Highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Charlotte by diners

When you're looking for heat, Tex-Mex food delivers. Tex-Mex, as the cuisine is affectionately coined in the Southwest, is the by-product of what happens when cultures—and their kitchens—combine.

Tex-Mex food draws from American, Mexican, and Native American flavors. It developed in the 1800s, when these three distinct cultures all settled in what we now call Texas. Popular ingredients featured beef, flour tortillas, tomatoes, and yellow cheddar cheese, spiced up with chili peppers that provide a smoky flavor. It found its way into the hearts of the Southwest, eventually spreading around the rest of America. We can thank Tex-Mex cuisine for introducing us to chili con carne, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.

Tex-Mex's bold flavors make it perfect for those seeking some heat, particularly younger, adventurous diners who prefer more spice with their meal. Gen Z diners, in particular, look for spicy variety, with up to 50% eating at least one spicy meal every week. This craving for bold tastes has ousted Italian food from its #1 position as Americans' favorite cuisine.

With that kind of reach, where do you begin when it comes to finding that perfect Tex-Mex dish to make your palate dance? Who has managed to create that just-right blend of smoky spice and cheesy goodness that you've come to know and love in Tex-Mex food?

Stacker did a little of the heavy lifting for you and combed through data on Yelp as of Aug. 5, 2025, to put together a comprehensive list of the highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Charlotte. We looked at how many reviews and their average ratings to make sure your guide to Charlotte cuisine is ready. Take a look to see where your new favorite restaurant will be! Note, some of these may have recently closed, so make sure to double-check.

Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill

1 / 11

#11. Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill

- Rating: 2.9/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1530 Overland Park Lane Ste 1-100 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp

SouthBound

2 / 11

#10. SouthBound

- Rating: 3.5/5 (675 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2433 South Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Tacos
- Read more on Yelp

RuRu's Tacos + Tequila

3 / 11

#9. RuRu's Tacos + Tequila

- Rating: 3.5/5 (674 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 715 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp

La Autentica Mexican Restaurant

4 / 11

#8. La Autentica Mexican Restaurant

- Rating: 3.5/5 (205 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1101 Central Ave. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp

Superica

5 / 11

#7. Superica

- Rating: 3.7/5 (122 reviews)
- Address: 4223 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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Phat Burrito

6 / 11

#6. Phat Burrito

- Rating: 3.8/5 (56 reviews)
- Address: 3543 Dewitt Lane Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp

The Tipsy Burro Saloon & Cantina

7 / 11

#5. The Tipsy Burro Saloon & Cantina

- Rating: 3.9/5 (110 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2711 Monroe Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Vegetarian, Bars
- Read more on Yelp

Santa Cruz Mexican Grill

8 / 11

#4. Santa Cruz Mexican Grill

- Rating: 4.0/5 (68 reviews)
- Address: 520 University Center Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Seafood, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp

Paco's Tacos & Tequila

9 / 11

#3. Paco's Tacos & Tequila

- Rating: 4.1/5 (1053 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6401 Carnegie Blvd. 8a Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Tacos, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp

Superica

10 / 11

#2. Superica

- Rating: 4.1/5 (823 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 101 West Worthington Ave. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp

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Johnny Burrito

11 / 11

#1. Johnny Burrito

- Rating: 4.5/5 (180 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 301 South Tryon St. Ste 55 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 88 metros.