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9 Birmingham taco joints that have that yummy yum
Any time is taco time. If you weren’t already addicted to these envelopes of awesomeness, you will when you read this guide. Here are some top spots to feed your taco addiction in Birmingham.
Taco Mama
Taco Mama makes eating out quick and easy, so it’s the perfect place for a speedy workday lunch or bite with friends.
While I feel soft tortillas make the optimal taco, my fave choice at Taco Mama is their burrito bowl—a.k.a, taco salad.
Not only is it a great way to eliminate some carbs, but there is a mighty menu of toppings to choose from. You can tack on as many as you wish, too, free of charge.
Meat options range from chicken, ground beef and steak to ahi tuna and grilled shrimp. You can also opt for the veggie mix.
Toppings include:
- Avocado
- Black beans
- Corn
- Fresh, grilled or pickled jalapenos
- Grilled onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sriracha slaw
- And more!
Babalu
There are lots of reasons you’ll love Babalu, like its casual atmosphere and incredible food. The name is also fun to say—especially after a few margaritas. If you’re looking for a place to indulge in some tacos, you won’t be disappointed.
Top Choices:
Chorizo: roasted poblano salsa, pico + avocado
Roasted Chicken: fire-roasted corn, cotija, tomatoes + cumin lime aioli
Spice Seared Tuna: Wasabi aioli, cilantro slaw + tortilla strips
Short Rib: braised beef short rib, horseradish crema, vinegar slaw, cilantro + pickled red onion
Be sure to add Babalu’s signature guacamole and baked queso to your meal for ultimate satisfaction.
Address: 2808 7th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Sun. 11AM-9PM | Mon.-Sat. 11AM-11PM
Menu
Taco Casa
This casual counter-serve restaurant offers classic Mexican dishes and is perfect for a quick bite to eat. It’s also super low in price.
Top Choices:
Soft Taco: seasoned ground beef, freshly shredded iceberg lettuce, grated mild Wisconsin cheddar cheese + diced red-ripe tomatoes, serviced in a homemade flour tortilla.
Price: $1.46
Chicken Taco: seasoned shredded white meat chicken, freshly shredded lettuce, grated mild Wisconsin cheddar cheese + diced red-ripe tomatoes. placed in a served in a crispy taco shell.
Price: $1.67
All tacos come with your choice of mild, hot or extra hot sauce.
Address: 125 Wildwood Pkwy., Birmingham, AL 35209
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 10:30AM-10PM | Fri.-Sat. 10:30AM-11PM
Menu
El Barrio
Why do foodies rave about El Barrio? Along with a sophisticated environment and trendy 2nd Ave appeal of Downtown Birmingham, its Mexican cuisine and spirits have that yummy-yum you’re after.
If you’re craving tacos, El Barrio serves up three per order with your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Top Picks:
Al Carbon: marinated sirloin steak, rajas and spicy chipotle sauce
Price: $13
Pollo Adobado: roasted chicken, ancho Chile and house crema
Price: $11.50
Pair with tasty sides like:
- Guacamole ($2)
- Barrio Cornbread ($3)
- Grilled veggies ($4)
Address: 2211 2nd Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11AM-3PM, 5-10PM | Sat. 10:30AM-2PM, 5-10PM
Menu
Little Donkey
Little Donkey is all about vibrant flavors and brilliant combinations. The result—fresh, made-to-order Mexican cuisine that’s scrumptious. Their menu is loaded with delicious tacos, too.
Bonus: you can get a totally satisfying meal for under 5 bucks!
Popular Picks:
Pastor: smoked pork, pineapple, salsa, arbor and cilantro, served on a corn tortilla
Price: $3.95
Chicken: smoked chicken, salsa verde, radish, onion and cilantro, served on a corn tortilla
Price: $3.95
Beef Brisket: slow smoked brisket with fajita veg, salsa arbor, cream and cilantro, served on a flour tortilla
Price: $4.50
Address: 5363 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 | 2821 Central Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11AM-9PM | Fri.-Sat. 11AM-10PM
Menu
Rojo
Rojo may be small in size, but its reputation is anything but. Nestled in Birmingham’s Highland Park area, locals love this small dive with its quirky, casual atmosphere and tasty Latin and American food. It’s also a great spot to grab some tacos.
Top Choices:
BBQ Tacos: BBQ chicken or pork topped with coleslaw and served with rice, beans and extra BBQ sauce. $7.75
Veggie Tacos: 2 tacos with zucchini, squash, peppers, onions, jack cheese and slaw, served with rice, beans, guacamole and salsa. $8.25
Fried Fish Tacos: 2 tacos with fried cod fillets, pico de Gallo and avocado served with rice, beans and white salsa. $9.75
Address: 2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Sun., Tues. 11-AM-11PM | Wed.-Sat. 11AM-Midnight
Menu
Cocina Superior
Located in Brookwood Village, Cocina Superior offers great service, a fun atmosphere and tacos that are unlike any you’ve ever tasted. They’re fresh, flavorful and filling.
Tacos come three to an order with your choice of picadillo beef or fajita chicken or beef. Fill ’em up with the usual toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. On the side is Mexican rice and refried beans.
The margaritas are delicious, too, so be sure to order one during your visit.
Address: 587 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209
Hours: Sun. 9:30AM-10PM | Mon.-Thurs. 11AM-10PM | Fri. 11AM-11PM | Sat. 9:30AM-11PM
Menu
La Paz
From the Taco Supremos ($13) to the Baja Fish Tacos ($14), La Paz offers a mighty list of tacos to choose from.
I suggest the Street Tacos, which feature three taqueria style tacos on fresh corn tortillas, onions, cilantro, zesty lime cabbage and roasted chipotle sauce. Choose between these options:
- Carnitas: $13
- Taco de pollo: $13
- Carne Asada: $15
- 3 Way Combo: $15
Address: 3 Mt. Laurel Ave, Birmingham, AL 35242 | 99 Euclid Ave, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
Hours:
Mt. Laurel Sun. 11AM-9PM, Tues.-Thurs. 4-9PM | Fri. 4-10PM | Sat. 11AM-10PM
Mountain Brook: Sun.-Tues. 11AM-9PM | Wed.-Sat. 11AM-10PM
Menu
Wasabi Juan
For a taco that’s totally unique, Wasabi Juan’s is your ultimate pick. Instead of the typical chicken or beef, tacos at Wasabi Juan are sushi-based. Intrigued? You should be.
Top Choices:
- The Avondale with tuna, avocado, mango slaw & jalapeño
- The Cabo with cucumber, avocado, crab & spicy mayo
Non-seafood items are available, too. Consider the:
- The Sonora with steak, guacamole, cream cheese & cilantro
- The Chicken Little with cream cheese, jalapeños, chicken, ninja sauce & sesame seeds
Orders come with chips and salsa on the side.
Address: 2201 2nd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233 | 5037 Hwy. 280, Birmingham, AL 35242
Hours:
The Battery:Sun. 11AM-6PM | Tues.-Thurs. 11AM-10PM | Fri.-Sat. 11AM-10PM
Hwy. 280: Sun. 11AM-6PM | Tues.-Sat. 11AM-9PM
Menu
What’s your favorite place to score tacos in Birmingham? Let us know on social @bhamnow!
