I bookmarked this place after reading all the stellar reviews. I drive down Tryon all the time and could never find this place. Don't look for Las Lupitas; it's easier to see sign outside the store says Carniceria Tortilleria. Went inside to check it out and all I can say is WOW! How did I miss this?
Basically it's a Latino meat market and take out place. I've never been in one before; the counter was loaded with different cuts of meat, all labeled in Spanish. I knew I needed to find the Carnitas and Barbacoa but wasn't sure how to order as there really isn't a menu per say. Figured I may need to come back with someone in the know...
In the mean time I pursued the soda selection; they had a huge variety of Mexican sodas in funky flavors using real sugar. I tried the lime soda; it had just the right amount of sweetness.
Must have looked totally perplexed, but one of the guys at the counter came up and answered my questions and even gave me a sample of the Barbacoa and Carnitas in a corn tortilla. OMG it was so good! The tortilla was hot and fresh, the meat perfectly seasoned and tasted amazing. I immediately ordered a half pound of each and 12 of the tortillas. Added a cup of their hottest salsa for $2; it wasn't that hot but it had a smokey flavor that was addictive. For roughly $13, it was a lot of food! I felt like I had stolen something.
For some odd reason the salsa's were cash only. On everything else you can use a debit card. Not really a problem; just pointing it out.
Super nice staff, fantastic food, ridiculously low prices, what's not to like? Can't wait to come back!