Something new and exciting is coming to 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham. Well-known and well-loved as an owner of local favorite spots such as Adiõs and Unos Tacos, Jesus Mendez is bringing the flavor of his hometown Tabasco, Mexico to the city with his newest restaurant: Salud Taqueria. His business parter José Medina Camacho, known as one of the state's most inventive mixologists, brings unique expertise and shared Mexican heritage to the table.
The new restaurant is conveniently situated on the corner of 2nd Ave and 20th Street and has had foodies across the city anticipating its opening for months. With their grand opening this week, the new taqueria will be properly inducted into the Birmingham food scene. When speaking to the restaurant's interior design, Salud shares, "Inspired by co-owner Jesus Mendez, 'Chuy,' and his home growing up, it features lights that resemble banana leaves, oak wood walls, and floors that reflect an earthen quality."
At Salud, guests can expect authentic dishes—tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas—inspired by favorite dishes from Jesus's parents' kitchen. Favorite dishes so far are Totopos + Queso, Asada Quesadilla, Suadero Burrito, Asada + Suadero Tacos, Arroz + Frijoles with the Peach Bourbon Cocktail and Salud Pineapple Margarita quickly becoming crowd favorites.
Speaking to the vision for Salud, Camacho shared with AL.com, "The goal is for (Salud) to be different (from Adiõs). Adiõs has its own identity, and I want this place to have its own identity. This will be simple, not very complex. We want to be able to execute the drinks in little to no time and for anyone that’s working here to be able to go behind the bar and make them.”
