Alcomar

I met up with some friends here for happy hour 3−7pm. Parking is a bit limited so if you go at a later time for happy hour, you may be circling the place several times.
I was hungry at the time so I ordered an appetizer off the happy hour menu. I got the grilled calamari since Im trying to avoid fried foods right now. I actually didn’t expect this to be so good! It had spinach, tomatoes, and even two slices of toasted bread mixed with the calamari so it was kind of like a salad. It was super flavorful as well! My friends all tried it and one of them even ordered a plate for themselves. It’s that GOOD!
My friends enjoyed the drink menu but I didn’t try it so can’t comment on it.
The appetizer was $ 10 during HH but is originally $ 13 I believe. It’s a nice place to meet up with friends to enjoy some food and drinks :) I will definitely be returning to try other items on their HH menu!

Love this place. Good interior Mexican food with several vegetarian options. I’ve been here for dinner, brunch, and happy hour, and it’s always good. The food is prepared well, with good flavors. The service is always good. They have great appetizers. I’ve tried the vegetarian options only, but I’ve watched my friends go crazy over the grilled oysters. Some say they are the best in Austin.
Their brunch menu is good, and the place is never crowded, at least early. They have an omelette with butternut squash and green mole that is delicious. Definitely a good brunch or happy hour place.

Excellent food and average service, but absolutely horrible kitchen production. Table of 10 — appetizers came out in three groups, spread out over just less than 15 minutes and we had to ask — twice — where the quest an oysters were. Entrees didn’t start to appear, causing a few comments wondering if we were going to get our meals before they closed reservations were for 7:30…
Food flavor and presentation was exceptional, though. Just plan on at least 2 ½ hours to eat — without dessert.

Food was 4 stars, service was a 2 at best, so we’ve landed at a 3.
ambiance:
— the space is freakin’ adorable. very inviting, clean and matches the freshness of the ingredients!
apps:
— the house chips and salsa were unexpected and v good — pumpkin and habanero «salsa» and a house made escabeche — great start to the meal
— we ordered the crab and guac, delicious, flavorful. lots of tender crab meat and topped with pineapple
— mushroom gorditas — tasty, a little greasy and the mushrooms were a tad on teh slimy side, but the husband and MIL really enjoyed
entrée:
— crab and shrimp relleno was huge hit — cornmeal coated and fried, if youre into tahat sort of thing
— butternut squash relleno — absolutely delightful!
Overall — wonderful, complex flavors, fresh ingredients and decent portion size, although a bit overpriced
CONS:
Service — unfortunately, the service was not good. Our server was very, very slow, alarmingly so, but it seems as though that might be the way it works overall. We saw a couple leave after finishing their beers, because they still had not been asked for their dinner order.
Drinks came slow, we finished appetizers and sat for at least 6 – 7 minutes before being asked for our entrée order. Finished dinner and sat for 5 – 8 before getting the dessert menu — sat for another 15(!!!) before deciding that even though we wanted to try two of the desserts, we did not want to wait for them. Another server noticed the delay and brought our check — our server came another 12 minutes later for payment. It was unfortunate, we left with a poor taste in our mouths, even though the food was great. We likely will not return.

Alcomar has a huge, kickass menu of excellent Latin-​inspired seafood. Plus, giant 2d paintings of an octopus on the wall. For our dining party of 30+ (yes), their service once they got it rolling was outstanding. How the hell they managed to get all our orders, and then all of our food out in like, 20 minutes? Maybe? was some kind of magic, as Freddie Mercury says.
Of course. I did not have the seafood. ;) I’m not allergic, in fact I really love fish, but there were many things on the menu that came with the fish dishes that I can’t eat, and I did not want to rock the boat any more that I had to given our large party. So, I had the half roasted chicken with Xico mole, saffron rice, sweet plaintains, and corn tortillas. All were super. (If you google around for Xico mole, in particular, it makes it sound like it’s going to be different from ‘standard’ mole, whatever you might define that is, but Alcomar’s was amazing. Not too spicy, not too sweet. Maybe that’s what I am mostly used to, style wise. If you want to fight about it at your dining table, here’s a guide to a whole lot of different moles —
).
There’s limited but available outdoor seating. The restaurant interior is a nice open, airy cool space, great for Austin summers. A/​c was legit, and not too cold (although I thought I heard somebody comment that condensation had leaked out of one of the vents, which is kind of an ambiance no-​no).
As a number of other patrons have commented on Unilocal though — the only thing detracted from the 5 star for me was the shitty design of the place for sound. Sorry Errol M — it wasn’t just a tad loud, it was crazy stupid loud, even when the place was only ¹⁄₃ full. I had to yell at the person directly across from me.
I dig you, Alcomar. But I’m going to say it… you are another restaurant in the universe that really did not consider how noisy your interior was going to be. Or, if you did, then, I strongly urge you to reconsider it, should you want to renovate in the future or build another location somewhere in our fine city. Gah. Maybe you thought someone like me would be so wowed by the food that I would just forget all about the yelling.
I SAID, THE YELLING. HELLO? WHAT? MORE BEAUTIFUL MOLE AND CORN TORTILLAS PLEASE? RIGHT?
Ok.

