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

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

4.8
4.8
1003 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 35 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
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 10:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00 Dinner Daily 15:00–22:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:00–18:00
  • Phone number
    (512) 609-8923
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Alma Alcocer
  • Catering
    For caterings email us at catering@elalmacafe.com.
  • Area
    Downtown
  • Cross Street
    Dawson
  • Parking details
    Private Parking
  • 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

What 1,003 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Austin

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Austin

    Mexican

  • Austin

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Austin

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Alma Cafe y Cantina is a lively spot with "outstanding food," "great margaritas," and a "festive atmosphere." Diners rave about its "authentic Mexican flavors" and "exceptional service." Despite occasional noise, the "beautiful patio" and "unique menu" make it a top choice for both locals and visitors in Austin.

1,003 Reviews
  1. Amber VIP

    Omaha6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    You can never go wrong with El Alma!! One of our favorite go-to spots. Personally love the chicken tinga tacos- they’re perfection every time!!! Drinks, food, and service are always top notch!!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Austin2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always fresh, delicious food served up by a capable and customer oriented staff.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Houston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and drinks! Service was good and accommodating.

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  4. travis

    Austin4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Been there many times and we really love it. It’s one of those places that makes me feel like the Austin I knew decades ago. We usually go to the one on BS’s. My wife and I eat out at least four nights a week and El Alma and Manuel’s are two of the best interior Mexican in town. I’ve always had a great experience at this restaurant. A must if you’re looking for something special in ATX.

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  5. Steven

    Austin5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 20 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Food is great. A little bit packed and noisy for my taste, but totally worth it.

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  6. Steve VIP

    Austin31 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s a fun and friendly place to enjoy uncomplicated Mexican cuisine. I’ve enjoyed attentive service every time I came, and the food never disappoints. When the weather is nice, I highly recommend the patio. It’s an oasis.

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  7. Debbie VIP

    Austin10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First time at El Alma and it was fantastic. Service was exceptional and the food was next level good! Already booked another reservation and will bring friends! Buen Provecho!

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  8. Thomas

    Austin7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 5 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always outstanding whether it's one of the specialty entree plates or going with Tacos Ala carte (The Pato duck taco is my fav). The Cocktails are stellar, especially the Blood and Smoke! My favorite destination for out of town guests for an excellent Austin experience.

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  9. Marcela

    Austin2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 26 January 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Very good food and different dishes, but service and attention to detail could improve, for instance, to start we order coffee, and we had to ask separately after waiting several minutes for sugar and then also for spoons, which is basic table setup, cocktails also took a while, we were not asked if we wanted another, we asked coffee refill, never got it, food was good and our waiter was polite but these basic things could improve. It was an average experience.

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  10. Christian VIP

    Austin4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 26 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    the duck enchiladas with green mole is amazing! The service was great, and margaritas are fantastic

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is rated 4.8 stars by 1003 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 35 times today
Google Map for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Dawson
  • Area
    Downtown
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00 Dinner Daily 15:00–22:00 Happy Hour Daily 15:00–18:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Parking
  • 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
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