TAQUERIA QUETZAL — Restaurant in Charlotte

I embarked on a culinary quest in Charlotte, NC, and stumbled upon a hidden gem - Taqueria el Quetzal, parked unassumingly in the Citgo gas station lot at Archdale Drive and South Blvd. Seeking an authentic “hole in the wall” experience, I gravitated towards this vibrant taco truck.

My appetite was ambitious: three tacos - chicken, steak, and seasoned pork, and for a twist, some fried plantains with sour cream and cheese. The tacos, nestled in double corn tortillas, were adorned with cilantro, tomatillo salsa, onions, radish, lime, and a brave whole jalapeño. As a self-proclaimed gringo, I’m a flour tortilla fan, but for the sake of authenticity, I dove into the corn tortillas, finding them delightfully fresh and warm.

Payment? Breezy! They accept cards, and the little pager system for order readiness is efficient. My feast was ready in a precise 10 minutes.

Be warned: it’s a take-out scenario. I ended up savoring my meal in my car, and no regrets there! The first bite of the fried plantains was a revelation - hot, sweet, and perfectly ripe. An absolute must-try!

The tacos each told their own story. The chicken was a marinated masterpiece, tender and flavorful. The seasoned pork was a close second, slightly cooler but packed with taste. The steak taco, while flavorful, had some chewy bits of fat - might skip that next time.

A word of caution for my fellow spice-averse friends: the tomatillo salsa is authentic and fiery. I learned that after a daring taste test. It’s got a medium heat that can surprise you!

At just over $13, the meal was a steal for the quality and quantity. Apart from the incredible tacos and plantains, Taqueria el Quetzal also serves up quesadillas, burritos, tortas, fajitas, and even American staples like Philly cheesesteaks and hamburgers.

Verdict: If you’re in Charlotte and craving authentic Mexican street food or the best fried plantains of your life, Taqueria el Quetzal is your go-to spot. Don’t miss this culinary jewel in...

This is some of the best salsa verde I've had. I think the tortillas are homemade? It all flowed together better than usual. Plus they included a small grilled pepper. There are no drinks but I went inside the store & got a Jarritos Piña for $3. The Man running the store goes out of his way to help. I really like this...

This lil spot was delicious I ate there twice while I was here in South Carolina! It was in the hood lol I had to watch my back . The food was so authentic I got steak tacos and there side sauce was fire...