Great service and high quality items. The margaritas have a good variety and are certainly refreshing.
Butternut Poblano Pepper = Mexican thanksgiving — interesting enough, but I’ll not try again.
Ceviche was not traditional but very light and delicious.
It may have just been the crowd, but the interior décor made a crowded room deafening. The south side patio was nice.

Every item we’ve tried has been excellent.
For starters: the Cebiche Peruano is a must! Gulf Oysters also! And the Crab and Guac!
Entrees: the Butternut Poblano Relleno is to die for.
Lobster enchiladas are light and FULL of lobster.
Dessert: We tried the new Sopapilla Cheesecake and enjoyed it!
Finally, try their specialty Margaritas! The Xalarita, the Alcomar and De La Casa were my favorites so far!
Love the fresh and airy décor of the space and the Outdoor patio is simply icing on the cake!
We will be back many times!!!

Absolutely wonderful! As everyone says, the cauliflower is delicious, but I also had scallops cooked to perfection with grilled asparagus and it was all delicious.

Our second experience at Alcomar was good but not nearly as nice as our first visit. To start, Open Table only offered reservations at 6:15 or after 8:45. So we rushed to arrive at 6:15 and there were still plenty of tables by the time we exited at about 7:30. I asked the host and he admitted that they hold out tables for walk-​ins. Our server was not all that pleasant. She didn’t seem that happy being at work and it showed. She wasn’t rude but certainly not friendly nor happy. I asked for some wine suggestions. She suggested the temperanillo. I ordered it and she never checked back to see if I liked it. (it was really mediocre).
I had the arugula and beet salad with a cup of the shrimp pozole. Both were very good. My husband had the grilled octopus which he didn’t really care for and he is usually a big fan of octopus. He also had the Queso Flamedo – it was ok, nothing special.
We would definitely return but tonight’s experience wasn’t on par with my expectations for the establishment. I think next time I’ll go over to El Alma their sister restaurant.

It’s sad that I have to give this place a 1 star review, especially because it looked like it had so much potential.
We decided to try out Alcomar because the neighboring Bouldin Creek Café had a 45 min wait. After opting to sit inside, we were taken to a table and I immediately noticed that were dry as well as sticky food crumbs on the seating bench. I was hesitant to sit down and we were patiently waiting for our waiter to come back so I could show him the mess and also ask for a different seat. The waiters today seemed sluggish, so we found another table ourselves. Whatever, no biggie.
After ordering our food, our waiter brought out our water glasses. My husbands glass had a huge red lipstick stain which grossed us out terribly. After we showed it our waiter and asked for another glass, I noticed my glass had some hardened food residues on it as well. That was the last straw and we decided to cancel our order because we wanted out of there. Sad thing is that I don’t think the waiter seemed terribly bothered.
Perhaps their food is good? Sad that we were too grossed out to try it.

Went for Sunday brunch and guess what, we never even got anywhere close to trying anything to eat.
First we were seated outside, per our preference, but it was too hot so we decided to move inside.
The first place that we were seated was dirty, there was food lying on the table and the seating. Since the waiter had already left to get our drink orders we decided to seat ourselves at a different table.
When the waiter brought our waters, there were lipstick stains on one of the glass and the other one had some residue from food. There was so disgusting that we decided to cancel orders and excuse ourselves.
It’s a shame because we were looking forward to trying this place for a long time and I don’t think we will ever go back!

Hands down, one of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had (and it would take an exemplary recovery such as this to say that) after what we went through.
We were promptly seated outside, got our appetizer order in, but then after they served it, no one ever came back out to check on us. Not to refill our waters, to grab us some silverware, or even to take our meal order.
We were beyond PISSED. We loved Alcomar, have dined here before, and they just poofed it all away.
Except, they didn’t. After our appetizers we wanted the check (and this is after about 30 – 45 minutes of no one coming out), and I made sure to tell him politely how I felt.
I told them that we love Alcomar but we were so disappointed with how they treated us. We told them we had wanted to order numerous meal items but had now lost our appetite. We told them that no one came back to check on us, give us plates, and or anything to that effect, and here is how Alcomar responded.
The server was so genuinely apologetic and accommodating that we were so moved by his honesty and humility. He said that he was frazzled because of all the tables he was taking care of but that’s no excuse for neglecting us.
Not only that, the manager on duty came out and had the same exact sentiment, and we were thoroughly impressed with their professionalism and eagerness to make amends.
Needless to say, the meal was on them, they saved their wonderful reputation with us, and this experience served yet another example of how amazing customer service will never be overlooked :)
P.S– You MUST get the queso Flameado. You just HAVE to. Thank me later :)

