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    El Veneno

    4.5 (25 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    El Veneno Photos

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    EL VENENO ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - El Veneno

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    Mulita and taco
    Melissa S.

    I was craving Mexican food (I know I know, while in the South!), and stumbled across this spot near our hotel. From some of the photos online, I initially thought it was a food truck, but it's actually a brick-and-mortar location inside a food court-style venue called The Monarchy. The portions here are massive, definitely shareable! I ordered the Cali burrito and could barely finish a quarter of it. I also tried a mulita and only managed half. Everything is super filling and flavorful. The staff is friendly, and they're happy to give you extra sauces if you ask (though I'm not sure why they only include two small ones to begin with, a red habanero and a green avocado-based sauce, both tasty and a little spicy, especially the red one!). Now for the cons: inconsistency. I liked this place enough to visit twice, but both visits had their hiccups. Once, I stopped by and saw a sign saying they'd be back in 35 minutes. The next time, they had just enough barbacoa for one mulita and had run out otherwise. There was only one person running both the kitchen and the register, so things moved a bit slowly. Also, one day the barbacoa was extremely salty ("se les pasó la sal"), but the next day, my husband said it tasted much better. Despite those issues, I'd still recommend giving this place a try. The location is great, lots of other food options nearby if your group wants variety, plenty of seating, and there's even a bar right across the way.

    Al pastor Mulita
    Matt S.

    Al pastor was flavorful tender and delicious. The filling of the mulita was amazing as well not sure but I think cheese guacamole and onion. Hot sauces are always on point. Go support a small business and local food truck. Great service.

    Mulita
    Will R.

    One of the more delicious Mulitas I've eaten was from this food truck. Posted at a Hispanic event in Charlotte, it was a nice change of pace from other traditional Mexican trucks. The food came out fairly quick and had a solid order system in place. The Mulita was full of flavor with a lot of meat and cheese. The guac was a nice touch to balance out the richness of the meat. Would recommend this food truck when in Charlotte.

    Two tacos were plenty - completely filling. The flavors were incredible
    Jennifer D.

    This is not your average food truck and this is not your normal Charlotte taco!!! I hate that I didn't try it sooner - beautiful and fresh flavors that transport you out of NC. Al pastor taco and the barbacoa taco were excellent. Loved the green sauce that comes with it. I have never had a more perfect onion on a taco? This is the new gold standard for me - service was quick! Can't wait to have El Veneno again.

    Audrey U.

    Wow! The staff is friendly and the food came out pretty quickly. Each menu item is filled... they don't skimp out on filling up the tortillas. All of the meat was flavorful - I tried the chicken, the steak and the black Al pastor. The hot sauce was excellent as well. I've been to a lot of food trucks and I will be a repeating customer here. El Veneno was at The Chamber by Wooden Robot in NoDa, which was a great location. Highly recommend!

    Mushroom taco and mulita
    Demetria M.

    Excellent Mexican food truck! I saw them recently in camp north end after leaving the vintage pop up and only planned to take a quick look at the menu but once seeing their vegetarian options, I decided to try the mushroom taco. The line was getting pretty busy and you could smell the goodness they were cooking up. The taco was amazing and I immediately regretted not getting more, so I checked their schedule and showed up the following day for the mushroom mulita(cheese, guacamole, onion, cilantro between two corn tortillas)....amazing! I don't know what they're seasoning the mushrooms with to make them so crispy and flavorful but I am definitely a fan.

    Asada Mulitas - so yummy
    Morgan M.

    Hands down the best of the best Mexican food in Charlotte!! I am from Atlanta and have been struggling to find good authentic food here but then I came across El Veneno. El Veneno is always popping up weekly around the city at different breweries. You can always look at their schedule weekly. (Check out their IG: el.veneno.clt) The mulitas are my absolute favorite!! I can't decide between asada or barbacoa because both meats are prepared well and have so much flavor. They offer tacos, tortas and weekly specials. All of the food here has so much flavor and you can't go wrong any menu item. I am now addicted and come here weekly. Very fresh, authentic and yummy food. Service is always quick and friendly. Thank you for all the hard work it takes to supply Charlotte with this amazing food quality If you haven't tried El Veneno you are missing out, go see where they're at and try it now!!!

    Logo
    Nhi V.

    SO glad I caught el veneno at the Latinx holiday market. Have had this food truck on my list to try as soon as I moved to Charlotte. I've missed my al pastor tacos from Mexico and have been searching for the next best thing. I have high expectations, and these tacos did not disappoint! Super flavorful and the perfect balance with all the pineapple slices on top! My cousin ordered the barbacoa taco and it too did not disappoint. The salsa was pretty mild, but can't hate because I love green salsa. The price is definitely on the higher end, but it's definitely worth it. The flavor is *chefs kiss*. If you can catch them, go! Also the truck is badass.

