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The food was really good, especially the chips and salsa, which were incredible, and the chicken tinga enchiladas, which were easily my favorite. I was really excited about the drinks because the menu sounded so good, but the one I got felt a bit uninspired since it was poured from a premade bottle. Still, the food definitely made this a solid spot, and I'd come back for the enchiladas & chips alone.
Sweet Caroline! Bump!bump!!bump! Yes!!! Thank you girl for your service. It's nights out for the ladies. We are a party of 5. We all got our own SALSA! It is delicious with a lil kick!!! I opted in on the crispy fish tacos! So good! Even warmed up. It comes with rice and beans. Now this is my first time having cold rice and beans. The rice so spicy it seems intentional. I can handle it. Overall, it's the Ambiance. This place is beautiful. We sat in the garden for the rest of the night, until the owner let us know he was locking the door, but stay as long as we like. What?!! I can't wait to go back.
Really cool vibe and good location. We went for a birthday dinner and had a great time!!!! However, the prices were high to me for what we got. I had 2 drinks and 2 appetizers and my meal cost $100! I got the firecracker shrimp and the tortilla soup. My friend got the fire margarita and it was cool!! Our server was very friendly and helpful
Came for a bday celebration/girls night. They recently stopped doing the red salsa and salsa verde with chips for the appetizer. Only red salsa now for the summer. Chips were too salty but still crisp and thin. I get the same thing each time because other dishes I've tried are a little too spicy for my taste. The Birria was a touch tough. It was not that pull apart slow Cooked meat that I am used to here. The rice was a bit hard. Beans were great as always. Service was great. Margs were great! Got a pitcher on the rocks with pineapple flavor. I will still come back and continue to support this restaurant because overall it's a nicer upscale place to get great drinks and appetizers. The bar is great to sit at and the vibe of the place you can't beat! Still 5/5!
El Royale is a fabulous restaurant for any occasion. The inside has an amazing vibe and the staff is nice and attentive. For food, definitely start with the El Royale dip - it's a great twist on queso. Our table ordered a few items and everyone loved their food. Enchiladas Suizas, fish tacos, and fajitas were a hit. Can't wait to return to El Royale!
Even though it seems that establishments don't last long in this space, I've always thought it was one of the most multifunctional and beautiful restaurant spaces around. And El Royale definitely takes advantage of its possibilities. Very trendy! The indoor and outdoor space is great for solos, dates, friends, families, or even special events. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the taco salad, but OMG, it was huge!!! To be honest, I was expecting it to be pretty bland but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavor of the dish. The chips and salsa are also a slam dunk. Although the massive pieces of tomato in the salsa were at times a bit too chunky for me. As has been noted, prepare to pay a premium price for tex mex. They don't take cash and there is a service fee for credit cards. Also, many of the servers are a bit cold and standoffish, but I at least had a pleasant interaction with one!
The space itself is beautifully decorated and very unique. The food was not that great and overpriced. I got a combination plate (birria and fish taco with a chicken tinga enchilada) The enchilada was not good but the other tacos saved the dish. The rice was undercooked with a few hard pieces. For the price I was expecting more but the ambiance saved the experience for me.
We came here for a lunch during the week and first of all, I guess it's just me, but I can't believe no one else has mentioned how odd the location and entrance to this restaurant is. We parked on the street and as I was following my coworker in (who already knew where she was going), I remarked, "There's no way I could've found where to go." It was just odd. You walk through the parking lot (valet only), then turn left into this patio, then look left for the door. It's like it's completely hidden from the street and I never saw any sign outside. If you know where you're going, it's fine. Once again, I was thankful I rode with someone else. As the other reviewers noted, it's a unique, jungle vibe, but kinda upscale. Service was friendly. We ordered the Dip Trio for an appetizer and it was really good. The standard chips and salsa were excellent too. Because we were there at lunch during the week, the noise was not bad at all. I ordered the Grouper and not only was it beautiful, it was also delicious. I ate every bite, it was so good. Also, it seemed to be a smaller portion compared to what everyone else at my table got and definitely healthier. I took pictures of their plates and I'm sure one was Barry's Plate and I think the other was Jolene's Plate, but I'm not certain. I didn't get a picture of my 4th coworker's plate, but 2 of the 3 got boxes to take home what they didn't finish, so apparently they really liked it. I would definitely be willing to come back, especially since I know where to go now!
