El Barrio once again named best Mexican restaurant in Alabama

A Birmingham favorite is getting its applause after being featured as Alabama’s top Mexican restaurant in another national list.

El Barrio was selected by Tasting Table, a digital food and drink publication, as Alabama’s best.

“[El Barrio is] upfront about serving dishes that are inspired by the various regional cuisines of Mexico, rather than being authentic reproductions. And that’s fine, especially when it’s being done with a focus built around seafood sourced from the Gulf and local produce.”

DB Kelly, Tasting Table

Why El Barrio stood out

Restaurants listed in Tasting Table’s article were selected based on if they:

• Have great reviews + ratings
• Earn national media attention + awards
• Make tortillas + salsas from scratch
• Source freshest local produce + meats
• Import quality ingredients
• Promote traditional dishes + cooking methods
• Offer options that may not be found on other Mexican restaurants’ menus

Tasting Table noted El Barrio’s Gulf-sourced seafood and local produce as a plus.

The menu items that earned mentions in the article were:

• Potato taquitos
• Masa cornbread
• Farm-to-table vegetables
• Plantain nachos

Here at Bham Now, we are likely to recommend the tasty margaritas, particularly the namesake “El Barrio” margarita.

• El Barrio: 205-868-3737 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Address:
  • Downtown: 2211 2nd Ave N, Birmingham
  • Homewood: 195 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
• Hours:
  • Downtown: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM, Saturday brunch 11AM-3PM, closed Sunday
  • Homewood: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM, Sunday brunch 10AM-2PM, Sunday snacks + drinks Only 2-4PM, Sunday dinner 4-9PM

This isn’t El Barrio’s first rodeo

The restaurant, which first opened in 2011, was name-dropped in another list as Alabama’s best Mexican spot by Cheapism, an online publication that finds and recommends inexpensive products.

“El Barrio’s menu stretches across many regions of Mexico, and Birmingham locals have spoken: They can’t get enough, particularly when it comes to that smoky bacon bean dip.”

Wilder Shaw, Cheapism

Do you think El Barrio is the best Mexican restaurant in Alabama? Let us know what you think of the recognition by tagging us @bhamnow on Instagram and Facebook!

For news, events and more happening around Birmingham, sign up for our FREE newsletter.