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El Pinto
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Price Range: $
10Best Says
El Pinto has long been a local favorite and the place to take out of town guests to treat them to New Mexican ambience and flavor. Owned today by the "Salsa Twins" Jim and John Thomas, whose parents... Read More
El Pinto has long been a local favorite and the place to take out of town guests to treat them to New Mexican ambience and flavor. Owned today by the "Salsa Twins" Jim and John Thomas, whose parents opened El Pinto in 1962, El Pinto can sit 1,200, yet the many cozy rooms and lush expansive patio make the experience feel much more intimate. Open for lunch and dinner, menu items include traditional plates such as stuff sopaipillas, chile rellenos, tamale and enchilada plates, green chile cheeseburgers and chile con carne. Can't decide? Generous combination plates are the way to go, then. The lounge prides itself on its collection of top shelve tequilas, and El Pinto is know for its margaritas. Special events and live music are often scheduled on the patio (check the website) and you can take home a jar of El Pinto's famous salsa, which is made with chiles roasted on site.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Steve Larese
Travel Expert
- Restaurants near Balloon Fiesta: "Beyond the great food, El Pinto has the largest and one of the most beautiful patios in New Mexico."
- Best for Restaurants near Balloon Fiesta Because: At 3.3 miles from the Balloon Museum, this restaurant offers traditional New Mexican cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere.
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Jennifer Boren
Albuquerque Local Expert
- Mexican: "The queso is to die for, with strips of fresh green chile in the dip - superb!"
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