News Summary
West Homewood anticipates the launch of new locations for El Barrio and Paramount in the West Row development by June 2025. The former Econo Lodge hotel site is being transformed into a vibrant mixed-use project featuring restaurants, townhomes, and lofts. Known for its creative dishes, El Barrio will also introduce a private dining room, while Paramount will offer a family-friendly atmosphere with screens to catch NFL games. With an arcade game hallway connecting the two venues, residents and diners are in for a lively culinary experience.
Exciting News for West Homewood: El Barrio and Paramount Set to Open New Locations!
West Homewood is buzzing with anticipation as two beloved downtown Birmingham restaurants, El Barrio and Paramount, are gearing up to launch new locations in the vibrant West Row development. Set to unlock their doors in June 2025, these culinary gems are bound to add a delightful flair to the neighborhood.
Location, Location, Location!
The new El Barrio and Paramount will take residence at 195 Oxmoor Road, nestled within the chic West Row mixed-use development. This exciting project replaces the former Econo Lodge hotel, which was demolished in 2023 to pave the way for this $32.5 million, 98,000-square-foot venture. Designed by the talented Poole & Company Architects, West Row will harmoniously blend dining options with modern living spaces, featuring 51 two- and three-bedroom townhomes and 18 lofts above the restaurants.
A Taste of What’s to Come
Known for its creative and mouth-watering menu, El Barrio is sure to wow guests with signature dishes like chorizo meatloaf, masa roasted trout, and al pastor tacos. A unique addition to the new location will be a private dining room that can accommodate groups of 25, complete with a large circular family-style table that features a lazy Susan for easy sharing.
Meanwhile, food lovers can expect Paramount to bring their famous hot wings, cold beers, and hearty two-fisted burgers to West Homewood. This new venue will also include a family-friendly twist, featuring 17 big-screen TVs for watching NFL games and a lovely outdoor green space perfect for gatherings and playtime.
A Fun Connective Atmosphere
Connecting El Barrio and Paramount will be a long hallway filled with arcade games, paving the way for a fun and lively atmosphere. This setup reflects the owners’ vision to expand into a “growing, thriving area,” a notion that Tom Walker from Village Creek Development has championed since he pitched the idea more than three years ago.
Efficient Setup
One exciting aspect of the new locations is that both restaurants will benefit from larger kitchens compared to their downtown counterparts. El Barrio will even have a dedicated catering kitchen, allowing for smoother management of catering orders, signaling an exciting timeframe for those interested in hosting special celebrations.
Residential Happenings
Residential units within the West Row development began leasing in spring 2025, fostering a community that invites both diners and residents to enjoy the best of West Homewood. The name “West Row” embodies the community’s pride and unity, adding a sense of belonging to the new ambiance.
Adaptation and Enthusiasm
Originally, there were plans for Paramount to be an adult arcade/food/bar establishment, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, the vision shifted to a family-oriented atmosphere. This change will allow West Homewood families to enjoy quality meals while letting their kids engage in the fun of arcade games.
The iconic menu offerings at both restaurants will initially mirror what you can find downtown, but there might be surprises in store. El Barrio is rumored to introduce a unique Sunday brunch, promising an exciting twist for brunch enthusiasts in the area.
Art Meets Dining
Adding a fun artistic flair to El Barrio’s new location, a mural created by a former server will greet diners and add a personal touch that reflects the community’s spirit.
As June 2025 approaches, West Homewood is poised for culinary excitement, making it the place to be for tasty food and a vibrant atmosphere. So mark your calendars and get ready for some delicious eats and fantastic experiences!
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: A Sneak Peek Inside the New El Barrio & Paramount in West Homewood
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- AL.com: 2 Popular Birmingham Restaurants Get Ready to Open Their New Locations
- Google Search: West Homewood Alabama news
- Bham Now: New Mixed-Use Development Featuring El Barrio & Paramount Coming to Homewood This Spring
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-use development
- Homewood Star: West Row Now Leasing Bringing New Life to Old Econo Lodge Site
- Google News: West Row development Homewood
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
