Birria Ramen // Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau
It may not be easy serving food in the same space as several other restaurants. But in the rear lefthand corner of Insider Food Hall, Las Catrinas De Rosy more than holds its own amongst the cluster of local eateries.
The taqueria officially began in March 2020 in Baldwin County. In a month and year that most consider to be the worst time to open a restaurant, the new business used the chaotic lack of normalcy — and the allure of authentic Mexican offerings — to its advantage. Owner Rosy Gallardo had been making her Mexican dishes for years, had shared her recipes with friends and knew people liked what she cooked. “I started doing tacos and other things, and people wanted more. I started making the kesabirria and it was the most popular,” says Gallardo. “I think I’m the first one who started selling those in Baldwin County.”
Since then, the restaurant has grown to have locations in Silverhill, Daphne and, most recently, Mobile. The Insider Food Hall spot opened in September 2023, the first venture across the Bay. Gallardo’s adult children are involved with every location. They also have a devoted clientele. Patrons across all locations have collectively dubbed certain dishes fan favorites. The kesabirria, a grilled beef-and-cheese taco served with consomme, is a clear front-runner. “When we first began, I started with 10 pounds, 20 pounds of birria every two days,” says Gallardo. “Now, I use 60 pounds in a day for each location.” At the Insider Food Hall, as with their other locations, the food is made fresh right after you order it. Handmade tortillas, an array of slow-cooked and marinated meats, fresh toppings, and quick and friendly service makes Las Catrinas a must-visit for the Downtown crowd on lunch breaks or to grab a quick bite.
While most restaurant owners are understandably protective of their recipes, Gallardo is not a secret keeper, having shared her recipes with friends and family. “But I can tell you that no one is going to do it quite like me,” she adds with a smile. “It’s like anything. You have the recipe, you’re going to make it, but it turns out differently with each person.” That’s the magic and her own special touch to her namesake taqueria. For best results, head Downtown.
On the Menu
Kesabirria
Kesabirria
Slow-cooked beef is covered in melty cheese and wrapped in a warm homemade tortilla that is seared flat-top style. Dip in the rich signature consomme and you’ll see why it’s a bestseller.
Loaded Fries
Mexican-American fusion never tasted so good. Crispy fries are piled high with your choice of protein, melted cheese, jalapeno slices, tomato and lettuce, and finished off with a dollop of sour cream.
Street Tacos
The options for these authentic Mexican favorites are endless. Fill a corn or flour taco with your choice of steak, marinated pork, shredded beef, fried pork, shrimp, chicken…don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Flour Puffy Tacos
There are hard-shell tacos and then there are puffy tacos. Airy and delicious, fried flour tortillas are stuffed with beef or chicken, pico de gallo, lettuce and crema.
Birria Ramen
Perfect for cold days, tender birria is served in a brothy ramen packed with a kick of heat. Diced onions and cilantro lend
a freshness to the spicy flavors.
Las Catrinas De Rosy • 518 Dauphin St. • 721-1119 • Mon, Wed, Thu 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri – Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun 11 am. – 8 p.m.
