El Royale Cafe — The central wooden bar inside El Royale Café. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

The latest addition to Birmingham’s ever-evolving culinary scene is set to open its doors this weekend.

Starting Saturday, May 24th, El Royale Café will offer classic Tex-Mex dishes in a moody, European-inspired garden space in Birmingham’s historic Lakeview District—and we got a sneak peek to see what makes this new place something special.

Introducing a cinematic Tex-Mex experience to Birmingham

Earlier this year, celebrated photographer Miller Mobley shared some news about his latest project on social media: a new restaurant called El Royale Café.

An Alabama native and photographer known for his celebrity portraiture, Mobley moved to Birmingham in 2018 and soon opened Slim’s Pizzeria, a New York City-style pizzeria in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. Mobley is currently working on opening a new steakhouse in Highland Park named George’s, inspired by the old-school city taverns of Boston, New York and Chicago.

Described as an “ode to the time-worn, classic Mexican restaurants that dot California and Texas,” El Royale Café is the first venture created by creative development firm Mobley and Partners (MAP). The new firm was founded by Mobley, real estate developer Carter Hughes and hospitality executive Sol Andrews.

Located at 2912 6th Ave S in Birmingham’s historic Lakeview district, El Royale Café is full of personality and spirit.

The building’s greenhouse—once home to the Plant Odyssey garden shop—has been transformed into a cozy dining space, with palms and potted plants designed by Zachary J. Westall draping over elevated tile platforms. Inside, guests can sit at vibrant red booths or charming wicker chairs imported from France, lit elegantly by soft natural light and the warm glow of brass light fixtures.

A rounded wooden bar marks the center of El Royale Café, accented by ornate lighting and a custom stained glass fixture. On either side, you’ll find wood-paneled columns with mirrors hand-painted by local artist Michael Swann.

Outside, a European-inspired garden courtyard offers a soothing getaway that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another continent. A custom-made stone fountain serves as the centerpiece of the exterior courtyard, while trees and charming crimson umbrellas provide a shady reprieve from the sun.

What’s on the menu?

The menu will feature classic, comfort-led Tex-Mex tastes + a few standouts like:

A retro-inspired Gulf shrimp cocktail appetizer
A roasted chicken entrée
An elevated take on the classic cheeseburger + fries
A timeless cocktail program featuring frozen options, like a margarita and sangria—perfect as the summer heats up

For drinks, El Royale Café will offer wines and a mix of domestic, imported and local beers like the Muchacho, Good People’s easy drinkin’ Mexican-style lager. In addition, you’ll find a variety of house-made cocktails, including an exceptional spicy margarita.

When can you visit El Royale Café?

El Royale Café officially opens its doors Saturday, May 24.

Currently, El Royale Café’s dining room is available by reservation, while bar seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The outdoor garden will open with beverage service only, with full dining to follow.

The restaurant will offer complimentary valet service for guests’ convenience.

Note: El Royale Café is a cashless establishment but accepts all major credit cards.