Monica’s El Portal
March 7, 2007 by Foodie
321 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505.247.9625
Situated in a old home across Rio Grande Blvd. from Old Town. Chef Monica Baca cooks with traditional recipes passed down trough the generations. The interior of this old building is set up in small dining rooms. As you would expect from a restaurant in Old Town, New Mexican art adorns the walls and entry. My wife has been wanting to try this place for a long time. She has heard good things about the food.
We went into Monica’s clueless on what to expect from this little charming restaurant in Old Town. I had the combination plate which came with a chile relleno, beef enchilada, beans and rice. The red chile had a surprising kick to it. I was expecting a more mild heat, especially coming from a place that caters to a lot of tourists. The relleno and the enchiladas were good but not great. My wife had the chicken tacos. The chicken came shredded, but lacked flavor. Thankfully it came with salsa and guacamole to add flavor the tacos. The prices were fair, $8.75 for the two idem combination plate and $6.55 for the chicken tacos. Next time I am going to have to try the breakfast items. We left satisfied, but knowing that there’s better New Mexican food restaurants in the area.
Although some staff is very informal and friendly, the servers seem rushed. We have gone twice and both times we had to sit a dirty table while the waitress goes to find a rag to clean the tables. Not a very good first impression especially being a weeknights and not very busy.
Pros: Nice hot red chile
Cons: Service
Taste:
[rate 7.5]
Service:
[rate 6]
Ambiance:
[rate 7.5]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
Popularity: 57% [?]
onaclov2000 (5)
Jenny (4)
WestsideWendy (4)
Watercanyon (3)
@iambunnyears (1)
Al Sanchez (1)
I had much the same experience last year. Slightly above average food and poor/frazzled service on a slow night. I’m surprised you are thinking of taking a chance on breakfast.
I had dinner at Monica’s tonight, and I had a wonderful experience there. The restaurant was clean, the food was excellent, and the service was friendly and quick. I had the enchiladas with carne adobada. The food was inexpensive and the atmosphere was great. I felt like I was having dinner at my tia’s house. I will DEFINITELY be back!
I love monicas food. I have been going into her restaurant for two years and it seems like the food gets better every time. All of the servers treat me like family and are very helpful. overall love this restrauant!!!