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Cabo Fish Taco
Categories: Restaurants Latin American Restaurants Mexican Latin American, Mexican [Edit]
3201 N Davidson StCharlotte, NC 28205
Neighbourhood: NoDa
(704) 332-8868
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Dimples M. said: "I LOVE THEIR NACHOS!!! I should probably sample more of the food before writing a review, but who cares. Go for the nachos. The "appetizer" portion is enough to feed two people and have leftovers(unless you're some big ol hungryman…" read more »
202 reviews for Cabo Fish Taco
Review Highlights
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"The corn salsa was mild, but different and good." In 30 reviews -
"That white cilantro sauce is to die for." In 6 reviews -
"I can't wait to try the carne asada." In 5 reviews
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202 reviews in English
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Review from Elliott S.
Fort Mill, SC
5/21/2012
I don't live in town and we really struggle to find good restaurants. We were on our way back to suburbia and the wife and I decided to head into Noda to see if we could get a decent meal.
It was so nice to go to a relaxed place with good food. I live in a town where Beef Obrady's and McAlester's deli is cherished. I hate these places so if you are a fan of those restaurants, ignore my review. Every kids menu is filled with crap I wouldn't feed my dog much less my kids.
Our kids ordered their grilled shrimp and fruit. They ate every bit of it. I had the signature bbq fish taco and thought it was wonderful. The chocolate cake is a yes. -
Review from Sam J.
5/9/2012
BAJA MEXICO MEETS BOB MARLEY.
Our company's general manager took me to Cabo Fish Taco to show me his "cool-a-tude." Pah-lease. So, I am supposed to be duly impressed with his selection of Cabo Fish Taco, even before I arrive. Yeah, right. As John Travolta said, "Ain't it cool?" Well, it doesn't work like that for me.
The blah corn salsa, made with tomatoes, onions, etc. was unusual, but really didn't trip my trigger. The blue tortilla chips.....pretty to look at, but that's about all. Much better salsa and chips in other genuine Mexican restaurants. Agreed?
I ordered the fish taco, after all, how can one go wrong. Interesting idea, but very little flavor and substance. Boooring. Steeeeerike Twooooo.
I like the funky, Mexico meets Marley atmosphere, but to me the food is more important. I DO like the outdoor seating option.
Our Goth waitress was wonderful, friendly, and had a great sense of humor. She was the most enjoyable thing about the entire experience.
Finding convenient parking is hell.
Prices were a little higher than I would have liked, for the quantity of food received. Steeeeerike Three. You're out.
I'm sure that there are other things on the menu that I would enjoy. Several QC Yelpers that I respect, have a high regard of this restaurant, so I'm open to giving this place another try or two. The place would probably grow on me if I ate here often enough. The atmosphere is very laid back, and that's just "me."
I think that I'll bump my rating up one star, from a two to a three, so that I won't be a "Richard." Adding one star for the funk. I don't want to give this place a bad review, so a compromise is in order.
Live long and prosper Cabo Fish Taco. My general mgr. can KMA. LOL!
CABO FISH TACO
Location: 3201 N DAVIDSON ST CHARLOTTE, NC 28205
Facility Type: Restaurant
Inspection Date: 02/16/2012
Activity Type: Inspection
Score: 97.5 (I left off the two point "education credit" because that's a BS concept that has absolutely nothing to do with a restaurant's physical cleanliness.)Listed in: Unique Nosh
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Review from Misha T.
5/8/2012
Having for some reason been here twice now, I've come to the conclusion that Cabo makes it's fried seafood tacos well and everything else is decidedly meh. I've tried two of their specials, which though well seasoned, were just hopelessly overcooked.
Still my fried shrimp tacos were solid and the tecate tall boys are like 3 bucks so it's not too bad. -
Review from Kevin L.
Charlotte, NC
5/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I went to Cabo in 2010 with my wife and it was just a bad night. Neither of us liked it and we didn't return for two years. That being said, I've missed out on two years where we could have enjoyed Cabo Fish Taco! I went twice last week and both times it was fantastic! Cheese dip was average, Guac was wonderful, BBQ Mahi and the Seared Tuna tacos were phenomenal! I'm excited to try some more new things soon!
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Review from Andrew S.
Charlotte, NC
5/18/2012
Gotta love it when a "trendy, hipster" restaurant uses canned products. Canned corn, canned refried beans, canned jalepenos...not worth the money for these kinds of products... Stale chips, average tacos (we had blackened mahi mahi) and over priced beers. 5 bucks for a draught beer? Come on now!! My wife and I have eaten here several times and have tried various items on the menu. We always seem to be disappointed after eating here. And before we get reamed and told to stay in, we normally do
The wait staff is awesome and attentive to the patrons...no problem here. Everyone is friendly and I think this is what brings us back for the most part....that and the fact we love the NoDa area. However the food is just average for us.... -
Review from April L.
