Tomalo Grill

Tomalo Dinner - Cozy Eats on a Chilly Night!On a cold, windy evening, we visited Tomalo with our fur babies and sat outside. Despite the weather, our server, Nathan, went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable--his service was absolutely impeccable.The combo fajita was delicious and generously portioned, easily enough for two. Our friends loved their fish tacos and guacamole, which were fresh and flavorful. The dessert menu was limited, so we tried the Basque cheesecake, which got mixed reviews from our group. We enjoyed a bottle of Pinot Noir and our friends enjoyed cocktails & beer. Plenty of mocktail options too. While they no longer offer Happy Hour, there's a daily special to look forward to. Plus, with plenty of street parking on East Avenue and their new dog-friendly policy, we'll definitely be back!

I really don't like writing a bad review but I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone with food allergies. I will say the chef has skills for great flavors but terrible for customer service. The server asked the chef and the manager, both at different times, if one would come talk to me to help me know if I can order anything but both refused. And instead of letting me know what I could order, the chef just made something on his own accord and served that to me...beef carpaccio, without anyone asking if I could eat it or even wanted it. The server couldn't find out what all was in the sauce on the side so i just barely tasted it. Finally I was able to order a filet of fish with fresh veggies. The chef finally did come out after I asked and he then told me he used an ingredient I explicitly said I cannot have and worse that it was in every dish they served me. In the end, he fixed it but I still never found out what ingredients were used so it was extremely risky for me. I don't believe he intended to mess it up that badly but the lack of communication was appalling. A server that couldn't remember things, a manager that won't talk to their customers and a chef who just wouldn't communicate to his server or to me about ingredients. Neither of us ever really could find out all the ingredients so I could never be sure if the food was safe for me. I'm not well today. I highly advise people with allergies to avoid this restaurant. Great food though if you can eat what they serve without any need to follow any diet restrictions. I always feel bad and feel like a real pain with my restrictions but please just tell me I can't eat there. I'm totally ok if I can't be served. I'd rather no food than unknown food. It's just too risky. Then the strangest thing is the manager said 'see you next week' as we were leaving. What?!

Came here for a business dinner for 6 and we were all very much impressed. Most live here, but we did have some out of town guests.The wait staff was great, very very knowledgeable, with great guidance and attention to allergies and preference.The food is somewhat interior Mexican - and wow, you can tell every dish is meticulously crafted. From the flavor profiles to the presentations. TexMex for me these days can be so heavy - this is not that, everything just tastes clean and fresh, light, despite being a protein like a pork chop.It's tucked off Rainey street, which is somewhat beneficial with street parking at that end. But all in all, a great quiet-ish dinner before taking our out of town guests down Rainey for a drink after.I'll be back for a date or with friends for sure.I got the bone in mole chicken, wow - all I've got say. The pork chop was also very good. But keep an eye on what's on special too - they had some good fish we saw leaving the kitchen but we didn't try it.

Our little group ordered a bunch of their Tacos. We mostly had beef, pork or fish. I had one of each. All good, but the fish taco was exceptional. My previous experiences with fish Tacos is that they are usually pretty bland. Tomalo's definitely was not bland.

A top recommendation for a more upscale Mexican restaurant with amazing tacos. Fresh made tortillas with perfectly seasoned meats. Even the plain quesadilla was delicious. Add an agua fresca and you have the perfect meal.We also had the mole chicken which was good but the tacos stole the show. The mole had good flavor, but not the easiest dish to eat especially in the restaurant environment.Lastly the quality service made for an enjoyable experience.

