Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen Menu

  • Main
  • Monday Tuesday And Wednesday Special
  • Thursday Special
  • Desserts And Drinks
  • A La Carte Orders
  • Side Orders
  • Wines
  • Beer
  • Non-Alcoholic-Brew

Healthy Meal suggestions for Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen

  • Main
  • Monday Tuesday And Wednesday Special
  • Thursday Special
  • Desserts And Drinks
  • A La Carte Orders
  • Side Orders
  • Wines
  • Beer
  • Non-Alcoholic-Brew

Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Brent B.

    Best sopaipillas on earth and excellent food across the board. I'm an especially big fan of their carne adovada (Mon-Wed only) and their beef tacos, but really everything is good. I also love the authentic hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. It can get busy in the evenings, but the line (if there is one) generally moves quickly and the kitchen is quick to get your food out too. I grew up in Santa Fe and have lived in Albuquerque for 8 years, so I know my way around New Mexican food. Don't miss Padillas. Cash only.

    (5)
  • Walt P.

    This is about the best Mexican food anywhere. Red sauce and sopapillas are superb. One caution however, it is only a few blocks off the 40 freeway east of downtown, but if you are new to the area, get a good map. We were just passing thru and had a little trouble finding it.

    (5)
  • Jeremy B.

    traveling for business and used yelp which led us to padilla's. don't be fooled by the strip mall, or the décor, the food and service was excellent. NOTE... if you like it hot' go with the red sauce. if not, go with the green, or mix the red and green. we had the red and green and my nose was still running. highly recommended

    (4)
  • laurie g.

    when i get to new mexico the first place i go is padillas. i always get a stuffed sopapilla with green or red- just depends on my mood. dont really like the business of the place, the insincerity of the workers and the loud close tables...but its a good quick meal to fill my empty traveling tummy before i hit the two hour drive to gallup.

    (3)
  • Amanda C.

    Salsa is good and hot! Kept up with refills, a sign of a good waitress. Plates served with rice and beans and sopaipillas. Excellent Venue is small and you will have to wait for a table when they busy. Definitely worth it.

    (4)
  • Steve M.

    Superb. I'm a fiend for red enchiladas, and Padilla's are the best I've had in New Mexico - maybe the best I've had ever. It's definitely NOT a tourist spot - maybe not what the typical tourist would even expect in this part of the world - but it's absolutely true to its New Mexico heritage. I'll still hold out for the tamales over at El Modelo; but the red enchiladas at Padilla's Kitchen are drop-dead deelishus!! Best sopaipillas I've had in town, too. It's definitely a local family-owned outfit that caters to a distinctly local crowd, and it's definitely closed on the weekends.

    (5)
  • Christine S.

    This was a great experience. The decor was a little outdated, but I didn't go there to enjoy the art on the walls. The staff was welcoming and very helpful to my friend who just arrived from out of town, and wanted to experience "New Mexican food." We both enjoyed the carne adovada dinner, and it didn't disappoint! Spicy, flavorful, and decadent. And, to nobody's surprise, the sopapillas brought a smile to both our faces and our tummies. Definitely worth the trip if you're in the area!

    (4)
  • Tosha B.

    I came here for lunch at the recommendation of a local. He warned me that even though it says "Mexican", the food is "New Mexican" and that it was a hole in the wall. Well it's definitely located in a semi sketchy strip mall next to a laundromat and is pretty unassuming from the outside. We arrived around 11:15 and were seated right away, but the lunch crowd was definitely starting to arrive and when we left an hour later, there was a crowd of people waiting to be seated. The menu is not that big, but they do have daily specials. I went with their daily special of the carne adavado(pork) burrito, Christmas style (aka with red and green chile). It was a pretty big sized burrito and was more than I could finish in one sitting. The green chile was a bit spicier than the red, but the they were both very flavorful. My favorite part of the meal was the sopapillo......so good! It was a perfect way to end the meal. It was warm and flaky and the honey added the perfect amount of sweetness. They bring them out with your food though, which is kind of weird because they aren't as hot as they should be when you're ready to eat them since they've been sitting on the table throughout the whole meal. This is definitely an Albuquerque spot that I will come back to when I'm back in town again. Good food, service, and prices.

    (4)
  • Samantha E.

    Stopped there en route driving through between KY and CA and it was SOOOO worth the short detour off the interstate! Oh my GOSH the best green chile salsa I've ever had and I'm not a big fan of anything spicy! It was so damn spectacular that I'm trying to think of a way for us to drive by on our road trip home during meal time just so we can eat their magic one more time! So sad we don't live any closer!!!

    (5)
  • Nic P.

    I know this place doesn't need my review, it's spectacular and everyone knows it. I was directed here while on a work trip to Albuquerque. I was told if I wanted truly authentic New Mexican food this was the place to get it. I don't know if it really is New Mexican, I'll have to take your word for it, but whatever it was, it was so drooling good. I ordered the cheese enchiladas with blue corn tortillas and an egg on top. That egg, oh that egg. Over easy, please. Thank you! Service was quick and I am pretty sure I ate it faster that I should have. Tasting the first bite of enchilada with egg is one of those moments you wish your whole life was made up of. I heard angels singing. No lie. My entree came with sopapillas which were a little overcooked but still tasted better than any sopapilla I've ever tasted. Yum-my. Just go here, really.

    (5)
  • El W.

    If you could diagnose a restaurant with a personality disorder then Padilla's would be in the running for Cluster B, Antisocial Personality Disorder. My friend and I ordered take out and the staff hung up without telling me the total price or time it would take. I had to call back to get this information and they don't tell you that they don't take cards! When we got there we had to run to a gas station to get cash. The wait staff is all family and we had the opportunity of dealing with grandma's burnt out alcoholic grandson. Unless you get an old lady as a waitress the staff acts like they're doing you a favor. The food is fine but not worth the attitude.

    (3)
  • Christian H.

    Saved by the Sopapillas. In addition to the name of a reality show, that should be the tagline at Padilla's. Sorry to say but it's nothing you haven't had before, and can't get anywhere else. Yes the salsa is great, but the chips are charged by the (miniscule) bowl, which has about 14 chips in it, at best. The cheese is hopefully all melted, but if not it won't matter much, as you mostly just want to finish enough to justify a couple Sopapillas. I honestly don't understand why the food is so "meh" but the grand finale is so great. I really just don't get it. Alas, between reasonable service and the amazing sopapillas, it just barely crawls back up to 2.75 stars, rounded to 3. Oh yeah, like everyone else said....don't forget to bring cash....or you'll be doing dishes ;)

    (3)
  • Jenn W.

    Came to try this place out at the recommendation of a friend. We have, temporarily, been living in Arizona and desperately missed the great cuisine of New Mexico. We came at about 11:10 am and there was ample seating. Our server came very quickly, was super friendly and super attentive - Our drinks were never empty. Our kiddos had a stuffed sopaipilla (no chile) and they ate those puppies up. My husband had a stuffed sopaipilla (red chile) and I had the cheese enchilada plate (red). This, my friends, was the food dreams are made of. The chile was hot but not too hot. The beans and rice were flavorful and complimented the main dish well. I liked the salsa quite a bit but my husband did not. There are so many things I want to go back and try. Be aware that they only take cash! We will definitely be returning!

    (5)
  • Joshuah G.

