We ate here today on our road trip. The service was really fast & the food was delicious. We had the bean burrito smothered in red sauce & the chicken enchiladas. We cleaned our plates, but both were good sized portions. We had the queso with the chips & it was such a generous soup bowl serving that we didn't/couldn't finish it. The prices were very reasonable. It was clean. There were lots of servers. It was a good spot to watch sports (if you're into that) since there were lots of televisions, but it was also well-lit with natural lighting. The televisions weren't distracting. read more

Alberto's Crystal Cafe - Signage - The image shows a tall outdoor sign for Alberto's restaurant, featuring a cartoon character wearing a large sombrero, holding a guitar, and smiling. The sign includes the restaurant's name in large, yellow, stylized letters. Below the character and name, there is a digital display board showing animated or changing images. The background consists of a partly cloudy sky and some distant trees and power lines, indicating an outdoor setting. - Cafes Near Me - Big Spring, Texas

We gave it a second try since they moved, wasn't as noisy. I ordered fajitas. Asked for my beef to be charred. They charred my tortillas instead and didn't bring me a plate. The skillet was very heavy on onions, barely any peppers, and the beef was definitely not charred like I requested. The worst part was not being served a plate to build my onion fajita on. A few staff members saw me eating off my napkin. Won't be back. read more

Alberto's Crystal Cafe - Could have done better at home for way less than $53. - Cafes Near Me - Big Spring, Texas

I ordered a burrito and it looked like a taco. Where I live I get a burrito the size of your face for less $. read more

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Alberto's is a local favorite, and I can see why. I ordered the combo fajita plate with shrimp and chicken, and while the chicken and shrimp were good, the beans and rice didn't quite hit the mark for me--I prefer my beans with Mexican cheese, and the rice lacked a bit of flavor. I also tried my colleague's Tex Mex egg rolls, which were good, but I wasn't a fan of the sweet chili sauce; I think a Southwest sour cream sauce would have been a better match. Their pico de gallo and guacamole seems store bought and not freshly made. I didn't like the guacamole and pico in the same little bowl. The ambiance at Alberto's is great, with plenty of TVs positioned so you can catch a game from just about anywhere. What really stood out, though, was the service. My server and a few other staff members worked seamlessly as a team to ensure I had everything I needed. My lemonade was constantly refilled to the point where I had to let them know I was done. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu. Food 3 Ambiance 4 Service 5 read more

Alberto's Crystal Cafe - Chicken and shrimp fajita plate - Cafes Near Me - Big Spring, Texas

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Chile rellenos had the stem and seeds with very little to no plain beef which was cold and the side of rice was super salty. The nacho supreme was watery and made the chips soggy. On the side note, they have beer but next time just go next door to Wendy's. read more

Food and service were terrible. Told me 10 minutes after we ordered that they couldn't make what I wanted. Offered me an alternative then charged me $3 more for the sauce on top. Then brought out the completely wrong food. No apologies just attitude. read more

The food was good the restaurant was clean and the staff was friendly. The problem was the price. I ate with five others and their bills all averaged $12 . I ordered the two egg breakfast and substituted beans instead of potatoes. I also ordered a side of sliced Avacado and sliced tomatoes, with a cup of coffee. My bill was $28.76 and was charged for the beans and then the half of Avacado sliced was $7.00. When I asked the waitress if the price was correct, she replied"yeh, Avacados are expensive around here". I would have given five stars had I not been gouged. read more

Food was delicious but what's up with the employee wearing a sports bra and tiny spandex shorts. That wasn't cool. The service from other waitresses was good. read more

Food was fine. Friendly service. They charge for a glass of water. Maybe they should put that on the menus or at least have the server let you know. read more

I order for my brother, often. Joe enjoys all their dinner platters. I'm just thankful they deliver. As my brother is a disabled Veteran, doesn't drive. has problems preparing his own meals. Albert's Crystal Cafe is a God Send. I definitely recommend Alberto's. read more

Okay, now that Alberto's Crystal Cafe moved into the old Red Mesa Grill building on South Gregg, there is more room and the food is totally different than it was in my original review. I luck out nearly every visit and Lori J. is my server. Exceptional, friendly, attentive and service oriented. We will eat at Alberto's for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy our food. From homemade huevos rancheros and pancakes to nachos and enchiladas, the food is magnificent and the experience enjoyable! Highly recommended for folks looking for quality Mexican food. read more

This place never disappoints. The crazy thing I 90% only get this food when traveling past to go home to Midland, which means it's at least 25 or so minutes from when I pick up to start eating. Even then, it's one of my all time favorite Mexican food meals In WTX. read more

Great place! One of our local favorites!! Just wish they had more seating, but that's a sign of how good it is!

