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    Zapata's

    3.3 (254 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

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    ZAPATA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Create Your Own Combo Lunch

    We stopped by Zapata's for lunch on Sunday and the food was good but very over priced. One of the interesting things about moving to Charlotte was the difference in Mexican food. Down here, ACP has red sauce on it?? At Zapata's you're looking at an $18 price tag for ACP and $1.50 extra if you want cheese dip on top. My husband got a combination platter that had a good size portion, and I ordered 1 soft taco with a side of rice. The beef in the taco was very flavorful but the taco shell was just a regular store bought flour tortilla. When the bill came, the taco was $4.50 which makes sense, but my side of rice was a whopping $6! How in the world does a side of plain rice cost that much? We'll continue trying Mexican eateries in the area but we have yet to find one that sticks.

    Poblano chicken at the top
    Joan R.

    Four of us had dinner here; a very colorful atmosphere and an extensive menu. The service was very attentive. Chips and salsa came to the table. I requested a milder salsa and it was also placed on the table. We ordered guacamole appetizer which was made fresh, Pollo borracho, a chicken dish with a cilantro wine cream sauce which I didnt care for, polo poblano with a chocolate based sauce, which my friend liked, traditional quesadilla and a Bombay chimichanga All came out hot. Most all tasty. Rice and bean sides all tasty. I like the coleslaw salad side. Prices on par for the area. However my friends poblano chicken came out almost 10 minutes after all 3 of us had our food and started eating . We weren't sure why this happened. I would probably return and try another menu item. I found out one can make a reservation but only for 8 people or more.

    Cadillac Margarita  Cheese Quesidilla
    Maria J.

    Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with vibrant colors, traditional decor, and lively music. The staff was very friendly and attentive, making me feel welcome and valued. During my recent visit to Zapata's, I had the pleasure of trying their Cadillac Margarita and quesadillas. In conclusion, my dining experience at Zapata's Mexican Restaurant was great. From the warm welcome I received upon entering and several staff members greeting me and ensuring I am all set, to the expertly crafted Cadillac Margarita and delectable quesadillas I enjoyed during my meal - every aspect of my visit exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience in Charlotte or simply desire a delicious meal prepared with care and attention to detail - look no further than Zapata's!

    Bombay Chimichanga
    Rayshel W.

    Great and quick service. Carne Asada Chimichangas hits the spot, EVERY SINGLE TIME. This meal was no different. Not only is the presentation beautiful but the food was delicious. Guess what you guys, they have a nice VEGETARIAN menu as well. Bombay Chimichanga is the way to go if you want leftovers for another day. Margaritas was standard but no complaints. Diana was our waitress and she was both friendly but not too chatty. My type of gal. She was quick with providing additional items to our table and answering any questions we had. I normally go to the JM Keynes location but I like that this spot provided to a more intimate setting. I would definitely return.

    Steak fajita bowl
    Melody McCord S.

    Large place, always plenty of seating and short waits. Typically, if I'm in the university area and I want Mexican in gonna eat here. I can't say I ever gone wrong. Usually, I order my norm, a chicken taco salad, fish tacos, or a fajita, BUT this time I ordered the steak fajita bowl and OMGOODNESS it was delicious! The steak was flavorful, and tender mixed with all the ingredients in the bowl was the perfect mix of flavors bursting in my mouth. Lots of veggies, in the shrimp fajita bowl, as a matter of fact, my friend and I said a little too many onions. The fajita bowl is definitely my new favorite and will definitely be ordering it again.

    Chimichanga

    Got a to-go order and started eating 5 mins after picked up. Got a cold enchilada with shredded cheddar cheese that wasn't melted. So gross. Chimichanga wasnt even deep fried, just rolled up burrito with salsa on top. Beans were watered down, almost needed a spoon. Again more shredded unmelted cheese on cold beans. This place will probably close soon. Oh yeah the price at the restaurant is $3 more than the menu on their website. Count your days...

    Chimichanga
    Brittney W.

    Nice sized portions. It did take a bot for the staff to seat us and take our order even though they were not busy. Food was hot and fresh.

    Cynthia R.

