We wondered into this fascinating little place and it seemed closed. But, we were greeted by the owner who proudly told us about various items featuring fresh items from his garden, locally sourced food and everything seemed very fresh. He did not accept credit cards so I went to the close-by ATM with no success. We were going to leave without eating but he offered to serve us lunch and we could come back later and put the money under the door! We agreed and after plating remarkable dishes, he sat to play piano for us. He recounted stories about his life, inquired about ours and made us feel like family. Food was great, atmosphere was warm and homey and we thoroughly enjoyed everything. Check this place out!! read more

This place sucks ! Too hot! It only had enchiladas, and the owner was the only one working. We left after 10 minutes. This place needs work!!!!!! read more

What a memorable evening! We had just arrived in town to visit a friend and by the time we were ready for dinner it was late and we were tired and hungry! Coming in, it looked like they were closed but it turned out they had moved everything to the back patio and it was the first night of a four night jazz jam festival. Sooooooo amazing - apparently they have live music every Wednesday night and Albuquerque has such a solid depth of talent. We were able to get a table, but I would recommend reservations if possible since it was filling up and no one was leaving. The service was a bit informal, there were three dishes (we tried them all), then you went up to the bar for your drinks. There was a bit of a mixup with one dish coming out early...but the rest came out eventually and everything was really good. I'd especially recommend the slow cooked pork.. best I've had. The evening was magical and ended up a bit like a dinner party at a friend's house...even got to see the man himself get an award from grateful musicians and he's a pretty good dancer! All in all, a magical night, would make it a regular event...cash and checks only. read more

What a treat! Bring cash or use ATM across the parking lot. Local fresh and delicious! Short menu we got one of everything (except beef and salmon they were out) amazing enchiladas! Great salsa and wine margaritas. Live music by the chef/owner! What a gem! read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Pork enchilada! Soooo tender! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I came to pick up an order and was told they only took cash. I scrounged around in my car for some and came up short. I offered Venmo and he declined. I told him I would just take the part of the order that I had enough cash for and he said no, he had already made the full order so I needed to go to the atm and get cash. He insisted it took credit cards (I checked, it did not) and I got a lecture on how he doesn't work for the Bank of America and doesn't trust US banking. Though I didn't mind that he only took cash, he should have told me that when I placed my order and not been so rude when I didn't have any on hand. I am giving him two stars only because the patio was adorable and the music was great. Just didn't need to spend my night getting yelled at about banks. read more

TL;DR: Wonderful food, service, limited & spoken menu, cash only, & get the flan. The owner is fabulous, a true host. He'll go from cooking your meal to playing the piano to showing you his restaurant. The food is damn good. GET THE FLAN! He adds some salt to it and it's beyond delicious. They have a limited menu, which the server will tell you about. But they have vegetarian options even on this short menu! If you have anxiety about not knowing the price of things, heads up. I assume the menus always changing but my partner had the best slow roasted pork enchiladas, pintos were fresh even. And I had the salmon and calabacitas-- that were perfectly sauteed and seasoned. My sister had the veggie bowl and loved it, a decent serving of veggies with posol. Meal, chips, and dessert was about $25 a person. The wait staff is wonderful. There's limited seating inside and they had live music. But they also have an outside patio that is supposed to be opening up for summer months. read more

I went there for the first time a few weeks ago and to my surprise, it was an intimate space with great jazz music (Wednesday evenings), great food (cooked by Ben himself, spices from the garden), and though there isn't a menu per se, there's more than a few choices to eat. What a great time I had. read more

Not your average experience. Delicious food, perfect margarita and a warm homelike atmosphere. it felt like dropping in on a welcoming friend. Go expecting something different and you won't be disappointed! read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Exterior - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

