New Mexican restaurant and bar Zócalo has opened in New Street. It is the first of the franchise to open in the UK outside London.
Promoted as ‘fresh happy Mex’, it has the tagline ‘generous, healthy and always upbeat’. Diners can buy healthy burritos, tacos, quesadillas, bowls, nachos, churros & more.
They can also customize their orders, from adding more protein or vegan ingredients at the eatery close to Birmingham’s New Street Station.
Along with food, there’s also a full bar serving cocktails, Tequila, beers and freshly-made aguas frescas juices, like refreshing mango and lime.
Diners can pick from seven tables in the brightly coloured upstairs area and around 35 tables in a larger underground room. That area will also be available for private dinners and events.
Student and meal deals are planned along with regular offers to lure in lunchtime workers or families and friends for evening meals.
Zócalo Birmingham is a family-run franchise, headed up by Midland doctors Meena and Satish from Wolverhampton, who wanted to open a “healthy restaurant”.
They have opened the Birmingham city centre branch after Portuguese football star José Fonte and his business partner André Martin launched a successful Zócalo in London’s Soho.
Roshini Shanmugam, who works at Zocalo Birmingham, said: “Nothing is fried here except the fish and everything is freshly-made. Dishes are balanced out with a healthy amount of protein.
“The customizable approach is the key to Zocalo’s versatility. Diners begin by choosing their preferred protein. We can also make their dish vegan, with all dairy-based sauces replaced by plant-based alternatives.
“Our entire menu is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. All the chicken and beef used is Halal and customers can customize their orders to get exactly what they want, like more salad instead of rice or extra protein.
“Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or a vegan, we promise to transport your taste buds on a flavoursome journey through the vibrant streets of Mexico.”
The menu ranges includes nachos for £5, loaded Mexican fries for £7, churros with chocolate for £5, smoky BBQ quesadillas for £10, a Vera Cruz burrito for £9.75 and Santa Fe Mex burger for £12.
Zocalo Birmingham can be found at 110 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1am.