Not worth it. My friends and I stopped by without reading any of the Yelp reviews, and I wish I had checked. The chef, who was also our waiter, gave us our water in dirty glasses and didn't offer a menu. He just told us the three things he was willing to cook, and we all picked the same one. While he was cooking, a woman walked in and asked us if we would like any salsa and chips, and we said yes. She gave us okay chips and watery salsa without any of the normal chunks. Unfortunately, she did not warn us this was not complimentary, so we were charged. The food was edible, but not worth it and tasted like he poured the beans and hominy out from a can. When we were done, he asked us where we were from, and based on that, probably charged us more. Each meal was about $16, which considering the quality shouldn't have been more than $6. I read another review where the customer was charged $12 for the same dish. The chips and salsa mentioned earlier were $4. I was about to give him my card, but he said he didn't take anything but cash because he doesn't trust banks and told me to go to an ATM across the street. Nowhere in this establishment had a sign that indicated cash only. I read some of the 4-5 star reviews and see how other customers would enjoy the music and the ambience, but that is not a guaranteed experience. When we were there, he only played music through a Bluetooth connection from the phone to the speaker in the restaurant. Whenever the chef walked outside, the music would tune in and out. If you want to get quality food, look elsewhere. read more

What the hell is all the raving about??? This place is NOT air conditioned and the food is flat and bland and wayyyyyy too expensive. I had his mint tea and it tasted like water with a mint leaf waved over it. Michaels nephew sat at the piano right next to us and stumbled over a few songs He did not know how to play and it was irritating while we were trying to eat Far too many GOOD restaurants here to have to settle for this one. read more

Food = solid: ordinary taco, fresh chile relleno. Very cheap. Margaritas: orange juice and a splash of tequila? Dios mio. These are not margaritas. Service: Bizarre. Ben told us he is a pharmacist. I don't know what drugs we're talking about here. He spent 40 minutes talking with another party with his back to us. Finally we got his attention. He had no record of our orders but we through (with one interruption so he could explain several wall hangings to another party). Finally we paid the bill (no credit cards). Eating at Ben Michael's is more like dining with a very eccentric friend than partronizing a restaurant. It is right across the street from the Hotel Albuquerque and after a mind-numbing all day conference may be an interesting adventure if you're in the right frame of mind. read more

I was visiting Albuquerque for a few days for a conference and used yelp to try to find a great dinner experience. If you're interested in getting a run of the mill experience, with preoccupied staff, mediocre food, and cookie cutter character, don't come here. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience COME HERE! my stop at Ben Michaels was the absolute highlight of my trip. FANTASTIC food and service, with amazing character. The owner is so friendly and is focused on connecting with his customers as real people, not just his target market. Just come in, grab a seat, and make friends. Great jazz band on Wednesday nights. Not a single complaint. I loved every bit of this experience So happy I chose to visit Ben Michaels and I HIGHLY recommend for anyone visiting the area! read more

Ben Michael and the rest of the staff at his cafe are among the warmest, friendliest people I've encountered at any food establishment anywhere, which bumps up my review to three stars. Based on other reviews, we were prepared for slow service, but we were disappointed that the arrival of food was very disorganized. We'd ordered some appetizers - and margaritas - and postponed placing our main order for a bit. When the margaritas came out, we placed the full order. Unfortunately, after a long wait - during which it seemed like everyone else who'd arrived after we did had been served - they brought out two entrees and two appetizers. I suspect the appetizer and entree orders were never separate[d], and so everything got re-queued up at the end of the line after we placed our orders for entrees. This would have been more acceptable if the food had been better. The fish taco was great, as were the calabacitas (grilled zucchini with spices (ginger and garlic?)) and the guacamole, and my son said his Ben Michael Burger was good. However, they were out of rice (on a Friday night), and all of the other food we had - a quesadiilla (which we ordered without chicken, but came with chicken), ceviche (which appeared to be just shrimp cocktail with guacamole), chile relleno and carne adovada - was rather uninspiring. My daughter had ordered a huevos rancheros without cheese, which came much later than everything else, and when it did arrive, it had cheese. We decided to cancel that order, as we were already sharing the other items. The "world famous margaritas" are served on the rocks in glasses typically used for frozen margaritas. I enjoy good margaritas in either format, but I didn't think these margaritas were very good. Again, the people at Ben Michael's are fantastic, and it was clear that many of the other customers there on a Friday night were either regulars or from the neighborhood (or both). If not for their kindness, warmth and enthusiasm, I'd be assigning a two-star rating ... and I feel almost guilty assigning a three-star rating, but thought I'd add a contrasting opinion to the otherwise nearly uniformly glowing reviews of the food here, for the benefit of future prospective customers who might have tastes and preferences similar to mine. read more

