Taco cravings have a way of sneaking up, no matter the time of day. Few food quests beat the adventure of tracking down the best tacos in Charlotte, NC. The city balances Southern charm with modern vibrancy, making it a playground for taco lovers. Whether you prefer grilled fish, brisket, or a classic street-style tortilla, Charlotte offers options that give even the most skeptical foodies something to talk about. My own search has taken me from crowded counter spots with salsas that spark curiosity, to airy patios where each taco is a minor work of art.
You might be new in town or simply bored with the ordinary. Either way, you deserve more than just filler and flavorless shells. This list goes beyond obvious picks and tired recommendations. It’s built from countless taste tests, endless napkin stacks, and far too many daydreams about the perfect bite. You’re about to discover where taco night never ends. Ready for the real deal? Keep reading to meet the unsung heroes and headline acts of Charlotte’s taco scene.
Where to find the best tacos in Charlotte, NC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Charlotte, NC:
- Dos Caminos
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Paco’s Tacos And Tequila
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- Cabo Fish Taco Baja Seagrill
- Mac’s Speed Shop
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Sea Level NC
- 300 East
1. Dos Caminos
Dos Caminos brings a touch of New York cool to Uptown Charlotte, but with a Southern twist that fits right in. The vibe is energetic but not overwhelming—a great pick if you like atmosphere with your eats. Dos Caminos keeps things interesting with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free taco options, so no one gets left out.
The star here is their carne asada tacos, which pair charred steak with bright citrus salsa. Their crispy fish tacos are light yet packed with flavor, thanks to cabbage slaw and tangy crema. It’s the kind of spot where the guacamole is mandatory and worth every scoop.
Even after plenty of taco hunts, Dos Caminos stands out for its polished flavors and memorable presentation. For a taco that reflects both the city’s diversity and a bit of big city style, this spot hits the mark.
2. Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse does barbecue with a quiet confidence you notice from the first bite. They stick to using only North Carolina hickory, which gives every dish a signature smoke you can almost taste in the air. The lively Central Avenue location is where I first learned that smoked meat in a taco can be a real game changer.
Their smoked brisket tacos are a must for anyone exploring Charlotte’s taco scene. The brisket is fall-apart tender, topped with tangy slaw and a hint of chipotle sauce. For something with a bit more crunch, try the pulled chicken tacos, finished with fresh pico for a lighter but still bold option.
Each taco feels rooted in barbecue tradition but made for the casual taco lover. When I want smoky, hearty tacos—without losing that signature Carolina flair—Midwood is the spot.
3. Midwood Smokehouse
This Brandywine Road location of Midwood Smokehouse brings a neighborhood feel to top-tier barbecue. There’s a laid-back charm as soon as you walk in, and it’s the type of place where regulars always seem to know the staff. One visit, the aroma of hickory smoke hit me well before I opened a menu.
For taco seekers, the real stars are the smoked chicken tacos. The blend of spice, slow-cooked tenderness, and a fresh slaw crunch sums up what Midwood does best. Their vegetarian taco filled with smoked portobello is also worth a try—rich in flavor, surprisingly hearty, and just different enough for those wanting something new.
Midwood stands out by focusing on details: perfectly smoked fillings, fresh toppings, and a welcoming setting. Tacos here carry the spirit of Southern barbecue wrapped in a soft tortilla.
4. Paco’s Tacos And Tequila
+1 704-716-8226
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila delivers the kind of bold Tex-Mex fare that makes you rethink how good a taco can be. There’s a lively energy in the dining room, but the focus is always on flavor—built with handpicked ingredients and serious care. On my last visit, I felt like every bite had its own story, right down to the scratch-made salsas.
The wood-grilled chicken tacos are unforgettable, finished with poblano crema and roasted corn salsa—a signature balance of smoky and fresh. Vegetarians get a great pick, too, with the seasonal veggie tacos, which shift with the market and never feel like an afterthought.
If you want a taco that captures the best of Texas and a bit of Carolina flair, this is the spot where every detail matters, from the tortilla up.
5. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is for the diner who likes options. You walk in, torn between sushi and burgers, and end up with something you never thought you’d find. The place exudes fun, from its bold decor to the inventive menu, and the staff always seem to be in on the joke.
While it’s known for its “burgushi,” the spicy tuna tacos are an underrated highlight. Served in crisp wonton shells with fresh avocado and tangy sauce, these tacos show off the restaurant’s creative streak. If you want something meatless, try the veggie maki tacos, where sushi meets handheld comfort.
