Panzu Brewery — Restaurant in Mint Hill

Been to Panzu 5 times before tonight with my Group and would have given it 5 stars any night of the week. I ate here before they had a fire in their kitchen and shortly after they reopened. I’ve ordered the saucy jerk and haberno chili wings, intricate Panzu board, Cuban with Cuban bread, even waited on Sundays at 12pm for their special Caribbean ribs (not mentioned on the menu, had to speak to a manger to even know) as well as some desserts I couldn’t pronounce and never had a complaint. I thought wow this place is a gem, authentic non chain taste and local. I’ve met so many nice waiters and waitresses and the service has been quality. However, the food has changed.

They have the “new menu” as of 1/11/2025 now which I was unaware of before going tonight to which my waitress told me and wanted to make it clear. They increased the prices and decreased the quality of their food. I ordered the Panzu board and got less food than the last time I came and paid 1/4 more in price. No authentic sauces, no pickled salad, no guacamole, no chimichurri and I had to ask for yuca fries that I got upcharged for since they only do American fries now and all of this for more money? Cuban is gone replaced with a not so Cuban sandwhich that one of my group members ordered and was displeased with. The special Caribbean desserts are gone, no more special ribs, not to mention they now have over priced salmon and chicken with regular American sides that I won’t tell you how much they cost, I’ll save that surprise for you. My group was equally disappointed specially since I was the one who recommend eating here. Idk about yall but When I hear hired live music of two nicely dressed Latin guys playing bongos and guitar while singing in Spanish Cuban bachata covers and performing very well I may add, it doesn’t really make me think of chicken, salmon, broccoli, french frys snd ketchup on the menu. I can get that anywhere but what I came for didn’t not feel very Caribbean escape.

Drinks are still fine, not a big drinker but not too many changes there that I noticed due to being bothered by the food. I will add my group counted 7 people walk in and walk out 2 we spoke to personally all because of how loud it was and because of the dissapointinf new menu. That group of two were from out state originally and their local friends to mint hill suggested Panzu and had a party of 8 planned at but were upset by a few things and went to a Mexican restaurant down the street. Volume can be taken care of but food is different story. Great food needs prep time to marinate and cannot be quickly made.

I wish this place the best and I will miss what it used to be when it was the way I remembered it in 2024 before the “new menu.” This review of for the foodies who work hard for their money and want to get the best value for their hard earned dollars.

Buena Suerte.

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This place used to be hands down a 5 star -- the menu WAS (key word) unique, the food was delicious and different, and worth the price for a kind of tapas experience. We had tried pretty much everything on the menu, and every single thing was fantastic. I frequently recommended it to a lot of people, even from further out in the Charlotte area, because Panzu had set itself apart from anything else in the area with what it offered and was worth going out of the way for or making sure to stop by if you were driving through.

Now, the menu has been entirely stripped of any uniqueness and is just overpriced generic food lacking the same quality, and MAYBE has a vague "Carribean inspiration", the same way La Croix tastes like it was shipped next to whatever fruit it claims to be. The Jerk Wings are the only thing reminiscent of the old menu and still worth getting, even if the side sauces are limited now. You can go anywhere to get what's on this menu for a portion of the price.

They're still doing the beer and drinks well, and I like that they offer non-alcoholic mocktail options (will forever be supportive of that!). Service/staff have always been good, that also hasn't changed.

But just wow -- went from being excited about a new menu idea that there might be new expansion on the old menu, thinking new things to try to.... supremely disappointed and literally not wanting anything offered, especially not at the price point for things I could basically go down the street to Dunwellz for.

Please let the public know when you decide to change the menu back, because we probably won't be returning until then to find out otherwise, and would be super happy to come back and support the original idea behind Panzu. It's just unfortunately not worth the money for the new sell-out/cop-out menu any more, and we are very...

Johan, Rosa, Heath and staff are awesome! The food is prepared fresh with a Caribbean flair. The commonly recognized item on the menu are the chicken wings. Which are prepared with Caribbean flavors.

The owners are from Dominican Republic, and are present and visible to attend to the large growing throng of customers. The wait staff is on point and busy.

From my observation the customers include a wide range of ages that include young adults with toddlers. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The big open outdoor deck makes it very dog friendly. There is a big ramp and specific parking for handicap.

Music Since the music is often outdoors on the weekends (weather permitting) I would recommend getting to Panzu early. The limited number of tables outside can be a little challenging since people come and decide to stay.

The music on the weekend from Vinyl Rewind group, was very talented and played recognizable favorites at a volume to enjoy. did not require shouting across the table.

The beers Panzu has plenty of well known beers to choose from and is also an on site brewery for beers they produce. Clearly their own beer is going to start rivaling many of the local regional breweries. Recommend it.

So, all in all, I have been to this local brewery multiple times and the service and experience has been consistent to expectation. Highly recommend Panzu. Check the weather forecast before deciding to come out. The web site menu is clear. If you’re up for trying something different, ask questions of your waiter or waitress. They do have vegetarian options.

Parking Parking is limited, if you get there after 6 PM expect to not find a parking space. My recommendation is to park up the street and walk back to Panzu.

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