Icy Margaritas & Hot Salsa: Mexican Eats in the Queen City

This article also appeared in the September/October 2016 edition of Epicurean Charlotte magazine. 

It’s official: Mexican food is having a moment. #TacoTuesday has entered the lexicon, we all can breathe a sigh of relief knowing avocados that are the “good kind” of fat, and absolutely nothing beats a mid-week margarita. Here’s our roundup of the current best spots in your neighborhood to dine on delicious Mexican cuisine. Looking for a quick spot to grab tacos before heading back to work? A place to share a pitcher of margaritas with friends? We’ve got you covered!


The New Kid on the Block: Babalu Tapas and Tacos (Dilworth)

Just when you thought East Boulevard’s restaurant scene could not get any more relevant, there is, as they say at Babalu, “a new guac on the block.” Babalu, located in the former Cantina 1511 location, is a tacos and tapas joint located in several Southeastern cities, and now Charlotte is getting in on the party. Babalu’s distinction from other Mexican joints is that they offer more than just tacos; their menu pulls from Cuban, Spanish and Southern cuisine, so don’t be afraid to come here and order a Baba Burger, a Torta Cubano or even the Creole Shrimp and Grits.

If you are looking for more typical Mexican fare, Babalu adeptly serves up blue corn tortilla tacos, salsa and all of the usual suspects.

Let’s talk guac: It would be a crime to come here and not get the tableside guacamole. Want to add jalapeños and bacon? Oh, do you ever. Once you’ve tried bacon in your guacamole, you’ll know that every other guacamole in your life has been missing a critical element. This combination just works, plain and simple.

Don’t skip the... desserts. From Mexican fudge to Pineapple Rum Empanadas served with ice cream from the soon-to-open Golden Cow Creamery, you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert.

Tip: The margaritas here are of the super sweet variety, so maybe go for beer or wine if that’s not your thing.


Best Choice for a Night Out with Friends: Bakersfield (Dilworth)
 

Don’t deny it, when you’re driving down East Boulevard, you’ve noticed the party that’s happening inside of Bakersfield. On nice days, their windows are open wide, you hear great music coming from inside and can see all of the happy, tipsy people enjoying their chips and salsa. If you’ve ever joined said party, you know that Bakersfield is more than just a pretty face. Their menu is focused and authentic, the tacos are well-seasoned, and they have a wide selection of beers on tap if you aren’t feeling tequila.

Let’s talk guac: While the guacamole isn’t made tableside at Bakersfield, it’s still a showstopper. The spices are bold and the texture is perfect—no overly puréed avocados here!

Don’t skip the... Queso dip. You can add black beans, chorizo or house-pickled jalapeños. Where most queso dips are the equivalent of heated cheese whiz, this version is real, melty cheese with a spicy kick.

Tips: The bartenders are mixing up wonderfully strong margaritas that will cure what ails you—Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week.


Best Choice for a Mid-week Lunch: Anita’s Mexican Grill (Yorkmont/Airport Area)
 

Don’t let Anita’s exterior fool you. Yes, it shares a parking lot with a gas station. No, you can’t get margaritas here, and it’s not exactly designed for lingering over your chips and salsa. What you can get, however, is authentic and super fresh Mexican food. The tortillas are handmade, and they serve their tacos simply, with crisp onions and an abundance of fresh cilantro.

The service is quick and friendly, and the interior, while very clean, is stark. You don’t come here for the ambiance—you come (and stay) for the tasty Mexican fare at reasonable prices.

Their portions aren’t lacking, either. Your tacos will come with enough meat inside to feed a family of three—or a hungry nurse or construction worker on their lunch break. Anita’s closes early (5:00 pm), but they open early as well, if you have a hankering for Chorizo con Huevos.

Let’s talk guac: The guacamole at Anita’s is good, but simple—no fancy mix-ins here. It’s also a bit on the smooth side, if you prefer your guacamole chunky (guilty as charged).

Don’t skip the... Chorizo queso dip.

Tip: Try to come at an off time if possible, as the line can get pretty intense during peak lunch hours.


Best Choice for a Late Night Snack: Vida Vida (Uptown)
 

Vida Vida is the more casual cousin of its sister restaurant, Vida, both located in the Epicentre. Vida Vida occupies prime real estate from their corner spot, which looks out onto Trade and College Streets and all the happenings of the Epicentre. While Vida Vida might not be the most authentic option for Mexican in the Queen City, the menu certainly offers some fun and tasty options, like the Mexican Tots, which are tater tots served in the style of nachos, with chipotle queso, crema, pico de gallo and jalapeños.