What an experience. Not your average restaurant. It's like I just walked into my uncles place and he said, "sure I've got something for ya that I just pulled out of the oven, but first let me start you off with our best spirits and then we'll top off your dinner with a fresh garden variety." So I ate this fresh pulled pork wrapped in a blue corn tortilla served with fresh beans and a garden variety. The cheese on this dish was spectacular in and of itself. Everything was fresh and blended well together. The flavors of each element presented a distinct fresh flavor to me. The vibe here is chill and different. Just like I said, you just walked into your cool uncles house and he greeted you with open arms. Come enjoy a classic taste of New Mexico. Ben built this cool place with his own hands for you to enjoy. His heritage runs back several hundred years in New Mexico. read more

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Love this place! Authentic New Mexican with an updated twist. This guy uses as much local and organic as he can. Even gets his eggs from an 11 year old neighborhood boy! Come and get your chili fix on here! read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Cozy and inviting for 23 years! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Absolutely phenomenal. The food was fantastic, but what made this place truly memorable was Ben Michael and his wife. I ordered the special of the day (pork enchiladas) and fresh mint tea grown in his garden, followed by the "best flan ever." As a flan maker myself, that is a bold claim, but I think Ben Michael deserves it. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Pork enchiladas on a blue corn tortillas - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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You can't judge a restaurant by the outside just like you can't judge a book by its cover. Ben Michael's doesn't WOW from the exterior but the food and unique Interior vibe makes up for it. Located walking distance from Old Town it was an amazing introduction to southwest cuisine and possibly the best meal of our ten day trip to the surrounding southwest area. No menus, no frills but delicious food if you like what he's serving that day. Luckily we loved it!! Blue corn tortilla enchiladas -- choice of pork, chicken or squash filling. Incredibly flavorful sauce that had a kick to it and a side of squash (zucchini and yellow squash that was the best i have ever had. The waitress suggested flan for dessert and while we were hesitant, since neither of us like flan at all, we felt we should give it a try since we wanted to have the full experience. Well, it disappeared from our plate within seconds. Deliciously is!! If you're in Albuquerque you must try this restaurant!! read more

I can't even tell you why it deserves 10 stars without ruining it, but I can tell you the food and service we're 5 stars all the way, the ambiance is amazing, and in general you are going to have a great time here unless you are a horrible misanthropic person or some terrible thing has just happened. I was just passing through but now I want to come back once a year just for the good of my soul. Anytime I return I'll be getting the special whatever it is and then sitting back and enjoying the show. On top of the fun stuff the dessert is also worth mentioning and worth returning for on its own - and I never eat dessert. I cross my eyes at it most of the time. 10 times out of 10 I will come back and eat whatever dessert he has bubbling up from the kitchen in between the personable visits to each table. This place just nailed it from the hello to the entree to the goodbye. Great great place! Thank you for the shot in the arm, so to speak. read more

Delicious food, great vibe, tasty "world famous" margarita's, good food. Seafood tacos are my favorite, and great guac. Great outdoor seating. Music on Friday is very good, and there's a lot of good interaction with the staff and musicians. Also, Ben is really cool, a great laid back owner. Ben has two first names. He also has unusual hair, like an unkempt perm and hasn't seen a comb, which doesn't really matter to this review. He's mostly giving tours to customers of the building he built himself, after he quit his career as a pharmacist. read more

