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    El Barrio

    4.5 (1k reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Barrio Takeout or Delivery

    El Barrio Photos

    EL BARRIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Barrio

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    Faye Y.

    Food first, thoughts after... Oh my goodness. This was delicious. The ingredients were so fresh and the flavors were good. The sopa seca was spicy but delicious. I asked for hot sauce don't think I added any. The guacamole was perfect. Good texture and kept getting compliments from the table. Good portion of shrimp in ceviche and another dish. The service was noticeably amazing. They were always there and always trying to clear things not needed. The waitress was really nice and considerate. Loved our time here. Spacious and colorful interior.

    Mole
    Rachel B.

    GET THE MOLE!! im so picky when it comes to mole. i absolutely LOVED their twist on it. it wasn't super rich like a traditional mole, but sooooo flavorful.

    Destiny F.

    This was my first time here. It was ok. Not sure if I will go back again. The quesadilla had a nice taste it was packed. The queso was very good. We walked in and didn't have to wait long at all.

    Potato Taquitos Barrio Chicken & Rice Soup
    Tina H.

    My favorites were the chicken and rice soup and the potato taquitos. The beef quesadilla was also great, and the service truly stood out. Our server helped us split the entrée and boxed our leftovers with extra sauce. Such thoughtfulness was definitely a highlight of El Barrio. Having to pay for chips and salsa was a bit of a downside, but we still really enjoyed dinner and plan on coming back. The pomegranate margarita was just as good as one you'd find at any bar, and I'd highly recommend it.

    Menu side two
    Steve C.

    Been here several times. I was there during a weeknight and, not unlike any other time that I have been here it was packed at 5:30 PM. That being the case, I took an open seat at the bar ordered a drink and then food. They have a full bar here and the craft drafts are now limited to only five although they have several canned beer options. It was Tuesday night, so it was Taco Tuesday night, which meant tacos were $3.75 each. I ordered a couple tacos, chips and salsa, queso, guacamole, and rice & beans. Everything was fantastic, especially the fresh guacamole and chips. I wasn't a fan of the rice and beans, the rice had a odd flavor to it that I was not digging.

    Al Carbon
    Andrew R.

    We stopped in for a light lunch and shared the bean dip, pico de gallo, and al carbon tacos. The al carbon tacos were absolutely slamming, and the bean dip turned out to be a standout surprise--the smokiness really elevated such a simple dish. There's a lot more on this menu I want to explore, so a return visit is definitely in order.

    Chicken Tacos
    Shaneria P.

    I went here for dinner with a friend! The atmosphere was nice and clean, and we were seated quickly. I ordered the chicken tacos with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and pico on the side, and everything was fresh and flavorful. The server was very nice and checked on us often, which made for a great overall experience.

    Gulf Shrimp Quesadilla
    Lindsay S.

    Came here for a lunch with some coworkers. We parked on the street - I didn't drive thankfully, so I didn't see if there was an official parking lot nearby. Service was good and pretty fast. We ordered the queso and guacamole for appetizers and I especially loved the guacamole. I got the Gulf Shrimp Quesadilla and it was pretty good. Seemed like fresh ingredients, maybe a little skimpy on the shrimp. The food is definitely not "cheap Mexican" or the typical "taco/burrito/quesadilla with refried beans and rice" plate, which is more common in my area. Solid four stars overall. I'd probably come back, but I might try something different.

    Al Carbon
    Rachel W.

    I think you either love this place or hate it. My husband really likes it and I am not a fan. We came for Valentine's Day and there was an hour and a half wait, so obviously it is a popular place. Service was fine and I enjoyed the margaritas which came in a wide variety of flavors. My husband got al carbon tacos which he said were seasoned well and he liked how unique they were as opposed to the tacos you'd get at a regular Mexican restaurant. I got the chorizo meatloaf which I think I would have enjoyed more without the ranchera sauce. I didn't realize ranchera was something with a pico base so that's my bad. I was envisioning a creamy type of sauce. I think it all boils down to if you like fancy Mexican or basic Mexican and I just happen to fall on the plainer side of things.

    Elroy H.

    I was very disappointed with my experience at this El Barrio location. We arrived during a slow afternoon and politely requested a booth, which was refused with noticeable attitude. Throughout our entire visit, at least three booths remained empty, making the refusal even more baffling. We were seated next to a door that was supposedly "not in use," yet staff repeatedly went through it, sending cold air directly onto my face. When a third guest arrived and sat in the only available chair, staff came over and barked at him rather than addressing the situation professionally. When I later asked our waitress if we could be moved due to the cold air, I was met with a condescending look and spoken to as if I were a child as she theatrically locked the door. The food at this location was mediocre at best, but no amount of culinary skill could make up for the consistently poor service. The only reason they got two stars was because I was told the mixed drinks were phenomenal. This is especially frustrating because the Homewood location is excellent and sets a much higher standard. This location either needs serious management intervention or should not be operating as it is. I won't be returning.

    Spicy margarita
    Tanisha B.

    This place is different. The menu is not typical. There are tacos and quesadillas but prepare to explore your palate. I had the Pepeto soup. The half serving is mooooooore than enough. If you are about that spicy life, this habanero-lime soup is perfecto. Roast pork and little corn rounds just help to layer all the wonderful flavors in this soup. Our bar tender, Allison, was great. She made some great margaritas and chatted us up. It's not trendy-more casual and laid back, wear what you like. I can't wait to visit again.

    Chelsey C.

