Sabor Latin Street Grill, a Charlotte-based restaurant, opened in Greenville this week.
I used to wince when friends suggested going to any type of ethnic restaurant, – “if it ain’t American food, JoAnn won’t eat it,” they would say.
However, I have learned to appreciate the culinary cultural differences, throughout the world.
Inspired by traditional Latin-America street food, Sabor offers delicious, fresh food in a fast-paced environment, for those who want to experience an eclectic cuisine without a passport.
Sabor’s Operation
Patrons enter a vibrant, up-tempo restaurant and form a cue line, to place their order.
Most menu items are á-la-carte, making it very easy to maintain portion control.
A large overhead menu board is well lit, as you place your order with an attendant.
You will carry a small metal marker to identify your table. Your order is delivered to you.
While you wait for your food, make sure to visit Sabor’s Salsa Bar
There is a flavor to satisfy every type of palate, including:
- mild – traditional red salsa – very light, smooth, crisp and fresh
- verde – traditional green salsa – festive flavor and clean
- pineapple habanero – a pleasant surprise – slightly sweet, with mild heat
I will return and pair a margarita with the pineapple habanero salsa.
Sabor plans to have their liquor license in February 2020.Their nacho basket is enough for two and served warm. We ordered the large queso dip with our chips.
The queso is creamy, delicious and not overloaded with peppers. The guacamole is fresh, soft and smooth.
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Sabor’s Food
For those traditionalists, Sabor’s menu includes tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
But what you should try is their unique take on Latin street foods, not found anywhere else in Greenville.
The “Street Food” on the menu includes Venezuelan arepas, Argentine empanadas, and Salvadoran and Dominican specialties.
The staff prepares tortillas and pastry shells daily.
My favorite is the Empanada with barbacoa braised beef and cheese.
The pastry is crispy, flakey but sturdy enough to be packed full of meat.
The barbacoa beef is flavorful, tender and succulent.
I am hungry just thinking about this addictive, yummy dish.
My husband’s favorite is Sabor’s new Pork Belly Tacos.
Pork belly is prepared, in-house. Taco is a flour tortilla with tomato, cheese, and lettuce.
I highly recommend the Carne Asada Fries. French fries covered in tender, grilled steak strips, queso, pico de gallo, cabbage, cheese, and a red sauce – one serving will fill you up.
Atmosphere at Sabor
Sabor is a lively, casual spot, which I suspect will outgrow their West End small space within a year.
If you decide to go for dinner, I recommend visiting early in the evening.
It could be argued that space, is the one negative of Sabor.
When at capacity, traffic to the fountain drink and salsa station can be congested. – GO EARLY!
Prices for their á-la-carte items are very reasonable and food arrives quickly.
Owner, Dalton Espaillat, originally worked in construction but dreamed of owning a restaurant serving food from his native Dominican Republic.
With over a dozen locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, Espaillat finally brought his delicious tour of Latin food to the Greenville market
Other Incentives to Visit Sabor
Besides great food, Sabor has several other incentives to visit…
- Mondays – Mexican beers are $2.50
- Tuesday – $1.00 Tacos
- Wednesdays – Kids eat free
- Thursdays – $7.00 Arepas and Empanadas – along with $5 Cuban Mojitos
- Fridays – $5 Margaritas
Specials are also available during “Happy Hour” 3 pm – 5 pm.
Ask about the “FAMILY BOX.” Available for pick up, it is enough food for four. Monday thru Saturday, the family box is $30, but on Sunday’s it is $25.00.
Sabor Latin Street Grill hit a home run with this foodie.
I can only hope, if I ever visit Venezuela, Argentina, El Salvador or the Dominican Republic and try authentic street food, it tastes exactly as Sabor Latin Street Grill prepares.
I WILL return to try their signature cocktails and get me some more of those barbacoa braised beef empanadas.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
732-A South Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
864-236-5772
Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
https://saborcharlotte.com/
