Here’s what happens when you order “Christmas style” at Cocina Azul: your plate arrives smothered in both red and green chile sauces, a local tradition that showcases New Mexico’s two most important flavors.
The red sauce tastes earthy and deep from sun-dried New Mexico red chilies, while the green sauce brings brighter, tangier heat from Hatch green chiles with that famous roasted flavor.
This family-owned spot has been voted “Best in the City” year after year for a reason – owner Frank B. makes savory small batches of fresh New Mexican food daily, creating authentic indigenous cuisine that keeps people lining up despite no reservations and squished waiting areas.
What Makes Cocina Azul Special
The restaurant describes their food as “Comida de las Casa” cuisine, which means home-style cooking elevated to something special.
Cocina Azul operates from 7am to 8pm daily, recently adding breakfast service that means they’re constantly busy serving customers at any hour.
The chips and salsa alone earn five-star mentions – at just $4, you get both red and green sauces that guests claim are the best they’ve had, worth the price of admission before your meal even arrives.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Cocina Azul sits at 1134 Mountain Road NW between downtown Albuquerque and Old Town, occupying that perfect middle ground geographically and culturally.
The family-owned operation built its reputation on fresh, small-batch preparation that treats New Mexican cuisine with the respect it deserves.
They’ve added catering services and private event hosting while maintaining that core commitment to authentic indigenous fresh New Mexican food made daily.
Food Highlights
- Brisket Enchiladas: Tender brisket fills corn tortillas that get smothered in your choice of red or green chile, served with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. The slow-cooked meat has earned 131 specific mentions from guests who keep ordering this.
- Creamy Chicken Green Chile Mushroom Soup: This soup has earned devotion from 115 people who’ve specifically talked about it. The creamy base with green chile and mushrooms creates comfort that guests say they didn’t realize they missed until tasting it again.
- Carne Adovada Enchilada Plate: Red chile-marinated pork fills enchiladas in this traditional New Mexican preparation. The meat arrives flavorful and tender, with red chile that achieves perfect consistency – one guest loved it so much they bought a quart to take home.
- Chile Relleno: Roasted green chile stuffed and prepared in traditional New Mexican style demonstrates the technique that defines regional cooking. The preparation showcases why New Mexico’s chiles have such devoted followings.
- Brisket Tacos: Tender brisket fills tacos that guests from Colorado (New Mexico’s green chile rivals) admit they loved. The meat quality and preparation overcome even regional biases.
- Sopapillas: These puffy fried pastries arrive fresh and light, served with honey for dipping. Guests specifically mention wishing they could eat more of these New Mexican staples.
Atmosphere
Cocina Azul sits at 1134 Mountain Road NW in downtown Albuquerque, where moderate noise and casual-but-classy vibes create a family-owned feel.
The restaurant operates first-come-first-served seating, which means lines form during peak times – but the fact people willingly wait squished together tells you something about the food.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2-5pm with $3.95 margaritas, draft beer, and appetizer specials, while outdoor seating accommodates groups and the full bar serves Spanish-speaking staff who make everyone feel welcome.
Bottom Line
Visit Cocina Azul because winning “Best in the City” year after year means they’ve earned local trust through consistent quality in authentic indigenous New Mexican cuisine.
The brisket enchiladas and creamy chicken green chile mushroom soup demonstrate range, while ordering “Christmas style” with both red and green chile showcases New Mexico’s defining flavors on one plate.
The family-owned operation, small-batch daily preparation, and devotion to fresh authentic New Mexican food prove this Mountain Road restaurant has earned its place serving Albuquerque from 7am to 8pm daily.
Address: The Original Cocina Azul on Mountain Rd 1134 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
📞 (505) 831-2500
🕐 Daily: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Family-owned | Voted Best in City | Catering available | Happy hour 2-5pm weekdays | No reservations | Full bar