Love this place!!!! Everything's always so good and the staff is great!! Best place in Big Spring

Traveling through Big Springs and wanted some TexMex, they were the best rated, the food was good but the grease was to hot so all the fried food came out to crunchy, if the shells and sopapilla's would not have been so hard I would have given 5 stars. The staff was very friendly and attentive, nice little restaurant for sure. read more

Finally got a chance to check this place out. It's usually packed!! Went a couple times and didn't want to wait. Went before the dinner rush at 4ish and was immediately seated. Staff. This was my first surprise. For Big Spring, the staff here was amazing! This alone makes me want to come back. I asked my waiter what she recommended and was obvious she actually ate the food there by how she talked about it. I ordered her recommended fav, sour cream chicken enchiladas. Food came out fast! The food and plate was hot!! If anything, the plate was too hot. They did tell me. However, I felt I could burn myself on the plate if not careful. The food. Amazing!! At first I was thinking it was a small serving, but the meal was very filling and delicious. I was offered a to go drink without having to ask for one. Refills were provided as needed before the glass as empty and without having to ask. Will defiantly be back!! Website says they offer pickup and delivery. I may check out one of these options as they are packed during normal lunch and dinner hours. read more

I DO NOT SUGGEST, the dude behind the register cheated us out of $20, the service is next to eating under a bridge and the food tastes like they cooked my dog and served it to us. 10/10 worst Mexican food in Texas. We ended up not eating it and went to whataburger. Picture for proof read more

They charge for water... lol The tortillas were fake, by which I mean they're not home made and probably bought from a grocery store. I didn't eat them. Food was ok. Better than Taco Bell, though. read more

Food was alright, service was good. Got the Heuvos Rancheros the fried potatoes were good, the sauce was watery. No one was wearing masks. No social distancing was being observed. The bathrooms were clean. They did charge for water which was unexpected. read more

I would like to commend the staff at Alberto's Crystal Cafe on a job well done. To start off it was a late rainy Saturday evening. Most places like this town usually close at 8:59 1/2, if you know what I mean. My family and I arrive at 9:01 and when the young man who poked his head out the front door was asked if they were open he said that they close at 9 but he encouraged me to come in and have a seat. I explained that I had a rather large party and he encouraged me once again without hesitation. We were greeted with smiles and handshakes. Fresh chips and some savory salsa. The young lady who waited on us was pleasant and very courteous. Everyone's food was hot and fresh & made to order. Burgers. Homestyle fries. Chicken tenders. Carne guisada. Texas toast & gravy. It was a very good meal and all served with a smile. We NEVER order anything else but water to drink when we go out for dinner. So I was surprised to see that they charged me for the water, 50¢. Which I didn't mind after how well the staff treated us and how great the meal was. It's good to see that service with a smile is still available in Big Spring, Texas. Well done Alberto's, well done! read more

Drop son at Howard college stop in for some breakfast. Was not expecting pancakes and French toast on the menu. Both where very good plus The menudo was perfect. Coffee had the perfect balance and good. Staff friendly and attentive. Highly recommended. read more

Very good food! Salsa and chips, chili rellenos are the best I've had, hubby and son split the combo fajitas and they were very pleased! Definitely will go again when traveling through town. read more

Never judge a book by its cover is the moral to be learned when eating at Alberto's. The exterior isn't much to look at but the food was incredible. I normally eat like a bird (pecking at small bites throughout the day) but in this case I devoured my entire platter. The chicken enchiladas and tamales were excellent!!! read more

Best Mexican food in Big Spring. Great service from every team member. Prices are good.

One of the worst Mexican food restaurants I've ever been to. The salsa was watery and sweet which was very unusual for me, the guacamole that came with my food was completely brown, the food we got looked like it had been reheated or had been sitting under a warmer forever (which made sense because we waited 40 minutes for our tacos and quesadilla), and my quesadilla was soaked and dripping in grease. We will never come back read more

Alberto's Crystal Cafe - Chicken Quesadilla - Cafes Near Me - Big Spring, Texas

Ordered to go, ordered a House Special for $8.25 the serving was so small, also ordered a guacamole tostada, the guacamole was black, limp French fries, tiny bowl of queso for almost $7. read more

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This is a really good local restaurant. It was a very hot day which means the eating area was hot too. Very limited seating so weekend mean there is a wait. I had the fajita beef burrito and it was very tasty. I didn't realize rice and beans weren't a side so had to order a la carte. Also had the jalapeño poppers. I would give the food a solid 4 stars. Nothing at all wrong with it but not everyone is 5 stars quality. I don't understand the bad reviews this place has received. This is Big Spring and not a thriving metropolis where choices are endless. I will definitely come again. read more

I don't really know where all the good reviews are coming from. Maybe this is the best Big Spring can do but I thought it was pretty bad. First, it is very small. We were very lucky to get a table. Because it is so small it was very crowded. Second, they charge for EVERYTHING! extra tortillas, more chips, drinks (sodas are cans) etc. The menu said one thing and we were told another by our server. Third, the food was not good. It wasn't horrible- tortillas were fair- but definitely not worth the price or the crowd. I say, skip this one and try elsewhere. Or maybe try BBQ and get your Tex Mex in another town. read more

