Happy Cinco de Mayo, Alabama!
If you wish to partake in this annual celebration, Alabama’s has an array of Mexican restaurants ready to serve, many of them with patios perfect for a meal outdoors if you aren’t quite ready to dine in again.
If you only want tacos, check out our own Haley Laurence’s extensive taco trail that will satisfy those urges.
Rest assured, if we missed your favorite place on this list, we can’t wait to visit and feature it down the road. For now, where are 17 legendary Mexican restaurants we love in Alabama, perfect for Cinco de Mayo 2021.
Antojitos Izcalli (Tuscaloosa)
The family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant, located at 623 Hargrove East, is a beloved if slightly more below-the-radar spot its ardent fans would rather keep a secret thanks to the huaraches, torta Cubanas and street tacos. Find your new favorite spot in the lost across Hargrove from Meadowbrook shopping center.
Bandito Burrito (Huntsville)
This place has a “funky, punky atmosphere” that’s helped it become an Alabama restaurant landmark, according to AL.com’s Matt Wake. He writes, “While there are many local restaurants serving enjoyable Mexican, none of them offer this kind of edgy-cool atmosphere.” He said its original 3017 Governors Drive SW location “calls to mind the love child of an illicit tryst between a taco stand and a record store.” Adorned on the walls are photos of underground bands, like Southern Culture on the Skids, along with other “kitschy doo-dads,” chili-shaped lights and flyers for local entertainment gigs.. “Bandito owner Oscar Gutierrez regularly holds court at the big circular table right next the cash register. He likes to sit here so he can keep an eye out the front windows and also step up if the cashier needs help.” Cinco de Mayo plans: $2.50 margaritas or 12-ounce Dos Equis XX Amber on draft, plus other specials on food and beer. Enjoy the sun on their beautiful patio and get a “Cinco de Drinko” T-shirts before they run out. Learn more.
El Barrio Restaurante (Birmingham)
Eric Velasco wrote for The Birmingham News: “What is Spanish for gastropub? Whatever it is, the term applies at El Barrio. Meatloaf may not be Mexican, even if it’s made with a portion of the garlicky, spicy Mexican sausage, chorizo. And simply adding Mexican cheese to mashed potatoes does not automatically translate it into pure de papas. But Grilled Chorizo Meatloaf is a mighty fine dish in any language. The chorizo adds spice to oft-bland loaf. And the potatoes are a comforting accompaniment to both the meatloaf and the excellent marinated Wood Grilled Flat Iron Steak.” They’ve even had a spring menu change with pan-seared salmon paired with rustic pea mash and tequila cream sauce, but also familiar favorites like their chicken and rice soup. For vegans, their veggie quesadilla subs black bean purée for cheese for those with a plant-based diet. Can’t make it out anytime soon? Learn how to make the restaurant’s El Barrio Ceviche (citrus marinated gulf shrimp, pineapple, avocado, cilantro & crispy tortilla).
El Rey Burrito Lounge (Montgomery)
Located at1031 East Fairview Ave.), this favorite often has creative tacos like Magic Juan’s Catfish & Cabbage, Puerco Verde and Soy Curl Carnitas (and even a Sweet Potato Taco with roasted sweet potatoes, Belle Chevre, salsa halcon and crispies). Start your meal with the popular Queso del Rey and Chips, Nachos Estupendo, El Rey Dip or even the spiced pumpkin seeds or Spanish mushrooms.
Jalapeños Mexican Grill (Tuscaloosa)
Arguably the most popular family option for Mexican food in town, Jalapeno’s has three locations (New Watermelon Road, Old Birmingham Highway, Rose Boulevard) and has been a T-Town mainstay since its heyday in Temerson Square (which downtown Tuscaloosa residents still miss). If you can’t make it out, you can find their frozen Fajita Gumbo at Mark’s Mart in downtown Northport.
La Paz (Birmingham)
From the guacamole and chili con queso appetizers to the beer-battered fish tacos and handmade tamales, La Paz remains a Birmingham favorite for good reason. You can catch live music (5-9 p.m.) and drink specials (all day!) for a Cinco celebration. Learn more.
