"In a neighborhood near its Mexican restaurant saturation point, 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." - tess allen, g clay whittaker