Why did Taco Mama close the downtown Birmingham location?

The downtown location closed due to changes in the local development landscape and the owner's feeling that it was no longer the best fit.

When did Taco Mama's downtown location officially close?

The downtown Taco Mama location closed on August 2, 2025.

Are there other Taco Mama locations still open?

Yes, other Taco Mama locations in Edgewood, Vestavia Hills, and Gardendale remain open, along with one location in Tuscaloosa.

What type of cuisine does Taco Mama offer?

Taco Mama specializes in Mexican cuisine, offering a variety of tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and specialty margaritas.

What new restaurant opened near the closed Taco Mama location?

A new Japanese restaurant called Otsuka Ramen, specializing in ramen, hibachi, and sushi, has recently opened near the closed Taco Mama.

August 3, 2025

Taco Mama Closes Downtown Birmingham Location After Eight Years

Birmingham, AL, August 3, 2025

News Summary

Taco Mama has permanently closed its downtown Birmingham location after eight years of operation. Owner Will Haver attributed the closure to changes in the local development landscape. The restaurant expressed gratitude to its loyal customers and staff while continuing to serve at other locations in the Birmingham area. The downtown space will be replaced by a new Japanese restaurant, Otsuka Ramen, contributing to the evolving culinary scene in the area.

Taco Mama Closes Downtown Birmingham Location After Eight Years of Service

Birmingham, AL – Taco Mama, a popular restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu of Mexican dishes, has permanently closed its downtown location as of August 2, 2025. The closure follows eight years of service at the restaurant, which opened in September 2017 within The Waites development, located at the corner of Seventh Avenue South and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, near the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Owner Will Haver cited ongoing changes in the local development landscape as a significant factor in the decision to close the downtown location. A notice was posted at the restaurant, expressing gratitude for the support from loyal customers and the dedication of staff members throughout the years. The announcement highlighted the joy of serving food and creating memories, noting the restaurant’s commitment to community engagement.

While the downtown Taco Mama location is no longer operational, the restaurant chain will continue serving customers at its remaining locations in the Birmingham area, which include establishments in Edgewood, Vestavia Hills, and Gardendale. Additionally, there is one Taco Mama location in Tuscaloosa, ensuring that fans of the brand can still enjoy their favorite dishes without disruption.

Taco Mama first opened its doors in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village in 2011, with the downtown venue serving as an expansion of its growing presence in the Birmingham metro area. The restaurant is celebrated for its customizable taco offerings, allowing patrons to either create their own tacos or choose from preset flavor combinations. The diverse menu also includes burrito baskets, nachos, quesadillas, and an impressive variety of margaritas, featuring unique flavors and seasonal options.

In the space previously occupied by Taco Mama, Otsuka Ramen, a new Japanese restaurant specializing in ramen, hibachi, sushi, and more, recently commenced operations. This development highlights the ongoing culinary evolution in downtown Birmingham, as the area continues to attract various dining options.

Taco Mama’s decision to close the downtown location was marked with a spirit of appreciation toward the community, as the restaurant remains committed to supporting local initiatives and providing families with versatile dining options, including online ordering and family-sized takeout meals. The closure leaves a total of eight Taco Mama restaurants in the Birmingham metro area, continuing their effort to create a fun and festive dining experience reflective of the brand’s core values.

Key Features of Taco Mama

Original Location: Crestline Village, Mountain Brook (2011)
Downtown Location Opened: September 2017
Number of Remaining Locations: 8 in Birmingham, 1 in Tuscaloosa
Menu Highlights: Tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, margaritas
Special Features: Customizable menu, seasonal offerings, online ordering

FAQ

Why did Taco Mama close the downtown Birmingham location?: The downtown location closed due to changes in the local development landscape and the owner’s feeling that it was no longer the best fit.
When did Taco Mama’s downtown location officially close?: The downtown Taco Mama location closed on August 2, 2025.
Are there other Taco Mama locations still open?: Yes, other Taco Mama locations in Edgewood, Vestavia Hills, and Gardendale remain open, along with one location in Tuscaloosa.
What type of cuisine does Taco Mama offer?: Taco Mama specializes in Mexican cuisine, offering a variety of tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and specialty margaritas.
What new restaurant opened near the closed Taco Mama location?: A new Japanese restaurant called Otsuka Ramen, specializing in ramen, hibachi, and sushi, has recently opened near the closed Taco Mama.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Birmingham Emerges as a Premier Brunch Destination
New Businesses and Farewells in Birmingham’s Dining Scene
Birmingham’s Dining Scene Welcomes New Flavors
Birmingham Welcomes Patio Season for Outdoor Dining
Birmingham’s Taco Scene: A Culinary Exploration of Authentic Flavors
Birmingham Welcomes New Yo’ Mama’s Location
Birmingham’s Growing Business Scene with New Openings
Birmingham: A Culinary Hotspot to Savor
Explore the Flavorful Street Food Scene in Birmingham
Innovations in Birmingham’s Dining Scene for 2024

Additional Resources

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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Young tutors assisting high school students in a collaborative learning environment.

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit