El Pinto

Name: El Pinto
Address: 10500 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM, United States, 87114
Telephone: (505) 898-1771
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

5268 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 121 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(505) 898-1771

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: (855) 643-1478

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

Popular dishes

Burrito$12.49
Chicken, pork or beef with pinto beans in a flour tortilla with rice on the side, smothered with cheddar cheese and your choice of red or green chile.
Vegetarian Burrito**$10.99
Pinto beans, rice, and cheese with your choice of red or green chile.
Calabacitas Burrito^ **$10.99
Calabacitas and pinto beans in a flour tortilla, smothered in your choice of red or green chile and topped with Monterey Jack cheese with rice on the side
Stuffed Sopapillas$12.49
Two sopapillas stuffed with red or green chile, pinto beans, and your choice of chicken, beef or pork, garnished with lettuce, tomato and cheese.
Bowl of Chile Con Carne$9.99
Lean pork served in red chile with pinto beans and a tortilla.
Chile Relleno & One Tostada Compuesta$12.49
Flame roasted green chile stuffed with cheese, fried with a Taos organic egg batter, with one tostada cup filled with your choice of chicken, beef or pork and a side of rice
Two Rolled Meat Enchiladas$12.49
Your choice of beef, pork, or chicken rolled enchiladas with pinto beans and rice.
Two Tostada Compuestas$12.49
Two tostada cups filled with chile con carne and pinto beans topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.
Chicken Enchilada Plate^$13.49
Three flat or rolled corn tortillas filled with chicken, cheddar cheese, and your choice of red or green chile.
Taco Salad$12.49
Flour tortilla shell filled with choice of meat (chicken, beef or pork) topped with pinto beans, rice, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, cheese, sour cream and your choice of chile.
Ground Chuck Burger* ^^$11.49
8 oz. ground chuck patty, charbroiled, and served on a white or wheat bun with a side of El Pinto fresh guacamole and fries. Garnished with lettuce, tomato, red onion and a pickle slice.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich** ^^$11.49
An 8 oz. grilled chicken breast served on a white or wheat bun with a side of El Pinto fresh guacamole and fries. Garnished with lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickle slice.
Quesadilla^^
Grilled flour tortillas with cheddar and monterey jack cheese topped with guacamole, garnished with lettuce and tomato, and sour cream.
- Large$11.49
- Small$7.99

Lunch Buffet

Served Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Lunch Buffet
Enjoy favorites such as red chile cheese enchiladas, mini tamales, green chile chicken enchiladas, baked chicken, folded taco bar, fresh fruit, tossed salad, green chicken chile stew, posole, chile con carne, beans and rice
- Adult$13.99
- Children (under 12)$6.99

What 5,268 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Mexico
Great for Brunch
New Mexico
Good for Groups
New Mexico
Outdoor Dining
New Mexico
Most Booked
Albuquerque
Good for Groups
Albuquerque
Healthy
Albuquerque
Hot Spot
Albuquerque
Great for Lunch
Albuquerque
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