You come to Cowfish for the unexpected, and their tacos deliver a playful twist that fits right into Charlotte’s adventurous spirit.
6. Cabo Fish Taco Baja Seagrill
Cabo Fish Taco Baja Seagrill brings a splash of the West Coast right to NoDa, and it’s never short on energy. The vibe here is easy and colorful—just my style for a lazy afternoon or a loud dinner with friends. The menu leans into Baja flavors, and seafood fans find plenty to get excited about.
The main event is the blackened mahi-mahi tacos, where the fish stays juicy, the slaw is crisp, and the chipotle cream ties it all together. For a different flavor, their soy ginger shrimp tacos pack just the right punch, balancing sweet and heat.
Cabo Fish Taco stands out by letting the fresh ingredients and playful combinations do all the heavy lifting. It’s a must for anyone who thinks great tacos should taste like a day at the beach.
7. Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s Speed Shop has that no-nonsense, roll-up-your-sleeves vibe that makes everyone feel at home. The blend of barbecue aroma and the rumble of an occasional bike create an honest, unfussy atmosphere. Here, it’s all about hearty comfort and bold Southern flavors, with no shortcuts anywhere on the menu.
If you’re after memorable tacos, go for the smoked chicken tacos. The smoky flavor holds its own against crisp veggies and tangy sauce. The blackened mahi tacos also stand out, with just the right mix of spice and freshness in every bite.
Mac’s proves that you don’t have to pick between barbecue and tacos—at this spot, you get both, and they’re done right. That’s why it’s an essential stop for local flavor.
8. Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse on Johnston Road captures the essence of a true Carolina barbecue house, but with a taco twist that’s hard to forget. The space is cozy but lively, and even after several visits, the smoky aroma never gets old. There’s a homespun touch to everything you order, especially the tacos.
The highlight here is the smoked brisket taco: slow-cooked, stacked with crunchy slaw, and finished with a shot of chipotle sauce. If you want something different, the jalapeño cheddar sausage taco offers a punch of flavor and a smooth finish that keeps you reaching for one more.
Midwood does more than stick to barbecue tradition—it crafts tacos that are deeply satisfying and keep regulars coming back for just one more bite.
9. Sea Level NC
Sea Level NC is where you feel like you’ve escaped to the coast right in the middle of Uptown Charlotte. The menu is a love letter to North Carolina seafood, with each dish telling its own story. During a busy lunch hour, I found myself savoring each detail, from the smartly designed dining room to the local touches in every bite.
The NC fried catfish tacos steal the spotlight here—thin, crisp fish paired perfectly with slaw and a drizzle of spicy aioli. The grilled shrimp tacos are a close second, bringing together tangy citrus and fresh herbs for a light but satisfying meal.
Sea Level NC stands out because every taco pays homage to Carolina fishermen and regional flavors. Seafood never felt more at home in taco form.
10. 300 East
300 East feels like the ultimate neighborhood spot—warm, quirky, and welcoming in a way chain restaurants can’t imitate. The historic building adds just enough charm to make every meal feel special. I’ve spent rainy afternoons here, lingering over inventive dishes that always surprise me with their creativity.
The blackened fish tacos are a standout, with flaky fish, sharp slaw, and a cool, zesty crema. For those wanting something lighter, their vegetarian tacos highlight seasonal produce and a bright, house-made salsa that lets fresh ingredients shine.
What sets 300 East apart is the sense of care in every plate. Even the tacos feel unique and full of character, much like the place itself.
More Things to Try in Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places for tacos in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte’s top taco spots include Dos Caminos, Cabo Fish Taco Baja Seagrill, and Sabor Latin Street Grill. Many local barbecue joints like Midwood Smokehouse also put their own spin on the classic taco.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan tacos in Charlotte?
Yes. Many places, such as Dos Caminos, 300 East, and Paco’s Tacos and Tequila, have strong vegetarian and vegan taco options. Expect fillings like grilled veggies, mushrooms, and unique slaws.
Where can I find seafood tacos in Charlotte?
Seafood lovers have plenty of choices. Cabo Fish Taco and Sea Level NC both serve standout fish and shrimp tacos, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Which Charlotte taco spots offer gluten-free options?
You’ll find gluten-free tacos at spots like Midwood Smokehouse, Dos Caminos, and The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. Always ask staff about preparation methods, as menus can change.
Are there any taco places in Charlotte with late-night hours?
Several taco destinations, like Sabor Latin Street Grill and Cabo Fish Taco, stay open late. Their kitchens are perfect for cravings after an evening out.
