El Alma Cafe y Cantina Reviews List

Dined on 5/18/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"For how busy this place was the service was FANTASTIC!!! Fantastic FOOD!!! It was loud but really you dont care with the best margaritas and service:)"

Dined on 5/18/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 2 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Great food and strong drinks

Dined on 5/17/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I enjoyed my time at Alma. The server was great, I made a reservation and did not wait very long for the table. The drinks were amazingly strong but really good. The only recommendation I would have for them is to had fans or misters for the patio."

Dined on 5/17/2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem

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Review 3 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great for vegetarians

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We enjoyed two really tasty salsas with the chips. Everyone in our party was vegetarian and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. There is a big selection of items for vegetarians there. The chile relleno was probably the best I've had in town. The mushroom empanadas and the plantain side dish were unique and addictive. The vegetarian enchiladas were also fantastic. Friendly service too."

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly

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Review 4 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

New Foodie to Austin

Dined on 5/05/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Had Friends in from out of town. Met with mutual friends here in Austin, which made for a large party for lunch. Service was very good. Group gave high compliments on the food. Parking was very difficult."

Dined on 5/05/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 5 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

1374 miles for a Margarita you bet!

Dined on 5/01/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I travel quite a bit writh my career and I make it a point to try and experience everything a city has to offer in terms of local cuisine: life is too short for Chain restaurants is my mantra. I am a sucker for outstanding southwestern and Mexican cuisine and El Alma Cafe y Cantina popped up on OpenTable as a local gem to tr,y so I did just that and boy am I glad I did so. The homemade salsas were outstanding, the chips light crunchy and fresh (no oily aftertaste or excess film what so ever). My meal, Camaron Relleno, was to die for. Exceptionally well seasoned and portioned the meal was perfect from taste to presentation (and I don't say that too often) . The El Alma Skinny Margarita was the best Margarita I have ever had in the US."

Dined on 5/01/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 6 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

We came for a graduation dinner

Dined on 04/26/2013

Dined on 04/26/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We came for a graduation dinner and I asked for a nice table with a view for the special occasion. They sat us inside in the middle of the dining room full of children, so we aksed for another table which they found very quickly. The new table was perfect, I just thought it was odd that the reservation page asked for special request then the host never even looked at it. Other than that the evening was great. Thank you, Erin"

Dined on 04/26/2013

2013

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Review 7 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

a front desk needs a better

Dined on 04/26/2013

2006

Dined on 04/26/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"a front desk needs a better and more customer-friendly service."

Dined on 04/26/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 8 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had great drinks, appetizers

Dined on 04/19/2013

Dined on 04/19/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Had great drinks, appetizers and dessert at happy hour. Service was top notch. Interior dining can be a bit on the noisy side, but pleasant dining and bar area. Deck dining is delightful. Food has been excellent every time we've gone there, as has been the service. Make a reservation for weekends as it's a small venue and fills quickly."

Dined on 04/19/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 9 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A Great Alternative to the Standard

Dined on 04/22/2013

2011

Dined on 04/22/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This was my first visit to El Alma Cafe y Cantina, but it won't be my last. We had grown a bit tired of the standard Tex/Mex fare around the area and found El Alma to provide a great respite from the routine. While there is not a doubt that you are in a Mexican restaurant, the food is so much more interesting. We sampled the Ceveche which was absolutely delightful. My wife had a pair of tacos one with chicken and the other with shrimp. Both were scrumptious. I tried the crab stuffed jalapeno peppers. Our server warned me that they could be a little spicy. The peppers were spicy, but the crab stuffing had a moderating affect which really made for a pleasant experience."

Dined on 04/22/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 10 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We brought a group of 12 in

Dined on 04/20/2013

Dined on 04/20/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We brought a group of 12 in and had no issues with the large group. Between the food and service, I can't give enough praise.

The food was fantastic, as were the cocktails."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 11 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Been here many times. Always

Dined on 04/15/2013

2009

Dined on 04/15/2013

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Been here many times. Always good food. The cream of corn soup is always delicious. So is the Spinach enchiladas. Wine list is not bad, passable. Service is hit or miss. We started with one waitress then had another waiter serve us. But food was delivered promptly although drinks took a long time even though all we ordered was one glass of wine and one michelada for which the beer comes in a bottle.
Sitting outside is always wonderful. Parking can be dicey but we got lucky that evening and found good parking immediately. Will go again but not too soon."

Dined on 04/15/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 12 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

We always enjoy the food at

Dined on 04/14/2013

2010

Dined on 04/14/2013

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We always enjoy the food at El Alma. The corn & poblano chowder with crab added is delicious. Love the flour tortilla chips served with some of the appetizers. They are sturdy with a nice crunch. The house frozen margaritas pack a punch. Tried the ear of corn this time - amazing. Nicely serviced with a knife to cut off the kernels and the husk partially left on to hold while cutting. The dining room is too loud when it's full to eat there so we go at an off time or eat outside."

