Cafe Alameda — Restaurant in San Antonio

If you're looking for a good Tex-Mex style cafe downtown, this is your spot. To me, Tex-Mex is defined by the refried beans. There is a distinctive difference between Tex-Mex and the Jalisco / Northern Mexican style fair that has overtaken much of the South Texas market. You'll know a good Tex-Mex refried bean by the bacon-dripping base. Pinto beans refried in bacon drippings have a unique flavor that defines the dish.

Today I enjoyed the refried bean and American cheddar breakfast tacos (American cheddar is also a hallmark of good Tex-Mex). I ordered the tortillas on my taco, "Charlie Browned" (lightly toasted), my favorite way to eat breakfast tacos. My wife had the pork chop plate. The pork chop was cooked perfectly, seasoned, tender and juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Country potatoes, refried beans, and freshly cooked flour tortillas rounded off her meal.

The Mexican decor is typical of a South Texas cafe. This is definitely a locals spot, quiet with a steady flow of labor, city employees, and employees from nearby offices. The owner and staff are nice, attentive,...

Do not come here! The owner is extremely rude and unprofessional! We ordered a to go order and she got upset because we didn’t leave a tip for her. She said we had to understand her rent is a lot here. I asked if our order could be placed in separate bags because it was 4 different orders to ensure all tacos were put in. They brought out all wrong tacos and in one bag too. All bean and cheese and we paid for meat tacos and breakfast ones not one bean and cheese. She got more upset and said well she don’t time to do that as her workers have other things to do too. I said well at least give the right tacos, I asked her why she had a bad attitude and she said next time you know not to come here, so I said that’s fine with me. $5.99 for carne guisada and 3.99 for chorizo and egg is a lot anyways....

It was a wonderful cozy experience once we entered. It represented a latinx culture with an authenticity which is hard to duplicate. The staff were welcoming, kind and patient while we and other customers were deciding on what to eat. Not only did they show kindness and patience when working with the customers they provided a personal touch of conversation ensuring you are recognized as more than just another customer. It was very apparent for who were assumed to be regular customers. The food is cooked to perfection with generous portions, including their freshly made tortillas. Overall this restaurant represents the Latinx community and its means of sharing its culture to the community one bite at a time. 5 out of 5 stars, would...