Listen up, food lovers—there’s a deliciously fresh vibe shaking things up in Mooresville, and it goes by the name Casa Azteca! I recently caught up with Justin, the enthusiastic manager and son of owner Cesar Santillan, and let me tell you, their passion for bringing vibrant Mexican cuisine to Lake Norman is contagious.
Justin shared the family’s impressive culinary journey, which kicked off in 1994 when his dad, Cesar, introduced Charlotte to authentic Mexican eats. Fast forward to today, and Casa Azteca elevates the game, bringing an upscale twist to classic dishes—while still holding onto those beloved tacos and burritos, of course!
Walking into Casa Azteca is like stepping into a chic Mexican getaway, complete with an eye-catching mural and unique décor that instantly screams fun and festive. By day, it’s perfect for family meals or casual lunches. But Justin spilled the tea on plans to turn up the heat at night with karaoke, dancing, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Talk about spicing things up!
Now, let’s dish about the FOOD—because that’s what we’re really here for, right? The carne asada was the star of my meal, grilled to perfection over charcoal and bursting with smoky goodness. And for all you seafood fans, don’t sleep on the shrimp version—it’s supposed to be amazing, though sadly, my shellfish allergy had me admiring from afar.
I have to give a special shout-out to the addictive dip trio. Seriously, I don’t even know what’s in it, but I drizzled every last drop over my enchiladas—it’s THAT good.
The salmon with orange sauce and fluffy white rice was another total hit, perfectly balancing sweet and savory. Plus, the guacamole here is absolute perfection: fresh, creamy, and made right in front of your eyes in their open kitchen.
And drinks? Oh honey, get ready for a party. The new bartender whipped up some incredible cocktails, including a fun cotton candy martini. But the Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita stole my heart—smoky, sweet, and all kinds of fabulous.
Sadly, I didn’t get to dessert this trip (tragic, I know!), but Justin insisted I missed out on treats inspired by his grandmother’s recipes. Guess I have no choice but to return with friends and an appetite for something sweet!
Nutrition Corner: Casa Azteca is a great spot to keep your healthy eating habits on track. Mexican cuisine naturally offers plenty of fresh veggies and lean proteins, making it easy to eat well without feeling deprived. And judging by the freshness and quality at Casa Azteca, your taste buds and waistline will both leave happy.
Mooresville, your new Mexican hotspot has officially arrived, and trust me—you’re going to love it!
Amber Valentine – Owner of Hotmess 2 Hotness, llc.
Meet Amber Valentine, a bold and empowering speaker known for her 300 pound transformation story. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Coach, and an expert in helping women unleash their inner Bad B. As the CEO of Hotmess 2 Hotness, LLC, Amber specializes in mindfulness techniques, healthy eating, and conquering your own B.S. and offers a 12 week fat loss program for women.
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