El Patio De Albuquerque
Southwestern restaurant (US) · Albuquerque ·

El Patio De Albuquerque

Southwestern restaurant (US) · Albuquerque ·

Fluffy sopaipillas, chile-smothered plates, lively patio dining

El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null
El Patio De Albuquerque by null

Information

142 Harvard Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 Get directions

$10–20

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142 Harvard Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 Get directions

+1 505 268 4245
elpatioabq.com

$10–20

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Nov 28, 2025

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@infatuation
132,566 Postcards · 3,230 Cities

El Patio - Review - University Village - Albuquerque - The Infatuation

"New Mexico’s quintessential dessert, the sopaipilla, isn’t necessarily kept for the end of the meal. These golden rounds or squares of fried dough are served at traditional restaurants alongside main dishes like enchiladas or posole, or come stuffed with savory fillings like carne adovada. But once they get a drizzle of honey, sopaipillas move into sweet dessert territory. El Patio, around since the ‘70s, makes some of the best in the state—they’re always hot and fresh, perfectly fluffy, and ready to take on the legendary establishment’s fiery green chile." - Nina Katz

https://www.theinfatuation.com/albuquerque/reviews/el-patio-university-heights
El Patio De Albuquerque
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Where to Eat Sopapillas in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Across New Mexico | Eater

"A longtime local favorite since 1977, this two-location spot is known for its signature sopaipillas served with a broad menu of Southwestern and New Mexican classics. The house recipe, developed by a veteran cook who has been making them for decades, uniquely includes yeast and a touch of sugar and uses vegetable oil to produce round, sweet, ultra-fluffy puffs; the staff fry them at about 350°F until golden brown. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant emphasizes traditional flavors presented in a reliably comforting, crowd-pleasing way." - Asonta Benetti

https://www.eater.com/23349893/best-sopapillas-new-mexico-santa-fe-albuquerque-gallup
El Patio De Albuquerque
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

A University Heights staple since 1977, serving green‑chile chicken enchiladas, fluffy sopaipillas, and classic plates on a lively patio. Recognized by national outlets, including an Associated Press feature, for enduring New Mexican charm.

https://apnews.com/travel-6903f0e3c0734867afcf14040a09a141
Best Lunch Spots in Albuquerque (2025)
El Patio De Albuquerque
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

A University Heights bungalow serving New Mexican classics since 1977. Known for patio vibes, live music, and chile-smothered plates that show up in travel features about the city.

https://elpatioabq.com/
Mexican Food in Albuquerque (2025)
El Patio De Albuquerque

Chad H.

Google
Very quaint little place with outside seating and great service. Ordered the enchiladas with red sauce and it was quite good, but fairly spicy. I like spicy, but I was a bit surprised at the spice level. My wife said her green chili was also pretty spicy (she likes spice, too, so it was fine) They didn’t have a real margarita (liquor license thing) but I had an agave wine margarita and it was quite good.

sue R.

Google
Great restaurant with a friendly, comfortable vibe. Patio dining includes canine friendly spaces and inside is nicely decorated and cozy. The food was delicious! Fajitas and a burger with egg were tried and enjoyed, A definite place to return to!!

Yunong S.

Google
A charming, cozy spot with a warm, boutique feel. The food was overall good. The fajitas were not the best I had, the seasoning of the beef was a bit off and very much on the salty side. The Mexican coke was $6, which is nice—they could’ve just robbed you but they still give you a coke :D. The coke also tasted pretty mediocre, not the differences that we were expecting from cane sugar. The flan was absolutely horrible.l, the worst that I had. The sopaipilla was quite enjoyable, 2nd best we had, just next to cocina azul— sweet, still fragrant but not as fragrant and soft. The green chili stew was super flavorful, definitely worth it. The stuffed sopaipilla was not bad, but nothing special. Overall, it was a positive experience.

Liz G.

Google
This is a must stop if you are taking a road trip along I-40. The food was amazing especially with the vegetarian friendly options. The highlight was definitely our server Jimmy. He was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the area. He gave us so many ideas to plan the rest of our stay in ABQ. This place should not be missed.

Sharon A.

Google
Outstanding food. Authentic dishes. We had fish tacos- the breaded cod was delicious, and my simple vegetarian burrito was memorable. Great service. Rayn was knowledgeable about the dishes, warm and friendly. The Sopaipillas are outstanding. You must try them. Heaven.