Finally tried El Royale last night and we were disappointed. We had a reservation for 7:30 but weren't seated until after 7:45. The space was festooned for Christmas, which obscured the decor quite a bit, but the whole place was a weird mashup of English Pub, French bistro, and garden tea room. It doesn't have an ounce of Mexican restaurant as far as ambiance goes, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. We started off with the worst house margarita I've ever had. It was pure bad tequila with ne'er an ounce of lime in it. It sat on the table untouched, and our waitress asked if it was okay. I told her I wasn't a fan and ordered a coke (no fountains here, I got a can), but she took the drink back to the bar to have it remade. She confessed to trying a dropper of it and knew it needed lime. The second cocktail was no better. The chips and salsa were wonderful. We were offered two styles, red and green, and I loved both. We took our waitress' recommendation of the ribeye fajitas and the enchiladas suizas for our entrees. The enchiladas were very dry. The shredded chicken inside was moist, but the whole point of enchiladas suizas is the delicious sauce, but there was more melted cheese on the enchiladas than there was sauce. Very disappointing. The fajitas fared better. The order came with three small, weirdly translucent flour (?) tortillas. Maybe the weird texture and shape was meant to make sure you knew these were made in-house, but they looked awful. Thankfully, filled to the brim, you couldn't taste them at all. The steak was very tender and delicious, and it was a good portion. The peppers and onions were lightly grilled but very over-seasoned. All in, El Royale is a vibe. If you're looking for a boisterous, noisy crowd where folks appear to be having a great time, then it's fine. But the food doesn't live up to the hype.
This restaurant has absolutely beautiful decor. From the moment you walk in, the vibrant colors and thoughtful design create a warm, inviting atmosphere that really sets the tone for the experience. I felt like I was at a resort restaurant. It's a great place to enjoy a meal visually and would be perfect for photos, a casual night out, or date night. While the ambiance truly stands out, the food itself was just average. We sat at the bar and Gage was our waiter. The dishes were fine and nicely presented, but nothing particularly memorable or standout in terms of flavor. I had the flaming Royale to drink ($17) and the fish tacos ($22) to eat. The grouper was seasoned well. Overall, it's a lovely spot for the atmosphere.
Had to see what all the buzz was about! The moment you step inside, the lush greenery and stunning interior design transport you to an entirely different world--beautiful enough on its own to make you want to come back again and again. The chips were notably thin and extra salty and served with salsa and salsa verde. We added on queso ($12) and thought it was a great touch. We each had margs. I started with prickly pear and thought it was fine but just tasted like normal lime. Then got a peach and it was delicious. These are on the smaller side but delicious nonetheless. ($15) I got the enchiladas suizas - chicken, Monterey Jack, cheddar, Tomatillo sauce, onion and cilantro. The tomatillo sauce was bright and tangy and made the whole dish. ($24) My friend, Julia, got the chimichanga ($20) and said it was delightful. Our server was very kind, helpful and made great suggestions. Parking is valet with the option to tip. There is some street parking but was full when I got there. It is on the pricier side, in my opinion, and was equivalent to other, more economical, restaurants with similar style dishes. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our night here and will be back! It felt like a mini trip somewhere. The atmosphere and ambiance (and margs) alone are worth the trip! The post cards with your receipt are an adorable touch!
Absolutely a 10/10. I think I have found my favorite New Mexican spot in Birmingham. First off - our server Christina was so pleasant. She shared with us her favorite dishes and the most popular dishes. Front hosts were friendly and greeted us pleasantly as soon as we got in. On to the food and drink - We don't drink so we opted for the two mocktails on the menu. The cucumber one was very refreshing which is up my alley. My bestie got the little dove and added pineapple juice which gave her the fruity taste she wanted. All of the appetizers were simply delicious. Best elote I have ever had!!!! The entrees were hot, flavorful and at a great price. I had never had grouper and I enjoyed it. My bestie had the most meat-filled birria and the best "motor oil" consommé I loved the decor in the restaurant, I felt like I was in an upscale jungle with all the green - little different than what I'm used to for Mexican restaurants. Upbeat and friendly was the overall vibe. They had it decorated for Christmas which was cute! Will be back every chance I get.
El Royale is definitely a favorite of my husband and I's. We've probably been here upwards of 10 times. Our go-to's are the ribeye fajitas, sour cream enchiladas, corn elote & (of course) the house margaritas. The restaurant and bar are gorgeous and give off a very New Orleans vibe. However, I knocked off a star for the prices and the notoriously slower service. Overall, we really enjoy El Royale and think it brings a great new atmosphere to Bham! Definitely a great spot to try out, but make sure to get a reservation!