    I don't know if you can ever go wrong with Mexican food any day of the week. I was seated fast and the food came out fast as well. Was piping hot and seasoned perfectly. I got the birria tacos, so yummy! They are right on the lake at the boardwalk so great place to eat dinner and then walk it off enjoying the lake or just sitting and relaxing taking in the scene.

    CARNE ASADA CHIMICHANGA
    Shay J.

    My family and I Stopped in for lunch. I didn't check the reviews prior to walking though the door. Honestly, we were heading to Bad Daddy's, but my husband said the food was good here. From the outside I expected this restaurant to be small inside. To my surprise it's quite a large space. And the interior is beautiful. I'm obsessed with the light fixtures. We were greeting with a warm smile by the hostess who was disinfecting the menus at the stand. We were shown to our table. I should note my husband and I brought our toddler along. Don't worry she didn't destroy anything. Our booth was clean, our server was patient and kind. Food: We were given a kids menu aka coloring page, which my daughter enjoyed. The kids menu has five or six times listed (I think). We ordered a chicken quesadilla and fries for my daughter. Her food arrived piping HOT. The portion was huge. I had to ask for a booster seat. I wish this was offered when we sat down. The regular menu offers a great selection. Here's what we ordered: Trio Enchiladas - a combination of three enchiladas, one chicken, one cheese and one beef. Topped with three different enchilada sauces. Served with sour cream. Carne Asada Chimichanga - Stuffed with skirt steak, roasted corn, caramelized onions, roasted pimiento peppers, mushrooms and queso fresco. Topped a roasted poblano cream sauce, guacamole and sour cream. We shared our meals. Everything was hot, fresh, and delicious. Not to mention our food was beautifully plated. I would definitely dine here again in the future. We had a delicious experience.

    liv s.

    Came here for lunch- and left a bit unsatisfied. I would consider this food more authentic Mexican vs Tex Mex - started with the chips + queso/salsa (they are included so bonus points) and they were pretty good! Ordered the traditional quesadilla & it was okay- underwhelming with the chicken and slacking on the cheese. Both my friends got the tacos and said "they weren't the BEST ever but they were good" The interior was decorated very "Encanto" vibes - best description I got.... Lastly lots of parking out front! Overall, subpar experience - don't think I would go back.

    Pollo Poblano w/Black Beans
    Penny H.

    My husband and I enjoyed our lunch at this lovely restaurant. The decor is bright and inviting and service was excellent. When the food arrived, it was hot and flavorful. My husband had the pollo poblano and I the the pollo borracho. The little side of slaw was terrific! This was our third time here and we've enjoyed every visit.

    Lovely art
    Steven P.

    This place is amazing. The staff here are attentive with their smiles, and unless chips and salsas we had regular/mild/hot all delicious. The Cadillac Margaritas were the tonight's special drink along with the long island prices were good. My Baja Fish Tacos was bomb.com, and my wife had the Pollo Fajitas Bowl wonderful as she raved about how delicious it was. My brother in law had the Expresso Burrito, and he told me yo it's legit, kid!! My daughters had Chicken and beef Quasdillas and a Taco platter. My sons enjoyed their chicken fingers and fries. All in all, this place gets 10 outta 10 madones. Our waitress Jasmin was also so kind to us as she served with excellence. Come check this place out hermanos y hermanas. #yelper-helper #vivamexico

    Chips and salsa

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    We had great food, drinks and service! Margaritas specials for Cinco De Mayo were worth going for as well!

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    3 years ago

    Terrible service! I went there to eat sea food and drink micheladas the server came just one time! Never check on us

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    Dos Caminos

    Dos Caminos

    3.7(257 reviews)
    11.8 miUptown
    $$

    Stopped in after an event for drinks and a bite -- great call. Even with the place buzzing, we…read moresnagged two seats at the bar without a wait. My friend and I both went with the margarita cocktail with a sugar rim and it did not disappoint. For food, I ordered the beef empanadas (three count) and they were juicy and satisfying. The dipping sauce was simple but it worked. My friend got the pollo ranchero and loved it -- we both left with leftovers, which says a lot. Oh, and the bathrooms were clean with multiple stalls. Always a win. Solid spot for a post-event wind down. Would definitely return.

