A longtime Birmingham favorite is once again in the national spotlight. El Barrio has been named the best Mexican restaurant in Alabama by Tasting Table, a digital food and drink publication that highlights standout restaurants across the country.
The recognition adds to El Barrio’s growing list of accolades, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the state. Tasting Table highlighted the restaurant’s approach to Mexican-inspired cuisine, noting its transparency about drawing influence from multiple regions of Mexico while focusing heavily on Gulf-sourced seafood and locally grown produce.
Why El Barrio stood out
According to Tasting Table, restaurants were evaluated based on strong reviews, national media attention, scratch-made tortillas and salsas, quality ingredients, and menus that go beyond standard offerings. El Barrio earned praise for its commitment to fresh, local sourcing and for offering dishes that reflect creativity rather than imitation.
Specific menu items mentioned include potato taquitos, masa cornbread, farm-to-table vegetables, and plantain nachos. The restaurant’s margaritas—especially the signature El Barrio margarita—also remain a fan favorite among locals.
El Barrio currently operates two locations, one in downtown Birmingham and another in Homewood, expanding its reach while maintaining the neighborhood feel that helped define its early success.
A history of national recognition
This is not El Barrio’s first time earning statewide honors. The restaurant, which opened in 2011, was previously named Alabama’s best Mexican restaurant by Cheapism, another national publication. That recognition cited the restaurant’s wide-ranging regional influences and its popularity among Birmingham diners.
Since opening, El Barrio has become one of the city’s most well-known restaurants, serving Mexican-inspired dishes made with seasonal produce and responsibly sourced meats and seafood. Its continued national recognition reflects both its consistency and its lasting impact on Birmingham’s dining scene.
Full List
Alabama — El Barrio
Alaska — Oscar’s Taco Grande
Arizona — Bacanora
Arkansas — El Olvido Mexican Restaurant
California — Holbox
Colorado — Alma Fonda Fina
Connecticut — Sayulita
Delaware — Del Pez Mexican Gastropub
Florida — Los Félix
Georgia — El Tesoro
Hawaii — Acevedo’s Hawaicano Cafe
Idaho — Amano
Illinois — Cariño
Indiana — Bugambilias
Iowa — La Regia Taqueria
Kansas — Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio
Kentucky — Taco Choza
Louisiana — Acamaya
Maine — Taco Escobarr
Maryland — Cielo Rojo
Massachusetts — Taqueria Jalisco
Michigan — Vecino
Minnesota — Oro by Nixta
Mississippi — El Chilango
Missouri — Cesar’s Old Mexico
Montana — El Vaquero Taqueria
Nebraska — El Muchacho Alegre
Nevada — La Vecindad
New Hampshire — Vida Cantina
New Jersey — Meximodo
New Mexico — Zacatlán
New York — Casa Enrique
North Carolina — Mala Pata
North Dakota — Charras and Tequila
Ohio — Momocho
Oklahoma — Noche Woodfired Grill and Agave Bar
Oregon — Chelo
Pennsylvania — El Chingon
Rhode Island — Maiz
South Carolina — Fiesta Mexicana
South Dakota — Ma Cualli
Tennessee — Maiz de la Vida
Texas — Mixtil
Utah — Del Barrio Cafe
Vermont — Taco Gordo
Virginia — La Tingeria
Washington — El Cabrito
West Virginia — Ortega’s Taco Shop
Wisconsin — La Dama
Wyoming — Fiesta
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