Best New Mexican Restaurant in Albuquerque, 2019 Readers Choice Award -

[Updated 2023] Thanks to votes from Albuquerque Journal readers, Papa Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant took top honors in the Readers’ Choice Award, winning Best New Mexican Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Today, Papa Felipe’s still carries on the tradition of serving authentic regional cuisine, wowing locals and visitors alike.

At a mid-August dinner, representatives from the Albuquerque Journal newspaper announced the winners of their 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. Papa Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant won First Place in the Mexican Restaurant category. 

According to the Journal, the awards represent the most popular spots in the region.

Readers voted for their favorite restaurants in Albuquerque, in several categories. An electronic count of online ballots plus paper ballots determined the winners. 

Over the years, Papa Felipe’s has received numerous awards for their authentic New Mexican foods. These include a 2018 second-place showing for Best New Mexican and previous Best of the City Awards for best guacamole and best chile relleno.

Papa Felipe’s is an Albuquerque institution. They have been serving some of the best, New Mexican cuisine around (including takeout) for more than 45 years. As well as their award-winning Mexican and New Mexican food, Papa’s is known for their green chile carne adovada. And don’t forget their famous margaritas!

On the Menu

Serving lunch and dinner, Papa Felipe’s menu starts with tempting appetizers and soups (like regionally popular posole, green chile stew and a seasoned meatball soup called Caldo De Albondigas). As for the rest of the menu, of course, there are New Mexican favorites like tacos and burritos (even a breakfast burrito), chile rellenos and enchiladas, but also some dishes special to Papa Felipe’s like their green chile tamale pie and Papa’s Puffy Taco. And if you can’t decide, we have a combination plate too! 

If steaks and seafood are more your thing, we’ve got you covered! Our Del Mar selection includes Baja fish tacos, shrimp dishes, crab cakes and fish. And Off the Grill — look for a variety of steaks, temping burgers and grilled Tacos Al Carbon.

We also have an all-day Senior Menu and a Lunch Special Menu too — a collection of our favorites like corn chip pie, tacos salad, huevos rancheros, chalupas and lunch combos! 

Come get your chile fix! Join us for lunch or dinner at 9800 Menaul, in Albuquerque, NM!