El Barrio - Downtown Birmingham

This place was honestly a breakthrough moment for me. I needed this outing so badly, and I’m so glad I chose El Barrio over the other restaurant I was considering. From the minute I walked in, the vibe just hit me warm, comforting, and calming. My whole nervous system felt like it could finally relax. The ambiance is beautiful, the decor is so intentional, and the energy felt peaceful and inviting. It’s definitely one of those restaurants you have to see in person to get the full vibe. But let’s talk about the service, because that’s what made my whole night. I had the amazing Jeremiah behind the bar. He said he’s normally a server, but he worked that bar like a pro. Super engaging, patient, helpful, and honestly just comforting. He recommended their seasonal cranberry margarita 10/10. They change them every season! Then I ordered a non-alcoholic sangria; the first one was a little tart, and without hesitation he replaced it with a sweeter version that was perfect. He checked on me consistently, made me feel cared for without overdoing it, and he didn’t even know how much I needed someone to just be kind that night. Sometimes people sit at the bar to release the stress they’re carrying, and Jeremiah truly lifted mine without even realizing it. Thank you, Jeremiah. For food, I ordered: • Shrimp Ceviche – Fresh and flavorful. The only thing I didn’t love was the soggy tortilla chip in the middle that held the stack together it was in the way but I understood why but just ask for chips to make it as a dip. Next time I’m getting it with plantain chips because that would have been perfect since it was a very refreshing appetizer! • Elote Asado (Corn on the Cob) – Good flavor, but the cob was small so it felt like there wasn’t enough corn. So don’t order the small cob like I did lol. They load it with mayo (which I love), so next time I’m trying it off the cob and I’ll make it a large! • Carne Asada – The STAR of the night. I will never forget this meal. The sirloin steak was juicy and seasoned perfectly, the sauce tied everything together beautifully, and the chile potato gratin on the side with the Arugula salad with onion was so FLAVORFUL, comforting and rich. Now I understand why the person next to me only ordered the carne asada it’s fulfilling on its own. This is the dish I’ll come back for every single time. And it was only $26 🤭 Everything was seasoned, flavorful, authentic which is rare to find at many Mexican restaurants. The entire staff was friendly, moving with teamwork and flow, and it just made the whole experience even better. This restaurant gave me great food, great energy, and a moment of peace I didn’t know I needed. I’m so happy I came here, and I’ll definitely be back. ✨🌮❤️

The short ribs were very tender and very nicely seasoned. The potato taquitos were really good. The "El Barrio" margarita was excellent! The bartenders were nice and answered all our questions, as we were first timers. Our server kept a smile on his face and was super nice. Can't wait to go back!

Modern Mexican spot with a colorful, energetic vibe. The tacos al pastor were spot-on — spicy, smoky, and loaded with flavor. Drinks are solid, service is sharp, and the place just buzzes. Great for when you want real food and good noise after a long day.

My wife and I drove to Birmingham from Atlanta to see Leon Bridges play at the new Coca Cola Amphitheater.. We had an Air B&B guest that is from the area and said this place was in my wheelhouse. We walked up and it had a good crowd already with a few couples waiting for tables.. We opted for the community seating table next to another couple going to the show. We were just inside to the left in a little area that was perfect.. We had the queso with the peppers and chorizo added to start and then moved on to the asada steak with a potato cake made with hatch chilies. My wife had the green chili enchiladas and some charro beans. Our waitress was great.. her recommendations were exactly what we were looking at and that made it easy. She was very attentive

Very lovely place with good prices. People were eating there midday on a weekday, which is always a good sign to me. Pepeto soup was light, delicious, unique, and filling. Plantain chips were a little oily tasting but still good.

My wife and I love this place! Every time we visit Birmingham, we always make it a point to visit two restaurants and this is one of them. The food, the atmosphere and the service is always excellent. My only gripe is a personal preference one. Why, please tell me why y’all changed the enchilada recipe?! It was one of the best dishes on the menu and now I think I’ll pass because of the corn like bisque that seems to be all I taste when eating the enchiladas. Again, that’s my personal preference. This place is excellent!

