Garduño's of Mexico Restaurant & Cantina at Old Town — Restaurant in Albuquerque

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Mexican restaurant located within Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, and I must say, it was a truly delightful experience. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was immersed in the rich ambiance that perfectly complemented the tantalizing flavors of the Mexican cuisine.

The menu offered an extensive selection of traditional Mexican dishes, each one bursting with authentic flavors and expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients. From the sizzling fajitas to the mouthwatering enchiladas, every bite was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to delivering an outstanding culinary experience.

However, what truly elevated my dining experience was the exceptional service provided by our server, George. From the moment he greeted us with a warm smile and genuine enthusiasm, it was evident that we were in for a treat. George's extensive knowledge of the menu and his genuine passion for the cuisine shone through as he guided us through the diverse array of options, recommending the perfect dishes to suit our preferences.

Throughout the evening, George's attentiveness and impeccable timing ensured that our glasses were never empty and our dining experience flowed seamlessly. He was always available to answer any questions, offer suggestions, and accommodate any special requests with a graciousness that made us feel valued and well taken care of.

George's professionalism was matched by his friendly demeanor, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. His warmth and personalized approach elevated our dining experience to one that was not only delicious but also memorable.

Furthermore, the ambiance of the restaurant was outstanding. The traditional Mexican decor, combined with warm lighting and comfortable seating, created a cozy and inviting atmosphere that added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The live music playing in the background added a touch of authenticity and further enhanced the dining experience.

In conclusion, the Mexican restaurant at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town provides an exceptional dining experience that goes beyond the exquisite flavors of its cuisine. George, our server, exemplified the pinnacle of professionalism, offering impeccable service with a genuine passion for ensuring our satisfaction. Combined with the restaurant's vibrant ambiance and delectable menu, my visit was truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an authentic Mexican culinary adventure and...

I had an extremely disappointing experience today (Monday 9/29/25 @ 2:00pm) while attempting to dine at Garduno's, which was supposed to be a highlight during our trip to Albuquerque. My family and I, as tourists looking for a memorable last meal before flying out, chose this iconic place with high expectations. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

We waited over 10 minutes to be seated, only to find ourselves having to track down a server. When we finally approached her, she immediately made a false and frankly offensive implication that my mother-in-law was stealing, saying, “Those items are reserved for this group,” with a tone and manner that felt racially loaded. Her words and dismissive attitude felt racially undertones and completely unprofessional.

The server, who appeared disheveled and seemed to be in her late 50s or early 60s, was rude and dismissive beyond belief. She rudely directed us to the bar, stating they were only serving appetizers, without any apology or attempt to accommodate us. Her demeanor was unprofessional and unpleasant, making the entire experience feel uncomfortable and unacceptable.

Sadly, this experience tarnished what should have been a special visit to this iconic Albuquerque restaurant. The racial undertones and the rude behavior of this staff member left us feeling unwelcome and deeply disappointed. This is not what we expected from a restaurant that’s supposed to be a local landmark. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone, especially tourists looking for a warm, welcoming...

We drive in from Phoenix and someone recommended this restaurant and I never usually write reviews but I was so hungry and it was so horrible I had to. I ordered the grilled chicken with cheese, avocado slices and queso over it. The chicken was thick and dry so I cut each bite in half so I would get more flavor. It still was not that flavourful, so I noticed it had no queso on it. Luckily my son had a small queso on his plate and i poured it on part of my chickenbut it was lukewarm by this time. I ate the enchilada and squash that was on the plate but our server recommended Christmas sauce and it was just red. When she finally came back, I told her it was not made right and how I had to doctor it with my sons sauce. She offered to get me some queso but we were almost done by this time . I then told her about the Christmas sauce and she said it was her fault it wasn't on it. I would gladly have paid for a cheese enchilada and the squash because I ate it but she made no offer to take it off the bill or make it good for us. I tipped her the 20% because the world is hard enough getting back after the Pandemic but not having the customer service could cost this business eventually. After driving all day and no lunch, i was so looking forward to a great meal this was so disappointing that I felt a review...