El Alma Cafe Reviews

Had lunch special of 2 med-size crispy corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken, black beans and slaw. Really good. Came to 15 bucks w/tea. I'll be back.

If you can get a seat outside on the roof, do so. We enjoyed our drinks on the roof. Food was good too. Nice place on a good day.

We were in the area and based on reviews decided to give El Alma's a try. We will definitely be going back. The food was hot, fresh and authentic; the flavors very good and not your basic, run of the mill Mexican restaurant. Our servicer was friendly and the atmosphere very pleasant. Definitely worth the drive to get their. We found the prices to be extremely reasonable.

Came to Austin for a quick trip and decided to stay for early dinner with a long time friend ...... it was awesome. Funky little Mexican dive with an awesome rooftop patio. Tacos to die for ..... duck and lamb are fabulous! A must try!!!!

good service, friendly people. the food wasn't very good. the waiter recommended the duck tacos. I couldn't eat it. I'm not sure what they did to give it such a bad taste. the ceviche appetizer was good however. the menu tried to be clever and different but other than the ceviche, it didn't have anything that looked tempting to my taste.

You’ve got food truck Mexican and then you’ve got Alma’s Cafe which turns up the dial a tad on sophistication. You have to be able to climb some hefty stairs but the atmosphere sitting outside in the upstairs terrace was nice (could improve it with some background music) but the food even better. Being from Miami, I found the prices very reasonable - $12/dish for brunch menu: chilaquiles, juevos rancheros - plus $4 mango mimosas which were equally as delicious. Left us feeling more than full. Unlimited chips and salsa. Alcohol prices were comparable to any decent restaurant . Would highly recommend going early to avoid the crowds.

El Alma Cafe is an excellent restaurant. The food, location and service combine to make it a wonderful dining experience. This time we tried their video cooking class. They should stick to their dine-in service. We will not try any more of their video or classes.

I've been to El Alma a few times now. My favorite part of the restaurant is the fantastic location as I can walk to it. The food is good and the service is great. I recommend visiting this place and if not too hot, seat on the patio!

Excellent food. Great prices. Fun vibe. Friendly staff. No wonder this place is a favorite with locals. Make a reservation or you might be waiting a while.

This place was packed even on a Wednesday evening. Luckily, we had reservations what I would strongly recommend for dinner. Excellent Mexican food. The ceviche was out-of-this-world. Great and efficient service with very friendly waiters and waitresses. Great ambiance.

Great food, great service and a great location!! It was a very easy walk from our hotel, the Regency Hyatt. My daughter and I loved it!

The bar is wonderful with friendly and helpful bartenders who make fantastic margaritas. Food is generally wonderful but if you go with some frequency you'll find the kitchen has some off days. The view of downtown is fabulous!

We walked to El Alma from the Palmer Events Center last night. We sat upstairs and enjoyed the wonderful view. The heatlamps were on, so it was comfortable. This is my third visit, and have enjoyed the food and service each time. I loved sitting upstairs in the deck. We had tacos, duck and fish, empanadas, and the spinach and sweet potato side. Everything was perfectly seasoned, and distinctly different. The empanadas were my favorite. Next time I will have dessert!!!

Good margaritas but crummy food. Just cheap food really. White rice??? Really? And, as a side, shredded cabbage? Yuk!

We enjoyed lunch at El Alma on the upstairs outdoor patio. Be sure to get a table there if you can. Everything my husband, son, and I ordered was very good. We especially loved the chips and salsa as well as the guacamole. Our server was also very friendly and attentive. Loved it!

When we landed in Austin with friends who had not visited before we hit the streets on foot. Nice walkable City and Alma was a great breakfast stop for us 😉

We came for brunch. Really nice place with a great atmosphere. Everyone friendly and service was great! I had the Huevos Franceses. There is enough to share. Got a bite of the Banana Bread Pudding. Delicious! The food was good all around. Would come back and sit upstairs.

Went for a walk to explore in the dark after our flight got in. We went searching for something that the hotel desk recommended only to turn around and come here. It was such a cute little restaurant that expanded up into the hillside for outdoor seating- what a pleasant surprise. The ambiance was lovely and the food and drinks were great! My husband loved his enchilada! The margaritas were good as well.

Fun, high-energy atmosphere, cheerful servers helping each other out. Delicious flavorful food.Will definitely return here.

I’m always fearful of where my foody children will take me next but tepid anticipation turned into great satisfaction at Alma’s. Starting with straight-forward chips and salsa (excellent) then moving to a nice guacamole dish, on to fabulous corn chowder and topped with a nice chicken taco. It was gooooood. Go to Alma’s, you will not be disappointed.

OK so the parking is the pits, noise level awful BUT the margaritas are wonderful and the food just great,,have the duck mole. Alexandra our waitress was adorable, efficient and cute. Sit in front, bar scene is full of 'WANNABES" I think. Now the place ranks numero 1 in Austin for Texmex for me, Go

Came for lunch with my work team. As typical of my experience with Mexican food.. It seems to be all the same. I have it all over the country but this place was average. The fish taco was very strong fish flavor and couldn't eat. The Carne asada was good and the red salsa.

I joined 3 friends here for brunch this weekend and overall we all really enjoyed the experience. The staff was down to earth and attentive, the food quality was solid across the board and pricing is reasonable. 2 of us in the group are vegetarian and we found there to be ample choices. As well, the server informed us that several other dishes (like chilaquiles) could be made without egg. Our special requests and inquiries were welcomed openly. I had the enchiladas placeras and loved the spicy, smoky richness of the sauce. The other vegetarian tried the veggie verde enchiladas and was equally pleased. The other diners with us decided on the enchiladas de almuerzo and the gorditas rancheras. The flavor profile was great - only small nitpick was for both of them the fried eggs were too well done (not runny at all, which is their preference). Otherwise, the fresh ingredients really came through. There are some great brunch drink specials ($4 to $7) that were tasty and a decent sized pour. While there are many other brunch options in the same culinary lane as El Alma, we definitely departed with a desire to return.

The food was excellent - especially the grilled redfish and the roasted sweet potatoes. Fish tacos were also excellent.

What a great place! I love the location and vibe of this place - we had great food too! Our service was great and I'd like to go here again!

Not a chain. Definitely a local place and the crowd of non-tourist proved it. Excellent food. We loved the uniqueness of the dishes, many which included Duck. My duck enchiladas with mole was wonderful. The margarita was perfect. Not the cheapest place you can eat, but well worth it.

We went for happy hour after reading read rave reviews about the food. (see pic, you be the judge). This place is in a strip mall mom and pop casual eclectic setting with an well used and sun beaten weathered upstairs outside patio. We sat at downstairs bar where barkeep was pleasant but forgetful and had to continually call for him to get appetizers and refill my beer. We had Margarita's and local ATX bottled beer. Pretty much the beer was the best thing on the menu. Simply a forgettable place that does not do anything exceptional. Ceviche, queso and salsa were all poor all 3 lacking any flavor or uniqueness. Look elsewhere for happy hour or good food

Such great food, hip setting and service staff. In a town with great food, and great Mexican, El Alma stands out as WAY better. Sounds like they have a great happy hour, which doesn’t make sense - their rooftop deck is so cool, they ought to raise the prices at happy hour!

