Awesome atmosphere! The patio had just opened but it was too chilly today to sit out there. Later today, they're offering free massages and giving away free plants- How cool! The food was awesome as well. We were tempted to order the Ghost Chicken sandwich but chickened out. Har har. Also the food came within minutes which was appreciated because we just stopped off here on a roadie down to New Orleans. This restaurant was my only impression of Birmingham but it makes me want to know more about this city. Great art on the walls and a free local music CD at the door as well. Finished off w a thirst-quenching margarita and this is one happy lady.
(4)
Carrie R.
Rojo is basically an institution in the Highland Park area, and for good reason -- the food is good, the staff is friendly and efficient, the place has a lot of character, and there's plenty of seating -- including a huge front porch that's packed in both summer and (usually) in winter due to fans in summer and an enclosure and heat in the winter. You get a lot of food for the price here, making it a perfect place to be either for a meal or when you're out drinking. They have an American menu and a Latin menu, and both sides are pretty solid. My choices have varied over the years, from black bean soup when money was super-tight (you can get a cup of soup and a bunch of chips for under $5) to the black bean burger when I was a vegetarian, to now when I'm a little more adventurous about the menu. The also have a full bar with plenty of locally brewed beer on tap. Rojo is a great asset to the neighborhood, both because they provide a good meeting space for food and drinking, and because they host trivia, music, charity events and even show games on a big screen in their side room. (I also like that these specific events are usually limited to the side room, so if you've just come for dinner you won't be bothered by the noise from these other events.) They also rent out the side room for parties and gatherings for a really fair price, and they have a separate bar they can open for those events.
(5)
Kylea C.
I've had brunch at Rojo in the past, right after moving to Bham, and since it was a while back I can't remember every detail of it, but I do remember all of the food being delicious, and having a good mimosa. I had dinner here again the other night and again, everything was tasty! I really like the vibe of the place-it's laid back with all different types of people there. It's in a great location in Highland Park and the outdoor patio is so nice. It is a pretty small place, so if you aren't a fan of being close to other people it may not be your cup of tea, but I don't mind it at all. My boyfriend, being the potato lover he is, ordered the totchos as an appetizer, which are like their nachos, but with tater tots. I was literally shocked when they brought it out, because it was huge. It could easily feed 4+ people. For dinner, I had the Rojo Burrito- the jalapeño sausage in it is SO good. I would definitely order it again.
(4)
Thomas B.
Cool place. We enjoyed the atmosphere. Service was great. Kind of weird having to order at bar then find a table but is doable. The food was awesome. Big portions, great fresh flavors. My wife got the Mahi tacos. We're flavorful and the black beans with them we're perfectly seasoned. I got the David's quesadilla. It was very tasty. The only issue we had was an unusually long time to get our food. When I went and asked a server ours was up then. He apologized and offered a free beer or dessert. We declined happy to get our food. He was very apologetic and nice about this. I said it was fine no problem. Later the manager came by and dropped a $15 gift certificate off. We def didn't need this but were very impressed. They obviously care about there business. We will def be back. Cool place. Try it!
(4)
Donald W.
Good food and awesome location. Staff was good. Just not a fan of the ordering style. You order at the counter and then they bring you the food, like a chipotle. I ordered the fuego burger and was not disappointed. Price is great and drinks are good
(4)
Kelly P.
Um, can someone explain to me why this place is so popular? I got a veggie burrito where none of the ingredients tasted fresh or seasoned. There was rice, peas and carrots and some squashes. It was literally like the chef was like, "here's something without meat, throw it in!" Without any thought to how they would actually taste. And when I pay $8 for a veggie burrito I either expect good quality or at least a lot of food, and rojo was neither. Two stars because there was good salsa and I liked the atmosphere. But I won't be coming back here again. Also Parking is a real bitch.
(2)
Anna B.
This is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name and your order when you walk in. It has a great vibe any time of the day, and it is a flagship of the Highland Park neighborhood. It's often very crowded at dinner time, so arrive on the early side for prime porch seating (which is enclosed and heated in winter months). I would recommend the Southwest Quesadilla-- you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, though. The prices are reasonable and the food is delicious.
(5)
Shannon T.
This used to be my normal Tuesday laundry day ritual. Put in laundry have a drink, switch laundry, order food and more drinks. It worked and was great. I love the patio its a great dog and people watching place. I always had the nachos and really enjoy them with yummy guacamole. The Sangria swill margarita is a great twist on margaritas. I've enjoyed a night or two of trivia. Normally decent to good beer choices on tap. Great neighborhood hub!
(4)
Cory B.
I like spicy food (from south Louisiana), so the paella is my go-to dish here. Like their beer selection for being a restaurant. I'm a fan of anyone who carries multiple Avondales!
(5)
Daya' M.
I visited ROjO with coworkers for lunch. I was not impressed the food was okay but a little overpriced. The staff was short with us , extremely impatient and not friendly.
(3)
B T.
Nice variety in the menu. Good selection of beers. Portions are just right. I had the red chili pork burrito, awesome. Nice selection of tacos. They actual have grilled along with fried.
(4)
Mallory C.
Fast. Good food. Reasonably priced. Casual atmosphere. Great neighborhood. Has trivia weekly. Nice outdoor dining area that's heated in the winter and has fans in the summer. Huge projector TVs to show college football games, but out of sight when not being shown.
(5)
Stephen E.
Great Menu and Great people
(5)
Jessica S.
Delicious food! It's a little small and loud, and definitely feels like a college scene, but the food is just awesome. Definitely nothing like it around here, it's more like something you would expect to find in Austin, TX. The fish tacos were great and the blackberry cobbler was delicious. Can't wait to go back to try some of the other menu items.
(5)
Fritz L.
What's there NOT to like about ROJO!!! The food is rather exceptional TexMex meats awesome spin flavors. You will be doing yourself a service by trying anything on the menu. Doesn't matter what you order, it's going ot be good. But, I am a huge fan of the taco and the nachos. The nachos are big enough to share, so if you're looking for a single menu, I'd recommend the 1/2 serving. The type of service is the order-give'number-bring'it'to'ya system. The food runners are very helpfull and will assist you with anything you need. But, you do have to get your own drinks, which is not a bad thing. It works right into the atmosphere. The art on the walls helps to exude the coolness of the atmosphere of this establishment. ROJO is a jem of Alabama. If you find yourself in B'ham, you should most certianly check it out. Lords knows I have. Lots.
(5)
Hadley W.
They really should mention that their kitchen is closed at 10pm instead of making you drive 30 minutes out of the way for nothing. I love this place and have been going for years in my college days. I come back from LA with a friend I really wanted to impress and was highly disappointed. Such a waste. Oh, bring the miss fancy triple here from Avondale.
(1)
Ee Vonn Y.
I really wanted to like this place because of all the wonderful reviews. I think this restaurant would look great at night, but during the day, nothing about it seemed special nor was the food any good. It also didn't help that seats outside were constantly sticky despite how many times they cleaned it. If this is your first time at Rojo, this is what you do. Menus are located on your right as you enter. It's not obvious, but you have to keep walking to the end of the restaurant to order your food. Then find a place to sit, and they'll bring it out later. We ordered the Chorizo Con Huevos. The chorizo meat mixed in eggs was tasteless. The tater tots were surprisingly bland. No matter how much sauce you added, flavor could not be revived. Egg whites are not an option either.
(2)
Ashley J.
We drive 40mins to come here to eat. Their bacon cheeseburger with guacamole is the best!! Love that we bring our dog and all the waiters are super friendly and always bring her water and snacks. There is a wait for food but we always find it worth it. After all these years I still haven't had a bad experience their with anything. Thanks for the great service guys!!!
(5)
Elliot P.
Went there on a Thursday night and it was PACKED! This made it hard to find a table at first. They don't have an area where you wait to be seated, so we just hovered until a space opened up. We ordered the Berkley Tacos, Fish tacos, and some queso. The queso was a bit soupy, but tasty. The problem was our tacos weren't showing up after 10, 20, maybe 30 minutes! Our friends had gotten their food, but we still didn't have ours. We complained, and to their credit, the folks at Rojo hooked us up with two margaritas on the house! I appreciated their willingness to set things right. And once the tacos came, they were quite good. So, if you go on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night, expect a wait. But the food is very good.
(5)
Massimo F.
The place is a block away from where I stay so I've been there many times. I kind of like the place by itself. It looks bigger then it actually is so it's always crowded. Very decent selection of beer on draft (that's why I go) Food is good? Yes, kind of, not really. I may be biased since I'm not crazy about Mexican food (in the US). I don't value the fact you can make 15 different plates with all the same 10 ingredients. Very pragmatic approach on cooking but not that satisfactory. Overall it's a cool spot if you can find a seat, and it's open on Sunday for brunch! Suggested if you like exactly this kind of food, or for a Sunday morning (mediocre) brunch in the highland
(3)
M F.
Fun atmosphere, nice patio. Queso dip was great, but the chicken BBQ burrito I got was terrible!! There was waaaaaayy too much BBQ sauce in the actual burrito, and they wrote "Rojo :)" on the burrito with BBQ sauce, and on top of that they gave a side of BBQ sauce. I did not want to eat a burrito stuffed with BBQ sauce and then smothered with BBQ sauce. The side salad was pretty weak too, just bagged lettuce with some croutons.
(2)
Eric M.
I like the Mexican food at Rojo. It's well spiced (especially for Alabama). The drink selection is solid. The atmosphere is comfortable, but sometimes noisy. My big problem with Rojo is the table service. It's practically non-existent! Actually, it's literally non-existent. You have to wait in a line at the cash register to order food. Then, if you order drinks you have to wait at the bar for them (the bartenders are pretty snappy, kudos to them). Then, you wait at your table for the food. If I'm going to a restaurant where I can get great food and drop $50 for a meal for two I do not want to spend 1/4th of my time waiting in line. I'd give Rojo 5 stars if they'd just send a server to the table to take my order.
(3)
Harry K.
The best Rojo food I've ever had outside of Rojo. It doesn't get any more authentic than this. Rick Bayless has done a great job by preparing meals the way they are supposed to.
(4)
Brad H.
Been a minute since I've given Rojo some love. Always something different to try on the menu, because it's all good. The burger recently surprised me. VERY good, big and juicy and awesome flavor. And the Ghost Buffalo chicken sandwich. WHOA. Fried chicken breast tossed in Buffalo sauce, ghost pepperjack cheese, jalepeno bacon, and habenero hot sauce. Taste was incredible, not TOO spicy because I got the hot sauce on the side and only applied a thin layer. Warning: my gut was burning later in the day. worth it! Oh, and tots as a side item option? EVERY TIME.
(4)
Traci S.
What are you folks seeing or tasting that I didn't? It was absolutely nothing special. The tea tasted old, the shrimp (fajitas) were over cooked and the rice and beans were, I don't know, just like any other place that serves rice and beans. This was a major disappointment. I wish I had gotten something extraordinary like the rest of you seemed to have gotten! Disappointed.
(2)
Moira R.
I needed a dog friendly place to eat on my drive between Indianapolis and New Orleans. Stopping in Birmingham seemed like a great idea. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleased. First, the mexican/american menu sent up some red flags, but I ordered of the mexican menu and was very happy. The chicken tacos were amazing. Yes, they were basic, but the flavor of the grilled chicken really stood out, and there were so many pieces, I absolutely LOVED it. The tacos were served with rice and black beans which were also simple and good. I was feeling full at that point, but the american side has some cobblers that I would like to try if I'm ever passing through again. The service was FAST. You order at the bar here and they bring the food out to your table. The kitchen appears to be very large, and even though the place was packed I think the food came out within 10 minutes. Everyone was also very friendly. The crowd and restaurant definitely has an alternative vibe, and was very dim, but I don't think people should let that turn them off to the experience. The other nice thing is that even though Rojo is in a residential neighborhood, I didn't have any trouble parking. There was also a neighborhood park across the street where I walked the dog after dinner. This pit stop could not have been better.
(4)
Mandy B.
I was not impressed. After reading how many people loved this place we gave it a shot because it sounded really good. Didn't like how it smelled like a bar in the main area, service was just ok but the food was very disappointing and not good! The kids wouldn't eat their tacos, my husband got Berkley Tacos. He likes spicy food but it was too hot for him. I got the Mahi Mahi tacos and they were kind of bland and lacking flavor. We don't plan on going back.
(2)
Laura J.
I love Rojo. My boyfriend and I go here ALL the time. The atmosphere is great, its a cool, casual, neighborhood place that has everything. Burgers, nachos, mozz sticks, chicken tenders, burritos...what more could you ask for? The desserts here are to die for also. I recently had the pleasure of inhaling a molten chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. It may be my new favorite thing to eat..ever. This place is great.
(5)
Kimberly N.
The ginger margarita is simply the best
(4)
John M.
Good food reasonably priced. Bohemian atmosphere. You order your food and they bring it over. Not for those who want to be waited on. You walk in and since I was with people who had been there I knew what to do. Walk in, menus on a counter, in front of restaurant, then you walk over to the front to order and they bring your food. Outside seating but sparse surroundings. If you come for good food without frills and don't mind an offbeat neighborhood feel you'll love it. Come as you are.
(3)
Lee G.
Rojo is one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. They have an extensive American/Mexican menu. The chicken arugula tacos and Berkley tacos with grilled chicken is outstanding!!! Get the pineapple salsa!!!!
I love this place! I always get the fried chicken tacos and they are wonderful! Rojos is the place to go to just relax, sit outside, eat great food and spend time with friends.
(5)
Elizabeth F.
Great place to go grab dinner and drinks with a group of friends. I love that its dog friendly and it has a good location.
(4)
Hunter G.
OK. Let's get right to the point. Rojo is not about the food which ranges from good to very good but is not your typical Mexican restaurant. Rojo is not the bar to come to for the newest drink or mega beer & wine selection, but what they have is good & there's plenty to choose from. Rojo is not a romantic, intimate place. It's not a sports bar, in fact the 2 little TV's are generally ignored. It's not a top-name music venue, but there is live music regularly. So why did I give it 5 stars? Simple. It's all about the vibe (for lack of a better word). Rojo is one of those places that you either love and keep coming back, or it just isn't for you. And that's OK. You don't have to be "hipster", a college student, a family, or anything else to fit in at Rojo and that's what makes it so special. You are likely to be sitting between a multiple pierced and inked person on one side, and a couple in dress clothes coming from or going to another event. It's a tight fit both inside and out, but no one seems to mind. All you see are smiles and it's one of the few places where everyone truly seems to get along. If you are new there, read other reviews for instructions if you want, but my best advise is just ask someone for help and you'll get your first taste of what I'm talking about. That's the people vibe. There's also the location vibe. Rojo is in a residential neighborhood in the Highlands area, across from the park. Personally, it's my favorite part of the city. In truth, Rojo is one of the few places in Birmingham that could be in any other city. I always feel like I'm not only going out, but getting away. Oh, and the parking situation. It's such a Birmingham thing to expect parking at the door or valet. In any other big city you find a spot and then walk. No big deal. And as I said this is a beautiful residential neighborhood. One last thing. The food and drink are always good. I've never had a bad meal there. And it's all freshly made and freshly prepared. They have an open kitchen so you can see the food being prepared, but nobody seems to bother. There's too much good company going on.
(5)
Romil G.
Location is amazing. Love the seating place outside. Make sure to try all different kinds of salsa. I ordered paella and it was the best paella I ever had. I have been told there brunch is amazing, so do try that.
(4)
Michael P.
Stopped by for a late dinner on Sunday night. Definitely a college bar, and least at 8 PM on a Sunday. Had the Red Chili Pork Burrito, which was not impressive for the price. The clientele was mostly college kids, so I guess they don't know better. They have a decent selection of cold beer and wine. I see they have a kid's menu, a gluten free menu, and Sangria Sundays, which sounds like a good idea to me. It's a decent enough place, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit. I see Rojo claims that Bob Dylan called them out on national radio...No photo or evidence posted other than a name and a claim. To me, this is just name dropping, and totally BS. Show me a photo of the world famous Bob Dylan, folk singer, sitting at Rojo, otherwise as far as I concerned it was Bob Dylan, school janitor or ditch digger of the year, call out Rojo's name.
(2)
Jessica K.
I ordered the mahi mahi tacos and I really liked them. The sear on the fish was perfect and nothing was soggy. The margaritas were good too
(4)
Meggin M.
Nice neighborhood atmosphere, servers are always nice and the food is always great! Such a huge variety of food and drinks you can never go wrong here!
(5)
Emily C.
People seem to like this place and that's totally cool. It's within walking distance to a lot of very nice apartments, condos, and houses, and I can totally get behind the whole "walking to our neighborhood joint" appeal. It just seems like people flock here from outside of the neighborhood as well, and I guess it's a hotspot for work meetings? Parking is always a hassle and a half (you're gonna be walking a ways unless you get lucky). The layout of this place just makes me feel like I am going to trip over someone's purse or a dog's leash or hell, someone's child. The tables on the patio just feel crammed together. There is little intimacy, and I imagine it's loud as hell inside when it's full. And it always seems crowded; if it's not the late night scene, it's the families having brunch and dinner on the weekends. The person who takes my food is always nice, but the bar staff can be a little snappy (they have just stared at me for several seconds while pouring someone else's beer and finally said, "Well, what do you want?" Classy.) The food has never completely let me down, but it's nothing I couldn't make at home. The bar tends to have some interesting beer selections--which I will always appreciate but let's face it, you can get Avondale and Good People pretty frequently within the city, it seems to be kind of a requirement at this point. They might have some cool draft-only stuff from those local places but for the most part, I find their beer selection to be pretty standard for an "in the city" bar. I'm happier that the standard for that has just risen to the occasion. But they've been open forever and as previously mentioned, they are always crowded, so clearly these are not problems that most of its patrons have. I just don't like being forced to listen to the conversation next to me because my back is inches apart from another person's. I also don't appreciate having to wade through tables and chairs askew to get myself another beer. I guess I am just getting old, but Rojo just isn't my style. Ya'll can have it.
(2)
Svetlana O.
This is still a favored restaurant to go to when in the Highland area. It is dog-friendly (on the patio) and across the street from a park and now next to a coffee shop. I had the queso dip and the maui maui arugula tacos (chicken arugula tacos on the menu, but you can substitute), which I both thoroughly enjoyed. Who doesn't like queso? The tacos are served with a pineapple salsa, which is why I thought the fish paired better with that as opposed to the chicken. Now for years the years I've been coming here I've made my go-to dish the chicken fingers plate that is served with honey mustard because their chicken fingers aren't like anywhere else (they aren't fried in batter to where you have to question if there is even any chicken there...), but decided to switch it up again. I've had their caesar salad with chicken, as well as their chicken quesadilla. Pretty plane jane whenever I come here to grab lunch, but their food is just that good that it's hard to not just enjoy the simple things. Great place!
(5)
Jessica M.
This is a regular spot for me. I even had my wedding reception in their party room! I love Rojo. I have never had a bad meal from here. My favorite is their fish tacos. My husband usually tries something different every time we go but I don't think he has ever been disappointed. It's hard to find a table for a group larger than 4 people, so just be warned. My friends and I ate brunch there before her bachelorette party and we had a hard time getting a table for 6.
(5)
Ashley W.
Rojo is located in the beautiful Highland Avenue neighborhood and at first glance was obviously the hip place to be on the Sunday night my husband and I met up with my long lost college friend. Having never been here before, when we walked in, we were extremely confused. No hostess, but a stack of menus on one side of the room and a cash register with no attendant on the other side. After reading reviews on Yelp, I figured out that you order at said register, but this was after I tried to ask two people carrying food to and from the kitchen only to be ignored. We happened to snag a table inside - both inside and outside seating were completely full when we arrived. My mahi mahi fish tacos arrived before our chips and queso order. It happens I suppose, but when you're looking forward to those fried chips and creamy queso before the actual meal, it's kind of a bummer. The mahi mahi tacos weren't very flavorful and were kind of dry. The blacks beans and rice that accompanied were well seasoned. I asked for the orange vinaigrette with my side salad and it was actually really, really delicious! I don't usually have a thing for salad dressings but I would buy this vinaigrette by the bottle. I don't see the hype and maybe our visit was a fluke, but I'd definitely give Rojo another chance.
(2)
Peter H.
Neighborhood favorite. This place has good food, fast service, awesome selection of beers, and a great atmosphere. Their prices are affordable. Honestly, I think they deserve one dollar sign. It gets crowded on weekends, but the vibe is always fun. Their trivia is the most fun I've been to. The physical challenges really bring the ruckus. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Kammi N.
What a wonderful place. We are driving through and was so glad to find somewhere with great vegan choices. I had the Veggie Taco and my hubby had the Spinach Burrito, both tasted excellent. The setting was a quaint downtown eatery. The restaurant was very casual and seemed very popular to the local crowd. It really was not to far from the interstate. Well worth the trip if your passing through. Plus, there was a nice coffee shop next door called O'Henery's Coffee. It smelled so delicious when we walked in.
(5)
Shawn K.
Probably my favorite casual place to go in bham. Great location in Highland Park. Everything I've tried has been awesome--the Berkleys Tacos are my favorite. The mix of buffalo sauce, chicken, and feta cheese is mouth watering.
(5)
Meredith D.
So I got nothing Tex Mex, but I plan to on my next visit. From what I gather the food is relatively average, but I'm still interested to try some more stuff. Reasonable prices. And hey, for what it's worth, my burger WAS pretty good. The porch is a busy spot and on a Sunday afternoon, the place was packed. Service was attentive and fun. It's a really nice trendy place. I'm looking forward to hitting them up for trivia on Wednesdays, and I'd really like to try their sangria!
(4)
Marlana K.
Great atmosphere, people and food. Good beer on tap with options for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Love!
(5)
Stephanie M.
I adore the blackened Mahi tacos -- the white sauce is yummdiddyliupmtious! Black beans are seasoned perfectly. Margaritas are always great. Sangria is fresh and good. You really can't go wrong.
(5)
Armon D.
I've wanted to start writing reviews on Yelp for a long time, but until recently didn't have time. When deciding who to write my first review on, Rojo was the first to come to mind. The menu at Rojo is a unique concept, offering largely traditional American fare on one side, while serving up a more Mexican/Latin fare on the other side. While I am a Birmingham native, I spent my formative years in East Texas; I've had real Mexican food as well as typical "Tex-Mex". Rojo is neither, and I don't want it to be. Instead you get a unique fusion of various Latin flavors including Mexican, Spanish and South American, combined with subtle features and ingredients borrowed from American and Southern cuisine. For those not so adventurous, the American menu is a safe bet, offering burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches and other favorites. While I hate bright light, the inside is a bit dim for lunch or brunch, but that's okay because a generous patio greets you as you come in from Highland Avenue. Typically quiet, and lovely on a Fall day, the patio lets you enjoy your meal and a nice draft beer while looking out over Rushton Park. On that note, the draft beer selection is pretty decent, and is complemented by a fairly hearty bottled beer selection. The service is quick and the staff is fantastic. Proprietor Laney DeJonge is nothing short of amazing and always goes out of her way to see that you are taken care of. My favorite dish by far is the Blackened Tilapia Tacos; if Tilapia isn't prepared properly, it can be a bland and very disappointing fish. The blackened cuts of Tilapia in these tacos are simply amazing, as is the sauce it is served with. Other favorites include all of the burgers, the chicken sandwich, and the chicken tenders. Apps are pretty good but some smack of frozen food-service product. Most dishes' portions leave a little to be desired; I usually need at least an app and an entree to be satisfied. My one complaint about the burgers is I wish they were juicier. The kitchen probably uses leaner beef than is desirable for hamburgers. All-in-all a great place for a late lunch or a weekend brunch. Portions could be slightly bigger, but they suffice. Service and atmosphere are great, owners are outstanding. Highly recommended. UPDATE: I've been back four times since I wrote the above review, and the food has been consistently awesome, with great service and fantastic atmosphere. It is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Birmingham, and it's so good that I don't even care about the portion sizes anymore, I just order more food! For this reason, I'm bumping my rating up to a full five stars. Well done, Rojo!
(5)
Jeff S.
Went here over the summer when in town visiting my cousin. I believe it was a weekday so we had no wait for outside seating. They have wait service but you place the order inside, pay at the register, and they will bring it out to you when ready. Opted for the Mahi Mahi tacos which were quite good, but I'd have to say that the salad was the star as it had literally the best vinaigrette I've ever had. Wasn't expecting that. Ordered some queso which looked (and tasted) like a bowl of microwaved cheese. Wasn't expecting that either. As I also look for local beers when traveling I was happy to see they had some on tap, including a few from Avondale (which the brewery was our last stop of night incidentally).
(4)
J M.
Awesome place all around! Great atmosphere (love the outdoor seating) with some good beer on tap. The food isn't amazing and sometimes it is so-so, but some items are really great (e.g. guac with chips, black beans, fish tacos).
(5)
David H.
This is one of my favorite places to go in Birmingham. Great food, I love the Dave's Quesidilla, and I love the sangria margarita. I prefer to go when it is warm outside because they have an awesome patio.
(5)
Nicole J.
Well, the food here sucks (it actually made me sick once), the service blows (except when they're busy- then it's pretty much nonexistent), and the hipster quotient is off the charts (which I guess can be looked at as a good or bad thing). But they do have an impressive beer selection and a very nice patio that's nicely heated in the winter. I've seen some good art exhibits and music performances here as well. So a good place to drink and people-watch, if that's what you're into.
(3)
Kevin R.
This is one of my regular places to go. Good food atmosphere good bar and all at a reasonable price. I think my favorite item and a must try is the vegi tacos.
(5)
David B.
This place is cool! It's located in the heart of Southside and has a great front patio. I went there for post-hike festivities with Fashho Fashho and some biddy. You pick your own table and order at the bar. We started off with their "spicy" salsa, the tomatillo (green) salsa. This was the worst part of the lunch...it was a thin salsa and not spicy at all. I ordered the chicken burrito with spinach...it was really really good. One end of the burrito was covered in queso and the other end was covered in a red salsa. The flour tortilla was warm and the chicken was well seasoned and moist. Delicious! The biddy got the southwest quesadilla with chicken. It is a thick quesadilla and the feta cheese, corn, and toasted tortilla make this quesadilla memorable. She let me have a bite...mmmmm...filling and tasty! Fashho Fashho got David's quesadilla, which is made of chicken, bacon, jack and cheddar cheese. He describes is as having a "mild yet soothing flavor" whatever that means. I took a bite and it was good! I would rate the food a 4/5 but the pitchers of beer on draught are cheap (with a very good selection) and the ambiance is great so overall Rojo gets a 5/5. They also have an American menu which I have never ordered off of.
(5)
Trevvor C.
Decent Tex-Mex sorta place in the Highland Park area, right next to Rushton Park. There's a spacious covered patio (though often full of chatting patrons) that offers the combo of fresh air + tasty food + picturesque view which is a plus for the eatery. As other reviewers have noted, parking is *not* Rojo's strong suit, so be prepared for a stroll around Rushton, but that is hardly worth complaining about! I liked the paella pretty well, and the summer burrito is good too, despite the odd-looking combo of ingredients. Vegetarian options are starred on the menu, and there's a dedicated gluten-free menu offered as well.
(3)
Will L.
Rojo is a Birmingham staple. It's busy, almost constantly, and there are lots of good reasons for that. An over the top nice staff, fair prices, great atmosphere, good music, and delicious food round out those reasons. Rojo has two bars and two dining rooms, but most choose to sit on the "see and be seen" patio. This is where I genreally enjoy my Chorizo tacos with spicy verde salsa. I've tried most everything on the menu, but those are my normal choices. If you're not in the mood for mexican, they'll take care of you with wings, a burger, or an array of other gringotastic dishes.
(5)
Megan L.
Years ago before I had to go gluten free I used to love it here so when I moved back to the Birmingham area and saw their gluten free menu I was so excited! That excitement was short lived. If you offer a gluten free menu, even with a disclaimer, you should educate yourself and your staff on what that means and how sick you can make people! I ordered a sandwich from the gf menu and it came out with a bun! I said something and they came back out with the same sandwich less than a minute later! Again I had to say something and they seemed so flustered and frustrated. You cannot just take the bun off or I would have done that! Studies have shown places that train and offer great options have an increase in patronage and believe you me that's true. For places that actually train and care I go back, my family goes back, and we are extremely limited so we frequent that places a lot! Btw they were not busy so how hard would it have been to follow proper protocol?
(2)
Taylor D.
I enjoy everything about Rojo. Delicious food and great atmosphere. Try the habanero puree to spice it up. If you are lucky you'll go when Pete is selling the "ferocious dogs"
(4)
Amy C.
It's good food but nothing spectacular. I was hoping the paella would be more traditional but it was more like spanish rice with shrimp and sausage tossed into it. No saffron or paella pan which makes paella, well, paella. I also tried the grilled Mahi tacos which were good but there wasn't anything really special about them... Rojo has a fun vibe and I'd rather go there for a casual gathering with friends for happy hour or something. If you are looking for amazing food I just don't think this place hits the mark.
(3)
T R.
did not have a good experience. food came out fast but quality was poor. we ordered the nachos and quesadilla. nachos were a soupy mess. we didn't like the fact that Rojo doesn't have servers? we left after 1 round.
(1)
Robert C.
The food is great and the beer selections are endless! Great place to meet some friends for dinner and drinks. It gets pretty crowded later on in the evening so if you aren't a crowd person this might not be the place for you. I usually go after 8:30 PM and that's when it turns into a more "bar-like" scene, hence the larger crowd. The only thing I don't like about this place is how dark it is at night on the patio. It also seems a bit overpriced if you ask me.
(4)
Jacob S.
Rojo is a really cool restaurant located around the Highland Avenue area. A great place to go during the summer months because of their front patio seating. Of course, this is common knowledge, so you'll be hard pressed to find a time when it's not packed. Nevertheless, I've always found a table and the wait isn't all that long. The service is surprisingly fast and friendly. I've found the food quite good. It is mostly Tex-Mex--so it isn't as Mexican-like as a more traditional Mexican restaurant, but I think it is at a higher level than some other establishments with the label "Tex-Mex". I'd say Rojo is more of a restaurant, but they have a full bar so it might be good as just a bar, too. I've only had dinner there, so I don't know if going there just to drink makes any economical sense or not. I think I remember the drinks being comparable to other bars around town, though. Overall, Rojo is a chill spot in the heart of a really beautiful area. And Bob Dylan likes it, apparently. You should probably go there.
(4)
Mark T.
This is more for the place than the food. It's a great spot to sit outside and have some food and a beer.
(4)
Alden C.
Rojo is absolutely a cool spot to meet up with friends. It has an awesome Highland Ave location, but parking is notoriously terrible (especially if its raining- be prepared). I think the location and the cool factor (and the hipster vibe) are what bring the people in. In my experience, the food is good, not great. The service is good, not great. The table/chair/seating experience is, oh wait... good, not great. The drinks are good, sometimes great. I'm echoing a lot of other reviews here when I say that Rojo is really a place to grab a drink and maybe a snack, not a place for a fantastic meal. I went to an art show there, which gave the place a unique vibe that ratcheted Rojo up in my book. I'm not too crazy about the plastic walled patio seating, although I do understand the benefits of keeping out rain/mosquitoes/etc. Will I go to Rojo again? Of course, it's Rojo. Will I recommend people go there when they want some awesome Mexican food? Nope.
(3)
Sherra R.
I liked how laid back it felt. Food was good, too. Service was a little weird but OK.
(4)
Haley R.
Their black bean burger is my favorite, followed closely by the shrimp salad and either of the fish tacos. Great outside atmosphere and super dog friendly. They also carry a decent amount of local brews on tap. Don't let the crowded patio intimidate you. I don't frequent this place on Friday nights, but I've never had to wait longer than a few minutes for a prime outdoor spot.
(5)
Greg W.
Excellent food. The grilled chicken salad is very good. The fish taco's are also among the best I've had in town. You won't go wrong trying this place if you like the Latin style cuisine.
(5)
Tarah D.
I'm a total fan of this place. The food was excellent, and we got it very quickly. The ambiance is laid-back, but not dingy. Also, kudos for having veggie options, and veggie options that are DELICIOUS! We had the burrito of some stripe and the veggie tacos. Both were amazing. Their rice is very flavorful, as are their veggies in the tacos (a problem lots of places). I'd totally recommend this place. For two of us, for two entrees and two drinks, it was $20. Fantastic.
(4)
Frodo B.
Probably the best Mexican food that I've had in Alabama! The atmosphere is fun and relaxing. Nachos are excellent! Definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Sunny H.
Killer atmosphere! Reminds me of Spider House Cafe in Austin,TX without a garden. Great music! The Mahi-Mahi tacos are as great as the hype.
(5)
Jason H.
Wonderful place to eat, have a few drinks or just hang out with your friends. Last year we had a party of 6 a wheelchair and 3 small dogs. We were able to walk right up sit on the patio and have an amazing time enjoying the view from this "Birmingham must visit" restaurant. One of the staff even brought us out a bowl of water for our thirsty little dogs. The owners and staff obviously really care about their patrons and their city! There is hardly a week that goes by now that I do not stop by to eat, drink and say hello.
