Puerta

My cousins and I decide to celebrate cinco de mayo here. We called before arriving and they said there was no wait, after arriving we had to wait over an hour. My cousin had the food here before and was excited for specific things. The waitress was nice and shared that they recently changed their menu and removed some things. We got the Tuna Guacamole and the Queso Fundido with mushrooms. Both were delicious and we enjoyed as a table. We also got Chicken Empanadas, which were ok. They were really doughy and personally I didn’t enjoy them. We really wanted the Red Snapper but they ran out. I got the Half Chicken Mole which was well seasoned and filling. One cousin got the Arroz a la Tumbada and the other got the Carne Asada. They thought it was good but they liked each other’s meal more.

We popped in here because some of our friends love Tequila and Mezcal. We heard they have an extensive selection of both and you can get flights, which most of our group tried. We were a party of 8 with no reservations, but they easily accommodated us at a bar top. I would highly recommend getting reservations, this place gets busy. Our server was awesome at keeping all our orders, recommending things to try and friendly. We would love to come back to eat soon. Just a note about parking, it came be very difficult in this neighborhood, there are a few free spots, but shared with other busy businesses. I recommend ride share so you can enjoy libations safely.

The food is delicious and our server was a sweetheart! The empanadas are amazing! The fish is well-seasoned; I did not like the moli (spelling?) sauce which ruined my original order but the server was very nice about replacing it. Aside from that, everything was cooked to perfection!

Celebrated my birthday with couple of friends on Saturday night. Booked two weeks before , earliest available time was 9:30 pm for reservations. Tried Tuna guacamole, and para mesa taco for everybody, churros. Loved cocktails 🍹 , loved beef cheeks for the tacos. Original Mexican tacos, not American kind which is important to know because if you never had real Mexican tacos you might not like this setup. I love the original recipe. I probably would never come back again, but it was nice experience to check out this place once. Overpriced for the service and food you will get

Puerta …. Yum Yum! Listen if you are a Mezcal lover this is the place to come. Authentic Mexican vibe , great Decor, superb service! A bit pricey but I always say if the food is good you pay for what you get😜. The food is Good! But the Mezcal oh my….. the best! See you again soon!

My celiac child found this place online while we were planning our trip to Charlotte. We had an amazing experience. Kayleigh was amazing. Gluten-free was of course no problem but they were even able to dumb down the menu for my picky and and spice averse 10 year old. Everything my other child (18, Gluten-free, and adventerous)and I had was outstanding. We even questioned if a few of the things were actually GF, because GF things do not usually taste like that, or the texture is off. The fish tacos were the best fish tacos I've had, not the best GF, just the best. I could have about everything here but the churros were epic. We all loved them, but my GF child hasn't had a churro since being diagnosed with celiac disease 12 years ago. I looked over and there were giant tears of joy. Absolutely wonderful experience. Cool setting, amazing food, and fantastic service. We were so well taken care of, thank you again to Kayleigh. As if all that wasn't enough, they have a great bar and I'm told the largest Tequila and Mezcal selection in NC. Second visit and once again everything was very good.

Wow where do I begin. Puerta is the real deal. The food was EXCELLENT! We ordered a little bit of everything. The chicharrón was perfectly crispy and salted. The empanadas were fresh and super flavorful. We ordered the half taco board with barbacoa and street corn. The meat was like butter it was so melty and delicious. The street corn was super flavorful with a kick. We also got tres leches that they gifted us for our anniversary. The staff filled out a happy anniversary card which was a very nice touch. We can’t rave about puerta enough. Everything was next level good.

Can’t wait to come back! This was my first time here and I had a great time. We went on a Saturday and it was busy! We were able to sit at the bar for dinner. Chase is a lovely bartender! He was open to giving suggestions and changing things up to our liking. The food was good too! I ordered the empanadas. I will say while the flavor was great they weren’t hot all the way through which was noticeable but still enjoyed them. I also ordered the carne asada. Again, the flavors were amazing but it was over cooked but still good. I will be back again that’s for sure!

