Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Uptown Cantina

    3.1 (170 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Uptown Cantina Takeout or Delivery

    Uptown Cantina Photos

    UPTOWN CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

    You might also consider

    More like Uptown Cantina

    Recommended Reviews - Uptown Cantina

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Patrice S.

    So, I decided on Saturday to try out this establishment and I was pleased . The restaurant is in the Uptown district so parking can be tricky on days events are happening because they are located right across the Protective Stadium. The vibe was good. The décor was good. Plenty of seating. My waitress Cindy was super.helpful. I ordered the shrimp and grits for my entree and decided to go with a frozen strawberry margarita. The portion was huge. The grits were to my liking creamy and full of flavor. The blackened shrimp was good too. I have got to go back and check out other items. Overall a good dining experience.

    Martini- such a bad ass glass
    Matthew D.

    Ok so I'm glad I ignored the stars and tried it! I sat at the bar, it was busy, I grabbed the last seat and I'm glad I got it! The bartender is flipping amazing, she had an amazing personality, super friendly, made a bad ass Martini- (don't judge me, for having vodka at a Tex mex) I had the fried chicken tacos which were ridiculously good, and filling. I first questioned 3 tacos for $20 but I would do it again. Two people walking by asked what they were as they looked that good. Massive piece of tender chicken, slaw, hot honey.... I'm mad I live in CT... I'm usually critical of places, especially ones on touristy sections but job well done!!

    Gringo Beef Chimichanga
    Jay T.

    I love Mexican food. In fact, it's my absolute favorite cuisine. I had a one-hour lunch break so I stopped in to grab a quick bite at the bar (mainly because Mexican is usually cheap and quick). I ordered a short (16oz) draft Modelo and a gringo beef chimichanga. Now, I always order a short draft because they stay cold in the amount of time it takes me to drink them. Tall drafts grow warm. However, even though the glass looked chilled when she was pouring my beer, when I started sipping it was warm. The chimichanga was really just a burrito. Chimichangas are supposed to be deep fried to give the flour tortilla time to crisp up and get golden brown. This was spongy, greasy and just dipped in grease- it was NOT fried. The ground beef filling was greasy and not super flavorful. At $16 it wasn't super expensive, but I'd prefer just about any strip mall Mexican spot over what I got here.

    Oaxaca Hot Chicken
    Frank H.

    We went in last week for a work luncheon and Coby and his staff took great care of us. From the time we walked in until the time we left, the staff was at our call. There were about 20 of us and we all had drinks and food out very quickly. Our entrees were hot and delicious. The desserts were amazing. Thank you again for a great outing.

    Honey Sopapilla
    Tammy P.

    Service was good. It was our first time visiting restaurant. Food is on expensive side for lunch. We spent over $68 and that did not include the $10 tip. My husband and I split a chicken fajitas. It only come with 4 tortillas. We paid extra $1 for more tortillas. Plate was not even warm. Give you very small portions of lettuce, cheese, pico salsa and sour cream. If you want chips and salsa, you had pay $4.00 for endless chip and salsa ( but no one never offer any more chips and salsa ). I didn't like salsa, but my husband liked it ( it's not a tomato salsa it's thick chili tasting sauce). Dessert I ordered a sopapilla with honey powered sugar and cinnamon. It also had a scoop of vanilla ice and whipped cream. It was delicious!

    Wood-Fired Protein Bowl

    Great location for my weekend plans. The food was tasty. The portion isn't worth the money.

    Margarita Flight
    Stephanie D.

    My friend and I went to Uptown before a concert. The atmosphere was fun and it was clean. The lighting was good. You have to purchase chips and salsa unlike other Mexican restaurants though the chips and salsa are bottomless once you order them. The guacamole was pretty standard and the salsa was ok. We had some bacon wrapped shrimp which were good and came with some bread. The margarita flights were on special for $5 off and they were the best part of our experience. The server was sweet but did not know what gluten free meant which could be dangerous for someone. Overall, it was a good experience, though the food that I had was not my favorite. I would go back for the drinks!

    Stuffed Nachos L
    Rodney C.

    Checked out Uptown Cantina with a big group, and it was a solid experience. The service was on point--super friendly and handled our crew like pros. The place is really nicely decorated and super clean, which added to the vibe. I went with the chicken-stuffed nachos, and they were absolutely delicious--crispy, loaded with flavor, and just hit the spot. Overall, good food, good service, chill atmosphere. 8/10 recommend.

    Quesadilla
    Davida B.

    The chips and salsa are not free but they are good. This is in uptown so it's definitely overpriced, that's to be expected. The staff was friendly. Our server was young, energetic and quickly admitted he was unfamiliar with the alcohol menu (during happy hour). My friend and I paid separately. The server doubled checked with him to offer him to leave more tip money before taking his check. Side eyed that. Anyway, I ordered the bowl, it was heavy (rice, beans, corn, meat, cheese) fresh lettuce and tomatoes would have lightened it up. I asked for guacamole (pictured: $5 up charge). My friend ordered the quesadillas which he said was good. Very nice decor and a full bar. I didn't order directly from the bar. My experience: The food and service are mid overall.