Good service and the happy hour drinks made the trip worth it but to me the food was so so we had a range of fish (no it was not drum as billed) pork, and mole. The food was nicely presented it just was not really prepped and served as anticipated by the numerous glowing reviews. Maybe it was just an off night-my view is there are far better selections if you are looking for authentic fare in AT.

The extensive and diversified menu at El AlmaCafe offers much more than the standard Tex-Mex fare in a pleasant atmosphere. The food was tasty and well presented and our server was excellent. We really enjoyed our visit. It’s a little pricey, and parking is extremely limited. I definitely recommend making reservations!

My DIL (vegan) and I enjoyed our meals at El Alma... the atmosphere was inviting, serve very good, food generous and delicious. Mildly spicy salas and chips were free and delivered to our table quickly. I had a salad w several roasted (large) shrimp and the lime olive oil dressing. Yum.

We went there for a late light lunch after our half day tour. We didn't want a heavy meal at their next door neighbor " Terry Black's Barbecue". The view on the deck was really nice. Service was good. Food is above average. We really like the duck taco which is better than the duck we tasted in some Chinese restaurants. The only thing that we can "complain" is the server just automatically gave us the more expensive option of the beans which is supposed to come with the plate. We didn't need to have the refry beans for $2 more! This was not even explained to us until we receive the final bill. And there is additional 3% surcharge for " health benefit" of the employees.

Easy and beautiful 15 minute walk from downtown Austin from the Seaholm Restaurant across from Trader Joe's. They take reservations and have a happy hour until 6:00. We started off with a Corona beer $4 and clasica margarita $6. By the time the margarita comes up the flight of stairs, the salt is reduced on the rim. Should have a bar on the patio;) We shared enthusiastically the chorizo fundido $9. I enjoyed the ahi tuna ceviche with grilled pineapples, jalapeños and guacamole $14. My husband enjoyed the shredded duck enchiladas but felt the mole was overbearing so just ate the innards $19. I like the mole. Go enjoy the sunshine on the patio.c

Good spot for authentic Austin cuisine. Friendly staff. Met friends on the rooftop patio (stair only access) lots of fans available to keep you cool. Extensive bar options, good guacamole, chips were a B-. Ceviche & special appetizer of the day, coconut shrimp on a mango /arugula salad were very tasty. Pastor Tacos, Chicken Tacos & Pescado al Ajillo were very good. Suggest making reservations. Plenty of parking in adjacent lots & across the street, easy walk from the Hyatt at Congress Bridge. Busy inside & out all evening.

Wonderful dinner with appetizers, all different and all delicious. Fairly new. Packed at happy hour - reservations are a must. Nice patio. A little pricey - but excellent.

Im a 28 year Austin resident and by far El Alma is my favorite cantina. I tell all who ask for recommendations to come here. Plenty of parking and right between Austin's best parks on Barton Springs Road.

My friend recommended El Alma after we spent a weekend eating tacos in Mexico City. The food was excellent, the service was great and the vibe (especially the music) was so good. Highly encouraged experience for authentic Mexican food and great vibes north of the border. Oh yes! The rooftop view was amazing!

Not your typical "Mexican food". Great bar with interesting menu choices. You can get a real Margarita here.

Location, location, location: next to Zilker Park, the Long Center, Palmer Events Center, Dougherty Arts Center. They would be crowded no matter what, and we were wise to make reservations, even on a Thursday. The food turned out to be much better than expected. Tacos, vegetarian plate, chicken entrees, sides all excellent. Somehow they managed to be out of fajitas, but we did just fine. Whenever you go, reserve your table, unless you enjoy standing outside in the heat.

Service is a little bit slow. A/C works but is not very cold. If you can handle these, then this is a great place to taste some wonderful Mexican cousin. Mixed drinks are great as well.

My daughter, grandson and I had lunch at El Alma, and it was a very pleasant experience. We ate outside, on a beautiful sunny day, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The Duck Emmolada was delicious, and was prepared perfectly. The only downside was a jackhammer out on the street, which wasn’t El Alma’s fault.

For $11 at lunch, El Alma's has perfect fish tacos. Lightly fried black drum, on cole slaw and a warm corn tortilla. Two tacos are included along with rice, black beans, sauces and warm tortilla chips. Just fabulous.

I'm in Austin visiting--this is one of the few restaurant that I really enjoy going to. The staff I'd very nice. The food is just delicious! You need to stop here!

I'm giving it 4 stars because of the parking & location - which is a nightmare! Other than that - let me tell ya how much I love this place. I visited last July and sat at the bar - what a great way to get your grub on! The bartenders are VERY knowledgeable at the entire menu. So this time I met my girlfriends on the rooftop which was an absolutely divine spot. Amazing city views! I had the clam chowder - the adorable waiter was right - it was to die for! Drinks are fabulous - good wine selection and I had my first taste of Topo Chico Mineral water in a bottle. Fabu!

We were walking to another restaurant and decided it was to far so we went to El Alma! The good was great the service was great the ambiance was great! We got there just before happy hour ended so we got an appetizer and drinks, because I am not a spicy kind of person they put the spice for the Queso on the side and we enjoyed o0ur appetizer then our chicken tacos came YUMMM. We ate several meals out while in Austin but this was by far my favorite!!!

I had a wonderful brunch at this place. Both the food and the service was wonderful. I definitely plan to go back!

Stopped in here famished after walking around all day and it was kind of a godsend. Munched on a never-ending stream of chips / salsa / guac until the food arrived, and everything was good, especially the tacos.

Enjoyed a nice lunch here before ACL, which was right down the street. Very tasty carne asada and pastor tacos. Loved the chips and salsa, but the star was the classic house margarita. Happy hour starts at 3, because why not!!

Very good food! We ordered takeout, and we were a little disappointed to find such little food when we got home. Pretty pricey for the amount of food you get. Quality is awesome, quantity not so much!

The location is great, and you can see Zilker park just outside. Place was very busy and the acoustics were not great, still the meal was very good and the stay pleasant. I had the shrimp and crab relleno (stuffed poblano) which is highly recommended (note it is relatively a small dish).

This is on my MUST list every time I’m in Austin. The food is great. Atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. And the margaritas - top notch! One of my favorite places in Austin!

We chose El Alma randomly because it had a rooftop patio. We had to wait nearly an hour but weren't in a hurry so it didn't really matter. We were able to sit on the multi-level rooftop patio and really enjoyed the view of the Austin skyline, good food and good drinks. Our waiter seemed annoyed to be there but maybe he'd had a bad day. It didn't keep us from having fun.

