Reviews of El Modelo Mexican Foods (Restaurant)

Joseph Williams

Stuffed sopapias are good but the rib plate OMG marinaded in that red chile" GOD" TAKE ME NOW!!!!#

benjamin Tsoi

Wonderful service and the staff here are amazing and quick on the go wait is not long especially in the afternoon. So if your girl/ lady is hungry or don’t know where to take her this be the place. Or guys/ gentlemen starving and need to fill you up then this is one of those places I say to come. This is -Game Over

Orlando Griego

Best traditional New Mexican and Mexican food. Tamales, toco's, stuff sopapillas flat taco !!!!!

Robert Clements

I love this place. Wish we had a store here in grants nm.

R Romeroville

Been going here since I was a kid and it's still awesome

Alex Jaramillo

The best place in the world. Thats all that needs to be said!

John R Nelson

I went to El Modelo and picked up three tamales and one bean burrito. All the food that I picked up was very good. This was like my second or third time going to El Modelo. I will go back there again and again to get some Mexican food.

Game Over

I love modelo . It has some of the best mexican food in Albuquerque. I would rate 5 stars. But they only have one restaurant. They should open a couple more around the city. Very busy place at lunch time.

Mary

Picnic table seating outdoors for great Mexican food at reasonable prices

Joaquin Vargas

Food is so good that at times you have to eat it there. It is also because it was my Great Grandmother Petra Vargas. Whom was employed in the very beginning when it was a tortilla company. She taught the art of making Tamales to the original owner. Still the best Tamales ever.

Stephanie El-Hajj

I got the stuffed sopapillas with light cheese and loved it. They do a mix of beans, chorizo and chile that's just so good in a fluffy sopapilla.

Rachel Maurer

El Modelo has THE BEST cheese enchiladas with a tasty red sauce and lots of onions on top. This place does only take out but there are several nice picnic tables just to the north of the building. My office number used to be one number off of El Modelo's and every day starting about 10:30 am until about 2 pm. Almost every call I got was for take out at the restaurant. My office mates and I used to keep score as to how many calls I got versus El Modelo's (El Modelo always won.)

Mona Chavez

The best stuffed sopapillas ever! Really inexpensive mexican food. Only takeout, but has really nice area outside, with tables you can eat at

Pangur Ban

I have been coming here since the 80's and its still awesome. The prices are very reasonable, the food is fresh and always neatly packaged. I suggest to call in orders during peak hours to avoid the crowded ordering lines.

randolph vazquez

MY FAVORITE MEXICAN PLACE. FUN FACT: THIS PLACE ISN'T ACTUALLY OWNED BY MEXICANS.

Luella Eastman

Love this place! Great food and they have prepared masa for tamales

Smitty Paling

What in the world is an overdue pregnant woman to do when she doesn't want to meal prep or cook? Well, she purchases deliciously made food in large sizes from El Modelo so she can make burritos at home without heating up the kitchen. I took my best friend here on Sunday and her boyfriend, neither one had ever visited this place before. She ordered a dozen frozen tamales to go back with her to Seattle and I ordered a pound of chicarones, red chile, and beans.

Mary Ann Vasquez

Delicious food with lots of flavors, has a home made feeling but no where to eat in side. Great outside tables on good days

Simon Garcia

No frills, locals love it, take out only. Takes you back to a bygone era of Albuquerque.

James Brinkin

THE STUFFED SOPAS WE GOT DID NOT HAVE ANY CHORIZO IN THEM. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!

Valerie Camille Vargas

My Family and I absolutely love this place. Staff are very friendly. Food is Delicious. I recommend trying everything on the menu. I also recommend ordering your food ahead of time so you dont have to wait.

Margaret Allen

We were waited on by a wonderful young lady who listened, cared about our order & best of all got it right! Great training... Also great food!!!

Dewayne Saiz

Talk about comfort food. This is the heart of some great New Mexican food. Been here for years and continues to amazing with it's quality and consistency.

