Alma’s Cafe

This was our stop on our long cycling ride. My riding buddies stop here regularly, but this was my first visit. It is a small place right next to the Sacramento River. I tired a chili-​dog, which isn’t on the menu but they made me one anyway… thanks! It was pretty descent and I’d definitely order it again. The other riders tried a cheeseburger and breakfast burritos. They said their food was good. The breakfast burrito was pretty big… I’d image it would be tough to down a whole one by myself… they had the burritos cut into thirds and were shared. I definitely stop here again as I like the small town feel and friendliness of the staff.

We got there at 1:55, just before closing, and we’re treated wonderfully. Service was fine and food was great. The chicken fried steak was nicely peppery and the home fries were great. My hash browns were perfect.

Hey, it’s a greasy spoon, but it’s a friendly one; 5 tables and a counter. We shared a patty melt and fries for a knowingly sinful lunch. It was greasy-​good; we smacked our lips, licked our fingers and congratulated ourselves for sharing. Local color abounds. We heard the local loudmouth hold forth at the counter and watched the slacker/​skateboarder hanging out mooning over the mini-​skirted wait person who seemed alone and in charge except for the cook. $ 10 including tip. California needs places like this.

NOT IMPRESSED, THIS PLACE NEEDS HELP… went to walnut grove to visit where my husband was raised and took my mom. We were all starving and saw Alma’s café and decided to give it a try. Right when you walk in the place looks run down, it was not clean, the chairs were all stained and scratched, and all the furniture pieces were mismatched. The waitress who attended us, I will not complain was, nice, however she was wearing an outfit that was 2x too small (jeans and a tee) and her hands were not properly groomed, when it comes to handling food making sure you look presentable and have well manicured hands is important. All three of us ordered a burger for lunch, and when they delivered it I was shocked, it looks exactly like a homemade burger I would have made if I was 10, the taste was descent, but presentation lacked. As we were eating, the music in the background was playing «RACK CITY BITCH», I will never forget the look my super conservative mother gave me, when she heard it. After serving us, the waitress would sit in the bar seating area and text. The tables you can tell were ignored, when I tried to get some hotsauce for my food and condiments for my burger they were all dirty, covered in an oily residue, and the containers were less than full with the sauces. These are details to pay attention too. When it came to our bill, we paid about $ 40 dollars, for food I could have made at home. I sure would not go back, unless they changed there ways.

We had a great breakfast here this morning. Perfect portions and good food. Very reasonable priced. The waitress was happy and pleasant. We will return again.

I ate at this restaurant yesterday — had a veggie omelet — simple, right? I woke up at 5 AM this morning with food poisoning! I would not recommend this café under any circumstances, and I will not be eating here again.

The place was crowned with happy customers, the staff, especially Alma do a good job getting everyone served. Alma was very efficient and friendly. I’ll return anytime I’m in the area!

Average food, nothing special. We have gone here for breakfast only. I’ll give it 3 stars for the friendly staff and decent food.

I’d also give Alma’s 2 ½ stars, but to even out Richard’s review, I’ll give it three. Alma’s is inconsistent and below-​par, even for a greasy spoon. The first time I went, the country potatoes consisted of frozen french fries (believe it) cut in small pieces and fried to tastelessness. The poached egg was a flabby mess, not poached at all, rather raw and slimy. And the coffee? Please! More like water and mud scooped straight from the mighty Sacramento.
I would like to add that my second visit this past weekend was *better*. The eggs benedict special was surprisingly un-​icky, and the hash browns were crispy. Not surprising was the weak, muddy coffee… still the same… or the inconsistencies: while my hash browns were dark and crusty, my fellow diner’s were almost raw.

2 ½ Stars.
Who’s Alma? That was the first question I asked the waitress when I got seated at Alma’s Café in Walnut Grove. She replied «No one knows», «This restaurant has passed through so many hands that the only thing left of Alma’s is the sign and the name.» Well… that was a good start!
I had biked here wanting to try Giusti’s (
), but I arrived way too early. Maybe Giusti’s on my next bike ride.
On the menu today…
Linguica & Eggs (** ½ $ 6.75) Two Eggs Over-​Medium, Country Potatoes under-​cooked, Linguica, and White Toast. Eggs kinda drippy oily; the under-​cooked Potatoes ruined the Country Potatoes where the flavor, if it had any, was ruined by the «crunchy» Potatoes.
Lemonade (**** $ 2.00)
Service (**) — Why two stars? NEVER offered a refill on the Lemonade until she glanced at the money I left and realized she was getting a Tip! By then… it’s too late, Lady! Felt like a ripped-​off tourist.
This, basically, Breakfast and Lunch Diner has the preeminent spot on River Road… right, smack dab in the middle of town where tourists and locals can’t miss it. There are more people here at Alma’s than at any other Sandwich or Diner on River Road. Despite the low rating I’m giving Alma’s… you might end up here anyway because of the low number of dining establishments in Walnut Grove; another reason is that all the other places are just sandwich joints.
Has a good view of the River at Sunset… if they’re open that late… which they’re NOT! You’re going to have to view the Sunset… somewhere else!
Hours: 6am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
Dinner ONLY from 4pm-​5pm (not kidding, you have just 1 hour for Dinner).
Alma’s has around ten entrees you can choose from for dinner… from
a Beef Patty with Mushrooms and Gravy for $ 8.50 to Steak and
Shrimp for $ 18.99.
I also met a retired person living off his boat and RV that had been here three years… He had lived virtually everywhere that I and my family lived for the past fifteen years or so! So… we were kinda playing «Remember this. ?» and «Remember that… ?» for a half-​hour or so.
FYI: Don’t follow the map to the right too closely… you would have traveled too far South bypassing Walnut Grove AND Isleton altogether!