    With a move out of state coming within the next few weeks I have been looking to the restaurants I love the most to fulfill my New Mexican cravings. Padilla's tops that list and every other list that can be imagined. Not only does it have the best New Mexican food I have ever had the pleasure of eating, but it can also attest to being the best food I've had anywhere. A weekly visit to Padilla's marks the highlight of each week and brings a notice that good food will be had. I've eaten their enchiladas, huevos rancheros, chili rellenos, and (the inexplicably perfect) stuffed sopapilla and each dish proves to be as good as the last whether ordered with red or green. The latter packs a delicious and tender mix of pork meat if I'm not mistaken. Service is always excellent and the tightly knit group of waiters and owners welcome us as family would. All of this makes it twice as painful to leave this great restaurant behind for the lowly offerings to the north. Make no mistake that this is as authentic as NM food gets, and nothing should go without their amazing chili.

    (5)
  • Rusty L.

    Wanted a great Mexican dinner in Albuquerque (and Mary & Tito's Cafe was closed) so I checked Yelp and found Padilla's Mexican Kitchen. My daughter wanted a stuffed sopapilla, and Padilla's had it on their menu. Another dive (yes!), located in a strip mall. The ambiance is nothing to write home about - which means you'd better be getting some good food! It was a Wednesday evening about 6pm and the place was bustling (pretty good, considering they close at 7:45 pm). We were seated promptly (four of us). The three others in our party ordered the stuffed chicken sopapilla, with various options of red or green chile. I ordered the huevos rancheros, eggs over medium, with red chile. We were given a small bowl of chips and some salsa, which was flavorful. Our meals came quickly. The huevos rancheros were great. I've noticed that, in New Mexico, the huevos rancheros usually consist of the eggs, sitting on corn tortillas, and then essentially submerged in chile sauce (either red or green), and edged with rice and refried beans. No different here at Padilla's - and exquisite. Along with the dinner came a basket of two sopapillas, which we shared amongst ourselves (with the *necessary* dousing of honey). Service was friendly and attentive. The prices are oh so reasonable (read - cheap). The four of us (no drinks ordered) came in at $29 (not including tip). CASH ONLY, so be forewarned.

    (4)
  • Janene H.

    This place is nothing fancy to look at, that's for sure. The restaurant is part of a rundown strip mall and the inside looks like a cafeteria from the 80s. Still, the service was quick, maybe too quick, but they were in the middle of the lunch rush so I guess I can't blame them. Our server took our order and in less than 10 minutes our food was in front of us. Both hubby and I agreed the food was good but not amazing. The one exception would be the sopapillas and the tableside agave. Being from Florida where we don't have this kind of thing at our Mexican restaurants it was a real treat. The sopapillas were big, cooked lightly and perfectly and were crisp on the outside but pillowy soft inside. I had to control myself not to eat the whole basket! Definitely the best we had while in ABQ. I would recommend this little place, for sure.

    (4)
  • Mish i.

    The sopaipillas were excellent!! I had no idea what they were before we went, but they sure were delicious! The carne avodados was also delicious. I got the blue corn enchiladas, which were also good, but I'd definitely recommend the carne adovados over it. We had a great served and the service was very quick!

    (4)
  • Kathy K.

    Great family owned and operated Mexican restaurant. Grandmother, mom, dad , son all there live the blue corn chicken enchiladas. Great service. Cash only!

    (5)
  • Donovan W.

    It breaks my heart to see the 1 and 2 star reviews. To each his own I guess. I absolutely love this family owned and operated New Mexican restaurant! I've been eating here for years and I honestly think they have the best red chile and sopas in town. I can't speak for the green chile for I am a red chile guy. I always get the #1 combo. It has a nice showcase of their specialties. One beef taco, one tamale and one cheese enchilada. Beans and rice too. The service is spot on and each person gets 2 sopas with their meal! Double bonus!

    (5)
  • Megan S.

    They get one star for being open an hour later than the taqueria we originally wanted to go to, and one star because we were starving and the food tasted good -- because we were hungy. Everything was really -- tomato-y. It was like, instead of red enchilada says, they just put tomato sauce on my enchilada, with some cheese. There was very little seasoning to anything. But we wolfed it down because we'd done a 10 mile hike earlier in the day, and again -- ravenous. I don't know -- people seem to like this place. Maybe I went on off day. But this isn't a taqueria -- which is ALWAYS my mexican food preference. It's a "family restaurant" so perhaps that's why everything is oddly missing some seasoning.

    (2)
  • Tamn8r 2.

    In my opinion, one of the best red chile places in Albuquerque. Have been going to here for 30 years and they are consistent...until the second generation took over the last couple of years. Food still tastes the same for the most part, the chile is consistent as well as the beans, which are whole and made fresh daily. The rice was absolutely the best I've had at any restaurant, but since the kids took over, it has been inconsistent. I like the rice somewhat dry and light, but it has sometimes been too wet and sticky. I had to send my plate back once because it wan't hot enough to fully melt the cheese on the enchilada. One of the best red enchiladas I've ever had. Their Thursday special is Carnitas, get them with green chile. Salsa is superb, they make their own and don't ever want to commercialize it. They cut and fry their chips and they are thicker and crunchier than most restaurants. They don't give you a whole lot of chips for the salsa, but why fill up on the little appetizer? Sopapillas are outstanding! Their prices are very reasonable. In a way, I don't blame them for not taking credit cards or checks. Banks charge you and the business owner for every credit card transaction and it's too easy to bounce a check. Their way of keeping their prices reasonable.

    (4)
  • Andy K.

    I usually dine in at Padilla's, but I had to order the rellenos to go today. They were tasty as usual, smothered in red, with crispy batter. The red chile is flavorful and not too spicy. Beans and rice were good (I always add some salt) and the sopapillas were flaky. I missed the chips and salsa, but the meal was filling and satisfying even without an appetizer. Takeout may be the way to go if you are in a hurry. Dining in at Padilla's can be noisy and cramped if you go during peak hours, so during the lunch or dinner rush, do yourself a favor; get your order to go and enjoy it at a park, your home, or your office. Make sure you bring cash as Padilla's doesn't take plastic. Although today's meal was five star, the four star rating is due to the often crowded atmosphere of Padilla's dine in experience.

    (4)
  • Nidhi D.

    Meant chilli relleno not cheese jalapenos. Thanks to a friend for noticing the typo. Love this place. .we got chicken enchiladas with blue corn tortilla..cheese jalapeños and sophipas...Loved the flavors. .Will highly recommend. Wished I lived in the neighborhood. ..

    (5)
  • Johnny M.

    It's about the food here! The burrito and the green chili was my favorite! Perfectly spicy! The beef in the burrito was tender and chunky with rich roast beef flavor. The soapapilla was fresh and flavorful. The server figured we were going to share and brought extra plates and bowls. She's was friendly and helpful without hovering She quickly explained differences in the types of preparation of the chilies. We will def stop by on our way back!

    (4)
  • Jon T.

    Déjà vu of last year, for our dining on our last night in New Mexico, we made a repeat stop at Padilla's (after doing the same thing the night before at Rudy's BBQ). Padilla's is close to our hotel and we knew we liked it so we went back. It was consistent with the previous visit. This is a popular family run place. On a Tuesday night, we actually had to wait a few minutes for a table. Their salsa is a pureed red chile with perhaps a little tomato. The carne adovada was again very good. It has good red chile flavor and the pork is cooked just right. It is great to eat this all together with the pintos and rice. Ms T had her usual ground beef tacos. These are pretty gringo, served on hard shells. The meat follows a trend we observed in several places in New Mexico, it is kind of thickened with something. We did not figure out what it is. I understand that evaluating ground beef in Mexican or New Mexican food is a little strange, but that is what Ms T likes and it certainly is better in some places than others. This was OK, but not what most people are going to go for here. Padillas has really great sopapillas. This is a good place for homemade New Mex, but stick with the authentic dishes. I saw a chile relleno delivered to a neighboring table and really wished I had tried one. We can always make it a three-peat next year.