Kevin the Window Cleaner

Get the stuffed sopapilas. Good stuff

Maria Barela

Can't go wrong with this place food is always good.

Carlos McMahon

If.tou want the (ABSOLUTE) Best Tamales in New Mexico. This is the place, and do not forget the flat-tostada. I00% the best. I always order two tamales and one flat tostada.

Mary L Chavez

I love this place. Food is always fresh and hot, and ever so good. If you like Mexican food then you must try this place.

Bonnie McMurray

This is a neat, small Mexican food restaurant that has been here since 1922. You walk in, pick up your food (which is always very good), the go outside to eat or take your food with you. It is always inexpensive- today three of us ate for $15.00.

Martin Quintana

No. I love that place. Great Food

Kevin Klein

Classic Albuquerque eatery. It's all to go and it gets packed so call in your order. I love buying some of their bulk items for parties etc, like chips and salsa.

annamaria salas

El Modelo has been one of my favorite place, to get a stuffed sopapilla, But for the last couple of visits, the sopapilla is not what it used to be, it is poorly made, the beans are dried up and burned, the chili sauce is different to the taste, it is not the chili sauce, that would make it a super good Modelo style sopa, the sopapilla it self, had a different taste very bland, very generic, was not delicious at all. Modelo has lost their good taste of a stuffed sopapilla! Over all picture of the sopapilla, give it a ONE.

Big Hern

Always a good place to eat. Food is always on point and it is always clean. They are pretty fast as well just depends on how busy they are. I love the rib plate.

Richard Marino

MODELO IS THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN THE SUR VALLE!!!!

AOP

What NO other review had mentioned, this is carry out only. Lots of food for the price. If you love authentic NEW MEXICAN fare, you will love El Modelo. If having a get-together, this would be a great place to pick up tamales, tortillas, etc

Carol Sedillo-Romero

Been going there since child hood with my parents. A very popular place For Delicious Mexican Food..Now as a Senior I'm still stopping by to pick up My Favorite Foods..So many to choose from....I Love it....

Andrea Ortega

Amazing food!! Outdoor dining in a beautiful area with lush grass, and rose bushes surrounding. Most do takeout due to limited swatting outside. Either way you will not be disappointed.

Fred Sedillo

Best Southwest food! Sopapillas are gigantic and delicious!

Sue Kitchen

The most wonderful Mexican food ever. Only place to experience New Mexican food. THE BEST.

Joe Edward

The food is great but it is takeout only. there are a couple of tables outside in the parking lot but it's tough to sit there during the winter. It would be great if they had a space inside to sit down.

Darryl Mail

be kept secret in abq. great food , nothing fancy, walk in order , leave . simple concept. almost always busy , very seldom is there not people waiting in line

A G-Man

God damn this place is Amazing! We love the stuffed sopapilla

David Sanchez

Food is always good, and when you call it in if they say 20 minutes, it's done in 20 minutes, thank you.

Jake McCue

I always hit this little spot up every time I pass through NM. Best Mexican food I have ever tasted.

Chu Vato

Grrreat Food at a great price. Breakfast, lunch or an early dinner, they have a great selection that is delicious.

Alyssa Davidson

Dude ....so good. No frills but yum. Best Mexican good I've eaten since I can remember. Tamales are so good. Spice was on point. Hot verging on a good burn.

Dallas Bradford

Neat but different place no dining in but do have tables outside like there food.

Roberto alfonso chavez amarillas

The food it's always great. They can be a little busy most of the time but it's worth it

Victoria Maestas

If your interested in New Mexican Food, El Modelo is the BEST place to go!! Everything is made to Perfection!! And that ain't No Lie, I personally eat there, twice a week.. the yummy-ness is ALWAYS there!

Michael McCabe

I have been going to this place for years they have the best mexican food in town.

Thomas Gutierrez

Ok, Mi Raza do I have to tell you about the comida here its great top too bottom, bottom to top.

