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  • Artichoke Cafe

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Artichoke Cafe
Artichoke Cafe

Artichoke Cafe Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.artichokecafe.com
  • Email: articafe@aol.com
  • Phone: (505) 243-0200
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday: 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Sunday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American
  • Executive Chef: Richard Winters
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Fireplace, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Takeout, Wine
  • Private Party Contact: Susan Cianciabella (505) 243-0200

Getting there

  • Parking: Private Lot
A word from Artichoke Cafe
The Artichoke Cafe was reopened in 1989 by Pat and Terry Keene. Pat, who was formally trained in New York City, is executive chef and Terry has 30 years experience in restaurant management. Their dedication to the best in food, wine, and service has made this 120 seat restaurant one of Albuquerque's… finest dining spots. Its downtown location on Route 66 in the Historic Huning Highland/EDO District, cozy modern decor and rotating art exhibits add panache and charm to its ambience. The food is a mix of French, Italian, and creative American, using only the finest ingredients.Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
  • Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
Diner Reviews
  • "Artichoke is one of the older fine dining establishments in abq. Consistently good to very good but never knock your socks off great (not any of those in NM). Well prepared and presented food. Definitely worth a trip. "
    Dined on 4/12/2014
  • "Hadn't been to Artichoke Cafe for over 10 years (we'd moved out of town and then back). Went there for an anniversary dinner because they are one of the few decent places open on Sunday in Albuquerque. It was better than I remembered! My husband and I split our appetizer, main course and dessert and we each had our own soups. All was very tasty and lovely to see. Will definitely be back for a special occasion, especially if it falls on a Sunday or Monday!"
    Dined on 4/6/2014
  • "We had great drinks at the bar (Pisco Sour and beers.) Dinner was excellent."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "We were quite upset with the way the restaurant handled our KUNM card which gave us a free entree with a maximum of $15 discount. There were 4 of us celebrating my wife's birthday. In recognition of her birthday, the waiter told us her dessert would be comped and gave us a credit for $9. Our total bill was $220 less $9 for the dessert. When I gave him my credit card and the KUNM card, which can only be used once, he returned with a revised bill showing a $15 discount but the comped dessert was now charged in full. I was offended by this treatment on a $220 bill. Would a $24 total discount have really been a strain on the restaurant. At the very least, our waiter could have told us it would have to be one or the other."
    Dined on 4/8/2014
  • "We were greeted by a host at the front door and seated by him immediately. The restaurant was busy but relaxed and easy to have a conversation. The food was cooked exactly as I asked. I ordered the grilled pork chop and it was accompanied by sauteed swiss chard and creamy grits. The pork chop was juicy, not dry and very tasty. Loved the creamy grits. My companion ordered the Calamari and it was tasty and not chewy and had a great seasoning on it."
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "Food was outstanding as usual. We asked for quiet seating for special occasion and received a back table where we could have a conversation. Our server Michael was attentive and gave us great recommendations. One course was particularly too salty, but was quickly exchanged for something else."
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "I had the lamb. 4 nice chops smothered in some kind of sauce that was very dark brown. Nothing else on the plate. I've had this before and thought it good enough to order again. Only this time no garlic potatoes or a bit of vegetable. And the sauce overpowered the lamb. Disappointing."
    Dined on 4/4/2014
  • "We loved the food and the ambiance. The one thing that could have improved the experience is if they offered more organic selections on their menu. Otherwise, this is a restaurant not to be missed when you're in Albuquerque and love good food."
    Dined on 4/3/2014
  • "First, let me say that my husband and I love this place. The menu will change frequently, offering a number of new twists on dishes that we love. I'm a picky eater, but I can always find something that I want to try and that's saying a lot for me. The service is always great-we loved our waitress, she was attentive and accommodating. The reason that this night was a 'little off' for us was really the food. My husband ordered the salmon-it looked great, but was only okay which is definitely not always the case here. I ordered the pork chop and the flavor was good, the sides were great, unfortunately the pork chop was a bit tough & hard to eat. Overall, we like this place and are willing to return to try new things! The drink menu is great!"
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "My husband and I rarely go out to eat because we have two small children, so when we do we want really great food and wine. We can always count on Artichoke Cafe for both!"
    Dined on 3/29/2014
  • "Wonderful Business lunch. I'm new to ABQ and loved it. Also enjoyed appitizers and wine in bar one evening."
