Alberto's Cantina

I would recommend coming here for a casual meet up with friends or family. I will admit that myself and my family (4 total) came in on a Wednesday night. Not exactly the same energy that you would expect on a Friday night for any restaurant. Given that, the atmosphere was overall nice and quaint. There is a separate, smaller dining room that is not pictured. That is where they had everyone stuffed into and were not utilizing the main dining area in the front. There were about 5+ other tables of people and they just had us all stuffed away in there together. I'm sure this was to make things easier on their staff. However, sitting everyone away from the massive bar and TV's up front seems like a missed opportunity to remind guests of the extensive drink menu they could be missing out on and from the outside it makes it seem like the restaurant is completely empty. The staff that we interacted with were friendly and accommodating. We had just wished we had the one other server that seemed to be very attentive to ALL of the other tables he was serving on his own. The young lady that was our server seemed more interested in hanging out in the front dining room talking to other staff or doing side work. We had to ask the other hard working gentleman and other employees to help us. Mind you that we were our server's ONLY table and the other gentleman was serving ALL the other tables on his own. Having to ask him to assist our table was something that we did begrudgingly. We saw our server 3 times total. When we ordered, when our food came, and when we got the check. Expecting 2 children (11y & 12y) and 2 adults to never need a refill on their drinks or anything else is a miss. The food was hitting and missing on the same plate. The refried beans are very good. They have a lot of flavor while not being overly salty. The rice would be the opposite. It looked like it was seasoned but tasted dry and flavorless. The shredded chicken was overall pretty good but best in the flauta. The shredded beef was more like a stewed beef from a Sunday roast complete with flavor profile. It was tasty, just not what you'd expect from a typical shredded beef. The asada itself was packed with flavor and tender. The Pom-A-Rita was a complete tequila experience. STRONG. Luckily I had a designated driver. If not I would have been stuck like chuck on my last buck waiting for the alcohol to metabolize before driving. With so much tequila I can't be sure if there was any pomegranate juice or not. Just the red coloring to insinuate it's presence. I would definitely come back here again but for a different experience. I would gladly recommend getting a group of friends to Uber and meet up for drinks, food and watching a game at the bar or in the front dining room. Possibly a lunch date on the patio.

Been coming here for a few years, before the change in ownership. Could rely on “adequate” food, rounded out with strong margaritas. Just came in to try again, as we heard the food had been “updated”. Pleasantly surprised - the food has stepped up, and they have added a few items to the menu, notably the Carne Melt…a fantastic twist on the Philly Cheesesteak. Very fresh and flavorful. I know you won’t expect to see it…or try it…when coming to a traditional Mexican restaurant, but I highly recommend it. Oh…and the margaritas are fantastic …and strong. Be sure to give a smile to the bartender - Roxanne - she’s the best! Nice job, Alberto’s!!

Food was as good as any decent Mexican restaurants and worth the money. Drinks weren’t great though for adults. But kids drinks were good. . Loved their fresh Nacho, was fresh and warm.. loved the sides provided as well. If just 2 we’ll- eaters, then their scrumptious sampler platter is awesome to go for. We were seated outside and the weather was lovely too. Not very crowded, but the restaurant was busy.. 75% full when we went on a Sunday evening.

A Total Comeback — So Glad I Gave It Another Chance! I hadn’t stepped foot into Alberto’s Cantina in over 10 years. Back then, the food and service under the old ownership just didn’t cut it for me. But wow — what a difference new ownership makes! Since the revamp, I’ve been back at least seven times — and each visit has been better than the last. The new owners have seriously elevated the entire experience. The menu has been refreshed, but still keeps the spirit of the classics. And the best part? All the dishes now taste so much fresher. I’m especially obsessed with their new enchilada sauces — both the red and the green are absolutely packed with flavor. They’re rich, vibrant, and clearly made with quality ingredients. It’s great to see this Pleasanton staple getting the love it deserves. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Alberto’s is definitely worth a visit (or seven!).

