If I could give 10 stars, I would! Excellent food in this family owned restaurant. We were greeted and seated quickly. Their plates are huge. We decided to order from the à la carte menu otherwise we'd be asleep after the meal. Staff were super sweet. We got the chicken and beef enchiladas. It comes with comp chips and salsa and sopapillas. You have your choice of red or green sauce. I chose both. Service is quick. Prices are modest. Food is delicious. Both sauces are homemade. The green sauce is especially good. In fact they need to bottle this and sell it. If I could, I would lick the bowl! Cash or check only. Closed on the weekends. Shared lot parking. read more

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If you're looking for authentic New Mexican cuisine, Padilla's is the place to go. Very casual and welcoming mom & pop restaurant. I ordered the enchiladas and long and behold they were served flat as a traditional New Mexican staple. Layered with cheddar cheese and smothered in their incredible green chile sauce. The sauce is easily the star of the dish. It's rich , flavorful, and just the right amount of heat. Instead of chips and salsa, my meal came with fresh sopapillas, and they're far from an afterthought. They came out warm and fluffy and absolutely delicious. Just one quick tip, Padilla is cash only so be prepared. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Green chile cheese Enchilada plate - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you are in ABQ and you want next level good food you have to visit this place. Before I got my food, I noticed the people ahead of me clean their plate completely. The red and green chile is so authentic and good. Do yourself a favor and make time to go have a meal with these lovely ppl. read more

I'm not sure why I haven't reviewed this place before but we stop by every time we are in the area. The food is excellent and the service was very good. It's kind of a plain restaurant but really worth stopping in. Cash only. read more

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The service was super fast and the waitstaff was very kind! The food was good too, and prices were very fair. The atmosphere is a bit dated, but the restaurant was clean. Love the touches of the family ownership up near the checkout counter. All the best parts of a cute family diner. read more

10/30/2025 First visit to Padilla's. Started out with complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was good with plenty of heat. I ordered the the Thursday carnitas special which was good. It came with potatoes which were like hash browns and quelites (spinach), which was good. The plate came with two sopapillas which were very good. The meal was plenty and the only thing I would say is to taste the carnitas before adding any salt. My wife liked her chicken tacos. The restaurant was very busy when it opened. I highly recommend Padillas and appreciate the complimentary chips and salsa as well as the quality of the sopapillas. My wife had a glass of wine which was reasonably priced at $5.25 for a full glass. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Menu October 2025 - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Great food good service and reasonable prices don't like that you have to pay cash and can't use credit cards and parking is very limited but highly recommend one of the top two places to eat in Albuquerque read more

Good - the bread with honey Bad- Everything else all tasted like it came out of the can from Walmart or something nothing tasted homemade. We are used to TexMex restaurants so there is that. But to use this tasted like day old cafeteria food. We definitely wouldn't go back. Went in June. Service was slow and they didn't come back to table to even offer refills on drinks. But it was busy with lots of locals. We are new to the area. Would we try a 2nd time-definitely not and we do not say that about many places. But try it for yourself and you decide you might LOVE it. We did not. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Tasted dried out and old and like it all came from a can! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Should you go? This one is a big fat YES Always a great meal at Padilla's!! Cash/check only-- so be prepared when you come, no debit or credit (or Apple Pay lol!) great service, and consistently amazing food!! This place is soooo busy and gets pretty packed in its smaller dining room! We will be back again and again! read more

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I've been coming here for over 20 years and my favorite thing is it's consistency! 20 years later and the food is the same, service is always great and the prices are still extremely reasonable. We got the beef taco plate and the cheese enchilada plate. Each plate typically comes with rice, beans, and two sopapillas. The chili is great if you can handle spice and the sopapillas are some of the best I've ever had. It's a very casual neighborhood spot where locals are known by name. It's also a cash only restaurant so make sure you stop by an ATM first! read more

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Our go-to lunch spot when in the ABQ area. Family run, honest & authentic food, reasonable prices. It's not for the haute cuisine crowd. Speaking of crowds-it can get crowded at lunch & dinner time but be patient...this little hidden gem is worth the wait! I haven't had anything I didn't love here so it's hard to recommend one thing-just try it! read more

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This is a hidden Gem this is truly how our abuelita, and mom cooked the flavors are spot on for both red and green... it's atmosphere is modest, and humble, but it's always packed! The flavor is Great the menu is limited but whatever the cook and plate is spot on flavorful and authentic for New Mexican cooking!!! read more

The real deal. And really good. Located in a small strip center, Padilla's may not look like much--but looks can be so misleading. Best place in the city. Real deal northern New Mexican cooking. The carne adovada is beyond tender and the red chile sauce is even better. Love that spicy potatoes are aside rather than run of the mill Spanish rice. The pintos are cooked or so perfect--family recipes rule! As do the sopapillas--just the best around, not just in ABQ but Santa Fe too. Light, crunchy not chewy. And the beer rules--because it is COLD. And the service rules too. This place can get very busy but the staff keeps it humming, some how. It is cash only--keeps the riff raff out. read more

