Alma Cantina is good for the 'soul' and taste buds, too

SHAKING THINGS UP: Bartender Paul McGowan serves up some tacos while preparing a margarita on Sunday at Alma Cantina on Union Street. (Rochester Voice photos)

BOSTON - If you've ever been to the Quincy Market and Union Street area of Boston you know the place is fraught with watering holes that offer a variety of culinary choices from around the world.
On Sunday we found many of them jammed and took a chance on Alma Cantina, a Mexican-owned tequila and taco bar nestled among a half-dozen eating and drinking establishments that line Union Street not far from the North End.
Alma means "soul" in Spanish, and it sure did touch ours.

Alma Cantina is about a two-minute walk from the north end of Quincy Market. (Courtesy photo)

First, Martha's margarita was among the top three I've ever tasted, but our meal which followed also proved a delight to the palate and senses.
We shared a chicken taco plate, which comprised two soft corn tacos, rice and beans and pico de gallo, which consists of diced tomatoes, white onions and cilantro.
I kid you not the chicken was as moist, tender and flavorful as you've ever had, while the two small sides mentioned above were all well above your average Mexican fare.
We complemented our single taco with a Triple Dip appetizer, which included house made tortilla chips

HOLY GUACAMOLE: House-crafted tortilla chips with, clockwise from top left, guacamole, spiced mango, warm queso and carrot dip with some heat

served with guacamole, spiced mango and warm queso.
They added a fourth as a bonus which they said came from ingredients they had left over from creating a carrot soup special; it included some of the minced carrot left behind spiced up with some heat.
Whenever your taste buds get a new taste, one they especially endorse, well, that's a good dining experience.
The atmosphere was equally enjoyable with lively Latin music playing in the background that kept everyone on a merry keel.
Meanwhile, bartender Paul McGowan was one of the most gracious and patient mixologist the Hub has to offer. You won't run amiss at Alma's Cantina.
And for Boston, this definitely doesn't break the bank.
The total including taco plate, triple dip, margarita and Bud Light with tax? $46.

Alma Cantina is located at 15 Union Street in Boston.

For more info go to Alma-cantina.com

Service ★★★★★

Food ★★★★

Atmosphere ★★★★