Went here over he weekend for a quick lunch. I had the veggie Chile relleno and veggie enchilada, it was bland had to add salt and pepper. There just didn’t seem to be any flavor in the dish. My wife had veggie tacos and she said the same thing, we needed to add some spicy to give it a kick. My daughter liked her French fries and the chips and salsa they put out, that’s the only reason I gave the food three stars. I ordered a sprite and to ask for it twice before it came out. I wanted a refill and had to ask for it three times, it never came. That’s why service got a two. They did not check up on us, we had to go to the hostess s number of times to get the waiter to come over. The atmosphere was too dark in the bar area but cool as they had all the fans on. In the dining room it was lighter but muggy as they didn’t have any fans on. I had to ask them twice before they put it on. Overall it was a disappointing experience. I have been here before and the service and atmosphere was good. This time I don’t know what happened. We decided to give it a second try because we heard their food had improved but it wasn’t. It’s a shame because it has a prime location on Main Street.

Returned after a few years given the new ownership but honestly the food was mediocre at best. Service was excellent but the food , not so much. If you want traditional Mexican food, this is not the place for you!

Went to Alberto’s for a team dinner event. Liked the atmosphere and vibe . Its one of the best place to try Mexican food in downtown Pleasanton. Do try the drink Alberto’s Margarita, if you are looking for one.

My family and I came here on Friday night as an early Mother’s Day dinner. We came around 7:30 ish not too crowded, granted the warriors were playing. We were seated in bout 5-7 mins. Our waitress Melissa was amazing. Super friendly and the food was delicious. I highly recommend the carnitas and a strawberry margarita.

Food, service and ambiance all wonderful Great place. First time here but we will definitely be back anytime we are in the neighborhood. Server Diego was excellent and very professional. Food was great, tastes good and portions were plenty. Place is clean and very taken care of. I would recommend this fine establishment to all.

Great service and INCREDIBLE margaritas! Highly recommend if you're ever in Pleasanton.

Great food, great service. Margaritas were great. Food came out really fast. Lots of tvs to watch sports.

Alberto's has a low average, which I never understood. I'd go with 3.5 stars, rounding up as usual. We've been there many times, either getting fajitas or burritos, and it's always been pretty good. Service is slow at times, but not unreasonable. Brightly colored like Americans prefer their Mexican restaurants. We recently visited again after the management changed hands, and didn't notice much of a difference, still pretty good, with plenty of food. There were a couple of decorative items added, like pickled onions and a grilled lemon half. The latter was nice, as I liked squeezing the extra lemon into my shrimp.

So, I'm rewriting this because my original review here got removed after the business flagged it for "looking like AI." I honestly laughed because I wrote it myself, on my couch, after eating here. If anything, maybe it was too honest? Anyway, here we go again. I've been in Pleasanton long enough to remember when Alberto's used to be the go-to spot for a casual Mexican dinner. I don't know what happened, but the food on my last visit was just... not it. The chips were stale. Not "kind of stale," I mean the kind where you tap one on the table and it makes a little clink sound. The salsa tasted like someone whispered the idea of a tomato into a blender and called it a day. I ordered enchiladas, which should not be complicated, but the whole plate came out lukewarm and kind of sad. The rice looked tired. The beans tasted like they were just checking in but not really participating. Nothing was actually bad enough to complain to the server about -- it was more like the entire meal just gave up halfway through. Speaking of the server: they were great. Super friendly. Definitely not their fault. I tipped well because the service was honestly the best part of the night. But when you leave a restaurant feeling full and still thinking about where you should have gone instead... that kind of says everything. I'm only posting this again because the first version got nuked, which was weird. I guess my writing style accidentally offended someone. So here it is, rewritten, less poetic, more direct: The tequila selection is solid, but the food felt phoned-in. That's the whole story.

Six years later and I tried to give this place another shot but it's another miss for me. The service was slow and the waiters really don't know how to respectfully talk to people. Our waiter checked on us about three times in five minutes to get our drink orders and meals. Then I never saw him again until it was time to pay. Mind you, there was maybe four tables dining at the time with several waiters. I saw another tables waiter checked on them several times and even brought out additional chips and salsa. The women's bathroom was pretty dirty and could use some TLC. The food here is very underwhelming and the only redeeming thing is the long list of margarita options. I would not recommend this place to any friends.

I had a really disappointing and dishonest experience here. While we were dining, the waiter came over and told us that the man at the next table had paid for everything. I was shocked so I asked him 3 times and he gave me the same answer. He even encouraged us to order another drink because it was "already covered." I wasn't planning to, but I agreed as he said it's paid for and I felt pressured After the man left, we thanked him and then the waiter came back with a bill. When I asked why, he said the man had only paid for one drink. That's not what he said earlier. It felt like a trick to get me to order more, and that's unacceptable. I left feeling taken advantage of, and I won't be coming back.

