Charlotte’s vibrant taco scene is a tapestry of flavors and traditions. From bustling food trucks serving up authentic street-style tacos to cozy taquerias offering innovative fusion creations, Charlotte’s taco spots are a testament to the city’s love affair with this beloved dish. This guide highlights the top taco spots in the city.
In a nation crazy about tacos, every city boasts its champions. Charlotte, a melting pot of flavors and traditions, is a prime example. From humble food trucks to bustling taquerías, the search for the city’s best tacos is also a journey through its neighborhoods and a glimpse into the soul of its vibrant community. Join us as we explore the delicious tortillas and perfectly seasoned meats of Charlotte’s top taco spots
Que tacos clt
9/10 (119 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-298-2919
Al Pastor TacosFriendly StaffClean and Trustworthy
Que tacos clt has become a favorite spot in CLT for many taco enthusiasts. The Al Pastor tacos are a standout, with flavorful meat that keeps customers coming back for more. The friendly staff adds to the positive experience, making ordering a breeze. Customers also appreciate the cleanliness of the food truck, bringing comfort and trust in their meals. The variety of taco options, including birria tacos, give foodies the chance to try something new and exciting. Despite some challenges with finding the truck’s location, once customers taste the delicious and fresh food, they are hooked. Que tacos clt truly delivers on taste and quality, making it a must-visit for taco lovers in the area.
Como en Mexico
9/10 (148 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-983-2298
Authentic Mexican cuisineGenerous portion sizesVaried menu options
Como en Mexico is a hidden gem serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in Charlotte. The enmoladas are a must-try, with rich and flavorful mole sauce enveloping tender chicken. The portions are generous, making it easy to share. The menu offers a variety of options to choose from, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The customer service may vary, but the younger staff member stands out for her attentiveness and friendliness. While the ambiance could use a facelift, the delicious food at Como en Mexico makes it a worthwhile dining destination.
Cabo Fish Taco
9/10 (3999 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-332-8868
Fresh and flavorful dishesComplimentary chips and salsaDiverse drink selection
Nestled in a cozy corner of Noda, Cabo Fish Taco offers a delightful dining experience with a wide array of fresh and flavorful Mexican dishes. The complimentary fresh chips and corn salsa are a pleasant treat, while the jalapeno mashed potatoes and plantains add a unique twist to classic Mexican cuisine. The diverse drink selection, including margaritas, bourbons, beers, and wine, offers something for every palate. The attentive service and consistent quality make Cabo Fish Taco a must-visit spot in the area.
Ely Taqueria
9/10 (84 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-817-9161
Flavorful CarnitasAuthentic Chili VerdeRefreshing Aqua Fresca
Ely Taqueria in Charlotte is truly a gem when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. The carnitas are the standout dish here, with tender pork shoulder roasted to crispy perfection and served with flavorful toppings like grilled jalapenos, onions, and cilantro. The selection of salsas adds an extra kick to the already delicious tacos. The chile verde is a must-try if you enjoy a nice, hot, and spicy soup, and the aqua fresca and horchata offer refreshing beverage options. The variety of dishes to choose from, including the Barbacoa de Chivo y Res on weekends, makes Ely Taqueria a must-visit spot for any food enthusiast looking for a taste of Mexico outside of Denver.
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila
9/10 (2281 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-716-8226
Flavorful salsaGenerous portionsFriendly service
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila offers a satisfying dining experience with generous portions and friendly service. The salsa and chips are flavorful, while the shrimp taco stands out as a highlight. The queso and guacamole are also worth trying. The menu boasts a variety of options, from fish tacos to chicken fajitas, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The attention to detail in service and the ample portions make this spot a must-visit for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.
Tacos El Regio NC
9/10 (793 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-222-9078
Delicious Monterrey-style tacosEfficient and friendly serviceCozy and welcoming ambience
Tacos El Regio NC is a hidden gem serving up delicious Monterrey-style tacos in a cozy setting. The food is flavorful and authentic, with standout items like the Tlaquepaque tacos and trompo tacos that transport you back to Mexico. The service is efficient and friendly, even during busy times, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The ambience is welcoming, making you feel at home as you dig into the fresh and tasty dishes. While the wait time may be a bit longer during peak hours, the quality of the food and service more than make up for it.
