Sol y Luna, a longtime Mexican restaurant in Mountain Brook, will close at the end of the month, marking the end of nearly three decades in Birmingham’s dining scene. The restaurant’s final day of service is Jan. 31, according to a social media post from the owners.
Sol y Luna to close after nearly 30 years in Birmingham
“After so many unforgettable years, we’re closing this chapter of Sol y Luna with full hearts,” the post read.
From Lakeview pioneer to Mountain Brook staple
Sol y Luna was originally founded in 1997 by Guillermo Castro in Lakeview, where it introduced Birmingham diners to tapas-style plates and a curated selection of premium tequilas. The original location closed in 2011 following Guillermo’s sudden death from a heart attack.
In 2020, his brother Jorge Castro revived the concept at Lane Parke in Mountain Brook Village, bringing Sol y Luna back to life for a new generation of diners. The Castro family has played a significant role in Birmingham’s Mexican dining landscape, though in 2024 they also announced the closure of Cantina Tortilla Grill in West Homewood.
A farewell rooted in family and community
In a statement, the Castros reflected on how different Birmingham’s food scene was when Sol y Luna first opened. At the time, they said, sourcing ingredients like fresh cilantro was difficult, and serving bold, authentic flavors felt like a risk.
“What started as a leap of faith became a labor of love rooted in family, culture, and community,” the family said. “Watching Birmingham’s restaurant scene grow and evolve over the last 27 years has been an incredible gift.”
They expressed gratitude to guests, staff and longtime regulars who helped fill the restaurant with life, calling the experience one they will always treasure.
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