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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
976 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Vegetarian-friendly
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
    Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am -3:00pm; Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm; Friday - Saturday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm; Happy Hour: Every Day: 3:00pm - 6:00pm;
  • 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 info@elalmacafe.com.
  • 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

What 976 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Austin

    Mexican

  • Austin

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Alma Cafe y Cantina shines with "great food" and a "wonderful atmosphere." Guests rave about attentive service and "fantastic" happy hour specials. The "exceptional" margaritas and authentic Austin vibe make it a favorite. Enjoy the beautiful patio for a memorable dining experience with standout dishes like duck enchiladas and shrimp relleno.

976 Reviews
  1. Shana

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    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!

    Is this helpful?

  2. 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?

  3. Matthew

    Austin

    11 reviews

    vip
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place for a Birthday celebration. The waitstaff is good.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lauren

    DO NOT USE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great ranch water. Beautiful building!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Steve

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really enjoy this place. The pork taco was delicious. The duck taco was dry. Will be back when it is cool enough to sit on the roof.

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  7. barry

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was stellar, food even better. The duck enchiladas with mole was one of the best things I’ve ever had!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Amy

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved our meal and our server! Perfect before heading to a show at the Long Center.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kim

    Austin

    198 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    198 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and service! Happy hour appetizers are an excellent value. Live the empanadas

    Is this helpful?

  10. Justus

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It a slightly nicer casual spot. I enjoyed the enchiladas.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is rated 4.7 stars by 976 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 15 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
    Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am -3:00pm; Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm; Friday - Saturday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm; Happy Hour: Every Day: 3:00pm - 6:00pm;
  • 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
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