El Malo Tacos - Review - Plaza Midwood - Charlotte - The Infatuation

"In a neighborhood near its saturation point for Mexican restaurants, El Malo in Plaza Midwood has found a niche: intimate enough for date night, but convenient for housing a California burrito solo or with a group. How it nails both vibes is a bit of a technicality—El Malo is actually two great spots in one, when you include the adjoining bar, Hermanita. Come to the restaurant side for stainless steel trays of nachos and solid Austin-style breakfast tacos (a rare commodity in Charlotte)—get the chorizo add-on, and enjoy the made-in-house flour tortillas. The birria tacos, meanwhile, are served on heirloom corn tortillas, though you’ll appreciate those more when consomé isn’t involved. Hermanita is a serious contender for best agave bar in town (a growing category of half a dozen spots), so grab a bar stool after dinner and try the Viejo, an Old-Fashioned-style cocktail made with peppercorn-infused whiskey. If you’re still hungry, the entire El Malo menu is available in the bar. photo credit: Jonathan Cooper photo credit: Jonathan Cooper" - G. Clay Whittaker