El Pinto Restaurant image

El Pinto Restaurant

Restaurant Bar Mexican restaurant Southwestern us restaurant

One of the Most Revieweds in Alameda


Address

10500 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, United States

Website

www.elpinto.com

Contact

+1 505-898-1771

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (6.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 10:30 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (17) Pinto (16) atmosphere (13) great (13) Mexican (11) salsa (11) nice (10) time (10) table (9) server (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Ohana G. 1 year ago on Google
    The atmosphere is gorgeous. I was so excited walking through the doors to see such a beautiful setting. We come from some of the best Mexican food in the US... we were looking forward to authentic Mexican food New Mexico. We we got the chips and salsa I thought oh no really...? it reminded me of store bought chips out of a bag, and salsa out of a jar. The prices were high for what we received, the taste was borderline generic Mexican. Our server was very nice. The place has potential to be incredible, but they need a new authentic Mexican chef or cook. We paid $60.00 for a late lunch hoping for an early dinner. But we went back to our camp and had cheese and crackers for our dinner.
    27 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Arin P. 6 months ago on Google
    The place, staff, drinks and atmosphere are nice, the food on the other hand was not. Unless we just ordered the wrong meals we were not impressed with it. From the bar I ordered the Lavender Blueberry Collins, it was delicious and the bar staff was great. We got a table outside, it was a nice evening but a bit dark, we had to use the lights on our phones to see the menu. Our waiter was really nice and attentive. We had the big sampler for an appetizer. The ribs were extremely tender but didn’t care for the seasoning on them and the cheese was cold and clumpy. When we ordered I asked for just 2 cheese enchiladas and 1 beef taco, my husband ordered the burger. The waiter suggested that I make my meal one of the combination plates. Even though I didn’t want that much food I told him ok. It didn’t take too long to get our food but when it did arrive it was complete disappointment. I couldn't taste any cheese in my enchiladas, they only tasted like beans because they were basically smothered in the beans that were next to them. They gave me a chicken taco instead of the beef that I asked for, it was hard, looked old and very unappetizing. Honestly the entire combination plate they brought me look like a plate of vomit with the way everything was mixed together. The burger was dry and tasted like it was cooked from frozen. While the place is really pretty nestled in the trees like it is and the drinks were good I don’t know what all the hype is about.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Stacey G. 8 months ago on Google
    We just left El Pinto and we were very disappointed :(. We had been to this restaurant about 15 years ago and before that as well (when we had been driving through). We were very excited to eat here as we had remembered it being excellent in the past! We were driving through and had planned to stop in Albuquerque JUST to eat at El Pinto. Upon arriving it was a 30 minute wait (no biggie, but the place was very empty). Once we got to our table it was evident our server was fairly new (Still, no biggie, we used to be servers, we can look past that). Our son's drink had ants in it (not one or two, but at least 4) The server apologized and offered us a free dessert (that's very nice), but also explained that his manager said, "Well, they are on the patio" (I don't think that means we should have ants in a drink). We got our appetizer and it was pretty good (the appetizer platter with the ribs, queso, and guacamole). We got our food and not one of us thought our food was that good. I had the tacos, my son had the burrito, and my husband had the combo #3. The salsa was just okay. This was not at all how we remembered this place and it was sad. The building itself was nice, the server (God love him) was trying his best, but the food was not good :( upon leaving we were going to buy salsa for Christmas presents for my mother in law bc she loved El Pinto in the past, my husband stood there for 10 minutes while numerous people passed him not acknowledging him trying to purchase the salsa. We will not be back ... On another note: As we were waiting for a table an elderly couple came up to the hostess stand and explained they had been waiting for their food for 40 minutes and they didn't have time to wait anymore ... He said he would pay for his beer and they had to leave. They paid for the beer and left. Just my opinion, as a business owner myself, I would've just comped that beer and offered some type of incentive to come back. I truly hope El Pinto does something to revamp and be as good as it used to be.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A F. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped by with a client to have some dinner. Staff was friendly. The atmosphere was relaxing. The food was great. Had their salsa and chips. I ordered the green hatch chili with chicken and potato. The client ordered the chicken enchiladas with potatoes. Definitely a place to go back to next time.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Guillermo L. 1 year ago on Google