Ali A.

Google
Rayn was attentive and provided incredible service. I highly recommend the carne adovada inside a sopapilla, with red chile topped with an egg!

Neil O.

Google
Been here many times. Great spot near UNM Campus. Nice patio but prefer the indoors Had a bean stuffed sopapilla with red. I really enjoyed it. Their papitas are the best. Our waiter did a fine job. Parking between 8 and 5 can be challenging.

Sergio M.

Google
Waiter man was so nice. He was so accommodating and did everything to make us feel welcome. He even used his phone to charge my buddy’s when it was close to dying.
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Jeff S.

Yelp
Best restaurant in Albuquerque, probably New Mexico, possibly the entire American southwest. If you live north of Lomas or east of San Pedro, stay in your suburban hellscape, it's already too crowded. Stick to Chilis or whatever it is you enjoy.
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Mike G.

Yelp
Dinner here last night was really good. We waited out front for a little bit before we were seated. Once we were inside, we tried a few beers and decided on one from a local brewery. Chips and salsa were both good. I was very happy with the El Patio Combination. Even though the flat cheese and onion enchiladas are a little strange...I guess not really being filled is what makes them flat..the flavor was good. My Chile relleno and taco were both delicious too. My wife had the same feeling about her enchiladas as well. Sopapillas that accompany the meal made for a yummy dessert. Service was friendly and there when we needed it. Good place to stop for pretty authentic New Mexican food,
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Kristina R.

Yelp
The frito pie came with the choice or red or green chili, with no meat included. Would have liked to have some meat. Was hoping they had fry bread but no success. Service was good and welcoming. I like they have Mexican bottled cokes.
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Josh B.

Yelp
El Patio wasn't initially in my first round as I wanted places that were open in 1937 and/or had 1,000 reviews but the stuffed sopapilla was a knockout. I came to New Mexico specifically for green chile but a delightfully incendiary red-and-green combo is probably the best way to go. The service was super-informative. There was no "I like everything"; after I explained my parameters the waiter narrowed down the lengthy menu to two top choices.
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Annie T.

Yelp
This is one of our favorite places to eat in Albuquerque. The staff are friendly and the service is quick and efficient. Enchiladas--so good! Chile cheese fries--so good! Green chile stew--so good! And the sopapillas are the perfect end to the meal. Chef's kiss!
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Brian M.

Yelp
I'm traveling through town and searched for local favorites, specifically Mexican and found this local spot. I loved it. I was seated quickly, just beat the rush. The green chicken enchiladas were real good. The potatoes on the side added a nice home cooked feel.

Jeremy P.

Yelp
El Patio De Albuquerque served me two amazing meals during a recent trip to town. I highly recommend the chicken enchiladas. Amazing meal! I also like how soft and thin their sopapilla's are.
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Ali A.

Yelp
Rayn was attentive and provided incredible service. I highly recommend the carne adovada inside a sopapilla, with red chile topped with an egg!
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Sam E.

Yelp
My tacos were good and the sopapillas were to die for our first time here the service was great. The inside was small but the patio feels like your in your backyard.
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Donna M.

Yelp
What a cute little place in a fun area! First time visitor to this family-owned place open since 1977. We sat outside on a cute little patio shaded by two big beautiful trees. Great service by a very friendly server who shared the history of the place with these out-of-towners. We ordered - WHAT ELSE? - flat cheese enchiladas with Christmas sauce. Super cheesy, super yummy! Served with tastey pinto beans and nice papas. Also had delicious chili rellenos with pintos and papas, too. Great surprise at end of the meal: giant, hot, fresh sopapillas! Complimentary with each plate! Very glad we found this little gem!
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Laurie C.

Yelp
Located in a quaint house south of the UNM campus, El Patio is a family-owned business serving authentic New Mexican food. The food is prepared fresh and with great care. I ordered the vegetarian enchiladas and my husband had the chicken enchiladas. The sauces are made onsite and (warning) are spicy! Even the mildest version has quite a kick, and we're from Tucson. The only negative: our waiter had some disdain for our wimpy palates and didn't hide it well.
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Paige D.

Yelp
This place is AMAZING! The chili is the best ever. I wish they had a recipe cookbook. The pancakes are incredible! The restaurant is small & quaint and not set up for large parties. It's a cozy, house like atmosphere. Ryan was our server and did a wonderful job. They get busy so make sure to take a little extra time! Can't wait to come back. We came back two days in a row it was so delicious!
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Brenda S.

