The Essential ★ 4.4
The Essential on Morris Avenue downtown is Kristen Hall and Victor King's 2018 neighborhood cafe and bar in the Mercantile on Morris near Founders Station.
Signature: Seasonal vegetable plate, House sourdough, Brunch egg sandwich
What to order at El Barrio
- Signature dishes
- Spicy chicken tostada, Mole de pollo, Chunky guacamole
CuisineModern Mexican
Price$$$
Neighborhooddowntown
HoursMon-Sat 11:00-21:00; closed Sun
Phone+1 205 868 3737
Signature dishes: Spicy chicken tostada, Mole de pollo, Chunky guacamole
Location
Address: 2211 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Also in downtown
Yo' Mama's ★ 4.4
Yo' Mama's on 4th Avenue North in the Fourth Avenue Historic District runs a downtown soul-food kitchen with a deep gluten-free menu and Saturday brunch.
Signature: Chicken and waffles, Smothered pork chop, Banana pudding
More casual dining in Birmingham
Surin West ★ 4.3
Surin West on 11th Avenue South in Birmingham has served Thai cuisine since the 1990s, with broad vegetarian options and a sushi counter alongside the curries.
Signature: Tofu coconut soup, Pad Thai, Yellow curry
The Essential ★ 4.4
The Essential on Morris Avenue downtown is Kristen Hall and Victor King's 2018 neighborhood cafe and bar in the Mercantile on Morris near Founders Station.
Signature: Seasonal vegetable plate, House sourdough, Brunch egg sandwich
Yo' Mama's ★ 4.4
Yo' Mama's on 4th Avenue North in the Fourth Avenue Historic District runs a downtown soul-food kitchen with a deep gluten-free menu and Saturday brunch.
Signature: Chicken and waffles, Smothered pork chop, Banana pudding
Demetri's BBQ ★ 4.3
Demetri's BBQ on 28th Avenue South in Homewood has run a Greek-American meat-and-three since 1973, the continuation of the 1961 El Rancho BBQ.
Signature: Pulled pork plate, Greek salad, Banana pudding
Hattie B's Hot Chicken ★ 4.3
Hattie B's Hot Chicken on 7th Avenue South in Lakeview is the Birmingham branch of the Nashville hot-chicken chain, serving a five-tier heat ladder.
Signature: Hot chicken sandwich, Pimento mac and cheese, Banana pudding
Rojo ★ 4.2
Rojo on Highland Avenue in Highland Park has run a casual Tex-Mex menu since 2002 with the canonical Highland Park patio and a strong frozen margarita pour.
Signature: Fish taco, Carne asada, Frozen margarita