The man is a wizard! From the tunes on the piano, to the gesture of flowers from the garden for all the ladies, to the freshly made plum jam to accompany a most delectable flan, he does it all with his own form of charisma. What a wonderful asset to the community! We will be returning for jazz on Wednesday nights. read more

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

This place is not a hole in the wall . It is a hole in the adobe!! This place is just plain Wacky , Weird and Wonderful. The food is even better. If you go there and expect instant service, don't go. If you want to relax and enjoy the enviroment, very unexpected music and ambiance. Then go. Bring cash as credit cards are not taken. The second margerita is more world famous than the first. the third mar.............. read more

You need to eat here! This restaurant is one man telling you what he can make, talking about life, taking care of you, and making you a plate of food. He had a few meat options but when we mentioned we were vegan, he whipped up some zucchini and beans that were perfectly spiced and flavored. We stumbled into this place and had a gorgeous experience. So glad we didn't fall for any of the tourist traps in Old Town. GO HERE! read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Ben played a medley of classic songs, along with a song improvised just for us about our life journey! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This restaurant is not only a place to eat but also a place to experience. The owner is incredibly kind and the food is delicious. Do yourself a favor and go eat there. You will leave full and content. read more

Eating at Ben Michael's is like dropping in on a really cool gathering of friends. Such a great vibe and warm, welcoming hosts. I was in Albuquerque for my first time on business, and was looking for a good, local Southwestern meal. What a find! The room, built by the owner, is small but airy, opening to a lively patio. A jazz trio was playing when I sat down, and that evolved into a jam session with various guests stepping up for a song or two. The nightly menu is only 4 or 5 items chosen by Ben Michael. My dinner was slow-roasted pork with home grown herbs and spices, along with rice and beans, all fresh and delicious. Added a couple local brews and I was good to go. A really pleasant night all around. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Good jazz and great food. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This was our second time at Ben Michaels restaurant and it was even better than the first time. Ben is amazing. He's not only the owner, but a great Chef, an awesome inspiring person to talk to and is great on the piano! We couldn't have asked for a better date night. My wife and I had the filet mignon enchiladas which were delicious! We drank organic mint and Lavender tea and for desert we had the Flan. Great food as always but even better was getting a chance to chat with Ben and listen to him play piano. What an awesome human being. Can't wait till we can go there again. Thanks Ben for a memorable evening. read more

The food here is down-home New Mexican and the menu seems to often be a work in progress based on what he has fresh. Sometimes that's even fresh from his garden. That's a good thing. If there's a special, you're wise to get it. Otherwise, your standard New Mexican choices (enchiladas, carne adovada, etc) are all great. The building is worth seeing in it's own right; the owner built it through the years to what it is today. There are great patios in both the front and back, a main room with a piano (the owner will play you some tunes if he's not slammed with orders), and little side room. Very quaint. It's a one-or-two man show most nights, so if you're going for a quick bite to eat you're in the wrong place. The last time we visited the experience took about 2 hours between drinks, ordering, an impromptu concert and a lengthy conversation with the owner. If you make time to slow down and enjoy it, this is a real gem! read more

I really liked going here. It has such an authentic New Mexico atmosphere. I had a latte and some huevos rancheros the everything was great! They don't have a menu though so you might not want to go here if your picky. The man that owns the establishment is so nice, he is the cook and the waiter, he even lives there. Such a cool and unique spot! Cash only. read more

This was such a fun night eating dinner at Ben Michael's! The food was spectacular and the visit with our hosts was very entertaining. We felt as though Ben was part of our family as we had many shared connections. I am only disappointed that it took me so long to give this great restaurant a try. read more

This restraunt had exceptional mexican food. It had the best guacamole, tender pulled pork, great beans,and an awesome atmosphere. Ben is a kick ass chef!!! The margaritas lived up to the advertising offers "world famous". Great family restaurant. read more

We found this place via Yelp and decided to check it out. We were surprised that there was no other diners in the restaurant even though it was 7pm, peak dinner time. There is no menu, they just tell you what Ben is making, in our case, enchiladas. The food was good, spicy New Mexican. Definitely a unique place, not one of your run of the mill restaurants, but we were not wowed. read more

