When me and mi familia were driving through Birmingham, we stopped at El Barrio for dinner. We had a great experience! The food here was great. For starters, we got chips and queso. They were really good. After enjoying the starters, I ordered some chicken tacos. They were great! The guacamole was definitely my favorite part. I really enjoyed my meal. The service here was great! Our waiter was super kind and helpful. The inside was super clean. The bathrooms were very clean too. This place had a good Ambiance to it. Overall, great Mexican restaurant and I highly recommend trying it if you are ever in Birmingham. read more

El Barrio - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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We heard lots of good things about El Barrio and since we were in the downtown area, we decided to check it out ourselves... So glad we did! Being downtown, parking is not always the greatest, but it was a lovely evening for walking less than a block to the restaurant. It was a Saturday evening so there was a little wait, but we were able to sit outside and have a drink while we waited. Once inside, the place was dimly lit, really loud with music and very clean. And for having unisex bathrooms, those were surprisingly clean as well. Our waitress was great, I wish I could remember her name... but I do know she was from Cali. We ordered a couple of strawberry margaritas, which were just your basic drink, but still refreshing. Started off with a basket of chips, salsa and fundido. This is considered an appetizer, so no freebies here. The chips were fresh and warm, the salsa had a nice flavor and the fundido was ok according to the kiddo. We had the grilled shrimp tacos with rice and beans. You had to assemble your own tacos tonight, and order rice and beans separately as the taco plate had no sides, but all delicious.... Beans had a nice kick, the shrimp tacos were missing something in my opinion, but not sure what. We also had the best shrimp quesadilla we ever tried. It has overly stuffed and cheesy with wonderful lime cream sauce to go with it. This entree was a huge hit all around and it did come with a side, so no extra charges. To finish off dinner, we all shared the strawberry tres leches and OMG... Absolutely the best we have had in a while. Too bad it's seasonal. Over all, great experience and would definitely g read more

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I love the Mexican Meatloafe here!!! https://youtu.be/IraXdADDeks?si=_g2v7BytFogN9of2 They have seasonal guacamole and chips and salsa aren't free.. I think the comedian is talking about this restaurant. https://www.elbarriobirmingham.com read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

El Barrio - Potato Taquitos Barrio Chicken & Rice Soup - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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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. read more

El Barrio - Al Carbon - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Server was terrible and food was not the best . Server made faces as if she really DIDN'T want to wait on US.

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. read more

El Barrio - Menu side two - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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. read more

El Barrio - Al Carbon - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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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. read more

El Barrio - Gulf Shrimp Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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

El Barrio - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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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. read more

El Barrio - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Not impressed. Came highly recommended. Went for Lunch. My wife had the tacos and I had a quesadilla. Food was extremely underwhelming and lacked flavor. Didn't hate it but would not be back read more

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. read more

El Barrio - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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This is a 10/10. Great food, great drinks, excellent service. I was not expecting such great Mexican food in Birmingham Alabama. I would only change the fact that the tacos aren't put together for you. That was odd read more

El Barrio - Entrance - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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. read more

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I've been here twice now and have been impressed both times. The service is great and my servers had great knowledge of the menu and helped me decide both times. Highly recommend the chicken enchiladas. The tacos are also really good. Location downtown is great and atmosphere fantastic. read more

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Food was good, not mind blowing, but not bad. For Latin cuisine, i'd give them a 7 out of 10. Price of food was fair enough, presentation was nice, alcoholic drinks- some were good, some just ok. Servers were nice. Music was very weird- Beyonce and Madonna and 90s pop music for a Latin eatery was just plain weird and tbh, made eating there just a little bit uncomfortable. read more

This is my new favorite dish. I wanted something light and as healthy as I could get and this was better than I expected. I'm not a fan of quesadillas so I decided to try this since it didn't have meat and it was amazing. I wasn't a fan of the sauce I instead used salsa verde which was really good with it. The side salad was equally delicious and I plan on going back to get it with steak as a main course. My second time here and the service is great, food comes quickly so no complaints from me. read more

El Barrio - Veggie Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This place is definitely not a traditional style Mexican but it sure is delicious. We tried the queso fundido, guacamole and salsa dips. Every dip was good, the guacamole comes out more of a creamy texture but don't let that turn you off it packs a big flavor. We also tried the chicken enchiladas, steak salad (forget its menu name) and the chorizo meatloaf. The stand out by far were the enchiladas, no complaints on the other items they were good, but sweet corn style of the enchiladas were delicious . The service was great. The prices were reasonable for the meals and cocktails as well which was nice and refreshing! read more

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This is my first time trying El Barrio, and I've always heard nothing but good things about it. I really enjoyed how fresh the food was. I got the chicken enchiladas with red and green sauce- they call it Christmas style, and I really enjoyed it! This is just a minor recommendation (and people might love this) but the chicken inside of the chicken was in really big chunks, and I prefer enchiladas with shredded chicken. Again, such a minor thing. I enjoyed the atmosphere in here as well and the service was good. I would definitely recommend! read more

El Barrio - Enchiladas Rojas - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

More of a 3.5 star kind of place. It was busy on a Saturday afternoon. Sat at the bar and was helped pretty quickly. Got a skinny margarita and it was really good. The plantain chips with the salsa is a must, skip the chips and get the plantain chips instead. The reason for the 3.5 starts is because it is not a traditional Mexican restaurant. I wish it would say that on the menu. It is more like Mexican-adjacent, for sure not your abuelitas recipes. The enchiladas were pretty good and the rice that came with it was delicious. My biggest gripe waa the chilaquiles, they were no chips, there was some kind of soup base and a salad of greens on top. It was just a no and we didn't really eat much of it. read more

El Barrio - Plantain chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The food was simply not tasty. It was greasy and tasteless. The service was good. The ambience was nice.

El Barrio is worth the wait always. This is one of our favorite restaurants located on 2nd Avenue north. Can valet or street parking. Vibes are so lively inside. We love starting dinner with queso and salsa. You truly cannot go wrong with any menu item. We have loved the tostadas, enchiladas, ceviche, and tacos. It's hard to secure a dinner spot here, but I will be coming back time and time again! read more

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***HOMEWOOD LOCATION*** El Barrio's new location in Homewood, just off Oxmoor Road, brings the same bold, flavorful cuisine from their popular Birmingham spot -- but with the added benefit of convenient, accessible parking and a more relaxed neighborhood vibe. We visited on Father's Day and, despite the packed house, the service was exceptional , friendly, attentive, and efficient. A true 10/10 experience. Starters: We began our meal with two standout appetizers: Potato Taquitos - Perfectly crisp on the outside with a warm, savory filling. Each bite was flavorful and satisfying. Queso - Velvety, rich, and addictive. Easily one of the best queso dips we've had locally. Entrées: Meatloaf (half portion) - A generous serving, even when shared. It featured tender meatloaf topped with stewed tomatoes and onions, served over wilted spinach and creamy mashed potatoes. A comforting and elevated twist on a classic; exceptionally well-executed. Ceviche - Bright, acidic, and ultra-fresh. The addition of pineapple brought just the right balance of sweetness to the citrusy marinade. Al Pastor Tacos - Flavorful, well-seasoned pork with a generous portion size. My sister was thoroughly impressed. Carne Tacos - My father's choice and another hit. Tender, juicy, and expertly seasoned. Barbacoa Tacos (flour tortillas) - My 9-year-old son's pick, and perhaps the highest praise of all: "This is my new favorite place for Mexican food." Desserts: We ordered a sampling of all three desserts on the menu, and each delivered something unique: Pumpkin Sopapilla - The standout dessert. Served warm with house-made ice cream, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a delicate pumpkin flavor that was both seasonal and original. Chocolate Pot de Crème - Intensely rich and silky. A dessert for true chocolate lovers. Strawberry Tres Leches Cake - Light and moist with a lovely infusion of fresh strawberry flavor. Overall: El Barrio's Homewood location is a welcome expansion, offering the same culinary excellence as their downtown location but in a more approachable and family-friendly setting. From thoughtfully prepared dishes to stellar service and improved accessibility, it's clear they've hit the mark once again. Highly recommended for both casual meals and special occasions read more

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This was my first time eating at this particular location. The ambiance was nice and the staff was super friendly. The price is always affordable. Food is always great. Today my dad and I tried out a few vegan and vegetarian dishes. We ordered the Black Bean Dip, Veggie Quesadillas and Vegan Tostada's. Considering that I am a not a vegetarian, I think the food was ok but not what I was accustomed to. The black bean dip I could tolerate. It was decent for just a dip. The veggie Quesadillas were flavorful but I just love meat. I am not sure that I would try this again. The Vegan Tostada was my dad's favorite. He will eat just about anything. The experience was pleasant but I will just have to stick to my regular ordering. I am no ta huge Vegan or Veggie person but thought that it was worth a try. read more

Warm Ambiance. Fast service. Great food! Nothing else needs to be said. We had the Potato Taquitos, Queso Fundido, Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit, and Carne Asada. If you order anything, please get the Carne Asada!! read more

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Service was great. They were attentive and checked in on us often. We also got there 5 min before they stopped taking names for the waitlist and we were seated pretty quickly. The decor is modern and funky and they showcase local artist work near the restrooms and offer some for sale. The food was great. I had the spicy chicken tostada. 10 out of 10 would recommend. My friend enjoyed her shrimp tacos and loved the avocado crema sauce but wished there was some cojita cheese or shredded cheese for the tacos. The margaritas were basic and hit the spot but my friend really loved her Mezcal margarita. read more

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It's good. We were sat at a community table so we ended up sharing the table with a couple others which was fine. I don't know how common that is. We really liked the queso and they refilled our chips. The salad that comes with some of the dishes is also pretty good. I wasn't blown away by the quesadillas but they were able to make them with corn tortillas for me. read more

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As a vegan this was the perfect option for a filling bite with friends. The servers were very personable. The ambiance was inviting and decorative. I got the Vegan Tostada - Inwould recommend getting a side of red rice and black beans (without the cheese) to make these tasty veggies filling (only $3 as a side) Would recommend for all occasions, the next time I'm back in town I will definitely be back! read more

El Barrio - Vegan Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Just as good the second visit. Most of us ordered the same thing as before because it was so good. We enjoyed the queso fundido as well. The chicken enchiladas (half green / half red sauce) and the shrimp quesadilla with the lime crema are still our favorites. We had to wait about 30 minutes for a private table, but it was worth it. Our server was top notch and they had plenty of help running food and refills. Their painted wall needs some love, but a very cool vibe. read more

Nice atmosphere with attentive staff. The chicken enchiladas were flavorful and delicious. The rice underneath was crispy and seasoned to perfection. Portion was very generous. Must try all three of their homemade salsas. read more

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We started with the seasonal watermelon marg and it ranks within the top two I've ever had. Phil sandoval's frozen raspberry marg is tied. But the watermelon marg was so light and fresh and didn't taste like syrup. (Around $10) Brooke said the plantain nachos were her non-negotiable and I understand why! Crispy plantains with pork, pickled jalapeños, cotija, and lime crema. So different but it was a nice blend of sweet, spicy, savory, and freshness from cilantro. Don't skip these! (9) I got the chicken enchiladas and they were truly some of the best I've ever had. I don't like chicken to taste like chicken (Iykyk) and this covered it up nicely. The corn tortillas were divine and had pulled chicken, peppers, cotija, and pickled onions atop red rice. The green tomatillo and red chipotle sauces added a nice, bright touch without being too spicy. (17) Brooke got the carne asada and loved every bite. A sirloin with chile-potato gratin, arugula, grilled onions and salsa borracha. (24) We saw cornbread on our neighbors table and had to try it too. It comes with jalapeño honey butter and I will get this every time! (4) Our server was extremely friendly and helpful. Parking is downtown so it's a nightmare. Plan for a few extra minutes to drive around looking for a spot. Will see definitely be back though! read more

El Barrio - Chicken enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I was pretty underwhelmed by the food here and it was kinda upsetting for the price. I ordered carnitas tacos and got deconstructed tacos. The tortillas were on the side , the carnitas were in a small bowl covered in onions , the meat chunks were the size of blueberries with very little pieces , got served with a small salad on the side that served no purpose, and all the hot sauce were sweet. The experience itself was all Pizzaz no flavor read more

When in Bham.....El Barrio is the answer to any question! You truly can't beat it. Every time I wander in, I try to make myself get something new, but I simply can't. The spicy chicken tostada is arguably the best dish in the city. Although El Barrio usually comes with a wait, it is always worth it. read more

El Barrio - Spicy Chicken Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Great service and great food! Lots of vegetarian options, all with unique flavor combinations. Try the corn bread, vegetarian taquitos, and jackfruit tacos! read more

This restaurant works well for casual dining. The menu includes a variety of simple dishes. My meal was served warm and looked appealing. Service was efficient and respectful. Overall, a balanced and positive experience. read more

I met a friend for lunch today and it was such a great spot! The hostess and server were very kind even though the restaurant was busy with the lunch rush! We both got the barbacoa quesadilla which is DELICIOUS!! Highly recommend! This is a great lunch spot but would also be great to start for a night out in downtown Bham! read more

Nice small downtown Mexican restaurant. The food is very good and comes in large portions portions. The waitstaff is very attentive with refills of water and chips. read more

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