Charlotte, NC
5/17/2012
For my first fish taco experience, I have to say I'm impressed. I had the pleasure of devouring the bbq mahi taco with the creamy cilantro sauce. My husband had the chicken quesadillas(which was also awesome) Music was great. The setting was nice. Music was Parking not so nice. We were lucky to snag a spot nearby but if it was any busier, we would have been SOL. But we enjoyed the experience and we will be back :)
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Review from larry s.
Charlotte, NC
Updated - 5/18/2012
glad to see more people are coming around on this......for the food choices there are about 2 dozen places in charlotte to get better; in NODA its at the bottom of the list of the fooderies in that area...so why is it still there???....I know I know the answer is found every week in those Observer LAZY DAYS party pix of all the 'cool" people going to the "cool" bars; they support crap like this
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/28/2009
I've always been amazed this place has been around as long as it has and gets mentioned so much as a… Read more »
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Review from Mark R.
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came by for a visit based on recommendations from fellow YELPers.
The place was packed for dinner, so I sat at the bar. They have two bars, one in front, one in the other side of the restaurant. The place was very busy, and pretty loud. That's fine, it's just that kind of place. The sidewalk patio seating looked GREAT but, it was full so, I couldn't enjoy the people watching.
I ordered the special, based on recommendation from the bar tender, the Tuna Wrap. It was basically a tuna sandwich in a tortilla....sounds lame
but, it wasn't. the Tuna salad was very nicely spiced and the wrap was quite good. Very generous portion but, I was hungry!!! what could I do? I ate the whole darn thing (oink oink)
The beer selection was nice, with a variety of local brews, as well as commercial taps and specialty beers.
Service at the bar was good. The bartender was VERY experienced and knew what he was doing. Friendly, good at small talk but, not annoying and bothering too much.
The ambiance....meh. Take it or leave it. Too "themed" for my own tastes but, that's just the kind of place it is. I would definitely come here again, especially with friends for dinner before night on the town
Hint: Plan on waiting if you come at peak times...the place was very busy during dinner, as well as lunch when I strolled by earlier in the day. Not sure if they take reservations....worth a call to find out. -
Review from Claudine S.
Charlotte, NC
3/25/2012
What started out to be a great day ended in my going back to bed at 3:30PM.
After having such a wonderful experience at Shine with Mark, I decided to head over to NODA to check it out and to try something new, Cabo Fish Taco
So the place was packed, as expected from what I've read per previous reviews. I asked if there was a place at the bar since I was solo.
Headed to the bar and was ignored. Finally the grumpy and "I'm too busy checking my iPhone" bartender dude came over. He offered me a drink menu and I asked for the full food menu as well. He asked if I wanted chips and "salsa" . As I was looking over the drink menu, nothing really stood out, so I had the Souza something or other.. blah... boring, bland... stupid... why bother to order kind of drink - as it turned out. And not to mention it was served by a not so friendly bartender.
The chips were fine, but the corn-tomato salsa was DRY... it looks like they must pre-serve the bowls and let them sit until they are grabbed to be distributed. Salsa should be fresh, not dry.
Ok, then another person, brought over my lunch, I had ordered the lemon grilled shrimp taco with a steak taco and a side of re-fried beans as I, personally, dislike black beans. Strange I know, but I despise black beans.
The tortillas were warm, but the proteins cold. The cheddar cheese used on the steak tacos didn't even warm (and why would you put cheddar cheese on a steak taco?) The proteins were of good quality, but SERIOUSLY lacked any kind of flavor. I agree with Tanya R. -- white sauce, what white sauce? I asked if they had any other salsa's -- the dude looked at me like I was crazy. I said, you know hot sauces. He brought over Tapatio and Chula... ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? I said, "No like salsa verde or rojo? Something else made in-house" still he stood there blank and annoyed. I said something made in house... he went on to saying something with wasabe... What? WTH in a mex joint... I said forget it, please just bring out some more white sauce (which he charged me for). I put tapatio in in to help enhance it and to add heat.
The food was a big let down. The proteins were of good quality, lacked serious seasoning and were served cold. The re-fried beans were really weird tasting... sour almost, so I quit eating them in case there were bad.
