Uptown Cantina

I’m extremely disappointed and disturbed by the treatment my group and I received at this restaurant. What was supposed to be a simple dinner turned into a humiliating and racially charged experience that no one should ever have to go through. We arrived about an hour before closing and were told we could order if we placed it quickly. We did so without issue. However, from the moment we sat down, the service was dismissive and unwelcoming. One of our drinks was incorrect, the other was half full. When we brought this to the attention of the manager, he immediately argued with us instead of listening. Only after the server admitted the drink was wrong did he back down—no apology was offered. Later, I politely asked that my dessert be brought out after the meal (as I had requested). The server rolled her eyes and said, “I’ll see what I can do.” She came back moments later to say the kitchen was closed and asked, “What do you want me to do?” I requested to speak with a manager again. Instead of getting one, she walked away visibly annoyed, again rolling her eyes. When my group pointed out that her behavior was disrespectful, it seemed to escalate the situation. After waiting nearly 20 minutes for our food, it was brought out already packed to-go—without our consent. We were informed that the general manager had decided to have us removed from the restaurant due to “our behavior.” At no point had anyone from management come to our table to speak with us or ask for our perspective. We eventually spoke to another manager who was kind and understanding. He apologized, adjusted the bill, and admitted he was only told one side of the story. When we were told the owner, Bryan, was available to speak, we were hopeful. Instead, he approached the table with his arms crossed, defensive, rude, and completely unwilling to hear our concerns. When we asked why he made a decision without ever speaking to us, he replied, “I don’t have to talk to you. It’s my restaurant. Your money doesn’t matter to me.” He then told us to “get the hell out.” What’s most alarming is that from the beginning of this experience, it was painfully clear that we were not welcome—and we strongly believe this was due to the color of our skin. The tone, treatment, and attitude we received from multiple staff members, including the owner, was laced with bias and racism. We were calm, respectful, and simply trying to enjoy a meal, but we were treated as if our presence was a problem from the start. Racism—whether subtle or overt—has no place in any business. No customer should ever be made to feel inferior, dismissed, or disrespected based on race. I will be contacting corporate and encouraging others to speak out. Until this ownership is held accountable, I strongly urge others to take their business elsewhere.

Great food! Very fast service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sat down with my husband for dinner tonight. The manager/owner introduced himself and I am not sure what his name was. He was a shorter hispanic gentleman, he greeted us and asked us how we were and all of that. We said we were good and asked how the food was, he then proceeded to pat his belly and burp saying its good. Maybe he was trying to make a funny joke but I found in repulsive and once he finally left our table we left to go next door.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

We came with a large group of 15 women. They were notified weeks prior to the date but because they don't take reservations they placed us at 2 high top tables that were not able to be pulled together (the tables they sat us at were bolted to the floor). I could live with this. The below is the reason why I gave them a 1 star:
1. Most Mexican restaurants provide free chips and salsa at the table. They don't and when some did order the chips with 3 small dips the server got mad when they asked for a refill on the grease chips to finish the dip that came with the order.
2. I ordered an unsweetened tea, they have no low calorie sweetener. She offered me sugar. That was pretty dumb. If I wanted sugar I would have ordered proper Southern sweet tea. We had to beg for refills.
3. The menu was sparse of actual Mexican food. They had chicken and dumplings on the special menu which at 11AM was already unavailable. They had just opened their doors.
4. The bathroom stunk and was freezing. They knew it smelled because there was those charcoal things in the bathroom that is used to absorb or decrease bad smells.
5. The tip was already was included in the bill which is normal for large groups. What is not normal is that they charge you extra for using your credit card. When one of the women paid with cash the server argued with her that she owed more even though the exact amount for paying with cash was on the bill.

We will be finding a new place to go for our annual Christmas meeting.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

My family and friends ate here and the owner Brain was beyond rude and racist to us. Mind you our other friends were not the same race as us.
I've never experienced someone owning a restaurant and being so rude to the customers.

Service: 1

Nice chill location for an afternoon meal. Great server and we enjoyed it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Enchiladas, Chips and Salsa

Just not good and overpriced

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

Chips and salsa cost $4 and tasted like I should have been paid to eat them.
The diner was underwhelming but over priced.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

Wonderful food, some of the best service I've had in a long time. The food came out quickly and was delicious and so tender. They were packed, yet efficient, friendly and made it a wonderful dinner

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, Steak, Street Corn

BEWARE!! the price of a mezcal margarita was $27 on our bill!! That is with an average/basic mezcal. The manager said the price is on the menu and when I asked him to find it he couldn’t point it out cause it was not printed on it. Absolute shocking customer service to price gouge customers like this.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Incompetent

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Awful customer service. Queso was okay but terribly managed

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Best Mexican Food I’ve ever had. We will definitely be back! If you are in Birmingham area make sure to try them!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our server Joel was by far top notch and high class. High delivery, quality recommendations with the menu, great communication, and an all out stellar customer service experience. My first time and definitely won’t be my last!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I would like everyone to know the owner of this establishment was beyond rude to my sister!! He made sure we knew he was the owner,and could do what he wanted to.
Her food was not prepared like she wanted it. She didn't eat it and told them what was wrong with it . They didn't correct it. She wanted them to take just that part off her bill. She was going to pay the rest of her bill. He got extremely out of order with us. That is not how you handle business!!! Our experience was not a good one at all . Please know that the 4 of us that were sitting there all are business owners.