El Modelo Mexican Foods
1 / 10

El Modelo Mexican Foods

,

A beloved Albuquerque institution since 1929, serving up massive, authentic tamales and stuffed sopapillas with true New Mexican flair. It's a no-fril...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
El Modelo Mexican Foods

El Modelo Mexican Foods

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Albuquerque institution since 1929, serving up massive, authentic tamales and stuffed sopapillas with true New Mexican flair. It's a no-frills spot focused on delicious takeaway.

"Get your great eats and find a place to chow down. If you’re seeking authentic, you won’t be disappointed!!"

TIP

Order Ahead

To avoid long waits, consider placing your order in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.

Vegetarian Options

Inquire about vegetarian choices, as they may not always be clearly marked on the menu.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 7PM

Cuisine

Mexican

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(505) 242-1843

Address

1715 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Tamales

Legendary Tamales

Locals rave about the huge, flavorful tamales, a must-try for an authentic taste of Mexico.

Guac Out at The Top 7 Mexican Restaurants in AlbuquerqueEssential Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque
Stuffed Sopapillas

Stuffed Sopapillas

Generously portioned and incredibly delicious, these sopapillas are a unique and satisfying treat.

The Best Restaurants In Albuquerque, New MexicoGoogle Review
Authentic Since 1929

Authentic Since 1929

Experience a piece of Albuquerque's culinary history with traditional Mexican dishes served with pride.

Essential Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque70 Date Ideas in Albuquerque: Romantic Things To Do In Albuquerque
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Modelo’s been feeding ABQ since 1929. I’ve lived here for several years and have never tried it, so obviously I had to see what the hype was about. The wait was long, the portions were massive, and the sopapillas were basically the size of my head (and worth every bite). Pro tip: order ahead it’s a little awkward stuffed inside waiting for your order. #newmexico #nmtrue #albuquerqueeats #albu...
@the.travelremedy
637 likes • 12.9K views

Order Ahead

To avoid long waits, consider placing your order in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.

Vegetarian Options

Inquire about vegetarian choices, as they may not always be clearly marked on the menu.

Replying to @Queen Christina El Modelo in Albuquerque, NM. #newmexicoeats #newmexico #albuquerquenewmexico #albuquerque #albuquerqueeats #sopaipilla #abqeats #abqfoodie #abqfoodies #albuquerquefoodies #abq
@raisingboysxx5
1.3K likes • 23.1K views
Authentic New Mexican flavors at El Modelo in Albuquerque! 🌶️🔥 Serving up legendary tamales, stuffed sopapillas, and hearty burritos since 1929. A must-try for true Southwest eats! 🌮✨ #ElModelo #Albuquerque #newmexicanf #Tamales #fyp #viral #trending #ABQFoodie #abq #FoodieFinds #nmtrue #newmexico #placestoeat #albuquerquenewmexico
@_route505travels
1.1K likes • 24.2K views

Don't Miss Unique Items

Be adventurous and try specialties like chicharrón y tamales de pollo salsa verde.

Parking Lot Dining

While there's no indoor seating, you can enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables.

If you’re coming to Albuquerque, NM, for the International Balloon Fiesta, you have to try El Modelo! They have the best posole and handheld stuffed sopapillas. It is one of the best places to eat authentic Mexican and New Mexican food! They also have fresh tortillas and sopapillas you can purchase by the dozen. El Modelo has been in business since 1929. #albuquerqueinternationalballoonfiesta #au...
@tru_nick_tv
75 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Order Ahead

To avoid long waits, consider placing your order in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.

Vegetarian Options

Inquire about vegetarian choices, as they may not always be clearly marked on the menu.

Don't Miss Unique Items

Be adventurous and try specialties like chicharrón y tamales de pollo salsa verde.

Parking Lot Dining

While there's no indoor seating, you can enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Modelo Mexican Foods is celebrated for its authentic, flavorful New Mexican cuisine, especially its generous tamales and stuffed sopapillas. While many praise the traditional tastes and hearty portions, some recent reviews mention concerns about rising prices and a perceived dip in flavor quality.

