Monica's El Portal
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 247-9625
- Hours:
- Tue-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm
Editorial Review for Monica's El Portal – by Gwyneth Doland
The Scene
A combination of families, overdressed tourists from the nearby Sheraton and loyal regulars fills the plain-but-homey dining room. Super-friendly servers make everyone feel at ease. Mexican music plays, while content diners munch on the restaurant's hearty, affordable homemade fare.
The Food
The vast menu offers a little of everything, including New Mexican blue corn enchiladas, Indian tacos and sopaipillas stuffed with beans and chicharrones (puffed pork skins). The green chile stew is unlike any other, with floating fried potatoes in addition to chunks of meat and roasted green chiles. Plates are served with Spanish rice, creamy refried pinto beans and hot, crispy sopaipillas. Aside from a lackluster chile con queso, you can't go wrong. Sweetness chases the spice of a meal with a bite of the thin, crispy, cinnamon-sugar shortbread biscochitos.
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Insider Tips
New Mexican BreakfastsIn addition to all the New Mexican specialties, egg, ham and sausage dishes are offered in the early hours.
User Reviews for Monica's El Portal
08/03/2005 Posted by pjolguin
one place in Albuquerque that you can still get reall New Mexican food and great service
08/29/2002 Posted by TM_Arellano
I had the priviledge to enjoy a great meal at Monica's El Portal. I got there early before they were officially open, but the owner was real nice to me and went ahead and let me in. The food was very original-just like "Abuelita" just to make, it brought back very good memories. The service was very good as well as the place, not to flashy like some of the other places in and around Old Town. I would recommend El Portal to all who want to experience a great meal and at a slow pace.
Pros: Good Food, Good Spacious parking, Easy to get to.
Cons: Leave like it is.
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