Very good Mexican food. Red salsa was so good with a little kick, but not too much just enough. read more

Terrible food. No seasoning or flavor. Claiming world famous salsa not sure why other than it was hot again no real flavor. Got our order wrong, no big deal it happens but I noticed it happened a lot the short time we were there. read more

This restaurant has excellent service and food. Although busy on most weekends, it is worth the wait. Place is super busy on Saturday's from 11-2 or so. Wait can be upwards to an hour or more. However, Food selection is great and their salsa is always superb. I recommend you get there early on a Saturday to try this place out! Do for a stuffed sopapilla. read more

TL;DR, Amazing food, so-so service. The salsa for the chips was spicy and flavorful, though could've done with more sweetness to balance the slightly-excessive saltiness of the chips. I had the stuffed sopapilla with carnitas and red salsa. It was mostly meat and beans, despite promising guacamole and other fixings (which it did have, just barely), but I personally won't complain about having more meat. The salsa smothered the sopapilla in a delicious blanket of flavor and spice. It is reminiscent of red enchilada sauce, but boasts a bold, complex flavor which is a tell-tale sign of fresh peppers. This place certainly does the famous peppers and chilies of New Mexico proud, and is an excellent introduction if you're coming through on the east-bound side of Route 66. On the other hand, the service was quite lacking. We were seated and needed to combine some tables. We were given a bit of a look by the hostess when we asked to do this, but we were allowed to. A male waiter took our drink orders and brought them out very quickly. A female waitress came after about eight minutes to take our food orders. I was with my great aunt and my grandma, both of whom speak English as a second language. I was surprised that our waitress at a Mexican-style restaurant couldn't speak Spanish, but honestly, that wasn't even the irritating part. She noticed they were having trouble understanding her, and she continued to speak in English, very quickly, and didn't care to explain anything for them. I get that sopapilla are what they are known for, but she kept saying that word expecting my aunt and grandma to know what that was. When my grandma ordered a carne asada taco (which they don't have), she said very quickly that they only offered chicken, ground beef, or carnitas. My grandma had no idea what she had said. So she tried to clarify that she wanted carne asada, but the waitress kind of sighed like she was annoyed and I translated for her. I don't know if I explained the situation well, but gosh, the service was bad. I know service jobs can be hard, but you don't need to take that frustration out on customers who just walked in. And you also can't talk to new, first-time customers like they know how your restaurant works. For me, sitting there waiting for our food, I was anxious to finish and get out of there. But then the food came out. Honestly, I hope they split the tips with the people in the kitchen, and that they get chiropractor benefits in their health plan, because they are carrying that whole restaurant on their backs. If not for that amazing food, I would have given a two or one star review. If you go in expecting the service to suck, then you might be able to bear it, but you'll certainly enjoy the food. Alternatively, you might just want to call ahead and place a takeout order. read more

Wow!!! Genaro's is amazing!! This is now my favorite restaurant in NM. The food is very authentic to Mexican traditional dishes. You can tell this is a local favorite to the area. Their red chili sauce is to die for...It takes you to the edge of spicy and then the burst of chili flavors stimulates the palette. I truly enjoy their bean burrito smothered in the red chili sauce. Their sopapillas are fantastic!!! Warm and so good with a drizzle of natural honey. It's heaven on a plate!!! Do yourself a flavor and check out Genaro's, you're gonna love it!! read more

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If you can get in and, at times, put up with a busy waitress, it is worth the wait. Everything is tasty and you leave wanting more despite the big portions they serve. Try the stuffed sopapilla! This food is New Mexico. If you leave here saying otherwise you do not know comida o cocinas!!! read more

The food is great bit theor service sucks some seriously! The buser was quick to clean up and get our drink but had to wait nearly another 8 mon before our server acknowledge up and with some attitude to boot. read more