Fonda Las Tarascas.
9/10 (280 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-237-4215
Street cornHorchataHomemade tortillas
Fonda Las Tarascas is a hidden gem offering an authentic taste of Mexico from a small gas station location. The street corn and horchata are must-try items, providing a burst of flavor and refreshment. The al pastor meat is perfectly seasoned, while the tortillas and empanadas are made from scratch, adding to the homemade feel of the food. The service is top-notch, making for an enjoyable dining experience in a cozy setting. The special dishes and variety on the menu are sure to please any Mexican cuisine aficionado.
Bakersfield East Blvd.
9/10 (1217 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-938-8565
Flavorful tacosDelicious margaritasAttentive service
Bakersfield East Blvd. is a taco spot with small, shareable bites on their a la carte menu. Despite limited options, the food is flavorful, especially the Short Rib Queso and Pineapple Margarita. Parking can be a challenge, but there’s an alternative after hours. The service is top-notch, with attentive staff and delicious drinks, making it a great casual spot for a date or pregame. The loaded nachos and taco assortment offer fair pricing for decent street tacos, although the queso may fall short for some. Overall, Bakersfield East Blvd. is worth a visit for its tasty offerings and laid-back ambiance.
La Capital MX
9.6/10 (3211 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-870-7555
Freshly prepared tacosAttentive and friendly serversComplimentary chips and salsas
La Capital MX has quickly become a favorite spot for many patrons, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere with attentive service. The staff, including servers like Nayeli, Nicole, Yamin, Laura, and Cristo, go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The freshly prepared food, especially the tacos and complimentary chips and salsas, are standout items on the menu. While some may find the prices a bit high, the quality and taste of the dishes make it worth every penny. The use of QR codes for Google reviews and parking validation adds a modern touch to the overall dining experience, making La Capital MX a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine.
Tacos 4 Life
9.2/10 (431 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 833-808-2267
Heartwarming missionUnique taco flavorsOutdoor seating
Tacos 4 Life is a fast food Mexican restaurant with a heartwarming mission to help feed the hungry. The staff is cheerful and attentive, providing excellent service. The restaurant offers a wide variety of tacos with unique flavors, and the outdoor seating area adds a nice touch to the dining experience. It’s a great spot to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a good cause.
Taco Mama – Dilworth
9/10 (466 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-900-2470
Flavorful dishesExceptional customer serviceVibrant atmosphere
Taco Mama – Dilworth is a must-visit spot for anyone craving delicious Tex Mex cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of flavorful dishes, from the grilled shrimp taco to the Jorges Nachos, all made with fresh ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied. The staff at Taco Mama go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service, ensuring that every dining experience is enjoyable. The customizable options on the menu make it a mod lover’s dream, allowing you to tailor your meal to your preferences. Whether you’re dining in or taking your food to go, Taco Mama is a reliable choice for high-quality, quick-service meals that won’t disappoint.
JC Tacos
9/10 (197 reviews)
| Directions | +1 631-974-1632
Authentic flavorsConvenient call-in ordersVariety of delicious options
JC Tacos is a standout spot for authentic and delicious tacos in Charlotte. Not only do they offer a variety of tasty options like pupusas, Philly cheesesteaks, and chicken wings, but the quality and flavor of their food truly shine through. The call-in order option is a convenient feature that ensures minimal wait time, even during busy hours. The upgrade from a food truck to a kitchen in the back of a Spanish deli certainly indicates their growing popularity, and rightfully so.
Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar
9/10 (441 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-209-9219
Flavorful tacosFriendly serviceCharming atmosphere
Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar is a charming taco spot with flavorful and delicious food. The intimate setting boasts lovely murals and artwork, creating a unique atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming, enhancing the overall experience. The menu offers a variety of tasty options, including the birria taco and chicken and steak tacos. While the service is excellent and the food is delicious, the tequila flight may leave you wanting more and the prices are a bit high for the portion sizes. The self-service style might not be for everyone, but the fantastic food and friendly service make Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar worth a visit.