This was hands down the best meal I’ve had in ages. Everything about this cozy little restaurant was right on. The ambiance is stellar with a warm and cozy seaside vibe created by the white tables and seafoam chairs, basket pendant lights, white wood slat walls, fiber window hangings and let’s not forget the teal octopus painted on the wall. The service was excellent and the food was flat out amazing. Sometimes the gods come together and the trilogy that makes a restaurant great actually melds to form one fantastic experience… ambiance, service and food. They got it right on all counts.
We ordered the Red Snapper & Mole Verde which was cooked to sweet, tender perfection served with a delicate green mole, sauteed greens, roasted butternut squash, pepitas and amazing little fried corn cakes called chochoyotes. All of the elements in this dish worked wonderfully together. We also ordered Lobster Mojo which is probably overlooked because it is in the Al Lado section of the menu. I can only describe this one as crack in a bowl and Oh. My. God. this was unbelievable. Chunks of soft buttery lobster floating in a bowl of the most amazing sauce to ever grace my palette. Order it. It’s insane. It was all I could do to hold myself back from literally licking the bowl and jumping around the restaurant shouting «Lobster Mojo! Lobster Mojo!»
I am already plotting my next visit here and my mouth is watering at the thought. Thankfully, I restrained from the Lobster Mojo dance so they may even let me back in.

It’s weird, the business still has the same set up as the old El Chile, the tables, hostess counter, bar are all very similar, but it feels totally different inside. It was fresh and new. This has to be one of the prettiest restaurants in Austin. Pastels and a slightly nautical theme transport you to another city upon entrance.
The food is great, but there was nothing I fell in love with. The Queso was served in a cast iron pan accompanied by Homemade Tortillas. I had the Waygu Steak Torta which was served with a delicious sauce. The bread was a bit too toasted, so it was crumbly and hard to eat. The steak was cooked perfectly, though.
The service was okay, too, but we had a large, confusing group so I’ll definitely give it a pass.
I would try it. I really would, if for nothing else, just to be in a space that is so beautiful.

My first meal in Austin was at Alcomar. If every meal is this good in Austin, my pants aren’t going to fit when I leave!
The space is gorgeous and reason alone to visit– mostly white wood with lots of ropes and they perfectly capture the Latin meets Coastal feal.
They brought out house made toastadas with sweet pickles, and a fantastic salsa of sorts. We also ordered the queso flameado and it was gooey, and even better when scooped into the soft tortillas.
We decided to share several items so we could get a good feel of the menu. My favorite was the red snapper and mole verde with butternut squash and swiss card. The fish was moist with skin on and the green mole had a fantastic flavor that nicely complimented the fish. I adore butternut squash and could it every day so was happy to have it as a garnish to the snapper.
Another highlight: the cauliflower flan! It was basically cauliflower and cream, rich and decadent and so good.
Grilled pastor octopus tostadas were complete with guacamole, onions, cilantro and had a slightly smokey flavor. Yum!
The only miss of the meal for me was the ceviche verde — corvina with serrano, mint and jicama was a bit fishy for me.
Service was very friendly and professional. Highly recommended and no reservations needed at lunch.

Alcomar has a nice clean feel near other cool shops and restaurants on S. 1^st St. I probably need to go there again to try other dishes, because what we had didn’t leave me terribly impressed.
Meal started with a few crisp tortilla chips with pickled vegetables and a squash dip.
Cebiche Peruno: This version of ceviche is strips of ahi tuna, laid flat on a plate. The flavor of the ceviche juice was good, and the yucca chips served with it were fresh and crunchy. Nothing to complain about, but nothing exceptional either.
Grilled Tuna Tostadas: two tostadas piled high with cooked tuna, on top of guacamole and a bit of arugula, topped with pickled onions and accompanied by saffron rice. All components were fresh. Saffron rice was light and well separated. Tostadas were crispy. However, I would have liked more complexity of flavor. I found myself stealing juice from the cebiche plate and drizzling it on the tostadas to get more flavor.
Service was pleasant, again no complaints there.
Overall, it was a nice lunch, but nothing I find myself craving to get back to.

