El Pinto
Open daily 11am-7:30pm. Patios are open at 25% Capacity.
Nestled in the cottonwoods, El Pinto was founded with 10 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 New Mexican cuisine. Experience an authentic Taste of New Mexico.
The Salsa Twins are pairing tradition with innovative healthy nutrition at El Pinto. El Pinto established the first and only Animal Welfare Approved laying hen program on property. 250 hens lay pasture raised eggs for daily use. An onsite green house produces over 5,000 lbs of organically grown greens.
Freshness is throughout El Pinto. El Pinto uses chile from Hatch, NM, pasture raised pork from Kyzer Farms, and local grass fed beef.
Private Dining
Book your next event with us
Safety precautions
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
Menu
The red Chile was not favorable and the potatoes were greasy and soggy. Certainly not worth the 40.00 we spent on lunch.
Our family had an excellent meal in a truly authentic New Mexican food. We were in a hurry to get to the airport and we were in and out very quickly too. Thanks for the great service!
Great appetizers and of course, the house margaritas! Nice ambience, as always. We were sat next to one of the nice outside fireplaces.
Had a great time with my wife.
Visiting Albuquerque after a long absence and wanted to get back to El Pinto. The food and staff were excellent. Not disappointed. Five of us dined and everyone truly enjoyed their meal and the experience. Food was authentic and drinks were excellent.
I thought it seemed dirty.
Dining area was clean and socially distanced. Food was excellent. Waitress was friendly and courteous. A nice dining experience
The chili ribs were bar none the best ribs that my husband and I have ever eaten. Just excellent
Food is excellent. Best stuffed soap possibly ever.
This place is awesome, it was so great to be able to sit down to a nice meal there again! Satisfied in all respects!
The Best margaritas anywhere!
Met friends for a girl’s night. It was fun, beautiful, clean, drinks were amazing and the food was good.
Absolutely incredible service, food. Truly FRESH Mexican cuisine, not boiled, fried or micro-waved crap. Do not pass this place up if in Albuquerque.
Great food but over priced! Too expensive to go to often.
Ribs were tender and juicy. Margaritas were great. Tamales and Chile relleno were very good. Chips and salsa were so good. The only disappointment were the sopapillas. They weren’t hot and didn’t seem fresh.
Food was very tasty. Great salsa. A little pricey but good quality food.
We had so much fun! Our server, Stephanie, was awesome (and her assistant Gracie was a huge highlight of our patio dinner), and the food was amazing.
Wonderful ambience, great traditional New Mexican foods.
Always great! Reservations were on time. Staff was very friendly and gracious.
Had reservations. Had to wait 20 minutes past our reservation. Then, the hostesses (including a supervisor) talked for an additional 5 minutes at the hostess stand before seating us.
Our server, Dayna was fantastic. She was friendly, attentive, & thorough.
I moved out of state. And as soon as the restaurants opened up in Albuquerque,El Pinto was on the top of my list. LOVE the red Chile ribs, quest and guacamole 🥑! Then tostadas and the very best soppapillas!
We had an awesome time just family going out to eat. Food was great! Server was outstanding, her name was Maria she was friendly and gave us great service.
Food and service was outstanding! This a great venue
Lunch and margaritas were delicious! Sitting next to the cozy fireplace topped it off. Will definitely be back!
Ambiance, food and service excellent. I will return when in albq.
Service great, the taco salad was awesome, other members of our party loved their food as well
Excellent food and staff!! So glad they are open again!!❤
Although their food is very good, it is pretty expensive. We only go on special occasions and for the atmosphere. All employees are very hospitable and pleasant and service is very good.
Always consistently good. A reliable restaurant for a good meal and great ambiance.
Perfect food. Perfect service. Perfect environment. Great drinks...
Good COVID accommodation, usual excellent food, a pretty location in the ABQ valley
El Pinto is one of my favorite restaurants in ABQ. It’s a lovely restaurant inside and out, spacious, and the food and drinks are always delicious!
It was wonderful to have a good meal, in a beautiful location with wonderful service, and great company. El Pinto is am exceptionally nice location to enjoy with family and friends.
Great food. Green Chile is super good !
10/10
Spicy spicy spicy
Great great great
Appetizer arrived with dinner. Waitress served wrong plate. Didn’t adjust our price. Couldn’t get a hold of her to correct the price so took it out of her tip.
This is our go to place for margaritas and tacos.
You can't go wrong with any of the menu items.
Consistently good food! Love the atmosphere and appreciate the heaters on the spacious patios. We feel very comfortable, welcome and safe.
Service was great, we sat in the patio near fire place we had ashes all over us and table the high winds kept pushing plastic tarp into our table and hitting the guests.
A wonderful authentic New Mexico restaurant. Great atmosphere.
It was a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting. Delicious food and delightful staff. Absolutely wonderful!
FAQs
El Pinto offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (505) 898-1771.
El Pinto is rated 4.5 stars by 3890 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.