This is authentic mexican food - not texmex. We travel to Mexico a lot, and we found this to rival some of the best restaurants we have been to. My husband loved his margarita. We both had mole dishes - his was chicken, mine was quail. We also had corn pudding. The food was amazing. I was very distracted because my husband was going on and on about the mole sauce and that it was amazing. We both love Mole sauce, and the only other mole sauce that came close to this one was at El Patio de Mario in El Tuito, Mexico.

We are from out of town and came to Austin to compete and we we were greed so professionally. I had to make a huge order of 25 individual orders. The manager and his crew went on and beyond that they even sack each order and put their names in each individual bag. I was so impress and happy. Plus the food was amazing the ceviche is to die for and everyone was so happy with their food. Thank you; we will definitely be back.

We didn't like the chips and salsa or the atmosphere. We had our drinks and left. The servers were friendly. We have just learned that if we don't like the chips and salsa we don't like the food.

I've yet to have a bad meal at Alma's! The only downside of this interior Mexican restaurant is that it's on the very busy Barton Springs, but food, service and atmosphere are all very goodl

This is a great place to stop if you're out walking around the lake or want to escape S. Lamar craziness. The rooftop is perfect pretty much year around, and the stuffed pepper with duck is truly great.

We each had different tacos, steak, duck, chicken, and seafood. All of us were delighted with our food. The rooftop was comfortable and the waitstaff friendly and attentive. My son's favorite restaurant in Austin.

The food here is very good. They use farm fresh pasture eggs and the drinks taste fresh! Go up the stairs and sit out on the deck if you can and the weather is nice. :)

Wife is vegan and she enjoyed the guacamole and cactus as well as the sweet potatoes. I am the opposite, I got the steak breakfast tacos, queso, and the classic tacos, all was very good.

Sat on the patio which was very nice for Sunday brunch.The mango mimosas were excellent and the food lovely. Nice size of meal not too much. Staff friendly and gave the right amount of attention. Will be back with visitors in the future.

The odd building has fascinated me for years; it's built into a cliff with a roof-top, open air patio with great views. I don't know the history of the building but the restaurant fits so well into that shell that it looks as if it has been there forever. The place is very popular. When we were there on a Saturday for a pre-concert dinner there was a more conservative, genteel, sophisticated and homogenous crowd of all ages, I believe reflecting the older neighborhood uphill. There was a lack of the "look-at-me" celeb-want-a-be's, hipsters, hoes-in-heels and other showy folk that haunt some restaurants. It was cold so we opted for downstairs, indoor dining. But we did get a view of the upper deck with its grand view of the Austin skyline. It is accessible by a winding staircase set against a rock cliff - very dramatic - very Mexican. The dining room is small and crowded with smallish tables. It was full. I think reservations are a must. I love the menu. It has most of what I would want if I was to create it. Aside from some of the usual fare, they have quail and duck. The menu is also not so complicated that you can't make decisions; but lots of choices are presented. We arrived in time for Happy Hour and reaped the rewards of excellent $6 margaritas ($9). We shared ceviche ($10 for HH, $13) which was large enough for three or four to share. It was very good and was very similar to the ceviche at the sister restaurant, El Chile. Looking about, all of the food we saw was beautifully presented and made you want to ask for a bite. My duck chile relleno (($18) was beautifully presented and one of the best chile rellenos I have had. The poblano was large and baked, not batter fried. It sat in a pool of chipotle tomato sauce and adorned with crema, almonds and pickled onions.. My wife chose the special of the day, a duck breast with a salad of beets, some citrus and arugula ($17). It was an exceptional dish with perfectly cooked and seasoned duck breast, far better than I have had in upscale French restaurants at twice the price. Plates do not come filled with the typical Tex-Mex rice and refried beans. My duck came with a small bowl of very tasty garlic flavored rice. Other dinners seem to be matched to appropriate sides. Our split desert was an ancho chocolate pecan cake with a scoop of Mexican vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of cajeta, goat's milk caramel ($7). It was a very well crafted desert with beautiful flavors that melded together, none taking over. Service was attentive, personal, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. There was no effort to upsell us at any level. She touted the duck breast special which was actually priced lower than what my wife was considering. They have interesting lunch specials and brunches on weekends and holidays. They have a gravel parking lot uphill above the restaurant. It is pitched at a steep angle so women may want to reconsider their footwear choice. We will be returning...soon.

I got the sweet potato chilli relleno which was delicious. The service was incredibly quick on this calm Sunday night.

We love this place: food and service. It has been there for a long time. This night was so crowded and loud we didn’t enjoy it as much as usual. If you go get the corn soup with crab.

The food was pretty good, especially the tacos. They also have a happy hour from 3-6pm which has limited drinks on it, but one of them is the classic margarita (normal or frozen) which is lovely! Definitely worth going on the patio if the weather is good, but it is popular so you may have to wait like we did, about 30 minutes on a Sunday evening (and that was with a reservation).

Amazing view of the Austin city skyline from the patio, and sitting at the bar works too. Great tequila-based drinks from Dimas, the bartender. A menu that you have a hard time ordering from because it all sounds so good...and then it arrives and you realize you need to come back and try those other things you didn't order. Try the shrimp and crab relleno. The lamb chops. The chef knows what they are doing, seriously. And the desserts. Rum-soaked coconut cornmeal cake with caramel ice cream. Tres leches cake that melts in your mouth. Well worth the reasonable prices for food of this quality.

Travelling to Austin for a couple of days, we had dinner at El Alma last night and it was a great experience. You must book a table, as the place is very busy. The food is amazing, all made with fresh products and very tasty. The staff is really nice and helpful. There is a nice roof patio.

We are out on the patio with a view of downtown. The corn chowder with crab is great. Not sure how it could have tasted any better. Laid back and no wait on the Friday night we went.

Upon approaching this hidden gem we could not tell what cuisine it might offer from the white stucco arches (moroccan or mexican) and earthy heart in hands logo (veggie burgers or beachy fare). El Alma made good on all expectations for a good cool drink and refreshing flavorful latin fare. The main floor bar and dinning area has traditional Mexican tile floors and a charming fountain, as you go up the stairs around the lush Ficus you are transported to an the airy sunny intimate treetop dining deck that is worth any amount of travel. The Sangria and Mojitos were exceptional at a great price. Ceviche in the middle of Texas is a tricky prospect, El Alma did not disappoint on this standard dish as a good appetizer. We also got the Shrimp salad which had its own distinct character and presentation, and two kinds of fish tacos. It was all as good as anything you can find in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or Hiaku, Hawaii. The fried plantain with goat cheese pretty much finished off a perfect meal with rich flavors of fruit, cinnamon, crispy caramel, and a silky salty topping. If you are in Austin, get to El Alma on the south side of the Barton Springs performance district.

We went for a birthday celebration and loved it. We made a reservation a few weeks ahead and were glad we did. We were seated right away, but the lines were long. The margaritas were amazing (I had the top shelf - yum). Everyone enjoyed their food. The tres leches cake for dessert was memorable.

