
El Patio De Albuquerque
A beloved family-owned spot serving traditional New Mexican comfort food since 1977, known for its cozy atmosphere and world-famous sopapillas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

El Patio De Albuquerque

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved family-owned spot serving traditional New Mexican comfort food since 1977, known for its cozy atmosphere and world-famous sopapillas.
"This cozy spot offers outstanding food and service, with sopapillas so good you'll want to eat here every night!"
Weekdays for Fewer Crowds
Visit during the week to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Combo #2
Sample a variety of traditional Southwestern dishes by ordering the popular Combo #2.

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

World-Famous Sopapillas
Indulge in the town's best sopapillas, served hot and puffy, perfect as a dessert or with your meal.

Authentic New Mexican Cuisine
Savor classic dishes like green chile chicken enchiladas and huevos rancheros made with fresh, local ingredients.

Charming Patio Dining
Enjoy your meal in a unique, cozy atmosphere with beautiful outdoor seating options, perfect for any occasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekdays for Fewer Crowds
Visit during the week to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Combo #2
Sample a variety of traditional Southwestern dishes by ordering the popular Combo #2.
Don't Skip Sopapillas
Be sure to order the famous Sopapillas for a delicious and traditional New Mexican dessert.
Ask About Chile Varieties
New to New Mexican food? Ask staff for recommendations or explanations of local chile types.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekdays for Fewer Crowds
Visit during the week to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Combo #2
Sample a variety of traditional Southwestern dishes by ordering the popular Combo #2.
Don't Skip Sopapillas
Be sure to order the famous Sopapillas for a delicious and traditional New Mexican dessert.
Ask About Chile Varieties
New to New Mexican food? Ask staff for recommendations or explanations of local chile types.
Plan for Seating
Consider making reservations or arriving early to ensure you get a table at this popular spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Patio de Albuquerque is celebrated for its authentic New Mexican cuisine, particularly its famous sopapillas and flavorful green chile dishes. Diners consistently praise the friendly and attentive service, with many highlighting the cozy atmosphere and charming patio. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention the dated ambiance and slightly higher prices for certain dishes, though the value is generally considered good.
"Again, after a long trip we were looking for outdoor dining because we had our dog with us. Great food, the server and staff were very friendly. We went when it was cold outside; so I recommend leaving your pooch at home if it's 58° and windy outside. But overall, it was great food ."
Becky Gordon
"I came here with my family for lunch and it was a great time. The staff were very friendly, helpful and patient. The stuffed breakfast sopapilla was delicious, and the regular sopapillas were amazing!"
Lily
"Chill place for some good Southwestern flare. The enchiladas were good. The fluffy pastry was fantastic! Great service too!"
C Hill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Patio is most famous for its world-class sopapillas and authentic New Mexican cuisine, including green chile dishes.
Yes, El Patio features a charming outdoor patio area, which is often highlighted as a great spot to dine.
Yes, El Patio is known to be toddler-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere for families.
It is recommended to make reservations or arrive early, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular.
Yes, El Patio offers a number of vegetarian options on its menu.
If you're new to New Mexican food, don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations or explanations of local ingredients.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Find out which one you like best at El Patio, a classic joint opened in 1977, which offers dishes like frito pie, chile relleno, and its famous green chile enchiladas. One last chile hint: To try both, just ask for “Christmas.
Your Complete Gay Guide to Albuquerque
The diminutive El Patio (142 Harvard Dr. SE) is a beloved standby of Nob Hill and the nearby campus of the University of New Mexico, a favorite spot for filling, affordable, and generally very spicy and authentic New Mexican fare: blue-corn enchiladas, sopaipillas (pictured here) stuffed with beans and cheese (these fried-dough confections are also served following the meal, with honey, as is tradition in New Mexico), huevos rancheros, carne adovada, and other variations on the usual suspects, all prepared consistently well. It's near-impossible to get a consensus among Albuquerquians on the top New Mexican restaurants in town - there are so many good ones, and folks in these parts are so passionate about their favorites. But El Patio garners consistently positive reviews and has a devoted local following, as it should.
Guide to The Best Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM
El Patio De Albuquerque is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Albuquerque area. If you're looking for a tasty appetizer, then you might want to try out the Frito Pie, the Cheese Crisps, the Chile Cheese Fries, the Nachos, and the Chips and Salsa. Some of the best main dishes include Vegetarian Enchiladas, Stuffed Sopapillas, Burritos, Huevos Rancheros, Fajitas, Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, and more.
