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El Pinto, Albuquerque, NM

El Pinto

4.4
4.4
6020 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican / Southwestern
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 107 times today

Dining areas

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

  • 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

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 6,020 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

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

    Good for business meals

  • Albuquerque

    Good for groups

  • Albuquerque

    Healthy

  • Albuquerque

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Albuquerque

    Most Booked

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Filters

  1. JeanetteP

    Las Vegas

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Pinto is always good; always exceptional service & food.
  2. WarrenC

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable
  3. LynnF

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment we walked in till we left had an exceptional time. Our waitress Drew is totally amazing. Very attentive, Great team work with the crew. The green chili fried Strips are the best with the dipping sauce. Could not get enough of the chip and salsa. Can't say enough of El Pinto. Try it, ask for Drew.
  4. BigRed

    New Mexico

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Michael did a superb job meeting all of our dining needs. It was fun to capture the ambiance of El Pinto amidst a week day evening.
  5. FForbs

    San Antonio

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    El Pinto's food is fantastic for authentic New Mexican meals. We always bring family visiting to El Pinto for dinner. This time we had one of our family members who had a peanut allergy. The restaurant was very accommodating on the allergy, though we had to keep reminding the waiter to ask the kitchen for clarification on whether it was peanut free or not. The waiter was not very attentive at first, we waited over 20 minutes for our drinks and had to ask to order our food. The service is slow but the food is always good at El Pinto.
  6. JoanH

    New Mexico

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food, service and especially our waiter Ti were terrific. Will return soon. Had a wonderful time.
  7. Unimpressed

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    El Pinto has a reputation as a nice-to-fancy place. We had an expectation of higher-end service, food, and overall experience. The food was tasty, but the prices seemed a bit high for what we got. The ambience was lovely, with fireplaces burning on a cool spring evening. The noise level was reasonable, and the tables were spaced nicely so that other conversations did not drown out our own. Live music from a different room interfered with the music over the speakers in our area. The service was not good. We waited nearly ten minutes after being seated for our server to acknowledge us. When they did bring water and chips and salsa, we greeted the server with friendly conversation, which was brusquely rebuffed. The server gruffly commented that they "feel like I'm always here" and turned away. Then they took our drink order, which was not available ("Mexican Coca-cola"). The bar drink was set down on a menu. It was another 10-15 minutes before they took our food order. The appetizer was brought out with the main course, and we then had to ask for silverware and napkins. The 5 entrees and 1 appetizer did not fit on the table, so at least two of us had our entree plates hanging off the edge of the table. At least 1 entree was incorrectly delivered (server suggested sour cream and guac, but there was no guac; dish was ordered smothered with green chile, which was brought out in a bowl later). We had to request honey for the sopaipillas (their honey is touted as particularly special on the menus and online); the honey was brought out in a defective dispenser whose lid did not actually attach to the top, so it dumped out and leaked everywhere). The check was handed to the meal host while actively eating -- not set on the table in a bill folder, but hand-to-hand, with food on a fork in the other hand. After this exchange (early in the meal) the server never came back to check on us. I expect much more from a supposedly higher-end dining establishment.
  8. Carol

    New Mexico

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    We had reservations for 6:30 pm. We arrived approximately 6:20-6:25. The hostess was somewhat friendly. I informed her that one in our party could not make it and that there would only be 4 instead of 5. She was somewhat put off about this and said well you are going to have to wait now. She called us to be seated. We were seated at the most horrible table. It was in the traffic flow and by an opened door to a dirty looking room that apparently was either part of the kitchen or lead to it. There was a cold draft. Either a waitress or another hostess asked if she could help as my husband had waved her down. He inquired about the seating situation and asked if we could be moved. She asked if we had a reservation. He asked if that made a difference. She responded that it would. She stated that as we had a reservation we should have never been seated there. She attempted to move us but was told it would be 20- 30 minutes wait. We asked why if we had a reservation and she said she did not know. We had no choice but to stay there. Service was a total disaster. The waiter acted like he did not even want to be anywhere around. It took forever to get drinks and water. Several more minutes to place our orders. He finally brought chips and salsa to the table. The chips looked as though they had be crumbled and broken before being brought to the table. Our dinners finally arrived but we cold. We did not dare send back. Our sopaillas were served at the same time , thus resulting in their being stone cold by the time we finished our entrees. He did not come back to the table at all until after we were finished for a good 20 minutes. The top of the honey bottle popped off and spilled honey , which he was unconcerned about. This was the worst experience that we have ever had at your restaurant. We will not be returning anytime soon. Thank you for listening.
  9. Slickvic89

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Mediocre food for crazy high prices. The hot green chile and the chile con carne we're excellent but the rice and beans were sub par. The relleno wasn't crispy. Chips were so good but the salsa wasn't spicy at all. Margaritas were very good but tiny for the price. You really are paying for the ambiance which is great. Waitress was kind of rude but the guy who brought us our food was really nice.
  10. Chris

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Went for dinner and it did not disappoint. The food was very good, staff friendly, helpful, and service relatively quick. The lighting was a little dim but not drastically so. Would definitely recommend and i would go back.
  11. LuAnnM

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Upon arrival friend seated promptly however when I arrived they could not find my reservation then seated me opposite side of restaurant. Friend and I connected, everything else after that ran smoothly. Service was good, food was delicious!
  12. PlasmaNM

