Mexican restaurant bringing Jalisco and Oaxaca flavors to South End this fall

Charlotte is about to get a new taste of Mexico — and this one is digging deep into its roots.

Raíces (meaning “root” in Spanish is a new regional Mexican restaurant from husband-and-wife restaurateurs Alfonso Bravo and Amalia Macias that will focus on the regional cuisines of Jalisco and Oaxaca. It’s set to open in early September at the Railyard in South End.

The restaurant is the Bravos’ sixth concept and their first in Charlotte. The couple has spent more than 15 years in hospitality and owns five restaurants across South Carolina.

Chef TJ Steele, who lives part-time in Oaxaca and previously worked at the Michelin-starred Oaxaca-inspired restaurant Claro in Brooklyn, will lead the kitchen.

The menu blends regional traditions with contemporary presentation, highlighting handmade tortillas, seafood, moles, open-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients.

Diners can start with dishes such as Guacamole Tatemado with charred avocado, grilled scallion and salsa macha, Queso Fundido with roasted poblano and wild mushrooms, and roasted bone marrow served with mole negro and handmade tortillas.

The menu also includes Carolina Shrimp & Melon Aguachile, Scallop Ceviche, Carnitas de Pancita and Carne en su Jugo. Larger dishes include Oaxacan-spiced Pollo a la Brasas, Barbacoa de Borrego, whole fish with mole verde and a bone-in ribeye with mole negro. Sides feature grilled elote, Mexican-style collard greens, roasted sweet potatoes and frijoles charros.

The bar will lean heavily into agave, with cocktails developed with mixologist Edson Sanchez of ARCA Tulum. The drinks will incorporate tequila, mezcal, sotol (a tradiitional spirit) and ingredients such as coconut, lemongrass, cucumber, hibiscus, piloncillo, cacao and seasonal fruit. Alcohol-free cocktails will also be available.

“Raíces gives us the opportunity to share a side of Mexican cooking that is deeply connected to place, family and tradition,” Amalia Macias said in a news release. “We want guests to feel welcomed from the moment they arrive, while also discovering the incredible diversity of Mexico through the food and drinks.”

Raíces will initially serve dinner Monday through Saturday, with lunch planned for later this fall. The exact opening date is expected to be announced within the next two weeks.

Location: 1422 S Tryon St Ste 140, Charlotte, NC 28203

Cuisine: Mexican

Instagram: @raicesclt