    (4)
  • Lance G.

    I travel a lot and stop at a lot of different restaurants. Padilla's was a great find off the main roads but inexpensive and good quality. The green sauce, sopa's and salsa were all good. The chicken ench was prepared with good chicken and flavored with just enough spices and not overwhelming. I would recommend to stop by but being cash as they do not take credit cards.

    (4)
  • Brittany M.

    Food was not good and the place felt dirty with old chairs and tables and the bathroom is in the kitchen. We were very disappointed in their food. No kids meal and the average age on a Thursday night was 70-75 year olds. Plus, they only take cash.

    (1)
  • April P.

    After eating at Padilla's yesterday, I am left wondering what all the rage is about. Several people have told me how amazing this place is and driving by it is always packed. My out of town guest wanted to try a resturant I have not yet taken them to and wanted to eat chile rellenos; those were the only stipulations. Padilla's came to mind. One star for overall experience and food. The hostess was incredibly rude. She asked how many were in my party and I told her two. My friend was not standing near me and did not hear this interaction. A few moments later, my friend smiled politely at the hostess and told her the number in our party. The hostess scoffed and said "I know!!!" I was really tempted to leave, as her response was so rude. Once the chips and salsa arrived, I should have cut my losses. The salsa tasted sweet and had no flavor; salt had to be added. The chips were bland. I ordered Combination #1 and it was ehh. The tamale and enchiladas were 3/5, as they lacked in flavor. The taco looked as if it had been sitting out all damn day, under a heat lamp; the 'meat' looked like dog food and there was salsa thrown on top of the lettuce, it resembled Pace. Who knows, the taco could have been amazing, unlike books I judge my food by it's cover and did not try it. The beans were okay, they were a little hard. As for the rice 4/5, it needed a tiny bit of salt and other seasonings; the consistency, however, was good. The chile relleno had an excess amount of batter. The sopapillas were very good. Definitely the best part of the meal. Most of the food was not eaten and the server seemed surprised when a box was declined.

    (1)
  • Sarrah B.

    This is my favorite place for New Mexican food in all of Albuquerque. I've been here dozens of times, and it is consistently tasty with fast and friendly service. The salsa is delicious (although admittedly they don't give you a lot of it). I typically order the huevos rancheros or the cheese enchiladas with green chile, and both are so very satisfying! And the sopapillas are some of the best I've had in NM. I typically am not a huge fan of Mexican rice, but theirs is actually quite good. The only down side to this place that they only accept cash. Oh yea, and how busy it gets around 6pm, but thats what happens when the food is so good!

    (5)
  • Foodlover B.

    It's average. Nothing memorable. Glad we went. But would never go back. Once was enough. It's pretty middle of the road. Packed, loud like a cafeteria, fast service. Seems like a fast food place that mass produces food. We had the carne adovada dinner which came with pinto beans and rice and plain lettuce with two sopapilla. It was all just okay.

    (3)
  • Christopher H.

    I came here for the first time with my family looking for one of my last tastes of New Mexico before heading back to college in Texas. The salsa is reasonably smoky, which was alright. The amount, however, was lacking; half of a small bowl to be split among four adults did not scratch our collective itch. I ordered the #9 dinner, a combination of a cheese enchilada, a chile relleno, beans (whole pinto, not refried), rice, and two sopapillas. The food came out quickly on quite hot plates, usually a good sign. The cheese enchilada with red chile was the highlight of the plate, with an appropriate ratio of tortilla and cheese. The beans and rice are standard fare. The hot sopapillas came out with the meal, so they needed to be eaten with the meal if I wanted to ingest them warm. Finally, the relleno left quite a bit to be desired. Looking at multiple cross-sections from throughout the chile, the relleno was at least 85% batter and on the cool side of lukewarm. The service also didn't quite meet standards. Our table finished our drinks before our meal came out and we were promised refills on three separate visits by our waitress, but they were not forthcoming until our check was delivered at the end of the meal. All in all, not my greatest meal experience.

    (2)
  • Vicky K.

    Just okay. Sopapillas were tasty. Employees were really hustling. Very busy. Cash only. No credit or debit cards accepted. Had heard that Carne Adovada was very good. However, it's only available Monday-Wednesday.

    (3)
  • Lynnelle J.

    Mexican food just like mom makes. Nothing fancy, but the food will keep you coming back for more. EVERYTHING is good. Family owned and operated, service with a smile. I've been coming to Padilla's for over twenty years. You'll be back, no question!

    (5)
  • Karen M.

    Ok, Yelpers...Very funny! You got me. Now you can recant your rave reviews of this place...Good God. This was the worst New Mexican food I have had in the four years I've lived here. We had the cheese enchilada specials and you were hard pressed to find the actual cheese in the tortilla under the soupy green sauce that flooded the plate. Tasteless, bland and a total waste of a lunchtime. We also saw more health code violations by the waitstaff then you could shake a stick at. It was punctuated by the busser coming around the corner from the employee area w his pants undone tucking in his red polo while staring and trying to talk to my 1yr old. That was the last straw for us and we got up and left our barely touched meals. When mentioning to the manager (?) at the counter that our food was less than desirable and what we had uncomfortably witnessed, she said "Oh. That'll be $$." She took our money w/o concern or an apology. I didn't argue I just wanted our family to get the heck outta there. Do yourself a favor and go anywhere but here.

    (1)
  • Jordan F.

    Delicious New Mexican food just like my grandma makes it! I just wish they'd accept cards! I would go more if they did. Come on guys, it's 2015

    (5)
  • Tom M.

    Wanted something New Mexican after seeing Sagrada Familia at the Guild Nob Hill and Padilla's came to mind. Used to be really good eats but this time was disappointing. The chips and salsa were disappointing. Split chili relleno's with the wife and her red chili was un-cuttable and we had to ask for a replacement. Replacement came but without any of her beans or rice - they did bring a small side plate after we asked. My relleno was unremarkable - heavy handed batter and lots of hot seeds left in the chili. Sopapillas came at the same time as the rellenos so were quite cold by the time we got to them for 'desert'. Honey just cries for hot, not cold, sopapillas. It is obviously a popular family restaurant as they were full with many 6- and 8-top tables all having good times which did make it a bit noisy, though. CASH ONLY, no credit cards.

    (2)
  • D J.

    Best ever Carne adovado burrito. Had mine with red and green chili sauce. Generous meat within burrito and great sopapillas. The aroma walking in lets you know this food is serving fresh food! My wife had chicken enchilada and loved it. My son took us here for Mother's Day. Xtra points son!

    (5)
  • Nita M.

    We have been eating here for many years. I would have given it 5 stars because next to my chile it's the best in town. The only thing I don't like is they charge full price for a third re-fill on sodas. Come on, really? However, they still have the best sopaipillas in town.

    (3)
  • Al S.

    A new friend took me here and said THIS is where locals go. It's in a strip mall. It's nothing fancy to look at. We agreed to meet for lunch at 11:45. There was no place to park and the line was out the door. While this always disappoints me to have to wait - I always wait because any time people are willing to line up outside a restaurant in order to eat there the food must be good and it was - very good. The red chili isn't too hot and has a touch of garlic. The blue corn enchiladas are amazing. The beans are whole pinto and flavorful. The staff is very friendly and even on a super busy lunch time, they were fast, efficient and helpful. I haven't been here for dinner so I don't know if the food is different at night but the lunch menu had several choices. This isn't a place where you go for the ambiance. You go for the authentic New Mexican food. It isn't fancy but it's darn good and worth the wait. I'll be back.

    (4)
  • Cristina M.

    I also always forget how much I like Padilla's. I strongly recommend you go before noon, as it is always packed between 12 and 1 pm, but the good news is that service is lightening quick. Do note that they only take cash or checks--NO CREDIT CARDS. I've eaten here since I was a kid--I used to come with my grandma. The only thing I'm not a big fan of is their chips-they are always just a little over-done tasting (almost burned, or the oil is too hot or something). Great salsa, great green chile. I'm not sure that I ever get red chile here, so I won't comment on it. Today I had a green chile chicken burrito a la carte. Also ordered sopapillas and they are some of the best in the city (and their honey doesn't taste diluted with corn syrup). I only eat here about twice a year, which is silly considering how close it is to my house. It's as though I just always forget about it. Not fancy and definitely a local's-type place. Go.

    (4)
  • Clayton A.

    Just another standard New Mexican place to me, so I'll keep it short and sweet. The tortilla chips-tasted like cardboard and almost ruined the delicious salsa. The plus to this is that I didn't stuff my face with chips and had more of an appetite for my plate. The carne adovada burrito- delicious. Big chunks of pork smothered in red chile goodness, then wrapped up in a tortilla and smothered again with cheese. You've got to try really hard to mess this up or just not know what you're doing. The service- Just fine and that's how I like it. I'd struggle to recommend this place to anyone over any other New Mexican restaurant and still think Barelas is my favorite, but I didn't leave disappointed, so touche to them.

    (4)
  • Andrew B.

    Good food, cash only makes it inconvenient as I live within walking distance. Take credit cards please!

    (3)
  • MR L.

    Based on the reviews & from what we'd heard this was "the" place. Unfortunately, none of us were impressed (there were 3 of us). The food was not Mexican, nor was it New Mexican - it was an Americanized version of the two, with a homage to the local Native Americans (vis-à-vis, Indian Fry Bread). However, it wasn't terrible either. The establishment is old & unimpressive in appearance - not a big deal for me IF the service & food make up for it. I had the Blue Corn Enchiladas with both red & green salsa. Neither of the salsas had depth of flavor just spice or not and tasted as if they came from a can. When I looked at the blue corn tortilla it was gray. I did like the novelty that the frijoles weren't refried but again very bland. My son had the Chiles Rellenos & thought they were, "good," however my husband was not impressed at all with his Combo plate of a tamale, enchilada and taco, especially because the enchilada & taco were made with ground beef and the taco wasn't served with fresh onion &/or cilantro. Again, with the majority of the food it tasted and appeared to be pre-made/canned. The meals did come with a generous basket of sopapillas (aka Fry Bread) which were good, as was the service; and everyone was pleasant. What Padillas boiled down to was a "greasy American diner" except with pseudo Mexican food.

    (3)
  • Janice F.

    The food is terrible. I had a Gauc Tostado, cold old tasting tortila with bad tasting gauc, lettuce that tasted like the food it was stored near and cold cheddar cheese. The chips and salsa were stale, I have had better from a bag. My hubby had a pork with chile over it, fried potatos and cooked spinach. Edible but not good. The service is wonderful, the employees are super nice and the place is busy.

    (2)
  • Wes T.

    Padilla's is one of those old school New Mexican places that has been around since forever, and is still here, so you know that they are doing something right. In a city with so many NM chile options, if they've survived as long as they have, there's a winning formula in the mix. I like the blue corn enchiladas. The menu is pretty simple, which for me is always a plus. Generous sopapillas come out with your meal, and true to their NM homestyle roots, you don't get charged for chips and salsa. Layout is small and simple. Two rooms, mostly 4-tops. Place is consistently filled with locals. CASH ONLY.

    (4)
  • Nicole P.

    We were driving from Prescott Arizona back home to Denver yesterday and had a craving for some good Mexican food. We went to one place and walked out because their lunch menu appetizers averaged $11. Ridiculous for a lunch menu when we aren't wearing suit and ties. Went to the next place and walked out because it was pre-fab cafeteria style food that looked disgusting. Off to Padillas we went and we were not disappointed. Crowded, busy, food being brought out looked like what we were looking for. Didn't know they only take cash, but luckily we had some on us. No big deal because it keeps the cost down. A local man said it's the best in town and where all the locals go. So true!! Had the blue corn chicken enchiladas. My husband who normally doesn't like enchiladas finished what I couldn't. The sopapillas were so good, warm, and great for sopping up the green sauce. Even had enough left for honey as dessert. My husband had a chicken burrito and it did not disappoint. Quality white meat chicken. Additionally the server was sweet, nice, efficient, and attentive. Even had a conversation with the owner son who spent time in So Cal at the same haunts we grew up around. Such a small world. We will definitely be back went we head in that direction again.

    (5)
  • Nat S.

    Best things we had were the Sopaplla's, tamales, and enchilada- cheese. Rice was bland and soggy. Beans, were just beans- and lacked seasoning as well. The beef, which was ground and in my taco, and my boyfriends enchilada, was soggy, texturally weird, as well as unseasoned. The sopapilla's were delicious, and the best thing I ate. Luckily you get two with every entree. Also during lunch you are crammed in there and it is supper noisy. We saw three people on oxygen tanks, and many children. Besides the red chile and the salsa, the food was very toned down, kind of like the pizza you get at Chuck E Cheese's This is a kids restaurant chain. No this was not Casa Bonita bad, but it was not good either- overall. The red chile was tasty, the green a watery disappointment. I don't see what the hype was about, you stand in line for 15 minutes during lunch,to have food that is not as good so many places elsewhere in town, which you do not even have to cue for. It is also extremely loud. The food was bland and soggy and without those blessed sopapilia's it would have been a two star experience. I am not sure we will ever go back. If I were to- I would get a a stuffed sopapilla and forego the sides. I think Clayton wrote the carne adovada is good here, but be warned that is only available mom-weds, and we came on a Thursday and all they had was the mushy ground beef like substance- get the chicken!!!

    (2)
  • Jamal B.

    The food is pretty good. Pretty good price to. Waiters are friendly. The combination plate was the best.

    (4)
  • Toni D.

    I love this place! I've driven through New Mexico bu tnever stopped. So, this was my real 1st visit to Albuquerque last weekend. My boyfriend and I wanted to try a traditional New Mexican restaurant. We searched for places online and decided to go with Yelp's top rated Mexican place. I'm glad we did! the food was delicious. The prices were reasonable. Cash only...and be prepared to wait a while for a table. But well worth the wait!

    (5)
  • Jane V.

    Wow! This is my new favorite restaurant. We went there last a week on Friday night. We originally planned to get carry out because we heard they are packed on Fridays. Luckily it wasn't crowded when we arrived so we decided to eat there. The servers and staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Our food was ready really fast, it arrived with our drinks. The sopapillas were heavenly and they brought TWO for each person. Everything was delicious and the prices were great. I think our bill was $25 for two drinks and two entrees. The best thing about Padilla's is that it is a family owned and local. We talked to two of the owners and they were very kind and shared some of the history of Padilla's Kitchen i.e. why are there so many elephant decorations. They thanked us for joining them for dinner. Can't wait to go back! Things you should know: 1. weird hours - closed Sat and Sun and they close at 7:45. I wish they had more hours. 2. it can be packed 3. CASH ONLY and there isn't an ATM there

    (5)
  • Anye F.

