Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Alma Cantina

    3.9 (151 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Mexican, Tex-Mex
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 1 month ago

    Alma Cantina Reservations

    Order Alma Cantina Takeout or Delivery

    Alma Cantina Photos

    Business Info

    ALMA CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

    More like Alma Cantina

    Recommended Reviews - Alma Cantina

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pastor and asada tacos
    Renae C.

    The dip trio was the best part of the meal. The pastor tacos, which were recommended by the waiter, weren't as flavorful as I'm used to, but the staff was friendly and the environment was festive with the soccer games playing on all screens. I'd say this is a great place for a drink and appetizers but maybe not lunch/dinner.

    Chips & Salsa
    Aram L.

    Was looking for a fun spot for drinks and a bite with friends so walked in this spot. We were seated right away on a weekday dinner time for a group of about 6. Service was friendly and patient as we took some time to decide our order. We ordered chips and chicken wings with our drinks. The chicken was too spicy for me but the chips were crispy and quite good. Whole vibes were bright and lively, the music was way too loud and in the end had a hard time hearing even from folks right next to me.

    Sweet potato taco, corn dip chips
    Chinar G.

    On my recent trip to Boston, when I was craving to try good Mexican food near the North End, I discovered Alma Cantina, and voila, I was happy to see some vegetarian options. This cantina tucked right in the lanes while walking towards North End has a great connectivity to the T-station and downtown area. the I entered, and the live music impressed me. The whole vibe of the golf to keep engaged was fantastic. Talking about food and the service, it disappointed me to the core. For god sake, who on earth forgets my guac order and when trying to see a server, we get to see no one for at least 30 minutes. The sweet potato taco and the corn dip were decent, but the service was something I would recommend getting in check. And again, for paying for our check, we waited for over 15 minutes, when the restaurant wasn't too busy. It ruined my whole experience.

    Kito G.

    Sunny was the BEST bartender! I don't need to explain cus yall already know. Attentive, skilled and friendly. The food was sooooo good! What else? I couldn't say more because it's really that simple...it's.THAT.GOOD. Vibe is good. Diverse crowd. Feels like everyone is welcome!

    Paloma
    Estella T.

    Stopped in trying to give the east coast a chance with Mexican food lol. Ordered a Paloma it was made well except I forgot I prefer it with squirt. But I was able to drink it down. Cute decor music was just the right level. Ordered some shrimp ceviche and I was pleasantly surprised. It was also just the right size for me! I kinda wish they offered free chips and salsa but I was a happy the ceviche was good. It was a lot of shrimps which isn't always the case at other restaurants. Servers were quick and friendly. Will for sure visit on a visit out here to Boston.

    Looks appealing however taste is no the best
    Erika J.

    This was such a shame. We walked in, and it appeared that online the food looked delicious. My husband has never been known to not eat something and we both couldnt even attempt to force ourselves to eat the queso fritas. The cheese almost tasted rotten. The elote only tasted of lime. The nachos appeared with fresh ingredients but the meat had no taste. When our food arrived, we noticed that there were about 3 to 4 mice crawling through the walls under the table across from us. Our server was super nice, but I watched him clean his face and scratch his head with the towel that he was using to clean items at the bar on top of that. He went to pour a shot and I overheard him say "that's disgusting" because there was something floating inside of one of the alcohol bottles which he then threw away the entire bottle. Needless to say, I think they need to make some changes. I give 2 stars for just presentation of food.

    Jenny R.

    Alma Cantina brings bold flavors and good energy right into the heart of Boston. The vibe is vibrant and colorful -- perfect for a fun night out, but still cozy enough to settle in and enjoy your meal without rushing. The food was fresh, flavorful, and full of personality. From the tacos to the sides, everything felt thoughtfully made and packed with that perfect balance of spice, texture, and comfort. Whether you're there for a full dinner or just some small plates and drinks, Alma delivers a solid, satisfying experience. It's one of those places that makes you want to come back and try everything on the menu -- and honestly, I just might.

    Allegedly vegan tacos

    Worst customer service ever. Take a few steps to the left and go to Tiki Cove instead. Better food, drinks, and staff. This place. I ordered vegan tacos. I got brought chips with this gross vegan cheese unmelted and everything was ICE COLD. Even the plate. They also brought out sour cream even though I ordered a vegan meal. I waited 20 minutes for a waitress to check on me and I told her I wanted to send it back and order something else. She said she had to wait for her manager to get in to ask him. Um what? So now I've been there over 45 mins. Finally a clueless manager comes out and I try to order vegan fajita tacos. It takes 7 times of ordering before he stops saying "chicken" and finally ours the order in only to come back and tell me the rice is made with chick broth despite it being in the menu as a vegan item. He says he'll bring black beans on the side instead. Ok whatever. Out comes the tacos and they look like dog crap. Do not recommend at all. The staff is SO rude too. The waitress was acting like a rude high school student.

    Quesadillas
    Janelly T.

    Place looked very nice and clean. The bar tender was by herself for the entire restaurant. There wasn't that many people it was late afternoon. Food was ok. You do get a lot of food. I was a bit disappointed that the chicken was very pink. Flavors were great on everything but couldn't finish the chicken quesadilla once I saw the meat.

