Superica, the new chic Tex-Mex restaurant in South End, is off to hot start, serving over 3,000 guests in its first week. I went last Friday night. Here are 10 quick takeaways from my first visit.

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(1) At 8 p.m., the bar was three-deep. It’s popular and filled with good-looking South End people you’d see in a brochure for Charlotte. Seriously, it’s hot right now.

With a sizable bar area, a main dining room and outdoor seating — it’s a massive restaurant. The restaurant is laid back, but well-designed.

Even with a huge space, expect a wait for your table on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

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(2) For an appetizer, skip the guacamole and go with the queso fundido – broiled Monterey Jack and Chihuahua cheeses, warm tortillas and salsa cremosa ($10).

You’ll also be served chips and two different salsas at your table to start.

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(3) If you’re looking for a different-flavored appetizer to split with the table, order the Campechana de Mariscos – spicy gulf shrimp, octopus, lump crab, fresh avocado, tostadas ($16).

This Tex-Mex seafood cocktail is popular right now in Charlotte according to Superica’s Senior GM Andy Palermo.

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(4) Superica’s cocktails are outstanding. Go with the Matador – El Jimador Blanco, pineapple, lime, cilantro, served up ($10) or the Red Headed Stranger – Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Campari, fresh grapefruit ($11).

If you’re looking for a classic margarita, do The O.G – El Jimador Reposado, Stirrings triple sec, fresh lime, short and strong, served up or on the rocks ($9).

Here are the three most popular cocktails at Superica:

• Superita – Herradura double reposado, combier, lime juice, orange, brine, citrus marinated olives, served up Austin-style
• Texas Star – Gran Centenario Rosangel tequila, St. Germain, ruby red grapefruit, lime
• The Matador – El Jimador blanco, pineapple, lime, cilantro, served up

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(5) Unless you do the $11.99 lunch special, Superica is pricey. Most entrees range from $18-$38, fajitas $20-$28, enchiladas $13-$15 and tacos $13-$16. You get it, it’s not a cheap Mexican spot.

All dishes are served with rice and refried beans. I freaking loved Superica’s refried beans, but I’m a refried beans guy.

I ordered the fajitas. They were solid, but I wish it had other veggies instead of just onions. Next time I go to Superica I’m going to order the enchiladas.

According to the Superica, here are the most popular dishes:

• Appetizers: Queso, guacamole and steak nachos
• Lunch: Lunch special combo (cheese enchilada, crispy beef taco, rice + beans), tacos al carbon and  chicken tortilla soup + Superica salad lunch combo
• Dinner: Fajitas mixtas, whole gulf red snapper (for make your own fish tacos) and chicken mole enchiladas

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(6) The puffy tacos look crazy.

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(7) When I asked about any surprising popular dishes here in Charlotte, the Superica team mentioned their Camarones Brochetas – chili spiced gulf shrimp stuffed with jack cheese and jalapeño, wrapped in bacon ($4/each). I never knew we were a shrimp-loving city.

Also, how about that frothy Mexican butter that you can pour over your dish? I like it.

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(8) Superica’s courtyard has so much potential. I’d look for them to do more with this outside space over time.

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(9) Superica doesn’t post their dessert menu online, but they’ve got it. We went with their popular dulce de leche.

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(10) Given its location, you can easily pair a trip to Superica with a short walk to/from Dilworth Tasting Room or Sycamore Brewing.

My group did an early dinner at Superica and then popped into Dilworth Tasting Room, Sycamore, and finished the night with a chill beer at Pop The Top. These are all about a five-minute walk from Superica.

Oh, and Jeni’s Ice Cream is about 50 yards from Superica. Construction is well underway and once this well-respected ice cream shop opens later this summer — expect Superica followed by Jeni’s to be one of the most popular dinner dates in Charlotte.