Birmingham’s newest Mexican restaurant is scheduled to open this weekend, conjuring up an ambiance of nostalgia while serving familiar, classic dishes.

The El Royale Cafe is scheduled to open Saturday, May 24, at 2910 6th Ave. S., the spot formerly occupied by Carrigan’s Beer Garden.

The eatery was modeled on the kind of staple, old-school Mexican establishments one might find in Texas or Southern California, where many evenings have been spent in elegant dining.

But instead of weathered booths and vintage carpeting, diners will find a brand new mix of muted lighting and accents, a dining area which offers intimacy and warmth, and simple but satisfying meals.

Miller Mobley, a photographer and entrepreneur, said he was looking to create a place where diners could engage in an evening and find that hours had suddenly passed.

“We were fortunate to find a unique space that not only serves as a perfect canvas for indoor dining but also allows us to create a sprawling outdoor garden,” he said earlier this year.

“After all, who wouldn’t want to spend summer days sipping ice-cold margaritas under the shade of a tree, accompanied by the sound of a garden fountain?”

Mobley founded his development company MAP with Carter Hughes, the force behind H2 Real Estate / Hughes Capital Partners. MAP is a real estate development and hospitality firm incorporating design under the same umbrella.

While the look of the restaurant will conjure up the nightspots Mobley referenced, he describes the menu as Tex-Mex staples “that always seem to hit the spot.”

The building allows for a large-format dining experience, inside and outside, and can host large-scale events or private gatherings.

The design will allow a varied experience throughout the restaurant, wherever diners are seated.