Puerta was an incredible experience from start to finish! The service was top-notch--our server was not only attentive but also very knowledgeable about the menu, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout the night. The vibe of the restaurant was absolutely perfect. The music was a fantastic mix of neo-soul and party tracks, setting the ideal atmosphere for a fun and relaxing evening. And the food? Simply amazing! The Cochinita Pibil (braised pork) was cooked to perfection, with every bite bursting with flavor. It was truly the highlight of the meal and one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. If you're looking for great food, excellent service, and a spot with a great vibe, Puerta is the place to be! Can't wait to visit again!

Our friend took us to one of his favorite restaurants in North Carolina, and it was such a great experience! He mentioned that the place is usually very busy and hard to get seating, but it wasn't as busy when we went. The restaurant's chic and minimal vibe was something I absolutely loved, and the bar area was super cute. Our server was friendly and gave us some good recommendations. We tried three drinks: the spicy margarita, Yucatán 16, and Arco y Flecha 15. I don't think we enjoyed Arco y Flecha as much. It was a bit too strong for our taste, we really enjoyed the spicy margarita and Yucatán 16. The food was fantastic! I'm a big fan of empanadas, so seeing lamb birria empanadas on the menu was a dream come true. They were served hot, with the perfect amount of filling and a spice level that almost everyone can handle. I also loved their Papas al Chipotle (crispy potato tacos). Everyone at our table enjoyed the meal, making it a wonderful first restaurant experience in NC.

Had a great girls night out at Puerta last night! Let me first start by saying this place has a super cute vibe. At first we were seated in the "lounge" area which was nice, but we asked to be moved to the main Resturant area and I was very happy they had space for us at the bar. The main Resturant is where the vibe is! I don't know who had the aux that night but baby they were on point with the R&B selection which totally fueled the overall energy of the evening. We had a wonderful bartender (shout out to Chase!) who was very knowledgeable and patient with us as we slowly mulled over our menu selections. After all it was girls night and we were enjoying each other's company and swapping stories! Thank goodness Chase didn't seem the least bit bothered! We went on a Monday evening and it was very lively with groups coming in and out. Their website suggests that you have a reservation and I believe it! It was very busy for a Monday night. Also, unbeknownst to us Monday is "shot day" as all tequila shots are 1/2 off. Sweet! I ordered a slightly more expensive tequila than I normally would to take full advantage of "shot day"! All three of us ordered various empanadas as starters, thanks to Chase we learned you can mix and match your order if desired. I got the lamb empanadas and I was very happy about that! As fate would have it we also all ordered the Chimichanga as our meal. I got mine with shrimp, though I was very please with my choice, next time I'll try the chicken. It was so big none of us could finish it, but thanks to my air fryer it made an excellent lunch the next day. I will definitely be coming back to this place soon, as there are so many things on the menu I didn't get to try this first go round. Definitely recommend checking this spot out. When it gets warmer the patio will be a nice addition to the overall vibe as well.

We had a good experience here! The restaurant offers an wide selection of tequilas. A reservation is definitely needed, as it gets busy, especially on the weekends. For food, we ordered chicharrón, churros, and cuatro leches bread pudding to share. The chicharrón was my favorite--crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The chicken mole I ordered wasn't a traditional mole, but it was still delicious in its own way. However, I wasn't a fan of the cuatro leches pudding--it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Overall, the food and service made it a solid experience.

First time here and of course parking is really hard. They share parking with other businesses so it can get really crowded, especially on a Monday. The place is pretty small, they have a front area and back area with a bar and tables. The staff are really nice and accommodating. My friend didn't like the drink that she ordered and they were nice and made her a replacement drink so that was nice. The food was good and delicious. Everything that was got was good. I would say the seafood dish was too soupy like. But the dessert was delicious too. Everything here was good. Love the bathrooms, equite with the things you need as a girl. Would def come back. The drinks were delicious as well. Wished they had a bigger menu for food. But overall good place

If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors, this spot has it all. We kicked things off with cocktails--Paloma, mezcal, and even mimosas setting the tone for an amazing meal. For starters, we couldn't resist the fresh guacamole and a unique twist on cheese dip featuring huitlacoche. Trust me, it's unlike anything I've ever tasted! My main dish? Chilaquiles Verdes topped with sunny-side-up eggs. Absolute perfection. Service was so exceptional, they were super tentative and friendly, it was like if I were talking to friends! Whether you're brunching with friends or just want a flavorful escape, Puerta is 10/10 worth the visit!

Puerta is one of our go-to places in Charlotte. I think my favorite dish is the Lamb Birria Empanadas, but everything is great. Lots of Mezcals and Tequilas to sample too, my recommendation is to get 4 half pours of Mezcal and create your own flight. Puerta - I see Mezcal and Tequila flights at other upscale Mexican places and always order them! You should def feature this on your menu and you'll see liquor sales go up.

Very trendy bar with a live DJ at Sunday brunch. Prices are relative to DC, my hometown but this Carijillo, similar to an espresso martini, is delicious! Great service from the female bartender with the short curly red hair! The host was very accommodating in trying to help move umbrellas outside on the patio to block the sun from hitting us directly. Our server was not very attentive but he may have been really busy because it was crowded. We waited a while for everything. We weren't very bothered by it because we were catching up after not having seen each other in years. I ordered the carne asada and huevos. The entire dish was smothered in the salsa roja, even the potatoes. I was not a fan of the hash, it was very dry and a little difficult to swallow even with all the salsa on it. The steak and eggs were ok though. Another friend who lives in the area recommended this place. I would definitely return for the drinks and vibes!

Heard about Puerta on TikTok and just had to try it for myself. Highly recommend making reservations as the dining space is limited. Patio seating is an option as well. A parking lot is available; however, it is tight/limited. I visited on a Sunday at 5 PM for dinner. Even on a Sunday, the restaurant was full. The decor/vibes were top notch. Server was attentive and friendly. I noticed it takes some time to receive food after placing an order. They do not offer complimentary chips and salsa. My order: $67.12 (cocktail) Paloma $15 Chicken Tinga empanada $10 (taco) Chicken Tinga $6 (taco) Al Pastor $6 (taco) Carne Asada $7 (dessert) Quatro Leches Bread Pudding $8 Everything I tried above was good. I really liked the chicken tinga empanadas (took an order home as well) but wished it contained more filling! The tacos were ... tacos. Nothing to rave about - I will say, they were FULL of meat!! Out of the 3 tacos, chicken tinga was my favorite. The dessert was disappointing. It was warm but seemed overcooked as it was on the harder side. I was expecting a moist/spongy consistency/texture. Didn't get to try Queso Fundido but have heard good things. Overall, it's a cool spot. Nothing set them apart from the taco spot down the street besides the location/decor, which is what you'll be paying for. Be prepared to drop some cash as you can see items add up quickly and sides are a la carte.

Had a chance to make it over for brunch and parking is really crazy, but there is a parking deck across the street when all else fails. I ordered the lamb empanadas, avocado tostada, and breakfast quesadillas and everything was just ok overall and I was disappointed with the food, not sure if I just ordered the wrong things or what.

What a cute space!! I love the lounge area and bar in the front when you walk in. Then you can follow the hall to the dining area with the main bar that also leads to their patio space. I was told they have a live DJ some nights in the front lounge space which I definitely plan on going back to check that out! (Check online for the DJ schedule) My friends and I came here on a Monday night which was surprisingly busy and were seated at the bar. The space is kind of small so I definitely recommend making a reservation in advance. Mondays they have half off mezcal neat pours, which they call Mezcal Monday. The bar staff were so kind and accommodating. I even got to taste some of the mezcals before choosing. The Yucatán cocktail was deliciously refreshing and perfect as a chaser for my neat pour of Mezcal. Now let move on to the most important part, food!! I can never pass up empanadas so of course I opted for the chicken tinga empanadas. My wife had the lamb empanadas and loved them and our friend had one of each! What a great starter! Yum!! For dinner we all opted for the BYO Chimichanga all with different meat options. I had chicken tinga because it was so good in the empanadas, my friend had the al pastor and my wife had shrimp. No matter tge choice they were all fresh and yummy!!! I'm making puerta one of my new favorite spots!! Can't wait to return!!

Nice place. Birthday celebration. The waiter was quick and kind and had great recommendations. I enjoyed the empanadas and the chips and guac. The coffee cocktail was my highlight. The bread pudding was different. I'll look for a reason to return.

Puerta had such a cozy atmosphere and moody ambiance. It's a little small but that's how a lot of Charlotte restaurants are. Everyone that interacted with that worked there was kind and attentive. I had a strawberry spicy margarita, guacamole, queso with chorizo, carne asada taco and barbacoa taco. The guacamole is absolutely AMAZING!

My boyfriend took me here for brunch and it was amazing! Beautiful space it's not a huge restaurant but it's cozy and decorated amazingly. The service was amazing the waiters were all very knowledgeable and had great recommendations. I enjoyed everything we had and i will absolutely be back for more!

Puerta is such a fun and funky spot! The little bar area is small but packed with personality and charm--it really sets the tone for a lively evening. While tequila is the specialty here (a dream come true for tequila lovers!), I don't drink tequila, so I opted for the sangria, which was delicious. We had a reservation for the patio, but a sudden rain shower meant we ended up staying in the bar, and honestly, it worked out perfectly. The vibe was so enjoyable, and the staff made sure we were comfortable. We tried several bites from the menu, and everything was tasty and well-prepared. If you're a tequila aficionado or just looking for a fun, laid-back spot with great food and drinks, Puerta is absolutely worth a visit. Highly recommended!

Does coming here twice in a week tell you enough?! Might I add we originally came for drinks the first time and were sat in their front lounge and bar area that was absolutely chic with low tables paired with the cocktail seats adjacent at the bar and before leaving decided to grab a small bite to take home. We ordered the chicken tinga tacos and potato bravas taco and even after getting home they were still delicious. Tacos were street style and priced great but filled with tinder juicy meat and potatoes weren't too spicy for my Mom to enjoy - can you guess what she requested when we returned the second time? Speaking of - we came back a week later, this time we sat at the bar in their dining room area which is decorated so cute with twinkly lights and a brick wall full of mezcal and tequila to adorn the bar. This time I tried their chimichanga and they were able to accommodate my dairy allergy without any issues and it was soooo good. Fiancée ordered the carne asada tacos and we all shared guacamole which we ordered a second portion of - yes it's that good. And don't get me started on the drinks (highly recommend the tequila old fashion) - again we came twice in a week yall so please don't hesitate. Looking forward to next time!! Oh and reservations are highly suggested unless you're ok with sitting at the bar

Thinking about where to go on a Friday night, I recalled an upscale Mexican restaurant that had amazing chips and queso, artisanal everything, and nuanced cocktails. That's where I wanted to go, but as I tried to remember the name, it struck me that I was thinking of Luna, a Michelin starred cantina in San Jose, CA. We definitely weren't going there on 3-hours notice. The search was on for a Charlotte stand-in and Puerta was the winner. Atmosphere- rustic, elegant, sexy. Real hand towels in the bathroom and anything else you might need. Service- attentive but not overly, friendly, and willing to help with decisions. And the absolute star was the food. We had queso with chorizo, tacos, and this amazing open face tortilla dish that was as delicious as it was beautiful. We rounded out the evening with churros and cocktails. When we're wanting upscale Mexican, Puerta will be our go-to from here forward. If you want to give it a run, I'd suggest a reservation. We ate in the bar, which was fine, but I'd bet a table would have been even nicer.

So this place is not big and fills up fast. It opens at 5 and that's the best chance you have to get in unless you wait until 7:30-8:00. We are in the lounge area which is okay but you need to lift your plate to eat which can be tricky with a taco If you're in the lounge area, it's better for drinks. The margaritas were unique and flavorful. I had the spicy margarita and it was truly a good spice. If you don't like spicy, avoid this one! The lamb birria empanadas are most of us tried them and everyone loved them. They come with your side of sauce to dip them in. Those alone are worth another visit. We tried the carne asada tacos and they were good but not at the same level. The same owners manage the adjoining restaurant the Crunkleton which is also a great restaurant and bar. We went there following our meal and had some additional drinks and apps. They have a more diverse selection of drinks and beer. It's hard to get a table so plan ahead.

I really enjoyed my experience at Puerta on a Sunday evening. We sat at the bar and the servers were so kind. The decor is really cute on the inside and gives a south west vibe on the inside. Whoever is on the aux also absolutely understood the assignments! r and b and newish music vibes. We had the salsas, fish tacos, and chicken empanadas and a few cocktails. Everything tasted absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the salsa sampler and I thought the tacos were well balanced with flavor. They also give churros with a candle for birthdays. I will 100% be back!

I've been to Puerta once before just for drinks, and we loved the vibe. The margs are tasty (the spicy one is VERY spicy, just a heads up!) and the chips & dip trio is yummy. I went back a few weeks ago for brunch, and while I had a good experience, it just wasn't "great." The service was unfortunately very slow (there were three of us, and we were in there for more than 2 hours). The guac was unexpectedly overly spicy (good to me, but just a bit spicier than my mom could handle), and the tacos were fine, but nothing special. The QUESO, however - that was to die for. Our kind waitress did bring us some churros con chocolate on the house, which was awesome of her, but from the time she said she was going to do that to when she actually brought them out, it was at least 30 minutes (and by that point we were just kind of ready to go home). I will come back and will try some new things on their menu - I just feel like for what you pay, Puerta isn't overly impressive.

Love the ambiance of this place! The food is overpriced for the portion that you get but the dishes are all flavorful so I'd go again.

Vibrant and flavorful food. I love Chilaquiles when I visit Mexico and this dish had all the flavors with a twist! Love the food and the staff was very friendly and got us seated quickly. There is parking around back of the building which is also the entrance but the lot is on the smaller side. I will definitely be back to try more dishes...my eyes were stuck on other people getting the queso which comes with huges crispy round shaped chips.

So good! The food was so good and unique!! They don't serve complimentary chips, you have to order salsa, guacamole or queso. The chips are whole tortillas though, so cool! The queso was amazing. I got 2 tacos that were great! The spicy marg was spicy but also delicious!! We also got the churros since we had a birthday- they were amazing! The service was great as well and it's so cute in there!! Definitely a nice, up scale Mexican restaurant, it was a little pricy, especially the drinks. A couple notes: They do have a parking lot Make a reservation!!!!

Cute, upscale Mexican restaurant and bar in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte. Nice variation on menu from lite bites to handhelds to big plates and ala carte tacos. Tasty margs and friendly staff. We walked in on a Monday night and sat at the bar, but I can see this place being packed on weekends so I'd make a reservation.

Last night, I had an amazing experience at Puerta. The bartender was exceptional, taking the time to explain all the tequila options, which made the tasting a must-try for any tequila lover. The food was equally impressive--the guacamole was incredibly fresh, and the tostadas were a standout favorite.

Great ambience, food, and service when I took my wife there for her birthday in November! We sat at the bar and really enjoyed trying new tequilas. The chips and salsa was very good and so were our meals she had tacos and I had another dish.

My brother took me here after him recommended that it was a good spot. And it was. Inside, there's not much seating, however they do have 2 bars. One at the waiting area and then on in the main dining room. There's a pretty big bar there, along with tables. Seating is spacious, but be prepared to be close to other tables. Service wise during my visit was wonderful (I sat at the bar). Starting with the appetizers, we had the: - Guacamole, which was pretty awesome. It was a good portion size. - Ceviche was up next, and that was super savory and well seasoned. - Pork Belly Chicharron is those who love fried Pork Belly. It goes really well with alcohol. The April's special menu of the Tuna Tostada was meh. I wouldn't recommend it if you see on the menu. It was just very sauce heavy and the essence of the tuna was just completely lost under all the sauce. Entree: - Chipotle Short Rib was great! super saucy, but the beans that it laid on was a good balance to the really well seasoned short rib. There was a little of heat that builds on each bite of the rib, however overall it paired well. I'm eyeing the pork shank next time I'm coming here if they still have it on the menu. I'm positive that I will be coming here. One thing to note is that reservations is highly recommended as there was a line already forming at the time of opening.