    Chicken Nachos

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    21 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sharla J.
    88
    59
    13

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Thanks Jeff!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny R.
    99
    218
    366

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Thanks for the Groovy review Nicolas!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sheila S.
    11
    161
    6

    1 year ago

    Great service and so accommodating to food allergies and dietary restrictions. Fun vibe, good portions.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Best nachos I ever had. Bartender was extremely nice and caring and attentive. 10/10 service and food.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Chill environment, good food, good service! We had nachos, fish tacos and carnitas tacos. All were delicious.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Joshua S.

    Joshua S.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Alma Cantina

    Lolita Back Bay - Lolita Back Bay

    Lolita Back Bay

    4.0(2.8k reviews)
    1.3 miBack Bay
    $$
    Luxury
    Outdoor seating

    Such a fun restaurant! The theming and decorations are like gothic Mexico. Dark and colorful. Since…read moreI was alone, I sat at the bar. There was a wait for tables even on a weekday evening. I ordered calamari and griddled cornbread (based on reading reviews) yeah I know too many carbs. And because I heard that the drinks are so good here, I wanted to try something, but I don't drink tequila. The bartender asked me if I liked coconut and made me what I think was a coconut lemonade drink which was delicious! And both dishes were really good too. Would be a great place to go with a group of friends for a nice evening out. And yes, I'd go there again when I'm in town.

    What a great concept- more restaurants like Lolita need to open in Boston!!…read more Great place to start the night off. And some of the best upscale Mexican food in the city. The Elote was delicious! Also I loved the cornbread but a lot of people in my party didn't.... Definitely smaller portions, but with the right amount of apps and drinks it will be perfect. The bathroom is also girl approved ;) Note: don't go with a big party, because it is impossible to have a conversation across the table. And if you go after a certain hour (9ish I think) they will card you.

    Photos
    Lolita Back Bay - Beef Gorditas, Hot Queso Dip, Steak Quesadilla, and Spicy Artichoke Empanadas

    Beef Gorditas, Hot Queso Dip, Steak Quesadilla, and Spicy Artichoke Empanadas

    Lolita Back Bay - Lolita, Diablo, Spicy Cucumber, Broken Heart

    Lolita, Diablo, Spicy Cucumber, Broken Heart

    Lolita Back Bay - Lolita Back Bay Mezcal Room

    See all

    Lolita Back Bay Mezcal Room

    Tenoch Mexican - Steak Quesadilla

    Tenoch Mexican

    4.3(391 reviews)
    0.3 miNorth End
    $

    Randomly found this place while walking to the North End. It was super busy inside, almost didn't…read morefind a seat. Their menu had a lot of classics, including tortas. A lot of people seemed to be getting the tacos or a torta. I got the steak quesadilla and it was fresh, only thing was it was a little cold and portion was a little small. I liked the pico inside it added good flavors, and the steak was good but it tasted more like a ground beef. My boyfriend got the plate with carnitas, he really enjoyed it. I wish I tried a torta as it looked really good, but next time! They also have locations in other cities--there's one in Medford too. They also do takeout and had a lot of people in and out picking up orders.

    After a disappointing experience and a returned dish at another restaurant, I was looking for…read moresomething comforting, nourishing, and satisfying. Yelp pointed me to this small (nothing fancy) Mexican spot, and on a rainy Sunday evening it felt like exactly the right choice. The "tucked -in" restaurant was quiet and welcoming. I ordered the vegetarian enchiladas, and they absolutely hit the spot. The flavors were fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. My only criticism--and it's a significant one for me--is the use of aluminum serving containers. I realize some restaurants still use them, but I personally don't think food should be served in direct contact with aluminum in 2026 when so many other options are available. It was a noticeable disappointment and detracted a bit from an otherwise yummy experience.

    Photos
    Tenoch Mexican
    Tenoch Mexican - Plato Carnitas

    Plato Carnitas

    Tenoch Mexican - Tenoch Mexican 5/2023

    See all

    Tenoch Mexican 5/2023

    Border Cafe

    Border Cafe

    3.5(752 reviews)
    8.8 mi
    $$

    I've been going to the Border Cafe since they first opened when they were at their previous…read morelocation across the highway next to Midas Muffler. Their salsa is the best you'll find anywhere but my absolute favorite has always been the blackened chicken fajita! They serve it with hot tortillas wrapped in a towel, pico, cheese, and guacamole, all on a bed of lettuce. There was nothing better than the scent of that steaming, SIZZLING platter when it was brought out from the kitchen to the table! Other customers would turn their heads to see it when they heard the sizzle and smelled the fajita! Everyone knew what it was! Lot's of oooohs and ahhhhs!! Well, the last several times my husband and I have gone there (we moved to New Hampshire) we've been very disappointed. The fajitas no longer sizzle!!! I asked our waitress why it wasn't steaming and sizzling the last time we were there. She told us some parents complained that the platter was too hot with kids at the table. Well, don't order it...or keep an eye on your kids! Hello! We went again today as I was dying for a fajita. We drove an hour from where we live in NH. Once again, I ordered the blackened chicken fajita. I made a point to tell our waiter "I want it SIZZLING" It arrived hot, not sizzling. I asked him why? He said, "They stopped doing it because the heat was setting off the fire alarms!" (interesting that I've now gotten 2 different excuses) Really? I've been getting the sizzling fajitas since 1994 and have never heard of that happening!! I told him the steaming, sizzling platter of fajita is a VERY LARGE part of the experience and they need to start doing it again! My husband thinks some woke nitwit probably touched the hot platter, complained about a lawsuit, and that's why they're not doing it anymore. If that's true, it sucks for the rest of us who like a SIZZLING FAJITA!!! C'mon Border Cafe! Bring back the fajitas we all know and love! Add a disclaimer on the menu that the plate is hot if people are too dumb to know that steam + sizzle = hot!! I wrote on my bill when I signed it: "Please bring back the sizzling fajita!" When you do, I'll update this review and give you 5 stars.