Here for the best brunch burrito in the city! It's big, it's delicious, and I could only finish half in one sitting. Try it and stay for the Paloma!

Atmosphere and service were great. The food was good but I felt like there were not a lot of options for the price. This restaurant seems like a white washed mexican restaurant

Happened upon El Barrio when our original destination wasn't open. What a pleasant surprise! We lucked up in some bar seats which served us well in a few ways. The service was outstanding, she was super knowledgeable and attentive. Our order was served promptly and we were yet again pleasantly surprised. The food was so flavorful, not your typical Mexican food by any stretch of the imagination. I had the Pepeto and my friends shared the chilaquiles and quesadilla con camarones. The atmosphere was as fun as the bartender.

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

I wasn't blown away by El Barrio, but it was a nice lunch stop. Pros: Friendly service, and I was able to get a table at 1pm on a weekday with no issues They brought me a carafe with a refill for my Diet Coke without asking It wasn't overwhelmingly loud Hand sanitizer on the table! Reasonable prices IMO Cons: The chips were awesome, but the salsa had a weird sweet taste The carnitas were well prepared (but also weirdly sweet)...I really wish something "fresh" had come with them to cut the flavor--radish, raw onion, avocado, anything Overall, not much to complain about here--the food wasn't amazing but it was filling, plus I was in and out in no time.

What an incredible experience! Visited Burmingham for the Transplant Games of America, and found this on the last night we were in town. Such a kind and attentive server, and the atmosphere was just beautiful. The food - amazing. We have 8 of us and we all absolutely loved it. Thank you for having us!

Absolutely favorite restaurant in town. Some restaurants are SO overrated for their long wait times - but this one is worth it. The watermelon margarita is a must in the summer. The summer seasonal guac with strawberries and candied bacon is a nonnegotiable!!

I have never had a bad experience at El barrio! I have been here quite a few times and every single time, they find ways to change it up with the menu -- the seasonal margaritas, the seasonal guacamole, etc.! The service is wonderful and if you are able to get a table (which is hard because the place is so popular), you will be treated with amazing servers & good bartenders! The food comes out quickly, even when the place is extremely busy :) Went again for lunch today and had a great time!

El Barrio is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Known for its creative and modern take on Mexican cuisine, El Barrio offers a diverse menu featuring dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Customers often praise the restaurant for its lively atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food, including tacos, enchiladas, ceviche, and handcrafted cocktails. The stylish decor and upbeat music create a fun and energetic dining experience, making El Barrio a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in a lively setting.

I've been meaning to get around to reviewing El Barrio and after going here a few times, I feel like I am well educated on this menu. So lemme school you. Always, start with the guacamole and do the split between regular chips and plantain chips if you can't commit to a full basket of plantain chips. Totally worth it, also there is always a seasonal guac as well. Haven't tried it just yet, since I can't get over how tasty the original guac is. The beef barbacoa quesadilla is perfectly seasoned and oh so tender, Barbacoa brisket and this chipotle sauce is decadent and I could take a bath in it. Absolutely delicious. The Chorizo Meatloaf is not a typical dish that I would order, but I just had to try it and it didn't disappoint! Sometimes chorizo can been super spicy, but the flavors just mesh beautifully together. The chorizo rests on a bed of sautéed spinach and cotija cheese, mashed potatoes and topped with a ranchero sauce. It's a super creative and well thought out dish. Another winner! On Saturdays, they have an awesome brunch menu. The Chilaquiles are super flavorful with a verde sauce and lots of fresh veggies. The jalapeño biscuit is served with a jalapeño butter and a house made jam (seasonal flavors) or butter. I have had it with the apple butter and the raspberry jam and with that jalapeño butter, you get all the sweet and savory! The margaritas, mixed drinks, sangrias, beer and wine lists are always rotating but you can't go wrong with a regular or spicy margarita. They also offer mojitos and a tequila tasting option. Last but not least, the ambiance is fun and lively! The decor is so fun! There is an entire wall that is graffiti painting. The music is always upbeat and the staff looks like they are actually having fun while they are there working and they are very friendly. I noticed that I didn't have to ask for a water refill one time because the staff had each others backs and were refilling each others tables constantly or running food to tables that weren't their own. Teamwork at its finest. So go and have a girls night, date night, family dinner or celebration because you can't go wrong here!

