Cantina Nueva - Albuquerque

As reported before the Open Table, I arrived at the restaurant at the time of our reservation. A sign at the restaurant door said "Ceased Operations".

Cantina Nueva was worth trying, but I probably won't go back. The menu made the food more interesting than it was actually. The chicken mol Enchiladas were very tasty and the refritos and rice were better than most, but really the same old thing. Corn cakes are on the menu, why not use that as the main page or give people options. Or create truly unique sites that are not served in any other Mexican/Southwestern restaurant. The pig bells tacos were just okay, again more promises than reality. Quality good, but could have made more taste and pigs belly better. The silver coin was a very good margarita. Since there are several offers that people may not be familiar with, like Jack Obst Tacos, why not let Diners mix and fit to an idea of what they like. I'd like to try Jack Fruit, but not if I have to buy all three the same.

Always great food! If you are looking for hot Chile, you are 9/10 times in the right place. Chickens filled Chile Rellenos are delicious!

We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and our table was already set up and waiting for our group of 5. The hostess was very friendly and greeted us with a big smile. At first, we were seated in the restaurant we had a difficult time hearing each other because it was extremely loud. We asked to move outside to the patio and the manager and staff were very accommodating, even though there was not a table large enough to seat us. They joined a couple of tables together to fit our group and it worked perfectly. The wait staff was very professional and friendly and the food quality was great. The only suggestions I would make is to install some sound panels to control the loudness and place some type of decorations on the wall to give the restaurant a cozier feel, it feels very cold (not temperature) and sterile, not homey. Overall, excellent experience!

Their gluten-free labels are inaccurate. Be sure to ask the server to check with the cook staff.