JM
JamesM
New Mexico
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
It was a great experience as it always is at El Pinto.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food3service5ambience5
The prices are a bit full of themselves. Not the best New Mexican food, but the patio is lovely. We just got back from visiting Portland, Philadelphia and NYC and never paid $20 for a vegetarian plate and $15 for a mediocre margarita, so I do think El Pinto could perhaps rethink their prices or maybe even experiment with new margarita ideas that don’t consist mainly of simple syrup. But as a NM native, I get the nostalgia and love the atmosphere. Our server was really great and overall we enjoyed our dinner and time together. :)
GY
GlennY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food.great on patio.Ambience always great and the service was great. Minor point, although enjoyed patio, was a little too close to music-next time I'll ask to be a bit further back. But definitely is a next time
BE
BEvans
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food1service5ambience1
The food was not good. This was our third try and we probably won’t go back. The service was great and helpful.
NC
NanC
New Mexico
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Green chile strips were excellent! Chile relleno was not great....would not order again. Everything else was very good, food wise. Our server, Elias, was outstanding!
RB
RobinB
New England
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience5
The ambiance on the patio can’t be beat on a nice night. Chips & salsa are great to get started. I recommend ordering the ribs & sopaipillas and making little sandwiches with a drizzle of honey. The rest of the food I found just mediocre.
B
Brad
New Mexico
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Rilee was amazing. She gave us wonderful service and hope to have her again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Friendly staff and delicious food
JS
JanetS
New Mexico
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful setting, food, drinks delicious. Service excellent.
EP
ElenaP
New Mexico
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food always good, but ambiance makes the place delightful to share with family and friends.
K
Kitten
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service4ambience4
While it’s a classic staple of New Mexico, and is probably great for parties of your entire family and 9000 friends. As a date it really left something to be desired, the food isn’t much better than that of an Applebees or chiles, but at a premium price. The servers are nice but meh. And he really REALLY wanted me to drink (I’ve been sober for a while and it got daunting)
JW
JaniceW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Booked a patio table for a business lunch and had a wonderful experience. Good food, good service, and good value!
DC
DavidC
New Mexico
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food enjoyed by all ages. Excellent service. We lingered at our table and we’re not rushed. We enjoyed the evening
D
David
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always enjoy El Pinto. This time around, we had with us a friend from Texas, who has been to El Pinto with us before. Three of us shared a pitcher of excellent margaritas. We snacked on guacamole and fried green chile strips, then ordered and enjoyed wonderful entrees. Our waiter was one of the best we've ever had.
LD
LeslieD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience5
A little tad irritated because they used iron garden furniture (2 small round tables) to put 7 of us at. Someone was stuck in the middle and most uncomfortable. In the past we've gotten larger tables when we've made the reservation.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food1service4ambience4
Food was not hot in temperature for just coming out of kitchen… just warm. Red and green chili was not New Mexican standard… very tasteless and no heat! What happened to your red and green! Disappointed.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic outdoor seating areas and excellent traditional Mexican food
AR
ARTICHOKELOVE
New Mexico
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food2service5ambience5
The food is VERY overpriced, $20 for 2flat green enchiladas with stale rice and yesterday’s beans which were inedible. Its a beautiful space with live music and plenty of outdoor seating. Just don’t go there to eat, it’s for tourists.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My granddaughter’s graduation was a TOTAL SUCCESS! The ambiance was beautiful, there was a light breeze, which kept us comfortable. The appetizers and cocktails were very tasty and appreciated! Our waiter was AMAZING! He got our waters and cocktails and appetizers very quickly and was there for any of our requests. All-in-all, it was a most enjoyable evening!!! As always ❤️
g
gregd
Sacramento
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to El Pinto for my sons graduation from UNM. I must say that the entire experience was excellent. The receptions made us feel like we were family coming for dinner. The waitress was excellent and knew the menu. The ribs are phenomenal and the guacamole was perfection. Watermelon margarita was so refreshing. A great ending to a magical day. Thank you El Pinto !!!
BA
BridgetA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
El Pinto is my absolute favorite restaurant to eat!! Never have had bad service and the food is always delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Excellent food! Service was good
WM
WhitneyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The atmosphere is always wonderful at El Pinto, the food is ok for the price.
LS
LindaS
Phoenix
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Trenton, is the best! He was so busy with other tables, but always met our needs with our orders, our drinks and in bringing extra napkins and plates. Very personable!
