Char — Restaurant in Albuquerque

Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at Char, located inside the historic Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, and it was an experience worth raving about. From the moment we walked in, the refined yet inviting atmosphere set the tone for a memorable evening. The live-fire cooking and the unique Josper grill—the only one in New Mexico—promised something special, and Char delivered in spades. Our server, Thelma, was an absolute gem. She greeted us with a warm smile and an infectious enthusiasm that made us feel right at home. Her knowledge of the menu was impressive, and she guided us through the offerings with genuine passion. When I asked for a recommendation, Thelma didn’t hesitate to point me toward the steaks, assuring me they were the star of the show. She was spot on. The steaks at Char are nothing short of awesome. I opted for the strip, and it arrived perfectly cooked—charred on the outside with that smoky, wood-fired flavor, yet tender and juicy within. The seasoning was bold but balanced, letting the quality of the meat shine through. My friend went for the ribeye, and it was equally divine—melt-in-your-mouth perfection with a subtle kick from the charcoal infusion. The burger was a hit as well. The sides, like the calabacitas, complemented the mains beautifully, but the steaks were undeniably the highlight. Thelma’s attentiveness throughout the meal elevated the experience even further. She checked in just enough to ensure we had everything we needed without ever hovering, and her cheerful demeanor made every interaction a delight. The ambiance, with its modern Southwestern flair, paired perfectly with the food and service. You could feel the care put into every detail, from the presentation of the dishes to the way Thelma made us feel like valued guests. Char isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and hospitality. If you’re in Albuquerque and craving a steak that’ll leave you speechless, head to Char and hope you’re lucky enough to have Thelma as your server. I’m already looking forward to...

I was thoroughly impressed with my first visit to Char, at the Hotel Andaluz, a Hilton Curio Collection property in Albuquerque. The experience was exceptional from start to finish, with attentive service and exquisite cuisine.

Steak Perfection

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the wagyu steaks. Served on 400°F charcoal bricks, these cuts were a masterclass in precision cooking. The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and bursting with rich flavor. The accompaniments elevated the dish further:

Chimichurri sauce Red and green salsa Pickled onions

This combination provided a perfect balance of flavors and textures to complement the premium beef.

Impressive Sides

The entrees were paired with two standout side dishes:

Calabacitas: A traditional New Mexican vegetable medley Pave Potatoes: Layered with Manchego cheese and parsley, offering a decadent twist on a classic

Seafood Entree

For those preferring fish, the Branzino was an excellent choice. Served on a standard dining plate, it provided a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to the rich steaks.

Delicious Dessert Delights

The meal concluded with two outstanding desserts:

Biscochito Parfait: A creative take on New Mexico's state cookie Pan Dulce Apple Crisp: Served with cinnamon mousse and drizzled with honey, a perfect blend of textures and flavors

Impeccable Service

The staff's attention to detail was noteworthy:

Frequent table visits by servers, manager, and hostess Prompt beverage refills Perfectly paced meal progression

In conclusion, Char offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends innovative cuisine with attentive service, making it a standout destination in Albuquerque's...

We went to Char for an anniversary dinner based on recommendations. Their food was great, service was good, however, the atmosphere was not what we expected based on reviews and recommendations. We ordered Ribeye and filet mignon steaks with all of the condiments to dress the steaks. We did not realize it was alacarte so after the steaks were delivered we ordered two sides, pave potatoes and the corn dish. Calamari for an appetizer and bottle of wine. The atmosphere is not what we expected based on the reviews, it was not quiet or romantic. It was very casual dining, not fine dining. A pesky fly kept trying to join in our celebration and finally dove into a full glass of wine. We flagged down our server and were promptly brought an empty wine glass to replace the glass with the fly. Overall, the food was great, service was good and we do recommend it. Just know the dress code is casual and the atmosphere is not intimate. We had a reservation, but it is not required. Not sure they checked us in for our reservation as we received a note from the reservation system that we were no shows. We were there and even moved to a different table. We were seated at a table that was high traffic and in the center of the dining room to a lower traffic area.We were offered a free dessert to celebrate our anniversary so we ordered a bischochito parfait. Overall, it was a pleasant experience with great steaks. We recommend a visit to the...