    Native Texan here, so yes--I'm biased when it comes to Mexican food. Unfortunately, this place was…read moremediocre at best and overpriced for what you get. I ordered the carne asada and was genuinely excited, but it was a letdown from the start. They never asked how I wanted the steak cooked, which is a huge mistake. Then they covered the steak in cheese--why? That completely overpowered everything. I couldn't even taste the chimichurri. A suggestion: grill the steak properly and serve it simply. If you need cast iron, use a skillet--not a cast iron bowl. Don't drown it in cheese, and please don't cut my steak for me. I'm a grown adult and can handle that myself. On the positive side, the service was on point--our waitress was amazing. The inside was clean and had a kind‑of Mexican vibe going on.

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    Que Onda Tacos + Tequila - Combination of Tacos

    Que Onda Tacos + Tequila

    4.1(687 reviews)
    12.2 miUptown
    $$

    After a game at the stadium we wanted to grab some food & drinks, we came across this place & going…read moreby the reviews seemed like a good place to try. Drinks Sorbet swirl , omg these were great, nice taste good amount of alcohol as well. Also had agua Fresca , mango smoothie both good. On the food started w the Chicharrones, gotta love the crunchy fried taste to these very tasty. I had the Flautas so good, good tasting meat. On the Tacos , shrimp , Coca-Cola carnitas , arrachera all very tasty. Next round of tacos Birria , carnitas , arrachera , so good nice flavor to the meats. Cute place inside not very big, fun decor , good music playing. service was great our waitress was very nice & attentive, prices are reasonable. We really enjoyed this place everything we had was very good & those sorbet drinks were a hit.

    I dined in with my best friend on Cinco De Mayo at around 2:30. We asked to be seated on the patio…read more We watched another table be seated after us, yet get greeted and have their orders taken before us. I went inside to get a manager to let them know that we hadn't been greeted. Another server came saying we weren't in his section but he'd take us. The manager brought us out some queso and chips as an I'm sorry. I specifically asked the server, Ohran, what tacos were included in the 2.50 street tacos listed on their board as their Tuesday special and was told all of them. I then asked him again "so all the tacos are considered street tacos" and he said yes. So, imagine my surprise when we received the receipts and were charged full price. The manager came over and basically said there was nothing that he was able to do because there were no specials being ran on cinco de mayo & his employee said that he did not say that. Of course he's gonna say that. He doesn't wanna take the fall. I worked at Maggiano's and Red Lobster for about 10 years total so I know how the serving life is but the fact that I had to go flag down someone to get service, we asked twice for waters and didn't receive them until the third ask, we didn't get napkins until after our food was out and we had to ASK for them and then we get told the wrong price???? Yeah I'll never be back and that sucks because the tacos were so good thanks to the Honduran chef who smokes a lot of weed (that's what our server told us. Very professional of him right?????).

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    Que Onda - Plaza Midwood - Pollo Guajillo

    Que Onda - Plaza Midwood

    4.5(143 reviews)
    11.7 miPlaza Midwood

    Decent brunch in the heart of plaza Midwood, but room for improvement…read more My friends and I Came for the $1 mimosas they are running for the last two saturdays of the year. We arrived around 130p and sat downstairs even though it was nice out and there's an upstairs bar, they said it was not available... They were advertising $1 mimosas for the holidays which is a steal, but to be honest, it was very OJ heavy which I guess is what you would expect. They are normally $3 so still a great price. There is a dedicated parking lot and street spots as well. It's a bright and colorful space with vibrant decor. We ordered an assortment of breakfast and birria tacos. I enjoyed my tacos especially being able to order à la carte, but the service was a bit slow even though it wasn't too busy or crowded. I would give it another chance for lunch or dinner. Or a taco Tuesday! They have daily specials so I think it's worth another shot. @azfitfoodfun

    Great spot in plaza! Small rooftop/outdoor patio and some indoor seating upstairs and downstairs…read more I've tried a few things on the menu and have really enjoyed them all. Fajitas, tacos, and flautas have all been great. The trio is pretty good. Not the best guac or queso I've had, but certainly does the job. The salsa is restaurant style and slightly smoky - really enjoyed it. The tacos are also a little on the pricy side ($20 to mix and match 3 tacos), but still tasty. They also have good specials - $6 jumbo marg on Fridays. Definitely a spot I will continue to come back!