R
Rosy
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
El Punto is our favorite food destination in Albuquerque for its atmosphere and great food.
BR
BethR
Salt Lake City
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and ambiance! Service was seriously outstanding
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Are visits to open our visit to El Pinto was very very enjoyable and the food was delicious.
CM
CarolynM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are in the courtyard and it was beautiful. The food was excellent and the service outstanding. This was our 3rd visit and we will definitely go back!
B
Bobbie
New Mexico
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
As with most places, they were understaffed. But the server and other workers were kind and accommodating. Food is always amazing and the atmosphere is perfect.
l
lukef
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
4:30 reservation, showed up 10 mins early and we were sat. My wife, 3 month year old and I had a great meal. Pushed our little one around the beautiful outdoor patio. Overall wonderful.
SC
SwimChick
Jacksonville
14 reviews
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience4
This is the second time I have been here for dinner. Our first was average and hoping for a better experience; unfortunately, the quality has decreased. First, the service was spotty at best. The server could not answer simple questions about the draft beer. Second, the server would be missing for up to 15 minutes after taking drink and dinner orders. Third, the “award winning baby-back ribs” were marinated in red Chile to the point that the Chile overwhelmed the pork. It was if it the ribs were cooked in a crock-pot. If you are proud of your meat, you will show-case it and not disguise it in Chile. Forth, the stuffed sopopillas chicken was somewhat dry and the shredded meat was not worth the $2 upcharge; for just 1 beef. The server only asked if I wanted ground or shredded beef and did not state that the ground beef was a $2 upcharge. Fifth, in a prior dinner experience, we were never offered sopopillas at the conclusion of the meal. The only bright spot is the ambiance. As much as it pains me, I do not think I will return to El Pinto.
BD
BrianD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
Food wasn’t served very hot. Might have been sitting in the window for some time. The beans had created a skin on top of them meaning they had been plated for some time. They also forgot to put green chili on my platter and the time they came back with the chilis it was really room temperature. The outdoor eating area is very nice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome; as usual
KF
KariF
Oklahoma City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We stop and eat here every time we pass through Albuquerque. Always enjoy our meal and the staff is so nice. We order online as well and enjoy salsa from home!
MF
MariahF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great environment! Ask for Elias as a server! He’s awesome!
JS
JasonS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
We didn't get outdoor seating. It was cold inside, we dressed for outside since that's what we requested. Instead we were seated inside, and I had my mother with me for Mother's Day, and she doesn't like to make a fuss so she forbade me from asking for a different table. We were seated closest to where the servers come in and out from the kitchen, and it was noisy and distracting. Aside from the seating issue, we had a positive experience. Our waitress Riley was an absolute JOY! I even remembered her name, which almost never happens. She was energetic and positive and sharp. The service she provided was EXCELLENT. Keep that one, El Pinto! She's one of the great ones.
MM
MichaelM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
I really like this location and the service was very good. The food was good though somewhat overpriced for the quality.
DM
DebbieM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made reservations and were seated right away. The service, food and atmosphere were great. We went for Mother’s Day and had a wonderful time!
G
Gaby
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anthony was our waiter and he was great accommodating us when the wind got really bad by moving us inside. He was attentive and helpful when it came to our questions about the menu. The food was delicious and we are excited to plan another celebration back at El Pinto
AM
AmyM
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
i took my parents to lunch for Mother's Day. We dined on the patio. Lovely

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 4.5 stars by 5268 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 121 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(505) 898-1771

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: (855) 643-1478

El Pinto

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

14 New Mexico Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

64 Albuquerque Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Albuquerque

Green Chile Strips

Red Chile Ribs

Cheese Enchiladas

Main

Burrito$12.49

Vegetarian Burrito**$10.99

Calabacitas Burrito^ **$10.99

Stuffed Sopapillas$12.49

Bowl of Chile Con Carne$9.99

Chile Relleno & One Tostada Compuesta$12.49

Two Rolled Meat Enchiladas$12.49

Two Tostada Compuestas$12.49

Chicken Enchilada Plate^$13.49

Taco Salad$12.49

Ground Chuck Burger* ^^$11.49

Grilled Chicken Sandwich** ^^$11.49

Quesadilla^^

Lunch Buffet

Lunch Buffet

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does El Pinto offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Pinto restaurant rated?

Is El Pinto currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

14 New Mexico Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

64 Albuquerque Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Albuquerque