(5)
Kyle P.
Rojo's certainly won't wow you with their food, but that said it won't leave you disappointed either. I had Mahi tacos and while the fish was a little overlooked it ended up being an enjoyable meal. The bar is a bit limited as far as liquor choices are concerned but the beer options are plentiful. The prices are decent although you have to pay for chips and salsa which most Mexican places provide for free. What makes Rojo's enjoyable is the atmosphere. It's able to maintain that perfect level of rowdiness with a type of relaxed yet jovial atmosphere that makes you want to drink beer with friends while regaling past drinking tales.
(4)
James W.
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! I realize not every place is family friendly but there should still be courtesy. A song came on while we were eating and my wife and I immediately looked at each other. I approached the cashier and told him that I did not think the song was appropriate because it was about a violent raping of a woman with a broomstick and the girl "Laura" or "Laurie" behind the bar yelled out that she did not believe me. I told her why should she, I am only the customer. She told me "whatever" and she said "I love Alt-J". I said nonetheless the song lyrics are...."Tra, la, la, in your snatch fits pleasure ,Broom-shaped pleasure" and I don't want to subject my family to that. She told me to get over it. I told her that her customer relations are sh*t (which I know was wrong). She yelled that I could not talk about rape in "her restaurant". So it is ok for my family on the other side of the restaurant to hear about raping a girl with a broomstick but I can't dispute it at the bar because it "can offend her customers". What a joke. I hope the real owner will deal with this despicable behavior.
(1)
M S.
Here's what you do. You go to Rojo (it's fun when people say 'The Row-Joes' so I invite you to do that too.) for brunch and you pick up a menu at the front. Go to the register and order your food. Order your drink. Get a number, grab your drink, and find a table on the patio. Your food will be brought to you. Tip at the register, not at the table. Plenty of variety of the food for the mood. Veg friendly, even vegans can eat there. Eat the black beans. They have fried and steaky goodness and ripe and veggie freshness. Lots of food for the price. I usually would have left overs if I didn't share with a friend or two. If it's Sunday, wait until 11:59 am so you can have a bloody mary with Zing Zang mix and pepper vodka. Eat, drink, people watch, hang. Order more drinks. Get a snack. Eat, drink, people watch, hang. Repeat. Hang out ...alllllll.....dayyyy....and...allllll......Âniiiiiight. That's what you do, when you go to the Rojos. But not on Monday. Monday they are closed and Highland avenue pouts.
(5)
Katrina B.
Awesome atmosphere, really cool vibe every time I'm there, particularly when sitting outside (across from the park, so plenty to look at, too). Also, check their events page regularly - there's some pretty neat stuff and deals to steal throughout the year, so take advantage of their social media presence for sure.
(5)
Mike F.
Its around the corner from my place of residence so it's a good spot to go grab some pitchers with friends and stumble back home. The eats are lo-fi alien american tex- mex. The food is fresh and tasty. The atmosphere is quaint and popular so you have to get there early. Its also so popular that its patrons routinely occupy every parking spot in the 2-3 block radius so get ready to walk. Jerks...... So, what I'm saying is that you may or may not like it or you could be like my buddy, David B., and enjoy slamming a long, hot, burrito, covered in white queso whilst being slightly indifferent.
(4)
Keith C.
Rojo is a nice, neighborhood place and if you're a regular, I'd imagine it would deserve 5 stars for the comfort and familiarity alone. But for those that are trying it out for the first time or aren't regulars, here's the rub. The staff is indeed friendly and the environment is extremely relaxed. The food, IMO, leaves a LOT to be desired; but I think it's heavily in part to the fact that people choose Rojo for the liquid sustenance and not the solid. So, 5 stars for the ambiance and "Cheers - NORM!" atmosphere; 2 for the stuff they refer to as food. Average: 3 stars. ;)
(3)
Amber B.
This place is a favorite of mine! Both menus (Latin and American) are great. Cool, layed back atmosphere. It's in a good neighborhood. Great bar and patio. I love that the patio is covered and heated during the winter. the staff is always friendly and the service is pretty quick.
(4)
Stefanie O.
One of my fave places ever. I love to take people here that have never been before. It is always a treat and helps to wet the proverbial palette for those that stick to mainstream (BORING) dining. The variety of food is great for everyone, even those less inclined to want to try something new. Then they have the spicy side with a great selection of latin (and even some fun) American dishes. Their beer selection is getting better and the service is just what you expect: laid back but helpful. Love it love it love it. I will always choose Rojo when dining in Bham, especially when Crapplebee's just won't cut it! :)
(5)
Bradley B.
Rojo is a Highland staple! Great food, great atmosphere, and dog-friendly seating! 5 stars!
(5)
Michelle L.
Excellent location behind a beautiful area of Birmingham filled with old homes. Rojo was packed when we arrived on a Saturday for lunch. We found a table inside for four people and greedily snagged it before someone else could. The place has outdoor seating but I couldn't take the Birmingham heat so if we could not sit inside, then this restaurant would not have worked out. Luckily for all of us, it did work out. I got a burrito that was one of the best I've ever had. My daughter got the chicken salad, which she raved about. My brother got a BBQ pork sandwich that he said was really good. The artwork inside the restaurant is unique and they play a lot of reds. I would most definitely go back here for dinner if ever in that area again.
(4)
Gary W.
Pretty good food, very bad service
(3)
Chris W.
Awesome mix of American and Mexican food, fun urban ambiance. Right in beautiful Highland Park.
(5)
Joseph B.
Rojo offers quality food, a friendly ambiance and is a great place for several cocktails with friends.
(4)
Gale B.
I am a regular. Great food fun atmosphere and inexpensive. We walk there often. Right by the park views are lovely in the spring when the patio walls come down! When the walls are down the patio is dog-friendly! It can get very crowded.
(4)
Scott T.
Rojo is a lot like Taqueria Del Sol in Atlanta. It's pretty good, great atmosphere and always super slammed. I love their fish tacos...I wish they'd ramp up the beer selection though. Some interesting flavor of people are to be seen, too.
(4)
Mr B.
Considering this place is packed all hours of the day everyday it is open, they are clearly doing something right. They have one of the best hamburgers in Bham, some of the best rice in Bham, and generally everything on the menu is at least decent. The prices are reasonable and service is generally pretty quick despite the crowds.
(5)
Tosha L.
Tried this place after reading Yelp reviews. It was a small restaurant but very charming and a fun atmosphere. While slightly loud, I was still able to easily have a conversation with my partner. I tried the fish tacos and we also shared a trio of dips with salsa and chips. The food was above average. It was fresh and the flavor combinations superb! I also enjoyed a margarita which was made fresh and tasted awesome! I will definitely be returning to this place and trying some of their other options on the menu. Our server was kind enough to point out several "favorites" on the menu, including the fried fish tacos. Looking forward to a burrito next visit.
(4)
Kat G.
Whoa. I was not expecting the awesomeness I got at Rojo this weekend. A big group of us went for brunch late on Sunday morning. You order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. When I heard that, I was like, here we go. I was sure this place would be like your average gimmicky mexibrunch and I was ready to be annoyed. But that's not how it went down. Rather, we parked on the street along this beautiful greenspace, then cut across it to reach the restaurant. Inside, we pulled up a table to join our friends (late, as usual) and went in to order. We opted to share the breakfast burrito, which has eggs, sausage, rice, black beans, pico and is topped with queso. I'm sorry, I don't think I said that right: It's the most awesome f*cking thing ever rolled into a tortilla, and they do it for you for just about $8, which, I mean. And the coffee was organic and not-burned and yummy. The only drawback is they didn't have glass or ceramic coffee cups, so we were stuck sipping out of styrofoam, which makes everything taste like, well, styrofoam. I love this place. If I lived in Birmingham, I'd eat brunch here every weekend.
(4)
Alan B.
A wonderful eclectic experience. This is a place to see and be seen in Birmingham. Rojo is always busy and rightly so. With two different menus (Latin and American), a great outdoor patio and a crowd that is as diverse and unique as any you will find anywhere you can't go wrong hitting up this awesome Birmingham hot spot. Each time you go you will be in for a unique experience. Whether they are playing live music, having dog day on the patio or a packed out night on the weekend you will be sure of one thing and that is you won't find another place like it in town. Great food, great drinks, great people, great times. No matter who you are you will find Rojo intriguing and welcoming.
(4)
J. Tyner R.
BLACKENED TILAPIA TACOS. Best fish tacos I've come across. Papalote's in San Fran comes in second.
(5)
Chris D.
Good place. Nice atmosphere in a nice part of town. Going when the weather's nice is a extra plus, since the outdoor seating is across the street from a park. The menu has American and Tex/Mex. Both are nice. The vegetarian stuff was especially welcome. Just a good all-around restaurant.
(4)
John M.
I thought the staff was not friendly. I am not a local and asked if we seat ourselves or what directly to a server. She did not respond just kept walking. So we sat down anyway. Waited on my friend from the area. Food was good I had the chicken quesadillas. Cool atmosphere young crowd it feels like a college town. I enjoyed once we figured out what to do.
(4)
Crickett B.
My favorite restaurant in the entire city - scratch that - entire STATE. The hands down favorite is the Mahi Mahi fish tacos. The fish dishes come with a white salsa that is to die for. All the food is extremely fresh and local when possible. It's hard to go wrong on anything here. I recommend their homemade items, the cilantro or basil vinaigrette for the salads for sure. Desserts aren't bad either. Locally made fried pies! Basically apple, chocolate or various flavored empanadas served with vanilla ice cream. Very good drink selection ranging from beers and high gravity beers to various wines and mixed drinks (think sangria and margaritas). Let it be known that there is no waitstaff, which can throw newbies off sometimes. There is a menu basket when you walk in so you can figure out what you want, then you walk up to the cashier and order. Then you find your seat with your number and they will bring your food to you. Go here on a nice spring/summer/fall afternoon and enjoy the patio and watch the locals walk around the park. Unfortunately they are closed on Mondays.
(5)
Norllys M.
Rojo is located in a picturesque neighborhood of beeeeyootiful houses and it fits right in. The atmosphere was low-key and perfect for Saturday afternoon brunch. Lightning-fast service and friendly staff, delicious food, AH-may-zing sangria-what more can you ask for? The only downside was sitting outside and having to swat flies off our food, but this may be a seasonal problem more than an establishment one (and probably our fault anyway for sitting outside the reach of the fans!).
(4)
Jeremy C.
friendly, and helpful service once we figured out where and how to order. the food wasn't bad, but wasn't incredible either. the guacamole and chips were decent, except the chips were cold and tasted like they were loaded with partially hydrogenated oil. i can recommend the veggie tacos and my wife enjoyed the mahi mahi fish tacos. the ambiance was fun, noisy and helped us break up a long road trip from nashville to new orleans. we ate indoors, but the patio looked like a lot of fun too. the highlight for us at Rojo that evening was walking next door to the bar, where we impulsively bought a painting on the wall a couple hours before the artist was taking it (and her other works) down.
(3)
Patricia P.
very pleasantly surprised by their versatile menu and very fresh ingredients! had the steak quesadilla and loved it! My friends ordered the davids quesadilla( chicken, bacon and pepperjack cheese) and the pepper quesadilla. We also had the sangria-very tasty!
(5)
Adam B.
Great place in a great part of town. The menu contains both Tex/Mex and American, but I'd stay towards the Tex/Mex side as the American food is average at best. In the spring/summer/fall they have an open patio, which is great for dining/drinking during the day. At times it gets a little too hipsterish, but it comes with the neighborhood. The Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos are the best I've ever had and their creamy chipotle sauce is like crack.
(4)
Gabriel R.
Excellent grilled mahi mahi fish tacos! Rojo just started featuring fried fish tacos but I think I still prefer the grilled tacos. Great selection of beers and food quality is consistently good.
(5)
Stephanie W.
Very hip. I like the setup - you pick up a menu at the front, order by the bar and then grab a table. We sat on the patio on a very cold night which was a bit chilly but fun. I had the blackened talapia tacos and a Good People pale ale (local microbrew). Excellent spice on the fish tacos. Really enjoyed it.
(4)
Adam e.
Oh Rojo, you never fail to disappoint. The drinks are good, but hey, it's booze, and the more you have the better it gets. The location is great, and the patio is lovely, especially during the summer, but this doesn't make up for the really, incredibly, mediocre food. A lot of the food looks like it should taste good, and just...doesn't. I spent $13-$14 dollars on the worst excuse for paella I've ever had, with overcooked rice that's tinted a light shade of saffron, revealing that they, sadly, did not add enough for any of the flavor to carry over. Some large batch frozen shrimp are sprinkled in there, along with some previously frozen peas and bits of carrot, and, as I recall, some crawfish tails. There were no mussels, clams, or cockles to be seen, or to lend their flavor to the dish. There were so many shortcuts, mediocre ingredients, and bad cooking in one dish I have trouble articulating how offended I am that this was put on a plate by any restaurant and then served to a guest. If Russel Stover brand made boxed paella, it just might be better than this. While it can be more time consuming and expensive to make good paella, a burger really shouldn't be that difficult. Sadly, it is apparently too difficult. The bleu cheese and bacon burger is almost impossible to do badly, but for every occasion, there is someone to rise to it. The cook tonight did so. The patty was much thinner than one would expect outisde of McDonalds or Burger King, and cooked all the way through instead of the nice medium that I had requested, and topped with a solid, cold clump of blue cheese, set right in the center of a burger patty that was too lukewarm to melt it at all. Ideally, it would have been crumbled over a hot patty, and then melted before being topped with nice thick slices of bacon, pickles not from Sysco, lettuce, similarly not from Sysco, and a ripe tomato not grown in a hot house (you know, it bing the end of summer, in Alabama, where I still have heirloom tomatos ripening in my backyard in October). The fries probably came frozen in a bag, and not horrible, but not good, like a lot of the food served at Rojo. It has a following of people, some of whom are my friends, but I'm convinced that's because when they're there their diet is more towards the liquid end of the dietary gamut. For years I've gone back every now and then, drawn by the people I know, and every time I walk away disappointed, and irritated that I just gave money for food that mediocre. As someone that cares about food a lot, it offends me that a place can care so little about what they serve as to use such stunningly crappy ingredients, and put them together with such little care. I'm not sure if I'm more irritated with them for being what they are or myself for being so gullible as to go back every now and then. Your money is better spent elsewhere.
(2)
Rocky R.
Pretty good place, I have heard a lot about it before going in and honestly I was a bit let down. The crowd is not as hipster as I expected, so that was a plus. Got their steak tacos, which were ok, but nothing amazing. The ingredients did appear very fresh and some organic, so I was ok paying slightly higher price for it. Atmosphere is mainly what I would go here for and it was nice sitting outside. I would probably go back and give another shot though.
(3)
Spence H.
Rojo is one of those places that always seems like the best place to go to when meeting folks. Not only is their food good, but it is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is exciting. Their dual Latin/American menu allows you to decide from numerous options and it's easy to go back one day after the next and not get too burnt out on their food. I am a particular fan of the Paella and fish tacos. Also, they arguably have the best guacamole in town which they serve in a very large portion. Another perk for some people is that they are dog friendly on the outside patio with water bowls on standby. If I had to say if there were any downsides to Rojo is that it gets particularly crowded and that they are closed on Monday.
(5)
Emiri M.
I really wanted to love Rojo. However, I found that dining there was more about the vibe than the actual food quality. The vibe was amazing-- so many people and a fun crowd to people watch. The outside lighting and patio are especially beautiful at night. This isn't to say that the food was bad, but it was okay. Food: The chips and dip were pretty good. Their pineapple salsa, guacamole, and tomatillo salsa were my favorites. Their guacamole is pretty great. I recommend the queso and the standard salsa if you're not into sweet or spicy. The Trio sampler is a safe dish for first-timers, although 9 bucks is a bit steep considering how much salsa you get. For my entree, I ordered the chorizo taco and it was okay. The chorizo honestly wasn't very flavorful and was a bit cold. The rice and black beans also lacked flavor, even though mashing it all up with a dollop of salsa and guacamole made it better. Service: I came here with some coworkers and finding seating wasn't a problem--we found an empty table almost immediately. To order, you pick up a copy of the menu by the door and wait in line to order at the cashier. Note: They don't take reservations. Often the restaurant is so abuzz with activity that it can get really loud and hard to hear between all the music and conversation. For example, I think this might've been one reason why the cashier switched one of the dips that we ordered in a Trio Sampler by mistake. It was also difficult to hear what was being said on the other side of the table, even when the table wasn't that big. I hate to be "that person", but I couldn't add to the hype this time around. Maybe I'll give them another chance and try something from their American menu next time.
