Uptown Cantina

2301 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Unit 200, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(716 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Uptown Cantina, a vibrant gem nestled in Birmingham’s Uptown District at 2301 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Unit 200. Known for its modern take on Tex-Mex cuisine, Uptown Cantina invites you to indulge in a culinary adventure that transcends ordinary dining experiences.

The atmosphere is electric, echoing the carefree charm of a lively cantina, with friendly staff eager to make your visit memorable. You’ll find yourself immersed in a welcoming environment that captures the essence of community and celebration. As you walk in, the sounds of laughter and sizzling dishes create a comforting yet exciting backdrop for your meal.

Let’s talk about the food—a true highlight of any visit. Uptown Cantina features an array of tantalizing options that cater to all palates. Start your culinary journey with the Skillet Shrimp, where juicy bacon-wrapped shrimp bask in a garlic butter sauce, beautifully paired with toasted Cuban bread—a delightful wave of flavor with each bite for just US$19.00. Or, dive into the rich and savory Chile & Lime Pork R for an unforgettable starter that’s sure to leave you craving more.

For something heartier, don’t miss the Hot Chicken Sandwich. Picture buttermilk fried chicken, impeccably crisp, layered with sweet corn and cilantro slaw, all hugged by a soft potato bun. The tang of chile aioli adds just the right kick, making this a must-try dish at US$16.00. If you're in the mood for a classic, the Cantina Double Burger featuring Certified Angus Beef smash patties topped with melted cheese and flavorful pickles is sure to satisfy your burger cravings.

Be sure to check out the Burrito, a hearty treasure packed with charro beans, skillet rice, and your choice of protein. Each burrito is draped with a medley of fresh toppings that ensure every bite is bursting with flavor—perfectly priced at US$20.00.

But it’s not just the food that shines; the reviews speak volumes about the exceptional service. Guests rave about their experiences with attentive staff members like Josh, Sophie, and Nicolas, who go above and beyond to ensure you have a delightful time. Chris Richards reflected on how Josh’s personable service made their visit utterly enjoyable, while Dr. Miracle Pitts praised Sophie’s amazing recommendations and engaging conversation. The consistently high marks for friendly service underscore the Cantina's commitment to creating a memorable dining experience.

In a world full of dining options, Uptown Cantina stands out with its spirited atmosphere, bold flavors, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. So whether you're stopping in for a casual meal or a celebratory dinner with friends, this cantina is the perfect spot to create lasting memories. Make your way to Uptown Cantina and prepare for a feast that delights both the palate and the soul!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Has rooftop seating
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

716 Reviews
Chris Richards

09 Sep 2025

Was there on 5/29/24 with my wife while our teenager and their girlfriend were at the NF concert. Could not have had a more enjoyable experience! First and foremost I want to say our server Josh was amazing! He said he had just started 3 days ago and was so personable and on top of everything. I especially liked when my wife and I were eating our churro cheesecake (highly recommend) and he said he had been working his way through the menu but still needed to get to the cheesecake. This to me is the sign of a dedicated server and a great establishment when employees make it a point to know the menu by taste. I had the mahi tacos and will rave about the pineapple salsa to anyone who will listen. My wife enjoyed the signature taco platter and had plenty of leftovers. Will be back from Huntsville whenever we can!!! PS: the bathroom was handicapped accessible, which I was very happy about as a wheelchair user.

Dr. Miracle Pitts

25 Aug 2025

We had such a great experience for our first time here! Sophie was our server, and she was great! She gave us all the best recommendations, we had good convo, and the food/drinks?…chef’s kiss! Would 10/10 recommend and we will be back soon. Thank you Sophie for an amazing first experience!

Darren Eyring

17 Aug 2025

Had a great lunch here. Our server Alex took care of us. Very nice location and restaurant.

Deborah Tolbert (Deborah Tolbert)

01 Jul 2025

The waiter Nicolas was so AWESOME . He knew exactly what he was talking about and you could tell he was experience. He suggested Margaritas that I’ve never tried before and I ended up liking the peach one also suggested the stuffed nachos and they turned out to be the incredible. I am so happy that I decided to come there, originally I was going to go across to Mugshots, but I change my mind and decided to go Mexican instead of burgers. so happy that we stumbled upon this place. Nice personality goes along way you don’t see that a lot nowadays

Gary Howell

08 Jun 2025

Fiesta-Level Flavors & Fantastic Vibes! If you're in Birmingham’s Uptown District, Uptown Cantina is an absolute can’t-miss stop. I dove right in with an appetizer platter of chips, salsa, queso, and guacamole, then treated myself to a burger and fries, accompanied by three signature margaritas. And let me tell you—it was fire. The starter trio was spectacular: crisp chips dipped into bursting flavors—smoky salsa, creamy queso, and zesty guacamole made in-house. You can taste that they use fresh, hand-crafted ingredients. The burger and fries hit the perfect mark—juicy, well-seasoned, and packed with savory goodness. The fries were crispy and perfectly golden, an ideal match. While the Cantina’s menu highlights their Mexican specialties, their Cantina Double Burger stood out—tasty and satisfying, a real win. Now, the margaritas—three different classics that brought the party. Whether it was Fuego spice, a Classic, or the budget-friendly El Cheapo, each was refreshing, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. Uptown Cantina knows how to pour a drink. Add to that the lively, colorful atmosphere—from energetic bar vibes to inviting patio seating—it felt like the place to be. And the staff? Friendly, responsive, and kept our glasses full even at peak time. Bottom line: Uptown Cantina nailed it across the board. Delicious appetizers, a killer burger, margaritas that hit just right, and an ambiance that makes you want to stay. Whether you’re a local or visiting the BJCC nearby, drop in—you won't regret it.

Magilas Salvacion

29 May 2025

Great ambiance, great staff (very attentive and smiling). Food is really good as well. Just too salty on the burger

Join the Uptown Cantina Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.