Taqueria Medina
9.2/10 (69 reviews)
| Directions | +1 980-267-7289
Generous portionsAuthentic flavorsFriendly service
Taqueria Medina in Charlotte is a hidden gem with authentic dishes that will leave you coming back for more. Their arroz con pollo is a fan favorite when available, with fluffy rice and generous portions of meat. The Cubano torta is massive and satisfying, while the buffalo wings are a tasty throwback to the 90s. The menu has something for everyone, including kid-friendly options like tenders and fries and spicy salsas to add some heat to your meal.
Anita’s Mexican Grill
9.4/10 (625 reviews)
| Directions | +1 704-329-0321
Delicious burritosAffordable pricesFast and friendly service
Anita’s Mexican Grill is a hidden gem in Charlotte, serving up some of the best Mexican food in the area. The burritos are a standout item, with a naked burrito option that customers rave about. The chicken soup is also a must-try, according to one enthusiastic diner. The fast service is another big plus, with orders being completed quickly and efficiently. The prices are incredibly affordable, with a wide variety of menu items to choose from. The friendly and helpful staff make the dining experience even more enjoyable, with English and Spanish spoken to cater to all customers. Anita’s Mexican Grill is definitely a place worth visiting again and again.
Tipsy Burro
9.2/10 (449 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-249-3317
Eclectic decorFlavorful Tex-MexExpertly crafted margaritas
Tipsy Burro, a Tex-Mex gem in an unexpected location, offers a vibrant and eclectic dining experience unlike any other. The kitschy decor, featuring vintage signs and quirky ornaments, adds to the unique and charming vibe of the place. The food, however, steals the show with delicious dishes like Frito pie, rice & bean tacos, and a refreshing spinach salad with soy crumbles. The margaritas are expertly crafted and pair perfectly with the flavorful offerings. While the service may be hit or miss, the outstanding flavors and cozy atmosphere make Tipsy Burro a must-visit dining destination for any Tex-Mex enthusiast.
Johnny Burrito
9.8/10 (705 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-371-4448
Fresh, authentic flavorsGenerous portionsFriendly service
Johnny Burrito is a must-visit spot in Charlotte, evident from the long lines filled with locals. The food is fresh, with authentic flavors and generous portions at reasonable prices. The owner, Johnny, greets customers warmly and even offers gifts to first-time visitors. The service may be a bit slow, but it’s worth the wait, as the delicious food is served quickly and hot. The welcoming atmosphere and tasty offerings make Johnny Burrito a standout choice for lunch in the city.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
9/10 (1610 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-237-0308
Robust flavorsUnique salsa barFriendly staff
Sabor Latin Street Grill offers robust flavors and a salsa bar with unique options that will have you coming back for more. The ground beef empanada is a standout, blending Mexican and Puerto Rican influences. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, creating a pleasant dining experience. The food is flavorful and fresh, with generous portions and a variety of options. This spot is a great choice for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Azul Tacos And Beer
9.8/10 (264 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 980-207-0785
Authentic Mexican flavorsPersonalized serviceFresh aqua frescas
Azul Tacos And Beer is a must-visit spot for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The birria mulitas are a standout, with tender and juicy meat on handmade blue tortillas. The California burrito is also highly recommended, offering heavenly flavors with an extra kick from onions and queso. The Costillas De Asada is worth every penny, with perfectly cooked short ribs that are seasoned to perfection. The sides, including chips + queso + salsa and Mexican street corn, are a perfect complement to the flavorful main dishes. And don’t miss out on the aqua frescas, with refreshing options like horchata, pineapple, and cucumber that will leave you coming back for more. The personal touch from owner Hector and friendly service from staff member Alex add to the overall dining experience, making Azul Tacos And Beer a true gem in the Charlotte dining scene.
Tacos 4 Life
9.4/10 (256 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 704-900-5151