(3)
Jacky V.
Go here for the queso and beer. Both of these things are great. Get the queso Kips style. It's a great summer patio party moment. The people that work here are also nice and have a great energy.. They make up for the menu being lackluster. The rest of the food, nah. The fish tacos where inedible. They had no flavor and where over cooked. Even the guy that checked me out said "go to Babalu" under his breath for good tacos. Queso and pre-drinking is all I can love. I will go back for that. Seriously I live down the street and will go back for these 2 things.
(3)
Raye F.
Ok, ok. This is my second try with Rojo and I must say, that dog-on shrimp quesadilla was the best quesadilla I've ever had. The shrimp was clearly fresh; I'm from the "low country" & there IS a difference! It was a perfect day for the patio around noon...only downside about going during a workday is that I can't allow myself to enjoy an adult beverage (kinda pricey anyway) during the workday. Pet peeve: mandatory purchase of chips and salsa Set-up: order/pay at the counter, get a number, grab your beverage, select a table and your order will then be brought out to you. Simple Enjoy your happy eats
(4)
Joi B.
So here's the thing: I'm giving Rojo four stars despite me absolutely despising the ordering and seating system in place. And *that*'s how good the food is, my friends. Seriously, it probably won't bother you as much as it does me. Judging by the happy people around me, I could see I was in the minority as I stood in line with a menu in my hand, wondering if by some miracle we'd be able to get a table in the packed restaurant (and patio) before our chips and guac arrived. Hell, no one else even seemed to mind that you need to order your margarita separately at a bar a little ways off from the counter where you put your food order in, either. Yeah, you pay for food and drinks that aren't beer or soda at the main counter... and then head to the bar to order drinks. Don't mind me, I'm a curmudgeon. And kinda OCD. When I go out to dinner, I like being greeted by a hostess, seated, asked what drinks I'd like to order while I peruse the menu. Trust me, I spend more money this way, too. Needless to say, we were lucky to be able to grab a not so great table practically blocking the door as a last resort. If you are lucky enough to nail a patio seat, I suggest you do so and send someone else up to place the order (I find table etiquette in half service places tend to vary from city to city. In some cities, you'd get the stink eye if you have someone save a table while someone else places an order. Not the case here). Wow. See how much time I devoted to being cranky? Not fair to Rojo, but I'm about to get to why four stars: The food. It's great. Really fucking great. They are vegan-friendly (they serve vegan sausage - the good kind. Pretty sure it's Field Roast and it's extremely reasonably priced). I ordered a spinach burrito w/o cheese and it arrives looking quite modest but holy hell is it good. It has spicy pickled jalapeños! It could use more salsa, but I had thought ahead since I'm a bit of a salsa fiend and ordered the phenomenal tomatillo. I even ordered guac and it's as good as anywhere you're going to spend top dollar getting it tableside. A note about their jalapeño-infused margarita: Get it... if you have anything of a spice addict in you. You won't be sorry. Despite my crankiness about the ordering system, I want to note how speedy and friendly the bartenders are. Actually, all of the people working here are quite lovely (as are most people in Birmingham, I'm coming to realize! Friendliest city I've been to in a long time). I have no doubt I'll return here and brave the crowds for the damn amazing food.
(4)
Casey S.
This is a fun little place with a hipster vibe. Went during happy hour on a cooler day so it was pretty packed inside. Got a sangria swirl margarita which was frozen. Loved the mix of the sweet sangria with the salty margarita. Yum! For my entree tried the chorizo tacos. The corn tortillas were soft and warm. The chorizo was charred just right and I loved the spice of the meat with the cool lettuce. Two tacos came with the order and they were absolutely stuffed with fillings which is awesome. The rice was nothing special but I enjoyed the side of black beans and the salsa that came with the entree. My friend got the chipotle pork burrito and I sampled it. We both loved the flavor of the shredded pork and the queso on top of the burrito. She got cole slaw on the side which she thought was dry and bland but was able to perk it up by mixing it with the chipotle sauce from the burrito. Think it would be fun to return on a warmer day where I could sit on the patio! Also would like to try their brunch on day.
(4)
Randy F.
Been going to this place for years and I've never been disappointed in the food nor the service. The patio is attractive and the inside is an eclectic mix of a Tex /Mex urban contemporary type vibe .. Anyways, try this place you will not be disappointedThank me later...
(5)
Amber R.
The past couplet of times I came here were all good experiences. One of the very few places in Bham you can get a good quality late night bite and to top it off the atmosphere is unique,chill,but lively So why only 4 stars from me? The queso we spent extra money on was not that special... and the amount of coleslaw served as a side was more like a sample The Guac however was voted best in Bham and I completely agree with that.. the Mediterranean quesadilla is definitely on the top 3 list of best quesadillas I have ever had. I tried some of the pulled pork burrito of the person I went with and it was the perfect blend of Mexican meets american. Not to mention the sauce that came with it was oh so good. I can't wait to go back and try more
(4)
Will B.
Rojo has always been a great go to spot in Birmingham. It is on one of my favorite parts of town, Highland Avenue. This location and patio are some of the best in Birmingham. The ordering and seating has always been a little inconvenient when its crowded. You have to find your own seat. Which has been somewhat difficult from time to time because of the popularity. But with the somewhat recent addition next door, you can get good service and a table there more times than not. The food has always been good. I have never had anything bad. The guac is fresh and delicious. And their entrees are also quite good. I don't think I have ever had anything from the American side of the menu. But I recently had a co-worker come into town who was vegan, and they were able to accommodate. I love this place and am a big carnivore. So to have vegan options on this last trip was even more of a plus. Oh the patio.... the bomb! enclosed in the cold weather and wonderful in the warm. A great staple in Birmingham. Not to mention they are one of Bob Dylan's favorites.
(4)
Chamberlaine B.
What a fun parkside restaurant! I'm only in Birmingham about a week out of each month, but I'd make time each trip for weekend lunch here. An unique menu (Divided by side: American and Latin) and an equally unique mar menu offers a large variety that will leave you biting your lip in indecision. I have yet to order anything off the "American" side of the menu, simply because I feel like I need to try all the good Latin food options first. Recommendations: Food for splitting- The nachos with choirzzo (add quac) Food for selfishly keeping to one's self- Mahi Mahi Tacos Drink- Ruby Red Grapefruit Margarita (or the margarita sangria swirl!) Dessert- The "CHANGO" - cheesecake in a fried tortilla with chocolate syrup and whipped cream (it's so good!!!) My only advice- if smoke bugs you, sit on the patio- the open kitchen fills the inside with (delicious fajita smelling) smoke.
(5)
Jonny C.
I love the feel of this place. It's so chill here, even though you see people pass by left and right. The food here has their own twist to it. I got some hog wings, cause I'm a wing lover and hmmm never had hog ones before! I was very pleasantly surprised by them. That sauce that went with them too was a very nice touch! Simple yet very tasty! This place is def a gem for Birmingham.
(5)
Thomas C.
Dependable neighborhood go-to that always seems to have quite a bit of people there for dinner or drinks. Tip: Get the corn succotash as a side - it's pretty delicious. Ambience/Service: Service is always super solid here. The restaurant is structured as a order at the counter (food and drink) and then put your number on a stand on your table. There's indoor and outdoor seating, regardless of season. There's also a side private room that I've never been in. Food: There's a mexican and american menu with an array of draft and bottled beers. Being vegetarian, there are a number of good options. My go-to's are the spinach burrito and summer burrito. The black bean burger is also good and I get this whenever I'm craving the corn succotash, one of the best sides. Their tater tots are also a guilty pleasure. Nothing special but they are cooked perfectly every time. Overall: Reliable neighborhood joint that draws a crowd. Nice place for a low-key meal and/or drinks
(3)
Wes C.
I may have reviewed Rojo before. I admit I had a negative bias against the place. My first trip there was on a date with a crazy woman. This venue was one of the first around town to give off a hipster vibe (no offense if that's your thing). Everyone always raved about the food (which was just okay at best). The only thing it had going for it was the awesome patio space where groups of friends that were smokers could go eat and drink. I decided to cast my aversions aside and give this place a chance. And you know what? I'm glad I did. I had the chipotle pork burrito and my friend had veggie tacos. Both dishes were on the pretty good side of okay. You know how sometimes you go eat somewhere and someone will ask you how the food was? If you like food as much as me you'll say it was okay but a vague feeling of disappointment and regret will come over you as you lament how your food could have been just a little better? Good news, it didn't happen here. If you were to ask me how the food was I'd say it was okay with a smile on my face and talk about what I was going to get when I end up there next. I probably won't make it a point to come here as often as I do my favorite B-Ham restaurants, but I'll definitely be back.
(3)
Zoe W.
All fish tacos are excellent! I've been to rojo four times now and have loved my meals every time. I've never ordered off the American side of menu, but the Mexican food is my jam. Sometimes gets pretty crowded and it's hard to find a seat, but this my only complaint. I love Rojo.
(4)
Jeremy E.
As I am sure most people will tell you, Rojo is a really great neighborhood restaurant. The inside is generally fairly loud and crowded, so we always opt to sit on the awesome patio, which overlooks the park across the street. Everything that I have ordered here is delicious. The only thing that keeps me giving the place five stars is the ordering process. You order at the counter and get a number for your table. This becomes a problem if you are having a few drinks...because you have to wait in line at the bar again every time that you want something else (which, when it is crowded, can be a long process.) For this reason, we usually just have one drink and move elsewhere afterward. I also found that their pitchers of margaritas, while quite tasty, are also more expensive than most anywhere else I have been. Overall though, this is a very cool spot.
(4)
Paige L.
Cute little walk-up-and-order restaurant with a great bar and patio. They have an extensive menu (both a Latin side and an American side to the menu) and great drink options! I had the chicken cheesesteak and a grapefruit margarita, and my boyfriend had the David quesadilla, a side Caesar and a beer. We both really enjoyed our food. They originally brought me the regular cheesesteak instead of the chicken cheesesteak, so they quickly corrected my order and gave me a complimentary margarita refill for my troubles: a pleasant surprise! We will definitely be back here soon!
(5)
Jessica W.
All in all a good experience and I'll definitely be back. I came on a Tuesday night at around 6:30 and it was PACKED. We were lucky to find a table for six. I'm not sure if it is always like that or if it's just because restaurant week is drawing people out -I'll be honest, that's why I came even though I didn't end up ordering off the restaurant week menu. I split the trio sampler with a friend and the pineapple salsa was so yummy. We also ordered the guac and black bean salsa, but they got the order wrong and we got queso instead of salsa. In any case the queso was delicious and it was like eating mac and cheese on a chip. For my main course I tried to mix things up with a little bit of Mexican and the South by getting the BBQ pork tacos. Those were so delicious, but the taste of the corn tortilla and BBQ sauce was a little strange at first. My two complaints: One is that I thought the chips were a little overpriced - $9 for a basket of plain ol' tortilla chips and three little cups of dip. Two it was quite noisy inside and it was hard to carry a conversation.
(4)
Eduardo F.
Did not like the food and did not like the ordering method. This place has no servers and you have to go to the counter and order your food. This is like a local Chipotle but obviously better. The food is not bad but it is not something you would want to go back again. For Mexican food there are TONS of better options around.
(2)
Russ M.
I enjoyed a late lunch/brunch at Rojo recently and had an outstanding experience. The weather was perfect for sitting on the front patio. Watching and listening to the diverse crown was GREAT! Service was friendly and prompt. My GF had the Mahi Tacos which were Delish! The fish was very very good. I ordered the BBQ Pork tacos. They were tasty and very filling. The black beans and rice were prepared and seasoned Spot on for great flavor. We will totally be back!
(4)
Jody O.
When its nice outside.....this is one of my favorite places.The margaritas are great and all food is good. It tends to be on the high side for the food prices.......although I have never been disappointed IN anything (latin or american) that I have ordered.Its almost impossible to find seats on certain days because it is very crowded....but worth the wait.If you like to sit outside on a nice day...... have drinks, good food and relax.... this is the place for you.
(4)
Chris M.
This is for the guy who cried BS in his review. blog.al.com/bn/2009/01/b…
(5)
Amy S.
Five stars for the patio and people watching. Two stars for the food. It's not why you come to Rojo. If the food was stepped up a notch, this place would be jam packed seven nights a week.
(3)
Maryam E.
I've been eating here frequently over the past 6 years and love it. The outdoor seating is definitely one of the highlights. It's near Highlands so you get a park feel while sitting outside. My absolute favorite, go-to dish is the Berkley Tacos (fried, of course!). The variety of offerings is also great if I ever wanted to wander (but I don't). Last time I went I also got the blackberry cobbler a la mode which I've been craving ever since... It was warm, had a great crust to fruit ratio and the ice cream was rich and delicious. It may be a tad too rich overall, but that's how I like my dessert. Love this place!
(5)
Tony L.
Rojo has the best bar, the best food, the best staff, the best ....everything. Go there. You'll have a great time. You'll see old friends. You'll meet new ones. You'll love the food. You'll remember why you love Birmingham.
(5)
Alison W.
Really neat atmosphere. Food is good and was affordable. It is a neat place to pop into when you are on this side of town. Glad we finally tried it.
(5)
Billie M.
I dug the place. It had a good vibe and a great selection of beer on tap. I'm a vegetarian and the menu had a good amount of items in which I could choose from. I choose the veggie tacos. While they needed a bit more seasoning, they were still pretty darn good. I'll be back, yo.
(3)
Erica N.
I got the blackened tilapia corn tacos and they were great! Also got an angry orchard. My meal was great! It's a wonderful atmosphere just to drink and have fun. Went with my fiancee, my brother and my sister.
I hate to write about Rojo as it's already a thriving little business and I don't ever want to walk in and it be totally full - but that's no way to treat a place that you love, right? So I'm finally here to give it the love it deserves. Black bean burger. Solid thick-cut fries. Tasty Caesar salad. Mucho nachos. Fantastic desserts, every one I tried (if they have the flourless chocolate cake it's melt-in-your-mouth). If you walk in and there's a line don't worry - it moves fast. Food comes out quickly and is hot. They're always helpful and upbeat. It's just a great place to be and eat. Rojo reminds me of eateries I find in large college towns where it's a mix of expressive students (sometimes rather loud) and tables of older, staunch-looking professors having serious discussions. There are posters of upcoming concerts and art events on the glass and they keep it up-to-date. All this and they have a SERIOUS military discount. It almost makes me feel guilty to eat there but the food is really good so I usually visit at least once a month. Thank you, Rojo. I will continue giving you my love as long as I live in Montgomery. Like any great romance, you're worth the drive.
(5)
Justin W.
This place is great. Whether you go for the American fare or the Latin fare, you cannot go wrong ordering here. I love this place, and it is kind of an oasis in the residential area of Highland Park. There are not really many walkable dining options among all of these apartments and homes but this one, but luckily they do an excellent job.
(5)
Erin B.
Love the vibe here. Super chill and friendly. They have a very large menu in both the beer and food department. I like how they have a side room that you can rent out or go sit in for a more quiet dinner. The trivia nights are a blast. It is super dog friendly except in winter. When they put up their winter walls, dogs aren't allowed inside them i.e. the patio area. However, they do keep a couple of tables outside the walls for those warm winter days. The only negative thing I can say about this place is that they serve their sauce in paper ramekins instead of plastic ones. Now I realize this is not the end of the world, but it's frustrating when you are trying to dip your quesadilla in a now soggy and flimsy paper cup of salsa.
(4)
Tonya K.
Even better on Friday night! Good friends and good food! Great breeze on the patio tonight! Living life. Fun with my hubby and oldest daughter!
(5)
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Address :2921 Highland Ave S
Birmingham, AL, 35205
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Chris J.
1st visit here. Arrived Sunday at lunch prime time obviously. Busy. Rainy day so outside seating not an option. Staff member greeted us friendly after a few minutes. First time? Yes. She advised very busy, first come seating. Order at counter and bring to table. Found table in about 10 minutes and sat kid to hold while ordering. Bar and food ordering separate. Apps: Bandito Salsa says spicy, OK but not spicy for our taste. Queso Dip usual mex cheese dip & chip. Drinks: me a regular margarita or 2 ..ok Lover had Sangria..ok and Kid had Mexico Coca-Cola in bottle. Entrées: I had Red Chili Pork Burrito topped with Queso and side Salad. It was good. Lover had Bandito Tacos with Rice and Beans. Very Good! Kid was craving a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and had that from American menu. Said the BCS is the Best only to Billy's Tavern. We will be back!!!
(3)Paress H.
