I lived in Albuquerque for 28 yrs, and whenever I go back, the first stop is Los Cuates. It's got all the makings of a good New Mexican kitchen, cheap plastic tablecloths, brightly painted walls, a basket of sopas with a honey container ready to deploy on each table.
The Carne Adobada is to die for, but you can't go too far wrong. Service is good, there's lots of noisy kids, and a great deal of hustle and bustle, but if you're looking for the real stuff, Los Cuates is where its at.
The only other competition in Albuquerque is M&J's downtown, and perhaps Sadies on N. Fourth (they lost some of the essentials (plastic tablecloths, tacky wall decor when they moved from the bowling alley, but the green chile is still some of the hottest and most flavorful , and you'll NEVER go away hungry!).
John
Pros: Fast service, Great Value, Authentic NM food
Cons: Noisy, Crowded
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