I live near this restaurant. Like right down the street. However, I will gladly drive to the Festival shopping center to eat at Los Arcos before I go back here. I am one of the most optimistic people you will ever meet. However, [[HIGHLIGHT]]I get weird, unwelcoming vibes every single time I eat here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The first time, I thought it was my server or just something I was imagining. So I decided to give them another try a while later to see if things would be better. Nope....same vibes-unpleasant. In fact, several of the servers sat and watched/glared at my dinner companion and I throughout the entire meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is authentic Mexican and it is decorated very nicely inside with artifacts and pottery from that region.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This location didn't offer some of the options that I'm used to (such as flaming cheese or veggie burritos) but that wasn't necessarily a deal breaker. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The deal breaker is the unwanted and unpleasant feeling I get when I eat here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I won't be returning. It's a shame because I can literally walk to this location from where I reside. read more

El Cazador - I don't even remember the name of this dish. It looks like chicken fajitas. - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

very good margarita i love it and i will come back i got soft serve margarita yum it is good and i love it read more

El Cazador - very good margarita 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

worst service I've ever had, saw our waitress one time, food was mediocre, chips were stale and cheese dip is the worst in town. would not waste my time here read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The environment was beautifully decorated, we were excited about how much people were saying how good it was.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but we were quite disappointed in our first visit. It is not handicap accessible inside, tables are too close making walking areas hard for handicap people to get thru aisles, after being seated we waited almost 15 minutes for the staff to acknowledge us then they brought us chips and salsa and no drinks it took another 15 minutes for them to ask us what we wanted to drink, another 15 minutes before they would finally take our order when we were already ready to order, we tried several times to catch the anyones attention who works there, we were unsuccessful when they brought the food out it was cold and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the air conditioner was so cold blowing straight onto us which made food even colder[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. we didn't even finish eating, we put it in togo boxes and left. 45 minutes to wait just for service is ridiculous. will not be visiting again sadly. read more

Absolutely the most delicious Mexican food in Birmingham! The quesadillas are to die for! One waitress was absolutely not friendly at all. But once we tipped her $20 on a $35 ticket, her attitude changed!money talks! But all things considered I still rate the food excellent. My visit was about 3 months ago. I now order to be picked up , so no complaints on the staff at the register read more

Casual Mexican spot at the intersection of Mt Brook, Birmingham, and Irondale. Service was a little slow, but the chips and salsa were excellent. Queso was delicious. My chili Colorado was quite bland though. I expect a robust chili flavor and a little heat. However, the predominant flavor was just salt. If was very bland. read more

The food was good quality, came out VERY fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was a clean restaurant[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the staff was friendly.

Quick meal! Queso and chips were excellent. We had enchiladas verde and steak fajitas! Service was good and food came out quickly!

I was very excited to try El Cazador because I always see how busy it is at all times. We went on a Sunday night and it was of course busy. We got sat immediately and got our chips and salsa of course. The chips were not fresh to me but the salsa was delicious. We ordered the combo dinner of an enchilada and tamale. I was not impressed. The food didn't come out hot at all. We also go the fajita dinner. The fajita plate came out almost too hot. The food was burnt on the bottom. Overall, I'm glad I got to try it but I don't think I need to go back. read more

Food is great ! Customer service is a little iffy.. sometimes you'll get someone who is nice and welcoming and other times the service can be standoffish. Not necessarily rude but I've ordered takeout a few times and the person taking the order would seem bothered. I haven't actually dined in at this location but the restaurant is fine. It seems clean enough.. read more

El Cazador - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Even if you're 21 they will deny you for "looking too young"! And don't even try to walk in if ur not from the state of Alabama because apparently they can't even read those IDs! Bad food, not worth it at ALL. Don't waste your time :) hope the $0.00 tip was worth it read more

Service sucked...several times i observed the waitress sitting in a corner on her phone. Waited 30 minutes for the check before getting up to question the cashier. Tips are not automatic, always remember. read more