Awesome atmosphere! The patio had just opened but it was too chilly today to sit out there. Later today, they're offering free massages and giving away free plants- How cool! The food was awesome as well. We were tempted to order the Ghost Chicken sandwich but chickened out. Har har. Also the food came within minutes which was appreciated because we just stopped off here on a roadie down to New Orleans. This restaurant was my only impression of Birmingham but it makes me want to know more about this city. Great art on the walls and a free local music CD at the door as well. Finished off w a thirst-quenching margarita and this is one happy lady.
(4)Carrie R.
Rojo is basically an institution in the Highland Park area, and for good reason -- the food is good, the staff is friendly and efficient, the place has a lot of character, and there's plenty of seating -- including a huge front porch that's packed in both summer and (usually) in winter due to fans in summer and an enclosure and heat in the winter. You get a lot of food for the price here, making it a perfect place to be either for a meal or when you're out drinking. They have an American menu and a Latin menu, and both sides are pretty solid. My choices have varied over the years, from black bean soup when money was super-tight (you can get a cup of soup and a bunch of chips for under $5) to the black bean burger when I was a vegetarian, to now when I'm a little more adventurous about the menu. The also have a full bar with plenty of locally brewed beer on tap. Rojo is a great asset to the neighborhood, both because they provide a good meeting space for food and drinking, and because they host trivia, music, charity events and even show games on a big screen in their side room. (I also like that these specific events are usually limited to the side room, so if you've just come for dinner you won't be bothered by the noise from these other events.) They also rent out the side room for parties and gatherings for a really fair price, and they have a separate bar they can open for those events.
(5)Kylea C.
I've had brunch at Rojo in the past, right after moving to Bham, and since it was a while back I can't remember every detail of it, but I do remember all of the food being delicious, and having a good mimosa. I had dinner here again the other night and again, everything was tasty! I really like the vibe of the place-it's laid back with all different types of people there. It's in a great location in Highland Park and the outdoor patio is so nice. It is a pretty small place, so if you aren't a fan of being close to other people it may not be your cup of tea, but I don't mind it at all. My boyfriend, being the potato lover he is, ordered the totchos as an appetizer, which are like their nachos, but with tater tots. I was literally shocked when they brought it out, because it was huge. It could easily feed 4+ people. For dinner, I had the Rojo Burrito- the jalapeño sausage in it is SO good. I would definitely order it again.
(4)Thomas B.
Cool place. We enjoyed the atmosphere. Service was great. Kind of weird having to order at bar then find a table but is doable. The food was awesome. Big portions, great fresh flavors. My wife got the Mahi tacos. We're flavorful and the black beans with them we're perfectly seasoned. I got the David's quesadilla. It was very tasty. The only issue we had was an unusually long time to get our food. When I went and asked a server ours was up then. He apologized and offered a free beer or dessert. We declined happy to get our food. He was very apologetic and nice about this. I said it was fine no problem. Later the manager came by and dropped a $15 gift certificate off. We def didn't need this but were very impressed. They obviously care about there business. We will def be back. Cool place. Try it!
(4)Donald W.
Good food and awesome location. Staff was good. Just not a fan of the ordering style. You order at the counter and then they bring you the food, like a chipotle. I ordered the fuego burger and was not disappointed. Price is great and drinks are good
(4)Kelly P.
Um, can someone explain to me why this place is so popular? I got a veggie burrito where none of the ingredients tasted fresh or seasoned. There was rice, peas and carrots and some squashes. It was literally like the chef was like, "here's something without meat, throw it in!" Without any thought to how they would actually taste. And when I pay $8 for a veggie burrito I either expect good quality or at least a lot of food, and rojo was neither. Two stars because there was good salsa and I liked the atmosphere. But I won't be coming back here again. Also Parking is a real bitch.
(2)Anna B.
This is the kind of place where the staff remembers your name and your order when you walk in. It has a great vibe any time of the day, and it is a flagship of the Highland Park neighborhood. It's often very crowded at dinner time, so arrive on the early side for prime porch seating (which is enclosed and heated in winter months). I would recommend the Southwest Quesadilla-- you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, though. The prices are reasonable and the food is delicious.
(5)Shannon T.
This used to be my normal Tuesday laundry day ritual. Put in laundry have a drink, switch laundry, order food and more drinks. It worked and was great. I love the patio its a great dog and people watching place. I always had the nachos and really enjoy them with yummy guacamole. The Sangria swill margarita is a great twist on margaritas. I've enjoyed a night or two of trivia. Normally decent to good beer choices on tap. Great neighborhood hub!
(4)Cory B.
I like spicy food (from south Louisiana), so the paella is my go-to dish here. Like their beer selection for being a restaurant. I'm a fan of anyone who carries multiple Avondales!
(5)Daya' M.
I visited ROjO with coworkers for lunch. I was not impressed the food was okay but a little overpriced. The staff was short with us , extremely impatient and not friendly.
(3)B T.
Nice variety in the menu. Good selection of beers. Portions are just right. I had the red chili pork burrito, awesome. Nice selection of tacos. They actual have grilled along with fried.
(4)Mallory C.
Fast. Good food. Reasonably priced. Casual atmosphere. Great neighborhood. Has trivia weekly. Nice outdoor dining area that's heated in the winter and has fans in the summer. Huge projector TVs to show college football games, but out of sight when not being shown.
(5)Stephen E.
Great Menu and Great people
(5)Jessica S.
Delicious food! It's a little small and loud, and definitely feels like a college scene, but the food is just awesome. Definitely nothing like it around here, it's more like something you would expect to find in Austin, TX. The fish tacos were great and the blackberry cobbler was delicious. Can't wait to go back to try some of the other menu items.
(5)Fritz L.
What's there NOT to like about ROJO!!! The food is rather exceptional TexMex meats awesome spin flavors. You will be doing yourself a service by trying anything on the menu. Doesn't matter what you order, it's going ot be good. But, I am a huge fan of the taco and the nachos. The nachos are big enough to share, so if you're looking for a single menu, I'd recommend the 1/2 serving. The type of service is the order-give'number-bring'it'to'ya system. The food runners are very helpfull and will assist you with anything you need. But, you do have to get your own drinks, which is not a bad thing. It works right into the atmosphere. The art on the walls helps to exude the coolness of the atmosphere of this establishment. ROJO is a jem of Alabama. If you find yourself in B'ham, you should most certianly check it out. Lords knows I have. Lots.
(5)Hadley W.
They really should mention that their kitchen is closed at 10pm instead of making you drive 30 minutes out of the way for nothing. I love this place and have been going for years in my college days. I come back from LA with a friend I really wanted to impress and was highly disappointed. Such a waste. Oh, bring the miss fancy triple here from Avondale.
(1)Ee Vonn Y.
I really wanted to like this place because of all the wonderful reviews. I think this restaurant would look great at night, but during the day, nothing about it seemed special nor was the food any good. It also didn't help that seats outside were constantly sticky despite how many times they cleaned it. If this is your first time at Rojo, this is what you do. Menus are located on your right as you enter. It's not obvious, but you have to keep walking to the end of the restaurant to order your food. Then find a place to sit, and they'll bring it out later. We ordered the Chorizo Con Huevos. The chorizo meat mixed in eggs was tasteless. The tater tots were surprisingly bland. No matter how much sauce you added, flavor could not be revived. Egg whites are not an option either.
(2)Ashley J.
We drive 40mins to come here to eat. Their bacon cheeseburger with guacamole is the best!! Love that we bring our dog and all the waiters are super friendly and always bring her water and snacks. There is a wait for food but we always find it worth it. After all these years I still haven't had a bad experience their with anything. Thanks for the great service guys!!!
(5)Elliot P.
Went there on a Thursday night and it was PACKED! This made it hard to find a table at first. They don't have an area where you wait to be seated, so we just hovered until a space opened up. We ordered the Berkley Tacos, Fish tacos, and some queso. The queso was a bit soupy, but tasty. The problem was our tacos weren't showing up after 10, 20, maybe 30 minutes! Our friends had gotten their food, but we still didn't have ours. We complained, and to their credit, the folks at Rojo hooked us up with two margaritas on the house! I appreciated their willingness to set things right. And once the tacos came, they were quite good. So, if you go on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night, expect a wait. But the food is very good.
(5)Massimo F.
The place is a block away from where I stay so I've been there many times. I kind of like the place by itself. It looks bigger then it actually is so it's always crowded. Very decent selection of beer on draft (that's why I go) Food is good? Yes, kind of, not really. I may be biased since I'm not crazy about Mexican food (in the US). I don't value the fact you can make 15 different plates with all the same 10 ingredients. Very pragmatic approach on cooking but not that satisfactory. Overall it's a cool spot if you can find a seat, and it's open on Sunday for brunch! Suggested if you like exactly this kind of food, or for a Sunday morning (mediocre) brunch in the highland
(3)M F.
Fun atmosphere, nice patio. Queso dip was great, but the chicken BBQ burrito I got was terrible!! There was waaaaaayy too much BBQ sauce in the actual burrito, and they wrote "Rojo :)" on the burrito with BBQ sauce, and on top of that they gave a side of BBQ sauce. I did not want to eat a burrito stuffed with BBQ sauce and then smothered with BBQ sauce. The side salad was pretty weak too, just bagged lettuce with some croutons.
(2)Eric M.
I like the Mexican food at Rojo. It's well spiced (especially for Alabama). The drink selection is solid. The atmosphere is comfortable, but sometimes noisy. My big problem with Rojo is the table service. It's practically non-existent! Actually, it's literally non-existent. You have to wait in a line at the cash register to order food. Then, if you order drinks you have to wait at the bar for them (the bartenders are pretty snappy, kudos to them). Then, you wait at your table for the food. If I'm going to a restaurant where I can get great food and drop $50 for a meal for two I do not want to spend 1/4th of my time waiting in line. I'd give Rojo 5 stars if they'd just send a server to the table to take my order.
(3)Harry K.
The best Rojo food I've ever had outside of Rojo. It doesn't get any more authentic than this. Rick Bayless has done a great job by preparing meals the way they are supposed to.
(4)Brad H.
Been a minute since I've given Rojo some love. Always something different to try on the menu, because it's all good. The burger recently surprised me. VERY good, big and juicy and awesome flavor. And the Ghost Buffalo chicken sandwich. WHOA. Fried chicken breast tossed in Buffalo sauce, ghost pepperjack cheese, jalepeno bacon, and habenero hot sauce. Taste was incredible, not TOO spicy because I got the hot sauce on the side and only applied a thin layer. Warning: my gut was burning later in the day. worth it! Oh, and tots as a side item option? EVERY TIME.
(4)Traci S.
What are you folks seeing or tasting that I didn't? It was absolutely nothing special. The tea tasted old, the shrimp (fajitas) were over cooked and the rice and beans were, I don't know, just like any other place that serves rice and beans. This was a major disappointment. I wish I had gotten something extraordinary like the rest of you seemed to have gotten! Disappointed.
(2)Moira R.
I needed a dog friendly place to eat on my drive between Indianapolis and New Orleans. Stopping in Birmingham seemed like a great idea. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleased. First, the mexican/american menu sent up some red flags, but I ordered of the mexican menu and was very happy. The chicken tacos were amazing. Yes, they were basic, but the flavor of the grilled chicken really stood out, and there were so many pieces, I absolutely LOVED it. The tacos were served with rice and black beans which were also simple and good. I was feeling full at that point, but the american side has some cobblers that I would like to try if I'm ever passing through again. The service was FAST. You order at the bar here and they bring the food out to your table. The kitchen appears to be very large, and even though the place was packed I think the food came out within 10 minutes. Everyone was also very friendly. The crowd and restaurant definitely has an alternative vibe, and was very dim, but I don't think people should let that turn them off to the experience. The other nice thing is that even though Rojo is in a residential neighborhood, I didn't have any trouble parking. There was also a neighborhood park across the street where I walked the dog after dinner. This pit stop could not have been better.
(4)Mandy B.
I was not impressed. After reading how many people loved this place we gave it a shot because it sounded really good. Didn't like how it smelled like a bar in the main area, service was just ok but the food was very disappointing and not good! The kids wouldn't eat their tacos, my husband got Berkley Tacos. He likes spicy food but it was too hot for him. I got the Mahi Mahi tacos and they were kind of bland and lacking flavor. We don't plan on going back.
(2)Laura J.
I love Rojo. My boyfriend and I go here ALL the time. The atmosphere is great, its a cool, casual, neighborhood place that has everything. Burgers, nachos, mozz sticks, chicken tenders, burritos...what more could you ask for? The desserts here are to die for also. I recently had the pleasure of inhaling a molten chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. It may be my new favorite thing to eat..ever. This place is great.
(5)Kimberly N.
The ginger margarita is simply the best
(4)John M.
Good food reasonably priced. Bohemian atmosphere. You order your food and they bring it over. Not for those who want to be waited on. You walk in and since I was with people who had been there I knew what to do. Walk in, menus on a counter, in front of restaurant, then you walk over to the front to order and they bring your food. Outside seating but sparse surroundings. If you come for good food without frills and don't mind an offbeat neighborhood feel you'll love it. Come as you are.
(3)Lee G.
Rojo is one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. They have an extensive American/Mexican menu. The chicken arugula tacos and Berkley tacos with grilled chicken is outstanding!!! Get the pineapple salsa!!!!
(5)Andrew M.
When I think "cool local spot", Rojo is the first place that comes to mind. From food to staff to décor to location, this place really is as good as it gets if you want to grab a bite with friends. The menu is vast for both food and drink and the staff makes everyone feel like a regular. The patio seating is a perfect touch in the heart of the Highland Ave Park district. Bottom line, this might be the "coolest" place to eat in Birmingham, and let's be honest, who doesn't like being cool?
(5)Buck B.
I love this place! I always get the fried chicken tacos and they are wonderful! Rojos is the place to go to just relax, sit outside, eat great food and spend time with friends.
(5)Elizabeth F.
Great place to go grab dinner and drinks with a group of friends. I love that its dog friendly and it has a good location.
(4)Hunter G.
OK. Let's get right to the point. Rojo is not about the food which ranges from good to very good but is not your typical Mexican restaurant. Rojo is not the bar to come to for the newest drink or mega beer & wine selection, but what they have is good & there's plenty to choose from. Rojo is not a romantic, intimate place. It's not a sports bar, in fact the 2 little TV's are generally ignored. It's not a top-name music venue, but there is live music regularly. So why did I give it 5 stars? Simple. It's all about the vibe (for lack of a better word). Rojo is one of those places that you either love and keep coming back, or it just isn't for you. And that's OK. You don't have to be "hipster", a college student, a family, or anything else to fit in at Rojo and that's what makes it so special. You are likely to be sitting between a multiple pierced and inked person on one side, and a couple in dress clothes coming from or going to another event. It's a tight fit both inside and out, but no one seems to mind. All you see are smiles and it's one of the few places where everyone truly seems to get along. If you are new there, read other reviews for instructions if you want, but my best advise is just ask someone for help and you'll get your first taste of what I'm talking about. That's the people vibe. There's also the location vibe. Rojo is in a residential neighborhood in the Highlands area, across from the park. Personally, it's my favorite part of the city. In truth, Rojo is one of the few places in Birmingham that could be in any other city. I always feel like I'm not only going out, but getting away. Oh, and the parking situation. It's such a Birmingham thing to expect parking at the door or valet. In any other big city you find a spot and then walk. No big deal. And as I said this is a beautiful residential neighborhood. One last thing. The food and drink are always good. I've never had a bad meal there. And it's all freshly made and freshly prepared. They have an open kitchen so you can see the food being prepared, but nobody seems to bother. There's too much good company going on.
(5)Romil G.
Location is amazing. Love the seating place outside. Make sure to try all different kinds of salsa. I ordered paella and it was the best paella I ever had. I have been told there brunch is amazing, so do try that.
(4)Michael P.
Stopped by for a late dinner on Sunday night. Definitely a college bar, and least at 8 PM on a Sunday. Had the Red Chili Pork Burrito, which was not impressive for the price. The clientele was mostly college kids, so I guess they don't know better. They have a decent selection of cold beer and wine. I see they have a kid's menu, a gluten free menu, and Sangria Sundays, which sounds like a good idea to me. It's a decent enough place, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit. I see Rojo claims that Bob Dylan called them out on national radio...No photo or evidence posted other than a name and a claim. To me, this is just name dropping, and totally BS. Show me a photo of the world famous Bob Dylan, folk singer, sitting at Rojo, otherwise as far as I concerned it was Bob Dylan, school janitor or ditch digger of the year, call out Rojo's name.
(2)Jessica K.
I ordered the mahi mahi tacos and I really liked them. The sear on the fish was perfect and nothing was soggy. The margaritas were good too
(4)Meggin M.
