This downtown bar and restaurant serves all the senses, the decor features ‘distressed wood and custom iron work’ complimented by authentic Mexican street art. The food is mouthwatering and the smell wafts right out to the front patio, where patrons can enjoy a margarita or cold beer. Be sure to swing by for brunch on a warm Southern Saturday morning.

Before you even think about the food, the interior of El Barrio is a sight to behold, a beautifully decorated restaurant full of rich woods, textures and bold art, it is both sophisticated and elegant without leaving you feeling like you don’t belong. El Bario is modern Mexican cuisine, where they keep the flavors and dishes authentic but add a few innovative twists into the menu; all the food is fresh with some explosive flavors that deserve the recognition it gets. They also have a great drink selection, and are not tight on the alcohol if you order one of their cocktails, which is always a nice touch!.

If you’re in the mood for something different, head south of the border (and, no we aren’t sending you down into Bibb county somewhere). Executive Chef Neville Baay’s brunch at El Barrio (which is actually located right down town) features a lively mix of eats ranging from the ol’ standby, huevos rancheros to sopapillas for breakfast, made with pork carnitas, roasted apples, queso fresco, candied apples, and citrus; to chilaquiles with either shrimp or chicken, prepared with poblano crema and featuring spiced cherry tomatoes and radishes, zucchini, and fava beans. Check out their full brunch menu here.

We happened across this restaurant while tootling around (Yes. From time to time, we tootle.) the loft district and I’m so glad we decided on lunch here — El Barrio is a super-popular Birmingham restaurant with next-level Mexican-inspired cuisine, and it’s definitely worth trying if you’re visiting the area. We decided to split everything and enjoyed orders of ceviche and queso as our starters. On the recommendation of our server, we next ordered the chorizo meatloaf, an El Barrio staple.

You may not think to order a salad at El Barrio, one of the absolute best Mexican restaurants in the Magic City, but plenty of our followers suggest their Chopped Romaine & Spinach Salad. Grilled corn, avocado, crispy tortilla strips and sweet peppers are tossed in a garlic-lime dressing and topped with pepitas. One follower noted that adding the grilled steak brings this salad to a whole new level, and the masa-fried shrimp sounds just as delicious.

3/ El Barrio (2211 2nd Ave N.) If you’re feeling peckish, one block from Collins is El Barrio. Self described as a restaurant “Inspired by multi-regional Mexican cuisine, urban design and locally sourced ingredients”, El Barrio is a great example of the city’s people influencing the food. They also have a pretty extensive Agave selection, so you won’t go thirsty while you’re enjoying a taco or three.

Gulf seafood, farm-raised meat, and seasonal produce come together in Mexican-inspired dishes like plantain nachos, ceviche, pozole, and roasted chile relleno at El Barrio, a longtime favorite downtown restaurant. Outside of their delicious food, the restaurant is also known for its killer margaritas and lively atmosphere. elbarriobirmingham.com; 2211 2nd Ave N,, Birmingham, AL 35203; 205-868-3737

The rich variety and color in the vegetables makes each bite flavorful and different, and the contrasting textures of the beans, the guacamole and the crispy fried plantains make for an incredible bite. The guacamole is rich and delicious and friendly to all dietary needs, but you might want to ask before you order the seasonal guacamole – it sometimes can be topped with bacon.

For less pricey lunch options, I’d consider El Barrio, the Garage (cool bar with solid sandwiches), Johnny’s, Carrigans (good drinks with good pub fare), Rodney Scott’s (whole hog bbq from a South Carolina guy that knows what he is doing), Post Office Pies, Saw’s, or the food hall at the Pizitz. A quick spot that I like downtown is the Miami Cafe. Good sandwiches and mofungo.

El Barrio is an amazing Mexican restaurant and bar located on 2nd Ave North across from Bamboo on 2nd. El Barrio offers dishes from chile relleno, enchiladas, and pozole, to quesadillas, tostadas, and tacos. Most of the menu items at El Barrio are inspired directly from a variety of regional recipes throughout Mexico, and each dish is uniquely delicious.

El Barrio was recently named the best Mexican restaurant in Alabama by FoodLove.com, and I think a big reason for that was because of how good their queso is. With flavors of tequila, goat cheese and chipotle this is no ordinary cheese dip. You can also add roasted peppers and chorizo for an extra burst of flavor to this already mouth-watering dish.

2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203Phone: 205-868-3737 Visit Website. A post shared by El Barrio Restaurante Y Bar (@elbarriobham). Meaning “the neighborhood” in Spanish, El Barrio is Central City neighborhood’s favorite regional Mexican food restaurant and cocktail bar, serving refined Mexican dishes using locally sourced, organic ingredients.

El Barrio is a must-visit spot in Birmingham with great tacos, flavorful drinks, and a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home. Their unique selection of alcohols and delicious food options truly set them apart. The atmosphere is outstanding, and the service is top-notch, from the hostess to the bartender to the server.

Cuisine Type: Mexican RestaurantLocation: 2211 2nd Ave N # 2215, Birmingham, AL 35203Website: El Barrio. El Barrio is a Mexican restaurant offering a variety of traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. With a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, El Barrio is a must-visit for Mexican cuisine lovers.

Experience vibrant multi-regional Mexican cuisine at El Barrio, a popular restaurant in downtown Birmingham. The menu features a variety of creative dishes, made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, along with a selection of craft cocktails. The lively atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a night out.

This Mexican-inspired eatery in the heart of downtown Birmingham has built quite the reputation since it opened more than a decade ago. It’s not uncommon to see a line of folks waiting to get their name on a list during weekend brunch and dinner. The same could be said on several weeknights and busy lunch rushes, too.

As we are discovering all of downtown’s taco hot spots, El Barrio easily makes the list!. This multi-regional Mexican restaurant brings an exciting, yet different flavor to the Birmingham scene. Distressed wood and Mexican street art fill El Barrio’s walls, giving the restaurant a bold yet contemporary atmosphere.

What they have to say about their restaurant: El Barrio brings an exciting, different flavor to the Birmingham restaurant scene. Inspired by multi-regional Mexican cuisine, urban design and locally sourced ingredients, El Barrio bridges the gap between the typical Mexican restaurant and a bustling bar and grill.

With a name that literally means 'neighborhood,' it’s no surprise that El Barrio is a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike," Taste of Home's Amanda Tarlton wrote. "Dig into their signature strawberry guacamole underneath the colorful floor-to-ceiling mural painted by one of the area’s graffiti artists.

If you are looking at where to eat in Birmingham and are craving Mexican head to El Barrio. They specialize in multi-regional Mexican dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients including Gulf Coast seafood. Open Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 am they also serve a Saturday brunch from 11:30 am to 3 pm.

Yelp: 4.5 stars, 92 reviews Offering some of the best Mexican food in Birmingham, El Barrio’s does everything right. From the salsa to the tequila, after giving what El Barrio has to offer a try, you’ll never find yourself at another chain again. With a place this cool, why would you even want to?.

Looking for Mexican food that appeals to both kids and adults?. El Barrio, located downtown on 2nd Avenue North, is a family favorite. While the menu leans upscale with dishes like tamarind-glazed pork and roasted poblano tacos, they also offer plenty of shareable appetizers and kid-friendly bites.

El Barrio is one of the finest Mexican restaurants and cocktail bars in Birmingham. The interior, with its Mexican-inspired imagery and murals, adds to the authenticity of the place. But what’s special about it is that all the dishes are made using organic, locally-sourced ingredients.

2211 2nd Ave NBirmingham, AL 35203(205) 868-3737 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. El Barrio introduces authentic Mexican flavors to the locals and tourists in the Alabama area. It’s within walking distance from the McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Museum of Art.

El Barrio: For a taste of Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, El Barrio is a must-visit. This vibrant restaurant offers a lively atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious tacos, ceviche, and handcrafted margaritas. Don’t miss their famous guacamole prepared tableside.

and has an inviting interior that’s perfect for the whole family!. Their menu is inspired by “multi-regional Mexican cuisine” and has tons of delicious options. Plus, they offer a brunch menu on Saturday’s until 3:00 PM – doesn’t get better than that!

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (538 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203-3880- Read more on Tripadvisor

If you’re looking for a quick bite and outdoor seating on a sunny day, head to El Barrio. This Mexican restaurant serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the prices are very reasonable.

El Barrio: Seasonal guacamole + classic, delicious margaritas and a host of tequila types and flights to try. Fun decor, a buzzing energy and unique and flavorful dishes make this place a fiesta!

El Barrio is a decent bit of tex-mex priced at an astronomical level for what you get, the various taco trucks are pretty good but narrow in scope, and University Tacos isn't terrible.

I mean, a brunch option that allows me to order chips and queso without abandon?. Where do I sign up and how do I get there?. Seriously, though, I am the biggest fan of Mexican food.

Check out our earlier write up on El Barrio here to learn more about this place and visit their website for additional details.