First visit here and would definitely return. Don't know our server's name but she was excellent and very attentive.

Had lunch here on our way to hotel after leaving airport. Tacos were good but the homemade corn chips and guacamole with spicy salsa were highlight of the meal.. Lots of business men eating lunch here. Must try place in Austin!

The drinks were interesting and good. Guacamole and ceviche appetizers were very good. For entree I ordered a ribeye steak with was AWEFUL AND FLAVORLESS. My friends ordered more traditional Mexican food and enjoyed their dishes. Do not order the ribeye. Totally flavorless. I’ve never experienced a steak that hat absolutely no flavor.

Stopped here for lunch on a weekend and were promptly seated. Waiter was friendly and attentive, plus knowledgeable about the menu as he answered all of our questions. Our orders arrived at our table promptly and hot. Portions were ample and tasty. Prices are competitive, although margaritas are priced a bit high, although delicious.

I wanted to host a meetup before the official kickoff of Blogging While Brown 2015 in Austin. I wanted to bring together some locals, the bloggers, and some techies to have some fun and network. Unfortunately there was a mix up with our reservation but the general manager Dustin made up for it and we ended up in our own little spot on the roof. The food was GREAT, the location was perfect from our host hotel, and the service was amazing! Even those that lived in Austin were glad to get a chance to find such a great new spot!

Since my last review, we have eaten here twice, once being last night. The food has been very consistent as has the service and drinks. We have been very impressed by the shrimp, scallop and mango cocktail which is an elevated ceviche. We both particularly like the duck chile relleno and the shrimp and crab relleno. You can't go wrong with either. Reservations are very helpful particularly if you want to sit on the rooftop open air scenic view area. Happy hour is a good reason to eat early - significant discounts on some popular drinks and appetizers. The wait staff seem very knowledgeable and are quite pleasant and helpful. Parking is difficult. there are two lots both of which are best suited to small 4 wheel drive vehicles and sturdy shoes.

We enjoyed a great dinner on the rooftop terrace. I'd recommend eating up there if you can. The margaritas were yummy and the food was delicious!

This place is a hidden gem. Don't be fooled by how it looks on the outside. It is larger inside with an outdoor upstairs patio. Great food with fantastic service.

This is a very plain and noisy place across the street from the Long Center and near Zilker Park, so it's near lots of Austin activities and can be really crowded, which you'll guess while trolling their large but bumpy and crowded parking lots. One is adjacent, one across the street. Margaritas are good (happy hour pricing 3-6), waiters friendly, and food is pretty good, with generously sized dinner courses in the $20 range. There's a nice loose Old Austin feel. Outdoor patio fills fast. Good soups, free chips with 2 salsas. There's a handicapped parking spot in front and no stairs to get in.

Stumbled upon El Alma Cafe during Austin City Limits and it was a home friggin run! We went consecutive days. First time for drinks and appetizers. Second time dinner. It’s cozy, hopping and fun. Drop in! You won’t be disappointed!

It is not a tall building, but the rooftop is cool with some nice views. The food was really good. I had the duck rellenos, a large poblano stuffed with pulled duck. It was tasty as the day is long. Everyone in my party of four enjoyed their meals, which were all pretty traditional Tex-Mex, but done very well.

The four of us dined out for my birthday. Terrific Mexican food - ceviche, nopalito salad, grilled fish as well as the usual tacos and fajitas. Inside is noisy, but we ate outside upstairs and it was lovely. Nice conversation. Great views of the city of Austin in the distance daytime into nighttime.

I was recommend the chicken enchilada by my very friendly waiter, which was very tasty if a bit basic in appearance. However the outside dining was lovely on a warm summer evening and the two margaritas went down a treat. For $15 for the food I could not complain and would certainly return.

I won't bore you with all the details I have previously written about, just the good stuff. First, the house margaritas ($9) are so good that you tend to forget and order more than perhaps you should. The shrimp and mango cocktail ($13) is really just high end ceviche. It is a wonderful appetizer for two or more to share or for one person to have as a light lunch or dinner. Duck enmoladas ($17) is really just shredded duck enchiladas with a mole sauce. This is possibly the best enchilada dish in the city. It is rich and hearty and worth every penny. Shrimp and crab chile rellenos ($19) are excellent as well and one we often order. Everything we have ever had here was excellent. As far as we can tell it is the best Mexican restaurant in Austin.

Great spot. Tight on a Sunday afternoon but now I know why. The food was great and the staff was very helpful

My husband and I stopped in at El Alma for an early dinner on a Saturday night since we had tickets to see a play down the street. El Alma was very busy and we didn't have reservations. Note: reservations are highly recommended and encouraged. When we arrived, we were told we had about a 30-minute wait so we grabbed a drink at the bar. Luckily, the wait ended to be about 15-20 minutes instead since we had opted for first available seating which happened to be upstairs in the patio area. The patio is really nice and can get chilly with the wind. El Alma accommodates by having blankets available on the back of the chairs!! How cool is that??! Also, each table each received a bowl of tortillas with two salsa. The chips were stale but both green and red salsa were delicious. For my meal, I had the two taco plate which included beans and rice. Sorry yelpers, no pics for my meal. I couldn't believe i forgot to take a picture until later, boo!! Anyway, my two tacos were the fish taco and lamb/barbacoa. The fish was just okay but the lamb/barbacoa was fantastic! I was also easily accommodated for my dairy and gluten intolerance which was a huge bonus in my book. My husband had the duck relleno. He said it was good but the duck meat lacked a little something called flavor. Overall the meal he thought was flavorful just not the meat. A few tips: come during happy hour (every day between 3-6pm) because they have great drinks and eats specials. The jacked sangria was surprising really good because it wasn't overly sweet like most sangrias. Make sure to get reservations. On a nice day, try to sit up on the patio for great people watching.

We really enjoyed eating on the rooftop, kept cool with the misting fans, and enjoyed the large portions and great service. Loved the duck dishes. Really appreciate the hostess Shannon, who chased us down the road to let us know the table was ready. She showed amazing Texas hospitality to track us down and get us fed. Way to go, Shannon! And thank you!

Met friends for a drink and conversation at El Alma last week and found several things worth noting. The drink menu is extensive and the small bar downstairs and the rooftop bar keeps everyone taken care. The Classic Margarita was a good start and HH priced and followed with the Margarita Chilanga. Orange, spicy and new taste to enjoy. Special Happy Hour apps to choose from. We had smoked jalapeno white queso and it was very tasty. Ask your waiter about what is on HH price and you have plenty of choices.

Enjoyed a great dinner while on a business trip. Casual atmosphere, authentic and flavourful dishes, large servings and tasty cocktails. Loved the bustling vibe but it was a little dark inside.

Stopped in after a show at the Long Center. The weather was great so we decided to check out the roof top patio. Pretty cool and a good view of the city. Food was very good. a little pricey but not too bad. The queso fundido was really good with chorizo in it. the wife had a sangria that was good... and inexpensive at $5. Not sure if that was just a happy hour price or not. Overall a good time.

