
El Modelo Mexican Foods
A beloved Albuquerque institution since 1929, serving up massive, authentic tamales and stuffed sopapillas with true New Mexican flair. It's a no-fril...

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El Modelo Mexican Foods

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Albuquerque institution since 1929, serving up massive, authentic tamales and stuffed sopapillas with true New Mexican flair. It's a no-frills spot focused on delicious takeaway.
Order Ahead
To avoid long waits, consider placing your order in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.
Vegetarian Options
Inquire about vegetarian choices, as they may not always be clearly marked on the menu.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Tamales
Locals rave about the huge, flavorful tamales, a must-try for an authentic taste of Mexico.

Stuffed Sopapillas
Generously portioned and incredibly delicious, these sopapillas are a unique and satisfying treat.

Authentic Since 1929
Experience a piece of Albuquerque's culinary history with traditional Mexican dishes served with pride.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Ahead
To avoid long waits, consider placing your order in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.
Vegetarian Options
Inquire about vegetarian choices, as they may not always be clearly marked on the menu.
Don't Miss Unique Items
Be adventurous and try specialties like chicharrón y tamales de pollo salsa verde.
Parking Lot Dining
While there's no indoor seating, you can enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Ahead
To avoid long waits, consider placing your order in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.
Vegetarian Options
Inquire about vegetarian choices, as they may not always be clearly marked on the menu.
Don't Miss Unique Items
Be adventurous and try specialties like chicharrón y tamales de pollo salsa verde.
Parking Lot Dining
While there's no indoor seating, you can enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Modelo Mexican Foods is celebrated for its authentic, flavorful New Mexican cuisine, especially its generous tamales and stuffed sopapillas. While many praise the traditional tastes and hearty portions, some recent reviews mention concerns about rising prices and a perceived dip in flavor quality.
"Excellent food! Not a touristy place, and not to dine in. Who cares! Get your great eats and find a place to chow down. My favorite was the stuffed sopapillas. Would order again for sure. Our order took about 20 minutes, no biggie. We did not order ahead. If you’re seeking authentic, you won’t be disappointed!!"
Robert Most
"The food was good, and the handmade sopapilla was especially delicious. Customer service was solid as well. My only critique is the excessive packaging—there was a lot of paper used to wrap the food, which felt wasteful and actually made the presentation look less appealing than the food deserved. From a sustainability standpoint, simplifying the packaging would go a long way and better reflect the quality of the meal."
Clifford Clarke
"The I got a green chile chicken burrito. It was good. I liked it. Chile wasn't hot. For 8 bucks, it was fairly small than I would've liked. I'm open to giving this place another shot. They got a big menu. But yeah. Overall, it was good."
TeamFurjan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Modelo is primarily a takeaway spot with limited outdoor seating. It's not recommended for a sit-down dining experience.
Locals and visitors highly recommend the huge tamales and the stuffed sopapillas. The Mexican plate is also a popular choice.
Yes, ordering ahead is recommended, especially during peak hours, to minimize wait times.
While not always clearly labeled, they do have vegetarian options available. It's best to ask staff when ordering.
El Modelo Mexican Foods has been serving authentic New Mexican cuisine since 1929.
Don't miss out on trying unique items like chicharrón y tamales de pollo salsa verde.
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A staple on Albuquerque’s culinary scene since 1929, El Modelo is a casual eatery — primarily a takeaway spot — specialising in Mexican cuisine. Beginning as a tortilla business operating from one room of a modest house, El Modelo now serves a host of flavourful items from tacos and tamales to enchiladas, all of which are homemade. Particularly popular dishes include the Mexican plate – which provides diners with a chance to sample tamales, tacos, enchiladas, rice, refried beans, spare ribs, and chips – and the stuffed sopapilla with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and chile chorizo.
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This 90-year-old restaurant, long the standard-bearer for Tex-Mex food in Albuquerque, got its start as a tortilla factory Though the operation has expanded quite a bit since then, these tortillas are still some of the finest you'll find anywhere, especially when rolled up into a burrito. Standouts at El Modelo include the chile relleno, carne deshebrada (brisket stew) and carne adovada (pork stew) burritos, but opt for the chicharrones, deep-fried chunks of pork. It'll only set you back about $5, and you'll still have some room left over for a sopapilla.
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Since 1929, El Modelo has been an unwavering sentinel of flavor, standing tall as a beacon of Albuquerque’s rich culinary history, where tamales reign supreme, each one a tribute to the generations that perfected them. The enchiladas here melt in your mouth, while the chile rellenos deliver a punch that leaves you yearning for more. El Modelo isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a love letter to Mexican cuisine and a pilgrimage every serious food lover must undertake.
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Our tamales are huge.” This is what is stated clear as day on El Modelo’s website, and it’s safe to say it got our attention. You can purchase individual tamales or tamales by the dozen, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be ordering them by the dozen. Come for the tamales, and stay for the enchilada plates, special made burritos, and stuffed sopapillas.
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Tomasita’s Albuquerque New Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned place where you will get your favorite New Mexican food. They have completed over 4 decade-long journeys, and currently, the 3rd generation of the family is operating the restaurants. As per locals, Tomasita’s New Mexican Restaurant is the Best for Green and Red Chile.
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One of the most romantic things to do in Albuquerque is going to El Modelo Mexican Foods with your partner. This is a restaurant that serves delicious Mexican food, which is great if you are in the city with your partner. This is an old restaurant that dates back to the year 1929, and you can feel that when you are here.
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Established in 1929, El Modelo is a cornerstone of Albuquerque's culinary scene. Located in the historic Barelas neighborhood, this eatery is renowned for its authentic New Mexican dishes. Their tacos, especially the carne adovada and green chile varieties, are a must-try for anyone seeking traditional flavors
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El Modelo Mexican Foods Serves the best tamales, sopapillas, and huevos rancheros. Their handmade dishes offer a customization option with the choices of your favourite Mexican fillings. Whether you like pork with red chile or chicken with green chile, you can tailor these dishes as per your taste.
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El Modelo restaurant, in operation since 1929 with only two different owners, has a long history of serving great Mexican food to Albuquerque residents. The original owner used to get up at 2 AM to hand make the flour tortillas that were used for breakfast. That care and attention has carried on.
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BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNERThis is New Mexico food like your abuelita used to make. Authentic, affordable and delicious. El Modelo has been making the best tamales in Albuquerque since 1929, selling them to loyal locals from their location at 1715 2nd Street.
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Before heading home, grab a few tacos and tamales to go at El Modelo Mexican Foods, a local favorite since 1929, or head across the river to El Paisa Taqueria, a cash-only Mexican-style taco stand known for their lengua and al pastor.
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1715 Second St SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102Phone: (505) 242-1843 Visit Website. A post shared by Ambers adventures (@ambzztravel). El Modelo Mexican Foods features generous portions and outstanding quality at a high-value price.
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Just as everyone needs their high-class foreign flavors, they need their go-to greasy spoon. The New Mexico edition of that is El Modelo. Come hungry—it’s the guaranteed way to leave happy.
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If you're living in Albuquerque, you've got to visit El Modelo Mexican Food, because it's been in operation for over 90 years.
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