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Literally lucked onto this place after searching for something in that exact neighborhood. I'm not sure if Ben actually lives there, but it certainly seems like his house. (There's a nice living room between the dining area and the restrooms.)
When I went there was one gentleman functioning as host, server, cook, and, presumably, security guard. I'm 98% certain it was Ben, given his unwavering knowledge of the menu. Which was tiny, when I went: three versions of a red enchilada. I got the pork, and it was every bit as delicious as he promised, and twice as fresh. All organic (I think,) and full of fresh herbs from his garden. Given that the weather was perfect at sunset and we were dining on the tiny patio, I had to have a "world famous" margarita, and while I can't verify that level of fame, it was really tasty. At the end of the meal we got a reasonably sized piece of flan that was far, far better than any other flan I've had in the previous five years.
And it wasn't as expensive as I expected. Really great evening.
A magical adobe palace run and operated by the salt of the earth man who built it, gardens it and cooks all the beautiful food with his own hands.
Owner is super friendly and down to earth! Organic ingredients, fresh herbs from his garden, great margaritas and chill atmosphere. Awesome local musicians give it a good vibe so if you're looking for a relaxing evening check out this hidden ABQ gem.
I'll be back! Thanks Michael! 😊✌🏼️
Ben was a really nice person. We came in with 20 people and we're quickly served water and chips and salsa. I was tripping out by the no menu option but was completely satisfied with the pork enchiladas really good. Ben even played the piano for us. Great person!
Love this place. The food is all home made by the owner. He loves his customers, is very personable with them, and it is obvious he loves his job.
Amazing unique place! Can’t even describe it, just go there!
Awesome local place where the owner quickly knows everybody by name. Everything from the food to the music to the company was something I didn't even know I needed tonight. Great experience.
You'll hear great music from local musicians, you'll always meet the AWESOME owner, and you'll enjoy great food. Blues on Tuesday, Jazz on wednesday (my fav), Latin Jazz/Fusion on Thursday.... all great! Grab a beer, get some nice enchiladas or the organic burger, talk with the owner, and enjoy the show.
Don't know what else would make this place completely awesome because it already is.
Awesome! Excellent food, owner operated, service was great given that the owner did EVERYTHING! We had fun the whole evening. Ben played the piano while we danced. Beautiful!
Red chile enchiladas are on point, and the flan was out if this world!
This is a great place to eat, but this is not a cell phone friendly establishment...AND I LOVE THAT! Great food, great people and great conversations.
Incredible food and experience. Love Ben who was very cordial and attentive. Very unique gem.
The food was incredible and the atmosphere was so cozy and quaint.
Una sorpresa inattesa è bellissima. Fantastica atmosfera, buon cibo, ottimo drink !!!
Nice, intimate venue for local jazz talent on Wednesday nights.
Speechless... VERY unique experience.
Paradoxical is the best explanation. What feels like an old bar on the surface but under the skin is a slow food, organic, dining experience. Organic salad that was fresh cut from the on property garden, free range chicken, and hand mashed guacamole, this place to is is a living paradox. And we LOVED it. If your in a hurry or just want to eat and run go somewhere else. If you want good food, fresh, and a unique atmosphere with lots of personality, this is the place. It helped that we were waited on by the owner who is a delightful man. Takes passion in his business and is also a crack up! Wonderful personality and a joy to be there. Out quick dinner turned into a couple hours after enjoying appetizers, dinner, dessert and then a tour if the premise which we learned he built himself.
We are from ABQ and this place is a gem. But it challenge your stays quo in a lot of ways.
Go!!
What a great restaurant. I had the most amazing New Mexico meal. The appetizers and flan for dessert were equally as good. Ben Michaels has a homey charm like being in my Grandmas kitchen.
We had a wonderful experience today at this Place The owner was so entertaining and the food was awesome! Try the flan, it was the best I have ever had. Go try it , you won't be sorry!
...he subscribes to the Hippocratic edict to “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Sardines and Spanish Cheese In that spirit, Ben Michael takes great pride in offering a menu replete with organic, locally raised ingredients. He doesn’t have to travel far to get many of them either. Behind the restaurant he lovingly tends to a small garden in which he raises seasonal produce such as arugula, pinto beans, beets and even chile. The bounty of his small garden may not be abundant, but the freshness and flavor of the produce he reaps is memorable.
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.
Dessert first--the homemade key lime pie is the best I've ever had, anywhere.
All the food was wonderful, from the traditional New Mexican enchiladas to the shrimp special I had. Even better than the food is meeting Ben, the owner and host. His total engagement with every element of your eating experience is unique, from his having hand-made the adobes and built the restaurant to his cooking and piano playing. It's really like going to a very talented friend's house; one who happens to be a spectacular cook!
I have been here a couple times. The food is great if you don’t mind a smaller menu. Anything that’s on the menu is good and pay attention to the specials. They are tasty and fresh. Lots of the ingredients come from the owners garden and other local producers. The service is great if you don’t mind some conversation with the Ben, the owner. The atmosphere is perfect if you like a little funk, some good music and friendly vibe. Stay away if you are super demanding and require a more structured place.
Very kind service from the Ben - it was our first time there and only after we left did we realize we were there outside of typical hours, but he cooked for us anyway, and man was it good! Everything from scratch and soul satisfying. Thank you!
Absolutely fabulous food. Ben served and cooked, chatted with us, and played some jazz piano!
Jazz is Tuesday night, not Wednesday night as of November 2023.
Also, the opening times in Apple maps are incorrect... this place is open for dinner!
Excellent homemade, individually prepared food; small daily menu of what is fresh. Private venue, casual. Interesting and welcoming owner/chef who played incredible Blues in the piano. Near Old Town. We will return. One-of-a-kind. Cash only.
This is not your typical restaurant experience! This is an escape for great food, lively conversations with new people and fun music! Thank you Ben for sharing some history and stories, fabulous food and drinks and the blues serenade (that was much needed as we had just dropped off a son at college). I would call this a hangout. The best kind.
This place is jammin!! And the food is as authentic as it gets! If you're looking for a good time and a "home-type" of atmosphere... This is the place to go! I RECOMMEND COMING ON TUESDAY' for the 'JAZZ JAM'!!!
Walter Kilar (キラー ウォルター)
+5
This is not just a restaurant—it is an experience! The owner is friendly and passionate about the food and the dining experience. He also plays the piano along with the band. Ben has great stories and funny jokes. The food is excellent. The service is great. The menu items are all made in-house. I will eat here every time I am in town!
Ann Elizabeth Brooks Wiggins
+5
Outstanding. Live at Ben Michaels. Special very delicious. Drinks strong!!
Jazz jam nice. Owners very friendly and personable. Had a fun time.
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