Leonard Otero

Horrible customer service. Call in orders are slower because you’re on hold forever. Then when you call back. They’re very rude when asking if you want to be put on hold and when you say you were just in hold for several minutes. They just said sorry you’ll have you wait.

jon tuder

This is an old landmark restaurant for New Mexico cuisine not to be confused with Mexican food. Very spicy red sauce that you'll need to develop a taste for. I enjoy the food even though I feel it's way too much ! Very popular place.

Brian Lovato

Fresh and hot all the time always the best customer service

LoraxTheHuman

Great food, just come at the right time or your going to be waiting awhile. Otherwise a great spot, very recommended

Geoff Frost

Like eating at Grandma's kitchen. Phenomenal food and great prices. You cant always go home but you can eat here.

Gilbert Garcia

Super awesome place!!! Very quick and very inexpensive. Would definitely recommend for a quick bite. They have plenty of sitting areas outside in the shade or take it to go and enjoy a dozen tamales in the comfort of your home.

Abraham Alire

Be patient wen you go in on a Sunday food tastes good.

Katrina Santillanes

Great place to eat!! And not bad on the price! Favorite thing is the burrito plate, their refried beans are the best in town!!!

Jessica Etcitty

This place has the best stuffed sopapillas. They have great customer service and ordering by take out your food will always be ready 15 minutes after your order is placed. Definitely would recommend. Just watch out for rush hour of you don't call ahead of time!

Ed G

Outstanding food! Noteworthy menu My Favorites include Stuffed Sopapilla, Tomalley, Beans and Sopapillas.

Cassieopeia Saicawalo

One of the best New Mexican spots in the whole world. Albuquerque is blessed to have this place around for so long. Been eating here since I was a kid and now I feed my.own kids here yummy

Augie Kunkel

Great food not the best area wish they had indoor dining but they do have outdoor tables

Inglis Reynolds

This place has been around for generations and once you come here it is obvious why that is. I have been coming here for as long as I can remember. The food here is like no other place ive ever been. Its delicious , original and they serve so much food it seems surreal what they charge. I usually stick with a taco, stuffed sopapilla, tamale or a chicharon burrito.

Dee Luc

Best stuffed sopapillas red enchiladas and tamales in the 505

Renee Wilson

Love love this place been eating here over 30 years now .Great food great people

chrisdgg30

Good food but menu is small, enchilada plate comes with no beans no rice but you pay the same price as you would for enchiladas anywhere! Beans and rice must be purchased separately which cost a lot more.

Chris Barela

Great food would definitely recommend El Modelo to anybody looking for a great meal for a great price

Renee Chavez

Aunthentic mexican food and the sopapillas were amazing. Rexommend getting the chile verde stew

Boss Lady

This place has been around for many years and is still the talk of the town .Everything is so authentic!!This place is best known for their stuffed sopapillas because they are so yummy.

kerri quinnett

I've been going to El Modelo for years I love their food. But unfortunately this past weekend I was so disappointed. I always call in my order so they don't have to wait as long. Still had to wait 20 minutes and there was hair in my food. This made me super sad.

Gottfried Kibelka

The place that seems too good to be real. Stuffed sopapilla for $3.15 are a complete meal. Long lines but fast service and although I tried my very best to throw a wrench into the well greased operation by asking for vegetarian options, I got nothing but a smile and many options. Plain beans, chili relleno, hot sauce were tasty and extremely filling. Don't go for a snack, come hungry and get stuffed.

Jennifer Ramirez

One of my favorite places since I was a kid. Now my children love it. Best tamale plates ever!!

julia tapia

Nothing describes Albuquerque like El Modelo. Yummy comfort New Mexican food to go. This is a place to go when you have time. High volume of customers, but the wait is worth it. Best sopaipillas in town!

