Cazuela's Mexican Grill Brewery

We arrived at 5:30 and were excited to try a new place based on a ABQ Journal article “Best Enchiladas in Rio Rancho.”There was only one other couple there and just finishing their meal. The restaurant is very large as well as an outdoor patio.A gentleman working there said “sit anywhere you like.” The place is so large, we opted for the bar area since there was a bartender there. No other employees were seen.As we sat down, the bartender immediately came over to offer drinks. He was very personable and he turned out to be the amazing part of our experience; thank you!I had an Acapulco Gold beer, based on his recommendation and it was very good. Wife had a margarita which was also good.The menus, tables and seats need a good scrubbing. Everything had a “tacky” feel.Our waiter brought our drinks as well as chips and salsa. Chips appeared to be homemade but lacked any flavor or seasoning; even salt would have been a great add. The salsa was a one note concoction which was red in color and a few, some sort of discernible chunks.Based upon the ABQ Journal article we were looking forward to Steak and Enchiladas as well as a seafood dish.There was no steak on the menu and the only seafood was a Ceviche Platter. The Ceviche Platter turned out to be an appetizer for 6. Definitely not a meal. There was about 2 cups of really good ceviche surrounded by the same lackluster chips on a huge plate.While the ceviche was very good, that quantity was too much for one person and was not an entree.My wife got the Enchilada, Taco and Avocado Tostada. The highlight of her dish was the tostada. It was good. The taco was filled with ground beef that I’m guessing was supposed to be browned. Poached and gray was as good as it got. And once again zero seasoning (even salt).The enchilada had a very non-descript sauce with no flavor or depth.Now for the Sopapillas. Simply doughy and was able to taste the flour. Guessing oil not hot enough? The honey didn’t improve.I can’t emphasize how well our server was. Sadly, we won’t be back.It is easy to get a first time customer with ads, coupons or in this case an ABQ Journal article. The challenge is a repeat customer.

Usually the food is good but this time it was just ok. The service itself was good

Food is really bad , we have come several times trying again. It takes really long to get your food. No wait , but obviously why ... Even forgot to bring a plate out this time .

We love eating at Cazuela's great Food, Beer and friendly staff. We did notice the last two visits a bad smell in restrooms and this last visit it was hitting out in the lobby also. Hope it will be fixed soon. Thanks for your time and service to Rio Rancho.

The 25% gratuity for a group of 10 people is quite excessive, especially considering that two of the orders were incorrect—I received chicken instead of the beef I ordered. Additionally, my bill came to $25 for just a plate of tacos and water. I don’t feel that the service justified a 25% tip.