Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Austin
  4. Austin
  5. Downtown
Entrées, main dishes and desserts - El Alma Cafe y Cantina, Austin, TX

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

4.8
4.8
989 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 27 times today
  • Neighbourhood 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 10:00–15:00 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
  • 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.

Featured in

Menu

Sopas Y Ensaladas

  • Nopalito SaladUS$9.00

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

    • Sopa AztecaUS$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 ParillaUS$19.00

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

        • Camarones a La PlanchaUS$23.00

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

          Rellenos

          • Shrimp & Crab RellenoUS$23.00

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

            • Duck RellenoUS$22.00

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

              Enchiladas

              • Veggie Verde EnchiladasUS$15.00

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

                • Enchiladas PlacerasUS$14.00

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

                  Tacos

                  • Shrimp Al PastorUS$4.50

                    Adobo shrimp, pineapple, slaw, avocado, lime

                    • VeggieUS$4.00

                      Mushrooms, onions, poblanos, queso fresco, avocado

                      Last updated: 3 February 2022

                      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

                      Diners' Choice Awards

                      • Austin

                        Neighbourhood gem

                      • Austin

                        Mexican

                      • Austin

                        Neighbourhood 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

                      1. 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?

                      2. 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?

                      3. Jennifer

                        Austin

                        3 reviews

                        4.0

                        3 reviews

                        Dined on 26 December 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?

                      4. nancyg

                        Amarillo

                        2 reviews

                        5.0

                        2 reviews

                        Dined on 22 December 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?

                      5. maren

                        VIP

                        Austin

                        66 reviews

                        5.0

                        66 reviews

                        Dined on 19 December 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?

                      6. Tricia

                        VIP

                        Austin

                        10 reviews

                        5.0

                        10 reviews

                        Dined on 15 December 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?

                      7. Oscar

                        Austin

                        1 review

                        5.0

                        1 review

                        Dined on 9 December 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?

                      8. Beth

                        Houston

                        1 review

                        4.0

                        1 review

                        Dined on 8 December 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?

                      9. Beth

                        VIP

                        Austin

                        4 reviews

                        5.0

                        4 reviews

                        Dined on 6 December 2024

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

                        Is this helpful?

                      10. Katrina

                        Austin

                        16 reviews

                        5.0

                        16 reviews

                        Dined on 4 December 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 booking

                      2 people
                      19:00
                      Booked 27 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 Lot
                      • Payment Options
                        AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                      • Executive Chef
                        Alma Alcocer
                      • Additional
                        Bar Dining, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

                      Featured in

                      Discover
                      OpenTable
                      • About Us
                      • Blog
                      • Careers
                      More
                      Our sites
                      Businesses
                      • Delight more diners
                      • Restaurant Blog
                      Join us on
                      • Privacy policy
                      • Terms of Use
                      • Impressum
                      • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                      • Cookie Preferences
                      Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
                      OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                      Booking Logo
                      Priceline Logo
                      KAYAK Logo
                      Agoda Logo
                      OpenTable Logo