So I asked my buddy, "Duane, where's the best place to eat in Gallup NM?"...Duane replies, "Genaro's bro" That's all it took for me to give Genaro's a try. I've heard from other people that Genaro's was good but I'd have to try it for myself. Genaro's, it's a local "yocal" place to eat, it's a little hard to find but it's well worth the search. It's like a treasure hunt, the the treasure is a fine delicacy of Mexican food! The service was ok but I imagine you don't come here for the service. I wanted to try a little of everything so I ordered the combination plate with green chile . We munched on the chips and salsa as we waited ...which was delicious and didn't disappoint. My brochacho ordered the stuffed sopaipilla with red Chile. When our order was brought to our table, I couldn't believe my eyes! The food looked terrific, succulent, and delicious! My mouths waters just to even think about what I ordered at Genaro's as I write this review...yes it's that good. The food was excellent and I was impressed by the amount of green chile on my plate, I love green chile! Duane's plate was smothered in red chile and it also looked just as impressive as my plate. We ate every last bite and I am left with the feeling that I will be back another day, when I pass through Gallup NM again. I highly recommend eating here, the food is great, it's a local hot spot and you won't be disappointed. Just make sure that you leave room for your plate! Enjoy! read more

This is possibly the best Mexican food I've ever had in my life. Seriously. So I was in Gallup visiting the boyfriends family. We were wanting some good New Mexico food and he knows I love spicy so this was the obvious choice. Guessing by everyone's recommendations and reactions to our visit, this place is KNOWN for spicy ... The hottest green chili in town. Well the entire experience was delightful. The restaurant was clean, the staff was very nice, prompt and polite. The chips and salsa started us off right - fantastic (I'm guessing home made) chips and SPICY salsa but so awesome. We ordered stuffed sopapillias - one chicken and one beef with both red and green chili (I got mine on the side, I'd recommend this for newbies so you can cater to your desired heat) ... SO GOOD! For dessert we had more sopapillias with honey. Everything was fantastic and the prices were good. I will 100% return next time we are in Gallup again! read more

Genaro's Cafe - Chicken stuffed sopapillia - red and green chili ordered on the side!! SO GOOD!! - Mexican Near Me - Gallup, New Mexico

[5+ Stars for Gallup an easy 3.5+ by NM standards] A friend kept posting on his facebook page how he loved the food there and on several recent business trips he was now a regular at the restaurant. My interest had been officially piqued and the opportunity to stop in and try out the place presented itself on a road trip to visit family in NM. The timing was perfect, just before noon on a cloudy Wednesday. Waved in by the a few of the waitstaff and told to sit anywhere I liked. The service was polite and speedy. A basket of chips and a serving of savory salsa, whose heat slowly creeped up on me after about 6 chips, was addictive. Having been craving enchiladas, that is what I ordered. When asked red or green of course I opted for both not knowing their specialty (but I am typically a red fan)...then the next question...Tortilla or Sopapilla...Sopapilla of course (now I know I am back in NM). The serving was generous and while I was only expecting rice and beans on the side I was pleasantly pleased to see a serving of posole on the side too. The rice was meh a little to tomato saucy for my tastes and the beans, I have had better, but the posole was GREAT. I would return for just a bowl of posole with either red or green chile or plain any day. The chile...the RED was amazing and I am rather picky about my red chile [my grandma's is still the best, red or green]. As for the green I was pleasantly pleased at it's simplicity and flavor. The red just knocked my socks off though. The sopapilla was the size of the salad/desert plate it was served on and done perfectly (perfect for stuffing, I may have to try one of their stuffed sopapillas next time.) read more

Genaro's Cafe - Enchilada plate red and green with a sopaipilla...Yum! - Mexican Near Me - Gallup, New Mexico