LOVE. Best fajitas anywhere! Add a tequila flame over the beef or chicken and you get a gorgeous aroma into the meat! Friendly as ever. Especially Tomas and Ella!!! And don't for great taps and many margarita options.

Diego our waiter was excellent took very good care of us. Food was great and good portions. You have to have the bunuelos for dessert.

Great food and service! Our server is so attentive and the drinks are great. The margarita with the baby champagne so good!

As a long term customer, I was shocked at the price increases of what was a somewhat overpriced menu. I was shocked at the $24 margarita, raised from $14. Worse yet, when approaching the owner about the price increases, her response was, "New owner, new prices." Alberto's was never authentic but was standard fare. After a 20% price increase, nothing has been added to the menu other than quality going down. Do not order The Don! It has midori and has no resemblance to a margarita. I understand they also own Bacci. No menu changes. No prices changes. Maybe Alberto's should follow that takeover model.

Don't let the low rating fool you. This place is awesome. They started us off with some free chips & salsa and they were delicious. The chips are warm and salty. The salsa had a subtle hint of oregano which made it unique. I ordered a chile relleno and it was super tasty. There was a mix up in the kitchen and my wife received the wrong order but they immediately apologized, took it off the bill, and gave us a free replacement. We were very impressed by the customer service and especially on a busy day for them. We can't wait to go back. Kudos to Sarah and Ella for great service despite an extremely busy lunch service and mix up with the entree.

Happy hour back at Alberto's love those chicken wings they have the best service here live these people

We have been coming here for the past two years. We always have good food and great service, especially from Diego. They always greet us when enter the restaurant and we are seating very quickly.

Alberto's Cantina has definitely leveled up under the new ownership! The vibe feels fresh and inviting, and the quality of the food has truly improved. You can tell they've put a lot of thought into elevating the experience while keeping the classics we all love. The most delicious thing I had here was the Fajita Burrito--WOW. The chicken was so moist, perfectly seasoned, and packed with flavor. Every bite was satisfying and absolutely delicious. Highly, highly recommend if you're visiting! If you haven't been back since the ownership change, you're missing out. Great food, great atmosphere, and even better quality than before. Alberto's is back and better than ever!

Fajitas were excellent and came to the table flaming. The portion was large and quality of ingredients was excellent..

I don't usually leave reviews it's not really my thing but this place is a a scam. My friends and I were visiting Pleasanton and we were hungry so we went here. I ordered the supreme burrito which was a wet burrito and it's not stated in the menu and that tomato sauce just upsets my stomach. I open the burrito and full of rice some beans and the meat was yet to be found. My friend ordered chilaquiles that gave him diarrhea. We had to stop so many times on the way to San Jose because he needed to use the restroom and last when we ask for the bill keep and mind they won't give you an itemized bill unless you ask so we did and they charge us and extra plate that we never order so I ask the guy why the plate was in the bill and he said that they charged our margaritas like that so they wouldn't tip the bartender that's so messed up I feel bad for the girl bartending. I recommend people go to Taco Bell instead, it's more tasty and cheap than this place. They charge 26 dollars for my burrito that I didn't even touched it and the waiter didn't even ask if everything was ok.

This place was easy to access and in downtown Pleasanton so lots of parking around. We were seated immediately. The waiter gave us chips and salsa as soon as we ordered and handed the menus back. I ordered a shredded beef enchilada and my friend ordered chile rellano. This plate was filling. I was very full for a reasonable cost.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice... well you know... We decided to give this place a shot since it has been over a decade from our last visit which was abysmal to say the least. They are able to pull in their patrons simply because this place is located right in the middle of Main Street and has a good sized outdoor seating area... easy pickings...The interior is dated, floors dirty, as in, we watched as the owner/manager person was standing in the front doorway completely oblivious to the pile of leaves he was standing on. The table was sticky, as were our menus. Which by the way, the plastic menus are so overly used, that the ink is worn off so you have to guess what the correct prices are...Servers are sort of haphazard and emotionless/robotic. And, the food... UGH... worst ever. It's just not even worth describing how Sysco pedestrian and flavorless it all tastes (sorry Sysco)... We called it the "Don Joses" of Pleasanton. If you know, you know what I mean.