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants anywhere! Barrio knows good Mexican food. Ambiance is comfortable with full bar and seating area. Colorful full wall art but is fun to take in. High ceiling and hard surfaces means that the volume here can sometimes be loud. This is a popular place so be prepared to wait to be seated. Service is good. Staff are friendly, attentive and will make good recommendations if you ask. From the appetizers to entrees I have not had a dish here I did not like. Even the salsa here is amazing. While there's a charge for chips and salsa, it's well worth it. Bottomless once you order, their salsa here is roasted and has fantastic vibrant flavor. Good offering of beers and mixed drinks. My two favorite entrees here are the chicken enchiladas or the chili relleno. Portions are large with an option for many entrees to make them even larger. Barrio focuses on amazing flavors and high quality ingredients to make the food here truly outstanding. The only thing I don't like here is the parking. There is a pay lot nearby and street parking otherwise. I usually need to park a block or two away. Small inconvenience for food this good! Highly recommend.

I was very very excited to try El Barrio after seeing so many great reviews but everything was just "ok". I ordered the chips and salsa, shrimp quesadilla and the El Barrio to drink. The salsa is loaded with cilantro which I didn't care for in this instance but the chips were very tasty. The shrimp quesadilla had no flavor. The only saving grace was the Monterey Jack cheese surprisingly. The sweet lime crema that came with it added nothing for me. It also came with a mixed greens salad with a less than desirable vinaigrette. The El Barrio was very refreshing but I felt nothing after two drinks and an extra shot. My partner got the beef barbocoa quesadilla which had no flavor as well but the sauce that came with that one was subtle but good. The atmosphere is very nice and we were seated quickly with good service but I will probably not be back.

I can't tell you how many times we've tried to get into El Barrio and it was packed solid with a really long wait. Persistence paid last week when we decided to have a Florida style early bird dinner at 4:30 pm and IT WORKED! Don't let the word get out but this is the perfect time to visit this popular eatery. Our very friendly and knowledgeable bartender whipped up some great cocktails and we enjoyed all of our food. We also liked the colorful interior. Will absolutely be back.

I want to buy the plantain nachos in bulk! I also enjoyed the spicy margarita. The entire experience was exceptional. I'll be back!

Amazing food and service. The price was just right! Cool vibe. We will definitely be back.

Amazing food and kind service! We ordered from El Barrio (to go) during our road trip from Florida to Chicago. The food is fresh with lots of flavor and our family of 6 was so impressed. We ordered carnitas and el pastor tacos, potato flautas, frijoles charros and quesadillas. The salsa, cheese, tortillas, beans felt homemade. We will definitely come back when visiting again. Thank you!

Really good food and wall art! There was a wait by 5:30. Get there as early as you can. They open at four.

This restaurant was. It far from our hotel, and we are all suckers for tacos. And funny enough we didn't even get them. On the Thursday we were here it was $7 mojitos and fish tacos were the special. But we split the beef quesadilla and the spicy chicken tostada. Both very fresh and amazing. My only complaint on the tostada was that wish there were some fresh onions on it. Scallions or red onion. We also got the guac and the queso fundido. Probably the best guac I've ever had. The grilled vegetables as a side are also super good. We sat at the bar due to how busy it was and had phenomenal service. They don't take reservations. There were people outside waiting for a table. We were lucky enough to snag seats. It's not a huge space. Dimly lit. Has two booths and some bench seating.

