El Modelo Mexican Foods
November 10th, 2006 by art365
1715 Second Street SW
Albuquerque NM, 87102
505-242-1843
8am - 6:45pm
~MENU~
El Modelo Mexican Food has been around since the 30’s making homemade tortillas and tamales. Located on 2nd street right off of Bridge street, El Modelo’s catered to the railroad repair shop workers across the street until the shop closed down in the 70’s. Today El modelo’s is an Albuquerque institution, known for its fresh tamales and tortillas.
El Modelo’s is a take out restaurant offering no place to eat just a bench and a couple of tables in an outside patio. You place an order at the counter and wait to be called. Food is modestly served in butcher paper and food containers. Although El Modelo’s is always busy, the orders usually come out very fast.
El Modelo’s is known for their masa(dough) used for making tamales and white corn tortillas. The menu features dinner plates, specialties such as tamale compuesto (a tamale topped with red chile, meat, lettuce, cheese and tostada chips), special made burritos and side orders. I usually get a dozen of tamales and the stuffed sopaipilla plate. Their food is excellent and very consistent. If you don’t know what to order just get the Mexican plate which comes with a tamale, taco, enchilada, spare rib and rice and beans. If you are ordering for a group El Modelo’s serves their food al la carte in pint and quart containers. El Modelo’s prices are a little expensive compared to other places.
El Modelo’s offers good food, friendly service and a look in to Albuquerque’s history. If you haven’t tried El Modelo’s, the trip is well worth it.
Taste:
[rate 8]
Service:
[rate 8]
Ambiance:
[rate 8]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
Manny Says
Love the Food,however the prices are a little too much .A dozen of Tamales are about 28.00 dollars a dozen,where you can get them at Vargas for 15.00 a dozen.
Dec 27th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
A. Barela Says
I’m from the Oakland Bay Area in beautiful California but my family has been from Albuquerque for many generations. Every chance I get I go to El Modelo when I’m in town or my Mom has it waiting for me upon my arrival. I noticed you describe El Modelo as Mexican food but I’ve always known it to be authentic NEW Mexican food! A friend of mine and her husband are taking a motorcycle ride through some of the states and I’m giving them the address to make sure they stop by El Modelo to eat some great New Mexican food! Like the stuffed sopaipillas, they are the best! They will be coming all the way from San Ramon, CA and I know they won’t be dissapointed!
Jul 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm