10/19/09

One of the best New Mexico-style restaurants in New Mexico

by Norio Hayakawa

This is probably the best New Mexico-style eatery in the greater Albuquerque area.

The atmosphere is amazing. But more than that, the food here is absolutely great. I love their Chile Rellenos. Just pour over their green chile sauce over the Chile Relleno and the taste is heavenly.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, great New Mexico-style food

11/14/07

Rice tasted like it came out of a can. Beans too.

by vinny59

Very attractive. Ambience great. However, I have been there twice and will not go again. Red Chilli was too mild and tasteless. Rice and beans tasted like they came out their cans.

• Pros: Outdoor Dining and Ambience were great.
• Cons: Red Chilli was too mild! Rice and beans were straight from a can.

06/11/07

Great margarita's and wonderful outdoor dining

by marydewey

I've been to El Pino's on numerous occasions and have found the food to be mediocre but the atmosphere can't be beat. Service can be slow and inexperienced or prompt and efficient depending on the individual waiter. You're go for the atmosphere, not the food.

• Pros: Margaritas and appetizers
• Cons: So-so entrees

Editorial Review by Christy Buena

by Contributor

Traditional New-Mexican cuisine served in a romantic atmosphere keeps locals coming back to this restaurant.

10/23/06

Best patio around.

by johnnm

it is very true that this place has the best patio dining around but I am afraid that the food is mediocre. Not as bad as some but not as good as it should be. The prices tend to be about $2-4 dollars higher than comparable places.

• Pros: Patio
• Cons: the food

05/26/06

Welcome to New Mexico

by emboaz

If you want to know why New Mexico is known as the "Land of Enchantment" then visit El Pinto! The atmosphere is, well, enchanting, and the food is awesome. Of note: the guacomole, the chili con queso, and the salads are great. This was a memorable stop on our vacation.

11/12/05

Amazing Ribs

by hegle

Their ribs are soo wonderful with lots of whole peppers. The service is also very good and the ambience is fantastic. The restaurant is beautiful with a very nice bar, gorgeous surroundings, and outdoor/patio seating. This is the place I would go back to for somewhat upscale New Mexican dining.

• Pros: Entrees, Service, Parking
• Cons: Bland side dishes

10/28/05

Fantastic Experience

by badbet

The atmoshere was great! A very large restaurant with plenty of parking. We had a party of six and were seated immediately. The food and drinks were as good or better than any we have had in our travels. The margaritas were great. Get a pitcher if you have four or more ordering and say a significant amount. Go into the bar and see the amethist geode waterfall.

• Pros: great food, large parking area, heated outdoor dining

10/18/05

A must

by hainesm

If you visit Albuquerque and don't go to El Pinto you've missed a great dining experience. As native New Mexicans my wife and I enjoy going to El Pinto each time we are back in Albuquerque. The food is simply outstanding and the ambience is unbelievable.

09/13/05

ambiance

by janietm

I have been going to El Pinto for years and have never had a bad meal. It may not be THE Best mexican food in town, but it is good food and I always sit on the patio - I love the romantic atmosphere out there- even in cooler weather with the outdoor heaters on. And the bar, is a fun place for happy hour. I love the setting inside and out. I always take my out of state relatives there when they visit. They love it and the prices are great!

• Pros: food, atmosphere, location
• Cons: location, always busy