Yelp
Ate their last week the food was so so. they actually charged two dollars more to have beef and chicken fajitas. Portion size was very small. There were four of us we ordered two meals and a kids meal for my grandson and chips and salsa were 5.95 for a very small portion. We ask for 2 plates to share . We got our bill and they charged $2.50 per empty plate. An extra two dollars to have beef and chicken fajitas. That was a very very very small portion you would think for two dollars more they would give you more meat, but no, The beer was hot, the service extremely slow .
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Carroll V.

Yelp
Great food, attentive staff, cool use of an old bungalow as a restaurant. El Patio checked a lot of boxes, all in the right way. Recommend as an appetizer the frito pie with red chilies . Beer and limited cocktails available to wash that down. A limited number of mains but they are all excellent. My chicken enchiladas were very saucy, rich, and filling. Decent sopapillas too. Only negative--parking but what do you expect, it is right across from UNM.
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Cheryl C.

Yelp
Great food, service, and ambiance. The red is devine. I love that there is ample parking. I love the enchiladas.

M A.

Yelp
OMG! This place is a great place for a lot of different occasions. I live in Taos so when I go to Albuquerque to pick up visitors at the airport I always start out with lunch or dinner here to set the tone for the visit. Excellent ambiance, really a great setting that puts you in the enchanted mood. Food is the best. Their take home Green Chili Sauce if you can't find it at your grocery store. It is to die for!! Service is very good also, but it is a crowd favorite so just be happy you get a seat during the busy times and get you a Margarita and relax.
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Charles H.

Yelp
Delicious meals with an abundance of flavor and a "home cooked" vibe. Service is fantastic & attentive. The outdoor patio is a wonderful spot to enjoy a meal. Provecho!
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Heidi A.

Yelp
First time back in New Mexico in years. Fabulous first meal! Great little place off Central on Harvard. Service and food prep were quick. Absolutely recommend!
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Tattoo T.

Yelp
Food, service and ambiance are all really good! Perfect spice for the medium spice people, perfect twist to the authentic NM home food from way back.

Nicole S.

Yelp
The ambience of this fine New Mexican restaurant is excellent. Food and service are great.
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Yelen P.

Yelp
Food - I got the seared fish tacos, which were listed as being served on Fridays only. They were okay! Not mind-blowing. My meal companions go the green chile chicken enchiladas, which are the #1 seller. I didn't try these, though I did try the sopapilla, which was tasty with honey. I got a hot chocolate, which tasted like 90% water and 10% chocolate powder. Service - it was all quick. The food and check came out quickly. The employee checked in on us enough but not too much. Ambiance - pretty pleasant. A good number of diners on a Friday afternoon but not too many. Not sure I'd return as this isn't my most favorite kind of food, and there are other places I'd like to try first.
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Heidi V.

Yelp
Jimmy the server was great! The patio is dog friendly, the reason we went. The patio. Was busy all the available tables were full of dirty dishes. There was a sign that said wait here we don't have allot of staff or tables. So we waited. Not to long until someone came out and told us to continue to wait until he cleared tables. He said there was only to people working. We did not mind the wait. I ordered a taco salad. It was in a fried shell with shredded lettuce, shedded chicken, tomatoes and cheese. Topped with avocado slices and a side of salsa. The food was ok. Nothing particularly interesting but it wasn't bad. Lunch was $53. My husband ordered a cheese enchilada plate. It was served with potatoes and beans.
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Kimberly G.

Yelp
This is a favorite for New Mexican food. We always eat here and the food and service are consistent for the last 10 years. You must have the sopapillas!

Juanita G.

Yelp
The food was expensive not worth the price. Sadie's prices without the quality. The waiter was on his phone the whole time and it seemed like we were inconveniencing him. Wouldn't go back. The patio did look cute.
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Sharon H.

Yelp
Great time visiting this hometown favorite . We were in vacation and wanted to try some local places. Easy to find location, with indoor or outdoor seating. Great options on the menu to fit any tastebuds. Really good food and cooked with the right amount of spices. Definitely a place to visit. Until next review Kisses
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Jennifer S.

Yelp
Enjoyed our dinner at this cute, unassuming spot. Michael, our waiter, was very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious , the green chile sauce will get your attention spice wise but that's why you eat it. Don't pass up the blue door to yummy-ville!
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Jose R.

