By Maddy Cook
Centro
Vibrancy and personality burst from every corner of Centro Raleigh, an outstanding Mexican restaurant Downtown. If you’ve come for dinner as we did, plan for an evening illuminated by dozens of candles, including those tucked into the brick wall which escort you upstairs to a space equally charming as the first, complete with a Mezcal bar and additional patio seating. Prepare for a truly moody yet cozy dining experience at Centro, where eye-catching decor celebrates the beauty of Mexico.
At Centro, it’s clear that the only thing more important than great atmosphere is exceptional food…well, drinks too. Let’s start there! If spicy, smokey, or exceedingly fresh flavors are your cup of tea (er, cocktail) than Centro’s drink menu is for you! House-made toasted coconut syrup, cinnamon cordial and fresh squeezed orange juice are among the elevated ingredients the string lit bar integrates into their margaritas and mixed drinks.
Back to the delectable food… the chilaquiles are a prime example! This has been one of my favorite dishes since I first discovered it years ago in Arizona, where delicious Mexican food was in abundance! I was as excited as I was skeptical when I saw this dish on the menu. How would it compete with the authenticity of the southwest? I’ll cut right to the chase and tell you that it landed #1 on my list with the first bite. Creamy, mild, cheesy sauce bubbled over soft (not soggy!) tortillas while pickled onions added an inventive kick. We also ordered the burrito with tender pork, served with a spicy salsa and fresh made tortilla chips and were completely impressed.
Not yet wanting to leave the vacation vibes of the upper patio, where cartoonish skeletons danced around wall to wall murals and healthy plants crept around every corner, we ordered a tres leches cake. The sweetness of the vanilla cake soaked in three milk was balanced by the tartness of the berry compote drizzled atop whipped cream… a must try!
Upon heading out, we bumped into the incredibly kind hostess who’d first recommended the upstairs bar and patio, and we gained even more appreciation for Centro as she shared its history as a Raleigh staple since 2007, establishing itself as truly authentic in a sea of generally inauthentic competition. She described the care by which the chefs and staff curate seasonal food and drink menus, and let us in on a hot tip that the Autumn 2024 menu is going to be a knockout!
We can’t wait to dine again and hope you’re inspired to do the same! Find Centro at 106 South Wilmington St with convenient garage parking just adjacent. Cheers!
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