Elizabeth's Cocina Mexicana & Bar — Restaurant in Athens

We found this restaurant on google on random Tuesday night while my friend was visiting from out of state. I have only lived in the vicinity for about 2 years, so I was not familiar with this restaurant, but they have 4.7 star rating so we decided to go and check them out. So we get there and were greeted and seated, everything was ok, the host offered to bring our drinks and also offered to bring us cheese dip. He brought chips and salsa, cheese dip, and drinks. The cheese dip was a 2 at best, the cheese was so loose it didn’t even stay on the chip. I give the salsa a 10 it was delicious. The waitress came and she began telling us about things on the menu and we asked for a few minutes. So while we are deciding she is taking care of the other patrons in the restaurant. I hear her telling the table behind us that because it’s their 1st time the would b getting 50% off their entire tab. I was like ohk that’s nice, but I didn’t ask about it cuz I assumed it would be offered to us like it was to the couple sitting behind us. I was looking around and happened to look up, I saw what looked like a camera so I asked my friend to look up and he verified it was a camera…it was pointed right at top his head. The waitress comes back and telling us about their quesabirria and informs us that it’s their most popular menu item. We say ok, and also some specialty nachos, rice, and beans. She’s asking us if we have been there before and just having general conversation, very sweet girl. She comes back in about 15-20 minutes with they quesabirria and is telling me to be careful with the plate cuz it very hot. Ok, let’s get into these birria tacos, listen these things are trash! PERIOD!!! They looked ok…but everytime I have ever seen birria pics it’s crispy shells with beef, cheese etc n the consumer, this was soggy the meat was dry the consumer was bland. I don’t wanna keep going cuz it doesn’t get any better, but the reason that I’m writing this review it because she did not offer us the 50% off for first time customers. I didn’t ask about it, but she said it so loud to the other customer that I know she knows I heard her say it. I just feel like it was unfair especially for a mediocre meal. Overall rating 3 def not...

On July 14, 2024, I was traveling from N'ville back to our home just outside of B'ham, and was passing near Athens, AL, around dinner time. I stopped at Elizabeth's because of the high ratings. It was still a little early and not busy, and Holly greeted me and took my order. I asked for a "good" margarita on the rocks, not the horrible pre-made green concoction many restaurants have. What she brought me was both generous in size and very tasty.

They are clever with their menu; offering both basic Tex-Mex fare for the masses, along with authentic Mexican dishes for the more adventurous (or, I imagine, people of that culture who are used to eating that). I ordered what Holly told me was the best dish in the House, and she wasn't embellishing. I was served a plate of piping-hot shrimp and fish in a thick, spicey sauce, rice that was not overcooked (like most places), and a fresh veggie garnish. My order also included a small bowl of shrimp ceviche; which was fresh and delicious, but WAY too spicey for me. I was told that I can get it less so. Anyway, there was so much food that I ate the fish and rice, and took the hot shrimp and the cool ceviche home in a cooler I had in the car. At home the next day, I cooked some fresh McEwen & Sons grits and added the shrimp to it. WOW, that was so good!

In summary, the food and service was excellent. I'm giving a high score but not perfect because, honestly, the salsa needed cilantro (which they brought me when asked) and diced onions...

I had such a great experience at Elizabeth’s Cocina Mexicana & Bar! From start to finish, everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

We started with the classic chips and salsa — the chips were perfectly crispy and the salsa had just the right kick without being overpowering. My coworker ordered the birria tacos served with consomé, fresh lime, onions, and cilantro. They looked incredible — crispy golden tortillas stuffed with tender, savory meat — and my coworker couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were, especially when dipped in the rich, flavorful consomé.

I ordered the chicken, steak, and shrimp over seasoned rice topped with creamy queso. Every bite had a great balance of smoky grilled flavor and cheesy goodness.

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with friendly service that made the meal even better. Elizabeth’s Cocina is definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to whenever I’m craving authentic, delicious...