6 days ago
In my opinion, El Royale is basically a higher-level Chuy's. It's more upscale, with a much more romantic atmosphere, low lighting, and a great cocktail menu. The food is good, but I'd describe it as more Tex-Mex than traditional Mexican. The menu is somewhat limited, but I usually go more for the drinks, chips and salsa, and maybe some queso. I've had the chimichanga, which was pretty good, and on my most recent visit I had the steak and chicken fajitas. They were good and had plenty of flavor, although the portion was smaller than what you'd typically get at a traditional Mexican restaurant. Where El Royale really stands out to me is the atmosphere and cocktails. I've had the Party Vixen, which I really liked. It had a great flavor and reminded me somewhat of a gimlet. I've also tried the Flaming Royale, which was fine, but the flaming lime definitely makes it a fun presentation. The ambience is probably my favorite part of the restaurant. It's dimly lit, intimate, and very romantic, making it a nice spot for drinks or a date night. They do seem to get pretty busy on weekends. I went on a Sunday once and didn't have too long of a wait, but on another Sunday they only had bar seating available, so I'd recommend making a reservation if you want a table. A couple of things to know: El Royale is cashless, and while there is plenty of street parking in the area, you may have to walk a bit depending on when you go. If you don't want to deal with parking, I'd recommend using the valet. Overall, I think El Royale is a good choice if you're looking for a more upscale Tex-Mex experience with a romantic atmosphere and interesting cocktails. I personally go more for the drinks and atmosphere than the food, but I've enjoyed what I've ordered. read more
17 days ago
Such a cute place! You enter through a courtyard with a beautiful fountain and greenery, setting the stage of what's on the inside... Tons of greenery, making you feel like you're outside. We arrived early so it was nice and bright, but by the time we left it was dark and not lit very well... We had to use our flashlights to view our bills. Service was slower than anticipated, especially when there weren't many customers at first. I could understand as the night went on and the place began to fill. Cocktails were amazing... I had the Side Hustle which was very refreshing. Nice and smooth tropical drink. We opted in for apps... The house elote was absolutely fabulous. Never had anything like it before and everyone agreed saying it was the best part of the dinner! It perfectly created corn dip served with warm nachos. Dinner was crispy fish tacos with pineapple slaw... Again, another fabulous dish! Served with black refried beans with a hint of spice.... loved them!!! The rice was simple but perfect pairing to the beans. The tacos were cooked to perfection... Best fish tacos I have had in a while!! Finished with a slice of tres leches corn cake... Not what I was expecting... Heavy piece of cake and not as sweet as the traditional tres leches you're used too. Overall, a great place with wonderful food! Can't wait to go back again!! read more
3 months ago
The food was really good, especially the chips and salsa, which were incredible, and the chicken tinga enchiladas, which were easily my favorite. I was really excited about the drinks because the menu sounded so good, but the one I got felt a bit uninspired since it was poured from a premade bottle. Still, the food definitely made this a solid spot, and I'd come back for the enchiladas & chips alone. read more
Sweet Caroline! Bump!bump!!bump! Yes!!! Thank you girl for your service. It's nights out for the ladies. We are a party of 5. We all got our own SALSA! It is delicious with a lil kick!!! I opted in on the crispy fish tacos! So good! Even warmed up. It comes with rice and beans. Now this is my first time having cold rice and beans. The rice so spicy it seems intentional. I can handle it. Overall, it's the Ambiance. This place is beautiful. We sat in the garden for the rest of the night, until the owner let us know he was locking the door, but stay as long as we like. What?!! I can't wait to go back. read more
Really cool vibe and good location. We went for a birthday dinner and had a great time!!!! However, the prices were high to me for what we got. I had 2 drinks and 2 appetizers and my meal cost $100! I got the firecracker shrimp and the tortilla soup. My friend got the fire margarita and it was cool!! Our server was very friendly and helpful read more
Came for a bday celebration/girls night. They recently stopped doing the red salsa and salsa verde with chips for the appetizer. Only red salsa now for the summer. Chips were too salty but still crisp and thin. I get the same thing each time because other dishes I've tried are a little too spicy for my taste. The Birria was a touch tough. It was not that pull apart slow Cooked meat that I am used to here. The rice was a bit hard. Beans were great as always. Service was great. Margs were great! Got a pitcher on the rocks with pineapple flavor. I will still come back and continue to support this restaurant because overall it's a nicer upscale place to get great drinks and appetizers. The bar is great to sit at and the vibe of the place you can't beat! Still 5/5! read more
El Royale is a fabulous restaurant for any occasion. The inside has an amazing vibe and the staff is nice and attentive. For food, definitely start with the El Royale dip - it's a great twist on queso. Our table ordered a few items and everyone loved their food. Enchiladas Suizas, fish tacos, and fajitas were a hit. Can't wait to return to El Royale! read more
Even though it seems that establishments don't last long in this space, I've always thought it was one of the most multifunctional and beautiful restaurant spaces around. And El Royale definitely takes advantage of its possibilities. Very trendy! The indoor and outdoor space is great for solos, dates, friends, families, or even special events. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered the taco salad, but OMG, it was huge!!! To be honest, I was expecting it to be pretty bland but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavor of the dish. The chips and salsa are also a slam dunk. Although the massive pieces of tomato in the salsa were at times a bit too chunky for me. As has been noted, prepare to pay a premium price for tex mex. They don't take cash and there is a service fee for credit cards. Also, many of the servers are a bit cold and standoffish, but I at least had a pleasant interaction with one! read more