Yelp
The place is decent, nice spot to go outside and eat. Unfortunately service was insanely slow, ordered waters and didn't even come out, but beers came out. Got our salsa and chips right before our meals, so that's kind of pointless. Food isn't very good, chile red/green didn't even taste like chile, potatoes weren't good either food lacked a lot of flavor. I ordered fajitas and definitely not worth it, lacked seasoning and were cold. For the prices you pay here food is mediocre at best, way over priced.
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Jesse K.

Yelp
El Patio is dynamite. It's in a former house converted to a restaurant. There aren't a whole lot of tables, so make sure you come early to get your spot. There is also a patio outside but it was closed due to rain. Service was quick and attentive. Our server knew the menu and made sure we received exactly what we ordered, and our party of 6 did! My kids loved the guac. I thought the salsa (*with chips) was hot but tasty. The enchiladas were good. The stuffed sopapilla with the pork was good, but i wonder if the chili rellenos might have been better. I highly reccomend.
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Tom O.

Yelp
Really good low key place in a bungalow. Red and green chile enchiladas were on point with a good amount of kick
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Sean B.

Yelp
Is El Patio the best hangover food, you ask? Yes. Yes it is. It helps that El Patio is walking distance from my house and they do have a good local selection of beers. They have some of the best chile rellenos in town, if not *the* best. Almost every meal comes with a sopapilla, which also helps.
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David P.

Yelp
The food was excellent the service was great. They went out of their way to set up a table of 8 without reservation. All the food we had was amazing. It's like going into a home and eating g a home cooked meal. Well worth dining in.
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Blanca Estela M.

Yelp
The service was great The waiter was attentive to our every requests and conversation However the food is scrumptious and fulfilling Great for the any occasion Most definitely recommended I enjoyed it very much
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J W.

Yelp
An interesting little old spot for simple, traditional New Mexican fare. The food was good, chiles flavorful--neither not too hot nor too mild. Chile relleno nice and crispy, and while I normally love red on my rellenos, the green was divine.The sopapillas were pillowy and tasty, though oddly yeasty. Service was good, drinks continually filled, and our server knowledgeable and kind. Reports from the crowd were generally "it was good," though nothing particularly remarkable.
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Caragan T.

Yelp
El Patio is delicious! Great New Mexican food at a good price, I always recommend it to my friends coming in from out of town. This location is in a converted home so it is very cozy and cute, highly recommend checking El Patio out next time you are in the mood for New Mexican!
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Tim W.

Yelp
Hello my name is Tim. We had dinner last night with out of state friends. I decided to ride my bicycle, and when I got there i thought it would be ok to put my bike in the corner of that patio. The person waiting tables said there was no room. There was only two people sitting in the patio. He even said he was a bicyclists Point of the story El Patio is not bike friendly. SAD

Michael S.

Yelp
The best enchiladas I have ever been served. The service was fantastic especially since we arrived within 45 minutes of closing. Don't question going if you ever get the opportunity!!

Cheryl R.

Yelp
I am at the L patio on Harvard in Albuquerque. My stuff soap was great as usual. I've never been disappointed in the food here. I did order a bowl of beans on the side this time and when I asked the waiter where the actual beans werebecause it had so much liquid in it, he used his finger to point and say look right there, that's beans. Totally not the response I was looking for. He was very short with his conversation and very unfriendly. It will be a while before I go back.
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Heywood M.

Yelp
Wow. Really solid food. Impressed both times I ate here. Terrific green chile (kinda new to this style with potatoes in it but man it had some flavor and a kick)

Maaka

Yelp
Delicious food and fantastic tortillas in a chill atmosphere and great service. Would recommend trying the blue corn tortillas

Christine R.

Yelp
We love this place! They have the best chicken and best vegan/veg enchilada in town (which I have to get Gluten Free). It is a local family place, and has seen some ups and downs over the years, but they have been consistently tasty in the past five years or so. Some of the waiters are extremely experienced, and the food is amazing.
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Kim B.

Yelp
This food was amazing. No frills atmosphere but oh man, the pork that's been marinating in red sauce all day was delicious. A bit on the spicy hot side but nothing intolerable. The service was fantastic and so friendly. I'd go again!
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Matthew Z.