When I get tired from the hustling beat, and need some excellent Mexican fare and powerful Margarita, I take the stairs up to the rooftop section of this kitschy eatery, removed from the downtown maze just enough to still be easily reachable. Whether having a nice lunch with an old friend, or dinner before a show at the Long Center, I've never been disappointed. The food is sumptuous, ambiance is mellow and service friendly. Be sure to get here early if you're going to a show after dinner, because the lines are long and form early.

Who would have thought that we would get wonderful seafood in a Mexican restaurant in Austin, TX? The traditional Mexican dishes were all very good, but the outstanding dishes were the black drum. I took a chance on the cerviche appetizer and was blown away; a entree size portion and as good as any I have ever had! Others had the sauteed drum entree and were likewise surprised at the quality and delicate flavor. Lots of other things looked good, so I look forward to returning for more great food and service.

Inventive food and drinks. High quality that shows. Well trained servers. This is not your typical Tex-Mex. This spot gets crowded and parking is a bit of a challenge in the immediate vicinity, but there is plenty of parking relatively close if you know where to look.

Had dinner here on a chilly night. The only seating for six was up on the deck, but they surrounded our table with heaters and it was so warm I had my coat off. The service was attentive, food and drinks were delivered in a timely manner, and the food was pleasing to both the palate and the eye. A couple of the people in our party wanted to customize their order in some way and that was no problem at all.

We had the Mexican Coke marinated pork chop and the red drum fish special. Both were judged to be very good. We had to wait 35 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday evening, but everyone was having a good time at the bar even though the drinks are a little expensive, about $10 for a mojito and $5 for a Dos XX. The meal was very tasty and after a wonderful evening, we can't wait to return. Parking is limited, many patrons arrived via Uber or Lyft.

Great dinner with family and friends. The relleno was outstanding, as were the margaritas. Service was attentive and really glad they take and honor reservations

I just recently discovered El Alma and have gone back many times since. I love sitting on the upstairs patio, when it is not too hot outside; the atmosphere is fun and festive. The interior is also very nice. The food and drink at El Alma is always freshly prepared with good ingredients. I am addicted to the coconut agua fresca which they make from scratch from fresh coconut. No coco lopez here. They also have the best fried plantains in town. The food is always beautifully presented and the customer service is excellent. They strive to please the customer. I also love their avocado margaritas with a chile rim. The food and drink here is innovative and delicious, and I find myself wanting to go back to EL Alma over and over again.

A good upscale spin on TexMex food, with a good atmosphere. Slightly noisy inside, but tolerable, and a creative use of outdoor space for dining. We had adobo grilled shrimp and chicken enchiladas. Shrimp were on a creative and delicious bed of tortillas and cheeses. Enchiladas stuffed with lots of shredded chicken. The sauces on both were perfectly seasoned and flavorful. The signature margarita was expensive but worth it. Only complaint is about the 2 enchilada entrée. Restaurant offers several enchilada options, spouse asked for 2 different ones, and the waiter said the kitchen would not mix the options. We don't know why. The reservations fill up fast. I called 6 days on advance for Friday evening, and everything was reserved between 5p and 8:15p. So we choose the outside which is first com first serve. We like this place, and when in Austin, will return.

The restaurant looks small from the outside. Don’t let that fool you. The ambiance is low key where you can chat, unwind and relax. The food was delicious! Most of the tables were reserved, but we snagged an extra table inside. They were out of the piña colada’s and the special of the day. However, the food we ordered was delicious. The drinks were a pleasant mix of tasty and strong. I appreciate a good drink. We were in town from San Antonio, and enjoyed the delicious food and drink during our visit. I’d definitely go back.

A gem that is definitely an Austin staple!! The carne asade and chicken tacos awesome!!!! I did flour. The white wine very good as you never know on that in a Mexican restaurant!! The decor so fun and inside stone staircase with tree at the top leading to patio is really a statement!!

On this July night with afternoon temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, we were not only interested in finding refreshing cocktails with a satisfying dinner but also in escaping the heat. It's clear that the owners have put considerable effort into the unique interior of this old, revamped building and have made it their own, so to speak; it's regrettable that they can't keep it cool. We spent the first 30 minutes in the indoor portion of the restaurant, having a cocktail and waiting for our table. It was still very warm and uncomfortable. But the outdoor deck where our table was located was stifling, where even at 8:30 at night it was still 100 degrees. They do have many fans out on the deck, but it's still difficult to enjoy a meal in such conditions. Our cocktails were the Tamaringindo (slightly smoky from the mescal and as described on the menu) and the Almanecer (a disappointment due to the absence of any hint of the basil-infused local vodka). And regarding the latter drink, I should have known better than to order a cocktail where the primary ingredient is clementine juice in late July when clementines are not in season. The "salsa" served with the complimentary chips (which seemed slightly stale on this humid night) was not traditional for this area: it has the color and almost the consistency of mole. I prefer a salsa fresca and asked for one, but our waitress said, "We don't have anything like that." So imagine my surprise when my entree arrived with a garnish of pico de gallo--very similar to salsa fresca--on the corn pudding. I ordered the Pescado Al Ajillo, and the black drum fillet was cooked perfectly. Except for needing salt, that was a beautifully prepared piece of fish. The accompanying corn pudding was tasty, too. My dinner companion ordered the Camarones a la Plancha, and the shrimp was well-seasoned and cooked perfectly. The flavor was very similar to a New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp. The dinner entrees were very good, but after asking a few probing questions of our server about the spice rub, it was clear she not only didn't know food but that she also was not very familiar with the menu. The total experience was not a deal breaker, but when we return it will be winter.

El Alma has some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten. They have interesting options and the best variety ever of Chili Rellenos! The staff has great recommendations and were very warm and friendly. The Sweet Potato Rellenos were a total winner and so was their Guacamole. The ambiance is great - the rooftop is adorable, and the prices are reasonable. Definitely recommended!

This review is from a second time to this sweet spot tucked in the Zilker and Barton Springs park district of south central Austin. The food lived up to our memory, and the drinks surpassed our hopes. I often test a kitchen by their rellenos, and El Alma reset the bar for me with their duck stuffed version. First off this was not a typical fried battered cheesey dish; the pepper was fully exposed with a light onion pickle and toasted almonds; the filling was a delightful mix of roasted duck, beans, corn and cojito. Then there was a creamy smooth red chillie reduction sauce and creama over it making a colorful presentation and providing even more depth to the flavor experiences possible from one dish. My wife enjoyed their house mojito again, I was impressed by the Don Quixote Martini. Now that I live in Austin, this will be a special event place for us.

My wife and I visited here for a drink and a small bite to eat, service was impeccable and the food delicious. We had a lunch special with pulled pork tostadas, carne asada tacos and the most amazing corn cob with spicy aioli and fresh lime! The corn chips being refilled every 5 mins with fresh salsa was awesome...we'll be back for the happy we think!

