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Alma Cocina de Mexico
Master Critic Review
Alma Cocina de Mexico
8.6
At The Grove, Alma Cocina de Mexico brings a polished, Mexico City–leaning menu of tacos, moles, and seafood to a patio overlooking the fountain. Guests come for shareable plates, serious cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels more like a modern dining room than a mall restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coliflor al Pastor, Quesabirria Tacos, Enchiladas de Mole
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Upscale Mexico City–style cooking with cocktails and fountain-front patio seating.
Who should go: Date-night couples and groups seeking polished Mexican dining.
When to visit: Sunset into evening when the patio feels most alive.
What to order: Coliflor al Pastor, quesabirria tacos, enchiladas de mole.
Insider tip: Request a fountain-facing patio table when reserving to maximize ambiance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at The Grove is plentiful; first hour free, then tiered rates (typically $6–$12). Valet available near the fountain entrance.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished due to the Grove setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on the patio—easy for conversation at early seatings, more energetic after 7pm.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins accommodated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including cauliflower al pastor, veggie tacos, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 dishes can be modified; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Strong selection; many tacos and mains can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas and substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its fountain-front patio, polished ambiance, and shareable plates create a relaxed but elevated tone ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during daytime hours; for dinner, walk-ins are possible but expect a wait, especially for outdoor seating. Join the waitlist early if arriving on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—families visit during daytime hours and staff accommodate kids, but the ambience leans adult in the evening. Best for ages 7+.
Best For
Better for: Polished, modern Mexican dining with ambience-forward seating and cocktails—especially strong for dates, birthdays, or girls’ night near The Grove.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional street-style tacos, very quiet dining, or quick counter-service Mexican—there are more casual alternatives nearby.