Five Spots for Fish Tacos

It took awhile for Charlotte to dive in to the fish taco trend, but now that it’s here, the city is hooked. We’ve found five great places to satiate your craving without having to catch the next flight to Baja.

Paco’s Tacos & Tequila
Tacos here come two or three to an order. Mix and match tacos like the Gringo Beef or Shake Down Shrimp alongside a Big River Fish Taco. Topped with red onion, cilantro, and mango salsa, these grilled fish tacos have a bit of a spicy kick, which is cut perfectly by the restaurant’s sweet and smooth Miss Kitty’s Margarita. 6401 Morrison Blvd., 704-716-8226

Pure Taqueria
This newbie to Charlotte (it opened last year) serves up lightly breaded tilapia topped with crisp chopped cabbage and a slightly spicy chipotle aioli wrapped in a golden corn tortilla. These pescado tacos come three to an order and taste best when topped with the house-made tomatillo salsa verde. 111 Matthews Station St., Matthews, 704-841-7873

The Pizza Peel
A place known for its pizza and beer might not be where you’d expect to find some of the city’s tastiest tacos, but local fish taco connoisseurs have been recommending the dish at this popular Cotswold restaurant for years. Grilled fish is folded into two crispy flour tortillas and served alongside rice and beans—and if you’re smart, also alongside one of
the restaurant’s craft beers. 4422 Colwick Rd., 704-714-8808

Krazy Fish
These Southern fried fish tacos come drizzled in a house-made “pink gold” sauce, a peppery aioli with a smooth texture that has already become a favorite at this funky Plaza Midwood spot. Served atop two puffy flour tortillas and topped with ribbons of chopped cabbage and handfuls of fresh cilantro, these tacos are good and the sides (think jalepeño cheddar grits or black-eyed pea salad) are great. 2501 Central Ave., 704-332-1004

Cabo Fish Taco
This NoDa hot spot is known for two things: long weekend lines and delicious fish tacos. While they offer a variety of fish fillings including blackened mahimahi and lemon grilled tuna, the standard beer-battered white fish is the most decadent—and the best. Served two to an order and topped with cabbage, tomato, avocado, cheese, and a creamy cilantro sauce, it’s worth the line every time. 3201 N. Davidson St., 704-332-8868