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  • El Pinto

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El Pinto
El Pinto

El Pinto Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.elpinto.com/
  • Email: elpinto@elpinto.com
  • Phone: (505) 898-1771
  • Hours of Operation:
    Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 5:00pm.
    Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm.
    Sunday Brunch: 10:30am - 2:00pm.
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Mexican / Southwestern, Mexican
  • Executive Chef: Patrick Hancock
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Fireplace, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Alameda Blvd NW
  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Parking Details: Ample parking available on site for individuals and tour buses.
A word from El Pinto
Nestled in the ancient cottonwoods in the North Valley of Abq, El Pinto was founded with eight tables in 1962. Twin brothers John and Jim Thomas carry on the family tradition and have expanded El Pinto into the quintessential "Spot" for healthy and fresh made New Mexican cuisine. Come experience an… authentic Taste of New Mexico.

Freshness is throughout El Pinto with the cuisine made from scratch each morning. El Pinto uses chile from Hatch, NM that is fire-roasted and hand-peeled, new beans from southern CO, healthy sunflower oil when making chips and frying, Celtic sea salt for seasoning, and numerous local organic ingredients when in season.

A vermiculture project on site processes food scraps creating a nutrient rich "tea." The bokashi composting project processes 600 lbs of food waste weekly. The “tea” and compost are combined with effective microorganisms for a herbicide and pesticide free fertilizer for El Pinto chile fields and organic growing. Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
  • Diners' Choice WinnerGood for Groups
Diner Reviews
  • "We come to NM annually and always find time to stop at El Pinto. The food is a little on the pricey side so we only come for special occasions. We were greeted promptly at the desk but then referred to another desk because we had an open table reservation. A little confusion on why we're awkwardly standing at the second desk but it got worked out. The ambiance is fabulous, the food is great, but it is a little pricey for what it is."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "We met for a informal business dinner-food was great, margaritas even better! Our server was great and very knowledgeable! Ask for the Garden Room-very pretty!"
    Dined on 2/25/2014
  • "Everyone enjoyed their food, several comments on how good the red chili was. Most restaurants no longer make the effort. One person said it was as good as his moms!"
    Dined on 2/19/2014
  • "This place is a little pricey for the meal you get but the food is always good and the service is outstanding. In fact the service was the best part of the evening and at least as good as got when I went to Emeril's in New Orleans.! I promise you that their service was impeccable.! El Pinto is a great place for a lunch or brunch with a full-service bar and beautiful location. If you're on a budget, skip the bar. The drinks are even pricey-er than the food."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Without a doubt this place has the best New Mexican food in town. Great dinner."
    Dined on 2/11/2014
  • "My family and I went for Sunday brunch. We were seated in a back corner room which was dimly lit and pretty much empty. I noted on the Open Table reservation that we were celebrating my mother's birthday so I was hoping for more ambiance since this was a celebration. Our server also never once acknowledged my mother's birthday which was disappointing. Food quality is excellent, however, grossly overpriced. I ordered one of the Sunday Brunch "house specialties", Red Chile Empanadas, and unfortunately, was disappointed by the quantity. The menu item says "empanadas", however, I was only served a single empanada with 2 eggs for $12.00! The red chile sauce was good, however, the serving was miniscule."
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "El Pinto was a perfect place to take my take for his birthday dinner. We were seated near a cozy fireplace and it was perfect. The food was tasty (we ordered chile con queso, nachos, combo plate #2). The half order of nachos was enough for two adults, and it was good. The chile con queso was delicious, too. My date ate his whole plate and said it was good as well. Our server was friendly and everyone was welcoming. Thanks for a great night out!"
    Dined on 1/31/2014
  • "Their tequila menu is impressive. Excellent place to build your own tequila flight."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Service was EXCELLENT...usually that's the one thing that lacks there. Food was amazing. Overall great experience!!!"
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "this was an awful experience! I had to wait at the hostess stand before I was acknowledged. Finally I was able to tell the host that we had a reservation. He found the reservation & instructed me to wait around the corner & someone would seat us. (Party of 8... 2 were still en route) I waited & waited...while holding the baby, Finally someone asked if I had been helped. They said they were not set up for us, and would go set a table. Finally they came back for us & sat us. It was in a back area with heaters above that we're so hot they burned us. It took forever to to get them turned off, but by then we were so miserable, the baby had a horrible melt down & vomited because she was so hot & crying that I left. I ate my cold food at home..."
