Savor tamales, pupusas and tacos at a new Latin restaurant in Charlotte
Margarita’s Deli is now open in Charlotte’s MoRA neighborhood with a goal of “family supporting family,” featuring Mexican, Honduran and American food, along with Salvadorian cuisine.
The family members behind Margarita’s Deli all come from El Salvador and moved to New York before re-settling in North Carolina and bringing the culture of Latin delis with them. Doris Villatoro Costa, Doris Umana and Ada Salazar opened the restaurant this summer, along with Jennifer Umana, who works mainly in the front of the house.
The family had always wanted to grow closer, and Jennifer’s mother, Park 51 Cafe owner Doris Costa, had always wanted to open a deli. So, when her cousins gained interest in opening a deli, Jennifer said the timing was “perfect.”
Jennifer said in New York, “there’s a huge culture with delis, especially Latin delis, that’s something — after church you go to those delis.”
After living in North Carolina for seven years, Jennifer aims to go beyond sharing the New York deli culture and expand “our actual culture, you know our food, from Salvador.”
“The community that we’re surrounded by is amazing. In the first month — even now, we haven’t don’t get as much traffic as we like — but our neighbors in the little shopping center that we’re in, they’re always supporting us. And that’s, you know, that’s amazing to me.”
What should a first timer try?
Jennifer said, “For the first timers, I would definitely recommend pupusas,” as well as Margarita’s Deli’s $6.95 pastelitos and tamales.
And, If you’re ever in need of a quick and easy way to switch things up, the restaurant also has a steam table where you can grab daily specials.
Like ‘walking into your grandma’s house’
Meal time is often a time for laughter and sharing memories, providing more than “just a way to make income,” Jennifer said.
“When people come in — No matter if you’re having a bad day when you come in — I try to make them smile,” Jennifer said.
And if you’re not familiar with Salvadorian or Honduran food, don’t fret, because the staff is happy to educate customers.
“I take my time and explain to them, you know, exactly how you would eat or what it is,” Jennifer said.
“We try to have something for everybody.”
Margarita’s Deli
Location: 9010 Monroe Rd, Unit I, Charlotte, NC 28270
Cuisine: American, Latin, Honduran, Mexican, Salvadorian
Instagram: @margaritasdeli23
