El Pinto
El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina
A massive North Valley restaurant founded in 1962, renowned for patio dining, red chile ribs, and the state's largest tequila bar.
Founded in 1962 and using the family recipes of Josephina Chavez-Griggs, El Pinto is located on 4th Street in the North Valley. It can accommodate about 900 people, including around 600 on its patio, where the gardens and fountains are the main highlights. The signature red chile ribs are marinated in Hatch red chile and slow-roasted; the menu notes they were ranked third in the nation by the Food Network. It also boasts the state's largest tequila bar and its own line of hot sauces. Sunday brunch is available, and reservations can be made via OpenTable. There are two recent versions of their operating hours, with closing times differing by an hour, so it is best to confirm before arriving. It is far from downtown, so driving is recommended.
Opening hours
Mon–Thu 11:00–20:00 or 21:00, Fri–Sat 11:00–21:00 or 22:00, Sun from 10:30 (sources vary, please confirm)
Nearby sights
- Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Sawmill Market
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
- Explora Science Center and Children's Museum
- Albuquerque Museum of Art and History