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "Went here as a birthday celebration for my husband. They placed us in a nice spot near a fireplace. Portions generous and taste of food very good."
    Dined on 1/19/2014
  • "The seating option here are very nice. And the patio area is hugh. Plenty of great atmosphere for everyone. The wait staff is friendly and the food came out almost too fast. And it was hot like it should be in a good restaurant. Really like the several levels of margaritas they have to offer, from tap house margs to anejos. And their own the bottle program - well maybe next time."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "We have been here before, and this trip we had friends meet us for dinner. They have not spent anytime looking around or expiercing the local surrounding area. So they were pleasantly surprise at the ambience, food and overall decor of El pinto. The food was great, our server was fantastic, sorry I didn't get her name. My wife and I was happy that we made the right choice for our friends. Thanks for all your help in this evening affair."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "Beautiful spot, I would recommend for a special occasion - the food was OK, not fabulous, especially for the price which is higher than most places with similar menu items. Our wait-person was excellent, food came quickly, and I was very happy that they offer a gluten-free menu since I have Celiac disease. They give you a choice of mild or hot chile sauces, most New Mexican restaurants here don't do that. So overall, I would recommend this as a well-known local spot to take guests, but we probably won't go back since there are other places in the Albuquerque area that have better food and are more reasonably priced."
    Dined on 1/12/2014
  • "had the great experience at El Pinto, we brought a guest from Alaska and she raved about the food. We have enjoyed many good meals and great service there too."
    Dined on 1/9/2014
  • "Always enjoy El Pinto. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx."
    Dined on 1/10/2014
  • "Their food, chips, salsa, green chili, sopapillas are excellent, well worth it. A little pricey would be the only downside."
    Dined on 1/5/2014
  • "Great mex - new mex restaurant. They have a huge restaurant so there is never a wait. The food is fantastic and the service is some of the best I've ever had. Sometimes they will forget little things like a side of sour cream, but they always bring it right out after you remind them. This is a very good, affordable restaurant."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "Tasty and delicious foods. Had NYC guests who were absolutely impressed with the dinner and service."
    Dined on 1/2/2014
  • "I made a reservation for 15 pax. I was not given any option to pick one of the many dining rooms that they have. On the dinner date I went early to make sure everything was alright. They set the table close to the kitchen, in a narrow hall that was used very often for the server as a pass way to the other tables. It was very stressful to have all that hot food passing every minute over your shoulder. On top of that I was not given any option on how I wanted the tables to be set. I found the tables with no table covers, no napkins. Evidently they have a lack in costumer skills and on event organization. oh I forgot the room was very cold. Olivia, Desiree You really have to put those costumer skills to work."
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "Made our reservation for dinner using open table and restaurant completely ignored the reservation. Had out of town guest and both are diabetic and need to eat within a specific time due to insulin shots. Upon our arrival we were advised that out table was not ready. We had a party of 7 and were made to wait 28 minutes, for them to set our table while they sat parties of 6 and 8 before us. We most definitely will not be returning!"
    Dined on 12/29/2013
  • "With family and friends visiting for Christmas, El Pinto was our first choice for a magical New Mexico post Christmas Dinner on December 26. The service was great and so was the food. We also celebrated two birthdays at our table and the wait staff joined in singing happy birthday as they served "flan" with a candle on top. Can't wait to go back and have some more of their terrific green chili and, of course, their margaritas. P.S. -- Placing the reservation through Open Table made our experience even better, we arrived on time and were seated immediately, while walking past a non-reservation line that had up to a one-hour wait. (So cool!)"
    Dined on 12/26/2013
  • "We went to El Pinto to celebrate my son's graduation. The service and setting was ideal. I was initially concerned that with such a large facility, the service and food would be routine. However, both were great. Loved the Red Chili Ribs!"
    Dined on 12/15/2013
  • "I am a native New Mexican. Haven't been to El Pinto in several years. Took my niece for dinner as she was Jonesing for some New Mexican food. Her meal (carnitas tacos I think) was pretty bad, meat was tough, meal was over all lukewarm. Mine was somewhat better though can't remember what it was. Never a good sign. Outside dining atmosphere was very good. But overall a bit of a yawn."