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The staff were great. Loved the fried chiles and guacamole. Prices are a bit steep.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I took my daughter and son in law out to dinner at our favorite place. It was my son in law’s birthday, and our server was a sweet young lady who took great care of us, and made us feel welcome. The food at El Pinto is ALWAYS GREAT, and we were not disappointed. From the cocktails to dessert we, as always, we’re stuffed and happy when we left!!!!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Normally the food has been ok. I visited for my Birthday . THE FOOD WAS HORRIBLE !. My salmon came out like a Frisbee. Out of 13 people only 1 person had a decently prepared meal. May there was a new cook ? Our server was an awesome person, but our table was never cleared throughout the entire experience. I don't know what happened that day . There is more , but I feel this is enough to share .
  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service5ambience1
    The inside dining room on the far north section need a refresh. The lighting is poor. It is the dullest room at El Pinto. It’s a bad place to celebrate. The taco was not up to par either.
  16. TaraM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Always a superior experience! Great food, the ambience just adds to it all.
  17. Tyler

    New Mexico

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall4food2service3ambience3
    The quality of the food continues to decline. The atmosphere at El Pinto is 2nd to none however. The servers are a little pushy but I think they are just trying to keep things moving. Hoping this summer things turn around.
  18. AlliC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent table, experience, service, and delicious food. Always a great choice for hosting people from out of town.
  19. Ruth

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Pinto never disappoints. We went for a birthday dinner and were able to sit by the fireplace. Food was great and so was their special NM sundae. Try it!
  20. JudsonR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    One of our favorite places to take visitors, but I was disappointed this time. I ordered simple enchiladas with shredded beef. They were out of shredded beef, so I said "OK, then, pork and chicken." "Sorry, we're out of pork." I finally HAD to opt for chicken. Turned out the chicken was quite dry. The rice was only moderately warm even though the plate was hot to the touch. On the bright side, our guests from Alabama loved everything about the place.
  21. SamanthaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was great. We went around 1130am on a Wednesday. Wasn't busy or crowded. First time there. Waitress recommend a margarita and it didn't disappoint. My only complaint is that the beans had a lot of juice. It was so much that it made my enchiladas soggy. I could taste beans every time I took a bite of my enchiladas. I would suggest serving the beans in a side bowl or maybe even strain them beforehand. Other than that, everything was full of flavor and delicious.
  22. 3doglife

    Nashville

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We love this restuarant---what a beautiful spot and so charming. The food is delicious and we appreciate the attentive service. I have been coming in various situations and with different folks since the early 2000s. You never disappoint. Our ride to the airport is a resident of a very high end Santa Fe community and he was knocked out by El Pinto. Proud to have introduced a friend to your little piece of paradise.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brought company from out of town for food and ambience and El Pinto always delivers. Our server Gwen was phenomenal! Hostesses need a bit of training in greeting/customer service but waitstaff and kitchen were 10/10!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall1food2service5ambience1
    Used to be the best patio in NM! They enclosed all of the patio spaces with shoddy construction & space heaters. Does not look up to code. What an embarrassment of a legendary iconic treasure. Never returning.
  25. CoryH

    New Mexico

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, Dalton server did a great job.
  26. DesertGuy

    Las Vegas

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. Worth the 15 minute drive from downtown.
  27. BigRed

    New Mexico

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Pinto has the most delicious flan! It melts in your mouth =P. It's a must try. Zae or Isaiah was spot on with all our dining requests. El Pinto is always five stars :-).
  28. JohnT

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, good food, excellent margaritas! Was a great celebration for my wife’s Birthday!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Food did not have much flavor. We were given the choice of mild or hot green chile, we all ordered hot but nothing even tasted like green chile. Rice had no flavor,
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    We come here a couple times a year for our of town friends .. now we live here and brought my daughter Service was awful took 25 minutes to even greet us at table. Another 10 for soda and ice tea. Food was dry and bland. The hostess were not as friendly as before one .. glared at my daughter made her uncomfortable . Again we had awful time .. and food was really dry bland and not good …very sad to spend time with her and have crappy food and service .. Lisa riley
  31. Cheyenne

    Kansas City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Annalisa, was very diligent and kind. We love El Pinto and her warm service made our experience even better!
  32. James

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food, atmosphere and service. The entire menu is delicious. We love it. My wife and I live in Dallas and travel to, or through, Albuquerque o2/3 times annually. We dine at El Pinto at least once on each visit. Always have and always will!
  33. JanSu

    New England

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friends from out of town had never been to El Pinto, and so we took them there. El Pinto is definitely the go to place for enjoying ambience, great food, and a wonderful service experience. El Pinto has been around since the early 1960s and the building is truly charming. The staff is friendly and accommodating and the food is plentiful. Make sure you try guacamole and their fantastic margaritas.
  34. BigRed

    New Mexico

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For a change, it was nice to capture the relaxing ambience of El Pinto in the afternoon in the midst of the week. Five star service; Ty did a wonderful job!
  35. JoeR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service & atmosphere was outstanding!!! Carne adovada was the best ive ever had!!
  36. ChristaB

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and ambience! Christian offered great service!
  37. TurisDadandMom

    New Mexico

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are El Pinto regulars. The meals were especially good this time, and Taylor’s level of service was excellent!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Very affordable and enjoyed the cuisine. Very busy and loud.
  39. MerrilleW

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    El Pinto is a sure bet for anyone who either lives in ABQ or who is visiting.
  40. RobinB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food was great. Made reservations and didn’t have to wait

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 4.4 stars by 6020 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 107 times today
Google Map for El Pinto

10500 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Dining areas

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

  • 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

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