    Bahn mi special.  The chef deserves the biggest smooch on the face for this one. Absolutely amazing!
    Krys C.

    The best food truck in Charlotte, the amount of effort and dedication put into to every meal is worth every bite you can actually taste the love! Not to mention the excellence customer service that anyone gives whenever i go to the truck, everyone is always so nice and giving me the best attitude even when it's busy. I love the vibe at truck always has amazing atmosphere not to mention they also have a score of 100 from the health department which always makes me want to come back. El Veneno has a special place in my heart and always will. Thank you guys you guys rock!

    1 chicken, 1 alpastor, 1 barbacoa
    Ariadna R.

    The best tacos in town, full of REAL AUTHENTIC flavors!!! All their food is actually hands down incredible do not sleep on them!

    Barbacoa Mulita

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Kimberly B.

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    1 year ago

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    Kimberly B.

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

    The chicken tacos were flavored really good, but the service was bad and it's way too expensive for taco trucks

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    Kimberly B.

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    2 years ago

    Food is always good! Customer service is also always good ! I especially love coming during specials always something new !!

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    3 years ago

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    Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Our huge fried icecream

    Azteca Mexican Restaurant

    3.5(347 reviews)
    13.7 km
    $$

    First impression- nicely decorated and seemed like a fun atmosphere. I had to use the women's…read morerestroom right away. There was an employee fixing her hair. I took the first stall and discovered too late there was no toilet paper (even though they were the 2 large roll dispensers). One of my biggest all time pet peeves for sure. I checked the other two stalls and found both dispensers were totally empty. There was a large roll sitting on top of the second stall dispenser and an almost empty roll in the third stall. Needless to say I chose the wrong stall. As I was washing my hands the girl came in with a broom and I advised her of the issue. I'm thinking she didn't know how to fill the dispensers. Anyway, the margarita my husband had and the food was very good and the service was up to par. The star I dropped was for the bathroom situation and I wanted to drop it to 3 after I discovered after dinner the second stall had no toilet paper. So weird!

    Party of four on a Friday night - walked right in and was able to sit in a booth. Our waiter was…read morefriendly and attentive. We ordered the big guacamole and a man comes around with a cart and makes it tableside. Everything looked fresh - it was under seasoned. When the cheese dip came out my mom and I both thought it may be the best we've ever had. Ever. And we had it before at this location and it was normal good. But it was fight over the leftovers good this time. The kids meal with shrimp for my son came out fast and he loved it. The enchiladas with tomatillo sauce was yummy. My husband had a very unique beef dish with cactus in the middle that was recommended by our waiter and liked it. The sweet tea was good. The women's bathroom was clean and stocked. I recommend.

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    Azteca Mexican Restaurant
    Azteca Mexican Restaurant
    Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Menu

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    Menu

    Tacos El Nevado

    Tacos El Nevado

    4.0(217 reviews)
    6.4 km
    $$

    I just left this place and I had a decent experience up until when I went to leave. Basically I got…read morethree Quesabirria tacos, a steak taco and two bottled Coca-Cola's. I originally was going to place the order online, but they're online option said it was unavailable so I went inside and sat down at the bar. The service was OK though it seemed most people did not speak English, which is fine. It just made it kind of harder to communicate. That said the food was decent but the reason why I gave two stars was because I feel very misled on pricing. The menu showed Que Siberia tacos three for $12. Steak/Asada tacos for three dollars which brings my total to 15+ the two drinks. I thought she said it was $20.80 so I paid it with my card and gave her five dollars cash for a tip. I get to the car just to double check the transaction and she charged me 3499 on my card and took the cash. I went back inside to confront her about this advising. She completely overcharged me, and she only offered to give my six dollars tip back to me. I am now going to dispute the transaction with my bank because I was unable to resolve this issue. That's sad.