We were staying in a hotel nearby as we passed through Birmingham and decided to try this place. Upon entering, it was not clear if we should wait to be seated or seat ourselves. No signs and the employees near the Cash register weren't eager to help. After awkwardly standing there for a minute, someone offered to seat us in a disinterested manner. We got 2 burrito dinners. One had beef and the other chicken. Both meats were very tasty. There was very little cheese topping on the chicken burrito. We also got a soft taco kids meal which was plenty of food for our 4 year old. Prices were very reasonable. I gave this 3 stars because the food was ok, waitress was friendly but host staff was terrible. Overall, we were hungry and we got some food. Nothing exceptional about this experience. read more

El Cazador - Beef soft taco - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Chicken soup (rice) was hearty, the steak fajitas were tender and solid. Social distancing observed and efficient service. read more

El Cazador - Chicken soup with rice - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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While the food, drinks and atmosphere were very good, possibly the best within several miles, the service was absolutely terrible. The staff was lazy and more concerned about their phones then their customers. We had to ask for things multiple times and had to even get back up and ask for check. We watched multiple people have to track their waitress/waiter down and someone even have to reorder because the staff didn't put his order in. To add insult for injury we thought oh it might be worth the bad service because they give big size cheese dips BUT low and behold when we got the bill the waitress had charged us for a large size ‍...when I asked them to take it off at the register one of the girls starts talking in Spanish (not knowing I know Spanish ) and walks away... In todays time, I know we are supposed to be thankful restaurants have workers this was a bad enough experience we will not be back... read more

Took my friend yesterday for his birthday lunch. (His choice) I haven't been in a quite a while. Waitstaff= excellent, Food= delish and piping hot. I honestly think their complimentary salsa was the best. Love it a little chunky. I shall return!!! YUM! read more

I got takeout. 3 days later I got an email from my credit card company asking if I left a 34% tip. I left no tip since it was takeout. It has been resolved, but still attempted theft. If not for notice from CapitalOne, I would have never caught this criminal act. read more

El Cazador is an excellent Mexican restaurant. Authentic-tasting cuisine. I have never ordered anything that wasn't delicious. Other Mexican restaurants come and go but el Cazador maintains its quality over the long run. Highly recommend. read more

Service was great, food was great, no complaints. I was passing through Birmingham on my way back home to Atlanta and stopped here because I wanted Mexican food. Did not disappoint! read more

My son and I met some friends at El Caz recently for lunch. We were seated quickly and chips and salsa made a quick appearance. We were a little slow with ordering but the staff was very patient with us. We all ordered from the lunch menu. I had the crazy taco salad. I'm not sure what made it crazy but it was very good. My son had a lunch plate with an enchilada, taco and rice. My friend shared veggie fajitas with her grandson. And with us, the veggies were delicious! This is a fast, inexpensive place to get a good lunch, I probably would have spent more for Taco Bell and it would not have been as good. We will definitely go back. read more

I've been eating here for years but for over the last year I have been seeing a decline in service. Tonight is no exception. Even before the pandemic, it was getting worse. Some of the staff is bringing down the score for the others. They have 2 or 3 really good servers but the rest,,, ehhh. The food quality has remained good in my opinion. read more

Visited tonight for dinner. The food was served cold. Simply asked for to go boxes. They did send the Manger over. Her response was it's not my fault. From a chef my thoughts are simple.... REALLY....THATS IT..Awesome job guys....will never grace your doors again. read more

Downhill in recent months and nearby Poncho's down the street has beat it out on flavor and service. Whoever on here noted that staff is more interested in their phones than customers hit the nail on the head. Swarming with staff just all lackadaisical. Plus lady at register quite rude when an item on bill questioned. Won't be back. read more

Ok, so I'm definitely not the expert on Mexican restaurants, but I thought El Cazador was really good! I want to highlight that although I personally am not a vegetarian, El Cazador has a sizeable vegetarian menu. As you can see, I tried to post a picture of it, but it was only afterwards that I realized I did not snap the whole thing. My apologies! I ordered an Arnold Palmer (my server concocted a perfect balance of unsweet tea and lemonade, as I had requested) and a ground beef burrito smothered with white queso and served on a bed of rice. Complimentary chips and salsa came out with our drinks. I do like spicy food, but I enjoyed that the salsa was accessibly mild, and the chips were fresh-tasting. Our food came out quickly even though there was a nice little lunch crowd. The food portion was generous, plus I had stuffed myself on chips and salsa, so I took the rest of my burrito home. It reheated wonderfully! I want to go back with my vegetarian roommates and get a margarita pitcher! :) read more

El Cazador - Vegetarian menu! - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Went as a party of 3 and got the worst customer service. I hate to bring race into it but 90% of the guest weee white (we're black) and we're served and greeted faster than my friends and I. Our server had discrepancies with our ticket and the lady at the checkout counter began to yell in Spanish and walked away from us. read more

This restaurant is a Crestwood staple! It's the best Mexican food in the area with the best salsa!

