Cantina hosts summer pop-up at The Lumbar before Avondale relocation

This summer, Cantina Tortilla Grill, a Mexican restaurant formerly housed at Pepper Place, is prepping for its move to the Avondale area this fall. 

During the months-long transition, Cantina Tortilla Grill is serving their menu through a summertime pop-up at their former neighbor and science-themed bar, The Lumbar. 

Owner Jorge Castro said this fall, the building should be ready and their team will hopefully be moved into their new permanent home, at the former location of Wasabi Juan’s and the Avondale Brewing Company Sour House space.

Castro said he was talking to The Lumbar operations director and co-owner Tim Hightower one night in spring when Hightower suggested their team come over to the bar and sell their popular Cantina food while they wait to move into their new place. Castro said the decision was simple and easy, and The Lumbar even bought their margarita recipe so they would handle the drinks while Castro and his team take care of the food.

Although their menu is smaller as a pop-up, they have added a few new special plate items such as Truck Fries and Nachitos. They also kept some of people’s favorite menu items, like their tacos and healthy Keto Bowl. 

Of their seven tacos currently on the menu, the most popular tends to be the fish taco, Castro said, made with egg-washed tilapia filet, avocado, cilantro mayo sauce and Chile de Arbol salsa, in addition to the Cuban taco, made with roasted pork shoulder, cilantro mayo sauce, pickles and shredded Manchego cheese.

Castro said Cantina Tortilla Grill opened 16 years ago with the idea to offer Tex-Mex with a little more originality and authenticity than some of the other local restaurants. Castro describes Cantina Tortilla Grill as a restaurant with fast service, fresh food and margaritas and a fun ambiance.

Since bringing their food over to The Lumbar, Castro said they have been extremely well-received and getting along great with all the staff. 

Castro said he’s excited to see where their journey to Avondale in the fall will take them. Their menu and mission will be kept largely the same, he said, but they hope to reach more people in such a high-volume area.

“When you see people eating, and you see them enjoying, it’s really the best,” Castro said.

Food is served Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. On Taco Tuesdays, Castro said, customers can pay $10 for any three tacos. During the weekly Pepper Place Farmers Market, they also sell their popular breakfast burritos. 

To stay up to date on their upcoming move, go to their Facebook at @cantinabham or learn more at cantinabirmingham.com.