Mary & Tito's Cafe

A fair warning, this place can get quite busy! We arrived and were 4th in line. However, we were seated within 15 minutes or less, which was awesome! The service was great. The staff works together, which is fantastic to see. Definitely a hole in the wall restaurant, a nice little gem to the city of Albuquerque. Chile was great! Carne Adovada had amazing flavor. The taco meat could use more flavor, but I appreciate that they do not put potatoes in their tacos. The price is more than fair. My husband and I ate for about $30 before tip, which in today's climate, is awesome! Husband said the tortilla burger was similar to a smash burger. It had a good flavor and he enjoyed it. I had the chimichanga. The meat is so moist and tasty! Parking is awful. There just isn't enough room for the traffic they get. We had to park a block up the road and walk. Atmosphere was good. A small local restaurant feel. It was well lit and had a perfect temperature. My only complaints are I should have asked for cheese. Also, the place is super tiny and there is no place to sit when waiting for a table. While this wouldn't be an issue for most healthy individuals, I have a medical condition that makes standing long periods a bit difficult. Again, not a big deal for most, but can make a huge difference for disabled individuals. Also, they do not have fountain sodas. Not a big issue. From what I heard, they do not serve breakfast all day, so just remember to call ahead if you're looking to grab a breakfast burrito. We will be back!

This was such an amazing home feel type of spot. Me and my wife just tried it randomly for my lunch break and we're extremely surprised. We had our order in minutes made fresh and it tasted like grandma was in the kitchen cooking. A very small place and to the point kinda atmosphere but the service and food trump all here. The stuffed sopapilla was amazing and I got the red which was a little spicy but amazing and my wife got the green which was more on the mild side but still great. 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

This is my favorite New Mexican restaurant in Albuquerque. We go here every time we visit our family. They have the best chunky red chile I’ve tasted. They told me they soften the red chile pods then scrape the chile meat out and into a blender it goes. So good!! I love their green chile possibly just as much and always get a bowl of green chile stew with beans added to it. Yum!! My mom and wife had fried “turnovers” (thicker than a sopapilla) stuffed with Carne Adovada (red chile… baked pork). And then smothered in red and green chile (see photos). It was the tastiest dish we had that day. I had a combo plate with a taco, enchilada and Chile Relleno with whole beans and rice. And a side of green chile stew. So good!!! My son helped me with my taco - since I ordered too much - but I had to try most everything! He liked the taco but thought the meat needed “taco seasoning” and I have to agree. But it was like my mom used to make when we were growing up in NM. My 10 year old son ate four tacos - which was his new record!! The staff was astonished at how many he ate. 🤩 Highly recommended place you must go to!! 🌮❤️‍🔥

The food was amazing. Adobada was fantastic!!!The hostess at the front was sweet and attentive. But our waitress literally never once came to our table until she brought the bill! I had to get the hostess to take our order after we waited 15 minutes at the table.

I can understand why locals and visitors love this location — they provide no frills, authentic New Mexican dishes with excellent service. Their carne adovada is a must try in any form, and the value is very hard to beat.

Yammy~~ The recommended foods are great. The chilly red pepper source is great. I love Chicharrón and Turnover.

Love this place. The Mexican turnover, also known as a stuffed sopa is amazing. Parking can be a bit tight. Pro tip: order ahead if you want the Mexican wedding cake

Fantastic local place with really great food. They make their red and green sauces in house. I love that they’re flavorful not just obnoxious spice. They really add to the dishes. Had the adovado empanada and the table shared the chicharrón. Empanada was delicious with flavorful meat that was tender and moist. Chicharrón were more like crispy pork belly but still delicious. Could tell it was a popular local place as it was steadily busy and lots of pick up orders. Would recommend it.

James Beard American Classic. Foodie tourists rightly seek it out. Family run - and the grandkids have it going as good as ever. (In my experience, this is a rarity: oftentimes the second generation fumbles the ball handing things to the third. These folks today are sharper than ever - and they have to be, because it's now a foodie destination on top of being a local fave.) Delicious red (from a Salem, NM small farm, perhaps the best you'll find served in any Albuquerque restaurant) _and_ green. Phenomenal chicharrones. World class carne adovada. "Mexican wedding cake" is kind of more of a pineapple/carrot cake and it sells out fast - quite yummy (worth getting one to share at the table). Tasty complimentary chips and salsa. Great service - constant drink refills and no hassle about guests' silly requests. Friendly and welcoming, fast and inexpensive. They have all the business they need - come or don't come, makes no difference. The only one who will miss out if you don't come is you. Parking can be challenging - they have spots out back and street spots in the front, but these fill up quickly. Be _very_ careful pulling out of their lot onto Fourth, as people gun through there.

This place is good! Food is delicious, staff is friendly and service was good. Place is a challenge for parking but we went after breakfast and before the lunch rush which seemed to be a good time on a Friday. Red and green Chile had good flavor and some heat but not too hot that it would take the flavor away. Portion was plenty and filling. They had plenty of seating comfortable and clean. Will go back again and to try more on the menu.

Gave me meat when I told them I was vegetarian! After I asked if both the chile were vegetarian, the employee told me they both were. I asked for a bean burrito with the vegetarian chile and when I opened my takeout order, it was covered with ground meat in the chile. Very disappointing. I have no tolerance for that.

First of all, when you drive up to the restaurant you have to know that you are walking into a traditional New Mexican home style restaurant with paper napkins and tile floor with nothing super fancy. Ok ok,, so no white table clothe or fancy hostess, but let me tell you about the service and the food!!!! OOhh my goodness the red chile sauce is amazing, just the perfect amount of spice. Most of the time the green is hotter than the red chile, but the carne adovado stuffed sopapillas w/egg over the top are to die for!!!! If you have any room left over or not, and if you're lucky enough to get a piece, you have to eat a piece of the home made wedding cake. It is a MUST! Five stars are a must from me.

What has happened to your Chile Rellenos?! 1st no cheese inside, then way overcooked, then undercooked with cold cheese inside. Please bring back whoever used to make your most delicious Chile Rellenos!

Well, it was awesome 5 years ago when I was here, and as of today's visit it's still awesome!!! The food is nothing fancy, but dam delicious!!! Down to earth, true New Mexican cuisine. Red chile, green chile, beans, rice, the entire menu is authentic. No fluff here!! Pricing is very very affordable!

Things truly authentic New Mexican food. I ordered flautas. My favorite. The best flavors. Simply prepared with love. I'm a fan.

I first visited this restaurant in 1966 with a friend from the University of Albuquerque. I was so impressed with their absolutely out-of-this-world bowl of Green Chiles!! It was so burning spicy hot that I couldn't even finish it in few minutes. Never had I ever tasted such hot dish before.. But I liked it so much! I highly recommend Mary and Tito's. They also have the best-tasting red chile sauce. Absolutely delicious!

My go to for New Mexican for most of my life. The food quality ,Consistency , and experience has continued to improve over the 28 years I have been enjoying this place. It's a sweet family run restaurant has always been my favorite New Mexican , and one of my favorite restaurants period. This week the red chile was a little hotter than normal which coincided perfectly with the colder weather. I warmed my heart . The green is also so delicious that I can eat it by the soup spoon full. The sweet flavor of the green Chile in stock with just a little pork (you can get either Chile vegetarian as well) is pure bliss. I recommend that you add an a la carte chile relleno with Christmas on the side , in addition to whatever entre you desire. You will crave that relleno. It will make you come back as often as I do. Promise.

The Christmas chili is the best the red chili is hot but it is the best then going there since I was a little boy over 40 years highly recommend it to others from other states other countries the red chili has been rated five times in a row best in New Mexico. Cecil Barreras sr.

Authentic, delicious, great service and classically genuine New Mexico cuisine, this is the taste of our state! The home cooking here is the epitome of real New Mexican. From the bold and spicy red chili to the slow cooked pork for the carne adovada, everything here was amazing. I also enjoyed the old architecture of the restaurant which obviously used to be a house at some point long ago, even the door to enter the restaurant is an original side door to a home. This place is nostalgic for those of us who grew up in New Mexico and you will definitely feel the aura of a times past as you eat at this fantastic establishment!

Was looking for some good chili before ending my visit to abq, and this was a pretty solid choice. Ordered the combination chicken w/ red chili, and although it looks like a brick, it was real good once I started eating. Obviously had a kick to it as well, but not too bad. Waiter was attentive too. My only issue was that it's in kind of a sketch area, but I guess that's just abq idk

Frankly, it's a local favorite that I personally did not enjoy. The people were nice except the waiter who was somewhat standoffish and couldn't be bothered with a recommendation. I finally played it safe and ordered a beef enchilada that was soupy with an unnecessarily hot spicy sauce. Would have preferred another authentic Mexican restaurant.

This is our go-to place for New Mexican food. Their red chile can't be beat. They make everything fresh. Straight home cooked comfort food. My favorite menu item is the turnovers. Absolute yum! The guacamole is also really good with their thin crispy tortilla chips. Staff is amazing and super friendly. Very welcoming place. Definitely a must try if you haven't yet. You will be hooked!

