El Pinto

4.3

5914 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

Feb 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 59 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–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 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 5,914 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
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Mexico
Good for groups
New Mexico
Great for outdoor dining
New Mexico
Most Booked
Albuquerque
Good for groups
Albuquerque
Healthy
Albuquerque
Great for outdoor dining
Albuquerque
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

CA
CarterA
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, great service, great atmosphere when visiting Albuquerque
TD
ThomasD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual, great food and service. Used the two for one special which made the evening even more enjoyable!
LK
LisaK
Grand Rapids
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always delicious but the prices are growing at a rate which doesn’t allow us to enjoy El Pinto as often as we used to
KH
KathyH
Minneapolis
4 reviews
vip
1.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience3
The worst Mexican food ever. So overpriced and tasteless! The only good thing about this restaurant is the venue which needs a good cleaning! Staff is not friendly and no one carried we were there to celebrate a 30th birthday! We won’t be back!
C
Cassie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing food for a pretty decent price. The environment is always wonderful and their fresh vegetables and fruit are to die for.
EH
EdieH
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Beautiful atmosphere with authentic New Mexican dishes. Great chips and salsa. Red chili ribs were delicious. My favorite part was the free sopapillas with local honey to end the meal.
D
Danno
New Mexico
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Natasha was an amazing server! We appreciated her bright and friendly personality!
MT
MelT
Austin
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! This is gem. The staff is on it, the ribs, and salsa were amazing! We will be back. Great for a date, quick meal, and family.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Matt is an excellent server. He was very patient and thorough in his explanations of the various wonderful selections.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
The sopaipilla is wonderful. The salmon is over cooked and dry. The server is attentive.
GP
GlennP
Phoenix
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food, atmosphere, margarita and service. Thank you so much for a great evening!!
DH
DawnH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Noise level was perfect, could carry on a conversation with no problem
BR
BigRed
New Mexico
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Natasha was so friendly and tentative to all of our dining requests. El Pinto cuisine is always five stars, and the customer service is outstanding :-).
YS
YvonneSomerville
New England
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated a birthday with family and friends. Michael was such a knowledgeable and convincing server we ordered half the menu with no regrets. The Red Chile Ribs really are all that!
JV
JeremiahV
New Mexico
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
The good is good. Atmosphere is nice, but it's pricey. Come on $70 bucks for 2 cheese enchilada plates? Inflation, I know, but give me a break. Beans, rice, corn tortillas, cheese, chilie, $3 max in costs. But it was good.
LG
LongtimeGuest
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Enjoyed the dinner, but 2 of 3 in the dinner party fell ill following our meal.
S
Scott
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience1
Food isn’t anything special except it costs twice as much. We were sat in a closed in patio on old, dirty cloth chairs with cigarette burns. Beans had a rock in it. I know that happens but at $21 a plate place drinks I expected better. 1st and last time we will go there. There are too many nicer places to go.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food…great service…nice and cozy fires. Love the Red Chile!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience5
Ordered freshly squeezed orange juice and paid $6.00 for a supposed 12 oz for it to be bottled orange juice. So disappointing and quite frankly upsetting that we were fooled twice. Once for calling it freshly squeezed and two for saying that was 12 oz.
LP
LoriP
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Warm wood fires and great options for margaritas and enchiladas
JJ
JuJu
Denver
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the Pinto! Service is exceptional and the food is wonderful! I had stuffed sopaillas with ground beef and my husband had a burrito. Both were plentiful, fresh, and delicious. We love the side sopas and dessert empanadas with ice cream. I had a great margarita. The fireplace was on creating a great atmosphere.
E
Edwe
Phoenix
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
For the first time ever, not the greatest relleno.
B
Bikerguy
New Mexico
154 reviews
vip
4.0
154 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our House Margaritas and Chicken Enchiladas were very good and we like that the salsas are offered as hot or mild. The Ribs were tasty.
R
Rennie
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was excellent, the server was special, and they had every convenience for our disabilities. I have eaten here periodically since 1970, with everything an excellent experience. When returning from an 8 year living in Costa Rica, El Pinto was the first restaurant I visited...to get back that NM green chili.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
The ribs fell off the bone, the margaritas may be the best in town.
JA
JudithA
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful time. The service was excellent. We were surprised to find the temporary walls up in the beautiful patio area, however, we sat near a lovely fireplace with open windows and had a nice breeze. Overall, everyone was so sweet and our server was so kind, I wish I had his name.
AC
AnnC
New Mexico
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
My husband & I had a late afternoon Sunday meal at El Pinto. We ordered Traditional Combination plates. Food and service were excellent! Thank you
LS
LindaS
New Mexico
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience1
The restaurant was really dirty. The food was too salty, and the quality wasn’t even close to the past quality. We will never go there again.
A
Andrew
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience4
Was expecting more from this restaurant establishment. Food was ok but not great for what we paid. We sat under cobwebs in the patio area, table wobbles and chairs were all torn. Our waitress was good but others where behind a panel saying profanities and we couldn’t believe it, especially my teenage kids.
J
Jusboopin
New Mexico
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
We were seated on an enclosed patio. At first it was very comfortable, then the heat was shut off or significantly lowered and it was cold. Because it was uncomfortably cold, it seemed like it took a long time to receive our drinks and the check (it took longer for our table than other tables). Food was good and service was friendly.
BR
BigRed
New Mexico
77 reviews
vip
5.0
77 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Katlyn is definitely one of the best servers at El Pinto. She's top notch with customer service. The food was incredibly delicious, and we were so fortunate to enjoy our spicy dinner next to a cozy fire. :-) 5 stars =D.
S
Stacie
New Mexico
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious, as always. Phil was a great server and checked on us often.
LM
LorreoM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our meal, they easily accommodated us when three extra joined our already large group.
LL
LeonardL
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Stuffed sopapillas were great. A lot of food for the price. Salsa and chips good but the cueso dip was better. Christmas chili also topped the meal off.
AB
ABQMIMI
New Mexico
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
The food and service were outstanding. Been going to EP for 50 years. Finally got hot food on a hot plate. Good service too. We asked for the quietest possible table and still had to ask the server to turn down the 'muzak'..junk noise. Why put on the open table form a request for the quietest possible table when you don't have a room without junk music?
HL
HaydenL
Tulsa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very tasty food, they had a guitar player for some background noise that was at a reasonable level and great ambiance.
RR
RonR
New Mexico
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lunch menus are very good although limited and a good value.
AB
ABQnative
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service! Food was excellent! Ambience- perfectly NM!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
It was an okay experience. Checking in , the hostess was not very friendly unfortunately. We were seated in an area that looked messy and was cold sadly. Usually El pinto is top notch, not sure what happened but the night was ok.
R
Rich
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service. Start to Finish!! Food was very well prepared. Really enjoyed the atmosphere.

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 5914 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

Feb 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 59 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–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 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

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Green Chile Strips

Chicken Enchiladas

Famous Red Chile Ribs

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