Padilla's Mexican Kitchen

1510 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(2141 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Padilla's Mexican Kitchen, a beloved gem tucked away at 1510 Girard Blvd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you're seeking an authentic dining experience that captures the heart and soul of traditional Mexican cuisine, look no further. This cash-only establishment is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary voyage that transports you to the vibrant heart of New Mexico, where each dish tells a story.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy family gathering. The decor reflects the culture and spirit of New Mexican heritage, creating a comfortable ambiance perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. The friendly staff is attentive and nurturing, ensuring that your dining experience is not just about the food, but also about the connection.

The culinary offerings at Padilla’s are a delightful array of robust and flavorful dishes that embody the essence of New Mexican flavors. Start your feast with the Combination Plate, featuring a mouthwatering beef taco, tamale, and cheese enchilada for just $11.00, a perfect introduction to their palate-pleasing creations. Or dive into the Taco Plate or Enchilada Dinner, both bursting with vibrant flavors that dance on your tongue. For something truly special, don't miss the Carnitas, Papas, & Quelites available on Thursdays, a dish that brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Vegetarians will also find incredible satisfaction here; dishes like the Huevos Rancheros and Relleno Plate showcase the chefs' ability to deliver flavor without compromise. Feedback from loyal patrons reinforces this sentiment, with one customer sharing, “It tastes like your grandma cooked it”—a testament to the authentic, homemade feel of the food. The sensational red chili has become a particular highlight among regulars, described as “out of this world,” a must-try that elevates any meal.

For those who appreciate side dishes, Padilla’s offers delicious sopaipillas and a range of customizable options like guacamole, beans, and rice, each at a price that won't break the bank. Don’t forget to order salsa & chips as your starter; at just $2.95, they are perfectly crunchy, delivering a delightful initiation to your meal.

It’s important to be aware that Padilla’s only accepts cash or checks, a quaint reminder of simpler times, so come prepared. It’s not just about eating; it’s about embracing a dining culture rooted in tradition. Guests can expect quick service even during peak hours, as experienced servers prioritize your needs, ensuring your experience is as smooth as it is flavorful.

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen encapsulates everything you want from a local eatery: authenticity, flavor, and a welcoming vibe that feels like home. With its robust flavors and warm service, this restaurant has solidified its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Come for the food, stay for the experience, and prepare yourself for a culinary delight that you'll long remember. Indulge in the flavors of New Mexico at Padilla’s—your taste buds will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

2141 Reviews
m silano

26 Aug 2025

The food is absolutely amazing. The red chili is spectacular and the flavor is just incredible. The burrito with green chilies was 10/10

Kathleen Koechling

10 Aug 2025

We did not notice it was cash only--we lucked out and had some cash (not always a given). The service was excellent. Our main server came over right away and advised us to order quickly ahead of a huge table next to us that would have delayed our meal, and at least two other servers came by regularly to offer water refills and ask if we needed anything. The food was very good, BUT as a vegetarian, noticing there was meat in the red sauce, without warning, was disconcerting. Rather than complain, we kind of scraped it off, but yikes. The sopapillas were terrific.

Rose Sena

28 Jul 2025

Felt very homey, we had a great waitress. The food tasted very good (I took a few bites before taking a picture) and it came out hot! (Which is always good) the red chile was out of this world! Please remember they do not take cards they are a cash only business. 10/10

Cory Madsen

17 Jul 2025

Good food, not too much I didn't leave feeling stuffed and sick. I got the GC chicken enchiladas, certain days they don't have carne adovada. They only take cash or check, come prepared. We got there on a weekday, right when doors opened and within 20 minutes the place was packed. They're doing something right.

Nick Swenson

12 Jul 2025

No frills, comfort New Mexican food. Tastes like your grandma cooked it, works well for a daily meal. We like both the Chili Relleno Plate and Blue Enchiladas plate. I'm not sure if adding beef was worth it for the enchiladas, I think the cheese enchilada would probably have had a bit more flavor. The favors here are simple but robust, and the price is right. The portions are good, you won't leave hungry. We appreciated that the fried options didn't taste overly oily or fatty, this may even be a healthy as far as restos go. I will stop buy again next time I visit.

cerease aragon

23 Jun 2025

Its a solid New Mexican food staple that we all love. The quality and authentic taste is makes us locals always go back.

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