5 highly recommended spots in Albuquerque for posole

Cooler weather means it is officially time for posole (or pozole, if you prefer).

This delicious Mexican stew is traditionally made from hominy with meat (typically chicken or pork), and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes.

Hungry yet? I’m sure you are, so let’s review these five customer-favorite spots for posole.

1. Church Street Cafe

Head to this cozy haunt for a comforting bowl of posole. Their menu showcases this dish as white corn served with marinated pork and your choice of red or green chile. Go ahead and order a bowl… as one customer review says: "The posole was so good; I should have gotten a bowl instead of a cup."

Address: 2111 Church St. Northwest (505) 247-8522

Hours: Closed Mondays, open Tuesday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Wednesday - Saturday 8 a.m. 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

2. Fiesta Restaurant

If you like heat with your posole, head to Fiesta. Customers love the spicy flavor at this joint.

A reviewer said: "Excellent food and service, watch out for the posole, it's a little warm, but very good. Two thumbs up and five stars."

Address: 4400 Carlisle Blvd., Northeast (505) 881-0478

Hours: Open Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

3. Los Compadres Restaurant

Los Compadres is well-known for their posole. A reviewer said: “The pozole, was really good also. The meat was tender and the broth wasn't too spicy, it was perfect.”

Address: 2437 Central Ave. Northwest (505) 452-8091

Hours: Closed Monday, open Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

4.Monroe’s Restaurant

This family-friendly diner is the way to go for some excellent posole.

A reviewer said: “Monroe’s is and always has been one of the most consistently excellent New Mexican restaurants in town. We eat here and the downtown location constantly. Best posole I’ve ever had, but everything is fantastic. Go get you some.”

Address: 6051 Osuna Road Northeast (505) 242-1111

Hours: Sunday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (closed Wednesday)

5. Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen

This no frills family eatery is a great spot for posole according to customer reviews. Pro tip: cards are not accepted here, so bring cash.

A reviewer said: “Can't go wrong coming here. Get here early if you have a large party. It will be packed like it always is. Smaller parties might have a small wait but worth it. Place has been here for years! You might even catch a celebrity or two eating in. Bring cash. I recommend the combo plate or get some posole in the winter. Go red chile! Or Christmas. Service is great too!”

Address: 1510 Girard Blvd., Northeast

Hours: Closed weekends, open Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Hot, steamy posole pictures and some places to grab a bowl