26 days ago
The space itself is beautifully decorated and very unique. The food was not that great and overpriced. I got a combination plate (birria and fish taco with a chicken tinga enchilada) The enchilada was not good but the other tacos saved the dish. The rice was undercooked with a few hard pieces. For the price I was expecting more but the ambiance saved the experience for me. read more
10 months ago
We came here for a lunch during the week and first of all, I guess it's just me, but I can't believe no one else has mentioned how odd the location and entrance to this restaurant is. We parked on the street and as I was following my coworker in (who already knew where she was going), I remarked, "There's no way I could've found where to go." It was just odd. You walk through the parking lot (valet only), then turn left into this patio, then look left for the door. It's like it's completely hidden from the street and I never saw any sign outside. If you know where you're going, it's fine. Once again, I was thankful I rode with someone else. As the other reviewers noted, it's a unique, jungle vibe, but kinda upscale. Service was friendly. We ordered the Dip Trio for an appetizer and it was really good. The standard chips and salsa were excellent too. Because we were there at lunch during the week, the noise was not bad at all. I ordered the Grouper and not only was it beautiful, it was also delicious. I ate every bite, it was so good. Also, it seemed to be a smaller portion compared to what everyone else at my table got and definitely healthier. I took pictures of their plates and I'm sure one was Barry's Plate and I think the other was Jolene's Plate, but I'm not certain. I didn't get a picture of my 4th coworker's plate, but 2 of the 3 got boxes to take home what they didn't finish, so apparently they really liked it. I would definitely be willing to come back, especially since I know where to go now! read more
Finally tried El Royale last night and we were disappointed. We had a reservation for 7:30 but weren't seated until after 7:45. The space was festooned for Christmas, which obscured the decor quite a bit, but the whole place was a weird mashup of English Pub, French bistro, and garden tea room. It doesn't have an ounce of Mexican restaurant as far as ambiance goes, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. We started off with the worst house margarita I've ever had. It was pure bad tequila with ne'er an ounce of lime in it. It sat on the table untouched, and our waitress asked if it was okay. I told her I wasn't a fan and ordered a coke (no fountains here, I got a can), but she took the drink back to the bar to have it remade. She confessed to trying a dropper of it and knew it needed lime. The second cocktail was no better. The chips and salsa were wonderful. We were offered two styles, red and green, and I loved both. We took our waitress' recommendation of the ribeye fajitas and the enchiladas suizas for our entrees. The enchiladas were very dry. The shredded chicken inside was moist, but the whole point of enchiladas suizas is the delicious sauce, but there was more melted cheese on the enchiladas than there was sauce. Very disappointing. The fajitas fared better. The order came with three small, weirdly translucent flour (?) tortillas. Maybe the weird texture and shape was meant to make sure you knew these were made in-house, but they looked awful. Thankfully, filled to the brim, you couldn't taste them at all. The steak was very tender and delicious, and it was a good portion. The peppers and onions were lightly grilled but very over-seasoned. All in, El Royale is a vibe. If you're looking for a boisterous, noisy crowd where folks appear to be having a great time, then it's fine. But the food doesn't live up to the hype. read more
This restaurant has absolutely beautiful decor. From the moment you walk in, the vibrant colors and thoughtful design create a warm, inviting atmosphere that really sets the tone for the experience. I felt like I was at a resort restaurant. It's a great place to enjoy a meal visually and would be perfect for photos, a casual night out, or date night. While the ambiance truly stands out, the food itself was just average. We sat at the bar and Gage was our waiter. The dishes were fine and nicely presented, but nothing particularly memorable or standout in terms of flavor. I had the flaming Royale to drink ($17) and the fish tacos ($22) to eat. The grouper was seasoned well. Overall, it's a lovely spot for the atmosphere. read more
11 months ago
Had to see what all the buzz was about! The moment you step inside, the lush greenery and stunning interior design transport you to an entirely different world--beautiful enough on its own to make you want to come back again and again. The chips were notably thin and extra salty and served with salsa and salsa verde. We added on queso ($12) and thought it was a great touch. We each had margs. I started with prickly pear and thought it was fine but just tasted like normal lime. Then got a peach and it was delicious. These are on the smaller side but delicious nonetheless. ($15) I got the enchiladas suizas - chicken, Monterey Jack, cheddar, Tomatillo sauce, onion and cilantro. The tomatillo sauce was bright and tangy and made the whole dish. ($24) My friend, Julia, got the chimichanga ($20) and said it was delightful. Our server was very kind, helpful and made great suggestions. Parking is valet with the option to tip. There is some street parking but was full when I got there. It is on the pricier side, in my opinion, and was equivalent to other, more economical, restaurants with similar style dishes. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our night here and will be back! It felt like a mini trip somewhere. The atmosphere and ambiance (and margs) alone are worth the trip! The post cards with your receipt are an adorable touch! read more