    We have gone to El Pinto for over a decade and have met the twin brothers that own it. Recently we attended a wedding and, later, had lunch. El Pinto is very pretty with a huge fountain at the entrance and live music. The outdoor is great- pretty and has heaters throughout. The wedding had great food and great service, 5 stars. The food at lunch was very good, as usual, but the service was not; 3 stars. It took a long time to get chips and salsa- other -empty- tables had chip baskets but we waited quite a while for ours. I finally grabbed a basket from an empty table. Similarly, we waited a long time for the food and the check.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua P. 9 months ago on Google
    Honestly this place is really great, even despite being a restaurant catered to tourists. The food is top notch and the margaritas are strong but flavorful (get the jalapeño one, trust me). The prices are a bit high but this isn’t a ace to go to for a run of the mill dinner. If you want something nice but not fine dining this is a great choice. The atmosphere is super fun too.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 International Traveling C. 9 months ago on Google
    Their salsa is delicious! And you buy some jars to take home! The venue is absolutely beautiful. We ate outdoors and very much enjoyed the shady patio.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher G. 4 months ago on Google
    Get here early even on a Monday-Tuesday, due the hype being real. The gauc was legit but the fried Hatch strips were a must! Got combo number 3, it was delicious.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Quinton B. 1 year ago on Google
    Its a decent four, the grounds are pretty nice and the food is decent, I suggest opting for the Christmas style on the enchiladas. The only downside that really bothered me/us was the flies, they were everywhere and relentless. Also there was a bowl of chips that came to the table and they had ants already in them so I'd definitely suggest eating indoors or waiting until they get their bug situation under control.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 8 months ago on Google
    Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Our server was very kind and knew how to make conversation with her customers. Food portions are huge and drinks are strong. You get a lot for your money here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jake L. 1 year ago on Google
    First things first: Phenomenal atmosphere outside the hustle and bustle of the city. It feels like you're dining in a quaint southwestern villa. Plenty of parking, indoor and outdoor seating. Next up, the food and drink... incredible selection of margaritas, beer, and wine. There's a great entree selection that makes the most of New Mexico specialties, and it's packed with the flavors. If you're in Albuquerque and don't stop here, you're missing out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nghia H. 7 months ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful Mexican restaurant ambiance you’ll ever experience! The staff was very friendly and attentive despite how busy they were. The food is alright and slightly overpriced but the dining experience is definitely worth the visit especially for large groups!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica K. 6 months ago on Google
    Love this place, it's the absolutely the best food!! Staying a week in ALB, I ate a lot of good food, this was the best and I went back almost daily! Just a wonderful experience. Read the back of the menu, it's a great story!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashley H. 2 years ago on Google
    El Pinto is a classic stop while in ABQ. First the good stuff: The place itself is incredible: huge, ornately decorated in the southwest style, indoor waterfalls, fire places, tons of nooks and cranys. Their salsa is not spicy, but very tasty! You can purchase it in jars to-go. Our server/bartender was great. And you get free sopapillas with your order. Now the not so good: I hate to say it, but the food is a disappointment. I had high hopes but the food was solidly mediocre, and that is the ONLY reason I gave 4/5 stars. Margaritas were decent, maybe a bit expensive for what they are. Overall I would say, DEFINITELY make a stop here on your next trip, for the atmosphere alone, it’s worth a stop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brian C. 1 year ago on Google
    First restaurant in New Mexico and it was good. Loved the vibe of restaurant especially the outdoor seating area. Great patio area. Food - fairly fresh, quintessential New Mexico food, great salsa and chips - not to hard or to thin. Next time I’ll get the lunch bowl vs. the dinner bowl for a smaller portion size. Plenty of parking and huge restaurant. Service was okay.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Melissa M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great New Mexican atmosphere, but a little pricey. Got there before 6 and found a table in lounge area, but heard there was a 2 hour wait time when we left. It has a pretty roof in the center but no fans in that section so it was hot. Had the stuffed sopapillas, they were good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ruth M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had reservations for 12. I have been to El Pinto on many occasions as I love the ambiance. We were seated in the far back corner against a moldy hanging plastic. I was extremely disappointed! Our waiter Brandon was excellent and the food was good. I had family from out of town that was not impressed with the seating area. Paid over $500 with tip. The outside looked beautiful with the new ristras.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Moneek G. 2 years ago on Google
    The service from the male hostess almost ruined my experience. That is the only reason I'm rating this 3 stars. He was rude and very unfriendly to us for some reason. We made a reservation and waited 45 minutes before seating down to eat. Otherwise that we enjoyed our meal. The Fried Green Chiles were amazing once we got some hot ones. The first ones we got were super cold. (A must order) Food and drinks were very pricey and it tasted just average. I've paid less for a fast food taco salad that had a better taste. They also bring you hot sopapillas with raw honey with every meal for free. Nice touch! But overall, okay.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve K. 2 years ago on Google
    Most enjoyable dining experience on our trip. Elias, our wait person really made the experience. He shared his cultural knowledge of the foods, of which I was unfamiliar, in such a proud way and did not make us feel stupid that we didn't know. As a result I had several new items and enjoyed them very much. Oh yeah, the Margaritas were EXCELLENT! Now I know what one should really taste like. The building and grounds are amazing. Highly recommend El Pinto.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 O.A S. 5 months ago on Google
    Came to ---- all the way from a very comfortable and intimate AirBnB, on good word from a local friend that its one of the best places in ABQ for authentic Mexican, and some signature New Mexico specialties,such as the reknowned crispy and spicy delicacy known as "Green Chili" (they eat it straight up, and also put it on literally everything, including Pizza) Well, as dehydrated and hungry as I was from the weekend activities....turns out that this massive and almost resort like venue is indeed a nice place to not only eat and drink, but to take in some interesting southwest vistas and also people watch, apparently with its massive size and numerous sections, its a popular place for birthdays and parties, etc etc (saw some interesting hats and boots for sure) Mainly though, this particular meal was made enjoyable and even special by the friendly and knowledgeable young staff; I swear not a single one of them was over 25. Special shoutout to our fabulous and slightly neo-Goth server, Esmeralda (I hope she actually spells it this way). She was easily the star of the show, and if you ever have the pleasure you'll know why....thanks for the pictures, and move to LA already! Our only "thing" (not really a complaint at all, because it adds to the story) was the mini side quest that we eventually left our table to go on was the very convoluded and watered down "Jameson soda bitters" that was questionable both times...but we just chalked it up to the youth of the bartender (who actually could have been Esmeralda's twin 😅, never actually spoke to her, but she knows who she is). Anyways, legend has it that they're still working on the recipe til this day, but all in all, I'd say that experience wise, our visit and meal at El Pinto was indeed "The whole Enchilada" I'll be back for sure if I make it back to ABQ. 🤘🏽😋🥃🌮