Genaro's is well known in Gallup and somewhat of a local institution. Unfortunately, as often happens with institutions, I think this restaurant is trading on its glory days as they just don't live up to their reputation. To be fair, I had high expectations but the food on offer is quite ordinary Mexican. Genaro's is not afraid to pack on the "heat" and most everything from salsa to chile has an energetic kick to it. Hotness does not save the food though from a bland death. After enjoying the homemade salsa and chips, I started with some soft tacos. The abused meat was dessicated and devoid of any flavor. The accompanying beans were swimming in their own juices, while the spanish rice had a gelatinous gooey consistency. It had the appearance of coming straight from a box of Rice-a-Roni but was definitely not a treat. Next came the tamales and while the masa had the proper thickness and moist texture, the filling was too macerated for my taste. There was also an unpleasant bitter finish with a slap of hot pepper thrown in for spite. I really wanted to like this restaurant but emerged from my experience disappointed. There are much better options elsewhere in Gallup. read more

Traveling through town? Do yourself a favor and have lunch/early dinner here. I have been coming here since 1991, and seen ups, downs, closings, and remodels. I've also eaten all over New Mexico. And here is where I begin: This is NOT "Mexican" food. It's NEW MEXICAN diner food. And one of the best home-style New Mexican diners around (and I'm including Santa Fe, ABQ, and other points east here). IT'S ABOUT THE CHILI. RED OR GREEN. And as long as you understand that, you'll be OK. The RED AND GREEN CHILI are among the BEST IN THE STATE. PERIOD. They are equally good, and sometimes equally HOT. Yes, styles may vary with different family recipes, and some may prefer other styles, but GENARO'S KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK. They do it so well that often all i order is a bowl of green. And some fries with red (see below). The menudo, when available, is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. Trust me. AB FAB. Like gourmet. Major hangover + menudo with green = cure. The SALSA (contrary to some reviews here) is AMAZING. It's New Mexico style, and a good one at that. NO, THERE IS NO CUMIN AND THERE IS NO SUGAR. Nor should there be. It's the way God intended. Go to New York City if you want cumin and sugar in your salsa. The HAND MADE FRIES SMOTHERED IN RED CHILI, when available, are AB FAB. But you have to ask if they're FROZEN OR HANDMADE THAT DAY OR NOT. Frozen fries not so good, so I avoid. Also, on some days, the chips are bagged. BOOOOO. I'm lukewarm on the burgers, and I've definitely had better green chili burgers elsewhere. It's about the meat and bun. This is a diner, not a gourmet burger dive joint (i.e. Buffalo Cafe in Santa Fe. yummmm). Bottom line: Just say yes. Just do it. Don't expect "Mexican". Be selective on the menu. But expect darn good. read more

We've stopped and eaten here several times on our way from Albuquerque to Barstow. It's a nice little-ish family place. Four generations according to the cashier when we checked out Thursday (she's the granddaughter). As a lifelong Mexican food eater, I'm not sure why anyone would say this is the best Mexican food they've ever had. The place is always packed at lunch, so it's obviously not the worst either. It seems like they get a lot of State workers from the office building nearby. They also allow jewelry sellers to wander through, so be prepared to be hit up during your meal. Not to criticize the sellers... I bought two necklaces last time, got a good deal and love them. 15 minutes later a guy came through with fabulous belt buckles and concha belts, but we were tapped outta cash by then. This trip the waitress kinda rushed us and I couldn't decide, so she talked me into the stuffed sopapilla. Unfortunately, hamburger is the default meat, and I expected chicken. I wouldn't order this dish again. The sopapilla gets tough with the fillings. Better to order it on the side and fill yourself. This is a reliable restaurant. Food is dependable, service is (reasonably) quick, prompt and courteous. It's not gourmet, it's Gallup. read more

Genaro's Cafe - Stuffed sopapilla with hamburger and Christmas chile. - Mexican Near Me - Gallup, New Mexico

Genaro's is excellent New Mexican food. Awesome red and green chili that is spicy, delicious and consistent. The chips and salsa are great as well. There's honestly nothing bad on the menu Stuffed sopapillas, enchiladas, burritos, chili cheese fries, rellenos... all good! read more

Genaro's Cafe - Cheese enchilada plate Christmas style. - Mexican Near Me - Gallup, New Mexico

