This Restaurant In New Mexico Is Located In The Most Unforgettable Setting
There is a treasure trove of excellent restaurants in New Mexico that are sure to please your palate. However, there are also eateries offering much more than a memorable meal. Some restaurants stand out for being historic, while others are located in an unforgettable setting. That’s certainly the case with El Pinto.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
El Pinto is nestled in the northwest corner of Albuquerque, near the Rio Grande. The restaurant is surrounded by mature cottonwood trees, which provide shade during hot summer days…
Greenery cascades down from high window boxes. These elements, paired with the typical wood features found in many New Mexican buildings, bring nature inside.
Does the name of this restaurant sound familiar despite the fact that you haven’t been here? If so, you’ve probably seen (or purchased) El Pinto salsa at your local grocery store.
This restaurant has been family owned and operated since it opened in 1962. In 1994, the family’s twin sons (Jim and John Thomas) took over El Pinto. They decided to add a production facility onto the restaurant so they could share their green chile sauce and salsa with a larger audience.
Their products are so popular that the salsa division burns through 120 tons of chile each year!
Of course, the food is what truly makes a restaurant great and El Pinto's doesn't disappoint. In August of this year, Marc Quiñones became the Executive Chef at El Pinto. His résumé is impressive: he has been a finalist on “Cutthroat Kitchen” and a New Mexico Chef of the Year finalist as well.
