South End Welcomes a New Gastro-Cantina to the Area
By Sasha Manley
There’s a new restaurant in town serving up bold, vibrant dishes inspired by Mexican and Latin cuisine. From the team behind Vinyl Bar Spot and B-Side Production, The Story of Mi Cariño opened earlier this year in Charlotte’s South End, bringing an immersive dining experience that blends exceptional food, handcrafted beverages, music, and thoughtful design. The restaurant was created to offer something unique to Charlotte’s dining scene while providing guests with a place to slow down, connect, and savor every moment.
The name Mi Cariño, which translates to “my darling” in Spanish, reflects the restaurant’s warm and intentional approach. According to Culinary Director Vince Giancarlo, the concept was inspired by Executive Chef Hector González-Mora’s culinary vision, the character of the historic South End location, and a desire to fill a gap in the city’s restaurant landscape. The team envisioned a chef-driven gastro-cantina and mezcalería that felt both immersive and transportive, creating an environment where every detail—from the menu and cocktails to the atmosphere and music—works together to encourage guests to relax and engage with one another.
At the heart of the experience is a menu designed to tell a story through flavor. Guests can choose from a variety of appetizers, oysters, tostadas, entrées, and desserts, with standout dishes including the 14-ounce Akaushi Wagyu Ribeye, Ceviche Tropicoso, and Truffle Corn Dip. One of the most popular entrées is the Camarones Kora, a jumbo shrimp dish served with butter sauce and coconut rice that draws inspiration from Chef Hector’s family roots in Nayarit, Mexico. The restaurant also places special emphasis on its tortillas, which are made using sourdough, house-made nixtamal, and a locally sourced masa blend, creating a distinctive foundation for many of the menu’s offerings.
Complementing the cuisine is an extensive agave spirits program curated by B-Side Production Beverage Director Henry Schmulling. The collection features more than 200 agave-based selections, giving guests an opportunity to explore a wide range of mezcal and tequila expressions. Signature cocktails include creations such as the Picante Infante, Yellow Bandana, and Chil Con Carne, while low-alcohol and alcohol-free options ensure there is something for every palate.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends beyond the menu. Mi Cariño works closely with local farms and suppliers, including Harmony Ridge, Barbee Farms, Boy & Girl, Fairshare Farm, South End partners, Vital Greens, and Mai’s Farm, many of which are connected through the Freshlist local food hub. The restaurant also sources locally pressed corn tortillas from Concord and prepares many ingredients in-house, including nixtamal, salsas, sauces, sourdough tortillas, and fresh Oaxaca cheese. This focus on local sourcing allows the team to create fresh, authentic flavors while supporting regional agriculture and food producers.
The South End location itself was selected with purpose. Housed in the former VANA restaurant space, the building already held a special place within the neighborhood. The team wanted to preserve the welcoming spirit that made the location popular while introducing a more culinary-focused destination. The 2,350-square-foot restaurant accommodates approximately 85 guests and features warm lighting and inviting interior architecture designed by Southwick Architecture + Interiors. The overall aesthetic draws inspiration from a broad “Left Coast Latino” perspective, incorporating influences from Mexico City, Baja California, Los Angeles, Central California, and other regions that have shaped contemporary Latin cuisine and culture.
Although still new to the neighborhood, The Story of Mi Cariño is already focused on becoming an active contributor to the South End community. The team works with local DJs, artists, contractors, farms, and creative partners while also supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives whenever possible. Their philosophy is simple: restaurants serve as important gathering places that help shape the identity and culture of a neighborhood. By combining culinary creativity, local partnerships, and community engagement, The Story of Mi Cariño hopes to become more than just a dining destination—it aims to become a meaningful part of Charlotte’s evolving cultural landscape.
