Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen
August 24, 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]
Popularity: 47% [?]
onaclov2000 (5)
Jenny (4)
WestsideWendy (4)
Watercanyon (3)
@iambunnyears (1)
Al Sanchez (1)
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
It is worth the wait when it gets crowded. Although the restaurant is loud there is such an atmosphere home. The food comes out quickly and is excellent. Try the aarne adovada. Yum!
I’m a born and raised New Mexican and a foodie. Hands-down, Padilla’s is the best New Mexican food restaurant in town. [Looks around nervously] Don’t tell anyone, but it’s better than my grandma’s cooking!
Seriously, if you haven’t tried it, go! It’s worth waiting in line for during the lunch rush, but be savvy and go in the early afternoon for a late lunch. The only negative is that the chips and salsa are sub-par.
Best food in ABQ………..worth the wait if crowded………take cash, no credit cards accepted.
My daughter and I ate there. Of course I missed the huge sign on the door that says, “Cash or Check Only!” They don’t take plastic of any kind/ But the guy at the register was nice and told us not to worry about it, pay next time we come. That was nice. We found an ATM and went right back. This place is always a favorite. I wouldn’t go there during peak hours if you’re hungry, unless you don’t mind standing in line among the other diners,and watching them eat.