Came here on a Saturday night and was told there was an hour long wait. Twenty minutes later we got a text our table was ready. Multi-story eatery with outdoor seating and heat lamps ready to go. The food was okay. The enchiladas were definitely better than the chicken in sauce, and if I could order differently I would. The chips were great, and they alone make a visit worthwhile. The wait staff was very friendly!

First, apparently this restaurant does not have heat and we went on a cool, rainy day making for an cold atmosphere. Secondly the food was dry, not much of it, and pricey. One Appetizer was tasty. The chicken style sandwich a disappointment as was the pork sandwich. Our waitress, when asked,had no opinion regarding the food and really couldn’t offer any suggestions. Overall, The experience was a disappointment.

If you love mimosas..this place makes the best mango mimosa! I want to rate 5 stars but have only had tacos which were delicious! I am def going back to try more off the menu and have more mimosas!!!!

I was across the street at a conference with 1600 people, had been up since 4 am, and needed a healthy meal. El Alma was close by and recommended by some fellow attendees who were local. It did not disappoint! I'll be back the next time I'm in Austin.

Walked in without a reservation. Wait was 1-1.5 hours :( As we Ubered there, we were in for the wait—-in the bar But after about 15 minutes, and I’ll give a shout out to the hostess, we were sat with another couple at a large table that we shared. Great customer service. We both had the Duck relleno which was great. And a jicama salad Service was very good

Because of Covid you had to have a reservation so plan ahead. That was the only hang up. Great food and great drinks with a very friendly staff. Would have gone back the next day, but couldn't fit it into our schedule

Try the Michealada, great drink. Food selections are great and delicious. Authentic Mexican food at a good price. Service is nice and friendly. The rellenos was delicious. Plenty of fresh light chips and salsa. We had the tacos and the meat was fresh and very tasty with a lot f selections to choose from.

Exceeded our expectations, delicious food and friendly service. And the terrace is a plus with low music in the background.

Tied for my favorite place to eat in Austin. Go; park across the street; get on the waiting list; grab a cucumber mojito or a pineapple margarita; sit outside on the porch & people-watch on Barton Springs Road; head up the curving stone staircase (be VERY careful esp. if you've been imbibing! or if you're in heels) to the rooftop patio to eat. Excellent guacamole; Crema de elote (cream corn) soup with crab; ensalada verde; roast corn; corn pudding. Yes, I like corn. Also good potatoes. My husband likes some of the tacos. (Obviously) I've never made it to dessert, LOL. Perfect evening.

Went for a late dinner. Interesting layout, great bar, but I thought the menu was limited. My tamale special came out a little dry and not particularly hot. The other meals were OK, but not great. The margarita's kept coming so by the time the second or third came around, who really cares about the food? Service was good. Prices were reasonable. I would try it again. Looks like a fun place to meet up with friends after work.

Three adults met and shared dinner there last week. Two were good, but the cheese enchiladas had really tough tortillas, like they’d been under a heat lamp for much too long. No one got sick which is good, but we chose it based on great food reviews and it seems reasonable to share a bad experience. The bad enchiladas came up several times over following three days, so I here I am sharing God’s honest truth that nobody’s perfect and one of our three dinners was v disappointing.

The best vegan enchiladas in Austin imho, Veggie Verde Enchiladas with the most tasty sauce. The Ancho Balsamic salad dressing is delicious. Downstairs can be noisy but the rooftop is quiet. The servers are the best too.

I read the reviews and went to try this place. I walked in and said to the host - one person and is the roof top open. They replied - yes you can order at the bar and take it up. I order a beer and go up to roof and there are people sat up there being served. I assumed someone would come over and offer a menu. They ignored me and when I eventually asked they said I hadn’t check with a host and they couldn’t serve me. I apologized and explained the miscommunication with the host. The sever disappeared and at that point I thought wow, I’m in Austin, how can this be so hard? I left. Hey management, can you employ some adults. Thanks

Since we don't get very Mexican food in NYC, we wanted to try this place because of reading prior reviews. We were not disappointed. We walked about 20 minutes in the heat to get there and the lady at the front was kind enough to give my wife some water, even though it was a 30 minute wait to be seated. Our waiter was very kind and the food came out fairly quickly. We were not disappointed in our dinner either. Would highly recommend this restaurant to others!

Went back to elAlma in December 2015. Still loved it. We were a mixed group ranging in age from 67 to 10. Great drinks, watch out for the chilli pepper on the drinks. Especially liked the Queso Fundido, melted jack cheese served with rajas, onions, mushrooms and flour tortillas. Everyone loved their main courses, but the highlite was the Tres Leches Cake. Everyone needs to try it.

Amazing food. Recommended by friends. Food really to die for. Excellent service. Thank you very much and please may I have some more?

The food is delicious. We shared several different enchiladas, an ancho relleno, and guacamole plus fine top shelf margaritas. The ingredients and preparation are just slightly different enough from traditional Mexican food to make them new and interesting. The house chips and salsas were good and plentiful. The main floor can be quite loud depending upon the crowd. On the whole though we found it a pleasant place to visit and eat.

The food is great, and there is outdoor seating that is great most times of the year. Good drink selection, and lots of specials. It can be a little noisy, especially if you sit inside, but its not usually too bad.

I've eaten here a few times, the first couple of times I just got a la care tacos - which are about $4 each. The duck tacos were very good - can't put my finger on exactly what the seasoning was (seemed like a little cinnamon in it) but very tender, very tasty. I kind of though of it as a little fancier torchy's tacos. But then as I went deeper into the menu I realized this restaurant knows what it's doing and puts care into every plate. The corn soup is delicious, fresh and sweet. The duck enchiladas with mole were outstanding and the plate was beautiful - the mole was among the best I've tried. The rice was even really good - how often do you find rice worth mentioning? Everyone at the table raved about the cocktails - I think the most popular was the spicy mango margarita.

Alma Alcocer-Thomas is the soul of this resaurant. A native of Mexico City who has lived in Austin for many years, she prepares authentic Mexican dishes that are absolutely delicious. She also does French inspired récipes with a Mexican touch, like her fabulous Chipotle eggs benedict on cornmeal cakes. Her tacos are to die for, an array of different fillings. Everything is good, dont miss it!

We ended up here for a late dinner on a Thursday night - the place was packed (always a good sign). We were able to be seated at the bar and ended up eating there. Good drinks (I had the Almatini - a cross between a margarita and a martini). We were given chips and two different salsas while we waited for our food. Neither were crazy spicy - just the right amount of 'kick.' Our food came quickly and was delicious. I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Rellenos - what an amazing combination of flavors.

Visited here 2 nights in a row when I was recently in Austin for work - the chowder is that good! The first night I got a small chowder w/ crab, a classic marg and shrimp tacos. The marg was solid, the tacos were meh (partially because they got my tortilla choice wrong), but the chowder was immense. Being from New England, I know a good chowder when I see one, and this was better than any corn chowder I've had previously. So good in fact, that I brought another out of towner with me the following night and ordered the larger version as my dinner!

