We were in the Old Town Albuquerque Hotel when a woman walked out of Garduno’s Restaurant. We asked her how her food was, “I had the best Taco Salad” she said. The morning cook, Maria, at the Embassy Suites also raved about Garduno’s. “I love that place,” Maria stated.

We sat at the large bar near a picturesque fire-place that was working. With the subdued lighting, the ambiance was perfect.

I ordered a Blood Mary with Olives. I never had a bartender mess up on the request until now. I received a lime and a lemon. Maybe the young man was still asleep?

We were there at Happy Hour. The food was basically “fried.” Garduno’s does have discounted items on a Happy Hour Menu. My wife ordered the Chicken Quesadillas and thought it was quite good.

We ordered from the menu. In most fine establishments, particularly if you are seated at the bar, a cloth napkin is laid on the counter. This was not the case for us.

My wife ordered the Taco Soup. It had a lot of vegetables, but the bowl needed to be bigger.

My half pound steak fajitas were extremely tender and had plenty of peppers. I was impressed.

I noticed a while line around the bar. It was actually six inches of ice. An ice bar? No way as an ice bar in my terms is when the beer tabs are encased with ice or the entire counter is covered with ice.

There was also glasses filled with condiments for cocktails like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries right on the bar counter. A couple sat next to us and started to pick through the glasses with their hands, and they did this several times. The bartender was completely oblivious to their actions. I find this “hand grabbing” totally unsatisfactory and unsanitary. I would not want a cocktail after these people picked through the fruit with their fingers. I hope management changes where they keep their cocktail condiments.

Overall, I can see why people like this place and we give it at least four stars. The bartender, though, needs some help.