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El Pinto, Albuquerque, NM

El Pinto

4.3
4.3
6471 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican / Southwestern
Top Tags:
El Pinto is open for outdoor covered patio dining and distanced indoor seating.

Open daily. Monday through Thursday from 11am-9pm. Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm. Sunday 10:30am-9pm.

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.


Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 130 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican / Southwestern, Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (505) 898-1771
  • Website
    http://www.elpinto.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    El Pinto Restaurant is the spot for events. We have the capacity to host everything from small family groups to very large corporate events with our signature 4-Star service and exceptional attention to detail for a truly stress free affair. Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.
  • Private party contact
    Tanish De La O: (505) 898-1771 ext. 117
  • Location
    10500 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
  • Neighborhood
    Albuquerque
  • Cross street
    Alameda Blvd NW
  • Parking details
    Ample parking available on site for individuals and tour buses. Reservations strongly recommended.
  • Entertainment
    Free live music each Tue and Thurs night from 6:30 to 8 pm.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 6,471 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New Mexico

    Great for brunch

  • New Mexico

    Kid-friendly

  • New Mexico

    Good for groups

  • New Mexico

    Great for outdoor dining

  • New Mexico

    Most Booked

  • Albuquerque

    Best Ambiance

  • Albuquerque

    Great for brunch

  • Albuquerque

    Good for groups

  • Albuquerque

    Healthy

  • Albuquerque

    Hot spot

  • Albuquerque

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Albuquerque

    Most Booked

6,471 Reviews

  1. WarrenE

    Western NC

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    We chose to sit at the bar on a Sunday evening where all servers for all patrons in the restaurant place and receive orders. Dialog amoung the servers and bar tenders bordered on disresctful. There were 4 total people seated at the bar and service was not as sharp as we have enjoyed here in the past. The food was exceptional as usual!

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  2. LeoG

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    we were given menus that had food spilled on them when point this out to wait person she rolled her eyes, she had attitude, she served us water and walked away and didn't come back for very long time, when my husband called her on it. we were given new wait person who was very helpful. Food was good!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Carol

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, and the outside patio was beautiful. I look forward to another visit.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Shell

    New Mexico

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly service and delicious food! This is the go to restaurant for family and friends in large groups.

    Is this helpful?

  5. BigRed

    New Mexico

    91 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    91 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a perfect evening to dine outside at El Pinto. Lashon did an incredible job to accommodate all of our dining requests. The food was delicious =P. Five stars, always.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Good food and good atmosphere, there was also a wedding so it was a little loud. Service was a little lacking, had reservations and had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. Waiter was a little slow on service and timing.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food5service4ambience5
    Excellent restaurant. I deducted two stars for credit card service charge. I don’t carry that amount of cash and there is no need for a $6 charge to use a card which is how most people pay. Petty charge which loses customer goodwill. Disappointed.

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  8. KathyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding setting and DELICIOUS New Mexico food (especially the red chile ribs YUM!!!). Count on me to keep coming back!

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  9. RyanR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    What a treasure! This was my first visit to El Pinto. What a beautifully situated restaurant. The staff made sure we were comfortable and the food was great. The only draw back was the 125 pound dog that was allowed to dining area. Not in good taste!

    Is this helpful?

  10. DorisR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience1
    When I made a reservation several days before the occasion, I asked for indoor seating. When we arrived only patio seating was available. The waitress did the best she could waiting on her many many many tables. The music on the side patio was very loud, making visiting almost impossible.

    Is this helpful?

  11. ArtA

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    delicious food just like grandma made it. relaxing atmosphere with great service

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  12. JimK

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Waiters swept table food crumbs to the floor as a cleaning method. Vegetable was cooked to death. Pinto bean has no flavor at all. So disappointed!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Not one of our better experiences. Food is normally well prepared/seasoned. Bland and not much on the red/green chile. Slow service and it appears the staff is very young and limited on experience and not trained in providing good table service. Hopefully it will be better the next time.

    Is this helpful?

  14. bobs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Somewhat expensive for mexican food - we lucked out on a buy one, get one free for entree which made the cost appropriate. Ambiance and service were very good as was the food - no pressure to vacate the table. Thanks

    Is this helpful?

  15. RonK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter, Colin, was awesome! Give him a raise!!!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service1ambience4
    Our server made several mistakes on our order. Her attitude was not great. In fairness they do not have enough help.

    Is this helpful?

  17. SamM

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I have visited this establishment a few times. Never had a bad experience. Great food selection and awesome staff.

    Is this helpful?

  18. PaulG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    I would suggest a method to control the flies on the patio. Bug lights hanging around in discreet places might help.

    Is this helpful?

  19. CDeats

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love eating on the large and wonderful patio at El Pinto! Huevos rancheros and red Sangria, tamales and guacamole, enchiladas and dryland pinto beans, not to mention the wonderful salsa and chips... Then we take home quarts of posole and/or green chile stew and more salsa, guacamole and chips.

    Is this helpful?

  20. MImz

    New Mexico

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love El Pinto especially the green chili. Our "go to" with visitors to New Mexico. Fun atmosphere and prefer the outside dining areas as not as noisy. Service has always been friendly and the food abundant and good. A treasure.

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  21. DeboraW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    The entire facility is in desperate need of a deep cleaning and update, especially the patio dining chairs they are old and dirty. Food has improved. A bit on the pricy side for beans and chile which are both abundant in New Mexico.