This place wasn't open last Monday, just drove by and still not open. No sign on for saying on vacation or anything. Not sure they are still open. Was disappointed. read more

TLDR: The owner caused a demoralizing scene, attempted to kick me out, and chased one friend outside over six dollars that he was never in any danger of NOT receiving. He apologized to a different band member friend that was still there after I left because he knew he was wrong. I've been to Ben Michael's several times to support fellow musicians. I was there to see one of my closest friend's play during a CD release party. I invited another friend to sit with me (her first and last time there). The main performance ended and the band was doing an extended jam session. At this time I got on my phone to sort out our next steps. Ben Michael stood over my friend's back and told us to get off our phones. My friend that was playing in the band and therefore had a different vantage point said LOTS of people were on their phones THROUGHOUT the performance. I usually turn my phone off during shows, so this was pretty ridiculous to me for him to single me out. There is no sign posted about devices. He chastised us like we were kids, calling us "girls" and implying we were being disrespectful. This was after he painfully ran into my bad knee not once, but twice while serving others, without as much as an acknowledgment, nevertheless an apology. I originally chalked it up to being a very small space, but I felt extra annoyed after giving him grace for his slight that he felt the need to admonish me in front of others for something multiple people were doing. I closed my phone and decided we would be leaving as soon as I paid for my friend's margarita and told my friend playing she and everyone else did a great show. The friend sitting with me was over it and decided to walk outside to wait. This is where Ben Michael truly lost his mind. He interrogated me about where my friend went before he chased her outside! He harassed my friend by chasing her, yelling that she owed him 6 dollars. As I said, I was still sitting at the table. There was NO need for him to jump to any conclusions that we were both leaving without him getting his 6 dollars. None. He walked back in furious, talking loudly about how she owed him 6 bucks. I was shocked and embarrassed. The band was still having a jam session at this point so who was being more disruptive/disrespectful at this point? I asked him repeatedly what his issue was and he ignored me and proceeded to huff around. Another patron sheepishly walks over to me and said, "Is he mad because your friend walked out? My husband just had to walk out to go to the ATM..." (The place is cash only). Did he run after and/or yell at the man? Of course not. The waitress came over and apologized for him. The musician/artist that should have been the center of the release party came over and apologized for him. I felt bad that attention was truly being taking from the performers at this point. I heard other patrons murmuring that my friend "had walked out without paying" etc. so it was most definitely a scene HE created. By the way, we hadn't been handed a bill yet and my friend had a $20 bill sitting on the table for at least 30 minutes before he started his antics. More evidence no one was a thief in this scenario or trying to catch a case OVER SIX DOLLARS. The band concluded their performance and I started talking to my friend in the band, her father, and the drummer. Ben Michael approached and started to try to explain himself. I no longer wanted to talk to him about it; the damage was done. I handed him 6 dollars and said there was nothing more to discuss, he had his money. This set him off further and he started pointing to his "Right To Refuse Service." sign. "You see that sign? Get out. I want you out!" I told him to call the police if he had such an issue. He said he wasn't going to call the police, of course knowing he'd look like a fool if he did. Those standing around me were dumbfounded. I think he finally realized the optics of the situation and tried to adjust, but actually insulted me more by turning to my band friend to verify that I was with her. She told him not only was I there with and for her, that I had been there multiple times. Why did I need her to vouch for and validate me though? He proceeded to tell her I was being disrespectful on my phone. I explained to her why I was on my phone and asked her if in our 28-ish years of friendship have I ever treated her with anything other than the utmost respect. She said no, and he huffed off because there really was nothing left to say. I leave, not because he told me to, but because I wanted the focus to return to the artists. Ben Michael apologized to this friend repeatedly after I left. He eventually conceded to her that he owed me a margarita. LOL. Sorry Ben Michael, but I won't be returning for that margarita. You made it very clear what you think of me. My character and reputation in this community and state is above any such treatment from you. The lack of dignity and disrespect you showed me won't be assuaged by a margarita. read more