MOST BIZARRE EXPERIENCE EVER!!!' I actually still can't believe it, but it must be true because other patrons had similar experiences, judging from other Yelp reviews. Front door is closed and locked, but we can hear live music, so we walk around back where there is some shady FBI looking guy just standing there assessing something. Or standing guard. For what? So weird. Not sure what he's assessing, but while he's assessing, another guy greets us - we didn't know it at the time but this second guy was the owner, Ben Michael. Ben Michael seats us, then asks us for IDs (margaritas). He then makes fun of my license photo before disappearing to the kitchen, I think to cook and run food. While Ben is in the kitchen, his wife? brings us our drinks and explains the menu to us... because there is no menu. Only enchiladas. Apparently, there are only 2 people working there- Ben and his wife. We get our food, which was actually OK, but then Ben Michael takes the band microphone on stage and makes some bizarre announcement about the COVID pandemic and asks for a moment of silence. Then he disappears, I guess to cook again, and we can't get anyone (him or his wife) to give us our check for about 30 minutes. Finally he brings the check and I hand him my credit card. NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED, even though there are Visa and MasterCard signs up front (the locked and closed entrance). So I tell Ben Michael I only have a card and he says he's a hard working American just trying to make it.... which I don't really understand. Hmmm. So I ask if I can Venmo or Zelle the $ and he says he's a simple American who doesn't understand email. Hmmm, I'm so confused. So then he walks me to the front, closed lobby and points across the street to a Bank of America ATM (I'm not the only one he has done this with - see reviews) and I tell him I can't get cash with a credit card from an ATM, but he insists I try. Now I feel like I'm being punked, or robbed. I'm so confused- looking for a hidden camera. My credit card doesn't work, duh. But while I'm gone, he asks my date if she has any cash and she doesn't. So in the end he says take a photo of the bill and mail (snail) the money to him whenever. Ok.... so if you read this and the other reviews, I can't help but think he's either laundering money (doesn't add up cuz he'd want less cash not more, right?), or more likely evading taxes? I have no idea but it was definitely the most bizarre experience ever... you should go!! Give it a shot. Bring cash. read more

Ok so it is my first time visiting Albuquerque and I choose to eat here since the ratings were so High! Oh my GOD! You need to make it here ASAP! The owner is the Chef, Cashier, And Server! The vibe is great with a gorgeous small outdoor patio with fun lighting. The inside really makes you feel like you are in the SouthWest! The owner built the whole place by himself! The service is like if you arrived to a cousins home and they want to feed you without knowing you were showing up! A little slower but you don't mind because the vibe is great! The food was so good! He does not have a menu and it is basically what he has going that day! I HIGHLY recommend getting a Flan! Very Delicious! Whenever I'm back in Albuquerque I will visit Ben Michaels! read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hidden gem. Food was great-- the best flan I have ever had. If you have some time, go for the food and stay for the music.

Remembered hearing about Ben Michael Cafe via the news as the owner "Ben" donated 100% of his profits for the day to a Local officer who was shot, and we wanted to give back to him for his kind humanitarian generosity. We were greeted right away by the eccentric and happy, down to earth and "earthy" guy "Ben". Very inviting and I'm sure it throws a lot of people off as he truly is one of a kind. He gave us the menu and told us about menu options such as his "Caldito" and cheese enchiladas. I was a little reluctant at first to what I was going to order as this place is a open "family seating" experience, haven't been to a unique place like this ever, besides "Bed & Breakfast" places. We decided to share a Chicken Quesadilla, and take it from there. Ben mentioned he makes everything from love and its all fresh & organic. I was eager to see & try what his kitchen of love was going to be like, and boy Ben is not only one of a kind but his Chicken Quesadilla was out of this world, something as simple as this was delicious and comforting. This is a community neighborhood Kitchen/Cafe dining experience and those who were dining literally talk from the tables across the way and say they have known been for years and what a great man he is, making fresh organic plates of comforting love out of his kitchen. We literally were there almost 3 hours talking with Ben and other guest. We tried his FLAN and it is one of the best that I have ever had in my life! Simply to die for! We were enjoying the conversations and had witnessed a few guest come in sit down and leave as they too might be taken back by the limited menu and the eccentric Ben......BUT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY MISSED OUT ON by leaving......A GREAT GUY WITH A HEART OF GOLD & PALATABLE COMFORTING FOOD MADE FROM SCRATCH & WITH LOTS OF LOVE! I can only say to those who intend on visiting & dining at BEN MICHAEL'S ~~This is the only place in town where you will experience a ONE MAN SHOW!! Ben is the CHEF, your Hostess, your Server, your Entertainment and NOW YOUR NEW FRIEND! read more