When you first walk in here from the patio to the wait area/bar - the vibes are amazing! We sat upstairs which had a cool space but next time I want to sit patio or downstairs. We were there for over 3 hours and never felt rushed or ready to go. The cocktails are pricey but our group primarily ended up drinking the Mezcal marg and La Piscondo (butchered it but the very spicy marg). Would definitely go back. Food:- scallop and tuna - so good with a little kick- kanpachi - not my fave - dumplings - must try, so good!- castacan tacos - pork belly tacos 10/10- al pastor quesadilla - pretty large porton size And would get again - fish - never had rosefish before but there wasn't much fish for how much you're paying. Would have preferred to stick to the meats.- desserts - we tried the choco mousse (not pictured bc devoured and had a little kick), the guava tart (my fave), and the tres leches

This place is so nice. As soon as you walk in, you definitely do get those vibes like the restaurants from Tulum. I do feel the downstairs seating is nicer and more of vibrations versus upstairs. The music was a little mess. It just seemed more like a doll quiet crowd upstairs. The staff is super nice they greet you as you walk in and get your table right away. Our waiter knew exactly what to recommend us that matched our taste preferences.We started with some hummus plate that would honestly was delicious. The pita bread that comes with it is so good you can literally eat so much of it. We also did some empanada looking things that were stuff with cheese and mushrooms. Very delicious. We ordered two rounds of those cause we couldn't get enough. we also got the shredded meat plate which the flavors to it was on point but the meat was very rough like they needed to cook it more because you had to chew on it a lot and it was hard to tear apart. Other than that, I would go back and try more things just because we didn't order that much but definitely, a cute date night or just to go out and enjoy cocktails and food.

A neighborhood gem! I'm thrilled they've transitioned into a spot that caters more to the neighborhood. It's the perfect off-the-trail stop for drinks or a hearty meal--exactly the upgrade the neighborhood needed compared to the last place.The queso was hands-down the best we've had in Austin--bold statement, but true. Incredibly creamy and perfectly spiced, you can tell they use high-quality cheese, served with a generous portion of crispy homemade chips. The ceviche was equally impressive--fresh, zesty, and surprisingly hearty, definitely enough for a full meal. But the standout for me was the frozen margarita with Campari--a refreshing, unique twist that strikes the perfect balance of tang and bitter-sweetness.The service was top-notch, too. They paid attention to every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the thoughtful sourcing of ingredients. The spotless table and always-full water glasses didn't go unnoticed either. This place has quickly become our new go-to for weekly date nights!

Bacalar was a nice dinner spot. I went with a large group of people and wanted to do multiple plates to share. This really isn't what the restaurant is set up to do. I only say this because the plates to share are very small.The flavor of everything was very good though. Highlights:- Scallop & Bluefin Tuna- Sikil Pak & Guacamole- Kanpachi Ceviche- Smoked Chorizo Tacos (Brasas)- Luna's Empandas - so goodThe Dessert with grilled pineapple was actually insane - absolutely delicious.Everything else on the menu is more of a pass. The stars are in the appetizers. Be prepared to spend some money here though, the portions are small.Cheers!

Bacalar, a culinary gem curated by Top Chef 2021 winner Gabe Erales, beckons with its Yucatán-inspired charm. Valet parking, validated at $12, eases your arrival, ensuring a seamless experience. With a reservation, we were promptly seated and treated to a delightful prelude: a sweet corn-infused "corn water" that set the stage for a remarkable culinary journey.Diving into the menu:1. Sikil Pak and Guacamole showcased a tantalizing mix of flavors, accentuated by pumpkin seed salsa and divine bread.2. Kibis (beef and lamb fritters) featured a delectable garlic cream, elevating the dish with an extra layer of flavor.3. Scallop and bluefin Tuna, complemented by a refreshing sour orange aguachile, provided a light and delightful experience.4. Charred Kale and Little Gem Salad, with mango undertones, delivered a lime-forward, delicious sensation.5. Sopa de Lima wowed with flavorful broth and succulent chicken.6. Masa Dumplings exhibited excellence in taste and craftsmanship.7. Longaniza (smoked chorizo) offered a spicy adventure, a must-try for enthusiasts of bold flavors.8. Pescado a las brazas (grilled swordfish) lived up to Gabe's recommendation, delivering a profoundly delicious experience.Dessert:1. Buñuelo de chocolate, with its pleasantly unexpected sour cream-like taste, proved a delicious surprise.2. Scoop of the day (chocolate olive oil ice cream) resembled a brownie in a scoop, a fitting finale to an exceptional dining experience.