Yelp
Was in town for a conference and when in Albuquerque, of course you gotta dig into everything New Mexican food. Hands down, the best Chile Rellenos I have ever had in my life. The chili was perfectly fried, the stuffed cheese was uber melty, and covered in spicy and flavorful Christmas salsa. I was given two HUGE rellenos and even though I was stuffed beyond compare, I managed to finish both rellenos since why would I put good food to waste. The only downside I had here was that my hotel didn't have a microwave so I could of saved the 2nd relleno and spread out the goodness over the course of the week.

Tg T.

Yelp
We love this place! They have the best chicken and best vegan/veg enchilada in town (which I have to get Gluten Free). It is a local family place, and has seen some ups and downs over the years, but they have been consistently tasty in the past five years or so. Some of the waiters are extremely experienced, and the food is amazing.
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Lisa J.

Yelp
We ate lunch at El Patio by the University today and it was delicious. The whole table ordered the combination plate which had cheese and onion enchiladas, chile relleno, taco of your choice, pinto beans, and fried potatoes. Everything was delicious and was so fresh. There was only one gentleman running the front of the house and patio and he killed it. I didn't catch his name, but he really was on top of his game and fast. Will definitely be back. Sorry no pictures, we all ate so fast.
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Arne B.

Yelp
Okay. I admit it. Chile rellenos are one of my favorites. While I was in town for Albuquerque's annual hot air balloon fiesta, I did my research on Yelp and discovered El Patio de Albuquerque. If Yelp didn't exist, it would be hard to discover a neighborhood gem like this. Here is what I discovered: 1) I sat outside at a table on their patio. It is a quiet setting when one can sit and watch the world go by. Metered parking on the street can be limited on the block where this restaurant is located, however one can find free street parking if you are willing to walk one block. 2) The way they cook their chile relleno results in a savory delight. The batter, chili, spices and cheese come together in a perfect mix of taste and texture. I ordered an iced tea with prickly pear purée and drank all 20 ounces. It was good to the last drop. 3, Their guacamole and chips appetizer was very good. The chips weren't overly salted, their guacamole was good and the accompanying red sauce was spiced just right for my taste. 4. Service was good. I was greeted, seated and asked for my drink order. Nothing special, but as an out-of-towner stopping by, I don't expect special treatment. This east side location takes a bit of driving from the North Albuquerque area to get to, however it is worth it. I will stop by next year during the balloon fiesta.
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Bernadette J.

Yelp
A lovely evening to sit on the patio and eat New Mexican food! Though our server was kept busy, we never felt rushed or neglected. This location only has beer and wine so I tried a wine margarita and it was quite nice. My green chili enchiladas plate was abundant and delicious! I found the prices quite reasonable; I believe my entree was $15? Absolutely worth the stop.
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Ron G.

Yelp
Flying in to ABQ??? Upon arrival at ABQ and upon departure we stopped for lunch. We decided it was the best representation of red chili in a week of eating. The Carne Adovada was delicious on a plate, burrito and on fry bread. Service was friendly and efficient, but that was a bonus when the food is so delicious.
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Tiam L.

Yelp
If you're in Albuquerque please swing by and have lunch/dinner here! This food was amazing! A friend of mine that lives in Albuquerque recommended it to us and I'm so glad we ate here! We sat outside in the patio by the beautiful mural wall. Our server was so sweet and on top of serving our table the whole night. Our water cups stayed filled up, and we were checked on through out our meal to make sure everything was going well. We started out with chips and salsa. Delicious! I ordered the El Patio Combination plate as I was having a hard time choosing from the great menu. Can I just have a whole plate of the papas please?! Soooo good. The whole plate was delicious. It also comes with a taco with a protein of your choice. Got a beef taco that was also amazing. The combo also comes with one sopapilla. By this point I was getting FULL so I was more than happy to share half of the sopapilla with my daughter. She ordered the chicken tenders and fries appetizer, but as you can see in the pic they were a huge portion so she had plenty of leftovers! As far as parking goes, there is a lot right across the street that was very reasonable. I think paid around $4-5. All in all this was a great place and it's definitely on the list to go there again if we are in the area!
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Wendy A.

Yelp
Well it's been a few years since my last review and inflation raised the prices of the meals dangerously close to $20... chips n salsa is more over $4. My husband and I drank water and our bill for two entrees and chips was over $40. The patio is still charming (the radio was playing yacht rock. Win!). Sadly, the sopapillas are still unworthy of the calories. See you in another couple years, el patio. Sigh.