Another enjoyable Friday night at Albertos! It was a little chilly out on the patio, so we opted for some nice warm Pozole. It was very good! For a soup it felt very hearty and was quite filling. We also had a couple of our favorite Margaritas, which always hit the spot. Of course we got GREAT service from one of our favorite servers, Jassiel!! She is really good! We have had her many times so she seems to know what we want, even without us asking. She is super friendly and engaging which adds to the overall experience. Check out Albertos for a nice night out; you can't go wrong with a Margarita, Pozole, and Jassiel.

diego was my sever for today, he was the best server i ever had. He had nice service and was very patient with us, and knows how to make his guest laugh. Best one yet, man deserves a raise.

I had my favorite a Chili Rellano. Excellent. We were there for my daughters birthday and given special attention. The restaurant looked great.

Food was overpriced, did not taste authentic at all. Salsa tasted like it was straight out of a jar, chips were stale. Our server was sweet, but we won't be going back. Patio area has good ambience, however you'll most likely be swatting flies away the whole time. Would be nice if they had those table top blades that keep flies off of food.

We went to Albertos Cantina for a family dinner. We ordered two beef fajitas. When the food arrived, I tasted the toughest meat I've ever eaten. I called the waiter and told him the meat was extremely tough. He said he would replace it, and I asked for chicken instead. When he came back, the plate was missing the onions and peppers, and he brought just a few pieces of chicken. The waiter was very rude. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. restaurant is quite clear from the plate. Rather than apologizing to the customer, you seem to be placing blame -- all while speaking about honesty. A more polite and customer-focused approach could help your restaurant receive better reviews and attract more guests. Making customers feel valued, instead of blamed, goes a long way."

Alberto's is a Pleasanton favorite for a reason! The food is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with love. I had the fajitas, served on a sizzling skillet, and they were absolutely delicious -- perfectly seasoned with tender meat and crisp veggies. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or dining in with family, Alberto's never disappoints

Don't Be Fooled by the 2.5 Stars--Alberto's Cantina is a Whole New Experience! I can't say this enough: the new ownership at Alberto's Cantina has completely transformed this place. If you've been hesitant because of the old reviews, you're missing out on what has become one of the best dining experiences in Pleasanton. From the moment you walk in, you can see and feel the changes. The atmosphere is brighter and more welcoming, the staff is genuinely friendly and attentive, and the food has improved beyond what I ever expected. Every dish tastes fresh and full of flavor--way better than it used to be. They've clearly put a lot of care into revamping the old menu and elevating the overall experience. You can tell the new owners take pride in what they're doing, and it shows in every detail. They don't have happy hour anymore, but honestly, it's not a big deal because it was only just a dollar off one special type of margarita--it's really not a loss compared to how much everything else has improved. If you haven't been back in a while, do yourself a favor and give it another try. Alberto's Cantina has definitely upped their game--and they deserve way more than 2.5 stars! Side note, they have OpenTable and doordash now!!

The new owner has already transformed the food, portions were generous and the service was excellent!! We sat on the large outdoor patio, it was a perfect summer evening downtown. Thank You for bringing Alberto's back with fresh ingredients.

We've been coming to Alberto's for years and years and years. i had my rehearsal dinner on the patio ages ago . The familial atmosphere is what has kept us loyal. we love our regular server Diana - she has become a friend- and Tomas, of course. Alberto's has recently acquired new management which has really upped the game! The food presentations are simple and beautiful. I am excited for the restaurant's future with a few good additions to the familiar favorites. please, if you haven't been there for a while, try them again. enjoy the patio on a warm summer evening with a delicious margarita and wonderful company!

We had the fajitas that was for two or more and the presentation was amazing. It came out and then they set it on fire with silver tequila and it had shrimp and chicken. It was absolutely fabulous. I totally recommend it for two or more people.

I love the food here. My favorite is enchiladas suizas and the appetizer sampler is awesome. Must ask for Diego. He is super kind and friendly.

I have been coming here for a couple years. The food is good, drinks are amazing and the service is stellar (looking at you Diego)! After a long day it was always a great place to go for some comfort food and a tasty margarita! They have indoor, outdoor and bar seating. Wanna bring your fur baby?! Well no problem! The outdoor dining area is pet friendly and they'll sometimes even bring a bowl of water. They also have some screens for catching a game! Love me some downtown Pleasanton. This has always been a fun and casual place to enjoy good food and good company.