Absolutely a 10/10. I think I have found my favorite New Mexican spot in Birmingham. First off - our server Christina was so pleasant. She shared with us her favorite dishes and the most popular dishes. Front hosts were friendly and greeted us pleasantly as soon as we got in. On to the food and drink - We don't drink so we opted for the two mocktails on the menu. The cucumber one was very refreshing which is up my alley. My bestie got the little dove and added pineapple juice which gave her the fruity taste she wanted. All of the appetizers were simply delicious. Best elote I have ever had!!!! The entrees were hot, flavorful and at a great price. I had never had grouper and I enjoyed it. My bestie had the most meat-filled birria and the best "motor oil" consommé I loved the decor in the restaurant, I felt like I was in an upscale jungle with all the green - little different than what I'm used to for Mexican restaurants. Upbeat and friendly was the overall vibe. They had it decorated for Christmas which was cute! Will be back every chance I get. read more
5 months ago
El Royale is definitely a favorite of my husband and I's. We've probably been here upwards of 10 times. Our go-to's are the ribeye fajitas, sour cream enchiladas, corn elote & (of course) the house margaritas. The restaurant and bar are gorgeous and give off a very New Orleans vibe. However, I knocked off a star for the prices and the notoriously slower service. Overall, we really enjoy El Royale and think it brings a great new atmosphere to Bham! Definitely a great spot to try out, but make sure to get a reservation! read more
This place is easily one of my favorite spots to unwind especially during the week with a great cocktail and appetizer..The Fajita Nachos are my favorite. I always prefer sitting at the bar the energy is great, and the service never disappoints. Even when it's busy, Courtney behind the bar is incredibly attentive and makes the experience feel personal. She keeps things moving while still checking in, and her drinks are consistently on point. I highly recommend this place for a group, solo date, or a date night. The aesthetic is unmatched. read more
Sadly, I was not impressed. The first thing I would say is this place is very very loud. Our party of six could barely hold a conversation. Next, service was very poor. The staff was not welcoming or polite. As an example, during our meal the hostess took an extra chair from our table without even saying "excuse me". And, service was so slow! From start to finish; slow to take our orders, slow to bring our food, and slow to deliver and process our check. Maybe the food would be great, but it wasn't, I had the Blackened Grouper, and my wife had the Jolene combination. Wife said her dinner was mediocre at best. I thought the grouper dish was okay, but not something I would come back for. And the food was expensive. The Jolene combination was $28 and the Grouper was $34. There are so many Mexican restaurants around town with much better food for half that price. So, you may wonder why my rating is such an outlier. In my opinion, this is a new restaurant that offers a upscale vibe for a Mexican restaurant (an overlooked segment). The idea of a new "cool" place downtown has generated excitement and a lot of buzz. The restaurant seems to appeal to young professionals; it's a place to see and be seen. For me, it didn't live up to the hype. read more
I really enjoyed having lunch here with a friend recently. We had a 12:45 pm reservation on a Friday afternoon but our table wasn't ready right at that time. The hostess was nice and kept me updated on when our table would be ready. It's wasn't a big deal as I arrived a little early. I know, surprisingly! Once we were seated , our server Travis was on it! He made several drink and food recommendations to us. Travis provided us with a great experience from start to finish! We shared the dip trio. I absolutely loved the chips served with the trio! My fav of the three dips was the guacamole. To drink I had the flaming royale and an espresso martini. Both drinks were good but my fav was the espresso martini! So well crafted and smooth. My friend enjoyed her drink choices as well. For food I went with the blackened grouper and it was absolutely delicious. This dish was so beautiful and well worth the price! It was perfect for me since I'm not your typical Mexican food fan. 10/10 Last but certainly not least is the ambiance. Good grief , this place is breathtaking! I literally felt like I was dining in a garden. I loved it!!! My first time at El Royale was unforgettable & I absolutely cannot wait to return! PS. I didn't utilize the valet parking but I love that this is an option , even during lunch hours! read more
After waiting over two months to get a (reasonably timed) dinner reservation, we finally journeyed to El Royale. I'm no interior designer, but might I say, the decor here is top-notch. The ambiance is chic and retro; it's truly one of the prettiest restaurants I've eaten at. After being seated, our party of three was served chips and two types of salsas. Nothing too notable about this commodity, but the salsa verde was the better of the two. What we ordered: -Chicken Tinga Tacos Lots of chicken with a slight kick! I really enjoyed these. The rice and beans were alright. I appreciate that all of these dishes were served with pico, guac, lettuce, and sour cream on the side! -Crispy Fish Tacos Star of the show! The fried grouper was so tasty! I would order this again. -Jolene's Plate I tried a bite of the beef enchiladas on this plate, and they were good. Nothing phenomenal, but it's quite a bit of food! I wish the menu had a greater variety of unique dishes to choose from. There are a lot of enchilada and taco variations, so I'd love to see them add a few more different options. Overall, the atmosphere here is very special. Even if you can only come once, I'd make an effort to do so. This is a beautiful addition to Birmingham's restaurant scene. read more
1 year ago