    I was surprised how packed Padilla's was at 3:30pm on a Friday. Either Albuquerqians eat their lunch late or this place is just good enough to attract a crowd anytime. I'm guessing it's more of the latter. Chips & salsa were good, the chips were the heavy corn tortilla type. I ordered a combination plate that came with a taco, an enchilada and a tamale, rice & beans. I think my other half ordered something like huevos rancheros. We both quite enjoyed our food. The tamale was super spicy, but the taco and enchilada were not. All were good. I wasn't too crazy about the beans but I'm more of a true refried bean fan. The rice was more tomatoey than I usually like but it worked pretty well. Next time I'd probably order a taco plate as the taco was my favorite part. Or maybe just tacos a la carte? Not sure. It's hard to beat the complimentary sopapaillas that they bring after the meal. It's probably a good thing we don't live here, or we'd become a bit gordo :)

    (4)
  • Holla F.

    Don't get the chicken burrito. Plain with chicken and cheese with shredded lettuce on side..but the sopapilla was sooo good. Tastes almost like the Chinese donut that goes with porridge. Best eaten fresh

    (3)
  • Robert B.

    This is a nice, New Mexican place. Locally and family owned, which I love. This is a working place that concentrates on good food and good service, not shiny appearances. As such, the inside of the place is functional - clean and neat, but with plain chairs and tables. No fancy decor. Don't be put off by the mohawk on the cashier - he looks like ruffian, but was really nice. :) The service was good and attentive, though not particularly friendly on the Tuesday lunch time we came in. No biggie. The food came out quickly. I had the chicken burrito with green chili - kinda my barometer for a new New Mexican place. The chicken was tender and flavorful, mainly due to their use of mostly dark meat in the burrito, but not spiced very well. The green chili was good, a little watery, and not very hot (which can be good or bad depending on your tastes). The beans and rice that came with the burrito were both quite good. I wouldn't say this this is my new favorite place or anything, but it was good and I'll be back to try more.

    (4)
  • AARON A.

    Was in town for business and this place hit all the spots, good food, great service, and well priced. I had the chicken blue tortilla enchiladas. I was greeted by an elderly woman who I believe was one of the owners. I was immediately seated when I walked in at 115 pm. My enchiladas were well prepared and the chicken was flavorful with white and dark meat. There is a choice of green or red sauce. I went green and it isn't spicy but gives a kiss of spice. The beans and rice were a good complement as none of the items were overly salty or dry. The sopapillas are GREAT! Fresh, hot, crunchy and chewy delights! Good luck finding one left behind on the table.

    (4)
  • Rachel P.

    Good Mexican food for an affordable price.

    (3)
  • Kathryn V.

    I forgot how much I love this place! I just had lunch there, and it's as good as ever. I got Christmas Chicken Enchiladas, which of course came with two delicious and warm sopapillas. Let me just say, I stuffed my face and still have enough left over for another meal! The service was amazing, we got there right before the dinner rush, and we sat down, ordered our food and drinks, and started eating within 10 minutes. They are always so friendly! I don't think I need to go into any detail about the food, because all I need to say is freakin delicious! Love their chile, sopapillas and the homey feel of the place. I'm positive anything you order from this place will taste like old fashioned New Mexican food!

    (5)
  • Robert M.

    This has been a consistently good place for casual good food. Service is always consistent and delightful. My last dinner was very good at the time..... but my friend and I both had bad tummy aches and headaches an hour after eating there. I have been meaning to call and ask if they are using MSG - which I dont think they do, but it was a MSG feeling. I will go back if it still the good ol stuff without additives.

    (4)
  • Jordana G.

    Padilla's is where you take your sister who visits from out of state and needs a chile fix. Love the sopas and enchiladas. The line of people waiting that wraps around your table is funky, but whatever. Eating here is an experience and is very ABQ. I also think it's funny that so many reviews are from out of towners. Without the internet, no one but locals would know about it. Padilla's hails the chile. Good stuff. Eat here and pretend you are New Mexican for a little while.

    (5)
  • Caitlin W.

    One of my favorite little "hole" in the wall restaurants in Albuquerque. Nice family who runs a clean, busy, and great restaurant. The food is delicious, best sopapillas in my opinion, better than Sadie's and Los Cuates combined. I always forget about going there because it's literally so close to me. I usually enjoy lunches there when doing my laundry three doors down. I also love how simple it is, simple tables, food, and service. Maybe other small and local restaurants need to follow their simplicity because it works!

    (5)
  • Anthony P.

    I'm visiting Albuquerque for work and needed somewhere to eat lunch yesterday. My last name is Padilla, and I read some good reviews so I decided to give the place a try. I ordered a bowl of posole and a chicken taco. I order posole at every Mexican joint that has it available. I also make it myself, as does my grandmother. I can honestly say it was the worst I've ever had. It was literally hominy straight from the can, some bland quickly cooked pork and what appeared to be enchilada/chile sauce. The 3 ingredients weren't even mixed in the bowl. There was no broth. There were no onion or cabbage or other condiments served with it. It was terrible. I didn't even eat it. When I was asked how everything was during checkout I voiced my concern. The cashier made it seem like I didn't know what posole was supposed to be. The taco was also odd. It was the first hard shell taco I've ha to eat with a fork. It was assembled then put on a plate and baked, lettuce and all. Half of the taco was soggy and stuck to the plate. Overall I expected much better food. I am only giving 2 stars based on the friendly, speedy service given by the waiter. I will not return.

    (2)
  • Sean W.

    Padilla's is one of the best New Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque. This place is always packed, so be prepare to wait. I have had their enchiladas, chile rellenos, and huevos rancheros, all are amazing. Their meals are served with papas and beans. Their beans are fresh and delicious. Simply put, if you want great homemade New Mexican food, go to Padillas.

    (5)
  • Willanne W.

    This restaurant has been one of my top two stand bys when I arrive in Albuquerque. I had eaten here for years when I lived in Abq. and whenever I returned. But, I am sad to say, I am dropping it off my list! My blue corn enchiladas were abysmal. The green chile sauce was flavorless, and the blue corn tortillas were hard. There was very little lettuce garnish and no tomatoes! Shocking! My sister had the combination plate. The tamale was very good and the meat filling flavorful. Her enchilada was drowning in onions and the taco was tasteless. The sopapillas were good but somewhat greasy. Heartbreaking really, but it hadn't been up to par the last two visits but we wanted to give it one more chance. Nunca mas!

    (2)
  • Migsy O.

    You don't have a vegetarian chile option?! What? The fuck? I don't care if it's the red or the green, people, but could you prepare at least one of your sauces without the unnecessary addition of lard or chunks of pig? I've known forever that Padilla's isn't vegetarian-friendly, but found myself eating here recently due to social dynamics. So I can tell you with absolute certainty that there is nothing in the world more sad, strange, and disappointing than a plate of New Mexican food MINUS THE CHILE!!

    (1)
  • Tamarind S.

    I cannot believe this place is so well rated! I have lived in ABQ for most of my life and this place is awful! We all know if the chips and salsa aren't good, it usually speaks for the quality of the rest of the food. Our chips were over fried and bland (new mexican food 101: salt your chips as soon as they come out of the fryer). The salsa was something that any third-grader could make and do a better job. When our food came out it was totally BLAND BLAND BLAND! Salt and pepper are basic ingredients in any cuisine and our dishes had NONE!!!! I was embarrassed to bring out of town company to this place. I could have closed my eyes and pointed to an ad in the phone book and found better New Mexican food at any other restaurant.I can't believe this place has been in business for so long! Needless to say I will not be coming back.

    (1)
  • Alan N.

    A family friend recommended Padilla's to me a few years ago, and I've made a point of eating there every time I've been in Albuquerque since then. Truly a hidden gem, though not a well-kept secret--it's ALWAYS busy! The menu is a bit limited, and they don't accept credit cards, but the food is some of the best traditional New Mexican you'll find anywhere, and the service is always good.

    (5)
  • Sarah N.