Victor P Vigil

Love this place the food is always perfect

Erin M

Amazing food for incredibly cheap especially for the amount. Keep in mind, they are almost always super busy, it isn't a sit down and eat there restaurant, and there are almost NO vegetarian options. You can ask for stuff without mwat, but you do so at your own risk as the food is not really set up for that. Parking is so so, a small lot next to the building, and the staff is always friendly. They ask for ID sometimes when you're paying with a card

Linda Chavez

The best place to eat in new mexcio i just love this place..

Steven Fletcher

Delicious meals for a reasonable price. Even tho it's takeout only, they still have great tasting food.

David Parker

One of the best new mexican restaurants in existance. Homemade comfort food and very good chilli. Get the combo plate and enjoy, just bebprepared to take 1/2 of it home.

Jade J

The food is always amazing and prices haven't changed much in 20 yrs.

Amanda Chavez

THE best New Mexican food, in the state. Hands down. If there's a wait? It's worth it, I'm telling you. They also sell tamales by the dozen for your next, "I forgot about the potluck!" moment. Always best to call ahead, if you can. Very friendly. Worth the wait. Delicious food. Chile, and not jalapenos. Don't forget to get some sopapillas!

jonathan figueroa

When I ordered tamales from this place they were pretty messed up and not worth eating so when I called to let the manager know she said she's been eating these tamales for years and she's never got a messed up one lol. Safe to say I'll have to check my order every time I go.

Jo Ann Culpepper

Awesome! It's great food and being able to watch the ladies, in the back, making piles of tamales is really fun. They make it look easy! The outside dining area is really nice.

Bobby Richardson

Awesome chicharron burritos and green chile chicken enchiladas. Sitting outside only but worth it

Chishimba Simutowe

Best Mexican food I've had in a long time. You definitely get more than your money's worth. What I ordered cost me a little under $10 and I easily could have split it with 2 other people. I would say it's well worth the hype. Next time I find myself in Albuquerque I'll make a point to pay this place a visit.

Tony Farrar

Great food, cheap price, quick service

Liz Sanchez

This is a nice change from a burgar. They are busy. But worth the wait.

marina gabaldon

Was do good n nice people

Donna Lopez

It's amazing from food to employees love it keep up the great work

R Y

Truly the best Mexican food on the planet. It's so good that I have family in NYC and they fly in to Albuquerque just to eat here then leave... It's nice when you have money to do things like that but the point I'm trying to make is this place is that good. Amazing

Sylvia Guzman

Best place in town to eat Mexican enchiladas I love them and there tamales are delicious

alex lajeunessse

The food's great but it takes forever to get served

Louis Plumley

OMG, this place is amazing. The prices are too cheap. The amount of food is crazy. I ordered the number 1 and took home enough food for another meal.

Ali Hayes

Food is awesome and good prices!

Kristen Callaway

Foods good, service is awful. Placed at order at 5:24 PM, was told order would be ready in 20 minutes showed up at 5:46 PM was told 13 more minutes. I told them I was told 20 minutes, girl couldn't have cared less. Finally got my food at 6:09 pm. Food may be good but it's not worth waiting 45 minutes for especially after being told 20 minutes. Was offered no apology or concern. They think they're the only place that serves good food and they've forgotten who has kept them in business all these years...the customers.

annis brown

Before leaving Albuquerque, I had to stop at one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants. It just as delicious as I remembered! There is nothing like this in Georgia! It did not disappoint me!!!

Jess Sanchez-Martinez

Love the service and the food is great

Marcquilis Brooks

Great place to eat I have been going there since I was little and the food has not changed

R Robillard

An Albuquerque must. It's a little off the beaten path but the food is phenomenal True New Mexican food. Don't forget to get an order of tamales to go.

Clayton Meredith

El Modelo is more than an iconic restaurant. It's a fixture of the neighborhood. It's a unique experience documenting an Albuquerque of the past. Its status transcends into the realm of legends. The place is the distilled essence of the city stuffed into a delicious sopapilla, wrapped in butcher paper, and served at a modest price. You have not visited Albuquerque until you have eaten at El Modelo.

X-pert Knight

Great hidden little place. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because the customer service was non-existent. The food was good, best food I've had in Albuquerque so far.

