Alta Loma is part Mexican restaurant, part record shop, serving a unique mix of loaded tacos, fries, cocktails and limited edition vinyl from a site just near Bristol's Christmas Steps.
Alta Loma may just be Bristol’s coolest concept space, bringing together Mexican dining, an intimate events venue and a vinyl store under one roof. Upstairs, it’s all characterful wooden floorboards, rich oxblood paintwork and sombrero-covered artwork, while downstairs Coffin Wax is lined wall-to-wall with vinyl ready to dig through. Whether you’re looking to host an atmospheric party or event, or simply drop in for tacos Tuesday to Saturday, Alta Loma has you covered.
The menu is compact but wide-ranging, rooted mainly in tacos, with options spanning meat, fish and vegetable-based fillings. Standouts include the queso birria, where beef slow-cooked in smoky Mexican chillies is folded into a crisp tortilla with melted mozzarella and topped with coriander and onion. The chicken al pastor sees marinated thighs served over avocado verde with pico de gallo and salsa macha. We’re particularly taken with the baja fish taco, combining battered cod, pico de gallo and jalapeño salsa. Each portion comes as three tacos, plus a wedge of lime for squeezing over.
Load the table with indulgent sides, from tortilla chips with an impressive lineup of salsas to loaded fries topped with pork carnitas. Soft drinks include Mexican Cola and house-made lemonades in flavours like hibiscus or mango and jalapeño. Cocktails lean heavily on tequila, with Palomas, Spicy Margaritas and Hard Lemonades on offer, while a shot of Reposado Ojo De Tigre mezcal feels close to a rite of passage. Prefer to eat at home? Takeaway is also available.