SCOOP: Latino fusion spot with walk-up taco stand opening in Plaza Midwood
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La Vecina will open at 1306 Central Avenue this spring, right by the train tracks and next to Moo & Brew. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
La Vecina, a new outdoor Latino fusion restaurant, will open soon on Plaza Midwood's Central Avenue.
Why it matters: It's a fresh offering — by the teams behind Moo & Brew and Bocao Sushi — in a fast-changing neighborhood that's often feared to be losing its local charm.
What to expect: An open-concept restaurant with a neighborhood feel that'll serve a range of Latino cuisine, says co-owner Ken Thomas, who co-owns Moo and Brew, right next door.
- He's opening La Vecina alongside Bocao Sushi owners Carlos Nuñez and Victor Abad.
- Originally a 600-square-foot building (formerly home to The Lunchbox and before that, Chief's Smoke Shop), the team added 1,500 square feet to create a wraparound patio that's a major part of the experience.
- That's because the restaurant's main draw is its walk-up counter, designed for grabbing tacos and margs to go.
The intrigue: There will be full-service dining, too, but it's all outdoors. La Vecina will never have indoor seating, says Thomas. Instead, the space will be "winterized" come next year.
The vibe: A Tulum-inspired, beachside taco-stand feel is heavy throughout the open-air space.
- On weekends, expect house music sets from DJs spinning behind the counter.
Dig in: Menu highlights will include classic al pastor shaved on-site and served on homemade tortillas, mezcal-forward cocktails and punch bowls, and plus slow-cooked sharable dishes and Sunday brunch.
- Coffee will be offered, too, and likely breakfast tacos and burritos.
What they're saying: "The three-year journey allowed us to collaborate with some of the most skilled creators and craftsmen in the city," Nuñez said. "From the design to the menu to the atmosphere, La Vecina has been a true labor of love."
Between the lines: Over the last three years, the team worked with Charlotte design firm Cluck Design, branding studio Made Outside and interior designer Leo Dowell Designs to bring their vision for the restaurant to life.
Fun fact: La Vecina translates to "The Neighbor" in Spanish. Nunez tells Axios this naming is a nod to the restaurant's commitment to being a neighborhood spot, especially as a wave of national chains moves into the Commonwealth development steps away.
- Much of the build-out, from the doors to the bar, was made by hand. The bathroom doors feature wooden inlays from Mexico.
What's next: The team is targeting a spring 2026 opening, though the exact date is TBD.
If you go: La Vecina will be at 1306 Central Ave.