See all

So I'm traveling for business, and as I like to do, I seek out the "local gems". This is the perfect example. I happened to be there on a Wednesday, which is live jazz night. Just what the doc ordered after a long day. But here's the deal. You Yelped. Good for you. You can stop now. As others have said, stop. Just go. Mexican food? Awesome. Check. Local fare? Yup. Great vibe? Oh yeah. So stop. The owner greets you and cooks for you. (I'm not kidding). STOP. You've read enough. As others have said, don't just eat here. Budget the time. You'll thank me. And stop reading. Just in case you're still with me... I got here quite early. So glad I did. Ben showed me his organic garden. And waxed philosophically about health (wise man). Then I settled in for an evening of local jazz and killer food (and wonderful service!) Which was just amazing, on the twinkly patio (you'll understand once you're here). Do not even get me me started on my organic free-range chicken enchilada (with his lettuce grown on the other side of the fence). This is a true gem. Go. Now. And thank you Ben. You're doing good things. Even after 21 (!) years. Keep it up. So for you Yelpers- Why are you still reading? read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - The awesome patio. With the live jazz. Before it got twinkly. And more folks showed up. Wonderful vibe. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

Cliffs Notes: great food, spotty service*, nice ambiance *apparently 2 workers simultaneously called in sick on a Saturday night. I've never spent much time in ABQ, being a Santa Fe native and frequent visitor to Taos, it's always been somewhat of a step-child in my frequent visits back to the "home land". We had an early flight back to Denver, so decided we'd stay the night here and not make the 50+ mile drive at the crack of dawn. I'd always wanted to check out old town, so we ventured down, found a spot to park & started wandering. My mom had told me La Hacienda used to be a good local place, but as soon as we wandered by, I could tell they had gone the way of our world-famous Casa Bonita. I found Ben Michael's on Yelp, read a few reviews, and we decided to wander up Rodeo Rd. and give it a shot - easy walk from the old plaza. Our first impression was nothing to write home about - it appeared there was Ben, and his trusty side-kick running the entire show - and so it was. Thinking I was going to be thoroughly impressed by the self-proclaimed "World Famous Margarita's", this was not so. They were rushed out to the table, and at MOST mine had 3-oz of liquid in the glass. Good tasting, but nothing in comparison to a stardard silver coin - especially the standard set by the Taos Inn with their Cowboy Buddha. We ordered our food, and it came out fairly soon - both of us got the Chili Relleños, my wife went Christmas tree style, me with just green chili. We also ordered chili con queso, this never appeared. The food was delivered and I have to say, the relleños were probably the best I've experienced - and I consider myself to be a very harsh critic as well as true connoisseur of this New Mexico staple. Nice and crisp, the perfect amount of cheese, and green chili that had a balanced combination of heat and great flavor. After this, it went downhill, unfortunately. A rather large table arrived, sat down, and we didn't see a server (Ben) for 30+ minutes. My wife had ordered another margarita, it never appeared even after we reminded him. Being the lone soldier who was covering it all, he was busy cooking for the large table. Once done with this enormous task, he came over to apologize to us saying 2 of his staff had called in sick, thus the reason he was running around like a chicken with his mole cut off. The only other person he had working for him was underage, so could not legally deliver the hooch. I completely empathize - and the fact that I was treated to the best relleño ever makes up for the unfortunate service. Still, how about offering up a free beer for the effort? You want me to come back, you gotta tease me more than a simple "sorry I made you wait forever and forgot to bring 2 items you ordered to your table" story. Therefore, I give the 4-star empathy vote, but suggest if this occurs again that he hone in the marketing and customer service skills should he want the word of mouth to spread in a kind way. Would I return? Es posible. No se. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Found Ben Michael's in Old Town via Yelp. Thank you Yelp. Passing through Albuquerque after a long vacation and met with my sister and her husband for a quick evening to catch up. No better place to do so than Ben Michael's. Authentic food. Very good margaritas. And piano music by Ben. When you enter into Ben Michael's you become part of the story of: why this place was built, who Ben cooks for, and what his vision is for creating a better world, one step at a time. When we return to Albuquerque someday.....we'll be back. read more