I asked the to busy bartender after he finished checking his iPhone if the owners were from So Cal... he said I don't know... I just started here. REALLY you don't know shit about the restaurant you work in... WOW
And what put my experience over the top was they allow their wait staff to wear daisy dukes... one girl bent over and you could see up to a land you didn't want to observe... The staff all seemed overwhelmed and too busy to care. Argh I hate grumpy staff. The "good" thing out of my experience there was this nice patron sitting next to me at the bar who complemented my shirt...
I doubt I'd ever return. I can't believe this next part is even going to come out of my mouth, but I so wish a Rubio's would come to Charlotte, I would so welcome this chain and their taco Tuesday's... The places I avoided back home is what I'd rather eat here. Sad, shaking my head I even typed that, but at this point, I'd die for one of their fish tacos with white sauce and their salsa verde... -
Review from Trey S.
Had the pleasure of dining at the great Cabo Fish Taco. Ordered the Rasta Pasta, it simply fantastic. This has to be one of the best pasta's in all of the Charlotte area! IT was generous helpings of chicken, shrimp, pineapples, bell peppers, etc. SEX for my TASTE buds, that's all I can say about Rasta Pasta.
-The crab dip was awesome as always. The pitas bread it was served with was nice and soft.
Service was great. Tunes were great. Ambiance was great. The Sex my taste buds had was great. Everything was Great!! GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!Listed in: Food in Charlotte, NC, I am SPEEDY GONZALEZ!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/4/2011
I had a chance to go here on a date with my gf on a week night earlier this past week. I've made… Read more »
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Review from Kay W.
Charlotte, NC
4/10/2012
Had the chicken and shrimp burrito with jalapeno and cheese mashers. The burrito was tasty even though I did not taste any shrimp. It was also filling, so I did good and only ate half. Saved the other half for Monday's lunch.
The mashers were happily recommended by our server, yet they were lacking seasoning. Hats off to Cabo for my being able to tell they were homemade ( or in disguise)mashed potatoes. Bf and I also tried Azula Rita margaritas. Margaritas range from $5 to $12 and are $1 off on Sundays. It consists of OJ, pineapple juice, Blue Curacao and Jose C. Pretty tasty and bf ordered a second. ;) Service was just ok and there was a not big crowd. Will be back to try some of the other menu offerings. -
Review from Kate R.
Charlotte, NC
4/13/2012
Meh.
This place is all the rage is NoDa, but it's never done anything for me. I guess it's just not my bag, baby. There are several other places in the area where I'd rather eat and hang out. You should definitely check it out for yourself, as again, most people LOVE it. I've just never had a meal I was crazy about, and the service doesn't stand out either. -
Review from Shelly H.
Martinsville, VA
4/30/2012
I have only been here once; however, my experience was great enough that I am already planning a trip back. I had the best chicken and shrimp burrito ever. The corn salsa is wonderful and our server was the sweetest. If you go on a weekend in the evenings be ready to wait awhile for a table but it is SO worth it.
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Review from George R.
Charlotte, NC
3/5/2012
Two and a half stars, Ok but not so great.
Another Sunday fighting the crowds at Ikea - I recently bought two complete kitchens from them what a Pita!! - from there to the nearest home depot. I'm rarely at that end of town so I ask the young man behind the counter what's a good place for brunch in NODA and he says .... Cabo Fish taco. Great idea!
We get there about 2:30, the place is busy but not manageable. Mexico and Marley theme joint, my partner asked if it was a part of a chain. Told her, no but it wants to be. We get a table immediately, the waitress is very friendly and attentive, although the bar was slow getting the drinks out.
- Salsa and chips. Boooring, the corn heavy but too light on onions and spice mixture is no salsa and chips are cardboardy - I'd be surprised if they're not packaged.
-The skinny Margarita got two thumbs down but I was cozy with my Negra modelo.
- Mahi taco .. with tangy bbq sauce? The sauce was tasty but out of place, it overpowered the whole dish. Mahi, which in Fla we usually call dolphin is a strong tasting fish that can even be served blackened and it's flavor will still come through. Here it was so bland it could have been a chicken. It wasn't bad but the mahi taco tasted like bbq chicken taco so I'd call that a fail. My companion said she would have liked it if it hadn't been for the sauce , not me.
- Honey wasabi Tuna wrap, hu menu says burrito. Exact same result, wasabi/honey is the only flavor that came through and the wasabi tasted more like sharp yellow mustard than like wasabi. And I'm a wasabi eater, at home I even use it on cold chicken or cold roast beef. Tuna, unlike mahi is easy to overpower but still that was another honey/mustard chicken wrap not a fish burrito.
