El Alma Cafe y Cantina

4.8

989 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 10, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 28 times today

Neighborhood gem
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

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

12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves

What 989 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Austin
Neighborhood gem
Austin
Mexican
Austin
Neighborhood gem
Austin
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Alma Cafe y Cantina offers "fantastic food" and "amazing service," with standout duck enchiladas and watermelon margaritas. The vibrant ambiance and attentive staff make it a "great place for a Birthday celebration." Enjoy brunch or happy hour on their beautiful patio, alongside delicious cocktails.

989 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ryder was an absolutely amazing server! He anticipated our needs and MET them! The food and drinks were amazing as well! Definitely will be back soon!
Is this helpful?
B
Beth
Austin
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our daughter chose El Alma for her 4th birthday dinner. Everyone was so kind and helpful. They made both my kids feel special. Our server, Joe, was awesome. The food was great and a great value. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Austin
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I made a reservation. When I gave them my name, they said I didn’t have a reservation at this location, maybe I had made it at the South. They said that was fine they could clean a table and seat us. This was embarrassing in front of the people I came with. I pulled up the confirmation text that showed the location. The hostess shrugged and said yeah it was this location. If it had been another time of day when it was busy this could have been a problem.
Is this helpful?
n
nancyg
Amarillo
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
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?
m
maren
VIP
Austin
66 reviews
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and great cocktails, always a good spot!
Is this helpful?
T
Tricia
VIP
Austin
10 reviews
5.0
10 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?
O
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?
B
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?
B
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?
K
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.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is rated 4.8 stars by 989 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 10, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 28 times today

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

Website
http://www.elalmacafe.com/
Phone number
(512) 609-8923
Catering
For caterings email us at catering@elalmacafe.com.

Featured in

12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves

Menu

Sopas Y Ensaladas

Nopalito Salad$9.00

Sopa Azteca$8.00

Especialidades

Pollo a La Parilla$19.00

Camarones a La Plancha$23.00

Rellenos

Shrimp & Crab Relleno$23.00

Duck Relleno$22.00

Enchiladas

Veggie Verde Enchiladas$15.00

Enchiladas Placeras$14.00

Tacos

Shrimp Al Pastor$4.50

Veggie$4.00

What 989 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is El Alma Cafe y Cantina restaurant rated?

Is El Alma Cafe y Cantina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves