Chilacas

I just popped in here for a quick snack whilst waiting in town before an appointment, as it’s super quick.
The ‘restaurant’ is small, Mexican style and cosy looking. It essentially does nachos, burritos, tacos and ‘naked burritos’ (no tortilla). You pick your ‘base’, your filling or topping (think Mexican chicken, pulled beef, pulled pork, beans etc) and the sauce or toppings, they assemble it for you and you’re done. I had nachos with beef, which were pretty standard, although I appreciated being able to specify exactly what and how much of each topping I wanted. The beef was good too, proper beef, not mince. I had mine with a small glass of wine, which was a nice one.
I liked the atmosphere here and the service was very very friendly and upbeat. It’s just a burrito bar really, but I like them!

Chilacas had been on my ‘to munch’ list for quite a while before I finally visited on Hallowe’en night, needing to grab a bite to eat en route to the cinema. I knew what to expect — build-​your-​own burritos, tacos and other assorted Mexican ‘street food’ — but I was pleasantly surprised by the place.
Had to queue up for a while behind assorted ghouls and ghosties as staff seemed in the midst of a barrage of drink orders (think there was a 2 beers for £5 offer) but in the end the service was friendly and quick. I went for a spicy beef burrito, with rice and beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, jalapenos and chili sauce and it was really tasty. The burrito was absolutely stuffed with generous helpings of my chosen toppings.
To drink I went for a soft drink, which came with a bottomless refill option.
All in all, a good place to grab something tasty and really filling if you’re on the go in or around Brindleyplace.

So after watching a movie just about Cuban Food Truck (chef) I had to go get me something close to what I seen for almost two hours. I don’t know any Cuban restaurants or food trucks, this is closest I can think of
I’ve been here before, but it’s been over a year. Menu is very simple and very well laid out in steps (similar ordering process as Subway) I had a burrito with every topping, that’s how hungry I was after two hours of torture. The lady that served me was very good and polite. I’ll give an extra rating anywhere for service even if food was bad. And this place was great. Within few minutes I was enjoying my Burrito.
I would’ve liked if my burrito was a little warm, but didn’t ruin it. Was delicious and will pop in before movie sometime. Seems like perfect movie snack. Forgot to take photo, realised after last bite.

Post wine soak up!
Love this little Mexican place. Great for a quick ‘pit-​stop’ and re-​fuel.
also, 2−4−1 with a Tastecard:)

Even I don’t need too much reason (or excuse) to go for some Mexican food, but it took me a while to visit Chilacas.
The fact is, Chilacas offers street food (to eat in or away) but as soon as you enter in the place, you want to stay for a couple more hours there. I Enjoying your food and drinks, music or even a nice conversation with the staff. At least, it was like this with me.
The plan was grabbing a burritos and a couple of beers before start drinking in the Brindley place area. But the atmosphere at Chilacas is so inviting that it became a dinner out.
Food is very straight forward. Chose your filling and sauce and it’s practically in your table. I confess I would choose nachos or something a bit less heavy to eat late in the evening, but I can’t complain about the quality of the food at Chilacas. It was delicious. I got the traditional one and just loved the food presentation, in a basket. Reminds me the old «boteco food» of bars in Brazil. Something simple but tasty!
There are some places in Birmingham when you can grab a good Mexican as well, but Chilacas has a good vibe and for the price of the food I felt quite satisfied. As Mexican beer is one of my favourites, I had a good selection to try as well.
The Manager was so friendly that we ended up being the last ones to leave the place. I was tempted to check the area upstairs in the bar because I have the feeling that in the summer, this place– which is not spacious– would be packed. Next time, maybe!

So, I am a big fan of Burrito’s. And Beer. As such, I was recommended by many a Unilocaler to check this place out.
Brindley Place is not somewhere I would normally venture. It’s a little bit… Towny and Preppy (unlike Broad Street which is Studenty and a bit… hate to use the term, but Chavvy) for my liking, but I believe this place has now given me a reason to head this way more often.
As I approached it, I could feel the metaphorical sunshine already with the bright and colorful exterior and the cheerful looking van outside. As I entered I was asked whether I had been before and talked through the menu and the process. +1 for Customer Service! I was also talked through the special offers of the day, which was great for helping me to make a decision on what I was having.
I chose a particularly good day to visit as all of the staff were dressed up «Dias de Los Muertes» style and were bouncing about and scaring each other. This added to the happy and fun atmosphere the store is obviously trying (successfully) to foster.
I went for a grilled chicken burrito with EVERYTHING on it. The tortillas were soft and tasty, the grilled vegetables were flavorful and the guacamole was lovely. I even had a cheeky beer with my meal and the whole thing came to around £8. Not bad! They do Student offers, drinks offers and all sorts throughout the week; so do your research if you’re a bit strapped but want to give it a go.
The beer selection is pretty good too. I counted at least 4 different Mexican beers on the menu (as well as soft drinks, obviously) and all fairly reasonably priced. Their special offer for the week was 2 bottles for a fiver, which isn’t to be sniffed at.
It lost one * as it was quite small and a little cold inside. I wouldn’t go here for a date or a meal, but it’s a must as a pitstop for a quick fast food hit.

