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5 of Birmingham’s Most Interesting Tacos
You’ve eaten tacos before; you know the rundown—hard shell, soft flour, or soft corn. Of course there are white, yellow, or blue corn tortillas. You can get sour cream or crema or opt for pico de gallo over a hot sauce. That chicken taco cooked up in your mind before you even ordered it. That classic flavor of chili powder and cumin are essential to the dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shake it up. Try enjoying a taco that is authentic to the Birmingham area. I did some of that groundwork for you and here is a list of five spots where you can try some of Birmingham’s most interesting tacos!
Tostadas
A relative newcomer to the Homewood area, Tostadas is serving up some unique twists on the Tex-Mex classics. Tostadas’ menu features fried catfish, firecracker shrimp, honey jalapeno chicken, or fried avocado tacos. They have a whole section of their menu dedicated to their namesake, offering jamacian jerk chicken tostadas. Check them out for brunch on the weekends to get their street corn inspired grits.
1831 28th Ave S 175 N, Homewood, AL 35209
M-Th 11am-9 pm, F-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 10am-2pm.
Wasabi Juan’s
Wasabi Juan’s closed in Avondale, but you can still visit their other locations out on 280 or at the Battery! They combine the best of both in their Asian Mexican fusion. Wasabi Juan’s serves up sushi burritos, nachos, and tacos. You can get sushi burritos and tacos raw or cooked. If you can’t decide between the chicken little taco or the ceviche taco, mix and match two different tacos for $10!
5037 Hwy 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 or 2201 2nd Ave S Suite 105 Birmingham, AL 35233
T-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Gordo’s
Gordo’s is a favorite love of mine. They don’t have fusion tacos, but they do have the quintessential staples covered. As well as selling baked goods, fresh meats, tortillas, and groceries. If you haven’t tried barbacoa, al pastor, or lengua, I would start here. They serve up tacos on warm tortillas with diced white onion and cilantro for $2 per taco.
433 Valley Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209
All week 8am-9pm
Tropicaleo
Tropicaleo is a Puerto Rican restaurant that serves great rice bowls, plantains, and mofongo. It’s a vegan favorite in Avondale. You don’t go to Tropicaleo because you are craving tacos, but they do have their own taco creations on the menu. They offer yuca tacos with vegan cheese, jackfruit BBQ with a spicy vinaigrette, and breakfast tacos that either come with bacon and eggs or tofu chicharron.
4426 4th Ave S, Birmingham, Alabama 35222
W-Sun 9am-9pm
El Girasol
El Girasol, another tienda that doubles as a restaurant (and the best usually do), serves food most taco connoisseurs will be familiar with. In all my food adventures, I have seen few places offer nopales in Birmingham, yet this one does! Nopales, or cactus, tacos are a refreshing way to enjoy veggie tacos. They also have a selection of cowboy boots and hats if you need to make an outfit change.
8506 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206
All week 9am-9pm
Where to Find Them
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