Monroe's Restaurant — Restaurant in Albuquerque

I had always heard that Monroe's was a great place for red chile (a New Mexican staple) If you are not familiar, "red chile" is the New Mexico term for a sauce (yes it is a sauce, no matter how much it ticks off some New Mexicans to hear red chile called a sauce!) It is prepared by using New Mexico chiles that have been allowed to fully ripen on the vine and are then sun-dried. Once dried, these red chiles take on a mature, distinctive, flavor, and are rehydrated into a sauce called "red chile." or just "red." Period.

So anyway, Monroes has been hailed as a good place for this and since we were close by in Albuquerque we decided to stop by.. The restaurant is quite nice, pleasing decor, plenty of room around the custom tables. We were greeted promptly for drink orders by courteous servers, many of whom looked like college students. Everything about the service was fine, no issues. My problem was the red chile. Instead of being bright red, it arrived on my order of blue corn enchiladas as more tawny brown than red. It had very little red chile flavor or aroma and must have been prepared with a blended chile powder mix or similar. It did not look, smell, or taste, like it had been prepared using freshly rehydrated NM chile pods. To me it was disappointing, not what I expect from a supposedly top-tier New Mexican Food purveyor. The primary flavor I got was salt, not chile. My grandson had the tamales Christmas Style (red and green chile adorning the plate side by side. He said it was okay, but not outstanding. I ordered a side of Carne Adovada and that was the best thing on my plate, pretty tasty with more chile flavor than the red chile. Though not a bad restaurant in any sense, I just can't award more than 3 stars as a New Mexican Food...

In the culinary landscape of Albuquerque, there emerges a gem that tantalizes the palate and delights the senses: a gastronomic masterpiece, the green chile cheese burger. This savory delight, crafted with finesse and precision, stands as a testament to culinary ingenuity. Its harmonious fusion of flavors transcends the ordinary, beckoning connoisseurs and novices alike to partake in its splendor.

Nestled within the heart of Albuquerque, this establishment exudes a quintessential New Mexican ambiance, enveloping patrons in a warm embrace of tradition and hospitality. The attentive service bestowed upon guests further enhances the dining experience, elevating it to a realm of unparalleled satisfaction.

Beyond the culinary centerpiece lies a symphony of flavors, embodied by the tantalizing chips and salsa. Each bite, a revelation; each dip, a journey into the realm of culinary excellence. Freshness pervades every aspect, with the salsa crafted anew each day, a testament to the commitment to quality and authenticity.

Moreover, the layout of the establishment is a testament to thoughtful design, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the establishment admirably maintains its commitment to accessibility, keeping prices within reach for patrons seeking solace in the joy of dining out.

In summation, this culinary haven in Albuquerque stands as a beacon of excellence, offering not only a feast for the palate but also a celebration of tradition, service, and resilience. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of gastronomy and the enduring allure of New...

Original review: Really good new Mexican food. It's been a long time since I wrote my original review. And, I really wasn't speaking with much depth when I did it. Last night I ordered take out again. And, realize that needed to be a bit more verbose. So, here goes.

I've been eating at Monroe's for about 30 years. I used to live around the corner and so I ended up eating there quite frequently. In fact, two of my kids waders there for a number of years. As you can see there's a lot of history.

Monroe's is a family-run business, and for three decades they've had consistently delicious New Mexican food served at a reasonable price, prepared in a reasonable amount of time, in a restaurant that is clean, well kept, and comfortable to eat in.

They're known for their green chili - famous for it is more accurate. Ironically, I'm a red chili guy, but their red chili is just as delicious. Hey, even their salsa knocks it out of the park. You can get their salsa jarred ready for take home at the restaurant, or even local grocery stores. It's really terrific!

I've ordered curbside several times during the pandemic. And they haven't let me down once. It's always been real treats to take sweet home from Monroe's. Last night was no exception. Blue corn beef enchiladas with red and green Chile (Christmas). My wife is a big fan of the guaco taco plate. She just loves it.

So, five stars to Monroe's. If you haven't...