Padilla's Mexican Kitchen, Albuquerque

Empty cheese enchilada with nothing in it. That's not an enchilada, that's a tortilla for $7.00.

Food is so authentic that when i left there I could speak Spanish! Seriously though, I travel a lot and make it a point to try the best mexican food the locals in the area suggest and of all the places and all the restaurants Padilla's reigns supreme. Absolutely fantastic food!

I guess there's something to be said for authentic, but good luck getting any agreement about what constitutes authentic. Isn't good more important? This is good food, especially the red chile. I'd also recommend the Thursday special: carnitas, papitas and quelites. No, the portions are not huge. They are reasonably-sized. If huge portions are important to you, you should probably look elsewhere. For me, I appreciate not being tempted to over-eat. Look at it this way: If you can stay in business being open only M-F 11:00 to 7:45 and not taking debit or credit cards, you must be doing something right. And they are not only staying in business, they appear to be thriving. They've been busy every time I've been there.

Padilla's is the best, authentic New Mexican eatery in Albuquerque. We have eaten in larger places such as El Pinto's and Garduno's, but they don't even come close to the authenticity that is found here at Padilla's. The menu is simple. That's the way it should be. The price is very reasonable. It's worth standing in line for 20 minutes, especially at lunch time. The food is absolutely great and simple! Padilla's green chile sauce is especially great tasting. It even has some meat in the sauce. This is the only New Mexico eatery that I recommend anyone visiting the greater Albuquerque area.

Ignore the one bad review I read-this is the best and most authentic Mexican Food ANYBODY will EVER find!! Outstanding food, you will not find cheaper prices (although-WARNING-they only accept cash or personal checks-NO CREDIT CARDS!!). Family owned and operated-this is one of the best kept secrets in New Mexico. All tourists should be aware of this GREAT restauarant!

So word-of-mouth is how I heard about this so called 'family' restaurant (feels more like a cold cafe). There was a line - so I'm thinking there's a good reason for it. Maybe it's because I am actually from New Mexico, and have eaten alot of good New Mexican food growing up - but I couldn't see (or taste) what all the fuss was about. Maybe the people who eat there just don't know any better and it's become a habit? Or maybe they are just being nice & $uppportive to the people who work there. It did not taste or feel like good ol' New Mexican food to me. Trust me - spend your money someplace else.

The food was exceptionally tasty, especially those sopapillas, however, I was disgusted at the extremely small partion. I ordered a sprite and cheese enchilada and got a corn tortilla sized, glorified nacho; three table spoons of rice and three table spoons of beens. Eight dollars before tip was steep and insulting.

The food, dude. For real New Mexicans, born in New Mexico before 1950, food is great. Wish they shipped. Would recommend, but only to New Mexicans, not Yankees.

My family has been eating at Padilla's for almost 20 years. When ever we go on vacation this is the first place we look forward to coming to. Only an idiot would think Garduno's gross packaged food tasting food is better. If you want to experience a good homemade New Mexican meal like your grandmother would prepare eat here!

I've heard so many good things about Padilla's that I thought it would be great New Mexican Food. Unfortunately, there was a piece of old rice stuck in my first fork, then I stole one from another table and it was still greasy from the last person who ate off of it. My Chile Relleno plate came and it was over-breaded with small green chiles and stuffed with Nacho Cheese. You'd think for $7.50 you'd get real cheese inside of the Chile Rellenos. Also, the pinto beans were undercooked, the rice was overcooked, and the lettuce on the plate looked sickly. Garduno's is 100 times better than this place. Monroe's is at least 50 times better than this place. Little Anita's is so much better too. In fact, I believe that Padilla's is the worst New Mexican food in all of New Mexico. In addition, they don't take credit cards so make sure that you bring your cash to pay for your ordinary meal...Oh, and don't forget to check that your fork has been properly sanitized before you dip in! Adios for now...And, yes...I still left a 20% tip because I've had many food service jobs and I know how it is...