El Barrio

205-868-3737
Our Website
2211 2nd Avenue North | Birmingham, AL 35203

Set on downtown’s quickly emerging 2nd Ave. North, 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.

Just one step inside and your eyes are met with warm distressed wood, custom iron work and inventive lighting, all contrasted by a huge wall of vibrant mexican street art. Our fresh, inventive menu is brimming with bold flavors and regional classics.

Not hungry? No worries. Belly up to our outstretched concrete bar or gather with friends in the front lounge area and enjoy a seasonal margarita or local craft beer. That’s how we do it in our barrio.

Customer Reviews

A local friends recommended we stop here on our drive through, and we’re very glad we did. Absolutely great food, in a cool atmosphere. Excellent service, fresh ingredients, creative dishes. Seriously worth a visit!

Reviewed by David Barber on 03/30/2018, courtesy of Google

Food was awesome had the fish tacos and it was delicious
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Fish Tacos

Reviewed by josh kimberlin on 01/2024, courtesy of Google

We’ve eaten here several times. The food is delicious, and the wait staff is awesome. Grab some friends and go eat anything on the menu… especially Carne Asada or Tacos AL Carbon. Chunky guacamole and chorizzo queso are great, too.
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Recommended dishes
Grilled Chorizo Meatloaf, Tres Leches Cake

Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking

Parking options
Paid parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking

Reviewed by Brandon Wagner on 02/2024, courtesy of Google

Mexican-American, popular, always has been you will probably have to wait I suggest arrive early check out Grounds Coffee before it closes at 6, maybe get a spicy hot chocolate there, while you wait on a table..
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Reviewed by Graham on 02/2024, courtesy of Google

El Barrio has some of the best Mexican food in Birmingham! The specials are always first rate, so make sure you look at the chalkboard near the front door. We love the cornbread, and the queso dip. The Gulf Shrimp quesadilla is excellent, as is the Chorizo meatloaf. Love this place!
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5

Reviewed by Wayne Rogers on 02/2024, courtesy of Google

The ribs and the Verde enchillados are incredible! Also I highly recommend getting the salsa. You do have to pay for it, but it’s only about $3 and it’s free refills. It is probably the best salsa I’ve ever had. Incredibly fresh and delicious!

Reviewed by Charleston Helton on 02/30/2018, courtesy of Google

Super impressed with this restaurant. Some of the most flavorful Mexican inspired dishes I’ve had. Chef really understands the balance between richness and acidity all while texture is given a fair treatment as well. Cool atmosphere and great service. looking forward to coming back next time we’re in town.

Reviewed by Zack White on 02/30/2018, courtesy of Google

First time coming here and our service was incredible! PHILLIP was awesome, very attentive and super sweet. Honestly best server I’ve ever had. He made sure our drinks were always full and didn’t make us wait for anything. In a restaurant that is quite loud he squatted down so we I could hear him better and always had a nice smile. Can’t brag on him enough!! Thank you Phillip for making our first experience at El Barrio so perfect! The food of course exceeded my expectations but Phillip definitely made the biggest impression!

Reviewed by Lizabeth Alvarado on 04/15/2018, courtesy of Google