If you're looking for a twist on Mexican food and a cool artsy atmosphere with wonderful service, El Barrio is the place. The restaurant is lively and very colorful. I loved the wall mural and the giant candelabra in the window (I didn't get a picture of that). The staff is very friendly and attentive. They know the menu well and have obviously tried the food because our waitress weighed in on the menu items we had questions on We ordered the chips and salsa and guacamole as an appetizer. The chips were light and crispy and perfectly salted. The guacamole and salsa were very tasty I ordered the carne asada (medium steak). The meat was so tender and flavorful. On the plate was also potatoes au gratin. The potatoes were perfect and seasoned well. They were soooo good. I highly recommend this dish.

Really great margs and tacos! Love the ambience but place does get crowded with no reservations possible. A great spot to grab brunch, lunch, or diner if you're looking for some tasty upscale Mexican fare.

Staying in downtown Birmingham, we wanted something tasty and within a couple of miles of the Hilton. Yelp for the win! El Barrio popped up and we made the walk to quirky, industrial looking restaurant. Be sure to check out the amazing wall mural. To say the food is great is an understatement. Instead of a multiple page menu filled with tons of entrees, El Barrio sticks to a couple of dozen things that they do VERY well. I didn't get pictures of all eight of our party's dishes (how awkward would that have been?!) but every single person said their food was "excellent" from the Roasted Chile Relleno to the Pozole. I ordered the Barbacoa quesadillas made with brisket and a side of charro beans. I couldn't stop eating until my plate was empty and if I could have ordered a container of salsa to fly home with, I would have. It's the best I've ever had! Be sure to check El Barrio's out if you are ever in Birmingham and remember, if you have to wait, it's worth it!

Mexican food that knows it's not authentic, yet embraces it? Yes please, sign me up. El barrio elevates tex mex in the best way possible. The enchiladas are yummy and filling and they serve a mean chunky guacamole! (ps. go early on the weekends, dining is first come first serve with no reservations)

El barrio was amazing. We had the best service and the salsa and queso were definitely the main event. The atmosphere was great. I recommend and will be back for more.

We sat at the bar during our visit and had a good experience. The restaurant has a welcoming vibe and very clean restrooms. All our drinks were well made and the bartender was very attentive. We order the seasonal guac and elote which both were delicious and fairly authentic. As for the entrees we ordered, they were interesting and enjoyable takes on staple Mexican dishes. Definitely worth checking out.

Amazing food! Amazing staff!! Always look forward to coming here while I'm in town! Chorizo meatloaf is so delicious but you really can't go wrong with most anything on the menu!!

They have outdoor, indoor, and bar seating. We sat at the bar and the bar tenders were quick and friendly. They have a homemade salsa, if you love spicy, the habanero sauce has a good amount of heat. If your into spicy AVOID this one. The chicken rice soup was broth and had a rich amazing flavor. The chips and salsa were awesome. The chips were thin and came out hot. The salsa had patches of spicy and was slightly sweet and was super fresh with lots of cilantro. The elote was the winner. It was perfect. It had the right amount of sauce, cheese and was perfectly charred. If we lived here, this would be a weekly event.

The food here was so great that I was forced to come back same day for both lunch and dinner. Guess that pushes me further away from my goal of becoming a swimsuit model. This is an absolute gem of a place here in Birmingham. Our server Chandler was very friendly and super knowledgeable about the city - he gave us some information and education about the history of Birmingham which really enhanced our visit.