The refried beans and the mashed potatoes with jalapenos were the best thing of the whole meal. Price was reasonable. Would I go back? No, it wasn't bad but the food was Charlotte-grade boring. -
Review from Tiffany L.
Charlotte, NC
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
THE BEST FISH TACOS I'VE EVER HAD!
So last Saturday I tried this place for the first time after hearing all these great things about it from friends, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!
I've had the lemon grilled tuna and grilled salmon tacos, they were both great, but the salmon one was to die for! The cilantro white sauce really perfects the dish! You also get a side with the order as well; I chose fruit cup to be a little on the healthy side. I thought 2 tacos wasn't going to be enough for me because I have such a big appetite, but it was very filling. Good portion size!
This is definitely a place to check out. I want to go there again very very soon! -
Review from Jack B.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have become a regular here and have always enjoyed the food and great atmosphere. Located in NODA, it gives one quick access to a large number of other activities to engage in once one is done with their dinner at Cabo. Cabo has a full bar and televisions, if one wants to hang out with some friends, and / or catch a sporting event.
Cabo has a small outdoor seating area, which is where I usually sit. I enjoy the outside atmosphere, since I like hearing the culture happening in NODA while I eat. Interesting, for those who want a quieter atmosphere, the outside seating is actually quieter - to me - than sitting inside. So, this is just something to be aware of.
As far as food, fish tacos all the way, obviously. I prefer the salmon tacos, but they are all actually good. You get to pick two, so mix it up a bit and enjoy.
Also, they have cheap beer selections, so if you are looking more for a place to grab a few beers instead of food, Cabo is a perfect choice in the area. -
Review from Nicole R.
2/16/2012
My husband goes down to Charlotte often for business and on one trip the group he was went Cabo for lunch, it was the middle of the week and it was also 1:30. They all raved.
So one night three of that large group and spouses decided to get together and go. It was a saturday night in Aug. The place was packed, there was no place for us to wait, they told us atleast an house wait but to check in 30 mins. We went across the street to a bar and had a drink while waiting, one person from our party went and checked in after 30 mins, they told us 45 more mins. We then went to finish our drink they walk around and browse in some stores. We had to stand across the street and wait, there was no place to sit because there were sooooo many people waiting.
We finally got a table, it was right near the bar, which was packed, and had people's butts sticking in our face during our whole dinner. The place was so loud we could barely hear the waitress. For as busy as the place was we had ok service. They had NO chips, ran out of them.
We ordered the Cabo roll to start, my husband that doesn't usually like crab enjoyed them, as did the whole party.
We all enjoyed out dinners, they were very tastey. We all said we would go back but never again on a Saturday night and I am sure Friday night is the same way. -
Review from Cheyenne B.
Charlotte, NC
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
BEST fish tacos in Charlotte. I've tried many fish tacos in the area, and I'm always led back to Cabo. I've tried all varieties, Mahi-Mahi, Salmon, Beer battered etc....all are excellent with exception of the beer battered whitefish tacos. They are bland, but are supposed to be the "signature tacos."
Sides: Stick with black beans and rice. They are a safe choice.
Only complaints: Lack of "specials." Occasionally they have $1 off margaritas, but their sandwich board of daily deals only ever include "featured items" and offer no real price break or discount.
Love the outside seating in the summer, but the inside seating is rather loud, and it is hard to hold a conversation. -
Review from Chris P.
2/12/2012
The tables were turning over pretty quickly but a LOT of people were waiting for a spot on a busy Saturday night, so we waited an hour and 15 minutes (as quoted by the hostess) for our table. It was well worth the wait! Btw - the staff was busting their bums getting everyone accommodated for. They were polite and efficient given the amount of folks waiting for tables! I liked the happening vibe at CFT.
We were headed to Neighborhood Theater for a later show, so we had time to hang out and have a few drinks, chips, and salsa while we waited. The chips & salsa were so-so, but I was so hungry we devoured a whole basket! I personally like a spicier, more tomato-ey salsa, but that's just me.
My battered shrimp taco was OUTSTANDING! I loved the flavor of the shrimp and the tortilla was delicious. My chicken taco was good too, but I could have devoured more than one of those shrimp puppies. The barbecue mahi was pretty darn delicious too. NoDa is a cool neighborhood...we'd definitely come back for more tacos and another show! -
Review from Lisa T.
Waxhaw, NC
4/30/2012
Heard of Cabo Fish Taco on Triple D. Since I had never been to the NoDa neighborhood, we went exploring. The area is great and the food here was as promised...Delicious. We had fried oysters with an amazing dip for an appetizer. We will definitely be back.
