El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina

Traci Durgin a month ago

We decided to have lunch at El Pinto. We arrived shortly after 11 and we were immediately seated. We got a nice table in the patio section. The atmosphere of this restaurant is unlike any other restaurant in New Mexico. I would say it is hands down when it comes to ambiance, that it is the nicest restaurant New Mexico has to offer. They have several fountains, greenery, and they have a rustic look. I even noticed a hummingbird feeder, a nijer seed feeder, and a suet feeder. I like that they feed the birds on the patios. Our server greeted us, took our drink orders, came back with our drinks, and then took our food order. We all ordered off of their lunch menu. Our food came out quickly, and it was warm and delicious. The server then dropped off our sopapillas. Our service was great. We were even greeted by one of the house cats as it strolled by. The restrooms were very pretty and clean. I don't eat here very often, and after a meal like today, I realized I need to make some changes.

Todd Richards 2 weeks ago

El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina in Albuquerque is a true New Mexican icon and an absolute must-visit! This place delivers an unforgettable experience with its stunning atmosphere, generous portions, and bold, flavorful Southwestern cuisine. The sprawling hacienda-style setting is breathtaking, especially the beautiful outdoor patio — perfect for soaking in that Albuquerque vibe with twinkling lights and a lively yet relaxed feel. The service was warm, attentive, and efficient even when the place was hopping. Plus, they have one of the largest tequila bars in New Mexico, making for fantastic margaritas! The food was outstanding. Their **signature Famous Red Chile Ribs** (named one of the best in America by the Food Network) were fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with incredible flavor. We also loved the **blue corn chicken enchiladas** smothered in that perfect green chile, the fresh chips and salsa (addictive!), and those legendary **sopaipillas** served warm with honey — light, fluffy, and pure heaven. Everything tasted fresh, authentic, and made with pride. Portions are huge, the ingredients are high-quality (including local chiles and farm-fresh touches), and the overall experience makes you feel like you're at a special celebration. Whether you're a local or visiting, El Pinto is the real deal for classic New Mexican food done right. We left stuffed, smiling, and already planning our return. This is Albuquerque dining at its best!

Hector Velasquez 5 months ago

This place is a must visit! The red chili ribs were delicious, and I loved that the drinks came in chilled mugs. The service was amazing, but the real standout is the vibe. The restaurant is stunningly beautiful to walk through—the atmosphere alone is worth the trip. Total 5-star experience!

6lexx6 a month ago

Leaving a 5 star review ONLY because our server Lizzy was absolutely amazing and made our experience wonderful HOWEVER… I’ve been eating at El Pinto with my family since i was a little girl, we used to come here at least once a month for about 10-15 years and the food was always out of this world, recently…not so much and it breaks my heart. Today i returned to El Pinto after 6 years of not eating there and remembered why we stopped going. Our food was boring and bland, the enchiladas were wet and soggy (not in a good way), the chicken was bland and the overall food quality was just boring. I’m hoping the old El Pinto food quality makes a come back because i remember how much we used to LOVE this place. The atmosphere is still iconic and unbeatable. The smell of the lobby water fountain when you walk through the doors will always be so nostalgic for me. I hope to come back one day and the food brings back nostalgia for me instead of the atmosphere.♡︎

Chris Estey a month ago

In town for a quick RV repair and was recommended El Pinto. Huge score! Loved the relaxing atmosphere, our server, and finding organic, grass-fed options! Chips and salsa were the bomb! Perfect crunch, and our grass-fed shredded beef was seasoned perfectly. Oh and the take-out container!? Compostable! Not styrofoam! 🙌🏻 Can’t wait to get back to ALB just to eat here!