El Royale has been on my list and it was worth the wait! After finally being able to snag a Saturday dinner reservation, I think I may found one my favorite restaurants in Birmingham! Upon arrival, you enter this beautiful garden which swifts you away to feel you are in for a treat! Very well done and I can see I'm in for a great atmosphere for sure. To start, we had the nachos which were so so good and set the tone to know the food is delicious! The chips were like none I ever taste and extremely fresh. I also had the margarita and flaming Royale which both were excellent! I had picked out the fajita as my entree before arriving and it definitely was the right pick. They got it right on everything! Hot and fresh with awesome chicken with some amazing tortillas. I tried some other dishes that were at the table and they all were great. I look forward to coming back soon! So good and worth a second visit! read more
I looked forward to dining here since I'd heard such hype about the restaurant. I'm sad to say that this restaurant is not for me. Too loud, too many tables crammed into a small space, very rude and very slow service, and too expensive for ok tasting Mexican food. Dining out is much about the ambiance and overall enjoyable experience and I did not get that, at all. I actually got tired of shouting to be heard and quit trying to hear what my dining companions were saying. It was an exhausting dinner out. read more
8 months ago
This restaurant offers complimentary valet, street parking is available. Our server was Bradley, he was great and provided excellent service. I ordered the Paloma which was very good. For my entree I ordered the ribeye fajitas which were good. The inside of the restaurant is well decorated and aesthetically pleasing. I would recommend this restaurant. read more
1 year ago
El Royale is in the old Carrigan's Beer Garden spot. They have valet parking and outside seating. They take reservations but none are available for the next few weeks. The bar is first come first serve. We arrived at opening, 4pm and sat at the bar. Food from what we had 5/10: Elote is a corn dip but tasted more like creamed corn, not all that. Dip trio (guac, queso and El Royale dip). Guac was the best out of the three. Beverage 6/10: pitcher of prickly pear margaritas. Margaritas had more of a grapefruit taste than a pear taste. Service 7/10 Atmosphere 10/10 read more
I have been wanting to visit this restaurant for quite some time, but was unable to get a reservation. Thankfully, a friend was able to help us get a reservation for a Friday night at 7:15 so we lined up a Babysitter and made our way to El Royale. Check-in was pretty easy and after a short wait, we were seated at a round table in the corner. I enjoyed the table because I actually got to sit next to my husband versus sit across from each each other and it also allowed for both of us to see the restaurant, to see different dishes, etc instead of one person's back being to everything, so that was great. Our waitress was wonderful, friendly, and just overall great. We started with two cocktails: my husband got the house Margarita and I got the flaming royale. Unfortunately, it was still too bright in the restaurant and outside to really see the flame on camera, but I did appreciate the theatrics. Both drinks were strong and we would get both of them again (though they were a little pricey). Chips and salsa were brought to our table pretty immediately- the green salsa Verde was probably my favorite. Since my husband is not a huge fan of salsa and we couldn't decide which dip we wanted to try, we ended up going with the dip Trio, which had guacamole, queso, and their chili con carne cheese dip. Those were amazing and I was already pretty full by the time we finished splitting those three dips! The chips made it extra filling as well! My husband got the ribeye fajitas- they came out sizzling and hot! He really did like the flavor of them and enjoy the garlic head and clarified butter that came with the fajitas. Because we had eaten an appetizer to start with he had plenty to take Home for a meal the next day. I got the Jolene plate because I wanted to try a couple of their different entrées, including a crunchy beef taco, beef enchilada, and a chicken Tinga enchilada. I tried both enchiladas while I was there and they both had great flavor but we're a little spicy for me. My husband tried them and he said they had a little bit of heat, but I'm not sure I'd get the chicken Tinga again it was good, but my mouth was on fire. We heard and saw on yelp that churros were on the menu and that's one of my favorite desserts. So after getting a couple of to-go boxes, we made an order of churros. The order came with four churros that were filled with a cream and had three different dipping sauces, including chocolate, a vanilla/caramel, And whipped cream. I am definitely coming back here even if just for the churros because they were some of the best that I think I've ever had. Overall, we had a wonderful experience. I look forward to returning (and having those churros again)! I will say that the prices for things seemed a little higher than Birmingham normal but you're paying for not only good food, but the atmosphere and experience. read more
What a Fabulous hidden gem we discovered for date night! The ambiance is amazing & the food lives up to its atmosphere. The steak fajitas & fish tacos were both delicious. The dessert chimichanga was very good but Oh, those churros!!!! I still crave them! We will definitely be returning. read more
8 months ago
