8 Great Tacos in Charlotte

Magazine Staff

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the taco. Here are eight tasty tacos stuffed with unexpected fillings—from surf-and-turf to roasted cauliflower—that take the classic dish to a whole new level.

 

1. To make the Tribal Tacos, the chefs at Fern pile a slightly spicy pinto-bean-and-squash chili onto rectangles of puffy Indian fry bread, then top them with tomato, onion, lettuce, and hoop cheddar from Ashe County Creamery for a messy, crunchy, vegetarian version of the traditional dish. 1323 Central Ave., 704-377-1825

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. On Vida’s dinner menu, the Surf and Turf Taco offers three flour or corn tortillas (your choice) with tender slices of chipotle-seasoned filet and creamy, butter-poached lobster tail, a three-cheese blend, and a light, citrusy avocado salsa. 210 E. Trade St., No. 104A, 704-971-8432

 

 

 

3. Although food truck menus can turn on a dime (just like their mobile kitchens), you’re guaranteed to spot an interesting taco on the list when you sidle up to the window at The Tin Kitchen. Don’t pass up a chance to try the Roasted Cauliflower Tacos, a pair of soft-but-crispy corn tortillas stuffed with roasted cauliflower, couscous, and a creamy, herbaceous dill sauce. 704-750-0477

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. There are fourteen tacos on the menu at Plaza Midwood dive Krazy Fish, including three vegetarian options. Don’t miss the Spicy Potato Cake Tacos, which are thick flour tortillas stuffed with savory chunks of fried potato and ladled with Krazy Fish’s signature—and addictive—blueberry tamarind chutney. 2501 Central Ave., 704-332-1004

 

 

 

5. The gang at Paco’s Tacos & Tequila offers a slight twist on taco tradition with their Tacos de Calamar. Cradled by two warmed, soft corn tortillas, crispy calamari—wiry tentacles and all—adds crunch to a messy medley of shredded cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo, and creamy chili lime sauce. 6401 Morrison Blvd., 704-716-8226

 

 

 

6. Fish tacos from a pizza place? In a word: yes. At The Pizza Peel in Cotswold, Fish Tacos come in a soft flour shell and are filled with tender, chili-rubbed tilapia, cabbage, and tomatoes, plus a chipotle lime sauce with just a hint of heat. Oh, and plenty of cheddar cheese. 4422 Colwick Rd., 704-714-8808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Hearty chunks of fresh, flaky blackened tuna are rubbed with lemon, then drizzled with a kiwi-pineapple sauce and piled onto two grilled tortillas for the Tavarua Tuna Tacos at Cabo Fish Taco. The shells are then topped with chopped romaine lettuce, tomato, and a honey wasabi sauce for an extra little kick to this tangy treat. 3201 N. Davidson St., 704-332-8868

 

 

 

 

8. Yes, the line to the Maki Taco window sometimes winds around the block, but there’s a good reason for it: this little food truck’s Pan-Asian take on tacos puts a global spin on the Latin American street food staple. Try the Spicy Crab and Avocado Taco, which comes in a crispy corn shell. 704-380-0381

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