Charlotte is one of the biggest cities in North Carolina, known for its exciting attractions and bountiful eateries. Mexican cuisine continues to be one of the most popular cuisines served here. While you are more likely to run into American Tex-Mex cuisine, you will also find a wide mix of both simple and upscale Mexican restaurants citywide.
Not sure where to head first? Try out any of the following Mexican restaurants in Charlotte:
Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina
Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina was born in 2010 to bring the flavors of authentic regional Mexican cuisine to South Charlotte. Expect a cheerful, industrial setting packed with families all week round for Three Amigos’ all-you-can-enchilada nights and infamous margaritas.
The restaurant is open all day, serving snacks, fresh quesadillas, and taco platters. Apart from the fan-favorite margaritas, Three Amigos also has an extensive selection of beers and Mexican sodas.
RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila
RuRu’s Tacos & Tequila is a lovely Mexican hub occupying the historic Reynolds-Gormajenko House in Myers Park. Stop by to get your fix of fine tequilas, margaritas and delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine.
The upscale Mexican restaurant has an expansive outdoor patio and a bar serving creative cocktails and tacos. When the weather is too cold, you can settle inside where the atmosphere is warm and laid back. Ready to order? Expect a mix of tacos, salads, quesadillas, spicy fajitas, burritos and meat-filled rice bowls.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Sabor Latin Street Grill serves bold and authentic Latin street food in several locations across Charlotte. The locations include Uptown, SouthPark, Elizabeth, Ballantyne and NoDa.
The Mexican spot offers a casual atmosphere with bright wall paintings and warm hanging lights. Additionally, the menu is heavily inspired by foods from El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Colombia. Popular items include Sabor’s Tacos Auténticos, Queso, Sabor Special Burrito and Empanadas.
Superica
Superica is a casual Tex-Mex restaurant in the heart of Charlotte’s South End. The restaurant is housed inside a fully restored factory, featuring a colorful dining area with artwork that reminds you of West Texas dance halls and hill country cafes. The space has a large stone front bar with vintage wood shelves, and some of the finest tequilas around the country.
Settle beside the bar or dining area to feast on piping hot Tex-Mex delights. The menu includes flavorful tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and an assortment of mouth-watering appetizers. It is simply one of the top Charlotte NC Mexican restaurants.
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila brings the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to Charlotte’s SouthPark. The interior, with a warm, inviting ambiance, makes it a must-visit place for Mexican food lovers.
Paco’s menu showcases a rich assortment of dishes ranging from wood-fired fajitas to cheesy enchiladas with chili con carne, all made using the freshest ingredients. You will also find Paco’s bar to be particularly impressive. There are over 100 varieties of tequila and a selection of wines and beer from Texas, Mexico and locally. It is one of the top-recommended Charlotte NC Mexican restaurants.
La Unica Mexican Restaurant
Have a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine at La Unica Mexican Restaurant and enjoy a mix of the freshest local ingredients elevated with bold, inspiring flavors. The restaurant is in North Charlotte’s AvidXChange Music Factory.
You will be served the most flavorful fajitas, nachos, enchiladas and other hallmarks of Mexican cuisine. Plus, you can expect a collection of mouthwatering craft cocktails and margaritas, all served inside or out on the patio. The restaurant also hosts weekly live DJ events for the local community to enjoy, so don’t miss out!
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
One of the top Charlotte NC Mexican restaurants, Azteca Mexican Restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine to the residents of Charlotte for 20 years. They currently have four establishments in and around the city, including Matthews, Gastonia, and Smith Corners Boulevard. Note that this is a family-owned and family-run eatery, making it a child-friendly establishment, so bring the entire family.
The menu includes traditional Mexican and newer American dishes, including an assortment of enchiladas, juicy and tender fajitas, burritos, chimichangas and more. Pair your food with a drink from Azteca’s full-service bar, which stocks an impressive mix of margaritas, wines and domestic and imported beers.
Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant
Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant is one of the leading authentic Mexican food restaurants in the University Area in Uptown Charlotte. This is a family-owned, family-run restaurant fit for all ages to enjoy. Satisfy your taste buds with their collection of classic Mexican delicacies ranging from zesty shrimp to cheesy nachos and delicious fajitas.