  • 5/5 J J. 5 months ago on Google
    When you come to Albuquerque, you want to plan to eat at El Pinto! Their Mexican food is filled with New Mexican flavors and atmosphere is top notch. Despite a very busy restaurant the food was piping hot and staff were courteous.

  • 5/5 B.D. O. 2 years ago on Google
    Best meal I’ve had since I got here. The atmosphere here feels so authentic and the meal matched it. I had the Tamales 🫔 with Christmas Chili on the side. It was all good; tried the tamale plain, with red, green, and both at the same time. I intended to skip on the beer, but when I saw Jefe’s Hefe, I couldn’t resist; and I was not let down.

  • 5/5 Trenia W. 1 year ago on Google
    A bit pricey with great service and excellent food. Be careful not to eat too much of the fresh chips and salsa to start. The margaritas are all handmade and dangerously good. Designate a driver.

  • 4/5 Mengni L. 9 months ago on Google
    The place looks gorgeous! Can’t believe there is such beautiful garden inside ABQ. Compared to local Mexico street food, El Pinto added more texture and flavor to it, can’t compare which one is better. I personally like street food, but El Pinto defiantly worthy to try if you want some special time. I am not a big fan of the red sauce, it tastes a bit bitter, but my friends like it. No hurt to try since red/green sauce are complimentary.

  • 4/5 Emeshea P. 7 months ago on Google
    My aunt and uncle raved about this place, then took us for dinner. The atmosphere was excellent. Our server was a bit distracted, but his tables were also very far from the kitchen, so I think he was running back and forth a lot. There was live music, but it could have been a bit quieter to allow conversation. I loved the sopapillas, but I wish they had been delivered after we had finished our entree. They weren’t hot anymore. We also had to steal the honey from another table. Overall beautiful place, good experience.

  • 5/5 Maria S. 9 months ago on Google
    Highly recommend EL Pinto. Food was delicious -- had the red rib appetizer and the green chili burger. Tried the green chili stew -- all were tasty. Service was great. And the atmosphere was very nice. A must go!

  • 5/5 Jana M. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent meal! We particularly loved the fried green chili strips and red chili ranch dipping sauce for appetizer. The atmosphere is wonderful with the decor and waterfalls. We called to make a reservation for ten guests but there weren’t time slots available during our desired time. We showed up anyway and only had to wait 15 minutes for a table. Quick service, waitress Drew was very friendly and attentive and took our photo afterward. I highly recommend this restaurant!

  • 5/5 Stacy B. 1 year ago on Google
    El Pinto was absolutely amazing! The seating areas were fantastic! The food was delicious! I had the red chili ribs and my daughter had chicken enchiladas and the salsa was excellent!! It will be the first place on my list when I go back!

  • 5/5 Ashley P. 2 years ago on Google
    Omg this place is perfect from the exterior to the interior! Don’t get me started on their food everything tasted amazing nothing was to heavy or greasy it was clean cooking I got the combo #3 a little bit of everything tamale 9/10 chili relleno 10/10 beans 9/10 rolled tacos 6/10 Awesome service very attentive and patient. I will definitely be back. New Mexico eating at its finest.

  • 5/5 marco r. 2 years ago on Google
    Coming from Mexican cuisine I was a bit hesitant to try “New Mexican” cuisine but let me tell you this didn’t disappoint one bit! The use of their peppers as seasoning was different but very much welcomed! Also their Jalapeño margarita was amazing!

  • 5/5 Eric D. 2 years ago on Google
    We've been returning to El Pinto since we lived in the area in the 1990s. It's truly unique, with a sprawling layout and excellent food and good service. It's cozy in cold weather, and refreshing in the hot months. The live music is always a great touch, too.


Call +1 505-898-1771 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

In-N-Out Burger image
1
In-N-Out Burger
Hamburger restaurant
Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
$ $$$
4.60 (3.4K reviews)
La Penca Azul image
2
La Penca Azul
Mexican restaurant
Long-running, family-owned Mexican restaurant offering an extensive menu including margaritas.
$$ $$
4.20 (2.8K reviews)
Ole's Waffle Shop image
3
Ole's Waffle Shop
Breakfast restaurant
This no-frills area diner offers an extensive American breakfast menu, plus steaks & sandwiches.
$ $$$
4.50 (2.4K reviews)
Speisekammer image
4
Speisekammer
German restaurant
Quaint German restaurant & bar offering classic dishes, lots of draft beers & occasional live music.
$$ $$
4.60 (1.8K reviews)
Outback Steakhouse image
5
Outback Steakhouse
Steak house
Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
$$ $$
4.20 (1.7K reviews)
Last updated:
()