Elise Jackson

El Modelos fresh, authentic dishes are even more delicious than the hype. Friendly service and sparkling clean atmosphere are bonuses. Try the signature handmade oversized tamales. Top them off with local sourced Hatch Chile sauces - the green and the red are both fantastic. Best in New Mexico.

Denise Armijo

You can't go wrong with El Modelo but if possible call in your order or be prepared to wait a while. This place is always busy because the food is so good.

Alexander Herlan

Quick and greasy (in a good way IMO) NEW Mexican fast food. Somewhat comparable to Twisters/Hurricanes, but slightly better. It didn't blow me away, but was also exactly what I expected. If you're hungry for quick New Mexican food, eat here. Good Tamales and Enchiladas

Chelsea Leeds

Very very good food and fast service! The tamales are amazing!!! The posole is awesome!!!

sylviash2

One of the BEST places for Mexican cuisine in the entire state. El Modelo has been around since 1929 and they are DEFINITELY doing something RIGHT!!!! The food is OUTSTANDING!!! The place is constantly outstanding with great portions and great prices. El Modelo is always busy, but it is definitely worth the wait. The best thing to do is call in your order. The staff is very nice and always helpful, going out of their way to make sure that they take great care of you. There are some picnic tables outside where you can eat in the warmer months. Don't miss out on this local treasure!!!

Jolene Montoya

The best place for food I will be going back

Vana Swanson

Great place, great prices! Had a very filling breakfast. I’ll stop here anytime I drive through Albuquerque.

Ed Eddie

Great takeout food at excellent price. Don't let the outside appearance stop you trying their food. Good parking lot.

karen perea

Best food in town ... call in or get there early ... take out only ! Tamales !

Matthew Castillo

This place is a must stop everytime we are in New Mexico! The stuffed sopapillas are out of this world amazing. Do yourself a favor and make an effort to stop there when you're in New Mexico, and you won't be sorry.

Terry Walker

Good food

Gerald Leon

The food is good here and they have a good food menu but the one thing that sucks about this place is that you can't get water for free and you have to pay for refills on sodas and the cups you pay for are over priced plus they are small

Roy Marin

Great for carry out during winter seasons. There are few tables surrounding the outside for lunch and summer meals . Their food is outstanding and sometimes there's a wait, but it is well worth it. You can also get tortillas by the dozens for take-out as well as salsas and sodas.

Stella YEPA

Great food, great service

Eddie Machete

Best quality New Mexican food at more than an affordable cost. Delicious!!!

Kwan Ko

Good food but LONG wait

Nanette Slinkey-Poe

Their red chili spare ribs are delicious and the serving is large enough to feed and army! The are not stingy with their food! The red chili is the best I've had in a long time! I need some oven bread to dip next time!

Valerie Ramos

Love eating the Stuffed Sopapillas here. They are the BEST!

Cherri Ethridge

I like the way they work that place the food is delicious as if you had visited a high-dollar restraint. I love the fact that you can take it home and it's always still warm and very freshly made

Donna Puentes

Great food been eating at this restaurant for over 17 yrs I remember going there as a kid.

Michelle Smith

So good! Stuffed sopopilla! Yum

Brandon Peckinpaugh

El Modelo is one of those places you gotta check out. Food is always good. Can get busy but they are quick.

Felipe Gregory

Busy Everytime I went in ..BUT and I stress BUT.... The food they churn out.. is WORTH the wait.... I recommend the chicheroni burrito with red n green .

Roz Mint

Best Little Mexican spot in Albuquerque.. been going there 30yrs Love it! The stuff sopapillas are amazing the plain sopapillas are great they're plates are all good huge portions.

Joseph Cook

Fast, friendly service and delicious food. Carry out or outdoor seating only

Eric Grelle

Always well worth the trip. There's a reason we always have some of their tamales in the freezer at home. I'm partial to their carnitas and brisket burritos, but we've never had anything we haven't liked.

