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Entrées, main dishes and desserts - El Alma Cafe y Cantina, Austin, TX

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

4.7
4.7
984 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 14 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Charming
Patio seating is first come first serve. Reservations are for indoor dining room only.

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is vibrant, homespun take on the authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Alma Alcocer prepares food as she would cook for you in her home.


"It"s fun, flavorful Mexican food that is very approachable. It's a casual, authentic representation of the food I grew up eating." - Chef Alma

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (512) 609-8923
  • Website
    http://www.elalmacafe.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Alma Alcocer
  • Catering
    For caterings email us at catering@elalmacafe.com.
  • Location
    1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Dawson
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Sopas Y Ensaladas

  • Nopalito Salad$9.00

    Tender cactus, avocado, pico, queso fresco, roasted pumpkin seeds, corn tortillas

    • Sopa Azteca$8.00

      Ancho and chipotle chile spiced tomato soup with chicken, tortilla strips, avocado, corn, crema, queso fresco, cilantro. Sopa Choices: Chiquita, Grande ($2)

      Especialidades

      • Pollo a La Parilla$19.00

        Grilled chicken breast, chipotle tomato salsa, caramelized onions, queso panela, spiced crispy papitas

        • Camarones a La Plancha$23.00

          Shrimp sauteed in garlic ancho butter. corn slaw, avocado, white rice

          Rellenos

          • Shrimp & Crab Relleno$23.00

            Poblano stuffed with shrimp, lump crab, panela cheese, and spinach. Chipotle tomato salsa, crema. Corn pudding, slaw, queso fresco

            • Duck Relleno$22.00

              Poblano stuffed with roasted shredded duck. chipotle tomato salsa, crema, almonds, escabeche onions, white rice

              Enchiladas

              • Veggie Verde Enchiladas$15.00

                spinach, mushrooms, rajas, smoky tomatillo salsa, raw hemp seeds, white rice, black beans

                • Enchiladas Placeras$14.00

                  jack cheese, chipotle tomato salsa, caramelized onions, crema, white rice, refritos

                  Tacos

                  • Shrimp Al Pastor$4.50

                    Adobo shrimp, pineapple, slaw, avocado, lime

                    • Veggie$4.00

                      Mushrooms, onions, poblanos, queso fresco, avocado

                      Last updated: February 3, 2022

                      What 984 people are saying

                      Overall ratings and reviews

                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                      4.7
                      4.7 based on recent ratings
                      • 4.6Food
                      • 4.7Service
                      • 4.6Ambience
                      • 4.6Value

                      Noise • Moderate

                      Loved For

                      • Austin

                        Best Value

                      • Austin

                        Mexican

                      • Austin

                        Best Value

                      • Austin

                        Mexican

                      Review summary

                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                      El Alma Cafe y Cantina offers a delightful dining experience with standout service and a diverse menu. Guests rave about the "fantastic food," especially the enchiladas and "delicious cocktails," like the watermelon margarita. The ambiance, particularly the rooftop patio, adds charm, making it "one of my favorite places" in Austin.

                      984 Reviews

                      1. nancyg

                        Amarillo

                        2 reviews

                        5.0

                        2 reviews

                        Dined 1 day ago

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        The food is unique and delicious. The menu selection was great. We had a family of 4 plus a children in a hi chair and we were accommodated with ease. Love the upstairs patio, especially for happy hour. We always go there when there is an event at Palmer.

                        Is this helpful?

                      2. Tricia

                        VIP

                        Austin

                        9 reviews

                        5.0

                        9 reviews

                        Dined on December 15, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Great atmosphere, service and food! The shrimp enchiladas were amazing!

                        Is this helpful?

                      3. Oscar

                        Austin

                        1 review

                        5.0

                        1 review

                        Dined on December 9, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        The food was delicious and the setting is great. The staff was also exceptional and helpful. Thanks!

                        Is this helpful?

                      4. Beth

                        Houston

                        1 review

                        4.0

                        1 review

                        Dined on December 8, 2024

                        1. Overall 4
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 4
                        The food was amazing! Sercice was spotty despite it not being crowded st all.

                        Is this helpful?

                      5. Beth

                        VIP

                        Austin

                        4 reviews

                        5.0

                        4 reviews

                        Dined on December 6, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Great food and service!! Loved the mezcal Amarás!

                        Is this helpful?

                      6. Katrina

                        Austin

                        16 reviews

                        5.0

                        16 reviews

                        Dined on December 4, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 4
                        3. Service 4
                        4. Ambience 4
                        The Sangria Blanca was delicious! I had the create your own enchiladas and the Tinga chicken was delicious and tender.

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                      7. Keith

                        Austin

                        1 review

                        5.0

                        1 review

                        Dined on November 22, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Great experience all around - beautiful day to sit outside and our server was super nice!!

                        Is this helpful?

                      8. Shana

                        Los Angeles

                        3 reviews

                        5.0

                        3 reviews

                        Dined on November 16, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Liam (age 7) says this was the best place we ate at all trip and we don’t disagree. The hostess was so lovely and the server was equally nice and attentive. The food was excelllent, loved the steak and sides. Ample portions!

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                      9. Nancy

                        London

                        6 reviews

                        5.0

                        6 reviews

                        Dined on November 11, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 5
                        4. Ambience 5
                        Fantastic!! The yummiest food and great ambiance! The staff were the best!! Definitely going back before the holiday is over.

                        Is this helpful?

                      10. Matthew

                        VIP

                        Austin

                        11 reviews

                        5.0

                        11 reviews

                        Dined on November 10, 2024

                        1. Overall 5
                        2. Food 5
                        3. Service 3
                        4. Ambience 5
                        An excellent stop, especially on brunch weekends. Chips and salsas (you receive two at your table) are great, and our go-to enchiladas are fanastic, perfectly portioned.

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                      FAQs

                      El Alma Cafe y Cantina is rated 4.7 stars by 984 OpenTable diners.

                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                      Make a reservation

                      2 people
                      7:00 PM
                      Booked 14 times today
                      Google Map for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

                      1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

                      Additional information

                      • Cross street
                        Dawson
                      • Neighborhood
                        Downtown
                      • Hours of operation
                        Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
                      • Price
                        $30 and under
                      • Cuisines
                        Mexican
                      • Dining style
                        Casual Dining
                      • Dress code
                        Casual Dress
                      • Parking details
                        Private Lot
                      • Payment options
                        AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                      • Executive chef
                        Alma Alcocer
                      • Additional
                        Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

                      Featured in

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