    This is a place that never changes! at this family owned neighborhood gem the New Mexican food that tastes like home cooking

    (4)
  • Norman B.

    We chose Padilla's based on Yelp reviews. As it turned out, I had eaten here about 3 years ago while visiting relatives in the Duke City. The place is very busy, and was cheerfully greeted by the owner upon entering. We each had a combo plate. The tamale and enchilada were delicious. The beans were very flavorful, as was the red chile sauce. The sopapillas were to die for, and 2 came with the combo meal. If I wasn't so full, i would gave ordered a more sopapillas because they were so yummy. The downsides: 1) the tacos were a bland ground beef and bean mixture. I'm accustomed to shredded beef or chicken. 2) They do not offer to refill the complimentary bowl of tortilla chips, which was very small. 3). Bring cash. They do not accept debit or credit cards. Overall, the meal was great, but I won't order tacos on my next visit.

    (4)
  • Ellen J.

    Still as good as it gets! Got my flat enchiladas-with-red-chile-and-egg-on-top-fix as soon as I arrived in Albuquerque. The service is just as friendly and homey as I remembered and the sopapillas were warm and fluffy and ready to be infused with honey. Drool-ish-ous!

    (5)
  • Paul W.

    Delicious lunch of Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas ...big lunch crowd, bit of a wait. Well worth it. Sopapillas, as noted by others, are outstanding, fresh and were served warm'ish.

    (4)
  • Rosquete B.

    Friendly food service by Ed Very clean place Cold beer; also have wine Complimentary chips w/spicy red salsa Excellent carne adovada (the luncheon special M-W) w/tasty rice & beans Good sopapillas w/honey Chile relleno & cheese enchilada seemed bland Reasonable prices

    (3)
  • Brian U.

    I used to work next door to the restaurant and we shared a dumpster. All of their tortillas and tamales were Bueno. I like Bueno products fine, but in a restaurant I expect a little better. The pinto beans are Ranch Style beans straight out the can, again I like Ranch Style beans, but really? This is New Mexico, the Pinto Bean capital. The taco meat was cut with so much mashed potatoes I thought it was refried beans. The cheese wasn't real, it was that fake imitation cheese. The atmosphere wasn't much better. They snake a line of people waiting to be seated through the small restaurant. Nobody wants strangers hovering above their table while eating with several butts by their face.

    (1)
  • Mike B.

    I haven't been able to find a favorite New Mexican restaurant since Mi Casita passed beyond the veil. I was hoping Padilla's would be it, but it didn't really make it. However, it is the best New Mexican place I've been to recently, and that includes some larger, fancier and much more expensive places. The sopapillas were quite good.

    (4)
  • Mary G.

    Clean cute family Owned and operated. Good everyday New Mexican food, agree with others it lacks some spice but gets the job done. cash only. get there early.

    (4)
  • Esther L.

    Super busy at 1:29PM. But apparently it's packed all the time. The food we ordered: Sopapillas were really good w the honey Got taco plate came w two tacos one beef one chicken Red and green sauce both weren't that spicy. Good. I'd eat there if I was ever traveling back through that area, but I've had better Mexican in my hometown.

    (3)
  • Arizona T.

    Ok but not good sauce or sopas. The honey they use has a very weird smell and aftertaste.

    (3)
  • Brad H.

    Passing thru on our way from Big Bear Lake to Raleigh. Padilla's was actually our second choice but the first place had recently closed...but all's well that ends well. The place was crowded...had to wait in a line that snaked between the tables of folks eating for ten minutes and were glad to get a table away from that area...but the service was never-the-less professional. We started with a large order of guacamole which came on a bed of lettuce embedded with obviously homemade tortilla chips...and it was great, tasty with a bit of zing to it. For the main course we got a large burrito stuffed with chicken, cheese, and beans with green sauce--the burrito was soft and melted in your mouth--and a cheese enchilada and chile rellenos with red sauce. They came with beans and Spanish rice plus a basket of sopapillas that were to die for...everything was at least good, if not excellent. The place is noisy--there is no door between the dining room we ate in and the kitchen, plus there is an understandably busy take-out counter in the same room--but it was friendly, colorful noise. A 50s-ish woman dining alone across from us had her nose buried in "The Social Animal" by David Brooks, and the room is festooned with elephant-theme decorations. Mos def would come back when in the area.

    (4)
  • Donna L.

    I get over to ABQ about 3 - 4 times a year and Padilla's is a MUST each time I am in town. No one makes a sopapilla like this place! They are fresh, fresh, fresh! There are larger, mor popular spots in Albuq., but this is THE BEST mexican food in town. DJ M LA, CA

    (5)
  • Jennifer A.

    Was traveling for work and wanted to get some tasty New Mexican. Growing up between CO, CA, and AZ, I'm an equal opportunity Mexican Food eater. Reading reviews, I debated between here and a couple of other places. Glad I chose this one. Staff was super friendly, even to a clearly-non-local-table-for-one diner. I was impressed with the truly family feel of this place. I must have been the only patron on a Tuesday evening that did not know the staff. Chips and salsa were fantastic, always a good omen. Salsa had some heat which I loved. Had the Carne Adovada burrito. The red chile had just the right amount of heat, excellent NM flavor. The beans played the supporting role, but perfect for the burrito. Sopapillas were yummy, reminded me of my childhood in CA as these are not common in CO or AZ. Not a fancy place, but good food and great service.

    (4)
  • KG O.

    We were travelling home to AZ from our Holiday trip. Did a quick "google" on "New Mexican Food" in Albuquerque, and Padilla's scored highest on the list. Easy to get to off of I-40 (roughly a mile or so). It looks a bit dated, but if that's the least you can say, then so be it. The food is FANTASTIC! We'd read about the lines out the door, terrible wait staff, and apparent rudeness in general but saw nothing of the sort. We got there about 12:30 on the Friday after Christmas, and were immediately seated. The Restaurant was 1/2 to 3/4 full, and there was a sense of merriment in the air. Padilla's is family owned, so the Aunt seated us, and sis waited on us. I went with the Combo plate, the missus chose the Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas, and lil' darllin' chose the cheese quesadilla. While we had the obligatory short wait for the food, we noshed on Chips and Salsa, quite tasty. 10 minutes later the entree's arrived. It was truly fantastic, the Combo plate had the ooey, gooeyness of the Cheese Enchilada, darn tasty tamale, with a side taco and beans and rice. In a novice move, I immediately went for the Enchilada, which left my taco shell to wilt a bit on the hot rice, but I'm no worse for wear, and enjoyed it all immensely. The missus was quiet, which meant she was truly enjoying the Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas, and lil' darlin' had high praise for the quesadilla. Service was continuous, glasses were full, she checked on the quality of our meal, and made sure we were good to go. Lastly the Sopapilla's, what can you say about fried dough, and honey? OUTSTANDING! Highly recommend, and to top of the day, we were checked out/settled up by the son in the family, who is a fellow misguided child of the USMC. Semper Fi brother. Will be back.

    (5)
  • A W.

    By far my favorite New Mexican Restaurant ever! I used to lived down the street and ate there several times a week. The staff knew me by name. I have since moved out of state and have some serious withdrawals. I miss Padillas! The best food in town!

    (5)
  • Sandra N.

    Great carne adovada, and I had a tamale on the side, really great!

    (5)
  • Alice V.

    Oh my! So yummy! Carne adovada was definitely a pleasant surprise. Sopapillas are FANTASTIC! Don't miss this great place.

    (5)
  • Chris P.

