A review of Anita’s Mexican Grill

Upon entering the front door of Anita’s, anywhere near lunch time, you will be greeted by a line that resembles a Best Buy on Black Friday. However, don’t let your heart break you queso go-getter! The line moves with a quick & tasty efficiency mirroring the swiftness of Speedy Gonzales, the fabled Looney Tune and the namesake of one of Anita’s best meals. The long line speaks truth to the lunch time foodie by way of the it’s great expanse. The food is great, word is spreading, and all the people in line aren’t wrong. Anita’s lunch is second to none in CLT, and it’s not particularly close.

The best part of my day comes at 11:30, when I enter the parking lot that houses a BP and Subway, along with Anita’s. Don’t let the truck stop vibe that surrounds you fool you; diamonds are found in the far reaches of the earth, and Anita’s is just like that! A diamond in the rough.

I have two go-to’s: a trio of delicious soft-shell tacos with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Always made to order, the tacos are never greasy, the flour tortillas are always warm and taste fresh, and the portion size is very fulfilling. You can add a fountain drink for only $1, a dollar that Aloe Blacc would be happy to spend if you gave him one.

My Scottie Pippen of Anita’s is The Special Nachos. Founded on tasty and crisp tortilla chips, the crew at Anita’s spreads delicious queso, guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, and ground beef with the care of an ER surgeon at Seattle Grace. They will customize your order and deliver heaven to you in any way you like. Just ask Annabelle. She’s waiting to take your order right now!

Other all-time favorites of my co-workers are The Speedy Gonzales, which comes equipped with a taco, an enchilada, and your choice of rice or beans, the Carne Asada taco for $2.50 that could feed you and your BFF, The Sombrero for an authentic and delicious lunch, and The Lazy and The Crazy Burrito, which is the best duo since Pam and Jim from The Office.

The inside of the joint isn’t anything you’d take a first date to, unless you want to fall in love immediately and stay married forever. Simplicity at its finest, the décor features a super-trendy cactus, a small cooler with authentic Mexican drinks, and a Sony Boom Box in the corner that plays subtle music to deliver a relaxing, spa-like feel as you escape the perils of the workplace. Lining the wall above the kitchen is the menu, simple, straightforward and hand written, displaying the deliciousness that Anita can provide. It gives a down-to-earth feel that escapes the trendiness and hoopla that a fancier place puts forth, and that is something we should all strive for. The food is authentic, and the restaurant is just as authentic. Anita’s is like Cheers. You feel like you know the staff. You feel like you’re in their house, and they become your friends. That makes lunch here so good!

Annabelle works the register. She takes your order with a smile, and it only takes two trips for her to remember your name. That’s the type of place Anita’s is. She inscribes your lunchtime wishes on a notepad, takes your dough (card, cash, or Apple Pay), passes it along to the kitchen boss, who is a spot-on Ron Rivera Doppelganger. He announces the fulfillment of your meal with a timbre and staccato rhythm that sounds like God would sound if he ran the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Charlotte. “Quentin, three soft shell tacos!” When I hear my name announced, it’s just like the feeling people get when their name is announced on The Price is Right.

The staff works unbelievably hard to make your meal perfect every time. I haven’t seen them mess up once, and I’ve eaten there more than anyone on the planet. Seriously, so much tacos and nachos and burritos. And all of this is what makes Anita’s the best Mexican restaurant in Charlotte. The friendly atmosphere, the authenticity of the staff, being at a place where you know then and they know you, and most of all, the delicious food.