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    El Paisa

    4.5 (464 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    El Paisa Photos

    EL PAISA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - El Paisa

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    Breakfast Menu, June 2025
    Jordan J.

    We read about this place somewhere on the internet, where it was described as one of the best inexpensive restaurants in the country. And we had been driving past it five times a week, 10 times if you count both directions. So we thought we would stop in for lunch. It's plain, the decor is nothing special, but you won't care. The food is amazing! Very Mexican, not at all New Mexican. My wife had the avocado torta, and the bread was amazing. I had a carnitas burrito, which was the best burrito I've had in a long, long time. We will be back.

    Crane Asada & alpastor taco

    I stopped in and ordered two tacos, a mole burrito, and an horchata. Sadly, nothing stood out in fact, it was a letdown. The al pastor taco was flavorless and didn't resemble any authentic pastor I've had before. The carne asada taco also lacked seasoning and had a strange aftertaste I couldn't place. Both tacos came with only one tortilla (which I found odd, but surprisingly didn't miss). I asked to try all their salsas, since salsa can make or break a taco but they only gave me two and mentioned there was a charge for more. The avocado salsa was bland, and I couldn't even taste avocado. The red salsa lacked any depth or spice. The mole burrito was literally just chicken and mole inside a tortilla no rice, no toppings, nothing. I expected a bit more balance or creativity. Service was average not rude, but not particularly welcoming either. The space itself was neutral and didn't add much ambiance to the meal. Overall, there's potential here, but they need to step up their flavor game, improve hospitality, and refine their menu to match expectations.

    Top : Desherbada en Rojo  Bottom: Frijol con Queso

    Their gorditas are absolutely to die for! Specifically our favorites are their Desherbada en Rojo (red chile , potatoes, shredded beef) and their Frijol con Queso. The ambience is what you'd expect from a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant but the food but it does certainly highlight the community and history of the South Valley

    Gordita and taco asada
    Peter P.

    I don't know where to start!!! This is the best Mexican restaurant I have ever been. We got burrito, tacos and Gordita! Nothing had disappointed at all. The con was only cash but hey just go to the ATM and get some $$$.

    Lengua
    Xiao Z.

    The tacos are amazing!!!! It's cash only, so make sure you have some cash with you to enjoy the great food. The price is very cheap tho, $2.5 for a taco. Their lengua is very tender and juicy, the buche is absolutely flavorful!! The sauce was also very good. They have a large indoor seating area and the wait is short on Saturday evening.

    Fontaine C.

    True Mexican culinary heaven! I am thrilled to stumble across El Paisa. This is truly a hole-in-the-wall that takes care of every detail in preparing Mexican food. I had a bit of trouble ordering food. Thankfully, one of the staffs was able to help with translation. I was recommended to try their shrimp soup, as their menudo (i.e. tripe soup) was out. That didn't disappoint! The soup has delicious shrimp flavors, with plenty of shrimps, carrots and celery. It comes with delicious crispy bread. The ambience is casual. Most of its customers are Mexicans. It really speaks to the authenticity of their food. I can't wait to come back to try other items on the menu when I am in the area!

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    21 days ago

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    2 months ago

    El Paisa is the best taqueria in Albuquerque! I highly recommend it over any other authentic Mexican food anywhere in the area.

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Some of the best tacos in the city. Especially the pastor. Great hole in the wall. Can't beat this spot.

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    8 months ago

    The food is very good the service is excellent and the portions are satisfying thank you I give my five stares all the time

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    1 year ago

    Really Great Food & Prices!! The menu is extensive & you can tell by the vibes inside that authentic quality food comes out of that kitchen.

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great barbacoa and al pastor. Come here with cash! 5/5 no drama... would come again. Staff was friendly and food was tasty.

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    4 years ago

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    Herencia - Crab Enchiladas

    Herencia

    (124 reviews)

    Eastside

    Everything from top to bottom was excellent. My inlaws live in Placitas and we brought our young…read moreadult sons to visit. One of our sons has Celiac and is very sensitive. It's difficult to find good restaurants that can cater to young adults and have REALLY good food and service. We came first on Sunday for brunch. The food was very good. It was a bit small on the portions though. We had breakfast enchiladas and omelet and blue corn pancakes. Then we came back for dinner. The chicken mole was divine, tacos, sea bass, pork steak etc. absolutely perfect. Good portions. Food tastes like it was homemade. The cuisine is Mexican...not New Mexican. The server was great about answering any questions and willing to omit something if possible. Our server was attentive and so gracious. The wine list was surprisingly good. We had a French Viognier for less than $50. Finally the owner came out to talk to us and thanks us for coming. I'm in the business and haven't had this kind of service for a long time. Our son with Celiac was very satisfied, but also we all were. I would absolutely come back regardless of food restrictions. Please go!!

    Had a great Sunday brunch with friends! Our waiter was terrific and the hostesses and other dining…read moreroom staff were so nice and friendly. The food was fabulous! A extra special bonus is the restaurant is gluten free. The dining is pleasant and the ambiance was colorful and upbeat. Will definitely go back!

    El Pinto - Fresh Guacamole

    El Pinto

    (1.9k reviews)

    $$

    Business Parkway/Academy Acres

    We came with a group of about 25 with our soccer team for dinner Saturday night and it was very…read moreimpressive. The property seems massive and it's really beautiful with all the cottonwood trees. When you get into the restaurant, there are just tons of combinations of these cozy little nooks, long dining tables, separated rooms, patio seating, and event spaces. There is something to see everywhere you look; fountains, fireplaces, and plants, hanging chiles, and more. They even raise cattle and chickens on property and source from their own greenhouse for their menu items. The ambience was just really cool and even though the winds were blowing like crazy, we were totally comfortable out in the patio section with the screens up. The food is authentic New Mexican cuisine. They brought out delicious tortilla chips for us to snack on while we decided on what to order. It really felt like there was no wrong choice to make. They were very accommodating for food allergies and restrictions. There was great flavor in everything our group tried. I split the half order of chicken nachos and it was a hefty half order! I was so stuffed, but then, hot sopapillas appeared and I couldn't say no to those! Especially not since the tables had their own sourced honey. There is also a full tequila bar, but since we were traveling with kids, didn't get to take too much advantage of that as an option. I wish we would've had more to explore the property but if I end up back in the Albuquerque area, I'll stop by again.

    I keep saying that I'm so over this place, but here I am eating overpriced food and having a…read moreweak-ass margarita... The good: The red chile rubbed ribs are phenomenal, but 1/2 rack for $44?! It's not a lobster tail. Beans and guac-excellent, calabacitas-very good. The chicken enchiladas-delicious with tender chicken. The bad: 2 Grand Gold margaritas at $15 each that were neither grand or gold. I've had better house margaritas at Applebees, lol. Their red chile was sparse, but that actually turned out in my favor because it was on the edge of burnt. A bit acrid. The sopas were dense, flat, chewy, and overcooked. The salsa-underwhelming. If you want excellent Grand Gold margaritas, the best salsa in New Mexico, and excellent portion sizes- SADIE'S ALL THE WAY!!!

    El Paisa - mexican - Updated May 2026

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