    Is this helpful?

  22. ChristinaE

    New Mexico

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    There is nowhere better than dinner on the El Pinto patio! The food was excellent! I have been dining here for almost thirty years!

    Is this helpful?

  23. SWreviews

    New Mexico

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sat on patio. Table was ready upon arrival. Service excellent, food quality and taste was perfect. Drinks awesome and timely refills.

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  24. Steve

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Bad food. Laughable admission of such from manager: “ man, my mom makes great Chile Rellenos , but we just can’t seem to get them right here… we get that a lot..,” Offered us a different meal, didn’t offer to comp us for the bad, inedible (uncutable) food. Ridiculous waits for everything. Mediocre overpriced margaritas.

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  25. RobertG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was the best I have eaten in Albuquerque. The ambiance was very nice and relaxing. The waiter we had was very personable and attentive to our needs.

    Is this helpful?

  26. GailS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall2food4service3ambience2
    food was good, major issue: lost keepsake gold tennis bracelet while at table. Staff was not interested in finding it. Very disappointed. Would have contacted manager but was not available.

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  27. Stanley

    New Mexico

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely Sunday afternoon with friends. We were able to linger and talk leisurely without feeling rushed. We walked around the grounds and found ourselves by the chicken hotel. A staff person came up, probably because we shouldn't have been there, and she gave us a history of the chickens, statistics and information. She was both knowledgeable and engaging. She led us back to the seating area where we could leave. This was my first time back since the covid pandemic began. I was very impressed.

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  28. LucyW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food1service4ambience5
    The food is over priced and not very good. Service was great!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful Sunday morning brunch on the patio at El Pinto. Loved it. Red chili Eggs Benedict, thoughtfully prepared and presented. We will be back again soon!

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  30. WallaceC

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    We've been going to El Pinto for decades. We went yesterday just for the Sunday brunch. The food was good, the service great, but we did not get our New Mexican and Irish coffees until we had finished our meals! The coffees were weak: couldn't taste the tequila in the New Mexican and the Irish was just Bayleys and coffee, without whiskey. We may never return for brunch.

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  31. SherryJ

    New Mexico

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the most lovely brunch out on the patio. The food was delicious as always! Thank you!

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  32. Disappointed

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    I have enjoyed El Pinto service and food in the past but this visit was very disappointing. Our group was seated in dark area in back corner outside with main view of wall and service area. It took a long time to get menus, drinks and food. The server did not return to refill water glasses and two of the six meals were incorrect. Four of us completed our meals before the replacement correct meals were brought. I had to go to service area to ask for a steak knife that should have come with steak. No compensation or discount was offered for long waits and incorrect food. I don’t think I will bring visiting friends again.

    Is this helpful?

  33. SHarris

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience5
    Venue is beautiful- service was slow due to our server having to many tables. Food came out cold and not good. Sad, this was a favorite of our and we’re showing family from out of state. Disappointing experience

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  34. KenD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to unwind on a Saturday evening. Our reservation was for 4pm. By the time we left, it was standing room only. Do like us old folks…book early, stay late. Margaritas were fantastic. Wonderful New Mexico ambience.

    Is this helpful?

  35. VenetiaY

    New Mexico

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the green chile strips and the chicharones, so we shared these appetizers.

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  36. Rexa

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We include at least one stop at El Pinto into our Southwest travel plans. Never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  37. AlyD

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Charming setting and good service - the food was not great unfortunately- heavy and cold enchiladas and tamales - not the best item to order Salad was good and chips and salsa ok Wished it was better !

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  38. Diner525

    Minneapolis

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    Server was great. Food was mediocre. I like to take out of town visitors to El Pinto but the last two times in two months the food was not hot and tasted bland…..

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  39. LoriL

    New Mexico

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall1food4service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, good food and waitress very good. The receptionist was a whole different experience. She was hostile and nasty. For this one reason, I won't be back.

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  40. JayDog

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The hostess was very rude. Her name was Aleah, she had no desire to be at work and was not friendly. Being a hostess she is the face of the restaurant. We had reservations and checked in upon arrival. We stood around for a while and heard a name being called and we went to see what name was called and she said very rudely that she saw our name but didn’t call us. To be fair the music plays rather loud and makes it hard to hear. Finally we were seated and had made the reservations for indoor seating and were sat outside. It was a very chilly night and they continued to turn off the heater and we kept having to ask for it to be turned back on. Fortunately for us, we had a waitress by the name of Mya and she was absolutely awesome. Her smile was very genuine and her personality shinned. Mya was very attentive, and her accuracy made up for the incompetence of her fellow employees.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

El Pinto offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (505) 898-1771.

El Pinto is rated 4.3 stars by 6471 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 130 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Pinto

10500 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Alameda Blvd NW
  • Neighborhood
    Albuquerque
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican / Southwestern, Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Ample parking available on site for individuals and tour buses. Reservations strongly recommended.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Free live music each Tue and Thurs night from 6:30 to 8 pm.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.elpinto.com/
  • Phone number
    (505) 898-1771
  • Private party facilities
    El Pinto Restaurant is the spot for events. We have the capacity to host everything from small family groups to very large corporate events with our signature 4-Star service and exceptional attention to detail for a truly stress free affair. Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.
  • Private party contact
    Tanish De La O: (505) 898-1771 ext. 117

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