    Amber C.

    I went here looking to try a new spot In Birmingham and let's just say I left on an empty stomach. We were greeted by the hostess and sat immediately (the only good thing I can say about my experience). When we sat down we waited for 10 minutes and no server ever came to our table, it was practically empty as well so not sure why it took so long. Because we weren't greeted by a waiter we decided to just go to the bar to try to get quicker service. The bartender greeted us very dryly and asked us what we wanted (no suggestions or anything). We ordered some chips and guac and a couple of tequila shots and the glasses they were served in were DIRTY. We excused the customer service and the flies but dirty dishes is where I draw the line. The establishment is in a convenient location and beautifully designed but management and staff need to do better.. it's a nope nope nope for me! 0/10 would recommend if I could put zero stars if I would.

    2 Chicken Barbacoa 1 Fried Chicken Taco
    Ashley M.

    Super cute decor! Basic food, but not bad for a Tex Mex spot. I ordered the elote off the cob. It had potential flavor wise, but unfortunately it came out cold. For my main, I ordered 3 tacos: the fried chicken taco and chicken barbacoa! Both were great but the fried chicken taco was the star of the show! The sauce, the crispness. I will definitely be back for it! Service was great. The staff was very quick and attentive to my parties needs!

    Trio $14
    Laura W.

    Uptown Cantina is a great location. The interior is Instagram worthy. The staff were pleasant as well! Was expecting a party of 7. They have a rule that you just have half of your party in order to be seated. Water is free. Chips & salsa is on the menu to order. Good thing bottomless salsa is $4. The waiter suggested the trio for $14 and I honestly don't think it was worth it especially if everyone at the table is not going to finish the trio together. Food came quicker than expected. I ordered and ate the chicken burrito: 6/10 The other items in the pictures were ordered by my friends. They overall enjoyed their meal. Patio was closed when I arrived, not sure why. They have an upstairs however it was not in use during my visit. Not much room at the bar to sit but very good selection of items if interested in a drink. The drinks my friends had were rated 10/10. I just had the water. I have tried calling in to this location before, there was no answer. Other than that, I do not know how delivery/pick up service is here. I only dined in. Overall pleasant experience!

    supposed to be fish taco: mahi. I got shrimp.

    The food was good ( but not Mexican). The service was terrible. The guy at the bar was profoundly unhelpful. He sent me over to the hostess, and when I explained I was in a hurry and just wanted 2 fish tacos, she talked about sitting down and getting hors d'oeuvres. She then sent me back to the guy at the bar. I ordered two fish tacos to go. What I got was to shrimp tacos. No explanation. The rice had a nice flavor, but it was southern rice not Mexican rice

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lucy T.
    648
    1304
    6254

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mike L.
    1
    60
    55

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynn B.
    114
    163
    1897

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joelle B.
    267
    86
    281

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of TY H.
    54
    4
    14

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Uptown Cantina

    You might also consider

    Bygones Cocktail Bar

    Bygones Cocktail Bar

    4.8(35 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    I finally got to check out Bygones! My friend and I went for a late night bite and a cocktail, and…read morewe sat at the bar. The service was quick and the hospitality was unmatched. They have a food truck that I've heard wonderful things about and I ordered the chicken Caesar salad. It was almost like a chopped Caesar salad and it was just the right amount for a small girl dinner. If you like Parmesan cheese, this is a must order as they do not skimp on that! What was really nice however was that you couldn't tell the food was from a food truck. It was great quality and you are able to order from inside the bar and they deliver it to you. That was a great service. I can't quite remember which cocktail I got, but it was very delicious and at one point the server had even given me a new chilled glass so my drink would remain cold as I sipped on it. This is definitely a great date night spot or just a place to grab a drink with friends, definitely a little more upscale as we were there in the evening, so the lights were dim. I won't drop my rating as it's spring time in the South but I remember being cold immediately as I walked in- but that's typical for a lot of places.

    Yall! Get down here!!! The absolute best SEXY bar ever. Sophisticated. Dark wood…read morecabinets....exposed brick walls ...black and brass fixtures...great music. But the real jam! The mixologist! These guys aren't bartenders! They have science in the back! I'm talking Suvied fruits and centrifuges! It's fabulous. So much so, my plane was delayed and I was thrilled to find out while I was still there! Drake and Dustin....Dustin and Drake they are Pros!

    Photos
    Bygones Cocktail Bar
    Bygones Cocktail Bar
    Bygones Cocktail Bar

    See all

    Paper Doll POP - Penicillin

    Paper Doll POP

    4.2(138 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    I hadn't been to Paper Doll since their new POP renovation, and wanted to try it out this weekend!…read moreWalked from a restaurant on 2nd Ave after eating dinner and stumbled into a burlesque show! It's a very intimate bar, galley style. The cocktails are great, they have all the basics and usually a smaller menu of fun options. My friend and I ordered a drink and sat down at one of the tables to take in the show!! They do the burlesque show on the last Friday of every month! It was so fun and the crowd made it feel like a safe space. I'm going to try to bring my mom and some of her friends for the next one! It's a great bar with comfortable seating, and on this night it wasn't so loud that my older, hearing impaired friends wouldn't enjoy it. Burlesque aside, this is a great bar for an intimate drink. It's relatively dark in here so much more of a romantic vibe.