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Updated: It's not my favorite New Mexican in Albuquerque, but it's not bad; actually, it's very good. I've been going here for well over 30 years (started going while attending law school nearby) and it's certainly been line-out-the-door popular the whole time. Small, fairly crowded rooms, but it's friendly like family and neighbors and they will find room for you pretty quick. Major downside is that it's still cash ONLY (or check - but no credit/debit). Giant PITA that generally keeps me from visiting and keeps Padilla's from the fifth star on this review. Not very large portions, but we could all use a little less, right? Beer and (awful) wine only. Prices are up, as they are everywhere: an additional hassle with the cash-only nonsense. They appear to once again be making their red from pods and the quality of the red is once-again top-notch. I know Norteños in their nineties who still come often; Padilla's is solid enough to attract clientele who know chile. Flat-out FANTASTIC service. And their sopaipillas are the most consistently best in town. Get in early to beat the lines. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Enchiladas de carne, Christmas - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This busy neighborhood fav near the Carlisle whole foods college area continues a simple recipe for success over decades by making good classic NM foods well with not much of any modern day frills such as a cash payments only preference no credit cards payments here, local fans keep padillas busy with just the quality home style NM foods we know and crave, the green chili sauce is more flavorful with a bit of ground pork or beef and good medium spice, the red is not bad but standard , other ingredients look and taste standard but made well. If you seek to eat simple quality classic nm dishes and service eat here read more

The food was excellent, at first the tamale plate looked kind of small but it did fill me up! And on a big guy! The workers in there really bust ass to get food out. It feels like you were dining in a food Hall. Very crowded and very loud. This is a cash only place. read more

Padilla's has been around for decades. Off the beaten path on Girard south of Indian School this place has a devoted following. Open at 1100 hours we arrived at 1110 and there were only 3 tables still available. By 1130 there was a wait line forming outside. The Juevos were cooked perfectly but the Chile was absolutely the focal point of the meal. But the green and the red had this unmistakable 'just got roasted' taste that's hard to describe. Suffice it to say Padilla's chile is the BOMB! And what a nice touch each meal came with 2 hot fresh Sopapillas. No question we'll be back sooner than later, that's for sure. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Juevos Rancheros smothered in Green - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Had some friends traveling through meet us here for an early dinner. I bragged about the chili and flavors. The meal did not live up to my expectations this time. It was embarrassing really. The meals came out on the luke warm gelatinous side, cheese wasn't properly melted, while the burrito was cold. The red chili was as mild as ketchup ffs. read more

We don't get here as often as I'd like. But here we are today. They're busy the parking lot is crazy and almost full. One recent addition to parking lot is an ATM. Great for those who forget to bring cash. Fortunately the restaurant wasn't as busy and seats were available. Our service was excellent, I ordered the bean & meat burrito. Came loaded with meat and fresh refried beans. The tamale plate came with 2 tamales, well seasoned meat without being being covered in too much masa. The food was delicious and keeps us coming back for more. read more

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Been eating there for 40 years.... Went last night.... Very disappointing!! Portions smaller, just not as homemade as I remember. Red chili only thing that I found to be consistent. Think it's the changing of the guard. Younger generation is coming in and getting greedy. Cheese was like "cheese wiz". Beans were over salted! My wife and I both had stuffed sopapilla with carnitas! They must have picked the smallest sopaipillas to stuff! Not going back... read more

I found this spot good enough to visit twice on this trip. The red chile is very good. The sopapillas are outstanding and I was so happy that they made a Carne Adovado sopapilla with red on the side. Then I tossed in a relleno and a cup of Green Chile posole to round out my meal. My first bowl of posole was devine but the second visit it was mediocre, not consistent. The carnitas were very good on Thursday. The service is quick and the ladies may be a tad forgetful but are so darn cute they get a pass. Tables are full at 5 pm so be ready to wait. CASH ONLY! Average table is $20 per person. read more

I've been eating here for years, it's been a family favorite. The food is always delicious and the people who work there are awesome. Every time we go back to Albuquerque to visit, we plan our trip around being able to go here. If you want the real New Mexican food, this is the place! My all time favorite place for Mexican food. read more

Everything! The service, the menu, the speed of taking our order, bringing our food, refilling drinks, asking if we needed anything else, bringing our check! Everything, particularly the food, was excellent. read more

Phillip our waiter was friendly, quick, & informative. We got there about 130, (Place was still busy), but seated quickly. Salsa was good, chips a little hard but tasty. We ordered Chicken Enchiladas Dinner with Sopaipillas. Food was great, hot, & just the right amount. Parking is interesting, with no room for RVs. Restaurant wasn't a fancy place, more the you feel right at home or at grandma's vibe. All of the staff were friendly & efficient. Lots of locals & seniors, who know the right place to eat. We will go back. **Only cash is excepted** go prepared. read more

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The best food in Albuquerque! Can't recommend it highly enough. I don't get there often but love it.