    We were craving Mexican food, and this restaurant came up a lot in our search for popular spots in Birmingham. It was pretty busy at lunchtime, so we waited about 15-20 minutes for a table..probably longer if it had been more than just the two of us. We started with the guacamole. It wasn't bad at all, solid, but not something I'd rave about or feel the need to order every time. For my meal, I went with the shrimp tacos, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. They didn't have much flavor, and there weren't many toppings to make them feel special. I'm a cheese girl, so I was also sad to see they didn't come with any. The green sauce was very tasty, though. Overall, lunch was fine, but neither of us felt strongly about returning. If you're visiting from out of town with only a limited number of meals to try, we'd probably skip this one.

    LaTasha T.

    Overrated and food was not good. I like my simple Mexican food. This was mediocre. Fancy is not always better!

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    1 year ago

    Barbacoa Quesadilla was soooo good! We stopped in for a work lunch and they were fast efficient and the food was great, def going back!

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    5 months ago

    I really enjoy the food. It always tastes good. I really like the environment but not great for big parties

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    Page 2 of 26

    Ask the Community - El Barrio

    Is this place good for 4 adults and 5 kids?

    It is family friendly.

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    Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant

    Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant

    3.8
    (182 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Today was my first time ever visiting Los Amigos. Never knew about it before but troed today as it…read morewas close to where I was going. Since I got take-out, I can only speak to their take-out. However, I do feel that if they can get 5-stars for take-out, then their dine-in is surely 5-stars! First of all, they took time and care in packing the take-out. I got a lunch combo and they packed the Taco and the salad separately. I love it!! Secondly, they also included salsa and chips even though it was a take-out order, which I appreciated. Service was quick. I called in my order, showed up about 10 minutes after that, paid, and my order was ready a couple of minutes later. Employees were very nice. Food was good! Still warm when I opened it up 15 minutes after pick up, which tells me they were fresh and hot when packed! Tomato and lettuce in the guacamole salad were very fresh, which isn't always the case at some restaurants. I really liked their chile relleno as it wasn't fried. Really good. I will definitely visit again!!

    Food first, thoughts after... This was my 2nd time at this…read morerestaurant and honestly I really do like it. This time I got the shrimp fajitas. Overall it was very good, clean, and straight to the point. Just the way I like it. The restaurant decor and interior is very spacious and colorful. Our table was 4 adults and 2 kids but the service was great. Food came at a reasonable time and they communicated and catered to the kids well. I would definitely come back.

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    Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
    Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
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    SALUD

    SALUD

    4.5
    (88 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Salud is a genuine treasure in the heart of downtown Birmingham. The vibes, the downright lovely…read morepeople who provide excellent customer service and the food all combine into this magic that you feel as soon as you walk in the front door and I just love it. In fact, I'm getting warm feelings right now just thinking about my time here. Their vegan option is a nopal taco (tender, marinated cactus). It's excellent, but what makes it next level is that SALSA BAR with the best salsas I've ever had. It reminds me of taquerias in California. I drowned my taco in all of the sauces. In fact, I could probably be happy eating tortillas and salsa here. Because, yes, the tortillas are that delicious. As is that guac. Again, some of the best I've ever had, gimmicky tableside guac included (never felt that was such a great thing anyway). Here, you get a generous portion of the creamiest quality guac you can imagine. I can't report on the margaritas other than to say they look gorgeous. The wine pours are also generous and the prosecco is damn good.

    I heard alot of great things about Salud…read more Salud reminds me of the taqueria's in Mexico, with the Jarrito sodas, pineapple and mandarin Try them with a tequila shot! Also the guacamole, the cheese dip and the tacos. They do have a full bar and can do frozen drinks. I loved that you can add your own toppings to your tacos. The tacos come with just meat. You can add onions, limes, cilantro and pickled onions and pickled jalapeños as well as sauce. They had a Verde sauce as well as regular salsa, and a Salsa Borachja sauce with onion, garlic and Mexican beer. It was spicy and delicious. They have plenty of counter seating, a few tables inside and several tables outside. This is a tapas bar more than a testaurant.

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    Inside
    Inside
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    Fries
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    Uptown Cantina

    Uptown Cantina

    3.1
    (172 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Uptown Cantina is a grateful choice for lunch or dinner. I have been for both occasions and the…read morefood is always good, the service is great and the drink are delicious. I went for a quick lunch today and Ashley was an exceptional bartender she made my Berry Lemon Drop and it was a perfect balance of sweet and tart not too much either way

    The good: Nice outing with fellow teachers from my district. Restaurant was empty besides 2 other…read moretables of guests. Food was good overall, yet not memorable. Trendy atmosphere with music selection playing softly on the speakers. Server offered to take a photo for me of the decor on the walls. The not-so-good: Serving size was very small compared to the cost, While the server was effective, she never smiled the entire time while waiting on us. Kinda gave off a weird vibe. I ordered a virgin Pina colada since I can't drink due to medication precautions and it came out in a kiddie cup. I'm not sure if this is standard or not, but I don't know what to think of this. I would have appreciated it in a regular glass like everyone else so it wouldn't be so obvious I had a nonalcoholic drink. People at my table who arrived late and ordered 10-15 minutes after the rest of the table received their entrees before us, even those who ordered appetizers. The restaurant only had our group of 10 and maybe 4 other guests but somehow still managed to be a little slow with food and clearing the table. The cost of the food plus the amount will mean I won't be back anytime soon. However, it's a cool option if you are in Uptown for a concert or game and you want a trendy spot to eat Tex-Mex. Try them out if this is your desire.

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    Bar area
    Bar area
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    El Barrio - mexican - Updated June 2026

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