The waiter was rude and unfriendly. If you asked for anything he seems bothered. It's family owned so I'm sure they won't fix the problem. I told the cashier and she didn't seem to care. Food was ok nothing special. But the red chili was good. Prices were decent and portions were fine. But definitely over rated.

I had a friend visiting from California and I had asked some locals what was the best place for authentic NM food to enjoy. This funky little place was recommended. I had the chili rellenos , and they were okay, but not the best I ever have tasted. They were scrawny and had almost no cheese inside. The salsa was good, as well as, the spicy rice. She had a flaky pastry turnover stuffed with seasoned pork strips. She enjoyed it and said it was absolutely delicious. The service was adequate, but the server was not very enthusiastic, with taking our order and serving our meal. Everything was just placed down with no pleasantries. I had to go to the hostess to get togo boxes, as our server became scarce, and did not check back at all to see if we needed anything else. After the glowing recommendations from others, I frankly disappointed. Thank you.

The food has always been very good, usually most places have either really good red Chile or green Chile never both. This place has both for sure, food has never disappointed, but this last time i went in there was an older female I'm assuming part of ownership, drives a white tesla (took her half an hour to park) She seemed out of it or drunk not sure almost fell a few times, while getting ready to pay she's whipping up some whipping cream for a cake on the front counter a male client asked "how long have you been doing that" and she said the most horrifying statement "enough to pay off 3 cars" "2 Mercedes and a tesla" lol like that's something to be proud of... I'll definitely still go back because the food is great but whoever that lady is, should definitely not show face. Disgusting behavior for that old lady.

The Mexican turnovers & red chile were great & unique. Our waiter was somewhat friendly. However, the ladies working here are very rude. On top of that, i found a hair BAKED INTO my biscochitos. Unfortunately the bad outweighs this time and I won't be back.

Whenever I'm in Burque town, this place is a must-visit! Their New Mexican Christmas turnovers are simply the best - a truly unique and delicious treat.

Always great food and service. Cake is a must. Order the day before and you can take a whole cake home with you . Brought one home yesterday for my wife's Birthday. Great hit.

Been all over ABQ trying new foods and chili but so far this the best spot and not expensive thank God. Very good food

Outstanding! We had the carne adovada enchiladas, with red chili . Tastes just like New Mexico should!! Fresh made tortillas come with meal.

Old school mom and pop place. Great New Mexican food! The carne was excellent. Tacos looked amazing and next on my list

Absolutely love this place. Whenever we have out of town guests we have to go. The food is fresh and prepared to order. The staff is friendly. We have gone with a group of 8-10 people. Place is small and you might need to wait but it's worth it. Save room for the Mexican wedding cake it's absolutely the best dessert.

Great New Mexican dishes always! Their food is consistantly good and service friendly. This spot is friendly on the wallet! Only downside is no alcohol or beer but small inconvenience for delicious food.

The best carne adovada in New Mexico. Tender, flavorful pork marinated and cooked to perfection. This is real , honest, authentic Mexican food. If you want the best chili look no further.

Great food, great service. I highly recommend the Mexican turnovers! Been there a few times and the food is always delicious.

So we finally decided to try Mary & Tito's because of the great reviews and the recommendations we got from others. I have to be honest and say that my expectations were super high but for us the food was average at best. The moment our plates hit the table I got a whiff of the rice and I knew immediately what it would taste like without even tasting it yet. It's the same taste at many New Mexican restaurants which leads me to believe that they don't make their own rice in house or it's premade. This is just my assumption/perception because I have tasted this exact rice at a couple of local restaurants now. The red and green chile were nothing memorable for me and the green chile had larger pieces which I didn't enjoy. We weren't able to finish half of any of our 3 entrees because we didn't enjoy the flavor. We can definitely tell that the locals love it here and that it's packed daily. Parking is very hard to find so make sure you have time to wait. Service was ok - nothing spectacular the tall older gentleman waiting on us seemed a bit rude but didn't really talk or say anything to us - not even a hello. Bathroom is small but looked clean.

They just serve up the New Mexico basics in a very modest setting. You're sitting at chairs and tables that look like were borrowed from a church cookout. But people dont come for the ambiance. They have a reputation for knockout carne adovada and red sauce....and its well deserved. And the prices are flat out cheap.