Finally made it here. Super good red chile, love a place that can actually make rice. Sopapillas were wonderful. Only downside is cash only. I would go way more often if I could pay electronically. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Blue corn enchiladas and Chicken Taco plate - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The food was delicious and serves was good and quick and very friendly workers very clean. Michael G. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Staff Sopaipillas red chili, beans on the side - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Wanted to try something different so we chose Padillas on Girard. Walked in it smelled amazing. Well it was short lived. They only accept paper checks and cash. No debit or credit cards. What????!!!! Yes you heard me right. Well we walked right out. Come on Padillas get with the times. What a disappointment read more

great food, excellent service, very friendly, and easy on the pocket book. Very busy and we found out why.

First time here yesterday for lunch. Quite a popular place, as it was packed and we waited about 20 minutes for our food. I ordered the red chile bowl with beans and sopapilla. Delicious, spicy and hot but good! Will return to try their enchiladas. This place is legit! read more

We arrived at 4:45 and by 5:00 the place was full. It looks like this is where the locals go for good food. It was Thursday so I enjoyed the carnitas special. Delicious. And going out didn't break the bank, $27 for 2. Atmosphere is a dinner feel with great service. read more

Ordered beef taco. They use potatoes as filler with the meat, it's an inexpensive way to stretch the meal. Unfortunately it's horrible tasting. When I let the waitress know the food was not yo my liking, I'd had one bite of a taco, nothing else eaten. Next thing I know I got a bill for the food. I let the cashier know the food was not eaten & why. Someone that guess is the owner told me they'd served their food that way for 45 years and still charged me full price. Never going back. Food horrible, service and rudeness are what they should be known for! read more

Had a wonderful meal at Padillas and great service as well!! We really appreciate it so much! Thank you so much. read more

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We came here because of their high reviews, but we were really disappointed in the food.. It was low quality and bland in flavor. When you go to a good Mexican restaurant, the food is fire and every dish has its distinct flavor. i have to say I've tasted better can food than this. Also the menu prices listed on menu here is not accurate. Add $2 more to the dishes, that's what their prices are now. We could have had a much better dining experience at another restaurant for the same price, but we came here because of the really inexpensive menu prices since we were on a tight budget and ended up paying more than we expected. We will not be coming back again. I have 2 stars because the service was good. read more

We went on Thursday because their online menu shows Thursdays special to be Carnitas. When we arrived the parking lot was packed and the restaurant was very busy. We only had to wait about seven minutes for a table, so not bad considering how busy they were. Andreas was our server and he was awesome!! He made a few recommendations and I ended up going with the blue corn enchiladas with carnitas and the hubby ordered cheese enchiladas with a side of the red chili. To say that the food was GREAT is an understatement. We checked in with Lawrence at the door and later he came and sat at our table for a few minutes to make sure everything was good. He told us this is a family owned restaurant and they have been open since 1977. The quality of the food and the staff explains why they have been so successful. When we are back in Albuquerque we will definitely be coming back to Padilla's. Be sure to bring cash as they don't take credit or debt cards. Prices are more than reasonable. read more

Staff made you feel like family. I walked in 5 minutes before they closed and they were so nice about serving me. The food was wonderful! It's in a strip mall but it's worth stopping in. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Enchilada Dinner with blue corn tortilla - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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This is my favorite spot in Albuquerque. I absolutely love the carne adovada, which is available only Monday through Wednesday. My family has been coming here for decades, and I return every year to enjoy the best New Mexican cuisine. There's nothing quite like it anywhere else in the country. Be careful, closed weekends and maybe some holidays. Plus, it's a cash-only place but don't worry, it's very reasonably priced. It might look like a "hole in the wall", but it's the best new mexican food in ABQ. read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Carne Adovada (Mon-Wed only) burrito dinner with red chili, all beans. Cash only place! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

My first visit to this Mexican kitchen. I went on Friday, just before noon. The place was packed, and deservedly so. The wait staff is friendly and very efficient, the atmosphere is relaxed, the decor is simple and unpretentious. The menu is a list of various Mexican style dishes. I had the combination plate that included a beef taco, enchilada, tamale, Mexican rice, and beans. The food came out very first considering how busy the place is. As I looked around, I saw smiling faces, and a sense that the restaurant is filled with incredible positive energy. It seems to me that there are many loyal regulars who come here. Everything was absolutely delicious. The sopapillas were a special treat, and I would describe it as like trying to bite into a cloud. Yum! Prices are very low, I'll be back. read more

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Repeat customer; bringing all the family and friends! Going at different times it is almost always packed. However, I don't mind because it is delicious. The staff is fast and the wait is pleasant. Again, it's like being at the Grandmas house! I love it read more

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen - Tamale - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Excellent food. Some of the best New Mexican food I've had. The enchiladas were fantastic. Everyone we visit New Mexico we make it a point to go there read more