If I lived closer I would go here weekly. This restaurant is all gluten free which is hard to believe with how incredibly delicious the food is. We always get the elote bites as they are a bit spicy and very crunchy which make for an interesting but wonderful corn dish. The tacos are what I tend to get every time as I can't get enough of them. The churros are an easy yes as they are soft and come with the best chocolate and caramel sauce. Please try this place out sometime as I know you will be just as obssesed as I am! Pictured is the seasonal chocolate tacos.

First time but I loved it! Now I know what the hype is all about. Went to celebrate my birthday, my pick so of course it was Puerta! First off, the vibes! Love, love, love! Had some Tulum vibes. Second off, make a reservation! This place is still kinda hot & new and staying busy. Trending! Get a marg! So many options and also variety of mezcal. Get the chips & queso! It's a different spin on chips bc they are big (full circles and you break yourself)...but fun and so tasty! Try the tacos. They were good. And get the dessert! why not! Parking can be hit or miss, it's a small lot that's usually busy and packed. But it is free! Across the street is a parking lot but you will get booted or towed there, I was told by receptionist. She recommends if the lot is full to go across the street towards 'Rosemont' and park in the parking garage. But that's not free, but if you stop into Rosemont and buy anything then they validate. Also. Very important to note. The bathrooms! Cutest bathrooms ever with such a statement for safety for anyone and everyone. Go and see, you'll see what I mean. I was truly moved as a woman. Huge props!!

I've wanted to check out Puerta for a while now, and I finally had the opportunity to go. It was easy to grab a seat at the bar, and the service was impeccable - everybody was looking out for us. They were courteous enough to let me samples the frozen mixed drink before deciding which cocktail I wanted to order. They even put tajin in the rim of the mini glass! So cute and thorough. We started with delicious chips, queso and guacamole. Then, I ordered the chicken tinga empanadas and a crispy fish taco. Amazing all around. I love the aesthetic and the vibes at Puerta. Now, there are two bars and the one closest to the 7th Street side of the restaurant has the best lighting and views so keep that in mind. Parking is very limited with some spaces in the back and then more in a very busy and competitive plaza. You may have to find parking on a nearby street and walk or take a ride share. But, it's well worth it.

Great ambience, amazing food, the service is beyond fantastic! The bartender, Sergio, makes the most delicious drinks. We celebrated my husband's birthday there and all the quests were impressed with the flawless execution. We will definitely be back and highly recommend Puerta.

This place is amazing! Just moved here and went on NYE as my first stop and the staff here are very friendly. Our food was great and ambiance is beautiful.

My experience at Puerta was amazing, specially because of their service. I really appreciate the amazing service I received at this restaurant, my favorite. The ambiance was focused on Mexico which I love feeling so close to it. The food was a 10/10 , I loved my entree and my spicy drink. Definitely would come back here!

I was finally able to get a rsvp and try this place out with a few friends on a Wednesday. The bar and lounge when you enter looks really cool. Will be back to check that out. Drinks too a minute to get but my mojito was good. For apps, I really enjoyed the guac and chips. They replenish the chips which is nice. Queso was good but not great. For dinner I order the Tuna Tartar Tostada. The presentation was really nice, it looked amazing. After a few bites though my mouth was on fire. I LOVE spicy food. Im a 4 star with Thai and use hot sauce all the time but this was too much. I finally gave up after chugging my beer and water. It would be an amazing dish if they cut back on spice or made different heat levels. My friend order the Sopa. Again the presentation was awesome but it was a little too brothy and also spicy. The overall vibe is cool so I would give it another try.