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    Margarita

    Superica - Cheese  enchiladas

    Superica

    4.1(857 reviews)
    11.0 miSouth End, Dilworth
    $$

    I fell in love with Superica when I first moved to Charlotte nearly three years ago, and it quickly…read morebecame one of my go-to spots for reliable, flavorful Tex-Mex. But I have to start with a small heartbreak: my beloved puffy taco is gone. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where the puffy taco was created, and it's deeply nostalgic for me. It's not a sope, not a tostada--it's a true puffy taco, light, airy, and unlike anything else. For a long time, Superica made one that came remarkably close to what I grew up with. Unfortunately, after changes in leadership and kitchen management, it quietly disappeared from the menu. That was a real disappointment. That said, I still come back--because the food here is consistently good. The crispy tacos with picadillo are my current favorite. Picadillo (P-I-C-A-D-I-L-L-O) is a traditional Latin dish with many regional variations, and this version reminds me of the one my grandmother used to make in San Antonio. The portions are generous, the flavors are balanced, and the menu offers something for everyone--from enchiladas and chile rellenos to steaks and fresh tableside guacamole. Speaking of guacamole, I'm a purist. I like it simple: avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, garlic--chunky and clean. Superica delivers on that. The chips and salsa are bottomless, the salsa has great depth of flavor, and for those who like heat, they offer a tiny dropper of hot sauce that is smoky, bold, and absolutely not for the faint of heart. The ginger margarita is another standout. It comes with a generous piece of crystallized ginger and has a bright, balanced flavor that makes it easy to order a second one. And if you have room for dessert, do not skip the tres leches cake--rich, decadent, and a perfect way to end the meal. I also appreciate the little touches here: * Friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff * A lively bar area that's great for happy hour * A beautiful outdoor patio that makes al fresco dining feel special * And a fun tradition of sending you home with a packaged Texas praline This South End location is my personal favorite. It feels more adult and relaxed, while the Strawberry Hill location tends to be more family-heavy. Both are good, but the vibe here suits me better. Yes, prices have crept up a bit--as they have everywhere--but the quality, consistency, and atmosphere keep me coming back. And as someone who travels frequently for work across multiple states, I appreciate that Superica maintains a dependable standard wherever I encounter it. Bottom line: Even without the puffy taco, Superica remains one of my favorite Tex-Mex spots in Charlotte. Come hungry, bring friends, share plates--and as always, travel safe and eat well.

    If you're looking for a spot with a high-energy vibe and a killer aesthetic, Superica in South End…read moredefinitely delivers. I visited with a friend on Cinco de Mayo, so as you can imagine, the scene was absolutely chaotic. The wait was a staggering hour and a half, but Superica handles crowds like a pro. They have an outdoor bar and a grill setup serving: * A limited taco menu * Chips and Queso This was a total game-changer. It's a genius move that keeps the "hangry" at bay while you soak up the South End atmosphere. Once we finally scored two seats at the bar, the service remained impressively steady despite the holiday madness. * The Vibe: 10/10. The restaurant is beautiful and definitely fits the trendy Charlotte mold. * The Food: To be honest, I wasn't blown away. Given the hype and the stunning decor, my expectations were sky-high. The flavors were "decent" and felt like a solid performance, but they didn't quite hit that "must-return" level of deliciousness. * Portion Sizes: Huge! I couldn't finish my meal in one sitting. Here's the interesting part: The food actually tasted better the next day. It traveled well and the flavors seemed to settle in overnight. If you can't finish your plate, definitely take it home. Is it worth the South End gas and the hour-plus wait? For me, I'll probably stick to my "old faithful" spot up in the University area for my routine taco fix. However, I'm willing to give Superica the benefit of the doubt. It's hard for any kitchen to be at its absolute peak on Cinco de Mayo. If I find myself back in the neighborhood on a quieter Tuesday, I'd give it another shot just to see if the food can live up to that gorgeous interior.

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    Zapata's - mexican - Updated May 2026

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