Nice neighborhood atmosphere, servers are always nice and the food is always great! Such a huge variety of food and drinks you can never go wrong here!
(5)Emily C.
People seem to like this place and that's totally cool. It's within walking distance to a lot of very nice apartments, condos, and houses, and I can totally get behind the whole "walking to our neighborhood joint" appeal. It just seems like people flock here from outside of the neighborhood as well, and I guess it's a hotspot for work meetings? Parking is always a hassle and a half (you're gonna be walking a ways unless you get lucky). The layout of this place just makes me feel like I am going to trip over someone's purse or a dog's leash or hell, someone's child. The tables on the patio just feel crammed together. There is little intimacy, and I imagine it's loud as hell inside when it's full. And it always seems crowded; if it's not the late night scene, it's the families having brunch and dinner on the weekends. The person who takes my food is always nice, but the bar staff can be a little snappy (they have just stared at me for several seconds while pouring someone else's beer and finally said, "Well, what do you want?" Classy.) The food has never completely let me down, but it's nothing I couldn't make at home. The bar tends to have some interesting beer selections--which I will always appreciate but let's face it, you can get Avondale and Good People pretty frequently within the city, it seems to be kind of a requirement at this point. They might have some cool draft-only stuff from those local places but for the most part, I find their beer selection to be pretty standard for an "in the city" bar. I'm happier that the standard for that has just risen to the occasion. But they've been open forever and as previously mentioned, they are always crowded, so clearly these are not problems that most of its patrons have. I just don't like being forced to listen to the conversation next to me because my back is inches apart from another person's. I also don't appreciate having to wade through tables and chairs askew to get myself another beer. I guess I am just getting old, but Rojo just isn't my style. Ya'll can have it.
(2)Svetlana O.
This is still a favored restaurant to go to when in the Highland area. It is dog-friendly (on the patio) and across the street from a park and now next to a coffee shop. I had the queso dip and the maui maui arugula tacos (chicken arugula tacos on the menu, but you can substitute), which I both thoroughly enjoyed. Who doesn't like queso? The tacos are served with a pineapple salsa, which is why I thought the fish paired better with that as opposed to the chicken. Now for years the years I've been coming here I've made my go-to dish the chicken fingers plate that is served with honey mustard because their chicken fingers aren't like anywhere else (they aren't fried in batter to where you have to question if there is even any chicken there...), but decided to switch it up again. I've had their caesar salad with chicken, as well as their chicken quesadilla. Pretty plane jane whenever I come here to grab lunch, but their food is just that good that it's hard to not just enjoy the simple things. Great place!
(5)Jessica M.
This is a regular spot for me. I even had my wedding reception in their party room! I love Rojo. I have never had a bad meal from here. My favorite is their fish tacos. My husband usually tries something different every time we go but I don't think he has ever been disappointed. It's hard to find a table for a group larger than 4 people, so just be warned. My friends and I ate brunch there before her bachelorette party and we had a hard time getting a table for 6.
(5)Ashley W.
Rojo is located in the beautiful Highland Avenue neighborhood and at first glance was obviously the hip place to be on the Sunday night my husband and I met up with my long lost college friend. Having never been here before, when we walked in, we were extremely confused. No hostess, but a stack of menus on one side of the room and a cash register with no attendant on the other side. After reading reviews on Yelp, I figured out that you order at said register, but this was after I tried to ask two people carrying food to and from the kitchen only to be ignored. We happened to snag a table inside - both inside and outside seating were completely full when we arrived. My mahi mahi fish tacos arrived before our chips and queso order. It happens I suppose, but when you're looking forward to those fried chips and creamy queso before the actual meal, it's kind of a bummer. The mahi mahi tacos weren't very flavorful and were kind of dry. The blacks beans and rice that accompanied were well seasoned. I asked for the orange vinaigrette with my side salad and it was actually really, really delicious! I don't usually have a thing for salad dressings but I would buy this vinaigrette by the bottle. I don't see the hype and maybe our visit was a fluke, but I'd definitely give Rojo another chance.
(2)Peter H.
Neighborhood favorite. This place has good food, fast service, awesome selection of beers, and a great atmosphere. Their prices are affordable. Honestly, I think they deserve one dollar sign. It gets crowded on weekends, but the vibe is always fun. Their trivia is the most fun I've been to. The physical challenges really bring the ruckus. Would definitely recommend.
(5)Kammi N.
What a wonderful place. We are driving through and was so glad to find somewhere with great vegan choices. I had the Veggie Taco and my hubby had the Spinach Burrito, both tasted excellent. The setting was a quaint downtown eatery. The restaurant was very casual and seemed very popular to the local crowd. It really was not to far from the interstate. Well worth the trip if your passing through. Plus, there was a nice coffee shop next door called O'Henery's Coffee. It smelled so delicious when we walked in.
(5)Shawn K.
Probably my favorite casual place to go in bham. Great location in Highland Park. Everything I've tried has been awesome--the Berkleys Tacos are my favorite. The mix of buffalo sauce, chicken, and feta cheese is mouth watering.
(5)Meredith D.
So I got nothing Tex Mex, but I plan to on my next visit. From what I gather the food is relatively average, but I'm still interested to try some more stuff. Reasonable prices. And hey, for what it's worth, my burger WAS pretty good. The porch is a busy spot and on a Sunday afternoon, the place was packed. Service was attentive and fun. It's a really nice trendy place. I'm looking forward to hitting them up for trivia on Wednesdays, and I'd really like to try their sangria!
(4)Marlana K.
Great atmosphere, people and food. Good beer on tap with options for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Love!
(5)Stephanie M.
I adore the blackened Mahi tacos -- the white sauce is yummdiddyliupmtious! Black beans are seasoned perfectly. Margaritas are always great. Sangria is fresh and good. You really can't go wrong.
(5)Armon D.
I've wanted to start writing reviews on Yelp for a long time, but until recently didn't have time. When deciding who to write my first review on, Rojo was the first to come to mind. The menu at Rojo is a unique concept, offering largely traditional American fare on one side, while serving up a more Mexican/Latin fare on the other side. While I am a Birmingham native, I spent my formative years in East Texas; I've had real Mexican food as well as typical "Tex-Mex". Rojo is neither, and I don't want it to be. Instead you get a unique fusion of various Latin flavors including Mexican, Spanish and South American, combined with subtle features and ingredients borrowed from American and Southern cuisine. For those not so adventurous, the American menu is a safe bet, offering burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches and other favorites. While I hate bright light, the inside is a bit dim for lunch or brunch, but that's okay because a generous patio greets you as you come in from Highland Avenue. Typically quiet, and lovely on a Fall day, the patio lets you enjoy your meal and a nice draft beer while looking out over Rushton Park. On that note, the draft beer selection is pretty decent, and is complemented by a fairly hearty bottled beer selection. The service is quick and the staff is fantastic. Proprietor Laney DeJonge is nothing short of amazing and always goes out of her way to see that you are taken care of. My favorite dish by far is the Blackened Tilapia Tacos; if Tilapia isn't prepared properly, it can be a bland and very disappointing fish. The blackened cuts of Tilapia in these tacos are simply amazing, as is the sauce it is served with. Other favorites include all of the burgers, the chicken sandwich, and the chicken tenders. Apps are pretty good but some smack of frozen food-service product. Most dishes' portions leave a little to be desired; I usually need at least an app and an entree to be satisfied. My one complaint about the burgers is I wish they were juicier. The kitchen probably uses leaner beef than is desirable for hamburgers. All-in-all a great place for a late lunch or a weekend brunch. Portions could be slightly bigger, but they suffice. Service and atmosphere are great, owners are outstanding. Highly recommended. UPDATE: I've been back four times since I wrote the above review, and the food has been consistently awesome, with great service and fantastic atmosphere. It is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Birmingham, and it's so good that I don't even care about the portion sizes anymore, I just order more food! For this reason, I'm bumping my rating up to a full five stars. Well done, Rojo!
(5)Jeff S.
Went here over the summer when in town visiting my cousin. I believe it was a weekday so we had no wait for outside seating. They have wait service but you place the order inside, pay at the register, and they will bring it out to you when ready. Opted for the Mahi Mahi tacos which were quite good, but I'd have to say that the salad was the star as it had literally the best vinaigrette I've ever had. Wasn't expecting that. Ordered some queso which looked (and tasted) like a bowl of microwaved cheese. Wasn't expecting that either. As I also look for local beers when traveling I was happy to see they had some on tap, including a few from Avondale (which the brewery was our last stop of night incidentally).
(4)J M.
Awesome place all around! Great atmosphere (love the outdoor seating) with some good beer on tap. The food isn't amazing and sometimes it is so-so, but some items are really great (e.g. guac with chips, black beans, fish tacos).
(5)David H.
This is one of my favorite places to go in Birmingham. Great food, I love the Dave's Quesidilla, and I love the sangria margarita. I prefer to go when it is warm outside because they have an awesome patio.
(5)Nicole J.
Well, the food here sucks (it actually made me sick once), the service blows (except when they're busy- then it's pretty much nonexistent), and the hipster quotient is off the charts (which I guess can be looked at as a good or bad thing). But they do have an impressive beer selection and a very nice patio that's nicely heated in the winter. I've seen some good art exhibits and music performances here as well. So a good place to drink and people-watch, if that's what you're into.
(3)Kevin R.
This is one of my regular places to go. Good food atmosphere good bar and all at a reasonable price. I think my favorite item and a must try is the vegi tacos.
(5)David B.
This place is cool! It's located in the heart of Southside and has a great front patio. I went there for post-hike festivities with Fashho Fashho and some biddy. You pick your own table and order at the bar. We started off with their "spicy" salsa, the tomatillo (green) salsa. This was the worst part of the lunch...it was a thin salsa and not spicy at all. I ordered the chicken burrito with spinach...it was really really good. One end of the burrito was covered in queso and the other end was covered in a red salsa. The flour tortilla was warm and the chicken was well seasoned and moist. Delicious! The biddy got the southwest quesadilla with chicken. It is a thick quesadilla and the feta cheese, corn, and toasted tortilla make this quesadilla memorable. She let me have a bite...mmmmm...filling and tasty! Fashho Fashho got David's quesadilla, which is made of chicken, bacon, jack and cheddar cheese. He describes is as having a "mild yet soothing flavor" whatever that means. I took a bite and it was good! I would rate the food a 4/5 but the pitchers of beer on draught are cheap (with a very good selection) and the ambiance is great so overall Rojo gets a 5/5. They also have an American menu which I have never ordered off of.
(5)Trevvor C.
Decent Tex-Mex sorta place in the Highland Park area, right next to Rushton Park. There's a spacious covered patio (though often full of chatting patrons) that offers the combo of fresh air + tasty food + picturesque view which is a plus for the eatery. As other reviewers have noted, parking is *not* Rojo's strong suit, so be prepared for a stroll around Rushton, but that is hardly worth complaining about! I liked the paella pretty well, and the summer burrito is good too, despite the odd-looking combo of ingredients. Vegetarian options are starred on the menu, and there's a dedicated gluten-free menu offered as well.
(3)Will L.
Rojo is a Birmingham staple. It's busy, almost constantly, and there are lots of good reasons for that. An over the top nice staff, fair prices, great atmosphere, good music, and delicious food round out those reasons. Rojo has two bars and two dining rooms, but most choose to sit on the "see and be seen" patio. This is where I genreally enjoy my Chorizo tacos with spicy verde salsa. I've tried most everything on the menu, but those are my normal choices. If you're not in the mood for mexican, they'll take care of you with wings, a burger, or an array of other gringotastic dishes.
(5)Megan L.
Years ago before I had to go gluten free I used to love it here so when I moved back to the Birmingham area and saw their gluten free menu I was so excited! That excitement was short lived. If you offer a gluten free menu, even with a disclaimer, you should educate yourself and your staff on what that means and how sick you can make people! I ordered a sandwich from the gf menu and it came out with a bun! I said something and they came back out with the same sandwich less than a minute later! Again I had to say something and they seemed so flustered and frustrated. You cannot just take the bun off or I would have done that! Studies have shown places that train and offer great options have an increase in patronage and believe you me that's true. For places that actually train and care I go back, my family goes back, and we are extremely limited so we frequent that places a lot! Btw they were not busy so how hard would it have been to follow proper protocol?
(2)Taylor D.
I enjoy everything about Rojo. Delicious food and great atmosphere. Try the habanero puree to spice it up. If you are lucky you'll go when Pete is selling the "ferocious dogs"
(4)Amy C.
It's good food but nothing spectacular. I was hoping the paella would be more traditional but it was more like spanish rice with shrimp and sausage tossed into it. No saffron or paella pan which makes paella, well, paella. I also tried the grilled Mahi tacos which were good but there wasn't anything really special about them... Rojo has a fun vibe and I'd rather go there for a casual gathering with friends for happy hour or something. If you are looking for amazing food I just don't think this place hits the mark.
(3)T R.
did not have a good experience. food came out fast but quality was poor. we ordered the nachos and quesadilla. nachos were a soupy mess. we didn't like the fact that Rojo doesn't have servers? we left after 1 round.
(1)Robert C.
The food is great and the beer selections are endless! Great place to meet some friends for dinner and drinks. It gets pretty crowded later on in the evening so if you aren't a crowd person this might not be the place for you. I usually go after 8:30 PM and that's when it turns into a more "bar-like" scene, hence the larger crowd. The only thing I don't like about this place is how dark it is at night on the patio. It also seems a bit overpriced if you ask me.
(4)Jacob S.
Rojo is a really cool restaurant located around the Highland Avenue area. A great place to go during the summer months because of their front patio seating. Of course, this is common knowledge, so you'll be hard pressed to find a time when it's not packed. Nevertheless, I've always found a table and the wait isn't all that long. The service is surprisingly fast and friendly. I've found the food quite good. It is mostly Tex-Mex--so it isn't as Mexican-like as a more traditional Mexican restaurant, but I think it is at a higher level than some other establishments with the label "Tex-Mex". I'd say Rojo is more of a restaurant, but they have a full bar so it might be good as just a bar, too. I've only had dinner there, so I don't know if going there just to drink makes any economical sense or not. I think I remember the drinks being comparable to other bars around town, though. Overall, Rojo is a chill spot in the heart of a really beautiful area. And Bob Dylan likes it, apparently. You should probably go there.
(4)Mark T.
This is more for the place than the food. It's a great spot to sit outside and have some food and a beer.
(4)Alden C.
Rojo is absolutely a cool spot to meet up with friends. It has an awesome Highland Ave location, but parking is notoriously terrible (especially if its raining- be prepared). I think the location and the cool factor (and the hipster vibe) are what bring the people in. In my experience, the food is good, not great. The service is good, not great. The table/chair/seating experience is, oh wait... good, not great. The drinks are good, sometimes great. I'm echoing a lot of other reviews here when I say that Rojo is really a place to grab a drink and maybe a snack, not a place for a fantastic meal. I went to an art show there, which gave the place a unique vibe that ratcheted Rojo up in my book. I'm not too crazy about the plastic walled patio seating, although I do understand the benefits of keeping out rain/mosquitoes/etc. Will I go to Rojo again? Of course, it's Rojo. Will I recommend people go there when they want some awesome Mexican food? Nope.
(3)Sherra R.
I liked how laid back it felt. Food was good, too. Service was a little weird but OK.
(4)Haley R.
Their black bean burger is my favorite, followed closely by the shrimp salad and either of the fish tacos. Great outside atmosphere and super dog friendly. They also carry a decent amount of local brews on tap. Don't let the crowded patio intimidate you. I don't frequent this place on Friday nights, but I've never had to wait longer than a few minutes for a prime outdoor spot.
(5)Greg W.
Excellent food. The grilled chicken salad is very good. The fish taco's are also among the best I've had in town. You won't go wrong trying this place if you like the Latin style cuisine.
(5)Tarah D.
I'm a total fan of this place. The food was excellent, and we got it very quickly. The ambiance is laid-back, but not dingy. Also, kudos for having veggie options, and veggie options that are DELICIOUS! We had the burrito of some stripe and the veggie tacos. Both were amazing. Their rice is very flavorful, as are their veggies in the tacos (a problem lots of places). I'd totally recommend this place. For two of us, for two entrees and two drinks, it was $20. Fantastic.
(4)Frodo B.
Probably the best Mexican food that I've had in Alabama! The atmosphere is fun and relaxing. Nachos are excellent! Definitely recommend this place.
(5)Sunny H.
Killer atmosphere! Reminds me of Spider House Cafe in Austin,TX without a garden. Great music! The Mahi-Mahi tacos are as great as the hype.
(5)Jason H.
Wonderful place to eat, have a few drinks or just hang out with your friends. Last year we had a party of 6 a wheelchair and 3 small dogs. We were able to walk right up sit on the patio and have an amazing time enjoying the view from this "Birmingham must visit" restaurant. One of the staff even brought us out a bowl of water for our thirsty little dogs. The owners and staff obviously really care about their patrons and their city! There is hardly a week that goes by now that I do not stop by to eat, drink and say hello.
(5)Kyle P.
Rojo's certainly won't wow you with their food, but that said it won't leave you disappointed either. I had Mahi tacos and while the fish was a little overlooked it ended up being an enjoyable meal. The bar is a bit limited as far as liquor choices are concerned but the beer options are plentiful. The prices are decent although you have to pay for chips and salsa which most Mexican places provide for free. What makes Rojo's enjoyable is the atmosphere. It's able to maintain that perfect level of rowdiness with a type of relaxed yet jovial atmosphere that makes you want to drink beer with friends while regaling past drinking tales.
(4)James W.
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! I realize not every place is family friendly but there should still be courtesy. A song came on while we were eating and my wife and I immediately looked at each other. I approached the cashier and told him that I did not think the song was appropriate because it was about a violent raping of a woman with a broomstick and the girl "Laura" or "Laurie" behind the bar yelled out that she did not believe me. I told her why should she, I am only the customer. She told me "whatever" and she said "I love Alt-J". I said nonetheless the song lyrics are...."Tra, la, la, in your snatch fits pleasure ,Broom-shaped pleasure" and I don't want to subject my family to that. She told me to get over it. I told her that her customer relations are sh*t (which I know was wrong). She yelled that I could not talk about rape in "her restaurant". So it is ok for my family on the other side of the restaurant to hear about raping a girl with a broomstick but I can't dispute it at the bar because it "can offend her customers". What a joke. I hope the real owner will deal with this despicable behavior.
(1)M S.
Here's what you do. You go to Rojo (it's fun when people say 'The Row-Joes' so I invite you to do that too.) for brunch and you pick up a menu at the front. Go to the register and order your food. Order your drink. Get a number, grab your drink, and find a table on the patio. Your food will be brought to you. Tip at the register, not at the table. Plenty of variety of the food for the mood. Veg friendly, even vegans can eat there. Eat the black beans. They have fried and steaky goodness and ripe and veggie freshness. Lots of food for the price. I usually would have left overs if I didn't share with a friend or two. If it's Sunday, wait until 11:59 am so you can have a bloody mary with Zing Zang mix and pepper vodka. Eat, drink, people watch, hang. Order more drinks. Get a snack. Eat, drink, people watch, hang. Repeat. Hang out ...alllllll.....dayyyy....and...allllll......Âniiiiiight. That's what you do, when you go to the Rojos. But not on Monday. Monday they are closed and Highland avenue pouts.
(5)Katrina B.
Awesome atmosphere, really cool vibe every time I'm there, particularly when sitting outside (across from the park, so plenty to look at, too). Also, check their events page regularly - there's some pretty neat stuff and deals to steal throughout the year, so take advantage of their social media presence for sure.
(5)Mike F.
Its around the corner from my place of residence so it's a good spot to go grab some pitchers with friends and stumble back home. The eats are lo-fi alien american tex- mex. The food is fresh and tasty. The atmosphere is quaint and popular so you have to get there early. Its also so popular that its patrons routinely occupy every parking spot in the 2-3 block radius so get ready to walk. Jerks...... So, what I'm saying is that you may or may not like it or you could be like my buddy, David B., and enjoy slamming a long, hot, burrito, covered in white queso whilst being slightly indifferent.
(4)Keith C.
Rojo is a nice, neighborhood place and if you're a regular, I'd imagine it would deserve 5 stars for the comfort and familiarity alone. But for those that are trying it out for the first time or aren't regulars, here's the rub. The staff is indeed friendly and the environment is extremely relaxed. The food, IMO, leaves a LOT to be desired; but I think it's heavily in part to the fact that people choose Rojo for the liquid sustenance and not the solid. So, 5 stars for the ambiance and "Cheers - NORM!" atmosphere; 2 for the stuff they refer to as food. Average: 3 stars. ;)
(3)Amber B.
This place is a favorite of mine! Both menus (Latin and American) are great. Cool, layed back atmosphere. It's in a good neighborhood. Great bar and patio. I love that the patio is covered and heated during the winter. the staff is always friendly and the service is pretty quick.
(4)Stefanie O.
One of my fave places ever. I love to take people here that have never been before. It is always a treat and helps to wet the proverbial palette for those that stick to mainstream (BORING) dining. The variety of food is great for everyone, even those less inclined to want to try something new. Then they have the spicy side with a great selection of latin (and even some fun) American dishes. Their beer selection is getting better and the service is just what you expect: laid back but helpful. Love it love it love it. I will always choose Rojo when dining in Bham, especially when Crapplebee's just won't cut it! :)
(5)Bradley B.
Rojo is a Highland staple! Great food, great atmosphere, and dog-friendly seating! 5 stars!
(5)Michelle L.
Excellent location behind a beautiful area of Birmingham filled with old homes. Rojo was packed when we arrived on a Saturday for lunch. We found a table inside for four people and greedily snagged it before someone else could. The place has outdoor seating but I couldn't take the Birmingham heat so if we could not sit inside, then this restaurant would not have worked out. Luckily for all of us, it did work out. I got a burrito that was one of the best I've ever had. My daughter got the chicken salad, which she raved about. My brother got a BBQ pork sandwich that he said was really good. The artwork inside the restaurant is unique and they play a lot of reds. I would most definitely go back here for dinner if ever in that area again.
(4)Gary W.
Pretty good food, very bad service
(3)Chris W.
Awesome mix of American and Mexican food, fun urban ambiance. Right in beautiful Highland Park.
(5)Joseph B.
Rojo offers quality food, a friendly ambiance and is a great place for several cocktails with friends.
(4)Gale B.
I am a regular. Great food fun atmosphere and inexpensive. We walk there often. Right by the park views are lovely in the spring when the patio walls come down! When the walls are down the patio is dog-friendly! It can get very crowded.
(4)Scott T.
Rojo is a lot like Taqueria Del Sol in Atlanta. It's pretty good, great atmosphere and always super slammed. I love their fish tacos...I wish they'd ramp up the beer selection though. Some interesting flavor of people are to be seen, too.
(4)Mr B.
Considering this place is packed all hours of the day everyday it is open, they are clearly doing something right. They have one of the best hamburgers in Bham, some of the best rice in Bham, and generally everything on the menu is at least decent. The prices are reasonable and service is generally pretty quick despite the crowds.
(5)Tosha L.
Tried this place after reading Yelp reviews. It was a small restaurant but very charming and a fun atmosphere. While slightly loud, I was still able to easily have a conversation with my partner. I tried the fish tacos and we also shared a trio of dips with salsa and chips. The food was above average. It was fresh and the flavor combinations superb! I also enjoyed a margarita which was made fresh and tasted awesome! I will definitely be returning to this place and trying some of their other options on the menu. Our server was kind enough to point out several "favorites" on the menu, including the fried fish tacos. Looking forward to a burrito next visit.
(4)Kat G.
Whoa. I was not expecting the awesomeness I got at Rojo this weekend. A big group of us went for brunch late on Sunday morning. You order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. When I heard that, I was like, here we go. I was sure this place would be like your average gimmicky mexibrunch and I was ready to be annoyed. But that's not how it went down. Rather, we parked on the street along this beautiful greenspace, then cut across it to reach the restaurant. Inside, we pulled up a table to join our friends (late, as usual) and went in to order. We opted to share the breakfast burrito, which has eggs, sausage, rice, black beans, pico and is topped with queso. I'm sorry, I don't think I said that right: It's the most awesome f*cking thing ever rolled into a tortilla, and they do it for you for just about $8, which, I mean. And the coffee was organic and not-burned and yummy. The only drawback is they didn't have glass or ceramic coffee cups, so we were stuck sipping out of styrofoam, which makes everything taste like, well, styrofoam. I love this place. If I lived in Birmingham, I'd eat brunch here every weekend.
(4)Alan B.
A wonderful eclectic experience. This is a place to see and be seen in Birmingham. Rojo is always busy and rightly so. With two different menus (Latin and American), a great outdoor patio and a crowd that is as diverse and unique as any you will find anywhere you can't go wrong hitting up this awesome Birmingham hot spot. Each time you go you will be in for a unique experience. Whether they are playing live music, having dog day on the patio or a packed out night on the weekend you will be sure of one thing and that is you won't find another place like it in town. Great food, great drinks, great people, great times. No matter who you are you will find Rojo intriguing and welcoming.
(4)J. Tyner R.
BLACKENED TILAPIA TACOS. Best fish tacos I've come across. Papalote's in San Fran comes in second.
(5)Chris D.
Good place. Nice atmosphere in a nice part of town. Going when the weather's nice is a extra plus, since the outdoor seating is across the street from a park. The menu has American and Tex/Mex. Both are nice. The vegetarian stuff was especially welcome. Just a good all-around restaurant.
(4)John M.
I thought the staff was not friendly. I am not a local and asked if we seat ourselves or what directly to a server. She did not respond just kept walking. So we sat down anyway. Waited on my friend from the area. Food was good I had the chicken quesadillas. Cool atmosphere young crowd it feels like a college town. I enjoyed once we figured out what to do.
(4)Crickett B.
My favorite restaurant in the entire city - scratch that - entire STATE. The hands down favorite is the Mahi Mahi fish tacos. The fish dishes come with a white salsa that is to die for. All the food is extremely fresh and local when possible. It's hard to go wrong on anything here. I recommend their homemade items, the cilantro or basil vinaigrette for the salads for sure. Desserts aren't bad either. Locally made fried pies! Basically apple, chocolate or various flavored empanadas served with vanilla ice cream. Very good drink selection ranging from beers and high gravity beers to various wines and mixed drinks (think sangria and margaritas). Let it be known that there is no waitstaff, which can throw newbies off sometimes. There is a menu basket when you walk in so you can figure out what you want, then you walk up to the cashier and order. Then you find your seat with your number and they will bring your food to you. Go here on a nice spring/summer/fall afternoon and enjoy the patio and watch the locals walk around the park. Unfortunately they are closed on Mondays.
(5)Norllys M.
Rojo is located in a picturesque neighborhood of beeeeyootiful houses and it fits right in. The atmosphere was low-key and perfect for Saturday afternoon brunch. Lightning-fast service and friendly staff, delicious food, AH-may-zing sangria-what more can you ask for? The only downside was sitting outside and having to swat flies off our food, but this may be a seasonal problem more than an establishment one (and probably our fault anyway for sitting outside the reach of the fans!).
(4)Jeremy C.
friendly, and helpful service once we figured out where and how to order. the food wasn't bad, but wasn't incredible either. the guacamole and chips were decent, except the chips were cold and tasted like they were loaded with partially hydrogenated oil. i can recommend the veggie tacos and my wife enjoyed the mahi mahi fish tacos. the ambiance was fun, noisy and helped us break up a long road trip from nashville to new orleans. we ate indoors, but the patio looked like a lot of fun too. the highlight for us at Rojo that evening was walking next door to the bar, where we impulsively bought a painting on the wall a couple hours before the artist was taking it (and her other works) down.
(3)Patricia P.
very pleasantly surprised by their versatile menu and very fresh ingredients! had the steak quesadilla and loved it! My friends ordered the davids quesadilla( chicken, bacon and pepperjack cheese) and the pepper quesadilla. We also had the sangria-very tasty!
(5)Adam B.
Great place in a great part of town. The menu contains both Tex/Mex and American, but I'd stay towards the Tex/Mex side as the American food is average at best. In the spring/summer/fall they have an open patio, which is great for dining/drinking during the day. At times it gets a little too hipsterish, but it comes with the neighborhood. The Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos are the best I've ever had and their creamy chipotle sauce is like crack.
(4)Gabriel R.
Excellent grilled mahi mahi fish tacos! Rojo just started featuring fried fish tacos but I think I still prefer the grilled tacos. Great selection of beers and food quality is consistently good.
(5)Stephanie W.
Very hip. I like the setup - you pick up a menu at the front, order by the bar and then grab a table. We sat on the patio on a very cold night which was a bit chilly but fun. I had the blackened talapia tacos and a Good People pale ale (local microbrew). Excellent spice on the fish tacos. Really enjoyed it.
(4)Adam e.
Oh Rojo, you never fail to disappoint. The drinks are good, but hey, it's booze, and the more you have the better it gets. The location is great, and the patio is lovely, especially during the summer, but this doesn't make up for the really, incredibly, mediocre food. A lot of the food looks like it should taste good, and just...doesn't. I spent $13-$14 dollars on the worst excuse for paella I've ever had, with overcooked rice that's tinted a light shade of saffron, revealing that they, sadly, did not add enough for any of the flavor to carry over. Some large batch frozen shrimp are sprinkled in there, along with some previously frozen peas and bits of carrot, and, as I recall, some crawfish tails. There were no mussels, clams, or cockles to be seen, or to lend their flavor to the dish. There were so many shortcuts, mediocre ingredients, and bad cooking in one dish I have trouble articulating how offended I am that this was put on a plate by any restaurant and then served to a guest. If Russel Stover brand made boxed paella, it just might be better than this. While it can be more time consuming and expensive to make good paella, a burger really shouldn't be that difficult. Sadly, it is apparently too difficult. The bleu cheese and bacon burger is almost impossible to do badly, but for every occasion, there is someone to rise to it. The cook tonight did so. The patty was much thinner than one would expect outisde of McDonalds or Burger King, and cooked all the way through instead of the nice medium that I had requested, and topped with a solid, cold clump of blue cheese, set right in the center of a burger patty that was too lukewarm to melt it at all. Ideally, it would have been crumbled over a hot patty, and then melted before being topped with nice thick slices of bacon, pickles not from Sysco, lettuce, similarly not from Sysco, and a ripe tomato not grown in a hot house (you know, it bing the end of summer, in Alabama, where I still have heirloom tomatos ripening in my backyard in October). The fries probably came frozen in a bag, and not horrible, but not good, like a lot of the food served at Rojo. It has a following of people, some of whom are my friends, but I'm convinced that's because when they're there their diet is more towards the liquid end of the dietary gamut. For years I've gone back every now and then, drawn by the people I know, and every time I walk away disappointed, and irritated that I just gave money for food that mediocre. As someone that cares about food a lot, it offends me that a place can care so little about what they serve as to use such stunningly crappy ingredients, and put them together with such little care. I'm not sure if I'm more irritated with them for being what they are or myself for being so gullible as to go back every now and then. Your money is better spent elsewhere.
(2)Rocky R.
Pretty good place, I have heard a lot about it before going in and honestly I was a bit let down. The crowd is not as hipster as I expected, so that was a plus. Got their steak tacos, which were ok, but nothing amazing. The ingredients did appear very fresh and some organic, so I was ok paying slightly higher price for it. Atmosphere is mainly what I would go here for and it was nice sitting outside. I would probably go back and give another shot though.
(3)Spence H.
Rojo is one of those places that always seems like the best place to go to when meeting folks. Not only is their food good, but it is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is exciting. Their dual Latin/American menu allows you to decide from numerous options and it's easy to go back one day after the next and not get too burnt out on their food. I am a particular fan of the Paella and fish tacos. Also, they arguably have the best guacamole in town which they serve in a very large portion. Another perk for some people is that they are dog friendly on the outside patio with water bowls on standby. If I had to say if there were any downsides to Rojo is that it gets particularly crowded and that they are closed on Monday.
(5)Emiri M.
I really wanted to love Rojo. However, I found that dining there was more about the vibe than the actual food quality. The vibe was amazing-- so many people and a fun crowd to people watch. The outside lighting and patio are especially beautiful at night. This isn't to say that the food was bad, but it was okay. Food: The chips and dip were pretty good. Their pineapple salsa, guacamole, and tomatillo salsa were my favorites. Their guacamole is pretty great. I recommend the queso and the standard salsa if you're not into sweet or spicy. The Trio sampler is a safe dish for first-timers, although 9 bucks is a bit steep considering how much salsa you get. For my entree, I ordered the chorizo taco and it was okay. The chorizo honestly wasn't very flavorful and was a bit cold. The rice and black beans also lacked flavor, even though mashing it all up with a dollop of salsa and guacamole made it better. Service: I came here with some coworkers and finding seating wasn't a problem--we found an empty table almost immediately. To order, you pick up a copy of the menu by the door and wait in line to order at the cashier. Note: They don't take reservations. Often the restaurant is so abuzz with activity that it can get really loud and hard to hear between all the music and conversation. For example, I think this might've been one reason why the cashier switched one of the dips that we ordered in a Trio Sampler by mistake. It was also difficult to hear what was being said on the other side of the table, even when the table wasn't that big. I hate to be "that person", but I couldn't add to the hype this time around. Maybe I'll give them another chance and try something from their American menu next time.