Antonio Rico

Food on Mexican plate was all mixed together topped of with some sauce, didn't know if it was a tamal, or enchilada, or the rib...

Vences Roybal

Great local street food for a cheap price

Robert Espinoza

Had the Green Chile burrito which was stuffed with shredded beef brisket and cheese. The only thing missing was salt. This place was very busy. In California, you would've easily paid $3-5 more for the same burrito.

Tim Torres

Affordable soul food. You may be waiting if you come to place an order (worth it). Limited seating outside only. More of a take out place or picnic style outside on benches.

Chris Hennen

Very fast service, excellent food! The sitting areas outside are well maintained and nice to eat at. They have the very best tamales I've ever had! I always make a trip here whenever I'm in town.

Rachel Stallworth Chelf

Excellent mexican take out place. Food has always been good.

Leroy Padilla

If you're in Albuquerque you definitely got to swing by El Modelo

Bob Foster

Great burrito plate at a very reasonable price.

Teo Trujillo

Always good food, but Steve is not very cool. He messed up my order I called to ask what happen. He did nothing about it. 5 stars for food 1 star for Steve rounds to 3 stars.

Diane Temple

We always get the tamalies. They are so big.

Pat Saiz

Top notch as always. Try the Chile relleno burrito. I ordered it on accident ended up being my favorite burrito ever.

Daniel Uranga

THE FOOD IS AMAZING. LOVE THEIR TAMALES AND CARNE ADOVADA BURRITOS

Rodney Garcia

Best Mexican food in town, been eating here for over 45 years

Al G

Love this place. Best stuffies ever tostadas New Mexican food period. Always gotta visit when I go home for a visit. Gold star!

Patricia Lingnau

Love the tamales and stuffed sopapillas. My family and I have personally been eating here for well over a decade. Quality of food and service is always excellent. Customer service is wonderful. Staff does little things but those little things make their service awesome. Last time my sister and me were there we ordered 2 red tamales & a stuffed sopapilla. At the last minute my sister asked for the sopapilla to be cut in half because we were sharing. They could've just cut it & wrapped it up but instead they wrapped each half individually for us. Like I said, it's something small but the attention to detail & customer service sets them apart. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone! I wish they were open later but it's understandable why they close at 7pm. I don't think I have or ever will have anything bad to say about El Modelo! There's a reason they've been in business since 1929!

colin young

Never really complained about people not speaking English, but damn, you gotta get the order right at least.

Mia Dickerson

You can't go wrong for New Mexican food on the go!!! Their stuffed sopapillas are my family's favorite, they are huge and they are a complete bargain for what you get. One will fill you up!!!! Fresh salsa for a steal!!!! Guacamole is amazing!!! Enchilada plate is hot, spicy and delicious!!! Tamales are so good!!! Try El Modelo, i guarantee it will become one of your favorites too!!!

Jim Sloane

Started eating at El Modelo in 1958. Eat lunch there every work day. Then I went to work with Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and generally ate there every evening through 1967. Now when I visit Albuquerque I generally bring about 5 dozen tamales home to Wisconsin.i have even had them flown in over night air next day delivery. There is no better tamales in the entire country. They also have a great menu!

Donna Corey

The best NM Food in the city. My Father first took me to El Modelo when I was am around 5 years old. There quality has held true for generations. El Modelo is truly the apitomy of New Mexican food.

angelica uhl

Been going almost thirty yrs and it stays the same and does have true authenticity with the food and spirit

Joe Stevens

I have grown up eating food from El Modelo. It is delicious. It is comforting. I love picking up the food and standing in the lobby because when I was young my dad would give me 50 cents to play the crane game. Couldn't recommend this place any more! Give it a try.

carl tabor

If I was going to recommend 1 place in ABQ for authentic-local food at ultra-reasonable prices..I would easily point on this place! Carne adovada burritos were a highlight. Eat out back on one of the outdoor picnic tables. Or take it with you (like most do). Maybe the largest kitchen I have ever seen.