Alma Bar Cocina — Restaurant in Oakland

I really want this place to be successful, but it's honestly been hit or miss for me. The first visit wasn't great. The tortillas were weird, with an unnaturally smooth, slightly gummy texture. I decided to try again, and they served up some really bangin' ceviche. Okay! Third visit... the chicken tinga was so greasy and mushy, with toppings that seemed mixed all together into a creamy, chunky sauce (ugh.) The tortillas were at least normal, though. But on that last visit, a worker stood in the middle of the food prep area sneezing their head off, and only covered it when I looked up... with their bare hand, with which they then grabbed a rag and started wiping surfaces down. I'm not a health inspector, but come on. You wouldn't even do this in your own home, right? Don't slack on basic...

Smaller restaurant with excellently tasting and dressed tacos, only $4 per taco!! The value for the amount of protein on these is exceptional. Food was quick to be served, presented beautifully, and was very satisfying. My personal favorite in order would probably be: Carne Asada, Pescado (these were both great and could go either way for first), the carnitas (these carnitas felt more slow cooked in a pot vs baked/fried, they were very tender and good but my personal preference is carnitas with some hard baking/frying to add some crispness to the exterior), and the Tinga. I would visit here again, especially if value for food is a...

Delicious food and very friendly staff. They're fairly new and can tell they're still working on decorating the inside, when i went there were only a couple tables and an area by the entrance with stools but don't let that discourage you from supporting the business. The food was really really good, I came here about a month ago with family after having to leave a restaurant that was closing before everyone got to arrive. I guess we were meant to try this restaurant and I'm actually glad we ate here instead! Prices were very fair and the portions were good too. I got the red enchiladas and they were amazing. The horchata was...