This was my go to after work late night food haunt when I worked in Brindley Place.
The staff are still up for a bit of banter at 1 in the morning, even if the beans for your burrito are a bit dried out by then.
I imagine the food is even better at a normal dinner time, but it’s by no means bad especially when you’re starving after a long night at work.
Saying this I’d still pick Bodega over here every time for my Mexican fix.

This place is working hard to replicate a Chipotle burrito cantina. They put a lot of effort in the styling and service department which I always appreciate. This place is located in a perfect spot to take advantage of all the night life buzzing around.
Burritos are great, I like the assembly line approach, and I love a nice Mexican beer with my burrito!

If burritos, tacos, nachos and other South American fare are your thing, then this is a first port of call. This is a great early evening choice with a good selection of options delivered in a fun and friendly manner. The staff are welcoming and really want you to have a good time, and I did.
Great food done in a cool way! Good alcohol options too :)
Birmingham is going great guns on the whole burrito/​fusion style thing with the likes of Wrap Chic and Habanero as well, so great to see these guys doing their thing really well too!
Recommended.

The new kid on the back as far as fast, quality food goes is doing great guns.
As with other reviewers, we were greeted before we even chose to go in so they are as hungry for business as I was post cinema visit.
You choose what you want from the meats, the fillings and sauces and a few minutes later, exactly what you fancy arrives in front of you. Mine came by the time I’d decided on my beer and finished paying so they have that down to a fine art. The seats downstairs get filled quickly and I’m not sure if there is seating upstairs but there is outside.
One note, no matter what they say, sauce 2 is hot! (and I can take it hot)
Try it and see!

I had been itching to try this place since it opened and the opportunity arose on a Friday evening.
What an awesome place! I had barely stepped through the door when a friendly member of staff greeted us and showed us to a table. We were asked whether we had been here before, and as we hadn’t the menu and ordering process was explained.
There are a variety of Mexican options to choose from whether it be tacos, nachos or burritos. You then choose your filing and sauce (not too spicy for me please!) and then any other extras such jalapeños and tortilla chips. Once you have decided what to eat, you then go up to the counter place your order and then watch your burrito or whatever it may be made infront of you, whilst being asked if you would like any extras such as cheese, salad and sauces on top.
I treated myself to a cocktail in a mug which appears to be all the rage lately and a burrito with spicy beef and garlic and herb dressing. The burrito was filling and so tasty. Perfect!
The staff were friendly, welcoming and fun and clearly enjoyed working there. They also checked we were enjoying the food on a couple of occasions.
We were also given a loyalty card and 20% off our next visit.
If you love Mexican food or want to try something different — GO! This is Mexican street food at its best and I shall be returning.

I recently discovered Chilacas one Saturday night while stumbling (from triedness and not drunkeness I assure you) around Brindley Place. And my eyes lit up. I don’t know what I was more surprised about. Another new Burrito place. Something I have wished for more in Birmingham. Or then fact it was still open past midnight!
Now I had just been out for a meal that night so it would have been highly unfair to pay Chilacas then. So being the the good Unilocaler I am (allegedly) I decided to make a visit for my Sunday lunch.
On my arrival I found the shop to be empty. always a bad sign but come on. Where do you find most people late on a Sunday morning?!
I love the inside of Chilacas. It’s like being transported to a South American burrito shack. Really! I especially liked all the little Cactus lying around. On one side there is a metal roofing plate which creates an authentic atmosphere.
There was also plenty of seating which created a cosy feel. Although small inside, it would be the sort of place to get a quite bite and carry on your nights activities. Or a way to cap the night. It’s open late enough!
There was plenty of choice of burrito fillings amongst other things if you are not feeling in a burrito mood. Included in the menu was nachos with various toppings, which I know will appeal to people who want to eat something a bit light.
And you know I never like to forget my veggies and vegans. Options are possible for both on inspection of the menu!
I chose the Roast Chipolote Chargilled Chicken which clocked it at a modest £5.25 and had some delicious Tortilla chips thrown in for free. I like to think I have that affect on people. ;)
The customer has the option of various sauces. I went for the Roast Chipolote. Word of warning. It was listed as medium heat but I thought it was hotter than that in my opinion. On my next visit I will go for a different sauce for sure.
The Chicken was perfect and exactly how grilled Chicken to be. Soft and not dry which crumbled into my mouth.
Chilacas also sells many cocktails with promotions which i know will appeal to you drinkers out there! I also spotted a shiny coffee machine that I am itching to sample!
This is a welcome addition to the area and provides a much better option than all those dubious fast food shops on Broad Street!