The service was mediocre. I sat with my menu closed for 10 minutes with servers passing me several times before one stopped to take my order. It seemed as though if you're not a local, they're not really interested in you that much. It did get better after that, but that was probably due to it emptying out while I was there. The food was decent, but pretty much standard for Mexican food in West Texas. My entree did come out correctly and it was hot. I was really turned off by all of the extra charges. A new basket of chips? Extra. More salsa? Extra. Order a soda and want a refill? Extra (they're all bottled from what I could tell). I get that they're a small business and need to make their money where they can, but this seemed excessive. I may stop in again if I am ever back in Big Spring, but I'd I do it will be for lack of a better option, not because I was impressed. read more

HORRIBLE! Tipped on a takeout order. Missing plastic fork and salsa once I got back to hotel room. Go to any fast food instead.

My brother-in-law drives over to Big Spring for care at the VA hospital, so we asked him where to eat. He said that all the Mexican places are good. It was Sunday and not every place was open, so we tried Alberto's. My brother-in-law was wrong. Pretty much your typical Tex-Mex. The servers were mostly teenage girls who hustled table-to-table and asked if everything was okay about every thirty seconds. Too much of a good thing. Alberto and his wife like signs. There are signs all over the walls. The menu instructs you to read the menu before ordering. Somebody's a control freak. read more

We were expecting some great food with the reviews but were sadly mistaken. The enchilada sauce was nothing more than Wolf brand chili. The rice was too salty to even eat. The restaurant was so hot and uncomfortable. Would not recommend this cafe. read more

This is your stereotypical Tex-Mex joint, bland food for the anglos. As other's have pointed out, they nickel-and-dime you on extra tortillas, chips, salsa, refills, etc. While the chips were OK but the salsa was bad. It wasn't even a sauce, more like pico de gallo in water. They did have Coca Mexicana but when I ask the waitress she didn't even know what it was until I explained that it was Mexican coke in the bottle. Ordered the Beef Fajitas but had no choice of beans, only refritos. The fajitas weren't that bad but the guacamole and rice/beans were mediocre. The tortillas de maiz were also decent, they didn't have that rubbery mass produced feel and could have been fresh for all I know. Next time I'm in town I'll try Tio Lencho's. read more

A small building that is easily passable with food that is little more so. Decent prices, although canned soda seems off putting given $1.50 per can. Also they keep specific hours - we were in town for the day, but had to wait till 5p for them to open up for dinner. Overall pleasant experience, great servers, decent enough food, and satisfactory pricing leaves me and my family with a content and sufficient feeling. Side note: bathrooms were clean. Middle of the road experience, but maybe the best Big Spring has to offer. read more

Alberto's Crystal Cafe - Tabitha paying the bill, I'm sitting in corner booth - Cafes Near Me - Big Spring, Texas

Service was slow total of 6 people in the establishment and it took 45 minutes for some chicken tenders others who arrived after me received their food first! read more

Best Mexican food in town, tried em all. Stick with the Macho Platter if you are hungry, and ask for the beef enchilada with ground beef - not the chunky beef. Their stuffed chili rellenos are crazy good. If you want to keep it healthy, the chicken fajita salad is pretty tasty too. Not as fancy as Papa Chan's in town, but better & cheaper. Service has slways been good. read more

Great sweet tea, good food! The environment is always nice here. Fast service when seated. The food is on par with the other 3 Mexican food places. As far as I know this isn't a chain. I've always enjoyed the food here. Good beans, flavorful meat. It is pretty loud inside though, I blame the flooring. read more

Normally I would never order chicken fried steak from a Mexican restaurant, but it was on the "chef's recommendations" list so I went for it. Not a great idea. I can't speak on their Mexican food, but as for this meal I'll say it's the second worst chicken fried steak I've ever had (sorry sis, yours is still the worst.) My kid wouldn't eat the grilled cheese sandwich, he said it was "yucky". I tasted it, and it had a mysterious flavor that definitely didn't come from bread, cheese, or butter. I agreed with him and didn't try to convince him to eat it. He wouldn't eat the fries, because they were dark brown and soggy. This kid practically lives off of fries. I actually don't mind soggy fries, so I had a go at them. Not a great idea. Felt like I was eating a wet paper towel. The only reason I gave them two stars was because this was a delivery order. Truth is, though, being delivered shouldn't make food gross. If your food can't be delivered AND still be good, you shouldn't offer delivery. read more

Well, if you like the taste of sour beef, crunchy rice, and waiting 50 minutes for your drinks, this is your place. Had a group of 5 come to eat. Got drinks 30 minutes after being seated. There is a reason you don't see stray dogs in Big Spring, and Alberto's must have a dang good dog catcher read more

We got Platos Rodriguez and they were phenomenal. Kinda weird melty cheese sauce but the tamale with chili was insanely good. I've never had anything like it. It was a massive amount of food for $9. Highly recommend for a cheap dinner! read more