    Dined on 9/12/2013
  • "The hostess on the phone was so so friendly but our waiter Brian that night was great attentive even with my 3 year old son we had a great time"
    Dined on 11/29/2013
  • "Always good food and atmosphere. Service was a little slow, and they forgot one of our meals, but overall we had a very enjoyable dinner!"
    Dined on 11/27/2013
  • "Food and service was excellent. They were not too busy when we were there and the food came extremely quick."
    Dined on 11/24/2013
  • "Out of town guests requested this restaurant because of previous visits. The atmosphere and service were outstanding, however, the food was not as good as I remembered from previous visits."
    Dined on 11/23/2013
  • "We happened to see an ad for the restaurant and decided to try it. Was happy we could make an reservation thru open table but happier when we arrived. It is located in a wonderful park like setting on acres adjacent to their salsa manufacturing plant. Beautiful entry, bar area and numerous garden setting dining rooms. Fantastic house made red and green chilies and salsa is a must on all the dishes. Thoroughly enjoyed the house special zucchini squash burrito. Will definitely return with anyone visiting Albuquerque and will try the happy hour very soon!!"
    Dined on 11/23/2013
  • "I come here probably too often but they never seem to fail us. Everything is always excellent. Plus you can purchase your very own bottle of El Pinto's Double Barrel Reposado by Herradura. We are working on our second bottle. Makes a perfect Margarita!"
    Dined on 11/13/2013
  • "I grew up in Albuquerque and we used to eat at El Pinto for special occasions 30 years ago. I periodically get back to Albuquerque and I always want a good Mexican food dinner. I had not been to El Pinto in 15 years so I thought I would give it a try on my most recent trip. The place still has the same charm and feel it did 30 years ago. The service was great and the food outstanding. We started with guacamole, a cup of posole and then a combination place of chile rellano, tamale and enchiladas. All were outstanding and the meal was complete with a sopapilla. Great beers and wine list, also wide variety of menu for all tastes. Great job keeping El Pinto outstanding after all of these years."
    Dined on 11/14/2013
  • "We went for lunch on a Saturday. We were a little early so it was a little slow. It looks like a destination type restaurant. They greeted as right away at the front and seated us right away. The waiter was attentive and informative. The craft beer they had was excellent. I had the Nachos and they certainly use potent peppers. The building looks a little dated but we went there to get more of a unique local look that the newly built chain restaurants don't have. Enjoyed the experience."
    Dined on 11/9/2013
  • "The red chili ribs were excellent. All the food was delicious, expecially the hot red chili sauce. The service was great, and eating outside on a nice evening made for a wonderful dining experience."
    Dined on 11/8/2013
  • "My dining experience was wonderful. The only thing I would complain about is that I recieved this survey request at 12:15 AM. I have to keep my cell phone on because I'm on call for my company. I'm sure you could send the email out during regular daylight hours."
    Dined on 11/9/2013
  • "We went for a family members birthday. The service was excellent, Anthony, took very good care of us and was very pleasant. The chili ribs were awesome and definitely a must taste"
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "This was my second time dining here, the first time was over ten years ago, and both times were wonderful. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Albuquerque. We were taken there by locals, so it must be consistent. Wonderful Green Chile with charred peppers. Delicious!"
    Dined on 11/3/2013
  • "Great place to take out of town guests. They get a real feel for New Mexico and Albuquerque"
    Dined on 10/31/2013
  • "Tried this restaurant twice for client dinners. Great Southwest food. Good atmosphere. Would definitely go again. Green Chili Stew rocks!"
    Dined on 10/30/2013
  • "The food was tasty, but the service was outstanding. Friendly, not rushed but timed quite well, good maintenance."
    Dined on 10/26/2013
  • "Arrival was greeted well, but when seating my party we were taken to the enclosed patio via a crowed route thru bar to table that was not available and bused. Then as a last resort we were seated in the red drawing room with three large groups as we were a table of two in a corner. During this seating arrangement staff did not know who was doing what. This was not the experience I was wanting for my anniversary. I will think twice before going back to this establishment. I drove 600 miles for this uncalled for experience."
    Dined on 10/27/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • New Mexico Winners
  • Good for Groups
  • Great for Lunch
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Albuquerque Winners
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Service
  • Good for Groups
  • Most Booked
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