Duran’s Central Pharmacy
September 22, 2006 by Foodie
1815 Central, N.W.
247-4141
I have lived in the downtown area for the past three years. passing by Duran’s pharmacy on a daily basis, I had no clue that their was a restaurant in the back of the pharmacy. In a back corner of the Duran pharmacy is a charming little restaurant that has been serving New Mexican food since the 60′s. While not the ideal location for a restaurant, Duran’s pharmacy restaurant caters to the loyal neighborhood regulars and the daytime lunch pharmacy goers.
Nestled in the back of the pharmacy, are a few tables, a small covered patio, and a sit at counter. At a small grill the cooks is making fresh flour tortillas as they are ordered. I would have to say that their reputation for homemade buttered tortillas is true. The tortillas are undoubtedly the best tortillas served in town. These liberally buttered tortillas taste reminiscent of soft tortillas that your grandmother would make. Duran’s menu is small but offers daily special menu items that are only served on that day. On one occasion I had the blue corn enchiladas plate served with home-style beans and rice. The chile was very mild and the enchiladas were skimpy and unfulfilled. My wife had the combination plate which was also a disappointment. We left the restaurant unsatisfied. The prices are a little steep hovering more closer to $10 then $5 for a small plate. I would say that the trip is well worth it for the tortillas, but their is far better New Mexican food in the area.
Taste:
[rate 6]
Service:
[rate 8.5]
Ambiance:
[rate 7.5]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
Popularity: 32% [?]
I can’t figure out what all the fuss is about with the food at this place. After all the reviews we had read, it was very disappointing. The Huevos Rancheros plate was just eggs and chile.
Huevos rancheros at Duran’s is not just eggs and chile. It is eggs, chile, beans, potatoes, and cheese on a homemade flour tortilla. The red chile at Duran’s is the best in the city. This is real New Mexican food.
What a bunch of crazies! I think Durans has the best red chile enchiladas in town. I won’t order anything else because this plate is a winner. Not to mention the delicious home-made tortillas! I’m always impressed with their food and always leave stuffed. I feel that if you leave unfulfilled, you are probably one of those americans that gorge yourself on huge meals. This isn’t Tex-Mex, it’s New Mexican, and I feel that it is refreshing to be able to taste the chile without it burning up your taste buds.
I really like Duran’s, but make no mistake their red chile is excellent but nothing beats the red at the Frontier!
Duran’s is not just about the food, you have to go here as a regular to get it. The women of Duran’who greet, prepare, serve and clean up ARE Duran’s. Aside from that, it’s the GREEN chile that I go for. Everyone has their own version of New Mexican best. Duran’s has it all. And you can fill you gift buying needs with something from their eclectic collection of interesting items…from greeting cards to kitchen gadgets to filling your prescription.