We stopped for lunch. Gorgeous day sitting outside. The enchiladas were excellent. As well as the company. Great experience. Go for jazz Tuesdays! read more

One of the best places to eat in the country. If you are headed to Albuquerque, this is a must do. You will find the atmosphere to be relaxed the food to be inspired and the interaction with the owner to be special. We love the rellanos. Usually there is a chef special that will be unique and inspired. This is a don't miss place. read more

If you're in Albuquerque, stop here for dinner. Our group of four were on a long RV trip and looking for a unique dining experience with good food, and thanks to Yelp I found Ben Michael's place which was so terrific, we loved it. The margaritas and pork enchiladas were wonderful. And we sat outdoors being waited on Ben himself who was just a pleasure to meet and was very attentive. What a hard worker and great cook! read more

Amazing place with delicious food cooked by Ben for you. Don't miss the enchiladas. Small delicious wine list. Ben will go out to the garden to clip greens and more for you. Ask for a tour and the history of the building. read more

What a wonderful atmosphere! A hidden gem! The owner played beautiful music while we ate the best enchiladas from scratch. Coming back whenever we are near. The flan was amazing! read more

It is definitely a different experience. I can't say it was a foodie experience, but we had a great time. Ben is there to cook, entertain, and make conversation. He played the piano for us, made our lunch, and gave us a tour of the house, little pharmacy, and the outside patio. Unfortunately, the problem started with our glasses of water which seemed to have come from a tap and warm. No menu, so we were told what the specials were (4 different enchiladas) and we chose pork. We were asked if we would like chips and salsa and we responded "sure." Salsa was dismissible, and the chips were from Costco. The enchiladas had flavor, but just an odd leftover taste and the hominy was a bit hard. When given the bill we were shocked at the price of $12.95 for each dish and $3.95 for the chips and salsa. We suggest you go for the entertainment, and eat elsewhere. read more

The owner is the rudest, most unprofessional, sexist, misogynist I have EVER encountered in my life. He has a very bad temper if you point something out or complain at all, he will THROW YOU OUT. It's so absurd. In addition, the place is super sketchy, cash only-business. I think most of the people who go there are family members or friends. The food is terrible. I'm a Native New Mexican so I speak from experience about the local food. The service is worse. The only redeeming quality is the music on the patio. But you have to put up with extremely rude service and very bad food. I would give this place minus zero stars if I could. Stay far, far away. You've been warned.. read more