If you are visiting from out-of-state, do yourself a favor. Skip El Pinto and Sadies, and visit here for real deal New Mexican food. Red, red, red chile. If you love red chile, then this should be your joint. Thick, just hot enough to have a bite, but not over the top. I truly believe this was the best red chile I've ever tasted, and I cook it at home. This restaurant is in a very unassuming location on 4th Street. The location just adds to the total "New Mexico" experience. This is NOT a Mexican restaurant. It is a NEW Mexican restaurant and a James Beard award winning New Mexican restaurant at that! There is a huge difference between Mexican and New Mexican food, but I digress. Visited here with a co-worker on Friday, March 2, 2022. We were both virgins to this restaurant, but I'd heard many good things about this place from Yelp and word of mouth. The parking is a bit limited, and every space had been taken behind the restaurant (a good sign). We parked on the street close by. The inside looked pack, so we put our name on the waiting list. We waited outside and ten minutes later they called us in. The atmosphere appeared quaint with photos, and awards on the walls and tablecloths on the tables and booths. Our friendly waiter took our order within two minutes. I knew to try the red chile (for sure) and either the stuffed sopapilla with carne adovada or the chile rellenos. I opted for the two chile rellenos. They came with rice and beans on the side and smothered in that thick, spicy, meatless (upon request) red chile. Our food came out promptly. The rellenos were crispy on the outside, with nicely melted, white cheese on the inside. Red chile stole the show, with that wonderful bite and thick sauce that lingered on my tongue. The waiter asked if we liked our meals and my friend responded, "That's the best red chile I've ever had." He ordered the bean and chiccharone burrito smothered in Christmas (half red/half green). The plate sizes are perfect, not too big that you have to leave with some, but not so small that you don't feel full. Unfortunately, Mary and Tito are no longer with us, but their daughter, Antoinette, is cooking the same recipes they did. This is a family run business and always has been. They offer great New Mexican cuisine for very reasonable prices. For our two plates, we paid $19.15, which I considered cheap for such excellent food. Every single tourist should visit this place and if you live in New Mexico and haven't been here yet, shame on you. You are missing the best offering of our local cuisine.

This place is a wonderful place and I heard they're closing but I hope they don't because if you want original New Mexico food and some red chili, that's wonderful please come to this place. Please stop by here get some food.

The food is good excellent! It's not a fancy restaurant but the people are friendly, the variety of food is vast, but most importantly is the cost is VERY reasonable.

Carne Adovada Sopapilla, Christmas Style------BOMB! We pulled up to the place and started to walk around the building looking for the entrance. The lady came out and let us know that she would come to the car to take our order. We placed our order for 2 Carne Adovada Sopapillas, Christmas Style. She let us know that she would bring our food out to the car once it was done. Soon after, she was coming out with a huge bag containing the sopapillas, the red and green chile, and a bag of homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Here is how it was.................... Carne Adovada Sopapilla- Bomb! Best thing I have had all trip! They bring out a perfectly fried sopapilla, stuffed with carne adovada, and 2 containers full of sauce (one red, one green chile) for you to pour on your sopapilla yourself. Poured the red on one half, the green on the other, got my fork and knife and went to town. So damn delicious. Crispy fried dough with the perfect amount of chew, well seasoned pork, and the slight heat burn of both versions of the chile set this thing over the top! It was so damn delicious! Like I said earlier, it was the best thing I have had this trip! If I lived in the area, I would definitely be a regular customer. The lady who helped us was incredibly nice and friendly, and that sopapilla (and chips) smothered in red and green chile was amazing! Glad we stopped and got to experience this. It was great!

No better red chile sauce. No better service. Warm comfortable (enchanted) environment. Good peeps.

So good, we ate here twice. Loved this family owned and operated local business. The chicken stuffed sopaipillas, filled with chicken, cheese, rice and beans, and blue corn enchiladas were so delicious. Meals come with fresh chips and salsa in a paper bag with a sweet message hand written on the side. Order the spicy chili Christmas style to sample both the red and green sauces. The red is made from dried pods and the green from roasted green chilis. Both are available with or without meat and served on the side for to go orders. Ordering was easy over the phone. They bring your meal direcly to your car in the parking lot. Call to check hours which were limited to lunch from 11-3 during the week. Thanks to Albuquerque's Yelp CM Howie for this great recommendation. It is easy to see why Mary & Tito's was named one of America's 38 Essential Restaurants by Eater.

Made a quick stop while we were driving through Albuquerque. Staff was friendly and service was quick. The Mexican turnover is a stuffed sopapilla - we opted for one with carne. You also have your choice of red or green chili. We opted for green (not pictured as ours was packaged separately for to-go order). Overall flavor was good, definitely preferred the stuffed sopapilla over the enchiladas.

