Los Olivos Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Albuquerque

HONEST AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION ABOUT RESTAURANT* Upon waking into the restaurant you can already feel and embrace the Hispanic atmosphere. The restaurant is small, but wow does it feel like your at home. Was greeted by a waiter and was told I could sit wherever I please. I was really really tempted to try the queso Birra tacos since they are the most popular choice but I ordered a meal called carne en pipián (which I believe was pork in green mole sauce; I could definitely be wrong) with an Horchata drink, but man was I ever so satisfied with my choice!!! The flavors were so well blended, the sauce, the tender meat, the rice and beans; perfectly well balanced with a tortilla of your choice. I opted for corn; I usually don’t finish plates, especially of this proportional size but man did I clean that plate right off!! The horchata was so authentic, it was not overly sweet and you could taste the quality ingredients. Our waiter was fantastic as well, gave us great recommendations if we decide to come (it’s a no brained we’re definitely coming again). If ANYONE is looking for a high quality, very affordable, authentic atmosphere with great service, then I HIGHLY suggest you try this place out. It’s extremely difficult for me to give 5 stars since I personally believe a rating of 5 stars has be locked in within core memories and near perfect taste. HOWEVER, this place definitely meets that standard in my opinion, THE ONLY reason I am not giving it a 5 star review just yet is because I need to try those queso birria tacos; so my review will be edited and finalized once I try them out, and I WILL be honest about this review. As of now this place is a no brainer to taste and bring your...

We were blown away by the vibes of this little place right away! Los Olivos was recommended by a local down the street, when I asked if he would recommend a favorite restaurant close by. He was emphatic that it was really good! He even pointed to the little green building surrounded by a black fence. The dining area appeared to be two small rooms and a shaded porch. We seated ourselves in the main dining room as it was mid afternoon and very quiet. The patio would have been too warm. The AC was on, but not “frigid” as is often the case these days. Perfect. The tables were clean. Annia, our server, was helpful. When orderIng iced tea, she even asked if we’d like Sweet 'n Lo! No one ever does that! We took time cruising the menus, much of which was in Spanish. I was very intrigued, but as we’d already eaten lunch at home, this was just a “test.” Burritos of Carne de Asada and Carnitas! Wow!! They were simply presented like soft and warm little pillows with a few chopped tomatoes and lettuce on the side. I’d never tasted one like it! Crispy pieces of pork, nestled in with rice beans and melted cheese. One bite and I knew this as a very special place. Ummm. Heavenly! We had eyed a special flan desert advertised on the wall. But it had sold out! I am a very tough critic when it comes to restaurants. Los Olivos is my kind of place. Honest food prepared with love, family owned, delicious. We will return again and again....

This place has carnitas that could put even a good BBQ restaurant to shame!

I got the carnitas tacos, and they were masterclass! The carnitas was perfectly cooked, tender, and was far from bland. Not to mention, these are 100% authentic tacos with onion, cilantro, and a salsa verde!

I came back Los Olivos and had their chicken enchiladas. So far, this is the only chicken enchilada I have had at a sit down restaurant in New Mexico that didn't have dry chicken! A saving grace! In fact, it was cooked perfectly and quite juicy! The red chile on that enchilada was a bit sweet. I wasn't expecting that, but it was still quite good and complemented the chicken quite well.

And of course, I had to come back for round 3 to get some quesabirria tacos. They nailed it again! In one word, I'd describe them as balanced. They were spicy, both in heat and in flavor, but not overwhelmingly so. The broth had just the right amount of salt, and if there is one thing I love about those tacos, it's the strong notes of onion present.

The chips were also fresh and crispy as (censored)! Their salsa is also fantastic, as it also has strong notes of onion.

Well done Los Olivos!

Edit 4: I used to say Los Olivos was my standard for good Mexican food. It has been dethroned of that title. However, Los Olivos is still very...