Sat at the bar and had a great handmade Sangria. We were seated for dinner on the rooftop. A chilly evening but the heat lamps kept us warm. What a view. The food was authentic . Great place.

Parking seemed to be the challenging part, but it appears they have a good amount of private spots designated for the restaurant. Took a few turns around the blocks to figure out where to park, they have extra parking. Seated immediately outside on their patio, 20 minute wait for inside. It’s a bit chilly, but there are some functioning gas heaters that help out some Ordered their chip and salsa, guacamole, 2 chicken tinga, 2 pato and 2 fish tacos and jalapeño crab queso dip. The corn chips for the guacamole and crab queso dip looks different than what’s served with their salsa, they are better than the lighter and thinner chips that come with the salsas. The guacamole was okay, not super flavorful and not sure why the decision was made to add shredded lettuce to the bottom of the guacamole mound, makes it harder to scoop up the last part of the guacamole. The green tomatillo salsa is good, has a bit of heat. The red roasted tomato salsa is mild, but decent. The crab queso dip is good, real chunks of crab meat and it’s got some serious heat to it. I started off with one female waitress and then ended up getting cashed out by another waiter. You pay at the table, an effort to be pretend to be transparent to the customers. I am not a big fan of this wellness 3% charge, which I didn’t find out until I got a copy of my receipt. There was no note or mention of such a charge on the menu and you won’t find out until the end and only if you ask for a receipt from the toast app after paying. Shady stuff. How about paying your staff 3% more and add it to the cost of foods. The wellness cost is added before the subtotal and then tax you on the subtotal with the added BS wellness charge. Why are customers responsible for supplementing the paltry base pay and now to cover for their health benefits. Another shady practice. Just be honest with your customers, put it on your menu or add the cost to the food instead. Unbelievable.

We walked in as it was the closest place we could find to our airbnb, it has a very good brunch menu with the nicest patio, enjoy a good weather day up there with some good breakfast.

This place was great! On a sunny day this place is a must visit. Have a great outside patio eating area. Views of the city just make your drinks that much better. The food is also delicious. A different taste for Mexican food. The homemade chips they make are really good! Never had anything like them. Place is great for a business lunch or date. It provides both vibes. I will return for the patio alone. Give it a shot!

This is a small, cramped place with table close together. Forget trying to have a conversation or trying to relax over dinner. The service is prompt and friendly, with servers willing to offer up suggestions. The margaritas are good. The menu has some imaginative variations on Mexican food. All items are well prepared and served hot.

Great and attentive servers. We made reservations about a week in advance. Drinks are good; food on fleek!

Questioning my daughters choice of the restaurant, but once inside, very clean and great wait staff. They served the best quesco I have ever had in Austin, real chesse. I had the duck enchildia, amazing. My daughter had the chicken enchildias and the 3 kids had tacos and quesidilla's. The mangorita's were drinkable. But the best was last, the Tres Leches cake was the best ever and the black cherry flan was amazing. Going back next time I am in town.

The Margaritas were the best I have had in Austin and I had Chicken Tinga tacos and Al Pastor tacos Gotta say I am in love. Anthony and Carmela were great.

Not your typical Mexican, great food and drinks. I had the chiles rellenos and it was done to perfection. The drinks were well crafted as well.

Visited solo and despite requiring reservations due to covid, I was seated immediately. I got the chicken tinga taco and Pollo asada. Both were fresh and so tasty! Service was excellent (thanks Ryan!) Be sure to try the ghost pepper margarita. A very robust to go menu if dine in isn't your thing. Will be back and definitely recommend!

frequent visitor to Austin. Read a review of this place in Austin paper on line. Invited a couple from Austin to join me. They had never been here either. My son joined us for dinner. Starting with excellent service & great Margaritas this is an excellent Mexican restaurant. The guacamole to share let us know that this was gonna be good. The crispy tortillas served with the guac are a very nice addition. Two people had mole--my son the duck enmoladas and me the pork chop with mole. Fab! The others shared a duck chile relleno with red sauce. I traded a bite of pork for a bite of this exquisite dish. Every one was very happy!

We came in after a walk in the park. We were disappointed with staff getting out party of four seated. But our wait staff and the chef made up for the delay. The appetizer was excellent, the salsa was great, the drinks were outstanding and the food to die for. ENJOY.

We stumbled upon this restaurant by accident while visiting Austin and I'm really glad we did. The food was delicious. They had a great menu. Prices were reasonable. We had great service. Would highly recommend this place.

Excellent! Great service great food. We had several appetizers and great margaritas. The waiter made many good suggestions that proved good advice. Great happy hour!!!!!

We were out biking along the lake and found this place about 200 yards from the bike path. Sat outside on the roof and had a nice cocktail, appetizer and an assortment of tacos. It's an interesting building, must have been a house at some point, and the stairs that go upstairs were kind of cool. A perfect atmosphere and break from the ride.

Since there were 6 of us - we made reservations. When we got there, it was packed, which is a great sign. They were kind of rude about our reservations. But they sat us. The margaritas were terrible. The only way I can put it. We ordered the special ones, the more expensive ones, and they were not good. The food was OK. A different kind of menu, which was fun. And food was decent. But we were sitting inside which has a cafeteria type atmosphere. Our waitress may have been overworked and was very frustrated. Not super pleasant. We did take a walk upstairs, and feel that if we could’ve eaten outside it would have been a maybe more fun experience. I’m sure it’s great, as there were so many people waiting. But if you’re going, you must sit upstairs outside. Otherwise, there are other choices.

A competitive cafe in a city with so much good Tex-Mex. We stopped in on a cold evening to grab a bite and had a wonderful meal. The cafe is open and bright, the service is good, and the food has that wonderful authentic flavor. You know the salsa is good when you feel a low, steady burn throughout the entire meal!

We do a lot of Mexican places- this was by far very close to the best Mexican food we had. The ambience is nice. But it is the food that was just delicious!

Nice place. Food was good, trendy. Very loud, not good for conversation or romantic dinner. Outside seating may have been better. I had the Pork chop and it was very good. Great Guacamole. Others in party said food was good and they would come back but not a destination place. Parking is difficult. We would come back.

Creative menu, simple yet unique vibe at this Mexican style restaurant. Certainly isn’t the standard Mexican food as we had Shrimp & Crab Relleno, duck enchiladas, white Queso and a bowl of Guacamole. The drinks are good but not great for the price and size. The white queso was very “busy” with pablano peppers and grilled onions, probably too much to be honest. The guacamole was fresh and a large portion. The shrimp & crab Relleno dish had an enchilada type sauce on the side any didn’t come with cheese. There was a corn bread pudding type side that was fair. The duck enchiladas also didn’t come with cheese, but could be requested. The building has a cool looking interior staircase leading to a roof bar. I gave this a 4 star but in reality a high 3 for good, but not the place that I’d frequent regularly or make a special trip too. It was fun, didn’t have any complaints but there are many options in the area and with quality bring important, we will try some others but stop back in if in the area and decide to try some other menu items.