The tacos at Vida Vida run the gamut, from Mexican (carnitas and red chile chicken) to the decidedly not (Philly Cheesesteak, Asian Shrimp). Don’t expect to be blown away by the food here, but you can certainly expect flavorful tacos with a fun vibe. This is easily the best option for reasonably-priced food in the Epicentre, but keep in mind that a big draw here is the atmosphere. This includes some of the best people watching in Uptown, great music and a lively bar area—including a massive Fishbowl Margarita that’s perfect for sharing with friends.

Let’s talk guac: Their guacamole is a little on the bland side. Stick with the salsa or queso.

Don’t skip the... Spicy Jalapeño Margarita.

Tip: Vida Vida is open late, so come here for fuel before heading out on the town, or before heading home.


Best Place for a Meal with the Family: Azteca (Woodlawn Area)
 

Azteca serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in more than generous portions, and don’t forget the fabulously strong margaritas. But I know what you’re thinking, isn’t that the restaurant attached to the Days Inn hotel? Yes, yes it is, and apparently, that’s just fine, because the food here is solid and the people of Charlotte know it—this location is always bustling. The service is fast and polite, and the atmosphere is authentic enough to make you forget you’re in a restaurant attached to a hotel.

Azteca’s menu is huge, but don’t get overwhelmed—it’s all tasty. Staff and patron favorites include Pollo con Crema, Chile Relleno and the Fajitas.

Let’s talk guac: The guacamole is made tableside and it’s to die for. The seasonings and mix-ins are added with a liberal hand, which is a great thing. If you’re not into spice, you can, of course, customize the guac to your liking, so you can’t really go wrong. Make sure to tip your hard working guacamole mixologist!

Don’t skip the... Arroz con Pollo.

Tip: Azteca is great if you’re looking for bang for your buck. Come hungry and still be prepared to take home leftovers.


Best Mexican Fusion: Sabor Latin Street Grille (Elizabeth)
 

Sabor is brought to you by the owners of Three Amigos, another great Mexican joint located in Plaza Midwood. Hence the name, Sabor offers more variety due to being Latin versus simply Mexican, but it’s far and away one of the best spots in Charlotte to grab a taco or burrito. Standout Latin options include the arepas and empanadas. Another favorite? The Elote Loco—corn on the cob lightly-coated with mayo, cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili powder.

Sabor also offers a salsa bar, with options ranging from verde to super spicy roja, which you can check out while you wait. If you go during the lunch rush, you’ll be waiting. Sabor is no longer a well-kept secret, and the owners are responding by expanding all around the city, including a newly-opened spot in NoDa.

Let’s talk guac: The avocado flavor shines with simple seasonings—a must try.

Don’t skip the... Dominican Nachos. Yucca fries are covered in shredded chicken, sautéed cabbage, pico de gallo, cotija cheese and rosada sauce.

Tip: The ultimate #TacoTuesday is at Sabor, featuring $1 tacos all day long.

Best Places to Eat in San Francisco

Cue Full House music 

Ahoy, Scallionpancake readers! We have had an extremely busy summer of eating and catching pokemon. And for one of these reasons, some of our favorite pants no longer fit (Jigglypuff catches Jigglypuff—very meta). Seriously, we have been so busy with traveling, weddings, and Grandma hang time that we have only been home about three full weeks since May. Hence, we have SO MANY yummy things to share with you.

Oh my god that is hurtful 

Let’s start with an overview of our latest trip—San Francisco! This was half of Javon’s first trip in California, so we were so damn excited to eat and explore everything. Ostensibly, this trip was a work trip for Jason and his lovely co-worker Lorin to attend an accounting software conference (#xerocon), but we definitely did not let this deter us from having a truly awesome vacation together. In that spirit, this post is dedicated to Lorin (AKA Hamiltoe, AKA Peanut Butter Hamiltoe), who put up with our antics for nine full days. This includes sharing a one bedroom Airbnb with us and sleeping on a pullout couch, being awoken at 7:00 am every day to Jason’s wide repertoire of songs about pugs, and no shortage of our Jewish bickering. Bless her heart--and I mean this in the real way, not the backhanded southern way. Seriously, she is a saint. Oh, and now she has to come to therapy with us as a witness to our ineffable variety of insanity.

Come and knock on our door

Best Place to Meet a Saudi Arabian Oil Magnate: The French Laundry

No, your eyes do not deceive you--Jason’s awesome Aunt Lynn managed to score us a reservation at one of the hardest places to get a reservation in the world. They never would have let three peons like us in without Lynn’s help, so all credit goes to her. We were so hyped to go to TFL, and then it took us an hour and a half just to get on the Bay Bridge--yup: we were late. This should come as no shock if you know us, but seriously. We left with what we thought was thirty minutes of padding. Apparently S.F. traffic requires an hour and a half padding. I was having a full blown panic attack as we sat in gridlock traffic, and Lorin became acquainted with a good, old-fashioned Yvonne freak out. I had to take a xanax and do a crossword, which is the only cure for my crazy.

No chill while in traffic 

Once we finally made it to Yountville (just outside of Napa), we were transported to Le France. Yes, we got to try the famed “Oysters and Pearls” dish, enjoy the cheapest glass of wine on the menu at $32, and breathe in glorious Thomas Keller air. One of the best parts, though, was the people watching. Is that a preview of the full review and distribution of Michigan Pugs? Maybe. 

Best Pizza: Golden Boy Pizza

Why am I putting this directly under The French Laundry? Um, because it is that good. We ate this pizza on our last night in San Fran (on my, gulp, thirtieth birthday) after eating some really smeh pizza on an earlier night. We were staying right in Little Italy, so we knew that we could not leave without doing it right. And oh, did we ever do it right. Golden Boy is open until 2am, so it is known as being “drunk pizza,” but that is not because you need to be drunk to appreciate it. It’s just that one or two cocktails really elevates the experience of waiting in line outside, hoping to god that no one takes the last slice of clam & garlic--they make the pizzas continually until 2am, but by the time you are up to order, the last thing you want to do is extend your wait.

This thick, focaccia style pizza is truly nirvana. I think this is the one time during the trip when we are all quiet for fifteen minutes. We ate in silence at the counter and watched the Giants game, and had a truly San Francisco experience (Golden Boy has been open since 1978!). Jason had to physically restrain me from finishing his slice and buying another piece. You hear that? It got physical. Don’t miss this pizza.

All signs point to greatness 

Best Place to Get Caffeinated: Blue Bottle Coffee

Lorin and I are sincerely depressed that we do not have coffee that even approximates the glory of Blue Bottle Coffee in Charlotte. Their claim to fame is their siphon coffee, but seriously everything is good here--lattés, drip coffee, delicious almond butter and avocado toasts, and even pastries from the geniuses at Tartine (match made in heaven, right there). We went to Blue Bottle more mornings than not, and truly nothing compares. As Lorin said, we are ruined for all other coffees forever. Sad face. They do ship/offer a subscription box, though!

That lady in the background is like, "Holy $%!* this is good coffee!"

Best Ice Cream: Humphry Slocombe

Bomb Diggity. Jason died twelve times over their Malted Milk Chocolate Flavor, and Lorin loved the Salted Watermelon Sorbet and the Harvey Milk + Honey Graham. We tried them out at their Ferry Building location, but I just found out that they have a location in the Mission District as well. Um, that’s one time/probably four hours straight we missed out on eating dessert in San Fran, and that is SICK. We simply do not miss ice cream opportunities. Brb, buying a plane ticket back now.

Did ancient aliens make this ice cream?

Best Pastries: Tartine

Just kidding! We totally ate dessert in the Mission District. You cray. The neighborhood staple Tartine certainly lives up to the hype and numerous cookbooks. We waited in the famous line around the block and it was so worth it. We tried two of their well-vetted pastries: the morning bun and the chocolate croissant. I have so many regrets that we did not order more delicious pastries, or try some of their bread, which comes fresh out of the oven at 4:00. Or the bread pudding. Or the croque monsieur. Or the banana tart. You get the idea.

No picture from Tartine, but here is a short bio about us: "Some pig[s]"

Best Asian Snack Combo: Boba Guys & anywhere in Chinatown

S.F. has the biggest Chinatown in the US, and this was so very exciting for Jason and me. Less so for Lorin, who was a little terrified of our choices (she doesn’t like boba, but we love her anyway). I had done my research on Boba Guys weeks out--they don’t use any powders or artificial colors in their milk tea. Everything is straight up, natural and fabulous. Our favorites? lychee green tea with grass jelly & horchata matcha latte with almond jelly (both jellies are housemade, whattt).

Best thing to pair with a bubble tea? An egg tart or a taro bun from any spot in Chinatown. We also found a cool spot called Minamoto Kitchoan near midtown that was awesome--all of their treats were imported directly from Japan, and they were pricey, but the few we tried were tasty--they even had a few things we hadn’t seen before, like tsuya and shirabe cookies and various jellies.

We brought the fat kid fun home to the Queen City 

Frankie’s Notes: It’s all fun and games until none of your pants fit; Lorin and I might be sister wives and just let Jason visit occasionally; YOU GUYS, THERE ARE SO MANY POKEMON IN SAN FRAN; Getting across the bridge to escape the city can take years off of your life; Thomas Keller air smells like duck fat and angels sitting on a cloud; We got into a car accident in an Uber, but we all lived to eat another day.

Bestos

The Flipside

Grandma with the skeptical fork stance 

Background: Chefs Jon and Amy Fortes decided to open a restaurant together after years in the business. They own two locations of The Flipside, The Flipside Restaurant in downtown Rock Hill and The Flipside Cafe in Ft. Mill. The Fortes’ also run a very active catering business under the same name, and they have the distinct honor of catering the #javonwedding in December, so, clearly, we are fans. Read on to see why.

Eat This: We have only eaten at the Rock Hill location, so our review will focus on their offerings.

It’s good bread city here. First, they have complimentary homemade peach butter served with their yummy sourdough bread. Eat thirteen pieces of this, then:  

The Greatest Thing to Ever Happen 

MOAR BREAD: You have got to go order the UAV Ricotta & Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread. Seriously. It should be the very next thing you put in your mouth after you read this. Delicious sourdough with PEPPERONI SAUCE and basil oil. You will probably be too full to eat anything after this, so plan accordingly.

Huh?

Also a hit under the appetizer category, Amy’s Pimento Cheese served with warm pretzels.

But my favorite starter, or main dish if you just ate your weight in bread, is their tomato soup. Tomato soup is one of my favorite things and theirs is perfection. It’s well seasoned, and topped with crystallized basil and grilled cheese croutons. Yes, they sandwich cheddar cheese in between two sourdough croutons. The sweetness of the basil paired with the salty soup is simply, heaven in a bowl.

Is that crystallized basil, or are you just happy to see me?

Their burrata salad is also standout, and they usually have a fun twist on it--right now they are offering a strawberry beer-rata version (beer infused burrata cheese). Grandma ordered it and was not impressed, but have you read Grandma’s take on all restaurants HERE? Regardless of Grandma’s feelings on exotic cheese, Flipside is one of the few restaurants she will still agree to visit, so that’s saying something.  

Their lunch sandwiches are also creative and delicious. They have a Pressed Ham and Cheese, served with prosciutto, brie, and fig jam on a pretzel bun and a Crab Cake BLT with arugula fennel salad and tomato jam served on brioche. 

When it comes to dinner offerings, Flipside offers a great deal where you can get an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $30. Not bad at all!

Our favorite main courses have been the Heritage Farms Pork Loin with sweet potato spaetzle (although the spaetzle was on the bland side) and the Hot Coal Grilled NY Strip with tasso ham and mushroom mac & cheese.  

Grilled NY Strip...treat yo self!

Dessert: The desserts are the one area where we feel Flipside can go pretty wrong. We had one particularly awful experience with a chocolate torte with a citrus sauce that just did.not.work. At all. As in, you couldn’t really eat it. Actual Grandma quote: "If I served this to you all, you would think I was creepy." 

On our last visit with our dear friends Tamara and Zander (#tander), we decided to try four of the desserts, which threw our waitress into a vortex of confusion.

Here was the conversation:
Us: We would like [these four desserts].
Her: WOW. Okay.
Us: …
Her: So you want *incredulous tone* [lists all desserts].  
Us: Yeah...

You could try Sears?

Yeah, she said "Wow," alright. LOUD AND CLEAR, LADY. Cue everyone feeling weird over what could only be termed collective fat shaming. Four desserts for four people is not that bad, right? Is that unheard of? We didn’t know how to feel.

Awkward service snafus aside, these desserts were better than on our previous visits. The Maple Bourbon Banana Creme Brulee was a table favorite, as well as the Sticky Toffee and Apple Bread Pudding. We had high hopes for the Strawberry Pistachio Cake, but it was on the bland side, and included a fake, bright red strawberry sauce.

Maple Bourbon Banana Creme Brulée

Drink: The Flipside offers a full bar and some great local drafts.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere at the Rock Hill location is lovely: nice lighting, cozy booths, and shady patio area.

Southern Hospitality: Minus the dessert encounter detailed above, our service at Flipside has been mostly wonderful. We have also seen owner Emily a few times, and she always stops by the table and checks on us (and Grandma, especially). She is super sweet!

Grandma: not amused. 

Frankie’s Notes: Downtown Rock [Thrill] is a throwback to the 1950s; You will tell Grandma that burrata is cheese four times and she will not believe you until the dish is placed in front of her; peach butter is medicinal and should probably be slathered all over everything; When the waitress is shocked that you are eating so much sugar so you go home and do 45 sad crunches; Our wedding is going to have THE BEST food, thanks to Flipside!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Et Cetera:
The Flipside Restaurant:
129 Caldwell Street
Rock Hill, SC 29730

The Flipside Cafe:
3150 Highway 21 North
Ft. Mill, SC 29715

http://theflipsiderestaurant.com/