    I was traveling through the area and wanted a good Mexican meal. I turned to yelp and found this local gem of a place! I loved it! They're specialty are the sopapillas (sp?) and I highly recommend getting at least one a la cart! I wrote this review well over a year ago. Somehow got saved as a "draft" and never officially posted. I wrote this review in 11/2010, I assume the place is as good now as it was then, but I know things can change over time. Loved it when I was there though!

    (4)
  • Sujan P.

    Family owned Fast service Small town feel "owe me next time" Excellent green chile & soapapillas Fair prices (don't be expecting white meat chicken) Spanish rice good for those on low sodium diets

    (5)
  • Paulo D.

    Since this seems like mostly out of towners reviewing (and reading?) Padilla's, let me throw in a local opinion: mediocre. Yeah, it's a little neighborhood joint with history -- which is cool -- but to be honest basically ALL NM joints in town (save Little Anita's and Garduno's and the like) are little family run joints too. The food here is bland, the meat looks like cat food, the chile is meh, and the target crowd seems to be septuagenarians and little kids. Try Barela's Coffee House, El Patio (great food but suck service), Garcia's, or Cervantes for a similar vibe but better food.

    (2)
  • Natalie K.

    I live about 5 minutes away, and when I call in a takeout order, it's literally ready by the time I can get over there. It's not perfect New Mex food, but it's pretty darn good and I like the prices and location. It's a little backward in some ways. Cash only, they calculate the total by hand using a chart to find the tax, no website, closed on weekends (very annoying!).

    (4)
  • Brian C.

    Funny how most of the reviews are from out-of-towners... Anyway, when I am in ABQ and the hosts are up for mexican, Padilla's is usually the order of the day. The menu is short and simple, nothing to complicated and fancy. A la carte or the dinner, which includes rice and beans (not refried); burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and absolutely FANTASTIC sopapillas, along with a few other things I can't recall. The red's have good heat and the flavor on the greens is usually waaaay up there. They only take cash and on busy nights, (they close at...7:30pm? and aren't open on Sat or Sun, per my hosts,) the parking lot gets pretty full for dine-in and take-outs. If you want something uncomplicated, inexpensive and tasty, Padilla's is a OK bet.

    (4)
  • Amanda D.

    Padilla's is fabulous. Had I not heard about it on ChowHound and confirmed with Yelp, I would have never come across this restaurant. Padilla's is located in a residential area away from downtown and Nob Hill. It is located in a strip mall type location, with two moderate sized room. When we walked in on a Friday night Padilla's was packed! There was quite a line, but it moved fairly quickly. The food was great, came out quick, and was reasonably priced. I could tell that this was definitely a locals spot, which I prefer to find when traveling. The one thing I did not like is that they let the waiting line wrap around in the restaurant. The line walked right by our table, so there were people constantly near us and staring at us. It also caused trouble for the staff who were constantly asking people to move.

    (4)
  • Paul D.

    Came here last week on vacation based on high-quality reviews, and was certainly impressed! The chips and homemade red salsa were a wonderful start, and the carne adovada burrito (Christmas) was absolutely delicious. The best part of the meal was the sopaipillas - truly the best I have EVER had. Definitely recommend! Very nicely priced as well.

    (4)
  • Robert L.

    Everything was good. Best sopapillas we had in town and very good green chile. Be sure to try the carne adovada and if you head to the restrooms, which are right by the kitchen, be sure to watch the making of the sopapillas. The blue corn chicken enchiladas were just okay.

    (4)
  • Drew B.

    Drool rolls down my lips Sweet carne adovada We know you are tops (If you are looking for the BEST New Mexican restaurant for your money, Padilla's IS the place. Don't let the decor fool you... their food is the real deal. Bring some cash, though... they don't take credit cards.)

    (5)
  • John M.

    CASH ONLY - NO CREDIT OR DEBIT, just so you know going in! Great food, a definite must stop if you are visiting, if you live here, you have been missing out! It was packed out and definitely a local favorite, but they were very accommodating, even to the big parties. Don't miss out! Sopapillas are just fantastic!

    (4)
  • Tara L.

    Stopped here with my mom as we were driving from California to Denver. We were anxious to try some new mexican food and this was great! The server was really nice and walked us through the menu pointing out some of the differences between the california mexican we were used to and the new mexican. REally loved the Blue corn enchilada! It was delish!! Loved the green chilli, not to keen on the red chili. Everhything really was great though!

    (5)
  • Jeanette K.

    We were in town on a road trip and I heard this place was good. I have to agree with everyone else. The food was great and the place is a no frills type place but was packed! Even with so many people we had great service and food. I had the blue corn enchiladas. Delicious! Sopapillas are a great ending to the meal. Also had a cutie working the place.

    (5)
  • P M.

    BEST BLUE CORN ENCHILADAS!!! Padillas is a staple for good food and consistency. This place is a "hole in the wall" foodies dream. Don't let first impressions of this place fool you. This place has big time NM food. Sure, being located in a tiny hidden strip mall next to a laundry mat may not seem like the best location for a great dining experience, but this family run business has some of the best red chile and sopas in town. They have this stuff down to a science and I have always wondered why they have never expanded. Great food! Great service! Local/family owners! What more can you ask for?

    (5)
  • Virginia G.

    Cash only, but this place rocks! I always hit it when in town . The food is delicious, fresh & authentic to the area. Christmas cheese enchiladas with the traditional egg on top. yummo!Too bad you can't find this kind of food in Florida.

    (4)
  • Eric L.

    As I scoured the interwebs trying to find a tasty place to eat at some local joint while in Albuquerque, I came across Padilla's on some guy's blog. His description of the food there was enough for me to forgo the typical yelp/chowhound/citysearch/tripadvisor combo to confirm the quality and I knew I had to go and check it out. A family-run business located in some random strip mall that takes cash only and has a line out the door until they close right before 8 PM? That's my kind of place. They start you off with some chips and salsa while they get your order in for you. They're good to munch on, but are nothing compared to what's to come. Get their blue corn enchiladas, regular enchiladas or anything you want b/c they all come with rice and beans and their awesome sopapillas. Sopapillas taste kind of like... large airy chalupa shells. There's a burst of hot air inside that kind of *pops* when you poke a hole in it and it kinda deflates. The food is pretty good, but the star is the definitely the sopapillas. Don't expect it to be as heavily seasoned as chain texmex or fake Mexican (Chipotle, Taco Bell, etc.), but everything still flavorful.

    (4)
  • Jeremy S.

    Very good sopaipillas in this family style restaurant. The place looks like the proverbial "hole-in-the-wall" but is fantastic, great service, quality fresh ingredients, and good prices. This is a solid choice for a better-than-decent New Mexican meal.

    (4)
  • May N.

    A friend took me here when I came from out of town. It's a little New Mexican restaurant tucked into a strip center. The first thing I noticed was the Albuquerqians eat really early. We got there at 6:15 and the place was packed. And there was a long line waiting! I took that as a good sign. Plus, it was so early, I really wasn't even hungry yet. There were a lot of families and groups, so our party of two was seated immediately. The waitress indeed asked the "green or red" question. I got both and was pleasantly surprised at how equally spicy the chilies were. So number 1: they call hot sauce "chili." And number 2: red is usually spicier, but in the winter, green is just as spicy. Service was very good and we got chips and salsa while we waited for dinner and sopapillas for dessert. This is no lingering cafe, by the time we left just after 7, there was no line and some empty tables. My only negative was the cash-only policy. They've been around forever, could expand if they wanted to, but they don't accept credit cards. At least it's cheap! I think everything was under $10.

    (4)
  • Lauren G.