    This has always been my favorite Mexican restaurant, yes, I…read moreknow there has been many bad reviews it has been closed down a few times and a lot of bad write ups but I always like to give them a another chance. Well, I tried again last night for a celebration and unfortunately, the food was horrible. The appetizer came out and literally 30 seconds so you know that it was pre-cooked. I got a fajita. It wasn't sizzling like it used to and the chicken only came with onions, no peppers and onions, and the tortillas were thrown on top of the chicken not in the separate container that they used to be in and everything was extremely salty. You can only give a Resteraunt so many chances there are too many out there.

    Photos
    Border Cafe - Food and nice clean place

    Food and nice clean place

    Border Cafe - Fajitas

    Fajitas

    Border Cafe - Chicken and steak fajitas

    See all

    Chicken and steak fajitas

    Border Cafe - CAJUN BURGER

    Border Cafe

    3.3(745 reviews)
    12.0 mi
    $$

    Hallelujah! Original French Quarter Chicken is back!…read more During covid, it was taken off menu. When it finally came back, it wasn't the same. It was made with chicken tenders...just no! To my surprise, today it's back and just like original! My picture isn't great due to lightening but it's the same creamy peppery lemon sauce on a thin fried chicken. Heaven! Lots of changes on the new menu since my last visit! - pulled chicken and beef dishes - dip trios & sampler apps! - half orders of fajitas - mocktails Soo sooo happy with the changes and originals back! Even the drink sizes are back to their ginormous sizes! Love that they're going back to what everyone loved in the first place! Giving me Harvard Square vibes! Run don't walk!

    My company takes us out there due to proximity. The food has always been just meh. The gumbo is…read moregood. Margaritas are margaritas. It's fine for food on company dime. But this last time the staff was needlessly rude. Half our party showed up (the other half 10 mins behind). They refused to seat us until everyone was there. Even with the restaurant being completely empty. It's like 4 PM on a weekday. But you know what, I respect a policy if you have one. But it was more about how rude the person was. Needlessly rude. I didn't even argue. It wasn't until she was equally rude to my coworker that we just looked at each other and thought "what the hell is going on? What did we do wrong?" We won't be going back there anymore for the company outings. Not really missing out on much.

    Photos
    Border Cafe - Eyes

    Eyes

    Border Cafe - Blackened chicken fajitas

    Blackened chicken fajitas

    Border Cafe

    See all

    Mex Taqueria - GF churros

    Mex Taqueria

    3.6(107 reviews)
    1.8 miKendall Square/MIT

    A beautiful day so we wanted to find a place that had a patio and we could have a decent meal, not…read moretoo heavy, and a drink and people watch. The Mex checked all of the boxes. The ceviche was a little different in that it was formed in a Patty but was tasty. I chose the beef and probably should have known it would have some gristle but it still tasted good and was filling. They have a special of a takate beer and a shot of house tequila for $12. Hey, you know exactly what you're getting with that. Their house Margarita was a little light on the alcohol but had a good flavor. Service was Top notch. The main dining room was not that busy at the time we were there but they had a big party going on upstairs. The rooftop rested in the bar looks like it would be very popular all the time and was perfect for the large party they had going on. They have an elevator that goes to the top so it was easy for them to wheel up a dozen fancy margaritas. Restaurants did out and I would go back if I was in the area simply because it had the best patio. Many of the restaurants in the area or downstairs in the basement of a multi-floor unit. This one was unique and that the patio was street level and they do have a second story of a rooftop area.

    Mex has a great location, wonderful rooftop, I appreciate their selection - just not the spot for…read moreme! Very friendly and kind staff and a great atmosphere. Their menu has a good diversity of options and I'd like to come back and try more to see if my initial impression shifts. Had the Oaxaca Old Fashioned which was a bit off balanced, the mezcal flavor was lost and overall watery. Loved that plantains were on the menu but they were more fried in a soggy soaked in oil way instead of fresh steamed or friend crunchy. I think this spot has great character and I hope to return, but first impression was eh - ok.

    Photos
    Mex Taqueria - Setting

    Setting

    Mex Taqueria - Carne Asada

    Carne Asada

    Mex Taqueria - Outside

    See all

    Outside

    Alma Cantina - bars - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...