    Dined on 3/28/2014
  • "Food was excellent, the service was exceptional. The staff went the extra steps to make sure our experience was outstanding"
    Dined on 3/27/2014
  • "I couldn't think of another way to describe the restaurant, we were regulars when they first opened but the restaurant is in need of remodeling, freshen it up and liven up the menu; my husband had the NY, wasn't outstanding for 38.00. I had the pork chop which was dry and fatty, 32.00. The appetizer menu is much more innovative than the actual entrees, we saw one of the filet mignons being served which was extremely small. Kind of insulting. The steaks are much better at Yanni's. The wine list is decent. I think this would be a good place for wine and appetizers but we would not return for dinner."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "We tried the Fixe Prix dinner on 3/22/14 and it was excellent. Didn't do the wine that went with it. The portion sizes were good since there were 4 courses and we were going to see Fiddler on the Roof and didn't want to take leftovers with us."
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "I have eaten at the Artichoke infrequently over many years, and have been fortunate enough to dine at great restaurants in a number of countries. Last night was the best food, presentation, combination, and taste delight that we have experienced in New Mexico. The Prix Fix meal was exquisite, with yummy flavor combinations, texture, and color. The wine paring was perfect, too. Staff members were just right, also. Thank you for a memorable and enjoyable meal; thanks also to our daughter for a birthday gift certificate that brought us back to the restaurant. The only complaint that persists is common to too many otherwise nice places, the loud noise level. Thus, thanks for being able to ask for a quiet table on the Open Table reservation!"
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "I went to the artichoke cafe a few nights back, the ambiance was great and it was very clean, unfortunately the food was not. My steak was undercooked and my asparagus was over cooked which in my book if I'm paying 32 dollars for a dish it should be spot on and it just wasn't. The waiter didn't check on us once and I waited for 10 minutes after my table was cleared t get my check. I won't be returning that for sure"
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "This food is amazing in its multilayered complexity of flavors that truly sing a most tasty harmony. My chicken was Thai style, but no Thai restaurant I've ever been to (many) even comes close to the individual clarity of each of the flavora, which play off of each other, rather than becoming all mushed together. Each voice was tasted both individually, and in a playful ensemble, simply perfect invention and execution. I needed clarification re beers, the bartender came over, and her description of each beer was a verbal tour de force, I have never heard such to the point eloquence on beer. We come to celebrate special occasions, because the food is joyful, the service both warm and professional and the ambience unassumingly elegant."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "We come at least once every time we're in the area, and it's always that same delicious, deeply satisfying experience. Wonderful food and service, unhurried pace, value offerings in addition to the regular menu, fine art on the walls."
    Dined on 3/17/2014
  • "Service(Amy) was very good as was the food. We celebrated my wife's birthday and had a very nice evening. Will be a memorable evening."
    Dined on 3/16/2014
  • "Immpeccable service, beautiful presentation of food and always so delicious. Thank you Artichoke for continuing to deliver such a superior dining experience in Albuquerque."
    Dined on 3/17/2014
  • "We've been going to the Artichoke for years and it always a delight. This day the crepe was outstanding. Two friends had the lamb and the beef salads, both wonderful taste combinations. Since we were celebrating a birthday, we indulged in their house made ice cream. The cherry ice cream was perfect."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "Artichoke Cafe remains a staple in Albuquerque -- good food, nice wine list, good service, good ambience, and, if you ask to be seated outside the main room, is pleasantly quiet."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "This restaurant is the perfect place to eat before heading to a show at Popejoy. It's just a few minutes down Central Avenue. The food is very good. We enjoyed the Cheese Plate and Crab Cakes appetizers. The crab cakes were the best I've had since I was on the east cost 8 years ago! The Pan Seared Scallops were delicious and tender. The New York Strip was tender and flavorful. And the Bacon Gravy is to die for! It's very helpful to have the attended parking lot across street. Darrel kept an eye on our car in return for a gratuity. It's a nice touch for those of us who don't want to keep circling the block looking for a place to park on the street."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "After spending a number of evening at Jenifer James 101, we decided to give the Artichoke Cafe a try for restaurant week. The food was good just not up to the standard I would expect for the price. Some technical errors in cooking marred an otherwise solid experience. First, when frying leeks, I expect crispy and without them being black. The flavor paired with my ravioli was good right up until I hit a few of the black leeks. the level of bitter from a fully burned leek isn't pleasant. My girlfriend's flat iron steak on the other hand was cooked to perfection and down right amazing. I would highly recommend their steakhouse fair when dining there. Service was solid albeit not to the level I expect for the price."