(3)Jacky V.
Go here for the queso and beer. Both of these things are great. Get the queso Kips style. It's a great summer patio party moment. The people that work here are also nice and have a great energy.. They make up for the menu being lackluster. The rest of the food, nah. The fish tacos where inedible. They had no flavor and where over cooked. Even the guy that checked me out said "go to Babalu" under his breath for good tacos. Queso and pre-drinking is all I can love. I will go back for that. Seriously I live down the street and will go back for these 2 things.
(3)Raye F.
Ok, ok. This is my second try with Rojo and I must say, that dog-on shrimp quesadilla was the best quesadilla I've ever had. The shrimp was clearly fresh; I'm from the "low country" & there IS a difference! It was a perfect day for the patio around noon...only downside about going during a workday is that I can't allow myself to enjoy an adult beverage (kinda pricey anyway) during the workday. Pet peeve: mandatory purchase of chips and salsa Set-up: order/pay at the counter, get a number, grab your beverage, select a table and your order will then be brought out to you. Simple Enjoy your happy eats
(4)Joi B.
So here's the thing: I'm giving Rojo four stars despite me absolutely despising the ordering and seating system in place. And *that*'s how good the food is, my friends. Seriously, it probably won't bother you as much as it does me. Judging by the happy people around me, I could see I was in the minority as I stood in line with a menu in my hand, wondering if by some miracle we'd be able to get a table in the packed restaurant (and patio) before our chips and guac arrived. Hell, no one else even seemed to mind that you need to order your margarita separately at a bar a little ways off from the counter where you put your food order in, either. Yeah, you pay for food and drinks that aren't beer or soda at the main counter... and then head to the bar to order drinks. Don't mind me, I'm a curmudgeon. And kinda OCD. When I go out to dinner, I like being greeted by a hostess, seated, asked what drinks I'd like to order while I peruse the menu. Trust me, I spend more money this way, too. Needless to say, we were lucky to be able to grab a not so great table practically blocking the door as a last resort. If you are lucky enough to nail a patio seat, I suggest you do so and send someone else up to place the order (I find table etiquette in half service places tend to vary from city to city. In some cities, you'd get the stink eye if you have someone save a table while someone else places an order. Not the case here). Wow. See how much time I devoted to being cranky? Not fair to Rojo, but I'm about to get to why four stars: The food. It's great. Really fucking great. They are vegan-friendly (they serve vegan sausage - the good kind. Pretty sure it's Field Roast and it's extremely reasonably priced). I ordered a spinach burrito w/o cheese and it arrives looking quite modest but holy hell is it good. It has spicy pickled jalapeños! It could use more salsa, but I had thought ahead since I'm a bit of a salsa fiend and ordered the phenomenal tomatillo. I even ordered guac and it's as good as anywhere you're going to spend top dollar getting it tableside. A note about their jalapeño-infused margarita: Get it... if you have anything of a spice addict in you. You won't be sorry. Despite my crankiness about the ordering system, I want to note how speedy and friendly the bartenders are. Actually, all of the people working here are quite lovely (as are most people in Birmingham, I'm coming to realize! Friendliest city I've been to in a long time). I have no doubt I'll return here and brave the crowds for the damn amazing food.
(4)Casey S.
This is a fun little place with a hipster vibe. Went during happy hour on a cooler day so it was pretty packed inside. Got a sangria swirl margarita which was frozen. Loved the mix of the sweet sangria with the salty margarita. Yum! For my entree tried the chorizo tacos. The corn tortillas were soft and warm. The chorizo was charred just right and I loved the spice of the meat with the cool lettuce. Two tacos came with the order and they were absolutely stuffed with fillings which is awesome. The rice was nothing special but I enjoyed the side of black beans and the salsa that came with the entree. My friend got the chipotle pork burrito and I sampled it. We both loved the flavor of the shredded pork and the queso on top of the burrito. She got cole slaw on the side which she thought was dry and bland but was able to perk it up by mixing it with the chipotle sauce from the burrito. Think it would be fun to return on a warmer day where I could sit on the patio! Also would like to try their brunch on day.
(4)Randy F.
Been going to this place for years and I've never been disappointed in the food nor the service. The patio is attractive and the inside is an eclectic mix of a Tex /Mex urban contemporary type vibe .. Anyways, try this place you will not be disappointedThank me later...
(5)Amber R.
The past couplet of times I came here were all good experiences. One of the very few places in Bham you can get a good quality late night bite and to top it off the atmosphere is unique,chill,but lively So why only 4 stars from me? The queso we spent extra money on was not that special... and the amount of coleslaw served as a side was more like a sample The Guac however was voted best in Bham and I completely agree with that.. the Mediterranean quesadilla is definitely on the top 3 list of best quesadillas I have ever had. I tried some of the pulled pork burrito of the person I went with and it was the perfect blend of Mexican meets american. Not to mention the sauce that came with it was oh so good. I can't wait to go back and try more
(4)Will B.
Rojo has always been a great go to spot in Birmingham. It is on one of my favorite parts of town, Highland Avenue. This location and patio are some of the best in Birmingham. The ordering and seating has always been a little inconvenient when its crowded. You have to find your own seat. Which has been somewhat difficult from time to time because of the popularity. But with the somewhat recent addition next door, you can get good service and a table there more times than not. The food has always been good. I have never had anything bad. The guac is fresh and delicious. And their entrees are also quite good. I don't think I have ever had anything from the American side of the menu. But I recently had a co-worker come into town who was vegan, and they were able to accommodate. I love this place and am a big carnivore. So to have vegan options on this last trip was even more of a plus. Oh the patio.... the bomb! enclosed in the cold weather and wonderful in the warm. A great staple in Birmingham. Not to mention they are one of Bob Dylan's favorites.
(4)Chamberlaine B.
What a fun parkside restaurant! I'm only in Birmingham about a week out of each month, but I'd make time each trip for weekend lunch here. An unique menu (Divided by side: American and Latin) and an equally unique mar menu offers a large variety that will leave you biting your lip in indecision. I have yet to order anything off the "American" side of the menu, simply because I feel like I need to try all the good Latin food options first. Recommendations: Food for splitting- The nachos with choirzzo (add quac) Food for selfishly keeping to one's self- Mahi Mahi Tacos Drink- Ruby Red Grapefruit Margarita (or the margarita sangria swirl!) Dessert- The "CHANGO" - cheesecake in a fried tortilla with chocolate syrup and whipped cream (it's so good!!!) My only advice- if smoke bugs you, sit on the patio- the open kitchen fills the inside with (delicious fajita smelling) smoke.
(5)Jonny C.
I love the feel of this place. It's so chill here, even though you see people pass by left and right. The food here has their own twist to it. I got some hog wings, cause I'm a wing lover and hmmm never had hog ones before! I was very pleasantly surprised by them. That sauce that went with them too was a very nice touch! Simple yet very tasty! This place is def a gem for Birmingham.
(5)Thomas C.
Dependable neighborhood go-to that always seems to have quite a bit of people there for dinner or drinks. Tip: Get the corn succotash as a side - it's pretty delicious. Ambience/Service: Service is always super solid here. The restaurant is structured as a order at the counter (food and drink) and then put your number on a stand on your table. There's indoor and outdoor seating, regardless of season. There's also a side private room that I've never been in. Food: There's a mexican and american menu with an array of draft and bottled beers. Being vegetarian, there are a number of good options. My go-to's are the spinach burrito and summer burrito. The black bean burger is also good and I get this whenever I'm craving the corn succotash, one of the best sides. Their tater tots are also a guilty pleasure. Nothing special but they are cooked perfectly every time. Overall: Reliable neighborhood joint that draws a crowd. Nice place for a low-key meal and/or drinks
(3)Wes C.
I may have reviewed Rojo before. I admit I had a negative bias against the place. My first trip there was on a date with a crazy woman. This venue was one of the first around town to give off a hipster vibe (no offense if that's your thing). Everyone always raved about the food (which was just okay at best). The only thing it had going for it was the awesome patio space where groups of friends that were smokers could go eat and drink. I decided to cast my aversions aside and give this place a chance. And you know what? I'm glad I did. I had the chipotle pork burrito and my friend had veggie tacos. Both dishes were on the pretty good side of okay. You know how sometimes you go eat somewhere and someone will ask you how the food was? If you like food as much as me you'll say it was okay but a vague feeling of disappointment and regret will come over you as you lament how your food could have been just a little better? Good news, it didn't happen here. If you were to ask me how the food was I'd say it was okay with a smile on my face and talk about what I was going to get when I end up there next. I probably won't make it a point to come here as often as I do my favorite B-Ham restaurants, but I'll definitely be back.
(3)Zoe W.
All fish tacos are excellent! I've been to rojo four times now and have loved my meals every time. I've never ordered off the American side of menu, but the Mexican food is my jam. Sometimes gets pretty crowded and it's hard to find a seat, but this my only complaint. I love Rojo.
(4)Jeremy E.
As I am sure most people will tell you, Rojo is a really great neighborhood restaurant. The inside is generally fairly loud and crowded, so we always opt to sit on the awesome patio, which overlooks the park across the street. Everything that I have ordered here is delicious. The only thing that keeps me giving the place five stars is the ordering process. You order at the counter and get a number for your table. This becomes a problem if you are having a few drinks...because you have to wait in line at the bar again every time that you want something else (which, when it is crowded, can be a long process.) For this reason, we usually just have one drink and move elsewhere afterward. I also found that their pitchers of margaritas, while quite tasty, are also more expensive than most anywhere else I have been. Overall though, this is a very cool spot.
(4)Paige L.
Cute little walk-up-and-order restaurant with a great bar and patio. They have an extensive menu (both a Latin side and an American side to the menu) and great drink options! I had the chicken cheesesteak and a grapefruit margarita, and my boyfriend had the David quesadilla, a side Caesar and a beer. We both really enjoyed our food. They originally brought me the regular cheesesteak instead of the chicken cheesesteak, so they quickly corrected my order and gave me a complimentary margarita refill for my troubles: a pleasant surprise! We will definitely be back here soon!
(5)Jessica W.
All in all a good experience and I'll definitely be back. I came on a Tuesday night at around 6:30 and it was PACKED. We were lucky to find a table for six. I'm not sure if it is always like that or if it's just because restaurant week is drawing people out -I'll be honest, that's why I came even though I didn't end up ordering off the restaurant week menu. I split the trio sampler with a friend and the pineapple salsa was so yummy. We also ordered the guac and black bean salsa, but they got the order wrong and we got queso instead of salsa. In any case the queso was delicious and it was like eating mac and cheese on a chip. For my main course I tried to mix things up with a little bit of Mexican and the South by getting the BBQ pork tacos. Those were so delicious, but the taste of the corn tortilla and BBQ sauce was a little strange at first. My two complaints: One is that I thought the chips were a little overpriced - $9 for a basket of plain ol' tortilla chips and three little cups of dip. Two it was quite noisy inside and it was hard to carry a conversation.
(4)Eduardo F.
Did not like the food and did not like the ordering method. This place has no servers and you have to go to the counter and order your food. This is like a local Chipotle but obviously better. The food is not bad but it is not something you would want to go back again. For Mexican food there are TONS of better options around.
(2)Russ M.
I enjoyed a late lunch/brunch at Rojo recently and had an outstanding experience. The weather was perfect for sitting on the front patio. Watching and listening to the diverse crown was GREAT! Service was friendly and prompt. My GF had the Mahi Tacos which were Delish! The fish was very very good. I ordered the BBQ Pork tacos. They were tasty and very filling. The black beans and rice were prepared and seasoned Spot on for great flavor. We will totally be back!
(4)Jody O.
When its nice outside.....this is one of my favorite places.The margaritas are great and all food is good. It tends to be on the high side for the food prices.......although I have never been disappointed IN anything (latin or american) that I have ordered.Its almost impossible to find seats on certain days because it is very crowded....but worth the wait.If you like to sit outside on a nice day...... have drinks, good food and relax.... this is the place for you.
(4)Chris M.
This is for the guy who cried BS in his review. blog.al.com/bn/2009/01/b…
(5)Amy S.
Five stars for the patio and people watching. Two stars for the food. It's not why you come to Rojo. If the food was stepped up a notch, this place would be jam packed seven nights a week.
(3)Maryam E.
I've been eating here frequently over the past 6 years and love it. The outdoor seating is definitely one of the highlights. It's near Highlands so you get a park feel while sitting outside. My absolute favorite, go-to dish is the Berkley Tacos (fried, of course!). The variety of offerings is also great if I ever wanted to wander (but I don't). Last time I went I also got the blackberry cobbler a la mode which I've been craving ever since... It was warm, had a great crust to fruit ratio and the ice cream was rich and delicious. It may be a tad too rich overall, but that's how I like my dessert. Love this place!
(5)Tony L.
Rojo has the best bar, the best food, the best staff, the best ....everything. Go there. You'll have a great time. You'll see old friends. You'll meet new ones. You'll love the food. You'll remember why you love Birmingham.
(5)Alison W.
Really neat atmosphere. Food is good and was affordable. It is a neat place to pop into when you are on this side of town. Glad we finally tried it.
(5)Billie M.
I dug the place. It had a good vibe and a great selection of beer on tap. I'm a vegetarian and the menu had a good amount of items in which I could choose from. I choose the veggie tacos. While they needed a bit more seasoning, they were still pretty darn good. I'll be back, yo.
(3)Erica N.
I got the blackened tilapia corn tacos and they were great! Also got an angry orchard. My meal was great! It's a wonderful atmosphere just to drink and have fun. Went with my fiancee, my brother and my sister.
(5)Penelope B.
I came here after hearing rave reviews from much of Yelp and my coworker who was recently in the area. I love Mexican food and was excited to try Rojo. The setup is a little unconventional in that you order café style: go in the door, grab a menu, and head up to the counter to order and pay, get a number and your beverage, grab a seat, and they will bring the food out. It's a nice atmosphere and I was pleasantly surprised by the musical selections. Ingredients were very fresh, but unfortunately the preparation turned them into the blandest tacos I may have ever had, and I currently live in New England. The beans and rice were good and the food was helped by hot sauce and salt, but the veggies were prepared with no seasoning at all and somehow tasted blander than just eating the raw ingredients would have been. I'm giving it a two for the beans and rice and for that I could get a meal I wasn't allergic to - gluten-free, no soy, vegetarian, easily made vegan, but on the whole I was underwhelmed.
(2)Kelly M.
I hate to write about Rojo as it's already a thriving little business and I don't ever want to walk in and it be totally full - but that's no way to treat a place that you love, right? So I'm finally here to give it the love it deserves. Black bean burger. Solid thick-cut fries. Tasty Caesar salad. Mucho nachos. Fantastic desserts, every one I tried (if they have the flourless chocolate cake it's melt-in-your-mouth). If you walk in and there's a line don't worry - it moves fast. Food comes out quickly and is hot. They're always helpful and upbeat. It's just a great place to be and eat. Rojo reminds me of eateries I find in large college towns where it's a mix of expressive students (sometimes rather loud) and tables of older, staunch-looking professors having serious discussions. There are posters of upcoming concerts and art events on the glass and they keep it up-to-date. All this and they have a SERIOUS military discount. It almost makes me feel guilty to eat there but the food is really good so I usually visit at least once a month. Thank you, Rojo. I will continue giving you my love as long as I live in Montgomery. Like any great romance, you're worth the drive.
(5)Justin W.
This place is great. Whether you go for the American fare or the Latin fare, you cannot go wrong ordering here. I love this place, and it is kind of an oasis in the residential area of Highland Park. There are not really many walkable dining options among all of these apartments and homes but this one, but luckily they do an excellent job.
(5)Erin B.
Love the vibe here. Super chill and friendly. They have a very large menu in both the beer and food department. I like how they have a side room that you can rent out or go sit in for a more quiet dinner. The trivia nights are a blast. It is super dog friendly except in winter. When they put up their winter walls, dogs aren't allowed inside them i.e. the patio area. However, they do keep a couple of tables outside the walls for those warm winter days. The only negative thing I can say about this place is that they serve their sauce in paper ramekins instead of plastic ones. Now I realize this is not the end of the world, but it's frustrating when you are trying to dip your quesadilla in a now soggy and flimsy paper cup of salsa.
(4)Tonya K.
Even better on Friday night! Good friends and good food! Great breeze on the patio tonight! Living life. Fun with my hubby and oldest daughter!
(5)