How to find a good Mexican restaurant: Looks like the building used to be something else. Check. Has tasty margaritas, Check. Has a staff that speaks Spanish first, English second, Check. Food is tastily prepared (and if you come often enough you'll notice subtle variations in each batch of sauce). Check. Chips taste freshly made (with fresh oil). Check. Salsa is spicier than chain restaurants? Check.
I've been here dozens of times, so many that one particular waitress gives us big hugs. even though I live in Ohio, I make effort to come to Maria's each time I'm in Charlotte. My meals are always great, I don't have to ask for Vegetarian beans because they don't use lard in theirs at all, my food and my friend's always comes out well presented (and it doesn't take long before the plate is empty).
BURP. Make it to Maria's...