We always wanted to go to Mary and Tito's and went there for lunch yesterday. The food was outstanding especially the red chili, and the service was great. They were very nice people who accommodated our every need. I would highly recommend this place.

Between their low prices, amazing service and delicious New Mexican food they are a must stop any time you are in Albuquerque. Don't let the outside fool you. Amazing food and great staff await! I ordered the chili rellenos and they were crispy and covered with green chili. Everything was hot, fresh and If I lived closer it would be hard to not come here every day.

Neighborhood place with great food and a loyal following Among the best chile rellenos I've had. Prices very reasonable and service outstanding.

I didn't get to eat here - not really their fault - so this is not a meal review but an alert for potential customers about waiting for a table. Small and crowded even after regular lunch hours. They take your name down and tell you it'll be 10-15 minutes. I had that much time, so I waited. After 20 minutes with the line of names not having moved a budge, I asked for a better estimate. The staff's response was very snotty, as if I'd asked for special treatment or for them to magically conjure up additional tables. But I just wanted to know how much time there was to wait, as my time was limited. Once we got that straight, they claimed to have no idea, suggesting that their original estimate was random and bogus. After another ten minutes I gave up and left, a waste of my time where an honest original "it'll be over a half hour" would have informed me from the start that I would not have time for this that day. 3 stars as the most neutral possible rating, but as service it's 1-star at best.

Ummmmm delicious!!!! Every single person who visits ABQ should stop in at Mary and Tito's and try the stuffed sopapilla!!!! My go to is the carne adovada smothered in green chile. The carne adovada does have a little heat but is mainly flavorful. For those who can't handle the heat, like my companion, order the chicken and cheese sopapilla with extra cheese on top. Service is great, and always attentive. Finally - you MUST try the Mexican wedding cake - we usually get a slice to share there and take TWO slices to the hotel room to work on later!!!! Absolute must try in ABQ!

You don't get to an Eater top 38 America list by accident. There is something truly special about mary and Tito's. The chile comes green or red. If you haven't tasted New Mexico chile, you are definitely missing out. And the two are very distinctly different. They both pack a decent amount of heat (medium, rather than mild) so if you don't eat spicy, you should steer clear. The carne adovada plate with beans and rice is a must! Every bite will satisfy and leave you wanting more. The hot stuffed sopapilla is NOT to be missed. If you are a tourist like me, you will ask for the Xmas style chile, though the locals don't do this. Something about the two flavors cancelling each other out and not being able to appreciate either to its fullest potential. So eat them separate if you are a pro! The parking lot is packed (there is also street parking)!

My wife had the Mary & Tito's special, which is red chile and beans. I had a chicharrone and bean burrito. And my son had a carne adovada burrito. All were simply amazing, with a red chile sauce that is reason enough to come to Mew Mexico all on its own. We shared a slice of Mexican wedding cake, which was moist and delicious. The decor is not much to write about, but we were here for the food, and Mary & Tito's did not disappoint. 5/24/2019 - Visited again, and tried the guacamole tostada with beans. Such incredible guacamole. The seasoning was just right. I had it with vegetarian red chili.

Wowie zowie, this place blew me away. From the moment you step in the door its a great experience - charming atmosphere, excellent friendly service, generally good vibes. And the food! We had the Mexican Turnover with carne adovada and a burrito with chicharron, both were spectacular. The chicharron was rich and crisp, the carne adovada savory and comforting. If you ever find yourself in Albuquerque definitely stop by Mary & Tito's, you'll be glad you did!

I was fixated on trying this place after I read that it got a James Beard award as a regional classic. It did not disappoint. My husband and I had lunch there when we were in Albuquerque recently. They are famous for their carne adovada. I decided to get it in a chimichanga (Christmas). It was really good. My husband got it in a burrito and liked it as well. I highly recommend this place!

I've been going here for 50 years. It seems to just get better! Meet friends for lunch on a regular basis. Always wish I went more often. Truly a standard, difficult to beat. Carne adovada & Chile rellenos are my favorite.

Very cute family owned New Mexican joint. Very charming interior and friendly staff. Service was actually faster than most places in town. The highlight was the adovada. Super tender and tasty. Very grandma's recipe. But every other dish fell flat. The beef tacos had no flavor and were greasy. The Mexican turnover suffered from the same problem. I would stick to the adovada and the wedding cake.

Mary & Tito's isn't fancy but if you want great New Mexican food at a great price and offer great service, this is the place. They've won a James Beard award, need I say more? You can't go wrong, the only issue is working around their limited hours.

Wonderful food. It was so good after a day on the road. We will eat here again when we're in Albuquerque.