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Review from Frankie R.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2012
I went this passed weekend with some friends (12 of us) and didn't think about the fact it was Saturday night. So we got there at 8:00p and were told it was a 90 minute wait.
Realizing every place would have a wait we decided to stick around. We were seated in 25 minutes (party of 12, on a Sat night)
The service was good, and the food was really good. I would recommend the 'beer battered white fish' hands down the best thing there. I asked for their 3 'best dishes' and the beer battered white fish was awesome!
It was a little loud in there so it made it hard to talk with folks at the table and it was kind of dark, we needed to use our phones to read the menus... Small price to pay for great fish tacos. -
Review from Erica J.
Charlotte, NC
3/29/2012
One for the neighborhood, three for the food....HANDS DOWN THE BEST margaritas in Queen city...now lets roll! Seriously the best margarita I've had since i've moved down south y'all. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is great, the service is family friendly... grab your drink and eat outside, you've made your day go from good to great when you reach the bottom of your margarita glass.
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Review from S M.
Charlotte, NC
4/3/2012
Different for Mexican but very good food and service!
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Review from Maddy E.
Cornelius, NC
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
The building is not nearly as large as I would have imagined. Cabo Fish Taco is in an old historic circa 1900 building (cool character for sure) but due to its size (amongst other things) I could easily see where all the bad reviews came from. I would not come here on a Saturday night. Never.
The bar itself seats probably 10 people. The NoDa area has a plague of tiny sized bars, any semi busy time is going to be tricky to get a stool anywhere.
There was quite a bit of staff and their friends (both on and off duty) pretty much just loitering, making it take literally 8 minutes for two maragritas (delicious and alcoholic though) at a bar with only two paying customers. Although, the service here isn't much different than service in any other North Carolina establishment-- its going to be slow.
I do wish they had mojitos or more of a menu variety. Its pretty much just fish tacos and margaritas. I get its their "deal" but there was maybe three creative things on the menu (like the tacos are basic, I expected more pizzazz and creativity being featured on 'Triple D' and all).
The chips were fresh and par for a chip, guessing the "soggy chip" reviews probably come from humid months since fresh chips are stored by the bar in a hotel pan without a lid. A tip for CFT: store your chips in a plastic bin with a cover.
The salsa looked like shoepeg canned corn with some jazz and was NOT the least bit zippy. Kids would like it though, pretty flavorless. The guacamole was ok, Chipotles is better. I don't think its actually from a bucket, but it was processed to death in the kitchen. Another tip: add salt and lime to the guac. Its seriously lacks flavor.
Other little peeves included a hair (totally impossibly mine) deep in my guacamole and pieces of crab shell in my crab roll (which was good, minus the extra crunch). Also, the bartender being way too interested in his girlfriend loitering at the bar to refill our drinks multiple times brought down my rating.
SUMMARY: check it out on a Tuesday afternoon, its not worth fighting Saturday night crowds for. Plan way ahead to order drinks from the bar (even if its empty) and be patient. This place operates on its own schedule. But, its a cool little spot to check out, good margaritas, and fits in well with the NoDa artsy vibe. Now I just wish someone would get creative with that menu, lots of potential. And triple the size of the bar. And make the employees go home after their shifts instead of hanging out with the on-duty workers not buying anything. -
Review from Yoori S.
Huntersville, NC
3/28/2012
I came in here one day by chance and tried their BBQ Mahi Tacos. The tacos, the side of jalapeno/cheese potato mashers, and the service were all fantastic. I've been going back to Cabo for lunch at least once a week since and it is always crowded and busy, however, the staff is always apologetic and accommodating to the best of their ability so you can't really be mad at them!
So far I've tried the BBQ Mahi Tacos, Lemon Grilled Tuna Tacos, Beer Battered White Fish Tacos, and the Tavarua Tacos. All amazing but the BBQ Mahi Tacos are definitely my favorite. -
Review from Dave B.
11/14/2011
Fish tacos in Charlotte? Pretty good ones too. They were big, really big. Flavorful and fresh. Price was right. They encourage mixing and matching which is key.
Lively atmosphere, nice art. Friendly service. Glad to have a local introduce me. Never would've wandered in by myself. -
Review from Adam R.
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to love Cabo, but I think they've gotten too big for their britches. Our most recent visit paired rude, lackluster service with mediocre food.
It started when they forgot about us for 45 minutes. We were wondering why our food was taking so long, when our waitress popped over to tell us that "the printer hadn't printed" our order, so we had fallen behind. I am not sure whether that was the truth or not, but when one of our party (half-jokingly) asked if they were going to adjust our bill, she made some snide little joke about all she could do was keep our water glasses filled. And guess what--she didn't even do that!
When the food finally came, it was pretty bland, and the portions were very small for the price they charge. I didn't want to pig out, but I left hungry.
Other small annoyances:
-the hostess who sat us was quite rude, at one point informing us that we needed to move because we were "in the way." Ok, that's reasonable, but that's not how you talk to a customer. You ask nicely or at least say excuse me.
-The board listing their specials was a night old, so we tried to order things that weren't available. The waitress looked at us like we were stupid before we pointed out their mistake.
-It's loud. Almost too loud for a bar, and definitely too loud for a restaurant where, you know, you might want to be able to talk with your companions.
I was very disappointed with Cabo this time around... I don't think I'll be back.Listed in: Good News, Everyone!
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Review from Joshua V.
Lexington, MA
12/10/2011
My wife and I stopped here today after hearing good things about the place. We were disappointed.
Although the service was fast and our waitress was very nice, the food was mediocre.
Firstly, the guacamole was obviously out of a container. We suspected that they use the exact same pre-made brand that you find in the grocery store. They tossed some fresh chopped onions and some other stuff on top, but they weren't fooling anyone. (By the way, the charged more than 6 bucks for the stuff.)
Secondly, the chips they served were stale and under-salted.
Thirdly, the refried beans were also out of a can. They had the EXACT taste and texture of the Old El Paso brand refried beans that you can pick up in any grocery store for $0.99 a can. Of course, Cabo will charge you considerably more.
Finally, we have to talk about the fish tacos. We tried 4 varieties of their tacos, and they were all bland and uninspired. The fish was overcooked, the sauces were just gross.
They used fried flour shells and cheddar instead of traditional corn tortillas and cojita or queso fresco (which would be the more authentic way to go with this sort of fair). Personally I didn't mind the flour shells, but my wife thought it was blasphemy.
Lastly, a word to the chef: Wasabi and Mustard are not the same thing. -- The honey-wasabi sauce tasted exactly like the spicy mustard you get from a chinese restaurant (which is generally just ground mustard mixed with water). I could be wrong- maybe the other flavors screwed up my taste buds- but that tasted just like any generic honey mustard sauce.
I don't mean to bash these guys too much. The meal wasn't awful- it was just awful for the price.
Also, I need to knock down their rating a little bit, because they just don't deserve their current 3.5 stars on Yelp.
My wife wants you to know that you can get better food at Chipotle. -
Review from Margot Z.
Charlotte, NC
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Whoa, how have I not reviewed CFT yet?
Okay first, the wait: To address all these reviews that talk about waiting to be seated - yes, you usually have to wait for a table. Yes, there isn't really a good area to sit and wait. But yes, it is worth it. When you're coming to a restaurant this delicious, you'll probably have to wait.
The food: I'm not a huge fan of the chips and salsa, but most people I go with love them. I've had the BBQ Mahi Tacos (about 6 times). They are amazing. The tortillas are fried and the slaw is incredible. I usually get full after the first one, which says a lot because I can usually house my meals, but always make room for the second taco. The sides? Nothing great. Some of my friends love the jalapeno-cheddar mashers. I usually pay the up-charge to get a side salad, which is delicious, but the tacos are good enough that the lack of yummy sides doesn't really matter. The Guacamole Salmon Salad is also incredible.
Great beer selection. Decent margaritas. The prices can't be beaten. I love NoDa and I love Cabo Fish Taco. -
Review from Suzie E.
York, SC
2/13/2012
Planned ahead and arrived in plenty of time before the band we were going to see later that night. This restaurant is within walking distance of some great small music venues and galleries in NoDa. I was prepared as I watched the Triple D excerpt on their web-page and checked out the menu on-line. We had quick service and plenty of chips and corn/pico type salsa to prevent over ordering. 3 of our party had the Tuna with Wasabi burrito and not a one of them offered me a bite so they must have enjoyed it very much. I went with what they are know for- a blackened Mahi fish taco and a beer battered shrimp taco. both were good, the Mahi was better. I also had the Silver Surfer Margarita, fresh and tasty, no syrupy mixer. I would eat there again if for no other reason than the convenient location and to try something new.
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Review from Tom C.
Love me some Cabo! There are a ton of tacos to choose from and every one I've ever had has been delish. Generally my wife and I get two different ones and share. Today's visit brought us beer battered Tilapia and BBQ Mahi. Most of the tacos come with minced cabbage, tomato, guacamole, cheese, and some yummy, creamy sauce drizzled on. They start you with some corn, tomato and pepper salsa and chips which is not too spicy but is always fresh tasting. Today we augmented with some queso that was hot, cheesy and tasty with a peppery finish.
The atmosphere is funky like most NoDa places and we've always found the service to be fast and friendly. No pretentious hipster vibe here as everyone seems to be deemed cool enough to be treated well by the staff. Always a mix of clientele from the tattooed and pierced to the khaki'd and buttoned down. Nice beer specials too and it was all I could do to lay off the $2 drafts before heading back to cubeville this afternoon! -
Review from Tricia O.
9/2/2011
I've never been to Cabo, and I don't like fish tacos. I also don't like paying to park in dodgy gravel lots. However, I do like parking for free about a block down from NoDa's Cabo Fish Taco. There I might see a man in the yard adjacent to my meterless spot, expertly swinging chains with fiery balls attached to the ends. That he was performing for the group of firemen encircling him made it seem somehow normal.
You just never know what you are going to get in NoDa. You do, however, know what you are going to get at Cabo Fish Taco.
Usually, you'll get a waiting list. They've expanded into the space next door, where the hardwood planks are far less buoyant than those on the original side, and added covered outdoor seating. Their popularity has grown as well, so the extra room is proportionate to the demand. They don't take reservations, and at lunch and even on weeknights there's sometimes a short wait, so it's best to plan accordingly.
You'll always get complimentary salsa. Not the liquefied tomato version of most Tex-Mex eateries, but Cabo Fish Taco's primarily corn, tomato and black bean brand that always has a few rebellious members who refuse to stay in the bowl or on a chip.
Fresh food is de rigueur at Cabo Fish Taco, along with special twists of white cilantro sauce and Napolito Salad. That's cactus, to the gringos. For those of us who don't care for fish, the menu also includes salads, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and my favorite, the Serrano Chicken Salad with a side of Mexi-Slaw, all sans fins.
Perhaps as a nod to the weird, or to the sense of community in NoDa, there are two toilets in the ladies room, but no stalls. I'd bet cash money that women with no previous interactions except simultaneously full bladders have used those potties in tandem based on their consumption of Purple Haze Margaritas.
Casual, and generally quick service is expected at Cabo Fish Taco, where the vibe is decidedly NoDa and what I expect of Cabo San Lucas: Anything goes, as long as it is good. -
Review from Paul H.
11/8/2011
I was in Charlotte visiting some friends that brought me here to try the fish tacos on a Saturday morning. We walked in 30 minutes after they opened so wer were immediately sat at a table. I was told that they get super busy pretty early and it last most of the day.
They brough complimentary chips & salsa and the salsa was obviously homemade with lots of flavor. We ordered queso that was also good. I ordered 2 tuna tacos (1 Tavarua Taco & 1 BBQ Mahi Taco). Both were great but the Tavarua was just plain nuts. It has honey wasabi sauce and I'm a big fan of wasabi. I know they've gotten sub-par reviews but my visit was really good. I'll look to visit again the next time I'm in Charlotte. -
Review from Chad E.
8/20/2011
I can never really decide if I like Guy Fieri. On the one hand, he seems like a bit of a douche, with the sunglasses on the back of his head and the sweatbands all over the place. On the other hand, anyone has to be better than Melissa d'Arabian, right?
So one of the places that Guy has visited on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" is Cabo Fish Taco, a funky little place in NoDa, famous for - what else - fish tacos. The big problem with fish tacos in NoDa should be obvious to just about anyone: Charlotte is nowhere near the ocean. Any ocean. Now if they are pulling fish fresh from a nearby lake, cooking it up and plopping it on a taco, then maybe. Just maybe. But somehow I do not think that is what we have here.
Instead, it is a generally average joint nestled amongst the buildings in NoDa, and it has a reasonable reputation, surely bolstered by their appearance on Triple D. The service is not bad, but the food? Really middle-of-the-road. As has been mentioned, they start you off with this funky corn salsa that is different than what you usually get in this sort of place, but really is not that great. If the chips are stale, it is worse.
Then you pick some tacos. Most of them are decent, but just not that memorable. None seem to be outstanding. When you factor in the need to wait for a table and be jostled about with a crowd, it just may not be worth all the hassle, you know?Listed in: 2011-08-365, Charlotte: Mexican, NoDa? NoDuh!, Triple D in the QC
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Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
10/30/2011 1 photo
Thanks Yelp for reminding me that I added a photo for Cabo forever ago and need to get my butt in gear with writing a review!
