Mi Cariño opens in South End bringing a new Mexican Latin dining experience to Charlotte

Mi Cariño officially opens in South End bringing cinematic Mexican Latin dining to Charlotte

Mi Cariño is ready for its debut in Charlotte’s South End, taking over one of the neighborhood’s most talked about long vacant restaurant spaces.

From the team behind Vinyl, Mi Cariño bills itself as a chef driven Mexican Latin gastro cantina and mezcalería with a story first concept that leans into atmosphere, music, and a food forward menu built for sharing. The restaurant officially opens January 30 at 1440 S Tryon St., Suite 100 in the former VANA space.

For reservations, details, and updates, visit the official site: https://www.micarinoclt.com/

What to expect

Mi Cariño is designed to feel like a full night out, not just a quick bite. Coverage of the concept points to a “cinematic” vibe paired with a more mature dining experience than the typical bar heavy South End mix, with the energy building later in the evening. Reservations are live through Resy, which also lists the restaurant’s address and phone number.

The menu and the team behind it

According to Axios Charlotte, the seasonal menu is led by executive chef Hector González Mora alongside culinary director Vince Giancarlo, with dishes organized to encourage a start with tacos, ceviches, and shareable starters before moving into larger plates. One dish Axios specifically calls out is camarones kora, a Nayarit inspired shrimp preparation served with coconut rice.

Agave forward cocktails and mezcal culture

Mi Cariño’s beverage program, led by beverage director Henry Schmulling, puts agave spirits front and center. Expect tequila and mezcal, plus lesser seen options like raicilla, sotol, and bacanora, all built to match the kitchen’s flavor direction rather than compete with it.

Why this opening matters for South End

This is a notable opening for two reasons. First, it activates a highly visible space that has sat quiet since VANA closed. Second, it signals the continued shift in South End toward reservation worthy, chef driven dining experiences that can anchor the neighborhood beyond weekend bar traffic.

Quick details

Where: 1440 S Tryon St., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Concept: Mexican Latin gastro cantina and mezcalería
Reservations: Available online via the official site and Resy

Sources

1) Mi Cariño official site: https://www.micarinoclt.com/
2) Axios Charlotte (Jan 14, 2026): https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/14/vinyl-teams-mi-carino-opens-this-month-in-south-end
3) Resy listing: https://resy.com/cities/charlotte-nc/venues/the-story-of-mi-carino 
4) CharlotteFive via The Charlotte Observer (Jan 15, 2026): https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article314304092.html