    As a Bay Area transplant and lifelong foodie, I'm always chasing recommendations for great local…read moreeats. Tacos El Nevado came highly recommended, so I headed over for lunch with high hopes. The restaurant was packed when I arrived around 1:30 p.m., which is usually a good sign. It appears to be a converted fast-food building with its own parking lot, outdoor patio, and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Despite the Charlotte heat pushing triple digits, the dining room was comfortable and bustling. Service was friendly from the start, and I was quickly seated with ice water, lemon, fresh chips, and three house-made salsas. The chips were excellent--fresh, crisp, and clearly made in-house. The standout salsa for me was the red salsa, which packed plenty of heat and flavor. There was also a tomatillo salsa and a creamy green avocado-style salsa. Both were good, although the tomatillo leaned a little too tart for my taste. The menu is extensive, with everything from seafood dishes and quesadillas to tacos and larger combination plates. As someone who loves sampling a little of everything, I was hoping for more traditional combo options, but this menu takes a different approach. I ordered the crispy taco plate with rice and beans. The presentation was attractive, with the tacos served upright in a metal rack alongside refried beans and Mexican rice. The rice and beans were both delicious and easily the highlight of the plate. Where things got mixed for me was the taco filling. I was expecting a straightforward seasoned ground beef taco, but the beef filling tasted more like a guisado-style preparation with a softer texture and a slightly tangy flavor profile. It may simply be a regional style or a misunderstanding when ordering, but it wasn't what I had anticipated. The chicken taco, however, was excellent. Tender, flavorful, and clearly made with higher-quality chicken than you typically find in a crispy taco. After trying it, I immediately wished I had ordered all chicken. While this visit didn't completely win me over, I don't think it's fair to judge a restaurant by one dish. The packed dining room, friendly service, fresh chips, excellent salsas, and strong chicken taco all suggest there's more to explore here. Next time, I'd skip the crispy beef tacos and dive into the street tacos or some of the house specialties that seem to be what many regulars were ordering. Tacos El Nevado didn't become my favorite Mexican restaurant in Charlotte on this visit, but it earned a second chance. Life is too short not to eat well, Charlotte. Keep exploring. Sometimes the next great meal is just one menu item away.

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    Tacos El Nevado
    Tacos El Nevado - Chips & queso

    Chips & queso

    Tacos El Nevado - Steak, chicken, & shrimp burrito

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    Steak, chicken, & shrimp burrito

    Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Ceviche

    Azteca Mexican Restaurant

    3.7(511 reviews)
    6.6 kmStarmount
    $$

    So as an ex Charlottean I know Azteca. The food has been terrific for 20 plus years. I initially…read morestopped at the Northlake location. The order was slow to come out and was incorrect, I'll live. It was the lack of follow up that got me. Never seen the ordered cheese dip or requested salsa. Did not see server any where. Other servers busy with their own stations. Wrong order, no ordered items delivered to table, and no service. I left. Why beg? Now, let's talk about Woodlawn. I drove down 77 to this location, after all I am still hungry. Warmly greeted and promptly seated. My server was FANTASTIC. Night and day difference in food and service. Order delivered correctly and promptly. He approached my table several times to insure all was good. The difference between to two stores has made me quit forever the Northlake location. WOODLAWN is the place!

    It really can't get much better than this in terms of service, quality, taste, etc. I'm not Mexican…read moreso I can't speak to the authenticity, but Azteca has a giant menu with a ton of options. Prices are extremely reasonable especially for the economy. Service is wonderful, chips and salsa were refilled promptly, drinks were tended to, and all with laughs and banter throughout. I got a steak quesadilla, my boyfriend got an enchilada plate. I wanted to try one of their specials but I was craving an easy meal all day! Everything came out fast, hot, and fresh. My spicy margarita had the perfect kick, and his giant mug of beer was ice cold. The restaurant is far bigger than it appears outside. I worried we would have to wait for a table, but they have a great set up. Music was great, plenty of TVs if your boyfriend (or you) wants to watch the game. Can't wait to come back!

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    Azteca Mexican Restaurant - I love it here (:

    I love it here (:

    Azteca Mexican Restaurant
    Azteca Mexican Restaurant

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    Superica - Cheese  enchiladas

    Superica

    4.1(866 reviews)
    2.4 kmSouth 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.

    Had a nice dinner with friends here on Monday night. It was quite packed at 7 PM and we were seated…read moreat a round table for 6. It was really loud for me and could only hear the people next to me. Ordered some drinks and they seemed to be backed up as it took awhile, but their cocktails were very good and yummy. I do like their family style of chips and salsa, especially the spicy green sauce in the bottle. However, it would be nice to have some spoons to share the salsa for the group. I had the cheese enchiladas and it was really delicious. The enchilada sauce was tasty. The rice and beans are also family style and was a nice addition. I did try the chorizo queso and it was a bit too watery for my taste. Service was great and would be back for the Tex Mex food here again.

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    Superica
    Superica - Nachos Chicken

    Nachos Chicken

    Superica

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    El Veneno - mexican - Updated September 2026

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