Cantina Sneak Peek — Cantina co-owners Aimee and Jorge Castro standing inside their restaurant’s new location in West Homewood. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Beloved “Birmingham original” Cantina Tortilla Grill is gearing up to open their new location in West Homewood—and Bham Now got a sneak peek! Read on to learn about Cantina Tortilla Grill and when you can visit.

About Cantina Tortilla Grill

Cantina Tortilla Grill: Website | Instagram | Facebook

But first, a little background on Cantina Tortilla Grill. In 2003, Guillermo Castro opened the original Cantina in the Martin Biscuit Building at Pepper Place. His recipes—such as the popular fish tacos, Cuban sandwiches and shrimp quesadillas—were a smash hit, and Cantina grew to operate additional locations in Inverness, Hoover, Cullman and Montgomery.

After Guillermo’s death in 2011, ownership of Cantina passed to Jorge and Aimee Domingue Castro. In 2019, Jorge and Aimee announced their plans to move from their Pepper Place location to a new space in Avondale. However, they decided to focus on re-opening Sol Y Luna (Guillermo’s other creation) and put Cantina on hold until they found the perfect location.

Earlier this year—after a four-year hiatus—Bham Now reported that Cantina Tortilla Grill would be opening their new location at the former Little London Kitchen space in West Homewood.

“West Homewood is perfect for us for a number of reasons, and we really just love this neighborhood and how the people here support local businesses. The location could not be better—we love being near the park and how people can walk and ride their bikes to us.”
Aimee Domingue Castro, Co-Owner and Operator, Cantina Tortilla Grill

Cantina Sneak Peek

(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
The main dining room in Cantina Tortilla Grill. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
The women’s bathroom features a large painting of famed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Cantina’s outdoor patio. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Fans of the original Cantina location will be thrilled to learn that the West Homewood Cantina will feature familiar, fan-favorite dishes as well as several new ones.

“We’ll be bringing back all of the favorites from our old menu, including our popular shrimp quesadilla, our Cuban sandwich, our fish burger and—of course—our famous fish tacos. There will be a brand-new brunch menu as well that will be served on Sundays.”
Aimee Domingue Castro, Co-Owner and Operator, Cantina Tortilla Grill

According to Aimee, Cantina Tortilla Grill will open to the public in early August and will serve lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, as well as brunch on Sunday.

Excited to visit the new Cantina Tortilla Grill? Tag us @bhamnow to share your thoughts!