My expectations were definitely met for El Royale! I booked a dinner here for my boyfriend and I'd anniversary, and it was so amazing! We were a little worried about parking, but totally lucked out with a spot right in front. If you pull in, there's a valet, but it really shouldn't be too hard to find parking on the street if that's your plan. We were immediately greeted by the hostess and manager and brought to our table. The inside is so cool and a great vibe! We both liked how sitting at the table felt more upscale, but could see ourselves also coming more casual and sitting at the bar for apps & drinks. This is definitely a 2-in-1 restaurant & cocktail bar. The manager then brought over two glasses of prosecco for our anniversary - so kind and thoughtful!! Everything we proceeded to order was great -- the Spicy Margarita, the Side Hustle cocktail, queso appetizer, Birria Tacos, Crispy Fish Tacos, and Churros for dessert! The portions are large - I took my second taco home. The churros were a HUGE hit; they are so warm and the dipping sauces are so good. Our server was very kind and checked in on us frequently. The prices were very reasonable as well, especially for the experience/ambience you pay for. There is something for all different prices ranges (steak meals, single tacos, etc), which I always really appreciate. One thing to note -- almost everything we ate had a good amount of spice in it. We really liked that, but could definitely see how someone who doesn't love spicy food wouldn't love some of the dishes. Overall, we LOVED El Royale and will most certainly be back, either for dinner or drinks!! read more
1 year ago
You know a place is good when you are still thinking about it days later!! My friend was able to snag a reservation a month ago for her bday and I've been counting down the days!! They offered valet parking but I was able to find a park right around the corner. I must say walking into this place you forget you are in Birmingham, Al. The garden makes you feel like you are away on vacation. Shoutout to the garden architect!! The atmosphere had me ready to try the food. We were sat as soon as we arrive and I alway love a place that doesn't make you wait for the whole party to arrive to be seated. I started with the spicy marg and it was good! But my next drink made me forget about the spicy. Def try the Flaming Royale... whew! Delish We split the steak nachos as an appetizer and they were so good!! You can tell the chips were made from scratch. I was tempted to order them for my meal but I got the combination plate - Jolene's plate and it was perfect!! I can't wait to go back!! read more
7 months ago
We made reservations and had to wait a little while for a table. Our serve was nice and very attentive to our glasses nearing empty. The food was very flavorful. The churros were amazing too. Loved the greeting cards that are given to you at the end to mail to someone by the restaurant read more
7 months ago
Very quaint and atmospheric restaurant? Yes. Pricy for what you get? Yes. Great food? Hmmm, not bad, but doesn't pop for me as really good either. Great service? Hmmm, could be better, on the slow side and they were not at all busy when we went on a weekday for lunch. We got crispy fish tacos and chile relleno. They were not bad, but I had better for cheaper. The best for me was actually the free salsa, ha. Which brings me to an interesting point, they seemed reluctant to provide refills on the salsas? At least our server was. It took awhile for our food to come out, so we ate all the salsas and then waited around. When the server did come by, she did not offer a refill. So I asked. She paused and said: "Your food is coming out soon. Do you still want more?" Well, yes, yes, I do. I asked, didn't I? Honestly, a good server would have just been proactive and brought out more automatically once they were empty. One more negative - the check says "If you use a credit card, we charge a 3% surcharge", so sounds like you have options, right? Pay cash or 3% more if you use a credit card. Except....wait, they don't take cash! So.....what are my options other than credit card? Bitcoins? read more
1 year ago
Y'all wanna know the 411? (Quatro, uno, uno). The renovations they've done to this place are *immaculate.* Like, this could be a wedding venue. I've heard they're booked out a ways into the summer, but it's worth the wait. The owners (also own Slim's Pizza!) have an amazing eye for design. Landscaping=perfect, interior finishes=perfect. This brings me to the menu design. Love. Cool fonts (quit showing me Pinyon Script iykyk), unique illustrations of the drinks, and in an anti-Cheesecake Factory way, not too long of a menu. I thought they had the perfect amount of options. To start, my two table-mates had the house margarita (rocks, with) and I had the frozen sangria. This was a little bit sweeter than what I expected, but I also got it just to try and now I know hahaha. The drinks were all satisfactory and up to par with the atmosphere. The SALSA was the ^perfect^ consistency. No dribbling on the way to your mouth, but enough juiciness to carry the flavor and not leave your mouth dry. Love. Want to know more about the salsas, waitstaff should explain what they are even if you don't ask, hahaha. Alright food: I had the taco trio. Chicken, carne asada, and birria. I wanted to try them all. I do believe my favorite was the carne asada. Birria is so hit or miss for me, really depending on my mood, I'll have to try it again (oh no!) Refried beans were great, spanish rice was good and, although I see the place for plain rice, I would love to see the flavor amped up here. More tomato-pepperiness. Yum. Churros were absolutely scrumptious and perfect and came out HOT. Love. I'll be back for a tres leches cake. Now, if I may make some suggestions for the menu, just because I love this place and want to hang out here all the time. I would love to see a tamale series in the fall/winter of some unique flavors. I find that unique (not just group beef/pork/chicken) tamales are hard to find around here. read more
Let me start off by saying. I love the transformation of this space. From Brat Brat to Carrigan's beer garden, you are really immersed into a unique restaurant like no other in Birmingham. The architecture and interior is incredibly tasteful for the space and you can most definitely see all of the thought put into the space. Kudos to the designers for preserving the infamous bar space and gifting Birmingham with this gem. Now to move onto the food. I want to give higher marks, but there were many components missing. Many of these were intertwined with the service provided. For one, for a restaurant to be booked out for the entire month, I expect a grand gesture. I managed to snag a reservation using Resy's Priority Waitlist for my friend's birthday brunch after a group cancelled. Rather than feel a warm welcome that I expected, things felt disjointed at best. Service was SLOW! We waited at least 45 minutes for 3 drinks and they were incorrect and incredibly diluted. We ordered their queso as an appetizer but needed more chips which were delayed to the point where our queso was no longer hot and beginning to congeal. Entrees were lacking as well. I ordered the chicken breast fajitas and they were incredibly dry and flavorless. Substitutions are accommodated though which is nice! Overall, I want to like El Royale as a new restaurant in Birmingham but it seems a bit premature to make a grand showcase. There are inherent adjustments that are needed as they grow in Birmingham. Perhaps in the future, I can retry but for the time being, I'm going to recommend a word of caution as they ramp up. read more