Read & Heed the Non Recommended 0 Star Reviews for this Tourist Trap......Horrible Cash Only Bizarre Owner Poor Service Warm Beer Bland Sides Tiny Overpriced Limited Menu and the $15 Pork Enchilada Blows Did I mention all the credit cards they accept on the entrance door but told Cash Only when my bill showed. Ben get some duct tape and scissors and Renaissance your eatery. Jazz band or not why eat frito lay chips and salsa for $3.50, drink warm beer or a weak wine margarita and have so few choices for a New Mexican meal of which the one I had was super mediocre - don't know the last time in my 50+ years I have eaten Mexican or New Mexican food and needed the salt shaker just to make it palatable. Ambiance of a defunct art gallery and bad food on a cold plate with baked on gunk on my utensils. Chipotle would have been half the price and cold beer and better food. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This was one of the best dining experiences I have had. Food was great. They offered a few different items that change daily. You could tell everything was fresh. The owner came out and talked to all of us, asking our name and where we are from. He played the piano for everyone. There were regulars there, and you could tell they genuinely cared for them. Everyone was extremely friendly! read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

We ate at Ben Michael's on our first night in Albuquerque and it was the best welcoming experience. We arrived at his restaurant close to closing time on Friday and we were the only table in the restaurant but were greeted with warm hospitality and the best service. Ben Michael surprised us with his amazing piano skills as he played a variety of songs/sang for our friend to celebrate her birthday. It's humbling to learn about his experiences as he shared stories about his family/showed us photographs of his ancestors, which are proudly hung on the stone wall that he built himself as part of the restaurant extension. It was a one-of-a-kind dining experience - thank you Ben Michael for sharing your passion with us! read more

See all

I never have to write reviews like this. I cannot believe an afternoon of friends, fun, and supporting live music turned into what it did today (2/22/20) at Ben Michael's Restaurant. I should have videoed it, it was so awful. My friend and I were treated beyond abusively by the very owner himself after coming to spend our time and money in his "restaurant." Stick with me, it gets unbelievable.... and if you don't believe it, I have many witnesses to confirm. This was a CD release party, needing (free) tickets in advance to attend. My friend had secured the tickets and we met up at the "restaurant." I ordered a drink and we proceeded to listen, clap, cheer and groove to our friend's band for an hour and a half. TWICE Mr. Michael rudely bumped into my friend's knee cap hard enough to hurt, and for her to react verbally. He said nothing TWICE. We let it go, of course. Things happen in overcrowded "cafes" (but seriously fire code violation much?). After the set was over and the band went into an extended jam session to end the event, my friend and I had to leave for our next engagement. We pulled out our cell phones to get the address of the next venue and were IMMEDIATELY accosted by the owner to "put away our cell phones girls (WAY TOO OLD TO BE CALLED A GIRL BTW), just feel the vibe and jam, you're being disrespectful to the band." I'm sorry, when is it ever alright to treat two grown women, and customers doing nothing wrong, like school children?! Nowhere in the establishment were there signs posted about using devices, and it was none of his business anyway. We had not been distracting, rude, or disrespectful in any way during the set. We were simply synching up our next destination, at the end of the event. I get up to leave, as I will not be verbally attacked in front of a whole dining room by the owner for doing absolutely nothing wrong. My friend stayed behind to take care of the bill for my drink. Mr. Michael felt it appropriate to aggressively chase me out into the parking lot yelling at me about the 6 dollars owed for my awful margarita (that my friend stayed behind to take care of). I told him after the way we were treated in an overcrowded "establishment" by him that the drink should be on the house, it's the very least they could do. He continued to pursue me and scream: "you owe us 6 dollars!" I said: "my friend has it inside," and got in my car because at this point, I was getting a bit scared of this loose cannon. He gave up chasing me, and went back into the "restaurant," and began to further harass my friend about payment, kicking her out, etc... She kept trying to de-escalate the situation with him by assuring he was getting paid for the drink, that we were friends of the band, and there was no reason for him to continue yelling and creating a scene over a quick and simple cell phone usage. My friend and I were finally able to get the change (didn't know it was cash only "establishment") for the drink, she gave him the 6 dollars and he yelled at her to get out. She calmly and respectfully reiterated, he had been paid, we had done nothing wrong, were friends of the band, and that he could call the cops if he was that intent on kicking us out- all while he kept pointing to the 'right to refuse service sign.' Once Mr. Michael found out my friend was a long time friend and supporter to the band, as well as probably reflecting on his OUTRAGEOUS behavior toward customers, he changed his tone BARELY, and said she could stay. Without so much as an apology he skulked off to the back of the kitchen somewhere. Needless to say. My friend was not interested in sticking around for further harassment, and left the establishment under the sympathy and bewilderment of the other patrons. Thankfully, he did not chase her as well. We are both still in a bit of shock, still reeling, still in utter disbelief to have been dealt this at the hands of the owner of a hospitality "establishment." We will never return, and will be making it as public as possible to all that will listen, how out of control this owner is. We found out after the fact from other customers that things like this have happened there before. Please consider this before visiting, or revisiting Ben Michael's Restaurant. You might save yourself a serious hassle. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This could become a favorite with me. Ordered the smoked pulled pork, served with fresh pinto beans and zucchini squash. Excellent! The owner waited on us and told us what choices he had for the day. There are no menus. We did not ask for prices, but thought the meal reasonable at $14.99. They do not take credit cards so be prepared by having cash! Heard they have the best margaritas in town. Friendly owner made us feel welcome and seemed genuinely interested about where we were from and how we came to be in town. He relayed his family's history and told us about family pictures on the walls. Would definitely recommend you stop by. Think they have live music on Wednesday nights. read more

