13 must-try restaurants + hidden gems on Green Springs

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Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
The frozen margaritas at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant are some of my favorite in town. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Green Springs Highway in Homewood has become one of Birmingham’s most diverse food corridors, offering everything from Chinese, Yemeni and Middle Eastern cuisine to Mexican, Salvadoran, Latin American and Southern comfort food—all within just a few miles.

Read on for some local spots worth checking out, in no particular order.

1. Los Valedores Restaurant

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Every taco at Los Valedores is loaded with tender meat, cilantro, onions and a squeeze of lime. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

Ask any local, and they’ll probably tell you that Los Valedores has some of the best street tacos around. The longtime taco truck off Green Springs recently opened up its first brick-and-mortar at the same location, with an expanded menu featuring quesabirria, elote and more Mexican classics.

Tip: You can also find Los Valedores’ truck at Good People Brewing across from Regions Field—the perfect pre-baseball meal!

2. Hometown Supermarket + Mr. Chen’s

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Is Mr. Chen’s still a hidden gem if I’ve told everybody I know about it? (Bham Now)

Part international grocery store, part culinary destination, this Homewood favorite features more than 100,000 products from around the world. Inside, Mr. Chen’s serves authentic Chinese dishes ranging from hand-pulled noodles and dumplings to traditional Sichuan specialties. 

Tip: Got any gluten-free friends? Mr. Chen’s menu offers a wide range of celiac-friendly options.

3. Maya Mexican Restaurant

Maya restaurant
El Jaguar Burrito from Maya Mexican Restaurant. (Carmen Waldrop / Bham Now)

Known for its lively atmosphere and extensive Tex-Mex menu, Maya serves crowd-pleasers like fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, burritos and house margaritas. It’s a popular gathering spot for lunch, dinner and fiestas of all kinds!

4. Bayt al Qahwah

Elegant café with modern decor
Bayt Al-Qahwah is located next to the Publix on Green Springs. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

This cozy Middle Eastern café specializes in traditional Arabic coffee, tea drinks, desserts and pastries. They also carry unique treats, like the viral frozen fruit ice cream that’s been all over our feeds.

5. Mandi Oasis

One of Birmingham’s newest international dining destinations, Mandi Oasis specializes in traditional Yemeni cuisine. Signature dishes include chicken mandi, slow-roasted lamb, fahsah and fragrant rice platters designed for sharing—so either come hungry, or come with a friend!

6. The Purple Onion Deli & Grill

IMG 3985 13 must-try restaurants + hidden gems on Green Springs
The Homewood Purple Onion is still run by the original owners, and has been since 1991. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

A longtime Birmingham staple and a local late-night favorite, the original Purple Onion offers an expansive menu that blends Mediterranean and American favorites.

Expect gyros, grilled chicken plates, Greek salads, burgers, sandwiches and much more. (Not for nothing, but the chicken fingers are really good too.)

7. Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
Sizzling fajitas and tasty margaritas at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

A neighborhood favorite for authentic Mexican fare, Acapulco serves traditional tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and combination plates—don’t skip the margaritas.

8. La Tia Poisa Taco Shop

La Tia Paisa Taco Shop 3 via Jacob 13 must-try restaurants + hidden gems on Green Springs
La Tia Poisa Taco Shop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Bham Now)

This casual taqueria may be tiny, but its flavors are mighty—La Tia Poisa Taco Shop known for street-style tacos, tortas, burritos and authentic Mexican flavors. It’s a popular stop for quick, affordable meals.

Tip: La Tia Poisa Taco Shop is also open for breakfast! Stop by for a tasty Mexican style coffee and a breakfast burrito.

9. Mi Pueblo Greensprings

Mi Pueblo
Mi Pueblo has a wide range of Latin American produce and goods in Birmingham. (Cheyenne Trujillo / Bham Now)

Mi Pueblo combines a massive Hispanic grocery market with a restaurant offering tacos, tamales, grilled meats, salsas and fresh breads. If you’re making your own tacos, you’re going to want to hit up Mi Pueblo for the best tortillas, spices and meat selection around.

10. Marielo’s Pupuseria

A hidden gem for Salvadoran cuisine, Marielo’s specializes in handmade pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, pork and other fillings, along with traditional Central American dishes.

11. Sabor Latino

Sabor Latino 13 must-try restaurants + hidden gems on Green Springs
Where else can you get authentic Peruvian cuisine in Birmingham? (Bham Now)

Offering flavors from Peru and across Latin America, Sabor Latino serves hearty plates featuring grilled meats, rice dishes, empanadas and other regional favorites. Fan favorites include the Peruvian tamales and fresh passion fruit juice.

12. Paw Paw Patch

A meal from Paw Paw Patch on Green Springs Highway
Head to Paw Paw Patch for a classic meat and three. (Cheyenne Trujillo / Bham Now)

Serving Southern comfort food for decades, Paw Paw Patch is a beloved for its weekday meat-and-three offerings, fried okra, squash casserole, cornbread and classic homestyle sides—my favorite has to be the fried green tomatoes!

13. The Edge

The Edge is an outdoor food hall and entertainment space, opened in late 2024 by husband-wife duo and Edgewood residents JJ and Whitney Thomas. It features a range of tenants, including:

What’s your go-to restaurant on Green Springs? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!

Grace Howard
Grace Howard
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