I've been excited to try this spot since it opened! I follow their social media and had heard great things from friends who attended the soft opening, so my expectations were high. As someone who enjoys exploring new restaurants, I really love the concept and vibe of this place. There's valet parking available, which is a nice touch. If you visit during the week, you might be able to find nearby street parking too. The entry garden is beautiful and such a thoughtful design! With outdoor tables and a bar serving drinks while you wait, it creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere before being seated. Our server was wonderful, friendly, and knowledgeable. He walked us through the menu highlights, and we each tried different cocktails. I had the Flaming Royale, and it was delicious. That said, the food didn't quite live up to the overall experience for me. I ordered tacos with rice and beans, and while everything was presented nicely, the flavors were a bit underwhelming. I was with a group of seven, and we all ordered different dishes. Unfortunately, most of us felt the same. The food wasn't bad, but it lacked some of the seasoning and boldness we were hoping for. Overall, I think this is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a stylish night out. The ambiance and service are standout features. While the food didn't hit the mark for me, I'd love to see how the menu evolves. read more
I had been hearing about this place for a while and was finally able to get a babysitter and a reservation lined up. We waited a few minutes, but it wasn't a long wait. The patio outside was a great area to wait, and for those wanting to dine out there, they even had an outside bar area. Inside, the place was packed, and I can see why it stays busy. The atmosphere and vibe was great, and I enjoyed the music. They quickly brought out some chips and salsa. I'm not a huge fan of salsa, but it was decent. We got the dip trio delivered and it was delicious. I loved the el royale queso and the quac. The queso blanco was good, but not amazing. Foe the entrees, I got the ribeye fajitas, which were amazing. It was very flavorful, and the garlic with the peppers and the butter were delicious. My wife got the jolene plate, and she enjoyed it as well. She let me try the chicken tinga and I really liked it as well - just the right amount of heat. I really enjoyed our date night here and would definitely come back. The prices were a tad higher, but you pay for the atmosphere and upscale Mexican food. read more
1 year ago
It took an arm and a leg just to get a reservation, but we made it happen. Lol. The location is great. The atmosphere is beautiful. We really enjoyed ourselves. We ordered several items and shared a few things too. The Birria tacos were very flavorful. The rice was not dry like most places are. Had a lot of flavor, very moist. Guac obviously very fresh. The chips and salsa was delicious. It was actually spicy though, but we love that and chips were a great thickness too. We ordered the queso with some beef in it, tortilla soup, the steak was so so good. Very tender. The green sauce with it was really nice. Also, got the enchiladas chicken Tinga. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Do I think it's a little over price, yes. But it's a beautiful place. Good to come every now and then. For dessert, we got the churros. So yummy with three different options to dip in. They offer street parking and valet. read more
6 months ago
Food/Drinks- We ordered the spicy margarita pitcher, elote, and fajitas. The pitcher was a decent size for two people. It was a strong, flavor margarita. The fajitas were delicious but more veggies than meat. Service- We waited a few minutes before our waiter came over. He was friendly and made great suggestions. Ambience- This was our 2nd visit. Everything was clean and the music was great. read more
8 months ago
We took our daughter there for a birthday dinner and we were seated immediately. We had a very nice waiter and it was as his first day. He did an excellent job. I had the birria tacos and my daughter had the ribeye tacos. We both were pleased with our selections. I could have used a little more birria sauce. I did have two tacos and they were filled with meat. The restaurant was as different and very nice inside. There was a well stocked bar area. We could easily return here. read more
Truly a special place! El Royale is certainly one of the most beautiful restaurants in Alabama. Every piece of it was designed to perfection! The previous places this building was are absolutely unrecognizable. I started with the Flaming Royale margarita, and I have to say it's one of the best (maybe even THE best) margaritas in Birmingham. The salsas are a great combo! We tried the El Royale Dip but would probably stick to the queso next time. I ordered the Taco Trio- each taco was so delicious and flavorful, I couldn't pick a favorite! Waits were long, but this is the understandable challenge of a new restaurant that takes Bham by storm. We will certainly be back! read more
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More info about El Royale
2910 6th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35233
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(205) 961-3345
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http://www.elroyalecafe.com
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