One of a kind experience. Ben Michael's feels like a man who found his passion and is living it out each day. Better yet, he wants to share it with you. This restaurant immediately feels like friends who just want to enjoy the good life with you. The restaurant: great look. Very homey, eclectic, and inviting. The place feels a little like a Mexican restaurant, but more like an after party where friends jam on instruments, drink, talk, and mostly laugh. The owner/manager: Strives to make everyone in the house feel at ease, attended to, and he personally introduces himself and gets involved with each guest. He's hard working and leads by example alongside his staff. The food: I had the chicken enchiladas. They were really good. It's not a lot of food, but the sauce was rich, developed, and the chicken Service/waitress: this is the only low point. The waitresses couldn't be flagged down to bring drinks, let alone remove our neighbors' food. The half eaten chips, salsa, and empty beer bottles from the last group that ate next to us was left behind. We didn't overly mind but it prevented us from ever getting the chips & salsa the owner promised since the garbage sat in front of us from the last group uncleared. We tried to flag down the waitresses several times to request chips & salsa, a beer, and eventually the check, but they were watching the live music and not the tables. Personal note: My father told my daughter and I since we bought him the last few meals that he'd take this one. I touched that the owner, when flagged down for the bill, personally introduced himself, thanked us for coming in, added up the bill, made change, and thanked me for being in the military. He tried to comp me for a beer, but it was for our neighbors' uncleared bottle since I'd never had anything but water. But I still appreciated the attempt. I was embarrassed that my Dad paid but didn't tip because the waitresses never came back to the table. I felt the owner went above and beyond. Great place. Live music, positive energy, a little hectic and small stuff might get missed, but the owner's enthusiasm is so infectious that you want to come back again and again to keep more places like this going. read more

Really neat atmosphere, and friendly people. Food was alot more expensive than expected, and no menu to see ahead of time. We were surprised that chips and salsa were extra.. also food is pretty spicy. read more

Skipped the fancy level 5 rooftop place to go here instead and I'm happy I did. But BEWARE, NO CREDIT CARDS taken here. So bring your check book...or cash. Menu is limited, and not in writing. They just tell you what they have. Had a veggie enchilada and it was very good. The waitress was curteous and attentive, overall a pleasant experience. read more

Ben is amazing. First off ..the best salads we've ever had. More inportantly...when Ben found out we were evacuees from hurricane irma in florida he insisted on only charging us for one salad instead of the two we ate. When we didn't have anything smaller than a $20 Bill and 4 singles...he only would take the $4.00. His artistic presentation and pride in his food was evident. The restaurant itself is beautiful and we were told that he built it himself whuch tells us of his warmth and depth. This is truly a great human being and wonderful man. Thanks ben...we will be back. Mindy and Vincent read more

Tacos were awesome and a great happy hour menu!!! Bowl was good and plenty of flavor. A little too much rice. Pear and pecan salad was one of the best salads you could have. Service was outstanding!!!!! Outdoor patio was a great place to hang out. Have to pay for chips and salsa which is a drag. read more

Owner was very nice and even played the piano. Food was awesome also. Would definitely frequent this place if I was from here. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - You know your food gone be good when the owner, waiter, cook and entertainment is all the same person. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nice place. Owner and his mother make it charming. Girlfriend (wife?) / server does not. Went for 4th of July while on a visit to the area. Live band playing on the patio was romantic. Very limited menu, delivered orally. Excellent food. All day smoked pork enchiladas and three other vegan offerings. I am a meat person but found happiness in the solo meat offering. Did not enjoy the server. Who is fussy when you are trying to make people (guests) feel happy and comfortable so they will pay you more?? We are guests, whether we are from the area or visitors. You should make every accommodation for your guests so that they feel comfortable. Basic! First of all the giant sign outside says they proudly serve new local New Mexican beers. I inquired about beer offerings and the server spun off an oral list with an accent (while the band played in the background). Nothing to read is available. I asked a question of clarification and she became annoyed saying "I just read you the beer list!" I said you could have read Santa's list, but that doesn't mean I understand what ,you said. I asked again my simple question of whether they had any IPAs. NO! she finally answered. No IPA's! That set the tone for the evening for me. She was not kind or helpful. Just plain dumb! After suprising me with a cash or check policy when the bill was delivered, (should have been announced at seating),I luckily had the cash on me to pay the bill. She then shorted me on the change for $100 by $20, and I wonder whether she knew there would be no tip and was trying to skim off a bit and hope I did not notice! I did, but still no tip was earned so none was paid. I did tip the band and compliment Mom and the owner/chef. Simple. Good. Romantic. Owner single hands the kitchen in a charming way. Mom is sweet, humble funny and irreplaceable. Server ruined it for me (somewhat) since she was devoid of any service talent. read more

Was very disappointed after reviewing menu online. Only 1 appetizer and a very limited menu. Asked waitress if the paper menu was all that was offered and was told yes. A table was seated outdoors on patio and we're all being served generous portions of salad!!! read more

AMAZING food! Ben was so sweet and the vibe was great! You have to come here!! Loved it! :)

I cannot thank Ben enough for providing an outstanding experience for myself and some friends the other night. We decided to drop in with some friends from out of town, and we basically wound up with a private dinner for 6 hand crafted by Ben. To food as simple, fresh and delicious. More importantly, we had great conversation with Ben and Lisa in between service. Truly a unique experience. Don't miss a chance to stop here read more

Great drinks, great food, great music and philosophy. Will for sure be back for more. Thanks Ben!!!

This is an authentic New Mexican foodie establishment. And, I use "establishment" loosely, it's more of a home. You must enjoy food, family, and conversation. The vegetables on the plate are from his garden or the garden of a friend of his if he doesn't have them. The red chile was so dark and red and had such beautiful heat. The menu was whatever Ben Michael says is on that day, which today was pork, chicken, or vegetable enchiladas. The margaritas were dangerous. In a fantastic way. Best margaritas I have had. There is a ofrenda of his family and New Mexican history. Ben Michael played his piano while we dined. Then he sat and conversed with us. It is exactly like eating with family. And he is an old rugger. This is going to be mi familia, my New Mexican restaurant. read more

See all

Outstanding!! Gotta love a place that has no menu and you have almost zero choice on the food selection. Owner and his mom are super cool and friendly. They even danced to the live music playing. Great food, atmosphere, and live music. Will be back for sure next time I'm in town. Bravo!!! read more

See all