Birmingham Eats – Taco Mama & Green Valley Drugs

Friday was a horrible day for both B and I — work was horrible and the only thing that was going to save it was Mexican food – some queso and some tacos.  Yes, I still eat queso even though I know it’s on the pregnancy watch list.  Sometimes a girl’s just gotta have some cheese dip.

Anyway, we had heard about Taco Mama over in Mountain Brook and wanted to try it out.  We got there at family o’clock, and the place was packed out.  We waited in line for a little bit, got up to order and then found a high top table against the side of the restaurant.  I drooled over some of their cocktails as our queso came out.  The queso was queso.  Wasn’t anything spectacular — it definitely cured the craving though.

B and I both got tacos — I got the grilled chicken ones and B got a mixture of a beefy cheesy one and a fish one.  Mine were not seasoned at all, and the only thing that saved them was putting the salsa on top.  Their salsa was one thing that was really good.  B said his beefy cheesy thing was good, but nothing he couldn’t have done at the house, and his fish taco was really fishy.  All in all, with the atmosphere (I know at some point I’m going to have to get over the kids everywhere, screaming and my hatred for Mountain Brook, but not yet dammit), it was just someplace I don’t think we’ll have to go back to.  Life is too short to not eat the best tacos (which we’re pretty convinced are at San Miguel in Homewood).

On Saturday, after running around all day, we had decided on Publix for a sub (yep, I also eat deli meat — listeria be damned), but they had run out of bread.  After a bout of pregnant lady tears, because I really wanted one, B suggest Green Valley Drugs up on the hill next to Publix in Hoover.

And it was probably the best decision ever.  It’s a little soda shoppe that serves the greasiest of yummy food.  They had an entire menu ranging from cheeseburgers (which only the owner and meat people know the mixture of beef) to pimiento cheese sandwiches and egg sandwiches.  We sat right next to the milkshake machine, so every time there was a little extra it got thrown our way.  Their vanilla shake was so good.  B and I both got cheeseburgers and split some fries — the vegetables on the burgers were so fresh and so good.  And you can tell the difference between a good tomato and a bad tomato, and these were definitely good tomatoes.

The service was incredible — We got Melissa when we were there, and much to our dismay, she isn’t going to be there much longer.  They were so friendly, and their food was so good, I was actually kind of glad that Publix ran out of bread.

If you’re ever in need of a delicious cheeseburger and milkshake and in the Hoover area, definitely check this place out.  I know that B and I will be back for sure.