Ben Michaels Restaurant

First of all, make sure you bring cash.
If you don't, they will turn you away to the Bank of America ATM, and fail to mention the $4.50 inconvenience fee.
The lady, who was the only server in the establishment, was rude and adamant that we had to order something to be able to sit in the restaurant.
We let it go, and we sat down at the big table (two small tables bunched together) we sat for a little while and she brought our chips and salsa and waters in Dixie cups? As she approached the table, she brought the items, one in each hand, but with her thumb partially in the salsa.
I watched her as she was aware of what was going on.
She left the salsa and didn't attemp to replace it.
Use a tray! It was packed, but we didn't get our drink order for quite some time. Toward the end of our first round, we asked for a chip refill.
She never returned.
Keep in mind, the place isn't very big.
Now here is the kicker...we were about to order some entrees.
A man who was running food outside, came to our table after he ran his order.
He came up to our table and tells us that we will have to split/give up one of our two little tables (By the window/entrance), because people were waiting to sit.
"Well are you going to order anything??!", he said.
Had we done that, there would be 6 people to a small table.
I told him to repeat himself, because out of all the years of working in the food industry and being a patron of many establishments, I couldn't believe my ears.
I told him, "We have an order coming up." And he walked away.
As he was telling me this, he was looking at me and tapping his finger on my friend's shoulder.
The waitress never returned with our chips.
We were about to place our order.
At that point, I was appalled and we lost our appetite and desire to be there.
People, it's nothing special.
Just a small building with Adobe walls.
There are plenty of other establishments in Old town/Albuquerque that will treat you much better than how these people treated us.
You've been warned.
😔

Ben Michaels is very personable, a great cook and delicious margaritas! We enjoyed sitting at the bar and talking to him while he was cooking.
We had vegetarian enchiladas with sweet squash in blue corn tortillas and red chili.

You MUST visit Ben Michaels Restaurant near Old Town in Albuquerque!!! I cannot tell you how wonderful and authentic this place is.
It is an experience, not just a meal! Ben Michael is truly a Renaissance Man and it shows in all that he does! We first went in December of 2023 and were completely WOWED by the ambience, aura and food! He is a master in the kitchen, garden, at the piano and in the realm of storytelling! He made us feel like we were the only people in the world and we had known each other for decades! I am not a foodie in any way, but this chef and his art of cooking made me truly appreciate the world of flavors and phenomenal food! The art and photos on the wall tell the story of a wonderful life and strong connection to family. We then had a private party there for my sister's 60th birthday and once again, Ben Michael made sure we had a wonderful time.
He was so personable and attentive all evening while mingling with us and getting to know us better.
He is an exceptional listener.
Towards the end of the evening he sat down at his beautiful piano and sang a PERSONALIZED Birthday song for my sister!!! He took in all the great details and made her a song!!!! It was amazing!!!! As you can see by now, I cannot say enough great things about Ben Michael's!!! I would be typing for days.
Please treat yourself to an evening there and you too will fall in love with this exceptional restaurant.