"Excellent food! Not a touristy place, and not to dine in. Who cares! Get your great eats and find a place to chow down. My favorite was the stuffed sopapillas. Would order again for sure. Our order took about 20 minutes, no biggie. We did not order ahead. If you’re seeking authentic, you won’t be disappointed!!"

Robert Most

"The food was good, and the handmade sopapilla was especially delicious. Customer service was solid as well. My only critique is the excessive packaging—there was a lot of paper used to wrap the food, which felt wasteful and actually made the presentation look less appealing than the food deserved. From a sustainability standpoint, simplifying the packaging would go a long way and better reflect the quality of the meal."

Clifford Clarke

"The I got a green chile chicken burrito. It was good. I liked it. Chile wasn't hot. For 8 bucks, it was fairly small than I would've liked. I'm open to giving this place another shot. They got a big menu. But yeah. Overall, it was good."

TeamFurjan

What People Like

Huge, authentic tamales
Delicious stuffed sopapillas
Traditional New Mexican flavors

What People Dislike

Higher prices
Bland flavors (recent reports)
Inconsistent food quality

Frequently Asked Questions

El Modelo is primarily a takeaway spot with limited outdoor seating. It's not recommended for a sit-down dining experience.

The Best Restaurants In Albuquerque, New MexicoGoogle Review

Locals and visitors highly recommend the huge tamales and the stuffed sopapillas. The Mexican plate is also a popular choice.

Guac Out at The Top 7 Mexican Restaurants in AlbuquerqueThe Best Restaurants In Albuquerque, New MexicoGoogle Review

Yes, ordering ahead is recommended, especially during peak hours, to minimize wait times.

TikTok

While not always clearly labeled, they do have vegetarian options available. It's best to ask staff when ordering.

El Modelo Mexican Foods has been serving authentic New Mexican cuisine since 1929.

The Best Restaurants In Albuquerque, New MexicoEssential Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque

Don't miss out on trying unique items like chicharrón y tamales de pollo salsa verde.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Culture Trip

The Best Restaurants In Albuquerque, New Mexico

A staple on Albuquerque’s culinary scene since 1929, El Modelo is a casual eatery — primarily a takeaway spot — specialising in Mexican cuisine. Beginning as a tortilla business operating from one room of a modest house, El Modelo now serves a host of flavourful items from tacos and tamales to enchiladas, all of which are homemade. Particularly popular dishes include the Mexican plate – which provides diners with a chance to sample tamales, tacos, enchiladas, rice, refried beans, spare ribs, and chips – and the stuffed sopapilla with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and chile chorizo.

Visit Source →
Eater

The 25 Best Albuquerque Restaurants

Visit Source →
Daily Meal

The 50 Best Burritos In America

This 90-year-old restaurant, long the standard-bearer for Tex-Mex food in Albuquerque, got its start as a tortilla factory Though the operation has expanded quite a bit since then, these tortillas are still some of the finest you'll find anywhere, especially when rolled up into a burrito. Standouts at El Modelo include the chile relleno, carne deshebrada (brisket stew) and carne adovada (pork stew) burritos, but opt for the chicharrones, deep-fried chunks of pork. It'll only set you back about $5, and you'll still have some room left over for a sopapilla.

Visit Source →
Table Magazine

Essential Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque

Since 1929, El Modelo has been an unwavering sentinel of flavor, standing tall as a beacon of Albuquerque’s rich culinary history, where tamales reign supreme, each one a tribute to the generations that perfected them. The enchiladas here melt in your mouth, while the chile rellenos deliver a punch that leaves you yearning for more. El Modelo isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a love letter to Mexican cuisine and a pilgrimage every serious food lover must undertake.

Visit Source →
Foodie Flashpacker

Best Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque

Visit Source →
blog.giftya.com

Guac Out at The Top 7 Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque

Our tamales are huge.” This is what is stated clear as day on El Modelo’s website, and it’s safe to say it got our attention. You can purchase individual tamales or tamales by the dozen, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be ordering them by the dozen. Come for the tamales, and stay for the enchilada plates, special made burritos, and stuffed sopapillas.

Visit Source →
Dodcui

10 Best Mexican Restaurants Near Albuquerque, NM

Tomasita’s Albuquerque New Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned place where you will get your favorite New Mexican food. They have completed over 4 decade-long journeys, and currently, the 3rd generation of the family is operating the restaurants. As per locals, Tomasita’s New Mexican Restaurant is the Best for Green and Red Chile.

Visit Source →
Dymabroad

70 Date Ideas in Albuquerque: Romantic Things To Do In Albuquerque

One of the most romantic things to do in Albuquerque is going to El Modelo Mexican Foods with your partner. This is a restaurant that serves delicious Mexican food, which is great if you are in the city with your partner. This is an old restaurant that dates back to the year 1929, and you can feel that when you are here.

Visit Source →
Better with Baron

Top Spots to Savor in 2025<br/>

Established in 1929, El Modelo is a cornerstone of Albuquerque's culinary scene. Located in the historic Barelas neighborhood, this eatery is renowned for its authentic New Mexican dishes. Their tacos, especially the carne adovada and green chile varieties, are a must-try for anyone seeking traditional flavors

Visit Source →
Stacker

Highest-rated Cheap Eats in Albuquerque, According to Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (263 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Mexican- Address: 1715 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-4505- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Where people in Albuquerque are looking to buy homes

Visit Source →
Slurrp

7 Famous Albuquerque Restaurants You Must Visit At Least Once

El Modelo Mexican Foods Serves the best tamales, sopapillas, and huevos rancheros. Their handmade dishes offer a customization option with the choices of your favourite Mexican fillings. Whether you like pork with red chile or chicken with green chile, you can tailor these dishes as per your taste.

Visit Source →
USA TODAY 10Best

Albuquerque Mexican Food Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews

El Modelo restaurant, in operation since 1929 with only two different owners, has a long history of serving great Mexican food to Albuquerque residents. The original owner used to get up at 2 AM to hand make the flour tortillas that were used for breakfast. That care and attention has carried on.

Visit Source →
New Mexico Nomad

20 of the Best Restaurants in Albuquerque for Chile

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNERThis is New Mexico food like your abuelita used to make. Authentic, affordable and delicious. El Modelo has been making the best tamales in Albuquerque since 1929, selling them to loyal locals from their location at 1715 2nd Street.

Visit Source →
New Mexico Magazine

Explore Albuquerque’s Barelas Neighborhood

Before heading home, grab a few tacos and tamales to go at El Modelo Mexican Foods, a local favorite since 1929, or head across the river to El Paisa Taqueria, a cash-only Mexican-style taco stand known for their lengua and al pastor.

Visit Source →
Restaurant Clicks

26 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM

1715 Second St SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102Phone: (505) 242-1843 Visit Website. A post shared by Ambers adventures (@ambzztravel). El Modelo Mexican Foods features generous portions and outstanding quality at a high-value price.

Visit Source →
Movoto Blog

15 Albuquerque Restaurants Rated Best on Yelp

Just as everyone needs their high-class foreign flavors, they need their go-to greasy spoon. The New Mexico edition of that is El Modelo. Come hungry—it’s the guaranteed way to leave happy.

Visit Source →
wyomingplaceabq.com

Guide to The Best Mexican Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM

If you're living in Albuquerque, you've got to visit El Modelo Mexican Food, because it's been in operation for over 90 years.

Visit Source →
Scary Mommy

Things To Do in Albuquerque With Kids

Visit Source →
royalangkor.ca

Best Food in Albuquerque: A Culinary Adventure for the Senses

Visit Source →
El Modelo Mexican Foods (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide