Strong to-go margaritas trump the tacos at Tequileria Express
Tequileria Express sits in the Main terminal at CLT and runs as a quick‑serve Mexican counter with $$ pricing and about a 3‑star track record. Think simple tacos, burritos, nachos, premixed margaritas, and beer rather than a full sit‑down meal. Most orders move fast, so it works when you have 20–30 minutes before boarding and just want something in hand.
Menu highlights: basic chicken or beef tacos, loaded nachos, foil‑wrapped burritos, and chips with salsa. Reviews on Google and Reddit say the food often lands as “meh” or bland, and a few call out lukewarm rice and beans. Portion sizes are airport‑standard, not huge, and the bill for tacos plus a drink can creep past $20 after tax and tip.
The drinks are the draw. Multiple reviewers mention strong margaritas in plastic to‑go cups so you can walk them back to your gate instead of parking at Whisky River. Flavors tend to be classic lime from a premix, with occasional comments about inconsistency: one Google review says “margarita was strong,” another calls theirs watery. Beer in bottles or cans rounds things out if you don’t want sugar.
What regulars do: CLT flyers on Reddit say they skip the mains and stick to chips and salsa or just a margarita, then head straight back to their seats at the nearby gates. That play avoids the common complaints about bland food while still taking advantage of the quick service. If you want an actual meal, many point you toward other Main terminal spots with better hot plates.
Tip: order your margarita in a to‑go cup, confirm it’s made, then grab a small snack like chips and salsa so you’re not stuck juggling a full burrito on the walk back to your gate.