Really loved sitting in the outside rooftop/patio area. Particularly liked the lamb chops and barbacoa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Barbacoa
Jon Liu
We went there for a late light lunch after our half day tour yesterday . 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.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Duck Taco, Sopa Azteca Bowl
Umar Zubair
I had a great time dining here at el Alma mainly because of my guest, but we had a server who had a subpar attitude and were negligent in serving our needs. The foods were good but not up to my expectations and I shouldn’t have my expectations low if the prices are high. The rooftop view was the only selling point. However, there was an appetizer that deserved recognition. Try jalapeno crab queso. It’s quite good!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Jalapeno Crab Queso
Maria Linda Guimoye
Smoked tomatillo enchiladas was amazing. Fresh and juicy. Salsa Verde with the chips is pretty addicting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa
Michelle Strmiska
Food ? on point, delicious and presentation exceptional. The host stand seemed disorganized on seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Yelena Kiyko
Could not wait in line for the famous Terry Black bbq next door, so we were recommended this place instead. The decor is casual and no frills, but the food was excellent! We got tuna ceviche, fish tacos, al pastor tacos and skinny margarita to top it off. Everything was perfect in flavor and texture, and the whole lunch took just about 30 min. We tried numerous taco places in Austin, and many seem to use low quality chewy meat. El Alma had delicious fresh ingredients. And the staff were genuinely welcoming! That’s exactly the kind of place I like to support - simple and authentic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven Schilling
Fantastic food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Duck Enmoladas, Lamb Barbacoa, Chips and Salsa
Emily Scheinfeld
Both for the restaurant and as a caterer:The entire crew at el alma was incredible!! From initial contact to tasting to rental pick out to walk through to day of. We couldn’t have asked for a better caterer and team. They were personable, helpful, and patient. And HOLY CRAP THE FOOD! We walked out of our tasting 10000% on board. And our wedding day was perfect with the most amazing food. I still dream of the deliciousness. There were so many options to pick from and were helpful with allergies/dietary restrictions. They brought a great team, bartenders, and handled rentals (place settings, linens, etc). Seriously, el alma, thank you!
Weak Mexican. Bad service. Unhappy staff. Food mediocre at best
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Peter
Fantastic food and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Libby Pollitt
One of the best places to eat in Austin, hands down!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam Jones
Had dinner on the upstairs patio at this spot and would recommend waiting for a table there. The Margarita could've used more kick, felt like it was just for show. But, the crab queso is a must-try - it's legit good. The chicken enchiladas and tacos? Absolutely killer. They know what they're doing in the kitchen. Service was on point too, super friendly without being over the top. Cool atmosphere, kind of a unique vibe that works. Had a short wait around 30 minutes to get seated on a Saturday night, so not bad but recommend grabbing a drink from the patio bar upstairs while you wait for a table. Overall, solid place for a casual night out.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lamb Barbacoa with Habanero Pickled Carrots Onion Cilantro, Chips and Salsa, Pastor, Carne Asada, Tres Leches Cake with Espresso Tequila
Emmie Skopec
Phenomenal tacos and sides! Service is average but we also went on happy hour on a Friday night so they were pretty
Really loved sitting in the outside rooftop/patio area. Particularly liked the lamb chops and barbacoa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Barbacoa
We went there for a late light lunch after our half day tour yesterday . 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.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Duck Taco, Sopa Azteca Bowl
I had a great time dining here at el Alma mainly because of my guest, but we had a server who had a subpar attitude and were negligent in serving our needs. The foods were good but not up to my expectations and I shouldn’t have my expectations low if the prices are high. The rooftop view was the only selling point. However, there was an appetizer that deserved recognition. Try jalapeno crab queso. It’s quite good!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Jalapeno Crab Queso
Smoked tomatillo enchiladas was amazing. Fresh and juicy. Salsa Verde with the chips is pretty addicting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa
Food ? on point, delicious and presentation exceptional. The host stand seemed disorganized on seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Could not wait in line for the famous Terry Black bbq next door, so we were recommended this place instead. The decor is casual and no frills, but the food was excellent! We got tuna ceviche, fish tacos, al pastor tacos and skinny margarita to top it off. Everything was perfect in flavor and texture, and the whole lunch took just about 30 min. We tried numerous taco places in Austin, and many seem to use low quality chewy meat. El Alma had delicious fresh ingredients. And the staff were genuinely welcoming! That’s exactly the kind of place I like to support - simple and authentic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Duck Enmoladas, Lamb Barbacoa, Chips and Salsa
Both for the restaurant and as a caterer:The entire crew at el alma was incredible!! From initial contact to tasting to rental pick out to walk through to day of. We couldn’t have asked for a better caterer and team. They were personable, helpful, and patient. And HOLY CRAP THE FOOD! We walked out of our tasting 10000% on board. And our wedding day was perfect with the most amazing food. I still dream of the deliciousness. There were so many options to pick from and were helpful with allergies/dietary restrictions. They brought a great team, bartenders, and handled rentals (place settings, linens, etc). Seriously, el alma, thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Queso Fundido, Perfect, Nopalito Taco
They charged $14 for a small cup of guacamole that was mostly lettuce
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
They got my order wrong and due to event had to settle with wrong order!Food was great nonetheless and service was top notch ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Weak Mexican. Bad service. Unhappy staff. Food mediocre at best
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Fantastic food and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best places to eat in Austin, hands down!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had dinner on the upstairs patio at this spot and would recommend waiting for a table there. The Margarita could've used more kick, felt like it was just for show. But, the crab queso is a must-try - it's legit good. The chicken enchiladas and tacos? Absolutely killer. They know what they're doing in the kitchen. Service was on point too, super friendly without being over the top. Cool atmosphere, kind of a unique vibe that works. Had a short wait around 30 minutes to get seated on a Saturday night, so not bad but recommend grabbing a drink from the patio bar upstairs while you wait for a table. Overall, solid place for a casual night out.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lamb Barbacoa with Habanero Pickled Carrots Onion Cilantro, Chips and Salsa, Pastor, Carne Asada, Tres Leches Cake with Espresso Tequila
Phenomenal tacos and sides! Service is average but we also went on happy hour on a Friday night so they were pretty
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3