So we were looking forward to eating here. But was not open. Very disappointed. If you aren't going to be open. Could you please let people know read more

DINERS BEWARE! The owner is a bully. I made the mistake of coming here based on the overall high rating of other yelpers without actually reading the reviews. I did, however, check "more information" on the site for hours and other crucial info. such as the acceptance of credit cards since I came from out of town and carry little cash. There is was, credit cards accepted, CHECK! After eating, my son and I waited a long time for the waitress to return to our table where I had my card out, ready to pay and get out of there. She had not prepared a check for us and told me they don't take cards and I'd have to talk to the owner. I waited awhile but then went over to the kitchen door in hopes of getting this resolved outside of the dining room. Ben ignored me as he dumped handfuls of Costco cheese on various dishes. Eventually, I returned to sit with my son. Ben cooked and served dinner to three entire parties before coming over to our table. He reiterated that he does not accept cards. I showed him his listing on YELP that states otherwise. He just said it's wrong, that he's been stiffed before and he doesn't trust banks. He suggested I go to an ATM across the street but I had a credit card, not a debit card and I don't use ATMs. He asked me if I trust banks. When I tried to answer, he demanded, "YES OR NO?!, YES OR NO?!, YES OR NO?!" Obviously, he wasn't interested in my thoughts on the subject. I told him I had some cash in my hotel room but I didn't know how much I owed as we were not given a check. He scrawled one out and gave it to me. I told him I'd return the next day because it was late and I had to get my child to bed. Later, my son told me he was really scared that Ben was going to get physical with us or knock our table over. I had made an honest mistake but Ben took no responsibility for the accuracy of his listing on Yelp and made no apology. I don't care that the food was mediocre. I was there to enjoy the evening out with my son but it was spoiled by Ben's hostile, intimidating manner. We can all be kind and gentle when things are going our way but a person's true character is revealed in moments like this. And yes, I came back the next day and settled my bill. And no, we won't be dining there again. read more

We stumbled upon what is clearly a local hangout as tourists in this charming city. The band was setting up as we ordered our margaritas and nachos, followed by New Mexican style chicken enchiladas. The topping on the cake, however, was the amazing flan - and we are flan people. We have NEVER had flan this AMAZING! We ordered a second and one to go it was so good. The band began to play by then and it was fabulous! Highly recommend (don't forget the flan!). read more

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Albuquerque was one of those places which I had looked forward to for reasons almost everybody does. Sunshine, the whole southwest thing, and food that is practically its own type of cuisine. Bobby Flay sure seems to think so. Ben Michaels, on a sunny day, give you exactly that kind of experience. The day I stopped by while attending a conference across the street, the place looked desserted. In fact, I had to stick my head in and yell just to verify that somebody was actually working. Ben was there. I ordered some sort of Chile Verde enchilada, which was awesome. Rustic and simple. Plus, Ben has a garden right behind the place where he grows a lot of the ingredients, including chili peppers. Being from Oregon, you get used to the real generic salsa served at a lot of Mexican joints. It was great to have some homestyle salsa, one green and one brownish, with burnt chili skins floating around letting you know it's fire roasted. Ben sat with me and bs'd while I ate lunch and he his hominy soup. Ben Michaels is supposed to make some epic margaritas. But it was a work lunch... read more

Super unique, lovely homey atmosphere. Ben Michael is the host, waiter, cook, entertainment, architect, owner, and everything else it seems. Really great place for small groups and couples. Beautiful sunflowers on the patio in the summer time. Menu rotates nightly and they have a few local bottled beer options. read more

Amazing. Go there, totally authentic with some of the best food I've ever had. Loved every moment and felt like a local. And get the flan. read more

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

Fantastic margaritas. The food was excellent and very fresh tasking. We had a daily special which was a pork type of tamale. It was great! Our daughter loves bean and cheese burritos but they had none on the menu. No problem. They custom made her a great burrito and let her choose from a variety of ingredients. Ben took our order and was very friendly. He told us all about the history of his restaurant and was very friendly to our kids. He even gave us a tour of the whole building. I'm coming here for sure next time I visit ABQ. read more

We stopped in Albuquerque on the way home to Los Angeles. Saw high stars on yelp for the restaurant. Even though yelp stated the restaurant was open until 11pm, the kitchen was closed when we arrived a little after 9pm on a Tuesday night. Sadly, the band finished playing. But the owner welcomed us with open arms - we looked like hungry travelers. He offered to make us enchiladas. The food was amazing, the patio was beautiful. We felt right at home visiting with the wonderful locals. After dinner, the owner gave us a tour of his restaurant and showed us how he built it all himself. My husband, girls and I just returned to our hotel feeling like we received a HUGE blessing today. This is more than a restaurant! He is serving the community with love and LIGHT! So happy to be part of that for just a short time! A MUST stop! This is my FIRST yelp review I have ever written. Yes. I was that moved!! read more

If I could give zero stars I would. Food was ok at best, service was atrocious. Two plates were totally forgotten and when we mentioned it to the owner, he made it seem as it were an inconvenience to make them. Bill came and am out was paid. The owner then proceeded to come to the table and demand more more for tip. Then called someone in our party the b word and told us to get the f$!* out. I am actually embarassed that a grown man would behave in such a manner to his guests. Will never go back. read more

My fiancé and I came based on high yelp reviews and couldn't have been more pleased. We had the chicken and veggie enchiladas, both of which tasted home cooked and garden fresh- perfectly spicy and flavorful. The flan, margaritas and beer were also great! Ambiance and service were both perfect, it was a welcoming and homey restaurant, definitely not dull or ordinary. If we lived in town we'd be regulars! read more

It felt like I wandered into a stranger's house as it seemed like everyone in the place knew each other. I sat down, and was provided with chips, salsa and water. The salsa was tomato sauce with spicy heat, no chunks of vegetables (i.e., tomatoes). The food was okay. Took a long time to get the check, and was informed they did not take credit cards. The no credit card issue was irritating given how easy it is to accept credit card payments. I suspect the place has loyal locals, but visitors from elsewhere might be disappointed given the Yelp reviews. read more

Great food. Great, relaxed service by the owner. My husband had the day's special, filet mignon with roasted Rosemary potatoes (fresh rosemary, straight from his herb garden), and I had the chili rellenos. A comfortable atmosphere. It looked nice inside, but my husband wanted to eat outside so he could smoke while we ate. The owner came out and ate at another table and chatted with us. If you are looking for formal service, you'll likely be happier elsewhere, but if you want well-prepared, quality food, served in a relaxed, yet friendly manner, this is the place! read more

I don't usually right reviews but I couldn't let this slide. The food here is horrible. I'm sure the only reason people come here was for the jazz, which was great. Come for drinks and music... don't eat here. read more

This was the most amazing New Mexican cuisine I've ever had. Things are a bit spicy, but extremely flavorful and fresh (he walked outdoors to pick the lettuce and spinach from his garden). We ordered chile relenos, enchiladas, and flan for dessert. Vegetarian friendly. All dishes were amazing, if I lived in Albuquerque I'd come here everyday. read more

I felt very torn on this place. It's full of happy 40+ couples on date night (slightly older than me) who seem thrilled to be there. The service is very friendly. The food is pretty good and organic / high quality ingredients. The owner/chef also brings food out and mingles. Creates a real community feel and personal touch. OTOH service is slow, drinks were very weak, and the oral menu was very small. No AC on a hot day, just open to the night and live band on the patio. I think it is good and I'd come back when in the right mood, which is relaxing and people watching with no hurry about you. But if you want to get down to business and just eat some food, it may try your patience. read more

Ben Michael's is a place to go if you aren't in a hurry; he does almost all the cooking/serving himself most nights. He's an eccentric and entertaining guy and the food is good. He tries to use organic ingredients when he can, and will be delighted to take you on a tour of the house that became his restaurant. Margaritas are strong and dangerous. Live music on some weekends. read more

Ben Michael's Restaurant - Taco plate, guacamole, and chef's special salad - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico