Tacos at Las Meras Tortas.
Philip Freeman
CharlotteFive
When I moved from Dilworth to East Charlotte two years ago, I discovered a new side of Charlotte. I was eager to pedal new streets, explore new parks and try new restaurants. What Albemarle Road (and the surrounding area) lacks in new high-end apartments, it makes up for in tasty food — specifically, great Latin American cuisine.
Yes, Bakersfield has great margaritas, Moe’s has a free salsa bar and Babalu (RIP) had good table-side guac, but the dishes are a little more authentic on the east side. Admittedly, my palate for Mexican food stretched about as far as a cheese quesadilla growing up, but living in Colorado opened my eyes (and stomach) to a whole new world of Mexican cuisine.
With the exception of Sav/Way (which has always been a to-go counter), I’ve visited each of these restaurants during North Carolina’s “Safer At Home Phase 2”. Each one enforced social distancing, required face masks when not eating/drinking, offered limited dine-in seating, and were happy to load up to-go orders with plenty of napkins and salsa.
Six tortillas are filled with your choice of protein (I always go papa con chorizo) and deep fried before getting covered in lettuce, tomato, avocado, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Think taquitos with all the toppings.
Pro tip: Ask for salsa verde on the side, it’s delicious.
The flautas at Las Meras Tortas are topped with lettuce, tomato, avocado, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Philip Freeman CharlotteFive
You’re going to need two hands for this giant taco-like dish. A big flour tortilla is filled with marinated pork and melted cheese; you get to add just the right amount of onion (raw and/or sautéed) and – wait for it – grilled pineapple. The staff also provide lime wedges for you to squeeze on a little zing.
Pro tip: Try one of the restaurant’s aguas frescas for a little refreshment.
The Gringa at Tacos El Regio is a flour tortilla is filled with marinated pork and melted cheese served with grilled pineapple and onion. Philip Freeman CharlotteFive
I’ve never had a bad dish here, but I keep gravitating back to the tacos. My go-to tacos are barbacoa and carnitas, however there are plenty of options if you’re looking for something unique (think beef tongue, pork skin or tripe.) I’ve got to give a hat tip to the huaraches, too.
Pro tip: Check out Rosalia Torres-Weiner’s incredible mural on the side of the building.
Rosalia Torres-Weiner’s mural “Lady of Guadalupe” is outside Tacos El Nevado. Philip Freeman CharlotteFive
First off, throw your idea of a salad out the window. If you’re looking for a bed of romaine, skip this one – but if you want just enoughshredded lettuce to feel good about yourself, read on. The flour tortilla shell is filled with a base of rice, refried beans, a protein of your choice, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, guacamole, sour cream and pickledred onions. If you’re really hungry, add a Honduran taco (with an egg on top) to your order.
Pro tip: Ask for salsa on the side and your salad bowl becomes chips and salsa.
Copan’s taco salad is filled with rice, refried beans, a protein of your choice, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, guacamole, sour cream and pickled red onions. Philip Freeman CharlotteFive
If you’re in a bit of hurry, Santa Fe slings delicious food both inside and via a drive-thru window. This particular sandwich is way different. Think carne asada (grilled skirt steak) with all sorts of toppings you’d never think would work – but they do – lettuce, tomato, jalapenos, and cheese. Plus each sandwich comes with fries.
Pro tip: Meals that have chips as a side also come with queso.
I wasn’t the first person to discover this giant sandwich in the back of a grocery store. Sav/Way’s torta starts with a loaf of fresh baked bread topped with your choice of meat, lettuce, tomato, what seems like an entire avocado, mayonnaise and cheese (but not just any cheese, they’re slices of queso asado). I typically opt for the chicken milanesa, and it’s always enough for two meals.
Pro tip: Browse the soda aisle while the staff are making your sandwich. You’re bound to find a new flavor.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published July 23, 2020, and has since been updated.
This story was originally published July 23, 2020 at 10:32 AM.
Philip’s job with the city connects him with neighborhoods all over Charlotte. Off the clock, he’s often exploring public art, playing outside or trying new food. Follow him on Twitter @philipfreeman
