While driving in Charlotte has its challenges, it’s only half the battle. Once you reach your destination, the real struggle begins: securing a parking spot. You may have found yourself in a crowded parking lot, fighting over a limited number of spots or endlessly circling for street parking, getting further and further away from your destination.

Add in any element of weather (rain, low temperatures or the unlikely, but not unheard, of snowfall) and you’ve got anxiety-inducing, road-rage-triggering conditions.

As temperatures in Charlotte continue to dip, allow us to offset the stress of parking by creating a list of local spots with easy-access lots. With this list of restaurants you won’t have to worry about long walks to your destination, inclement weather or parking-lot battle fields. Many of them exist within shopping centers or are stand-alone establishments.

El Puro

Location: 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Located in a shopping plaza on South Boulevard, you’ll find El Puro, a family-run restaurant offering a fresh take on classic Cuban cuisine. I’ve mentioned it before, but restaurants tucked away in shopping plazas often serve the best food. And El Puro is a perfect example of this. With classic Cuban dishes like ropa vieja (shredded brisket in a creole sauce), empanadas, croquetas and, of course, a classic Cuban sandwich, El Puro brings traditional Latin fare to South Boulevard.

Instagram: @elpurocubanrestaurant

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