    I'm learning about New Mexican "cuisine" as I just arrived here a few months ago, but whilst trolling some food sites kept seeing a post for this place. Padilla's is the typical neighborhood joint. An unassuming storefront in a dingy strip mall. They close at 7:45 and are only open weekdays. Cash only. Family run. NO FRILLS. You get the gist. Lunch is a madhouse, jammed packed. I'd like to say it's a turn and burn operation, and most people don't linger, but between the hours of 12:30 and 2 it's a busy spot and you'll have to wait for a table. Ditto for the evening rush, say 6 on. Service is great - fast, not too intrusive, and relaxed. Everything I've had there is wonderful, and very heavy on the onions. Something you get at New Mexican restaurants are sopapillas with honey - the ones here are fabulous, light, and as non-greasy as possible given they're likely fried in lard. YUM.

    (5)
  • Michael G.

    Thursday night special! My favorite

    (5)
  • Rick O.

    After passing the place by hundreds of times in the past, the Wife and I gave it a shot. We were not disappointed. This place it great. We both had the Rellenos, and even it being out of season for chiles were were very happy with the meal. The red and green chile were both very good, and we liked the fact that they only serve whole beans (no refried beans here!) which were great! Plus, we like the fact that each meal comes with 2, yes TWO, fantastic sopapillas! I can't wait to go back and try the carne adovada. It sounds great, plus they seem to only offer it 3 days a week (M-W), so it must be good right? I figure the carne is marinading the other 4 days of the week. They aren't open on weekends, but who cares, this place is worth a mid-week trip.

    (4)
  • Jay G.

    It was good. I went there for lunch for a meat and bean sopapilla. It was pretty good. I wish it had a little more meat though. Maybe for their dinner portion it's a little more heartier. Oh well, the price was good though. I think it was around $5-6 dollars. I think for $2-3 dollars more you can add rice and beans. Make sure you have cash though. I think there is a laundry mat next door that has an ATM so if you come unprepared you can still eat. The service was excellent. The food comes out pretty fast too. I would like to try other items on their menu. I would come back.

    (4)
  • Sean S.

    Padilla's is and has been for a long, long time a local secret. It is a family owned restaurant with some it's employees having been there 35 years. When I come to Albuquerque I always go to Padilla's, it is tradition. They have authentic New Mexican food that would satisfy even the pickiest New Mexican eater. And believe me they can be picky, especially about red/green chile and sopapillas. Well, in my opinion all are great here. My only complaint is that as a vegetarian, there isn't as much vegetarian friendly fare as I'd like to see, as opposed to other great New Mexican restaurants like Little Anita's or Tomasitas in Santa Fe. But there is still some happiness and joy to be found with a bean burrito and their table "salsa" which is quite tasty. The sopapillas are what completes any good New Mexican meal. Just be prepared for a long line that weaves through patrons tables. It's not as bad as it sounds and it moves quickly! Consider it good publicity :D

    (5)
  • John W.

    Awesome food for the price - Never tried New mexican before but I'm glad I did! Got the Carne Adovada and I was pleasantly surprised! The spices are just right - very tender pork and I just can't get enough of the sopapillas with Honey... Showed up at 7.30pm and there were still people waiting outside. I paid 13 bubkcs for a dinner entree + soft drink - not too shabby!

    (4)
  • Peter I.

    I had a great New Mexican restaurant back in Santa Fe, and when I moved to ABQ I was worried I wasn't going to find another great place to eat New Mexican food. My worries were put to rest when I ate at Padilla's. Great Food, great prices, and friendly service. What more can you ask for? FYI they don't take credit cards so bring cash.

    (5)
  • Sameer M.

    MEH. Yelp and another gentlemen recommended this place and while it wasn't bad, it just wasn't memorable. I get better southwestern/New Mexico food in Dallas. The guac was ok. The Carne Adovado was good; I prefer the green chile to the red. But it wasn't great or memorable. After the best bowl of stew I'd ever had at Frontier, this was a let down.

    (3)
  • Matt T.

    Great food for a great price....in town for work and will definitely be coming back the next time im in town.

    (4)
  • Norm L.

    Very busy during lunch time but still made it within my allotted lunch hour of an hour and 15 min. Surprisingly good food. Generous portions, good and efficient service, and cheap. Couldn't have asked for more for a first time business trip to Albuquerque.

    (4)
  • Ben A.

    Unbelievable green chili. Salsa was spicy and had great flavor. I need to find my way back to New Mexico just to eat here, and this is coming from a Texan.

    (5)
  • Ashley J.

    I'm driving across the country from NC to CA. I stopped by this place and WOW was it good. The food is authentic, the people are nice. I got the beef taco plate. Came with 2 tacos, rice, beans, and sopapillas for 6 bucks. I couldn't finish because I don't eat a lot at one time. I wish I could say I'll be back, but more than likely I won't be back in NM.

    (5)
  • Trista J.

    Delicious food and excellent service. Highly recommend this place for a great value!

    (5)
  • Monica C.

    Pretty good overall. One of the few left in a shrinking list of good NEW Mexican restaurants in town. Some of the best, if not THE BEST sopapillas in town. As mentioned before, long lines for lunch and if you're stuck in the north dining room, you could be stuck with someone's ass in your face as you eat. I'd go more often but it's not in my neighborhood. Think they serve "whole" beans as opposed to the mucky refried kind.

    (4)
  • Mikkela T.

    I'm almost a little sorry to review this place... it's one of those places that I sort of want to keep as my little secret. But it's good. Every time I've in ABQ, I have to eat there. The menu is limited and cheap (seriously cheap! $6 for dinner) with certain dishes on certain days. They have their chili sauces and both the red and green are good (that's what they are asking about when they say, "Red or green?" Now, you can say, "Christmas" and get both). I like the day they have pork. It sure is good eatin'! For those who don't like Mexican food because they're used to Taco Bell, well, this place even has my brother convinced. And he's tough to please. I'm a huge fan of the sopapillas (it's Spanish for pillow) which are served piping hot (we get them at the end as dessert) with scorching puffs of hot air that vent out when ripped open (so you can put the honey in there). OMG! So good! The restaurant is in a small strip mall down a side street. The two dining rooms are filled with formica tables and chairs from the 50s, and the walls are relatively bare with only a few crooked paintings. The dim lighting adds to the clatter and cacophony coming from happy families and folks chowing down, and the servers flying around the room. People come here to eat and do not linger. The line for a table usually goes once around the dining room. And they LOCK the door at 7:45 every night. It then takes them another hour or so to get everyone seated and fed. Amazing. This place doesn't need publicity. It's home cooking, at home prices.

    (5)
  • John S.

    This was the first place I ate at upon moving to New Mexico. Massively popular with the locals, which shoud be more than enough reason to check this place out. But I like to write, and you just love to read it, so I will continue. Red or green? Get used to the question and figure out what you like as soon as possible. It means what kind of chile do you want. And what you'll be having it on is some of the most authentic New Mexican cuisine around. And make no mistake. There is a difference between Mexican and New Mexican. Bottom line is that if you are a foodie, and not totally snobby about what you eat (it isn't the healthiest around), then you should check this place out.

    (4)
  • Jim S.

    Carne adovada was OK but not great. The blue corn enchilada dinner with chicken was tasty. We had the large guacamole salad to start and was also good. The sopaipillas were devine. I read the reviews about the wait. We went Tuesday night about 7 and sat right down. Cash only.

    (4)
  • Dustin B.

    Holy peppers Batman! Trusted the other reviews and was not disappointed. Dang good New Mexican food. The adovada was awesome. Get an extra napkin for the sweat on your brow though.

    (5)
  • Paula M.

    Padilla's is a great lunch spot. Be warned, noon to 1PM will require a wait and they only take cash or check. Great food and reasonably priced.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 7:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes

Categories

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen

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