So let me go ahead and get this out of the way the parking can be difficult. I came on a Saturday and ended up parking and I believe what was a gym parking lot. It looked like they were closed and there was other people parking there as well there are apartments directly behind the restaurant and their signs everywhere saying resident parking. This was my first time eating at this restaurant. I've never been to the one downtown but have been wanting to go to this one for a while. It is right off 65 on Oxmoor Road pretty easy to get to. It is connected to the Paramount, which is really cool because you can go there after you eat and go play games and it's right there. Our server's name was suede. He was very attentive. My friends and I ended up coming here for dinner however we had appetizers. I did have a strawberry Tres Leche dessert, which was amazing. I had two strawberry margaritas which he said was seasonal equally delicious. We had cheese dip, bean dip, guacamole, street corn dip, salsa, and some nachos. There was a total of five of us. They do not take reservations. I arrived here about a little before 6 PM on a Saturday night and the weight was about 30 minutes. They take your phone number down and then they alert you when your table is ready. The bar is really nice. I would definitely like to come back and maybe sit at the bar and also try one of their entrées because the menu looked amazing. I definitely will be back here. Hopefully I'll be able to get a better parking spot. read more

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My friends and I went to El Barrio for lunch today. We started with the chips and salsa. The salsa was fresh and flavorful, though surprisingly sweet. It was good, but very different from what I'm accustomed to. Our waitress was friendly and recommended either the Chicken Enchiladas or the Chicken Mole. I chose the Chicken Mole, largely because the description sounded extraordinary: "crispy braised thighs, Barrio red mole, white rice, roasted butternut squash, sweet peppers, and cherry tomatoes, topped with pepitas and arugula." As you can imagine, there was a lot going on with this dish. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I found the presentation to be more of a stacked, layered dish topped with fresh arugula. As I dug in, the braised chicken thighs were tender and flavorful. Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce made with chili peppers and spices. This red mole had good flavor, but I felt it could have used a bit more heat. Overall, I thought the dish was quite good. El Barrio opened in June 2025 and will surely become a popular lunch option in West Homewood. read more

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Opened just a few months back in June, this second El Barrio is in a newly renovated building in Homewood very near to I-65. It shares the building with a new Paramount, which is only list to try. I've never been to the other El Barrio downtown so I'm starting with a clean slate. There's some parking at the front entrance, but you'll probably have better luck hitting the dedicated parking lot at the end of the building. Being new, the decor and atmosphere are top notch. There's a bunch of melted candles along the base of the large open windows on one side of the restaurant which really catches your eye as you walk by. The large menu mirrors above the bar are very eye catching as well as the rest of the minimalist decor. Our 4 top were there for lunch and were seated quickly. Our server Nereyda quickly took our drink orders as we perused the menu. Their lunch menu is not much to look at with their "best" 7 items listed at the top, followed by some quesadillas, tostadas, then tacos. Our complimentary chips and salsa was brought out quickly, but their salsa is a bit different. It has some kick to it but it was more on the sweet than the salty side which I'm used to. Even Paul thought the same. On her recommendation, Kenny tried the enchiladas. He got the half lunch portion which was plenty. Served with red rice, pickled onions and smothered with a red chipotle sauce, it looks delicious. Paul tried the recommended Chicken Mole. Chicken thighs with barrio red mole, white rice, squash, covered with arugula and sweet peppers, it was more than enough that Paul had some left over to take home. Richard got the Adobo chicken tacos which he polished off. I tried the first item at the top of the page: Grilled Chorizo Meatloaf. Kenny has tried it and highly recommended it. I now know why. I only wish I had more meatloaf... well I should've ordered the full portion instead of the half I suppose. The chorizo "meatloaf" itself was rather tasty. Placed on top of their mashed potatoes then layered with spinach... Yom Yom Yom! A unique and now a favorite on my list. This location has a nice atmosphere and very attentive staff. Nereyda was never intrusive, but she checked on us frequently and our drinks were always topped off. Welcome to Homewood El Barrio! read more

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It was surprisingly great. I had a person to meet with from out of our state and we went here for dinner. I had not been here yet and was very glad I did so and take an outsider there. The entry host was instantly nice and the first view of this place was nice to see. The layout and feel in there was good. The waitress we had was also super friendly and very helpful to us. Then the food we ordered was really yummy for sure. It's a great new place for sure in our region. read more

