What to expect from Superica, a popular Tex-Mex restaurant opening May 21 in South End

As a native and current resident of Atlanta, I thought I should share some of the key reasons why Charlotteans should be getting very excited that renowned chef/entrepreneur Ford Fry is taking Superica to Charlotte.

Atlanta has two Superica locations, and I have eaten at both several times, so, while I am not a Superica expert, I am definitely an enthusiast.

At both Superica locations in Atlanta, Ford Fry pairs a sophisticated “Old West” feel with a savory Tex-Mex flavor profile and a creative, largely Tequila-based drink menu.

Superica at Krog Street Market has a chic-yet-relaxed vibe, and it is known as a trendy spot for 20- and 30-somethings to spend either a Saturday night with friends in the dimly lit dining room or a Sunday brunch on the outdoor patio.

At Superica’s Buckhead location, bright light fills the space, and families and well-dressed singles alike frequent the spacious dining room.

The bar is generally packed, particularly since the wait to be seated for a meal can be long (Superica doesn’t take reservations).

Superica is a local favorite in both the Buckhead and Inman Park neighborhoods with strong reviews on Google, Facebook and Yelp.

Local reviewers praise the food and atmosphere, especially the tacos and enchiladas. Superica is reasonably priced, but not cheap, with dinner entrees ranging from around $14 – $25.

According to the restaurant, here are the most popular dishes:

• Appetizers: Queso, guacamole and steak nachos

• Lunch: Lunch special combo (cheese enchilada, crispy beef taco, rice + beans), tacos al carbon and  chicken tortilla soup + Superica salad lunch combo
• Dinner: Fajitas mixtas, whole gulf red snapper (for make your own fish tacos) and chicken mole enchiladas

Here’s the current construction status of Superica in South End’s Design Center.

10 reason that you should be excited about Superica coming to Charlotte.

(1) Superica’s nachos are insanely cheesy, delicious, and fun to eat.

Each nacho is a perfectly balanced bite on its own, no scooping or additional toppings needed.

Superica covers all chips with the right mix of cheese, meat, and beans so that each is ready to eat (and Instagram!). Add a dollop of guacamole if you are an avocado fan, and pop that chip in your mouth! It will be a big, unwieldy bite, but you will get all of the cheesy nacho flavors at once.

(2) You’ll have taco shell options – hard, soft, or puffy.

My husband likes hard shell tacos while I like soft, so Superica allows us both to be happy. They even cater to the person who wants to “be different” and “try new things” with puffy shell tacos that are the must-try option for anyone new to Superica.

Tacos are topped with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, as well as a choice of morita chili braised chicken or spiced ground beef.

Part of the menu at Superica

(3) Superica does brunch the right way – with Mimosas, Bloody Marias, Micheladas, and eggs (of course)

I especially love the “Chorizo, Potato & Eggs,” which is a satisfying egg scramble combining chorizo, egg, and cheese. And the “Tamales & Eggs,” which features two pork tamales with chili gravy, two sunny side up eggs, and cheese.

The meal is best consumed with Michelada, a traditionally Mexican equivalent of the Bloody Mary but with beer as the alcohol base, or a Mimosa.

Superica also offers a Horchada, a sweet almond & rice milk cold (non-alcoholic) beverage.

Superica’s Brunch Menu – served Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(4) You can put an egg on it.

Do you like to add a fried egg to every meal? Well, I do, and Superica will add a fried egg for just $1 to any enchilada plate.

There are several enchilada options, from simple cheese or vegetable to the “Pollo Con Mole” with morita chili braised chicken and mole and the “Picadillo” with spiced ground beef and chili gravy.

The fried egg on top adds some extra richness to an already cheesy and delicious dish.

(5) You’ll have a lot of ways to drink tequila.

Are you required to drink tequila with Tex-Mex food? No. But you probably should. Good thing Superica has an extensive margarita menu with a variety of tasty tequila beverages that will leave you feeling festive.

The zesty “Blood Orange Margarita” is one of my favorite options with El Jimador Reposado tequila, Solerno blood orange liqueur, and Ancho Reyes chili liqueur mixed with orange and lime. The “Texas Star” is a sweeter option that I also enjoy.

Here are the three most popular cocktails at Superica:

• Superita – Herradura double reposado, combier, lime juice, orange, brine, citrus marinated olives, served up Austin-style
• Texas Star – Gran Centenario Rosangel tequila, St. Germain, ruby red grapefruit, lime
• The Matador – El Jimador blanco, pineapple, lime, cilantro, served up

Superica’s margarita and cocktail menu

(6) Superica offers a cheap lunch special.

For only $11.99, you can choose two items from a list of six options including chicken tortilla soup, salad, enchiladas, nachos, and tacos.

Dine in only, but it is definitely worth taking a lunch break for this special.

(7) If you’re not into Mexican, don’t worry —  Superica has non-Mexican options for those craving American food.

Superica is truly a Tex-Mex restaurant in that it offers both Mexican and American food. More traditionally American options on the menu include the “Hamburguesa Superica,” a juicy double patty burger, and “Pescado Al Carbon,” a blackened NC catfish.

Though I usually wouldn’t recommend ordering the American food at the Mexican restaurant, this Tex-Mex spot does burgers and fish very well.

(8) You’ll be able to get your daily fix of octopus.

The “Campechana de Mariscos,” a chilled dish served in a tall glass, comes with octopus, shrimp, crab, and avocado, surrounded by a pile of crispy tostadas. For octopus lovers out there, this is your dish.

The campechana is not stingy on the octopus; rather, it has satisfying large chunks in a savory sauce accented with slivers of green olive.

(9) Feeling indecisive? Get fajitas with all of the meats.

The “Parilla Mixta Fajitas” come with a sizeable spread of carnitas, grilled steak, and chicken. The steaming, piping hot skillet comes with a Mexican butter that you can pour over your meat to make it even more richly flavorful.

The fajitas are also served with refried beans and Spanish rice.

I promise you will not leave hungry after this meal.

(10) You can do an epic cheese pull that’ll rack up Instagram likes.

The “Queso Fundido” is a double cheese dip with Monterey Jack and Chihuahua cheeses, and it is broiled to the melted consistency perfect for dipping chips and creating impressive cheese pulls.

Given Superica’s popularity in Atlanta, chic vibe, creative tequila cocktails and highly rated food, I expect it to be an immediate hit in South End when it opens.