THE CHOSEN JUAN! I have made some pretty awesome friends here in Birmingham. One of them I meet for dinner or drinks maybe once or twice a month. We have been slacking a bit lately, though tonight I was able to see him and was super excite about it. He typically selects the location in which we meet up at. Since he knows the area a little more and grew up here I trust his opinions. Tonight the go to was El Barrio. I had heard EVERYONE talk very highly about El Barrio, but had not yet gone. It is a small Mexican restaurant right on Second Ave North. I am so shocked that I have never seen or been here before. I thought I had a pretty good idea of the restaurants around Second Ave North, but I guess I was wrong. When I came inside, the atmosphere is very laid back. There is a full bar and seating at the bar. The dining room is filled with chairs and tables as well as booth options for bigger groups of people. There is a large mural on the wall which was very interesting for me to look at. Our waiter was wonderful. His name was Kevin. He was very personable and outgoing. Telling us about all of the specials for the evening and gave us some amazing recommendations too. I went for the Tuesday special which was crunchy beef tacos. With a deal like $3 for each taco who could say no to that. Its a steal. I decided on two tacos, and figured if I was still hungry I would order some more after. Sure enough, two was just right for me. They were phenomenal. Crunchy shells, perfectly seasoned beef inside topped with cheese, sour cream and tomatoes. I did not realize this till later, but we had come on a Tuesday, so I guess the taco special was for their own version of Taco Tuesday! Kevin came over when our food had just come out and asked if we wanted any hot sauce. We agreed and he brought out a bottle of mild, medium and hot. I of course, went for the mild option, but it had the perfect amount of kick to it. I would love to come back here. The atmosphere is amazing, the people and personable and outgoing and the food is some of the best Mexican food I have had in quite a while. Because of it's prime location on Second Ave North, you might need to make a reservation for later parties or even weekend meals, but it is 100% worth it at the end of the day. The only thing that I must warn ya'll about is the parking. Parking can be an issue for this area, so be prepared to either pay for parking or walking.

We got in quickly on a Wednesday night without a reservation, although if I were to go on a weekend I'd call ahead or make a reservation. The food was so good! I got the half portion of the trout and it was still very filling. My partner got the shirking quesadilla- which came with a crema sauce. The sauce was so good and slightly sweet. Food and salsa was fresh and very flavorful. Prices are a bit higher but are worth it for the quality of the food and restaurant environment/atmosphere. Our server was nice and made plenty of helpful recommendations. I'll most definitely be returning!

We were in town for business. We love Mexican and they had a fish dish on the menu. Overall, we thought the food, drinks, atmosphere, and service were great.

El Barrio provides some of the best Mexican food in the city! I still have not found a better quesadilla. Make sure you arrive very early unless you are okay to wait for an hour or so. The only thing that would make them better is to add in a reservation system.

Oh, yes, been here too! It was nice so many friendly people that were fun to talk to. I popped in before six and was seated right away The waitress helped me pick out some local beers to try and then I choose el Pastor tacos, chips and salsa. All were so good! I can see why people were saying it's the best Mexican restaurant around!

Believe the hype!!!! It was amazing! They are not stingy on the food portions and the customer service was excellent! I highly recommend this restaurant!!!! We joined the wait list it was over an hour but we ended up at the bar and only waited maybe 10 minutes!!

* beef barbacoa - Not sure how I missed that autocorrect 4 years ago Still LOVE this dish!!

Great food and service. We will definitely be back to visit next time we are in town.

Potato taquitos were FIRE ! And frijoles charros were lit! Please give them a try! Really enjoyed them . Especially when you're craving food from home! Great with a Paloma!

Five of five all day long. Queso dip es muy bueno. Y hot sauce también. Gracias amigos.

This is place is always busy when I go and I know why. I had the Beef Barbacoa quesadillas and they were a hit. The creamy chipotle sauce takes it to another level. Definitely recommend getting that or the chicken quesadillas.

Had some friends take us to El Barrio because it is on of their favorite places in town. We really enjoyed it! The chips and guacamole were so good and fresh. Chicken tacos were awesome. Always pretty crowded so if you go at prime time, be prepared to wait for a table.

El Barrio is phenomenal. Great service, great food, cool space. Never had a bad thing here!

Second time eating here. Food and service was sub-par. For the money you are paying there is much better Mexican food to be had in the Birmingham area.

I absolutely love this restaurant. You can usually expect a 30-60 minute wait time to be seated, but the food is well worth it. The chicken mole and seasonal margarita are a must! Daily specials are also amazing. Very cool decor and art, with some community tables as well as individual. Don't even get me started on the desserts!

Great food and a great value! Loved the birria and the rice and beans were a good addition. I would definitely recommend

This place was packed with people during lunch on Black Friday. Make a reservation if possible. The hubs and I had interesting food picks: plantain nachos, grilled chorizo meatloaf, and roasted chile relleno. The plantain nachos were super delicious. When I think of plantains, I don't think of something crispy enough for nachos. These plantain chips were super thin, crispy, and was just delicious. The roasted pork and slight sauce sprinkled throughout provided nice colors and flavors. This dish wasn't doused with cheese but was eloquently presented. The portions were great as well. This was definitely a winner! The grilled chorizo meatloaf was different. It sounded more interesting than in reality. You could get the half or full portion -- mine was half. The meatloaf didn't have a distinguishable taste even though chorizo was in it. I would have thought it was dry meatloaf due to it being grilled rather than it being the way it's prepared with chorizo. The chorizo didn't stand out is what I am trying to convey. It sat upon a bed of spinach mashed potatoes that were creamy and helped with the moisture. This dish was average in my book for taste. The roasted chile relleno was good; this also came in a half or full portion. This was a pretty healthy pick minus all the cheese and cream, and btw, it was a full portion. It sat upon a bed of rice that was pretty flavorful even though it was a tad dry. The beans were distinguishing ingredients as it was a filler -- I have a thing with bean texture so it's really noticeable to me. The cactus pieces were also part of the stuffing and probably didn't help with the moisture issue. The cheese and garlic cream did balance out the dryness of the dish so it wasn't all bad imo. This was overall a tasty and unique pick. The food overall were good. Prices were decent. Customer service was good. This was definitely a hot spot and pretty popular on Yelp.

We go to El Baron all the time and it never disappoints. Their bacon egg and cheese biscuit is my favorite downtown brunch item. The beef barbacoa my mom got was very delicious too.

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Birmingham. Really cool atmosphere and the flavors are great. Love the location as well. Shrimp quesadilla is delicious

If they only took reservations. We have been there three times now for dinner before the symphony, Getting there at 4:00- 4:45, and each time the wait is 1 hour or longer. People standing everywhere outside. Not a fan of having to get to a restaurant at 3:30 for dinner, maybe, guess good for them though. We will not be trying again until the seating/no reservation system changes.

We have been wanting to try this place for a while. I've been reading all the reviews and our love for Mexican made this a must! I must say if you will need a reservation during prime time. We went for lunch today and it was a steady flow of traffic. We were immediately seated and our server Kate, came right over and introduced herself. She shared with us all the specials and even brought us a sample of the house margarita which was amazing and we all had one. We started off with chips, salsa and house made guacamole. This was definitely a great starter. You can taste the freshness of both of them and they had so much flavor. The chips were by far some of the best I've had. Our entrees were the plantain nachos, chicken escabeche and the shrimp quesadilla. The nachos were delicious. The plantains were cooked perfectly, the ingredients were a perfect pair. This was the first time that eating nachos didn't have to have meat!!!! The chicken escabeche was this delicious chicken thighs seared and seasoned perfectly accompanied by baby potatoes, beans, okra and a fresh arugula salad on top. There's so much going on that you just have to try it and trust me! It's just that good. The shrimp quesadilla isn't your average quesadilla. Everything about this screams fresh. The Barrio cornbread is a must with your meal. The sweet butter and Apple butter that comes with it makes it a meal within itself. The black beans and red rice is the best ever. No over cooked beans and no dry rice. Another must on your order. Last but not least, the tres leches cake has so many different sweet flavors going on that I'm still trying to decide which was the best. The cake, pecans, whipped cream and the orange sauce made this a whirlwind of goodness. This is by far the Mexican in Birmingham! Put this on your list.

The service was great, the atmosphere was remarkable, and the food was gas. My boyfriend and I are obsessed and plan on going regularly now.

The food was delicious and the ambiance was amazing, the restaurant will fill very quickly and service isn't the fastest but not terrible.

Had the chips and queso and carne asada, asked for medium and it was perfect! Would definitely recommend and visit again next time I'm in town

Great place in Birmingham. Delightfully thought out plantain nachos, and shrimp quesadillas. It's hard to find a good place in Birmingham that is delightful.