Best queso I've ever had in my life (and I grew up in Texas). It only took one trip here for this to become my new favorite Mexican spot in Charlotte. The tacos were incredible, the drinks were great, and you already know how I feel about the chips and queso. Our waitress was super personable, but not too nosy, and the vibe was so relaxing but had a good evening energy. This will be a staple for me for years to come.

We stopped by for their first day open for brunch, and I must say - I'm coming back. Everything we ate was amazing. For appetizers we did: The chicharrones with hot sauce and Guac - are the best, birria empanadas (make you want more), the chilaquiles verdes will be my go to entree, but also the sopes Benedict were great. Desserts - well, we cleaned the plates, my fav out of the two were the churros but others loved the cake more haha. The mimosas and all their drinks were a hit. Service: our server was great, our entrees took a little longer, but the server let us know they weee running a little behind. On Sundays they have a DJ - the music was soo good and perfect volume. It was not too loud or overwhelming.

Life begins after brunch after brunch they say ! Puerta just rolled out brunch I got a chance to check it out and it was an incredible culinary experience ! The staff here nailed every freaking dish & they understood the assignment ! We dined outside on the patio area since it was a nice day today ! You can catch different vibes from the Mezcal lounge inside which is more dim & intimate with a live dj , a patio area outside for those warm days , or you can simply dine inside the dining room area. My favorites here hand down for brunch was the breakfast quesadilla that knocked me off of my feet ! The queso dip & churros are also a must ! This place in my opinion is worth the hype and I have to make it back for dinner !

Recently heard really good things about Puerta, so we stopped in on a Friday night. They were packed, it was poppin at 7:30 PM. So we made a reservation to come back around 10. And we did. The staff was so nice, Eli accommodated our large party and rearranged the couches so we could all sit together in one section. I ordered the Del Rio. Eli told me it was alcohol-forward. He did not lie. Tequilla was not skimped on, so I definitely recommend drinking this on a full stomach. But man was it good. They pretty much only have Tequilla drinks here; I think they may have a rum, and apparently they have a bourbon that you probably wouldn't want to drink. They also have food on the menu, but I didn't try any on this visit. I plan to return and do that. If you plan to visit, make a reservation, so you know you have a spot.

Food was very good. The Guac was fresh and had good flavor. The tacos were good and the rice and beans were very solid. It's also a cute place and has a lovely patio we can enjoyed on a sunny day. The margarita was delicious as well. The only complaint was the service was very slow.

Love the food, the ambiance and service here! It was so welcoming and the staff took such amazing care of us! The drinks were phenomenal as well! We will definitely be back!

We added chorizo to the Queso Dip and it did not disappoint. The consistency was a bit thinner than I was expecting but had a great flavor. The seasoned tostada shells to dip were a good accompaniment. YES to the tacos. The Tinga and Al Pastor tacos were delicious and was sad that I didn't order more... they're smaller in size. If you're looking for a non-meat option, the Mushroom Sausage Tostada is a great choice.

Loved Puerta! Make sure you have a reservation or the wait will be really long. The food was excellent. The service was good and the vibe was just right for a girls night out.

Celebrated my wife's birthday here a few days ago. Loved everything about it l. Great ambience, excellent food, and excellent service. Recommendations: Chicken Tinga Taco, Chile Relleno

Really love Puerta! The ambiance, the staff, the margaritas, & the tacos - ALL the good things! While the layout is a bit "non-traditional", they make it work. The front patio is great for outdoor seating. I love that they bring in some of Charlotte's finest DJ's to spin, too. They also do parties, which are always fun! Pretty expansive menu & the prices are what you would expect for more upscale Mexican food. Parking is not really plentiful.

Very trendy, curated interior- this restaurant is a vibe. Most of their prime dinner reservations have stayed booked, but we were able to find a Sunday brunch reservation on the morning-of. We ordered the guacamole, birria empanadas, chilaquiles rojo, and hashbrowns. The favorite dish was absolutely the birria empanadas- that au jus was divine... definitely a lot less messy than traditional birria dishes! The cocktails were refreshing, albeit a little pricey for brunch. Cute spot!

