A Lake Norman-based Cuban restaurant is now open at Ballantyne Village
A second location of Azucar, a Cuban restaurant in Lake Norman, is now open in Charlotte’s Ballantyne Village.
“We’re starting to grow,” co-owner Alex Gutierrez said.
The restaurant focusing on modern Cuban cuisine opened in Huntersville in February 2022, and things have taken off from there. Gutierrez and Martin Alcantar are also owners of Tacos & Tortilla Factory, which has been a hit since the fast-casual spot opened in Huntersville.
Both restaurants have led to happy customers wanting more.
“it’s been pretty good. Our chef is a very well knowleged chef — he’s from Cuba,” Gutierrez said of Azucar. “His vision of having this type of menu is because he believes if Cuba … was able to grow and explore culturally, they’d have this type of cuisine.”
Azucar’s modern approach includes mashed potatoes instead of rice in its Ropa Nueva take on ropa vieja. Other popular dishes include its braised oxtail Rabo and Cuban paella.
The restaurant’s new location, tucked between Main Street Coffee and Fiore Cocktails & Tapas in Ballantyne Village, includes a full bar. Look for mojitos, of course, along with sangrias, punchbowls and a Cuba libre.
“We just want them to try new stuff … the roots are traditional, but it’s not the same,” Gutierrez said.
The Ballantyne restaurant is is currently open during a soft opening phase. It is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Azucar
Location: Ballantyne Village, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite A-150, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 15906 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Cuisine: Cuban
Instagram: @azucar_cuban
This story was originally published September 7, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