For a great low key, high value for your money Mexican restaurant, El Caz is the best Mexican in the area. We split fajitas for one, as we often do. After a frozen Margarita and a draft Modelo Especial (yes, I said that... they have many many Mexican beers on draft!), chips and salsa, and splitting the fajitas there is no need or room for dessert. It's a way to be more economical and still get full. Sometimes I get the House Chile Relleno. It comes with a poblano pepper and covered in cheese. There's something about the poblano. It's so good. El caz is our staple Mexican restaurant for the area. It's always good. And we like to eat it often! Small tip: Their salsa can be a bit hot, so I would wait until you have a drink before you dig in. read more

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You will find great prices at this restaurant! My husband and I live a few miles away from here and we went on a Thursday night. From pulling into the parking lot we knew something was up from all the cars. Even though the place was completely packed, we managed to order our food, enjoy a margarita, devour chips and cheese dip and have everything eaten within 40-45 minutes. Food was average but good. Thursday night had so many good specials! Regular margaritas were $2.75, fajitas $9.99, bud light and coronas $1.75! This beats Thirsty Thursday at Regions field! read more

El Cazador - Mexican Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the city. The inside interior is pretty large to host a big crowd and it has a nice mini outdoor environment as well. I've never been disappointed from the food and you never had to wait long for your order as well. The food prices are also VERY reasonable and you will be surprised at how much you ordered for a good deal. My only nitpick is only the salsa to me is thin instead of chunky but it does have a good kick and the parking can get a little wonky when its crowded but overall it's a really great Mexican restaurant to stop by with a friend or family especially for some margarita deals. read more

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Used to eat here some time ago but the service (this past Sunday at lunch anyway) has gone way down. Maybe they were short-staffed but we had to do a lot ourselves: find and carry our own high chair (not offered), get our own silverware (after TWO requests from two different people in our party), and request a drink refill if we wanted one. If they can't provide a server to do more than take orders, I would rather just place my order at the register and do the rest myself. I can bring my own silverware and my own drink if I need to! The food was fine. Hope the group (about 16) goes elsewhere next time. read more

Since we are moving to this side of town, the search for a go-to Mexican restaurant is a must. After a meeting at the new house, we decided to give El Cazador a try. As with most quality, typical Mexican restaurants, the service was quick and attentive. If you want to be in and out in 30 minutes, you can do it. Chips and salsa were good. Nothing exceptional. But nothing bad. We got a frozen margarita pitcher. The consistency wasn't the best, but the flavor was good. At first I didn't think it was very strong. But by the end, I realized it was! The tequila flavor was well masked. I got a fajita quesadilla and my wife got mole enchiladas. Both were very good. The meat was not skimped in my quesadilla AT ALL. In fact, it might have been too full! The rice and beans were great for a typical restaurant of this fashion. The mole had a great flavor. We have a few places we need to try to figure out our "go-to". But El Cazador is in the running! read more

Solid neighborhood Mexican restaurant and one of my favorite takeout spots! Favorite dishes: Chicken soup: especially good when you're sick or have a cold Chicken fajitas: tender chicken, perfectly cooked green bell peppers and onions. Not at all greasy and really flavorful. Probably one of the healthier things on the menu. Chicken fajita taco salad: let's be real, this not a salad. But it's delicious all the same. Beans, rice, and fajita chicken topped with sour cream, pico, cheese, guac, and ~some~ lettuce Chicken quesadilla: what's there not to love about chicken, cheese, and a crispy tortilla read more

The food is delicious but the service was very slow. I recommend the fajitas- only thing I would change is to cook the vegetables more.