    Ok... so it looks different than the original Paper Doll. Neon, 80's/90's vibe, unicorn on the…read morewall. I loved the original decor so this is ... different. Moving on, I ordered two cocktails: vitamin sea and out of the office, I think. I explained that I don't like sweet - both were made perfect for me with less syrup. We were there for happy hour, which is $2 off all drinks. I also had their chips and dip (no kitchen menu). 2 drinks and chips = $29. I consider that a little steep for happy hour but this was for the experience. I'd recommend a visit.

    Photos
    Paper Doll POP - New York Sour

    New York Sour

    Paper Doll POP
    Paper Doll POP - New concept is Paper Doll POP

    See all

    New concept is Paper Doll POP

    Tucana Tiki Bar - Tiki light

    Tucana Tiki Bar

    4.6(46 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Tucana Tiki is a great experience from start to finish when you walk in it's like traveling to an…read moreisland oasis. They have multiple seating options; the first floor has booths that can accommodate smaller and large groups. The bar area is very inviting and fun to be able to watch your drinks being made and upstairs offers a more private area. When not seated at the bar they do have someone to come around to make sure you have what you need. The servers are very nice and tend to remember you, which is a great feeling. The menu rotates seasonally, which makes it easier to try new things. My favorite menu item so far has been the cheeseball that was on the menu around Christmas time. It had a great flavor served with crackers the only thing is when we came back after the first of the year it wasn't on the menu anymore. On my most recent visit I had the queso which also had great flavor, served with blue corn tortilla chips. When it comes to the drinks I like how on the menu they let you know how strong it is using toucans. Many of the drinks feature rum, but they do still offer some gin and tequila options. Everything I've had has been good and something I would try again. I would like to note that many of the drinks are fruity and can be somewhat sweet. At Christmas time they even had holiday themed drinkware which I felt was a nice touch. If you are not a drinker, they also have options for mocktails. Which has been great for me the last couple of months. I didn't care for the Phony Negroni, but I think Negroni itself might be an acquired taste

    We have been watching to visit Tucana for a while now and finally got the chance tonight! We were…read morenot disappointed!! The service, staff, and ambiance were perfect for an early drink before dinner. The drinks are inventive and delicious! Drinks devoured: Breakfast in Pago, Melon Marauder, Bee So For Real, and Demerara Dry Float

    Photos
    Tucana Tiki Bar - Upstairs

    Upstairs

    Tucana Tiki Bar - Blue Hawaiian

    Blue Hawaiian

    Tucana Tiki Bar

    See all

    Continental Drift - Uproot IPA in my lovely Birmingham koozie

    Continental Drift

    4.5(25 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    This is NOT a review for the bar. It's just a mini review of the Drift Food Truck that's outside…read more I've eaten there many times and have never been disappointed, though not always "Wowed"--and that was only once. The menu varies so don't expect this menu when you go. The smash burger is dependable and good. The duck fries are pretty awesome, but they seem to be super enthused about their house seasoning, almost to the point of obliteration! It's good; They just need to be a little more judicious with it. Pictured are the noteworthy Brussel sprouts: "$10 BRUSSELS' SPROUTS Red wine balsamic glaze, Agrodolce pearl onions, scallions, fried garlic " You can also have them topped with grilled chicken for a few bucks more. Can Brussels be overcooked? Apparently not. These aren't as charred as the photo suggests. The red wine / balsamic reduction adds a lot of color to them. They may look charred but there's no burned taste in the flavor. I know, those poor little Brussels look overwhelmed, but they're not. They were good in my mouth and belly. Be careful not to spill any in the car on the way home, or the next day your car will not be very welcoming to guests.

    This place came very highly recommended to us, so when we moved to Birmingham, we couldn't wait to…read moretry it. I love that they switch up the themes and keep the menu rotating! We went very early one Saturday and were the only people in there -- but I won't hold this against them at all, as we are always early birds. The staff were all hanging out in a booth near the door. One bartender eagerly jumped up to help us, but the rest seemed pretty inconvenienced by our presence. Our bartender was great -- very personable and knowledgeable. That's about the only redeeming factor. The menus were tattered and sticky, bar itself was kinda gross, lipstick marks on our glasses, and our drinks were subpar at best. I believe the theme when we went was something about Italy, so there was a lot of potential for creative drinks, but they all seemed pretty uninspired -- think limoncello, Negronis, etc.. Also, some weird blue frozen one, but I can appreciate catering to every crowd! We probably won't be back.

    Photos
    Continental Drift
    Continental Drift
    Continental Drift - This is caramelization cubed! So good...,

    See all

    This is caramelization cubed! So good...,

    Uptown Cantina - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...