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The best hidden restaurant in Gallup. They have best stuffed Sopaipilla around. Their green Chile never disappoints. If you love spicy this is the place to go. read more

We stopped here on our way to Keystone, and found it to be a delight! The soup was excellent, the bread was divine, the lasagna amazing... but the tiramisu!!!! I would eat it every day for the rest of my life. The service was very fast and efficient. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Genaro's Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Gallup, New Mexico

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Ordered for delivery today Got my food within 30 minutes Food was great an definitely will order again read more

I've been to this restaurant twice.. first time was good and spicy (red and green combo) Second time was horrible... The meat was over cooked along with everything else. Probably won't ever go back. Not going to recommend this restaurant unless you like poor quality food. The green and red chilli are good though. Roll the dice and see how your meal turns out read more

Really good little place. I love the stuffed sopapilla with green chile. Everything comes SUPER spicy, which I love, but be aware. We are from California but wanted some real southwestern food coming through. My parents are from Gallup so I knew about Genaro's since it was their favorite place back in the 70s and they still talk about it drooling. Well, it's still great. If you want some authentic spicy New Mexican food in town, come here! read more

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My favorite restaurant in Gallup for over 30 years. Still run by the same family. Some of the best posole and rellenos in New Mexico. Don't miss it! read more

I got food poisoning from what I thought would be a "Green Chili" experience. Not only did I walk away with Genaro's gift of pain, fever, etc, etc... but two other people I had dinner with got deliriously ill. I'm never going back to G.Cafe... I don't believe I'll ever submit myself to another 24hrs of intense pain again....e-vah! read more

Everytime we eat there they always make you feel like your @ home..! Great service Awesome food always taste fresh....wonderful atmosphere.! I really recommend go and eat @ Genaros you will not be disappointed..! Thank You to everyone @ Genaros.!! read more

Good food, great service and we're fans of Genaro's after eating there twice. The chips & salsa are great! Pretty frickin' spicy with great flavor and made in house. I had the stuffed sopapilla with green and thought it was great! Their green chili was very good and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. The wifey had the chili relleno and really liked it as well. It could've used a slightly less thick batter and it would've been a bit better but all in all not too shabby. HUGE sopapillas!!! If you're traveling I-40, you're hungry and you're close to Gallup we'd definitely recommend popping in to give it a try. read more

New Mexican food is bomb, green and red chile sauce is off the hook. Very good food. Salsa has the perfect heat. Good service. read more

The stuffed sopapilla is a feast in itself but needs something to break up the holy trio of meat , chile & cheese. Attentive service from all employees makes a traveler welcome in this local favorite. read more

Service was very quick and friendly. I ordered chicken enchiladas with Christmas chili sauce (both green and red), so good!!!! I love spicy food so the salsa was perfect, for my kids not so much. My daughter had the kids chicken strips and fries and she said it was the best she's ever had (she's 7 so she says that a lot, but they were pretty good). The only part I wasn't a big fan of was the 8 or so people that came up to the table in a half hour to try and sell us something, they were polite though. I'd totally go back in a heartbeat read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Gallup. Their service is fast which is impressive with how busy they always are! Their posole is my go to and their sopapillas are out of this world read more

Ordered the stuffed sopa with red and green. Although this was a huge plate, it was a mess. Looked like everything was dumped on the plate in a frenzy. As well as looking unappetizing, it actually wasn't as well. It tasted really bland and I didn't eat most of it. I was surprised as this used to be a great place to eat. read more

This place has the best salsa I've ever had. This is real "New Mexican" style food. The meal started with chips and salsa. The salsa is fresh and hot, but so flavorful! We had some questions about the menu and while we decided, our waiter brought us some free guacamole! I ordered a tostada plate, which came with rice, posole, a delicious sopapilla (basically fried dough) and my boyfriend got the fajita plate. The food was great and I could barely finish half of it! We also had great service, our waiter answered all our questions and even brought us some samples to try! Definitely worth a trip if you are in Gallup. read more

