What should I order at The Original Cocina Azul?
The Original Cocina Azul
Green Chile Stew
Most frequently praised dish in the reviews; repeatedly described as outstanding, amazing, creamy, rich, hearty, and the best stew many reviewers have had.
Sopapillas
Mentioned multiple times as a standout finish to the meal, especially when served with honey; reviewers called them delicious, light, fluffy, and a perfect complement to the food.
Chicken Tacos
Recommended for being some of the best chicken tacos a reviewer had ever had, showing strong praise for flavor and quality.
Red Chile
Frequently highlighted for its bold flavor and heat; one reviewer called it the best red chile in the city, and others praised it as fantastic on breakfast dishes and combination plates.
Guacamole
Specifically called fabulous in one review, making it a notable recommended side item.
Brisket Street Tacos
Praised as amazing, with reviewers also noting the brisket tacos and green Hatch chile salsa as a memorable combination.
Breakfast Burrito
Recommended in Christmas style and described as fantastic, with the chile and overall flavor getting strong praise.
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
About The Original Cocina Azul
Light, bright corner cafe serving New Mexican cuisine & Southwest-accented burgers, plus breakfast.
Amenities & services
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Original Cocina Azul known for?
It is best known for authentic New Mexican food, especially the green chile stew and sopapillas. Reviewers also repeatedly call out the red and green chile toppings, Hatch green chile flavor, and dishes like carne adovada, chile relleno, and brisket tacos.
What dishes are most recommended at The Original Cocina Azul?
The most recommended items include Frank Jr’s Bowl of Green Chile Stew, carne adovada or brisket relleno Christmas style, chile relleno, and the street taco plate with brisket or battered fish. Reviewers also praise the queso in a tortilla bowl with green chiles, chicken tacos, cheese enchiladas, and the complimentary sopapillas with honey.
What is the atmosphere like at The Original Cocina Azul?
The restaurant is described as casual, cozy, and welcoming, with a classic New Mexican feel and a light, bright corner-cafe setup. It works well for groups, families, and solo diners, and reviewers mention direct, efficient service and a comfortable neighborhood feel in Albuquerque.
Is The Original Cocina Azul good value?
Yes, the price range is $10 to $20, and reviewers say the portions are decent or large and the prices are reasonable. People also note that the combo plates let you try multiple items, which makes the meal feel like a strong value for the money.
What should I know about timing a visit to The Original Cocina Azul?
Reviewers say the place can get crowded, especially later in the day, and one visit noted a wait forming by the time they left. Getting there early seems to help, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, so breakfast or an early meal may be the easiest time to avoid a rush.
Is parking available at The Original Cocina Azul?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, On-site parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Original Cocina Azul have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Original Cocina Azul offers vegetarian options.
Is The Original Cocina Azul kid-friendly?
Yes, The Original Cocina Azul is good for kids.
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