My sister Kathy and I come here quite often now that the new ownership has taken over. It is so good and such an improvement. We usually order the Arribas amigos margaritas and the fajitas. Also, we love their taco salads. Tomas and Dianna always provide excellent service and usually the owners and daughter come by to say hi and thank us for our business. Desserts are also really great. We see a lot of mixed reviews for this restaurant, but please give them a try. They are trying really hard and delivering excellent food and service right in downtown Pleasanton.

Prices keep going up the portions and flavors remain the same. I don't come here often anymore has just a lunch is pretty pricey buy today's standard and the salsa bar seems lacking with just basics. This is only an emergency stop when everyone else is either closed or more expensive.

Food was outstanding and new menu items were awesome. Chips and Salsa are great. The service Diego provided was excellent!!

Tomas was amazing!!! Sampler platter and Cadillac Margaritas are the way to go!!! Great place to meet after work or a fun girls night (my favorite)

Was worried about changes since Alberto retired. Food is as good if not better. Prices still Main Street high but fair. Drinks very high. Service great.

Great food! Classic spot! Food always hits the spot and awesome vibes. Chile rellano is on point.

My family's favorite Mexican restaurant in the Tri-Valley! Been coming here for years and definitely worth the drive from Dublin. As much as we like it, they are under new management and it's getting even better. Interior design and food presentation have been stepped-up. Can't go wrong with any of the burritos but Dana's and Austin's burritos are our go-to's. Super friendly staff too, and we always try to sit in Diego's section. Dessert Is included with kids's meals and for the adults, the Bunuelos are fantastic.

We popped in late on a Friday night just for drinks. We were able to watch the end of the Warriors game on the big screen at the bar. We were immediately served chips and salsa and given menus. We did not order food but the Alberto"s Margarita and the Mamacita Margarita were fabulous! I am usually somewhat of a drink snob when at restaurants and was pleasantly surprised at how good our drinks were.The woman tending the bar was friendly, efficient , and made great drinks! O

We didn't look at the reviews before coming here, while we were ordering we looked it was to late to leave already. We ordered Pozole and taquitos. For the pozole it wasn't entirely bad but the portion of the kernel it literally felt like it was just pure broth. It felt like the quantity of the pozole was counted for. For the taquitos it didn't taste like anything and the rice was dry but good service and the chips and salsa were super good.

We had dinner here today and it was great! We had delicious cocktails and the guacamole was great! Our waiter Tomas is the best and was always checking in to see if we need anything! They have big screen tvs so it's a great place to watch all the games!

Excellent service from Tomas and Diego. The appetizers, margaritas and dessert were delicious!!

I'm not going to lie I was a bit scared when I saw the reviews of this place - I came unplanned so I didn't have the opportunity to check and make an alternative decision. For what it's worth, I would say our overall experience was good but I'd still give it 3 stars since I probably wouldn't choose to come back. They gave us complementary chips and salsa which was nice. While I enjoyed the salsa, the chips felt like they were just plain grocery store chips which you could get anywhere, rather than the house made thick ones that I'm used to at nicer mexican restaurants. For my entree, I got the street taco trio. I actually really enjoyed the tacos - the corn tortillas were soft and had great flavor, and I appreciated how there was one of each kind of meat to sample. Out of the three, the chicken was by far the best - well seasoned and juicy. The chile verde was average, and same with the carne asada. The asada one especially didn't really taste right. I also got to try a bit of the guac which I felt was bland and not as good as most other places I've been to. For the price I don't think the quality is up to par. If you do get one thing though, I would probably recommend the street taco trio.

My family and I have been coming to Alberto's for around 20 years. We love it! Diego and Monica are amazing and make us feel like family! Food is amazing! Do yourself a favor and get the bean dip! Best ever!!

Diego needs a raise he is very hospitable and a kind server he is very cool. Definitely recommend coming here especially when he's around. Thanks Diego. Also very good food

Food was okay flavor-wise; but huge portions. Service was a little slower than I'm usually used to, but it still delivered well. Drinks and atmosphere were the best part! Lots of drinks to choose from; I got a "Coronarita" which was excellent. We sat on the outside front patio and it was fun seeing the Pleasanton nightlife walk by. On the pricier side, especially if you get drinks, so be prepared!

I was shocked to see that this place had such a low rating, but the most recent review said there's a new owner. So that makes sense. I had such a great experience. The food and drinks were great. The music was a vibe. I can't wait to go back!

The Camerones fajita was delicious. It was our first time here, Hailey was very attentive.

Not sure why the reviews aren't higher for this place, we've always had a great experience with the food and service. There's plenty of seating inside and out.