This is the best Mexican food I have ever had the pleasure of eating! Seriously, do not pass up an opportunity to eat at Genaro's. If I wasnt just passing through on my way back to California I'd become a regular. A local recommended Genaro's which is always a good sign of excellent food. Great prices, very friendly, fast efficient service. Salsa is over the top GOOD! Rice is light and fluffy. The posole is the best ever! read more

Genaro's Cafe - Grilled chicken salad with side of rice and posole. - Mexican Near Me - Gallup, New Mexico

Stopped in for lunch while on a road trip. Good food, friendly service, older but clean. They have Indian jewelry peddlers walking through, which I didn't particularly like, but others may. I didn't like the salsa. read more

WHOA! My yelp friends came through for us again... we had a craving for mexican food while passing through Gallup and we ordered some takeout from Genaro's. The green chili is so hot my lips are on fire! It's yummy and super authentic but just be aware the green is MEAN (as in spicy)! My husband ordered the chile rellenos plate and it was amazing. Both came with the Sopapillas and I'm trying hard not to eat mine from a calories and carbs perspective - but they smell and looks o great I think resistance may be futile!!! This meal was hot, tasty, and darn inexpensive to boot. The food tasted darn authentic to us... and certainly home made. Nothing microwaved or pre-packaged here. Though we ordered takeout the restaurant itself is clean, though not fancy it's a really cute spot. I highly recommend it! read more

I heard about the Stuffed Sopapillas so I tried one. Half red chile and half green chile. It was good. Not great, not mouth-watering, and it definitely didn't make me crave one once a week. If I crave a dish on a weekly basis then I know it was really good. I haven't thought about it once unless someone else mentions them. Can someone recommend a Mexican restaurant in Gallup that serves margaritas?!! What gives with the whole limited prohibition in the wild wild west! read more

Genaro's has the best stuffed sopaipillas around! The velvet paintings have been on the walls for at least fifteen years, and I hope they remain after the expansion I've heard about. They definitely needed some more space as the small dining area would get packed for a weekend dinner. Thumbs up, Genaro's. I'll see you next time! read more

The sopapillas were amazing! We ordered blue corn carnitas enchiladas with an over easy egg on top. They were scrumptious. The beans were good. They rice was eh. The service was speedy and friendly. read more

This is definitely a place that the locals frequent. The food was very good and tasted authentic. The service was friendly.

I just moved to the area and saw great reviews for this place so tonight I tried it I wasn't impressed. It wasn't bad but it wasn't as great as I expected after seeing the reviews. I ordered the tamale plate. The tamales were fairly bland, but the green chile was pretty yummy. My guy ordered the fajitas. None of the ingredients seemed to be grilled. No grilled flavor at all. The service was friendly, but after he dropped our food, he was nowhere to be seen. We could have used more tortillas. It was ok, but with all the New Mexican and Mexican food options in town, we probably won't be back. Also, no margaritas. read more

Great place and huge portions. But get ready for spicy. Nothing cleans out the bowels and sinuses like this place.

Some locals swear by Genaro's. I think it's good, the stuffed sopapilla renowned for its hugeness, but I agree with some of the other reviewers in that it's a thick batter, comes shaped like a giant empanada, and the flavor is alright. The smothered fries: Yum. I like going Christmas here; 1/2 red, 1/2 green. There is a waitress here, F, who is an institution and rightly so: amazing, always quick, and she is head and shoulders above any other server I've ever met here. Now if you're into heat of the spicy type: you have found a home. Keep in mind too: they close pretty early: 7: read more

Tonight was my first time eating here and I have to say, it was probably the best Mexican food in all of NM. A diamond in the rough for sure; the red sauce was to die for and the tamales....omg!!!! To top it all off, the service was outstanding. The atmosphere was so comfortable and inviting. I grew up near Gallup but I didn't know this place even existed until tonight. I will definitely be stopping by here again. I love this place. read more

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