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The service here was great and everyone was nice and helpful. The queso did lack a little in the flavor department but that was about my only complaint. I love the Beef barbacoa quesadilla and the el barrio salad it came with cut through the richness well along with the sauce. All in all great Mexican spot would love to come back and give the drinks a try as well! read more

El Barrio - Beef barbacoa quesadilla - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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El Barrio used to be my favorite restaurant in Birmingham. I felt like it had gone a bit downhill after covid though and parking downtown is never fun. A location in Homewood is just what we needed. They have plenty of parking here, and the food is excellent. I've had chips, salsa, and queso here as well as the chick quesadilla and salad. The service here is also amazing, and they bring out the food very quickly. The ambiance is nice too and so similar to the downtown location. read more

El Barrio - Chicken Quesadilla - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

El Barrio is in an excellent location, right in the heart of Homewood. They had the CUTEST Christmas decorations and a very relaxed, welcoming vibe. The service was excellent. My server, Dani, gave great recommendations, checked on me frequently, and struck up some good conversation. As far as the food, everything I tried was decent, but unfortunately the ordering structure is a dealbreaker for me. You're required to order tacos in sets and can't purchase a single taco or mix and match different types. I don't want to commit to multiple tacos of the same kind without knowing if I'll like it - especially when so many nearby taco spots allow single tacos or mixing varieties. Because of this limitation alone, I likely won't return, which is disappointing because otherwise this place has potential. read more

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New El Barrio location in Homewood! Just past the 65 exit on Oxmoor road. New development and connected to Paramount! My mom and I came for lunch after church, I'm surprised it wasn't busier given how many churches there are in Homewood! They were only serving the brunch menu, which had plenty of savory, lunch-esque options. We both indulged in a half sweet/half unsweet tea. I had the breakfast tacos, which were good but perhaps a bit blander than I wanted. My mom had the biscuits and gravy and raved about the unique tomato-based gravy. Our server was awesome! Quick, kind, good recommendations, he got the job done. We both parked right out front, but I believe there is a larger lot on the side. I like that there's a new El Barrio location given that the other one runs on a no-reservations system and nearly always has a wait for the Friday & Saturday dinners, but I'm afraid this one doesn't touch the ambiance of the downtown location. It's certainly the more family-friendly option, though. read more

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First of all, service by Kevin R was so stellar! Never intrusive but checked on us often, never rushed us even though the crowd waiting was building and when we did ask for the check, he had it already prepared! Water glasses were filled often which I appreciate. The hostessshsred her favorite dish when I asked her and it was star of the night for sure , Chicken Mole with butternut squash and rice. The small size was very filling for $16. Others had quesadillas, burrito supreme and a salad which they rated 4.2-4.5. It gets loud and crowded on the weekends. read more

El Barrio - I really liked the salsa at Rl Barrie. There is a small charge but worth it ! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I have been to the other location before for dinner but this was the first time at the new location and first time for lunch. There is very limited parking in front of the building and a long trip around the block to make it back around and try for a spot in the area to the side and rear of the building. Not sure how much of that area is supposed to be for the restaurants or the apartment complex. Even at lunch there weren't many spots in that area either. For dinner I can imagine parking will not be easy. I was seated immediately and order taken promptly. I chose the Taco Tuesday special of Beef Hard Tacos a la carte. They also had a lentil option. The tacos were good and I would probably only get 2 next time if also get the Queso Fundido (tequila, goat cheese, chipotle) as I did this time. The queso had a nice flavor beyond just the cheese and the chips were fresh and plentiful. Decor was interesting with the wall art and melted wax candles in the windows. Server was very attentive throughout. Overall this is what I would consider an elevated Mexican, not your typical cheap Mexican restaurant and the pricing reflects that. While I think they have daily specials (like my tacos), for me to make this a regular lunch option I would like to see a true lunch menu that maybe incorporated some of the brunch menu choices (Cuban sandwich, chilaquiles) as well as some quick lunch combinations. read more

El Barrio - Queso Fundido - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I've been to the one downtown several times, but this was our first time to the Homewood location. Sadly, we missed brunch by 15 minutes, but they still had their snack menu available, which was really the same foods just fewer options! I got the chicken soup, and my husband got the queso fundido with sausage and the potato taquitos. Both of our meals were fabulous! And we shared everything and still had leftovers. This place was way easier to get into and park at than the downtown location and we will definitely be back! read more

El Barrio - Entrance - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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First visit to this location and it's now my favorite one. Much better parking and it's new and very clean! The artwork is great. Really enjoyed my quesadilla and salad...not so much the salsa. I did try the guacamole and it was very good. The service was wonderful and she did a good job with frequent check ins. read more

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I enjoyed the food, drinks, and service at El Barrio. It was my first time at this location and the food is just as good as the downtown location. My party had to wait about 30 minutes for a table, but we were able to enjoy a cocktail in the bar area while waiting. The watermelon margarita was delicious as well as the shrimp quesadilla and plantain nachos. read more

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Had El barrio the other night. The enchiladas were fantastic as always! Love going to this place and grabbing a margarita and a good meal! read more

El Barrio - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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We had a great time eating here. Lots of seating and don't be scared of a wait- there's a bar to grab a drink and an arcade to play a few games. The menu has a great mix of items and there are so many things I'm excited to try. I loved the veggie quesadilla and the roasted tomato sauce it came with was so delicious. My husband loved his watermelon margs (preggo here enjoyed a water). I do wish they had a kids menu ready, but they did have a great coloring sheet!. They said it was being printed soon so will definitely be excited to check that out. Our server was funny, attentive and so great. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Nice new El Barrio in Homewood! Food was great! Service was spot on and the restaurant is decorated very nice!

I love this location! Easy to park, food is delicious and the service is excellent. I came here to tell you to get the pork special I had yesterday. Omg so good but I think it's over at the end of this week.it had all the things: pork, sauce, apples, pecans, peppers, brussell sprouts, and sweet potatoes!!! read more

We're regulars at the downtown spot, and this location offers the same great menu and food quality we've come to love. My husband and I came with my parents, toddler, and baby--so we always expect a bit of a wait with a larger group. We were quoted an hour but ended up seated in just 30 minutes, which was a pleasant surprise. The restaurant only has a few larger tables tucked toward the back, so it may not be the most ideal spot for big parties. That said, our waitress was incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience feel easy and welcoming. The Homewood location has a noticeably larger bar area, perfect if you're grabbing lunch or dinner without a crowd. It's much less hectic than the downtown bar scene. A fun bonus is the shared hallway with Paramount, where there are games for both kids and adults to enjoy while waiting. As others have mentioned, parking can be tricky--plan on walking a few blocks. Overall, we'll definitely be back, though probably just with a smaller group next time! read more

I would go back again. Just some great food. The service was great. My water never was empty. Just a boujee Mexican spot. Great vibes.

Had a meet up with some old friends here. As usual, the food and drinks were excellent!! If you're in the area I highly recommend dropping by for some of the Mexican food you can get in the state of Alabama. read more

We went today after the UAB Basketball game. The restaurant was clean and inviting. We were greeted with a smile from the hostess, friendly server and the food was fandamntastic! We are looking forward to our next visit. read more

Incredible ambiance and, as usual, delicious food and great service! I got the beef barbacoa (my fav) and it is consistently incredible

El Barrio serves up really good food, but I hate how the menu rarely changes. However my husband loves it so we wanted to check out the Homewood location. Ambiance- this location is designed really nicely. The mural isn't as cool as the downtown one so overall the atmosphere feels like a cheap rip off of the original.. however it's still cozy and nice. They don't play music which was really awkward so my ears were filled with the sounds of screaming children instead. This is definitely the more family friendly version - if you have kids bring them a long. If you don't you may want to stick to the downtown location. Drinks as usual are pretty bad. They used to make great drinks years ago but suddenly all the margaritas were watered down and the cocktail menu got worse. Food ranges from average to excellent. Street corn was too heavy on mayo. Plantain nachos were amazing. Freshly fried plantain chips and tasty pulled pork. Ribs were excellent but I like the old recipe for the sides better - they now use spinach instead of collard greens and the bean side is less peppery and mushier and bland. You might like it if you're a 90 year old lady. And now the skip the little side of guacamole so you need to order it separately. Overall it's pretty good but could stand some improvements. Service was painfully slow with an hour wait. Once we were seated it was a 30 minute wait between each course. Yikes. read more

Just went there and I am severely disappointed. The location in downtown BHAM is great. Checks all the boxes. But this location truly disappointed me, food was not good, margaritas tasted weird and were NEON green. The spicy margaritas aren't spicy they just put a slice on jalapeño in it and call it a day. They told us the ingredients in the margaritas and it tasted like a pre-made mix from the grocery store. The chicken and rice soup had no rice in it but didn't say anything as the service was terrible. The staff have a huge staring problem. Made me and others at my table uncomfortable. Please listen to me and go to the downtown location. Better food and better service. read more