It’s kind of hard to categorize this establishment… but I probably would consider this as Mexican Fusion, with a hint of stuff coming in from other parts of Latin America. The ambience is great, the service is decent, and the food was good — but the price points were way off for dinner, especially for the portions. We still left hungry even after spending more than $ 30 per person with no drinks. Come instead for the happy hour for better deals. The cocktails in this place looks great too! If I had come during happy hour, I’m sure I would bump up the ratings another star.
The complementary tostadas were nice. We ordered the beef tenderloin & chichilo rojo ($ 39) which consists of black angus steak, asparagus, chipotle mushrooms, purple & yukon potatoes. And we also ordered the manchego shrimp & chileatole ($ 19) which consists of shrimp, mango, arugula, grilled tomatoes & arból oil. And while I liked both dishes, I would have to say the beef tenderloin is more flavorful.
Sorry, but that’s about all I can rack my brain to say.

Seafood brunch is weird. Eggs and shellfish make for an uncomfortable pairing. I got the lobster omelet, which sounds amazing on paper. I always say, everything is better when you add eggs. But not lobster. I cheapened the lobster, and made the eggs taste funny.
Oh, and the Bloody Mary with the raw oyster sounds fun, but the oyster just gets stuck to the ice and you end up peeling it off with your straw. Or fork. Or fingers. It was difficult to un-​stick, and each member of my table had a different method.
But the interior is gorgeous. Light finishes and a variety of blues. Delicate lace window coverings and woven pendants casting soft light. Calm is a good way to describe Alcomar. But I can’t really recommend brunch here.

Kudos for more integration in your staffing, and for the excellent bartenders!
Brought the gals here last week, and the 9 of us agreed, this is an ok restaurant, with fabulous libations. The prices are great, for a seafood restaurant, but the interesting sounding entrees fail to deliver. The grilled fish (swordfish?) and calamari tostadas both had a variation of the salsa served as a free appetizer. Neither were extraordinarily fresh tasting.
I recognize some love the snapper ceviche and while interesting, I found it incredibly vinegary. The trick here, I think, will be to find an appetizer you like, and drink during happy hour !

Alcomar appeals my appreciation for simplicity. From the basic exterior to the airy and bright interior, I felt at ease as I sat down to review the menu.
I had high expectations when I walked in the door and my two selections, wood-​grilled achiote salmon and arroz con leche for dessert, made my taste buds very happy. The size, quality and preparation of the salmon was a highlight because the fish flavor stood out. The fruit used in the arroz con leche was so fresh and the last spoonfuls of milky rice was an excellent end to a great meal.

My favourite thing about Alcomar is the décor. This isn’t to detract from the food which is excellent. I just love the clean open space, the colours, the gleefully kitch rope window decs and the giant octopus.
The fact that both time’s we’ve been the service has been impeccable doesn’t hurt either a — a great balance of friendly but unobtrusive.
Food is a solid ⁸⁄₁₀. The portions are hearty, the Peruvian fusion works well, my skillet eggs were beautiful and the lobster taquitos (because I need two mains.) were spectacular — deliciously grilled and just the right level of sweet.
Just misses that undefinable extra tang — I little more seasoning /​spice would definitely push this place up to a fifth star. But for now I’m holding out!

Wow do I love the cuisine and atmosphere here! I met up with 4 other ladies and a charming toddler at Alcomar and we shared several delicious plates. Our waiter was kind enough to bring me two small tastings of wine when I inquired about each. He guessed which rose I would enjoy best and he was spot on. While they don’t have a kids menu they kindly made some impromptu quesadilla which was super sweet of them.
While our group caught up with each other we were presented with a complimentary habanero pumpkin seed salsa with crispy tostada and a side of pickles. The spunky salsa and crunchy pickles set the tone for a wonderful meal. We shared the following dishes:
Crab & Guac — with grilled pineapple & serrano purée. Loved the heat vs cool to this dish.
Wood-​Grilled Gulf Oysters — mojo butter, bacon & manchego cheese. Decadent and savory!
Mushroom Gorditas — chipotle mushrooms, refried beans, manchego cheese & guacamole. This was one of our groups favorite dish.
Wood-​Grilled Calamari — tender pieces of calamari mixed with spinach, olives, caper mignonette. This was one of my top dishes (only second to the crab & gauc).
Tortilla-​Crusted Crab Cake — a soft crab cake with sweet potatoes, beets, crispy capers served with a seared lemon. Gorgeously plated and delicious.
Snapper Ceviche — with serrano, mint, green olives, jicama, tomatillo & avocado served with yucca chips had lots of bright flavors happening.
I so look forward to returning for their stellar happy hour on their beautiful patio. The happy hour includes specials like ½ off bottles of wine, $ 3 many enticing apps, $ 1 off beers and more!