the marinated steak taco or literally any enchilada on the menu that comes with your choice of one of four signature sauces.
Yunta Nikkei
Neighborhood: South End
Yunta will wow you with its haute cuisine that centers around the century-aged fusion of Peruvian and Japanese culture. Luxuriate in the relaxed and intimate dining room while you enjoy unique cocktails and savor the ceviche or parrillero maki. The dishes are made to share, so experiment away.
Shop
ELP Western (El Potrero Western Wear)
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
El Potrero is a Western-wear retailer that specializes in high-quality hats, boots and apparel for men, women and youth. The store carries a wide range of items and stocks well-known brands like Stetson, Ariat and Cuadra. Whether you’re an aficionado or a first timer, the friendly staff are glad to help.
Pura Vida Worldly Art
Neighborhood: NoDa
At Pura Vida, you’ll find a gift boutique with a wide assortment of sustainable, made-by-hand products from local and global artists. Browsing through this warm and inviting shop, you can pick up a seed paper greeting card, a sugar skull mug, a colorful cat toy or your new favorite cotton robe.
Things to Do
Chic El Salon
Area: East Charlotte
This full-service salon celebrates the style, strength and spirit of Latinas, while focusing on client well-being, satisfaction and comfort. Clients praise the personalized customer service and often travel from neighboring towns/cities for appointments. Clearly experts in the field of beauty while also providing a warm, friendly and supportive environment.
