Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen
August 24th, 2007 by Factorygirl
1510 Girard Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
Monday - Friday 11am to 745pm
505.262.0115
Limited beer and wine
**Cash only!
MAP
Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen is one of Albuquerque’s best hidden treasures. Located on Girard between Indian School and Constitution, it’s nestled in a strip mall-like area, next to Harold’s Laundromat. 
According to our server who was very nice, Padilla’s has been serving for close to 30 years. Our server actually has been there since the very beginning, left for a while,
and has been back for the past 7 years. But don’t be fooled by the name…
Padilla’s serves strictly New Mexican food. As a family run establishment, they have all your favorites from Huevos Rancheros to Chile Rellenos to Stuffed Sopaipillas. Padilla’s is a place for anyone who loves homemade goodness.
When my dinner date and I arrived, we were greeted and seated promptly in the corner with a great view of the dining room. Padilla’s is definitely kid friendly and seems to cater to just about anyone. The dining room is very modest, just a few landscape paintings and your occasional beer mirror. All off the staff was very helpful and genuinely nice.
After our Iced tea and Diet Coke arrived, we were given yummy chips and salsa to start. After briefly glancing at the menu, our server appeared to take our order. I had cheese + onion enchiladas, red and green, egg over medium. The green chile was especially delicious and hot with chunks of beef and onions.
My date had a Carne Adovada burrito plate with red and green at our servers recommendation. The Carne was tender and juicy with the right amount of spice from the chile it’s cooked in. The bite I took left me wanting more. We also shared a beef and potato taco that was just like Grandma used to make. All meals come with homemade pinto beans and rice. And lets not forget the fabulous sopaipillas that come 2 to a person. I love to eat one with dinner for sopping up all the cheese, chile and egg and one with honey and beans for dessert. The savory sweet combo is absolutely to die for.
Another great thing about Padilla’s is that it’s very affordable. Between my date and I , including tip we only spent $25.00 and left very satisfied. We always like to bring a doggie bag home for the pup if possible… tonight it was not.
Taste:
[rate 9.5]
Service:
[rate 7]
Ambiance:
[rate 7]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
Jimmie Says
Love Padillas, I don’t go there to often due to the usual long wait at peak times.
Chili, isn’t that the bean and meat chili they serve around country.
In New Mexico its Chile!
red or green
Aug 26th, 2007 at 1:17 am
eleet Says
Its a good New Mexican restaurant. Jimmie is right about the busy hours and the parking isnt that great. But the food is very good and they get it out to the table very fast.
Aug 27th, 2007 at 3:43 am
Andrea Lin Says
Wow, I must be a loner. I definitely need to give them another shot, because after hearing great things about Padilla’s I finally went and it was just….. fine.
Chile not so hot, service was good, and the people are friendly but I guess I didn’t see what the fuss is about. And Padilla’s isn’t alone, here - I have the same head-scratching reaction to Duran’s. Am I banished now?
Sep 2nd, 2007 at 12:36 am
dre Says
Duran’s is also one of the best places in Abq. as far as authentic New Mexican food goes… their service, unfortunately, is sort if lacking. But the food, I’ve never been
disappointed…never EVER.
Sep 3rd, 2007 at 1:32 am
Michael Says
I have been a resident of Albuquerque for the better part of 25 years, and Padilla’s is by far my favorite for New Mexican.
Nov 28th, 2007 at 10:48 pm