    Dined on 2/27/2014
  • "Outstanding service, food, atmosphere. Always a pleasure to eat at the Artichoke. Yes, we would recommend it to anyone who appreciates high quality dining.Also, something often overlooked, the restrooms are spotlessly clean. We had reservations and arrived a bit early. Our table was ready and we were escorted professionally. This was a special occasion and are happy that we chose the Artichoke Cafe. By the way, the cocktails were wonderful."
    Dined on 3/8/2014
  • "I have returned to the the Artichoke time and time again in the last several years, but this time, with nothing to tempt me on the menu I settled for hanger steak. The meat was so tough that the manager took the entree off our bill. No excuse, really, and not an adequate response. I can only assume that there is someone new in the kitchen."
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "I went to this place after reading so many good reviews. Ambient is good, but the place was full of old people, not really a good place for a romantic date. Then food was really disapointing. My hot appetizer was stone cold. Then the lamb was also less than average. Besides being so expensive it only comes with a small portion of smashed potatos. In general I would not recomend this place"
    Dined on 3/8/2014
  • "I moved to Albuquerque from Denver 2 months ago and have been very disappointed in the fine dining available here until I found this place. I can't wait to go again."
    Dined on 3/7/2014
  • "yI had been away from Artichoke but great food and service as always!!! Love the crepes wish you offered it at dinner too."
    Dined on 3/4/2014
  • "Loved our evening. Our waitress was attentive and intuitive but did not hover. Everything was timed perfectly and when we were in conversation she did not interrupt us. She was careful to explain the menu and restaurant week menu with clarity and genuine sincerity. The food was superb. I had the steak and it was so beautifully presented as did my friend's Ravioli dish I loved the fresh baked bread served straight away."
    Dined on 3/2/2014
  • "My wife and I had a wonderful date night. The service was outstanding, and great suggestions and wine pairings. We both had the flat iron steak , delicious."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "This was my first time to try Artichoke Cafe, though I had heard good things & had it on my list to try. We met friends there for restaurant week. The service was great - our table was ready, the server was friendly, patient, and attentive, and the food met/exceeded my expectations. We had a great time and very much enjoyed the dinner. To be fair, we were also in great company with friends so that honestly might have biased our perception of the evening too."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "My friend and I had dinner at The Artichoke Cafe to celebrate our birthdays because we wanted to go somewhere "really good." It happened to be "Restaurant Week" in Albuquerque, which we didn't realize until we ordered. The artichokes we ordered as an appetizer were thoroughly water-logged, dripping with water and mushy. I had the chicken breast entree, and it was so salty it didn't even taste like chicken. I sent it back and ordered the ravioli, better, but still really salty. The desert was a mini serving and didn't convince us finally that we had gotten any kind of "good deal" at all. Very disappointing experience."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "We went to Artichoke Cafe during restaurant week and were delighted with the menu offerings. A particular favorite was the chicken breast with the sweet potato au gratin and steamed greens. The seating in this restaurant is very comfortable. We will definitely be back."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "This was the first restaurant I visited upon moving to ABQ 10 years ago. It was good then and now. I love the feel of a small, white linen tablecloth restaurant and Artichoke fits this bill. Duck and ravioli were our entree choices and each was prepared to our preference. Nice wine list, great creme brulee."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "The food was great. As always it was pricey but that is what you expect."
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "The Tables were set too close together for Valentines day. This did not generate a romantic feeling being crammed right next to other couples."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Went for a special occasion and were not disappointed. Extensive and impressive wine list. Service and ambiance exceptional. We had not been in years, but will rectify that. Don't miss."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "My wife and I went to Artichoke Café for Valentine's Day. The sommelier picked a great wine for us, and this is the only restaurant where we consistently allow them to do so. The menu was by and large the normal, but with only about half of the selections listed. They did have a new salad that was excellent. The food is always good, but I believe it is time for the menu to be fully redone. Even though we go to this restaurant only 1-2 times a year and I am a creature of habit, it would be great to have some new choices."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Brie salad and steamed artichoke appetizers were very good; scallops were good, lots of juice in the dish. Vintages listed in wine list are not the same as vintages served. Service was a bit distracted but friendly - the place was very busy"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • New Mexico Winners
  • Contemporary American
  • Most Booked
  • Albuquerque Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Notable Wine List
  • Most Booked
Learn more ›