My husband and I really enjoyed the Mexican food here. The frozen margarita was delicious. Guacamole and chips were very fresh. The duck enchiladas and the crab enchiladas were scrumptious. Would highly recommend El Alma for dinner.

We had reservations. And an option to sit upstairs outside. Over the roof? There was no mist otherwise we would have considered it. It steaming hot. So we took the air conditioned room with a view. Construction across the street and a nice twilight. The service was good. You can tell it’s hit and miss watching the other servers. You can tell they hire college students so at least chances are they’re smart. Ours was smart. Food is good. Duck enchiladas and cheese enchiladas were very good. Desert was lemon cheesecake. Great. That came fast and was worth tab. THE MARGS WERE THE ONLY DOWNER. Totally weak. For 9 bucks a pop. And the accompanying chips and salsa were just super market quality lame. Not worth serving. The classic marg had the right flavor and ingredients. Just they pour cheap shots which get watered down with ice. For 9 bucks? And that’s the base price marg. Because a well prepared marg is half the Mexican meal, we won’t be back. The value wasn’t there. 66 bucks plus tip for 2 enchiladas, 2 weak margs and a piece of cheesecake.

A casual look at El Alma's menu will reveal that the cafe offers something more than the usual tacos, rice, and beans, which are also available. The coke-glazed pork chop, served with poblano-draped rice and a tasty slaw, was thick, juicy, and tender. The menu is rounded it out with entrees featuring roasted lamb chops with a tomatillo and pumpkin seed sauce, quail, and shredded duck. Though draft beer is not available, the cafe serves its own twist on familiar cocktails. Desserts are also special, including a delicious espresso tres leches cake and a seasonal flan. The spacious roof-top dining area offers views of the downtown skyline. Staff members were friendly, well-informed, and helpful. Prices range from low to medium high. I'm looking forward to my next visit!

Good Mexican food. Duck relleno, pork chop marinated in coke, both were good. I looked the Michelada. Avocadorita (avocado margarita) was clearly a margarita and avocado, better than expected and worth trying.

We went to El Alma as part of a special milestone birthday evening for a friend of ours which his wife had carefully planned and organized. She had called the restaurant the day before to confirm the reservation, got assurances, then, when we all arrived, they had no record of the reservation. The staff at reception was not only not particularly concerned, but seemed suspicious that we were making it up... "I'm sorry, but it is not in the system...it is not our fault..." Well, if the system is part of the restaurant, it absolutely was their fault. It was a busy night and even though a manager finally got involved, we waited for about 40 minutes before they squeezed the six of us into an outdoor table upstairs that was not exactly spacious. The food was very average. I can't really remember anything that stood out as special. If it were a little less expensive and easier to get into, it would be a nice little local spot (assuming they didn't lose your reservations), but I really don't get all the big to-do about it that makes it so crowded. It just didn't seem that special in any way.

This amazing culinary gem is located within walking distance from the Long Center which is why we decided to eat there. I had passed it many times and never paid much attention to it as it doesn't look like much from the outside. WOW - this place serves up some good eats!! They have My favorite dishes have to be the "Ancho Glazed Sweet Potatoes & Spinach" and the "Queso Fundido". The food is prepared from scratch and delivers on a fresh twist on Mexican flavor. I highly recommend a visit!!

This is the best tasting, healthiest Mexican food I’ve had in Austin Texas. Today we had the grilled chicken Padilla with grilled cheese sticks and the chicken tinga enchiladas in chipotle sauce. The restaurant is open and airy, the service is great, there is a cozy tv bar and I am leaving feeling healthy! Tim Bet was a wonderful waiter.

Had a casual business dinner here one evening. Inside was nice and I know there is outdoor seating on the rooftop terrace, but it was a little warm and humid out, so we opted for air conditioning. The margaritas were good (i had Charlie's special). The chips and salsa were delicious with two unique salsas. We also enjoyed an order of queso. I liked the mushrooms in the queso. We all enjoyed our entrees which varied from quail, rib eye, shrimp and shredded chicken tostadas. Very tasty all around.

We were in Austin for a bachelorette party and had rented bicycles for the day. We wanted to stop somewhere with margaritas and outdoor seating and El Alma was the place! The food (we ordered a variety of tacos) and margaritas were delicious. Our server also recommended the cactus salad, which none of us had ever had before, and it was great! Our server also made recommendations for other things to do in Austin, which was helpful since none of us had ever been before. All in all, this place had it all-great food, yummy drinks, beautiful outdoor seating, and wonderful service!

We had appetizers and drinks during happy hour. Service very quick and couldn't do enough for us. Food yummy. Moved downstairs when it started to rain.

Good, but nothing special. I have no complaints, but in an area rich with Mexican restaurants it doesn't stand out either.

Avocado margarita a true gem!!!! I rarely like margaritas in restaurants unless only fresh lime juice this exceeds all expectations.

This is a very nice little Mexican Cafe with great food and a serious following in Austin. The crowd on a Saturday night is a "reservation only" situation. We went with some regulars, and they were aware of the popularity and proximity to the Convention Center for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. The ambiance is excellent for a Mexican Cafe--lots of tables and crazy art. The service is excellent and very friendly. My only complaint is the menu is a little too small and the wine list too short--although the Rioja option is an excellent one! Small points in the grand scheme of things--this is a great little place that we will use again! Parking is a little confusing, and VERY limited directly in front of the restaurant. There is ample parking on Dawson with a big lot in the back--turn on Dawson because the drive around the block is a little long and crowded. Our friends say the outdoor area is very nice--in the wam weather.

Good Mexican restaurant, a cut above the more standard fare, located on the edge of bouldin. Excellent service, good food, gets busy early with locals - always a good sign. Recommended.

Enjoyed the patio during Happy Hour! Great drinks and nice menu options! Loved the desserts as well! Would recommend!

Just OK. Unique interior/exterior table set up. Many levels. Food was just OK - not bad, just that they're many better options in Austin. Good service.

Don't know why you have so many review saying it's excellent... It's a nice little local restaurant but the food was way average, I can't see how based on Flavor that anybody would say it's excellent, the presentation looks good but the flavor is not there... But would I come back to this place no

In May we travelled to Austin for a week. Our last meal was at El Alma and was the best! They had delicious food, served well and even took the time to ensure my daughter's choices were all gluten free--reminding her when we ordered dessert. My husband is a real foodie and commented that their mole was the best he'd ever had.

What a nice restaurant, great outdoor seating on the roof with fans and mist to ease the end of day heat. Delightful crew and prompt service. They have an extensive bar menu but of all the white sangria with an hint of peach is a must. We shared the queso fundido with onions and mushrooms in it, delicious and filling. Being two we shared also camarones a la plancha, masterly cooked shrimps and added a fish taco for good measure. All was well balanced flavors and generous portions, this is not american / Mexican food !