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Great atmosphere! Food was very seasoned. Enjoyed the salsa but expected something less commercial. Sopapillas were great as well. Had the carne adova…
Not D Avg Joe
Pete’s Cafe
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The best I could say about this restaurant is the dcor and the sopapillas. The green chili sauce was watery and flavorless (with potatoes...why?). The…
D John Young
Pete’s Cafe
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My Favorite NM Restaurant. Pete's Cafe made me love New Mexican food. When I first moved to the state, I was very disappointed with New Mexican cuisin…
Jllopez1006
Pete’s Cafe
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Pete's Cafe serves New Mexican. Incorrect or missing information? Make a report, or claim the restaurant if you own it!Details
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8 Reviews on “Pete’s Cafe”
The best I could say about this restaurant is the dcor and the sopapillas. The green chili sauce was watery and flavorless (with potatoes…why?). The carne adovada had no spices other than the red chili, no garlic, no cumin, no onion. The relleno was topped like Dutch Apple pie.
My Favorite NM Restaurant. Pete’s Cafe made me love New Mexican food. When I first moved to the state, I was very disappointed with New Mexican cuisine, even after eating at numerous restaurants in Valencia County and ABQ. Pete’s is by far the best New Mexican that I have ever tasted. The salsa is my favorite over any other local restaurant, their combos are exceptional, best sopapillas around, and they have excellent pie for dessert. If I can go anyplace to eat, Pete’s Cafe is my choice (and will be for my upcoming birthday). Lovely and cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff. A true gem in NM.
Sadly good, not great.. Unfortunately I have agree with most reviewers to date. I have only been going to Pete’s for about 23 yrs. now. However if not the best then very close to the best in Belen. I think it just takes a while to learn the way around the menu (especially in the past few years). Salsa used to be average but lately I am finding most places are not able to consitently make a traditional NM salsa Pete’s still can so what used be average is now good. The queso dip is excellent, the combinations, enchilada plates, burrito plates are all good. (Yes you will find a better place for each but not all). Any of the steaks are a crapshoot from great one night to inedible. Navajo tacos suprisingly good, stuffed sopapilla’s mediocre (but good as a change once in awhile). Complaints? Pappas and sopapillas need some work lately. Desert if they have it coconut pie is among best if not the best I have ever had.
Still the best in Belen.. This is the place to get good New Mexican food while in Belen. Since Mrs. Torres has passed the place is not as good as it used to be especially the red chili when I would say back in the 1980’s the red was the Best in the State. If only they could bring back that good ol flavor!
Great food. Never open!!!
Top choice for New Mexican In Belen Area. For New Mexican in Belen. This is my second choice. With Francis, in first, Montonos third, Ritas 4th. And Rutillios a distant fifth.I have eaten here for 35 years.Francis is at the top of the list. Because they have a more vibrant color/taste red chili. As Petes became known in the region they began to change food portions and recipes. I also think as the ones that started the place retired or passed on. The quality and love put into the food changed. While Petes has again returned the portion size to what you expect from a New Mexican place. They have changed there chili to a decent but darker colored brew. It just does not have the vibrant taste/ color that a good quality well cleaned homeade version will have. To compare try the chili at Francis cafe and clone close to seeing what I mean.There salsa and chips are good. Most choices on the menu are excellent. Like I have said before. If the chili and beans cannot stand on there own. I see no point going there. The red and green chili has a good kick. With salt and garlic just the way I like it And no other weird spices. The beans are of decent quality. The rice is just ok. I have a hard time finding spanish rice that I like. The chili relleno is a breaded not battered rendition that is wonderful. Nothing that I can think of off the menu will really dissapoint. Other than the side salad that seems to be something from a bag. The chili Con Queso is great and a good start with the salsa to a meal. After your meal the natillas and flan are very good. They do not seem to be some off the shelf package mix. But an honest desert. Now thats hard to find. And thse two dessert choices stand towards the top of my list.I cannot speak to the other desserts. Other than a good sopapilla with honey syrup.
Oh, Pete’s Cafe, how I wish you were as good as I remember you to be. After the family matriarch passed away a few years ago the food has declined greatly. Beans were flavorless. A big point for a New Mexican restaurant, every one has ’em and they don’t seem that hard to screw up. I was told that the refried beans had no meat in them, but big chunks of pork were visible, which is odd considering how bland they were. The service was pretty terrible. We were largely ignored for the meal. Pete’s, please come back to your glory days. I really liked you when I was a kid.