Alongside the dining venue, the restaurant has a full-service bar stocked with margaritas, wines and domestic beer. The bar stays open until 2 AM, making it a great spot for a late drink with your pals. Every Friday night is Mariachi band night alongside karaoke, so expect to be entertained when you visit!
El Pulgarcito De América
El Pulgarcito De América is a popular diner-style restaurant serving an assortment of homey Latin American and Mexican-inspired plates. You will find the venue along Central Avenue, close to Plaza Midwood. The offerings vary in style and size, running from creamy chicken and rice plates to golden brown plantains, corn tortillas, tacos and fresh seafood.
One of the restaurant’s top features is its affordable menu. If you are up for a quick, budget-friendly meal out, we recommend heading here. You will also love the colorful interior that gives it a classic Latino feel.
El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (Waxhaw)
El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant is a beautiful Mexican restaurant in Waxhaw, a half-mile south of Charlotte, serving the residents of Waxhaw and nearby Charlotte since 1994. The eatery offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes packed with the aroma and flavors of Mexican cooking, made using the freshest local ingredients.
Some must-haves include nachos topped with white queso, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas and protein bowls. Moreover, the full-service bar offers hand-crafted margaritas, specialty cocktails, tequila and selective wines.
El Veracruz Mexican Restaurant
El Veracruz Mexican Restaurant is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant in Pineville, a fast-growing suburb southwest of Charlotte. The restaurant has been in the run for over 15 years; it is regarded as one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants around the city for authentic Mexican dishes with a dash of southern inspiration.
The interior space is cozy and casual, while the spacious outdoor patio is perfect for a drink with friends. Also, be sure to have a taste of their mouthwatering tacos, fajitas, guacamole, nachos, burritos, churros and other delights.
La Poblanita Mexican Grill
La Poblanita Mexican Restaurant is a Charlotte-based Mexican restaurant located along Westinghouse Boulevard in South Charlotte. It serves more than just authentic Mexican food; it also serves a diverse collection of candies, perfect for those with an aching sweet tooth!
The Mexican restaurant in Charlotte offers a festive Mexican environment, colorful and bright, alongside a patio seating area. You can sit indoors and taste their specialty tacos, quesadillas, and burritos or head outdoors and enjoy flavorful frozen margaritas.
Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill
The Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill is a family-owned Mexican restaurant with several venues across North Carolina, including two stunning establishments in Charlotte University City and Sardis. Each location is warm and inviting, featuring wooden tables and warm overhead lighting.
Some of the featured items on the menu include street-style tacos, grilled steak, brisket, chorizo, carnitas and cheesy quesadillas. The menu also offers a mix of intriguing drinks, including a delicious jalapeno margarita, Mexican beer and premium tequila.
Taqueria La Unica
Taqueria La Unica is a festive, easygoing restaurant featuring a charming environment, colorful decor and lined booth-style dining. Located alongside Old Monroe Road in South East Charlotte, the restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine prepared daily using fresh local ingredients.
The menu includes an assortment of seafood, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and tacos topped with onion and cilantro. Taqueria La Unica also offers a limited selection of vegetarian plates for those seeking mindful eating.
Tres Pesos Mexican Grill & Bar
The Tres Pesos Mexican Grill & Bar is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving various classics from Mexican cuisine. Some of the fan favorites include their sizzling fajita, burritos, cooked prawns, salsa and chips, chimichangas and enchiladas alongside cooling glasses of margarita and wine; all served in a decorated dining room.
Tres Pesos is also one of the few Mexican spots whose coffee is equally outstanding! So be sure to have a freshly brewed cup during your visit.
Mexican Restaurants Charlotte NC: Final Thoughts
Mexican cuisine is one of the most popularand exciting cuisines around the globe, widely adapted and improvised wherever it spreads to. In Charlotte, you will find several establishments sticking to their authentic Mexican roots, whereas others taking a creative route, bringing new, exciting innovations of their own. You will only know if you like them once you have had a taste!