I went here quite a few times my time in Charlotte and always enjoyed it. You got superb people watching, cold beers, a decent patio area (albeit more mosquitoes than I care to have around me at one time) and reliable food. As for the inside, I have no clue about it and really don't remember it that much. Hmmmm....that can't be a good sign. But I blame it either on beer or the fact that I always sat outside (even in the fall, again, big hmmmm). The first thing I ever ordered there was the BBQ Mahi Tacos and I never strayed from it because I loved it so much. But I think more of that was due to the tortillas than anything, you could put an old dirty show in one of their tortillas and I would eat because I'm nasty like that. And now I'm in FL craving Cabo, anyone want to overnight it? Thanks! -
Review from Krissy M.
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
EPIC TUNA BURRITO.
The name says it all. But, if you must hear a few more to back up the claim, here are a few: GRILLED YELLOW FIN TUNA WRAPPED WITH BLACK BEANS, RICE, AVOCADO, ROASTED RED PEPPERS MIXED CHEESES & OUR WHITE CILANTRO SAUCE.
Hubs and I visited this past weekend for lunch while seeing friends that live in Charlotte. They suggested this location as a great place for us to see the art district while having some good options for us all (three omnivores and one mostly-pescatarian)
The chips brought out were okay, but the salsa was really good, as well as the guacamole we ordered for the table. We were seated at the big booth in the front, so it was cool to hear the bustle of the restaurant, but still quiet enough to have some good convo.
We all loved the food - me especially! But the portions are SOOO big. I ate just half and hubs happily finished mine after he ate his BBQ mahi tacos which he loved as well.
BIG BIG YUM! -
Review from Amanda G.
Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Advice: get yourself some tacos and a margarita, and skip the rest :)
I travel to Charlotte for work, so whenever the coworkers take pity on my poor, car-less little self, I get to go somewhere OTHER than Uptown for dinner. Last week it was CFT!
From a service perspective, I'd give it a "good not great"; there was a time or two when we wanted drink refills, and our waitress almost appeared to be avoiding our table, but otherwise she was friendly and attentive enough.
From a food perspective, I didn't really LOVE the Baja Shrimp & Crab dip (although my coworkers were into it, so who knows...maybe I'm crazy), and I've had better queso. They were fine, but I had a little of each and was over them.
If I were only rating the tacos and the margaritas, this place would have 4 stars. I had the special that day: talapia tacos that were covered in this delicious, spicy, buffalo-ish sauce and done to perfection...they were seriously yummy. And the Pomegranate margaritas were super delish...but then again, I think all of the margaritas are probably pretty good, from what my coworkers have told me. Definitely worth a stop!Listed in: Ch-Ch-Ch-Charlotte!
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Review from Kevin L.
Charlotte, NC
7/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am not a seafood fan at all. The only time I eat it is when I am by the coast and that is out of obligation.
That being said, when someone decided we should go to a place that serves fish tacos, I could think of nothing more disgusting. But because I am always willing to try a restaurant's staple dish, I bravely tried a mahi mahi fish taco.
I don't get surprised by non-desert foods a lot, but wow!! I loved it! In fact, for the next several days I actually had fish taco cravings. Since that experience I have been to a few places where they recommended their fish taco, hoping to satisfy the craving I would eat them but they were horrible compared to Cabo Fish Taco.
I have now been back several times and have even guided a few friends into trying a fish taco. I still don't eat seafood but love these fish tacos. The complimentary homemade salsa is really good too.
Word to the wise though, if you have a group bigger than four people, show up really early or plan on a wait. They don't take reservations. And only have a few places that seat bigger parties. -
Review from Rick F.
5/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Diners, Drive in and Dives! A must try place! So we trekked out after work yesterday. I love the location, Love the style, people and atmosphere. The place was packed! Everyone seemed to be having a great time and the vibe was hip and cool!
Service was a little slow! Chips were average and not fresh, Salsa was nothing much to speak of a bit of a disappointment.
I had three taco's Mahi, Shrimp Tara something..... all were good Tara was #1 Shrimp was #2 and Mahi was #3. Mashed Potatoes were forgettable -
Review from Darren G.
Reston, VA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food wasn't too bad, but it wasn't necessarily great. I ordered a lemon grilled shrimp taco and refried beans. The portions could have been bigger for the price and the food was lacking in spice. ...at least they served free chips. Gets an A+ for service but an uninspired C+ for food.