Dined on 04/14/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 13 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Love El Alma. The food is

Dined on 04/09/2013

Dined on 04/09/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Love El Alma. The food is always fabulous. I love the roof top dining. You feel like your on vacation!"

Dined on 04/09/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining

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Review 14 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great new find for us! We

Dined on 04/12/2013

2008

Dined on 04/12/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great new find for us! We loved the food and the outdoor upper deck."

Dined on 04/12/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot

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Review 15 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

overpriced, under portioned.

Dined on 04/13/2013

Dined on 04/13/2013

2013

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"overpriced, under portioned. uninspired presentation. Our food looked like it had been covered in tomato soup, literally drowned in it. 15.95 for a 5oz cicken breast and new potatoes. That's all! No veggie, no color no garnish. Will never go back."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2013

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Review 16 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I was celebrating my bachelor

Dined on 03/30/2013

Dined on 03/30/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was celebrating my bachelor party with 10 of my friends and we had a great time. The food was amazing."

Dined on 03/30/2013

2012

Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view

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Review 17 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing Food! Great Energy.

Dined on 03/30/2013

Dined on 03/30/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We started out here for a quick dinner before going to see a performance at the Long Center. This place is perfect for a date night or meeting a group. The drinks are good and the margarita was made fresh, the only thing in my glass that came from a bottle was the tequila. If the weather is nice, I would recommend going upstairs to the patio."

Dined on 03/30/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot

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Review 18 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

I was more hopeful for a new

Dined on 03/25/2013

2010

Dined on 03/25/2013

2010

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was more hopeful for a new Mexacan food experience. The sauces were bland. I had the Drum, my wife the Duck relleno. The drum texture was nice, but all flavor was absent. My wife liked the duck meat, but the relleno was also flat on taste. The bill was $50 without alcohol. Too high for this quality of food. Won't go back"

Dined on 03/25/2013

2010

Special Features: hot spot

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Review 19 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The tomatillo sauce is wonderful.

Dined on 03/20/2013

2011

Dined on 03/20/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The tomatillo sauce is wonderful."

Dined on 03/20/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 20 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Not this resaurant's finest hour

Dined on 03/10/2013

Dined on 03/10/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"This is a favorite, but their staff fell short on a recent visit. We planned to have dinner out on the excellent deck -- we took an out-of-town visitor there specifically because of that experience -- but upon our arrival we learned from the host that the restaurant, thinking summer started March 1, didn't order propane for the patio heaters. Foolish, especially since this fell on the first day of the SXSW conference here in Austin. The night was chilly and breezy, which of course meant everyone was dining inside, and it was so loud that it was impossible to have a conversation without plenty of repetition. Service, too, was spotty, as we were all given the wrong orders. But the food was excellent as always + I loved my shrimp salad."

Dined on 03/10/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot

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Review 21 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food is tasty. I like the

Dined on 03/08/2013

Dined on 03/08/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food is tasty. I like the small tacos. Margaritas are very good. Our waiter was very friendly and prompt. And the location is convenient to the Palmer Event Center and the Long Center. My only complaint is the noise level is high."

Dined on 03/08/2013

2012

Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Review 22 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Give your review a title (optional)

Dined on 03/05/2013

Dined on 03/05/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food was excellent. I also enjoy the Aguas Frescas. Try a combo of pineapple and cucumber. Surprisingly good. I'm looking forward to warmer weather to enjoy eating and drinking on the outdoor deck."

Dined on 03/05/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch

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Review 23 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love their margarita Chilanga!

Dined on 03/01/2013

Dined on 03/01/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Love their margarita Chilanga! Very good food & friendly service. Inside & outside seating is comfortable and service to both are great. This has become one of my favorites."

Dined on 03/01/2013

2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining

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Review 24 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great happy hour, weekends included

Dined on 02/24/2013

2010

Dined on 02/24/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Half-price appetizers, bargain drinks and a lovely patio make for a perfect happy hour spot. Love El Alma!"

Dined on 02/24/2013

2010

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch

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Review 25 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Really great food and knowledgeable

Dined on 02/23/2013

2007

Dined on 02/23/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Really great food and knowledgeable server! I will go again soon!"

Dined on 02/23/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 26 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had a delightful lunch there

Dined on 02/14/2013

2006

Dined on 02/14/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Had a delightful lunch there and one of my guests took friends to lunch there a couple of days later. Food was fabulous and service was outstanding!"

Dined on 02/14/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 27 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great for Margaritas!

Dined on 02/10/2013

2011

Dined on 02/10/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This was my first visit at El Alma Cafe and I was pleased with my experience. The food was great and the margaritas were exceptional. I side from its great location I decided to because the good reviews I read. We went to Alma for brunch the service was fast and hospitable. Although my main purpose was to try their food; I couldn’t stop staring the margaritas that other tables were ordering. Because I was so inquisitive I had to have one & may be two more after. I‘m not a margarita drinker, but they were delicious. For sure I’ll return just when the weather is more promising, so we can enjoy the out door patio."

Dined on 02/10/2013

2011

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, great for lunch

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Review 28 for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food. Second time at