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    La Mexicana

    4.7 (77 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    La Mexicana Photos

    LA MEXICANA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - La Mexicana

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    Reviews With Photos

    Enchilada Plate with red and green chile
    LaMecia M.

    When was the last time you sneezed in a restaurant and everyone said bless you? Never, well, that's probably because you haven't been to La Mexicana -because that's how friendly not only the staff, but the patrons are! I literally followed my nose while killing time in Downtown ABQ waiting for the next Rail Runner train to La Mexciana. It did not fail me. When I walked in, I was immediately greeted by Ruth and she encouraged me to find a seat. The tables were full because a couple of people were sitting as they waited for their to-go orders, but one lady stood up to let me have a seat, and I offered to have her sit with me until her food came but then her order was up. As I took my seat, some other customers who were at the table next to me let me know that seating is precious and despite being regulars, it was the first time they were dining in. They advised me to get anything with the chile and I took that to heart. Ruth was my server (although it is a team environment) and she explained their menu and what they were known for and that they were a homemade tortilla factory. That led me to get the enchilada plate and the kitchen was nice enough to do a 2-1 split of beef and chicken along with half and half of red and green chile so that I could taste both. It was delicious. The red chile has a subtle heat after you swallow that almosts tasted like a smooth Cholula and the green just has a good kick that made me wipe my nose a few times and take a bite of the sopa, but nothing too bad to make me not want to finish my plate. Which I did. The standout on the plate was actually the beans. I wish I could learn how to make those at home or at least take a big bowl of them home! They also have a daily special that comes with a drink, but I don't eat pork, so I couldn't take advantage of it. I had a pineapple Jarrito to accompany my meal -they had 3-4 flavors as well as fountain Coke products and also bottles. I enjoyed seeing so many regulars come in and how the staff engaged with them - I also loved that you can pick up more than your meal with a few items they had such as tortillas, chicarrones, spices, etc. This should definitely be on the list for Downtown ABQ-skip the gentrified places and go here for Authentic New Mexican cuisine. If you come, remember it's a small place but that's their secret sauce, so come, be nice, be patient and be fed.

    UNBELIEVABLE!! NOT ENOUGH WORDS TO EXPRESS HOW TRULY AUTHENTIC, TRULY DELICIOUS THIS PLACE IS!! What a gem! Don't waste your time going to other so called Authentic Mexican restaurants nearby. You feel like you just walked in and sat down at grandma's house. The delicious aromas hit you walking in the door. It's so very clean and shows true pride. The staff is BEYOND gracious. This was our first time here, and they were so helpful with explaining the menu. I really could go on and on. This is just the best little place in Albuquerque

    Tacos
    Susan M.

    They also have the best huevos rancheros and chile rellenos.Also the have a little store section with teas,herbs, green and red chile and homemade tortillas (I usually buy the blue corn tortillas). The service is always friendly and helpful. Ambiance is casual and welcoming. Just a wonderful family owned mom & pop restaurant.shop local,support local establishments and restaurants. * Pictured is some of the delicious food I have had here.

    Homemade goodies
    Timmy S.

    I have only been here once before today and it was a long time ago. That time the place was packed and I took the food to go and ate it on the road home so I had been wanting to come back for a long time and today I finally did. Me and my kid sat down and were greeted by a friendly waitress who took her time with us. Btw the place smelled like grandma's house if you know what I mean! My daughter even mentioned when we got down that it smelled like her grandma's kitchen. I got the same thing I got the first time I came here, the Breaking Bad burger and it was a lot bigger than I remember! Everything tasted great it was delicious. Prices were great as well $30 for two huge plates, chips, salsa and sodas! Sometimes I regret some of the places I stop at when I'm out foodieing but I left here very happy with my decision. Two thumbs up from me! If I had anything to gripe about, it would be that it's not open 7 days a week haha. Great little restaurant...

    LaLa G.

    Popular local spot for authentic Mexican food. Inside dining is small but they do have some outdoor tables or a to go option. They do have giant refrigerator units with great take home portions of cookie dough, tamales, etc. Good portions are a good size, very tasty options, and affordable prices. Make sure to check them out! I liked that they have a great merchandise section also offering some great herbs.

    Current menu, front and back, as of 5/2024.

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

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    3 months ago

    I absolutely love this place - authentic New Mexican food served lovingly. It's outstanding!

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    3 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great food, great service, and the nicest sweetest waitress you'll ever meet!! ...and corn and flour tortillas to go!!

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    11 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Small little hidden spot with really good food and big portions. Friendly staff and fair prices. Enjoyed my food will be back again

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    1 year ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good food, good prices and great employees. Homemade tortillas were awesome. Met the owner nice guy.

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    3 years ago

    Truly amazing food! Try the breaking bad fries!!! Service was awesome and the workers were polite! Highly recommend this place!

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Solid. If you want the real thing this is a hidden secret. Everything is well executed, the masa for your tamales is excellent.

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    3 years ago

    There Green Chili Burgers are the best We buy there MASA for their tamales it's the best also there biscotchito are great

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great service and great food all around! 10/10 will be coming back! Very laid back nice vibe.

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Best tacos in town! When I want some homemade feel kinda tacos This is the place to go.

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    Ask the Community - La Mexicana

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    El Pinto

    El Pinto

    3.4
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    This place has amazing vibe, livelihood, and outdoor, cute seating areas. The place looks vibrant…read moreand lively. But the overall food is average. I had the house special chili ribs and the ribs aren't flavorful. There is no distinctive taste to these ribs but chilied. But since the chili is tasteless themselves, it doesn't contribute to the overall flavor of the ribs anyway. 2/5 Stuff sopadillas with beef is very large and filling. For the lunch menu, the price is rather affordable for how much food I ordered. The tastes? I can't tell because it is comparable to any other restaurants. Nothing really stands out to me. 4/5 The regular sopadilla with honey as a side dish is amazing and you can't really go wrong with sopadilla and honey 5/5. Chips and salsa is continuously refilled as requested. Overall service is average, with water refill being done per request, not automatically. I personally would take tourists here to experience the cute vibe of New Mexico that this restaurant gives: a cute brunch with the ladies, a nice hang out and gathering with friends.

    El Pinto is an experience with food…read more Always a treat. This restaurant is a facility in size, they absorb an entire parking lot full of people and you never feel crowded Beautiful bar area, patios are outstanding (will say the flies are annoying) but not much they can do about it Fabulous New Mexican cuisine. And top shelf steaks and pork Highly recommend reservations to ensure a smooth visit

    Photos
    Come on in!
    Come on in!
    Hatch Chile and Chicharrones
    Hatch Chile and Chicharrones
    Interior entrance

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    Interior entrance

    La Mexicana - mexican - Updated July 2026

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