Where to enjoy the best red chile in Albuquerque

Café Castro’s Ground Beef Sopaipilla with Red Chile.

Heather Hunter/For the Journal

Rachel Driskell Rachel Driskell Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal

Published January 3, 2024 - 12:20 p.m. Modified January 3, 2024 - 12:42 p.m.

Looking for the best places to find that “secret sauce” flavor in all your favorite dishes in Albuquerque?

Red chile is a staple of the New Mexican diet, and flavors can range from mild to spicy.

Here are five places where you can find it in Albuquerque:

1. El Modelo Mexican Foods

This grab-and-go Albuquerque staple serves up classics for purchase in a large industrial kitchen. Picnic tables are available by the parking lot. El Modelo is a great spot to sample delicious red chile. Bonus: it's available for take out- red chile plain or with meat.

Address: 1715 2nd St. Southwest (505) 242-1843

Hours: Open Sunday-Thursday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

2. Padilla's Mexican Kitchen

This unassuming Northeast Albuquerque gem is a family-owned restaurant and home to delicious red chile, according to customer reviews. Pro tips: the hours can be strange and Padilla’s fills up quickly when open, so arrive early. This business may accept cash only, so prepare accordingly.

Address: 1510 Girard Blvd. Northeast (505) 262-0115

Hours: Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Closed on the weekends

3. El Charritos New Mexican Restaurant

This laid-back morning-to-eve diner whips up traditional New Mexican platters that have created a loyal customer base. Clients place their orders at the counter before finding a seat, from there the experience is described as “just like grandmas.” According to customer reviews you can buy their authentic chile to use at home by the half pint, pint, or quart. Pro tip: allow 24 hours before pick-up.

Address: 4703 Central Ave. Northwest (505) 836-2464

Hours: Open Saturday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (closed Tuesday), open Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

4. Duran's Station

Duran's Station serves up delicious simplicity with cafe style restaurant dishes and a great choice of beer and wine. This New Mexico cafe is well known for their flavors and chile-oriented plates. Their red chile is a customer favorite for its authentic taste.

Address: 4201 Menaul Blvd. Northeast (505) 830-0007

Hours: Open Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

5. Papa Nacho's Mexican Food

Their menu is well known for plentiful burritos, complete with some of the most delicious chile. Pro tip: Papa Nachos is nestled within a hidden location between San Antonio and Paseo Del Norte.

Address: 7648 Louisiana Blvd. Northeast (505) 821-4900

Hours: Open Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., closed on weekends