Birmingham, El Barrio Restaurante, food, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican food, Tex Mex — Good eats from El Barrio Restaurante in Birmingham. Photo via El Barrio Restaurante

Break out the margaritas as we toast to El Barrio in Birmingham. This restaurant was just named the best Mexican Restaurant in Alabama by LoveFood.com.

Why People Love It

Located on the ever-popular 2nd Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, El Barrio opened in 2011 and became a fast favorite. While locals love it, word has obviously spread. With owner Neville Baay at the reins, it’s really no surprise.

According to LoveFood.com, El Barrio stands out for its “urban chic decor and a menu that champions locally-sourced ingredients.”

I agree, these are absolutely two reasons why foodies across the Greater Birmingham Area are obsessed with it. But we can’t dismiss the delicious food and drinks, either.

LoveFood.com applauded two standout dishes—the plantain nachos and the green pozole soup.

More Menu Items Worth Your While

Plantain nachos and green pozole soup aren’t the only things to try at El Barrio. Here are a few more menu items that are a must-try:

Spicy Chicken Tostada: guacamole, pecans, poblano, cortina + herb crema ($12.50)
Veggie Quesadilla: spinach, mushrooms, charred corn, goat cheese + roasted garlic-tomato salsa ($13)
Grilled Chorizo Meatloaf: spinach, cotija-mashed potatoes + ranchera sauce ($16)

To see LoveFood.com’s full list of the best Mexican restaurants in each state, click here.