Little Donkey (Homewood/Hoover/Montgomery)
This Homewood eatery says it was “born out of our love of the vibrant flavors and brilliant combinations that traditional Mexican cooks have created for centuries,” inspiring them to “glimpse into the soul of regional cooking.” Now open in Birmingham and Montgomery, they vibrant Mexican cuisine to new guests every day. For Cinco De Mayo, “every hour is happy hour,” with $5 frozen margaritas, $2 Cuervo shot, plus steak fajitas and $3 Frito bags all day.
Rooster’s (Mobile)
Downtown Mobile’s option for super fresh and authentic-style tacos, burritos and Latin specialties, featuring fresh margaritas and other daily specials, with a staff working hard to make customers feel at home. Cinco de Mayo plans include Quesa Birria Day to celebrate the food, drink and culture of Mexico. Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. (half-off house margaritas and beer, $2 off snacks. A special menu includes Gulf Shrimp Ceviche, Queso Fundido, Quesa Birria Tacos Plate and more.
Rosie’s Mexican Cantina (Huntsville)
Once named best Mexican restaurant by Huntsville Times readers (and called the “king” of local Mexican restaurants by some locals), Rosie’s has two full-service locations -- South Memorial Parkway and University Drive -- and the fast-food style Little Rosie’s on Whitesburg Drive. (There’s a Florence location at 302 North Court Street), serving up delicious fajitas, jalapeno bites, mahi-mahi fish tacos and specialty dishes like the Rosiechanga.
Tacorita (Auburn)
Located at 138 North College Street in downtown Auburn, Tacorita offers gourmet tacos and hand crafted margaritas. They opened in 2010, serving what they call a “unique blend of tacos from various culinary backgrounds to provide a one of a kind experience within a great environment and outstanding customer service.” Try the Southern Fried Chicken, Firecracker Shrimp, Local Yocal and Pork Tinga tacos.
Taqueria El Cazador (Huntsville)
“The taco bus,” an actual converted 1991 Bluebird school bus -- affiliated with the 10099 Memorial Parkway brick-and-mortar restaurant of the same name -- offers large, scrumptious portions of chicken tacos topped with cilantro and onions double-wrapped in a corn tortilla, not to mention the sizable tamales. They moved inside Stovehouse, bringing you the same authentic Mexican, but now with more options and a large lawn for live entertainment in Westside Huntsville. But the bus returned in 2020, parking semi-permanently at Governor’s Drive and Triana Boulevard.
Mary Colurso, Lawrence Specker, Shauna Stuart and Matt Wake contributed to this article.
Others we love:
Fuego Coastal Mexican Eatery
Located at 2066 Old Shell Road, this is a slightly fancier coastal offering with dishes like rosemary/lemon swordfish served on top of cilantro lime rice, Blackened Snapper Veracruz, Pescado Con Elote (blackened mahi), plus drinks like a smoky blueberry lemonade made with Casamigos tequila.
Los Tarascos (Tuscaloosa/Northport)
Locations on McFarland Boulevard (Highway 82) in Northport and Skyland Boulevard, this local favorite has only grown more popular the last decade. The Fajitas & molcajetes, Tarascos Gumbo, Steak a la Mexicana are as good as it gets in the Druid City. It also had a location up Highway 43 in Northport, which is now Frida’s, another outstanding Mexican restaurant in the area.
Rio Mexican Grill Cocina Mexicana (Mobile)
Another popular hole-in-the-wall in the Mobile area, it has authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, friendly service and fun atmosphere.
Rojo (Birmingham)
Nestled in the heart of Highlands, Rojo is open for lunch, dinner and or weekend brunch. The patio and side room are also open for dining, with plenty of sidewalk dining tables available to enjoy both Latin and American food in a casual atmosphere. Try the spicy Bandito Salsa, Rojo Burrito or new empanadas.
Taqueria El Palomino (Decatur)
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Located at 410 6th Ave. S.E., this offers inexpensive, authentic Mexican cuisine. AL.com’s Haley Laurence wrote, “The lengua (aka beef tongue) tacos are a smorgasbord of flavor. Make sure to pour some of the sauce they give you on the taco -- it gives the taco a definite spicy kick.”
Taqueria Mexico (Mobile)
Located at 3733 Airport Boulevard in Mobile), this hole-in-the-wall, delivers awesome authentic Mexican food locals have come to adore.
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