I was quite eager to try Puerta but was highly disappointed with my experience. First off - I loved the look, feel and ambience of the place. No issues there. The guac was absolutely AMAZING and I highly recommend. What ruined the experience for me was the service. There was a bartender (red hair / black and white bandanna) that had the biggest attitude and several patrons noticed it. Her demeanor and overall attitude was quite frankly disgusting. I'm big on great customer service and I will not return based on that alone.

First, serious praise for our waitress, Kiki. She is amazing and made dinner and absolute delight! Now for the rest. We opted for small plates and tacos so we could share and try different things. We started with the guacamole and mushroom sausage queso. The guacamole was super fresh and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The queso was less of a hit. It wasn't hot when it was brought to the table and didn't really warm over the tabletop burner. We were enjoying the restaurant and conversation so we didn't make an issue over it. The restaurant is lovely and lively and everything was fantastic. Round two was the yellowtail ceviche, a lamb birria empanada, and the pork belly chicharron. My daughter and I struggled to get my husband to share the ceviche. We thought he was just going to straight tip the bowl back. The lamb birria with the jus - I want the secret! The empanada crust was flaky and delicious, with tender, well seasoned lamb. The key is the jus. I would order that by the quart and put it on everything. The star, though, those chicharrons! Pork belly dusted with a mystical seasoning blend and deep fried. How can that ever be a bad thing?! It can't. What we thought was round three - tacos. Lengua, crispy fish, and rock shrimp. To be a little "tongue" in-cheek (bad pun for a beef tongue taco), the beef tongue was far from tough to chew. Tender, tasty, I'll order it again. The shrimp was spicy with the bright flavor of pineapple habanero salsa. The amazing thing is the masa batter on the crispy fish. Gluten-free, crunch crust with tender, flaky mahi inside. They're all three well worth a try. Now back to Kiki and our 4th course - dessert. She is 100% correct! The churros are amazing and the dulce de leche sauce is fantastic. No one at the table has any regrets pushing through dessert. Thank you! We can't wait to go back.

Make a reservation in advance! Came here on a Thursday and it was full. We sat in the lounge which isn't very comfortable to eat in, so definitely try to get into the main dining room. Service was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly waitress. Highly recommend the rock shrimp tacos, even though they are small they are delicious. The empanadas were also delicious - especially the lamb jous sauce for the lamb birria empanada! Overall nice atmosphere as well, they had a DJ playing more low key music later into the evening.

I was in the area searching where to go and I notice this place was really close. I was reading publication months ago about it and decided to stop by. The restaurant was very nice, fancy, clean and well maintained. I arrived an noticed the places was full and I need a reservation. The hostess were kind and had a place in the bar, it seems in this place also need to a reservation to seat in the bar, anyway. There were 3 server in the bar area, 2 were really nice and the other one completely ignore me. So the service was 6/10 in my opinion. About the beverage, I got water and ordered a michelada, to be honest this is one of the best Micheladas I ever ordered in Mexican Restaurant in US., really good. Also one of the servers offered me more sangria to combine with the rest of my beer. Really recommend it. Now the most disappointed and most important part, the food, to be honest in between average and mediocre. First of all I understand al type of foods(Italian, French, Mexican, etc) have to be adapted to American taste otherwise won't be consumed. I ordered a Queso Dips as started, one of the worst started I ever had. Itwas like a slimy white sauce, tasteless, really bad. In the menu says: Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheese mornay, it tasted everting but Oaxaca and Chihuahua Cheese, really awful. Then One of the servers suggested me tacos, like the best of this place, I ordered pastor, crispy fish and barbacoa. Al pastor taco, average, nothing special, same with the Fish taco, average. But the Barbacoa tasted like birria, to the Chef, need to learn the difference between birria and barbacoa. Besides was very grease and fatty. Really bad in my opinion. For the end I ordered Tres leches cake. Average, nothing special, also the bread without the milks for sure will be super dry, bad execution of the dessert. Prices on the more expensive side. At the end it is fancy place with good drinks and not so food in my humble opinion.