10 Cool Places to Eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico
El Patio de Albuquerque was frequented by the stars of “Breaking Bad,” with Bryan Cranston noting it as one of his favorites (he also loved Flying Star). They have two locations, one near the University of New Mexico and one near Old Town. Both locations serve breakfast, lunch,and dinner and are known for their home-style New Mexican cuisine, including stuffed sopapillas and green chile chicken enchiladas.
5 Best Vegan Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM
El Patio De Albuquerque has been delivering excellent long-established Southwestern-kind home cooking that started in 1977. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, highlighting live music, beer, and wine drinks. Their original location is in University Heights at 142 Harvard Drive SE, and their new location, which opened in 2018, is north of Old Town at 3851 Rio Grande Blvd NW.
New Mexican Food Near the Olympus Northpoint Apartments
Also located near the university area, El Patio offers mouth watering New Mexican cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. They’re known for their world-famous green chile, often paired with their popular stuffed sopapillas. Additionally, this location has a beautiful tree-lined patio, perfect for people watching as you enjoy their delicious dishes.
Highest-rated Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (374 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 142 Harvard Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-3521- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Albuquerque
10 Best Mexican Restaurants Near Albuquerque, NM
El Patio De Albuquerque is a Mexican restaurant that also provides multiple varieties for vegetarians. Since 1977, El Patio De Albuquerque has been serving traditional Southwestern-style home cooking. In this restaurant, you can enjoy your food featuring live music which enhances your experience.
5 Can't-Miss Things To Do In Albuquerque With Kids
Want an upgrade to food and ambiance that won’t break the bank?. Head over to El Patio, where the service is friendly, the patio charms with its lights strung overhead, the food is outstanding and the sopapillas are hot and puffy. If you have just one night in Albuquerque, eat at El Patio.
A Comprehensive Guide to Gluten Free Albuquerque
El Patio: This is a local chain and I went for this first time to the Rio Grande location which has a nice patio. They don’t have gluten free red chile which is such a bummer but they will either steam the tortillas or clean the grill for enchiladas. The potatoes were boiled then baked.
Eater lists '21 Essential Restaurants' in Albuquerque New Mexico
Still, they missed a few spots that KOAT thinks are essential -- cough, cough Farm & Table, Relish, El Patio – but in a city with so many delicious spots it’s hard to list them all. You can see the full list here >>Related Video - Inside the 505: The story behind the iconic Dog House
Albuquerque's Best New Mexican Food
This NM birthright is officially what sets us apart from all others. Often imitated but never duplicated, Sadie’s restaurant’s kitchen is whom readers said served up the best chile. Their salsa ships worldwide and ordering xmas style (red and green) is how the pros do it.
Our Favorite Vegetarian Restaurants in Albuquerque
El Patio is a cozy crowd-pleaser near the University of New Mexico. On a menu of traditional New Mexican fare, you’ll find tons of vegetarian options. The enchiladas with chile pequin–spiced spinach and beans might even turn meat lovers into vegetarians.
Highest-rated breakfast restaurants in Albuquerque, according to Tripadvisor
– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (355 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Category: Mexican, Southwestern– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 142 Harvard Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-3521– Read more on Tripadvisor
Best New Mexican Food Restaurants
Frankly, I may be spoiling the rest of our list by putting El Patio first. This place checks off plenty elements of a great restaurant. Just the food alone sets it apart, but the outdoor seating plus the New Mexican sun take it over the top.
15 Albuquerque Restaurants Rated Best on Yelp
Maybe you’re feeling lazy and want some hot, spicy food delivered right to you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a 17th-generation Albuquerquian or new to town, you’ll love the down-home feel of El Patio de Albuquerque.
Purple Hippopotamus - Albuquerque - New Mexico (NM) - Page 2
I worked at Hippo from '83 on and off until it closed in '94. Before that I worked at the original Birsong Books (when it was Birsong Used Books and RECORDS), which was across the street from El Patio.
26 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM
142 Harvard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106Phone: (505) 268-4245 Visit Website. A post shared by New Mexico Food (@newmexicofood). With two locations in Albuquerque, El Patio is always within reach.
Breakfast Albuquerque | Top 41 Spots in 2025
Pop into El Patio de Albuquerque for a traditional New Mexican breakfast in Albuquerque with a cute shaded patio area and cozy indoor seating.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit