La Guelaguetza
About This Spot
Walking into La Guelaguetza is like stepping into a lively corner of Oaxaca nestled right in Albuquerque. The vibrant colors on the walls and the gentle hum of Mexican tunes create a welcoming rhythm that instantly eases you into the moment. It’s a place where time unfolds comfortably — neither rushed nor overly formal — just inviting enough to linger over a meal with friends or family.
There’s a hearty generosity in the way dishes arrive at the table, reflected not only in the portions but in the spirit of sharing that the food encourages. The air carries the warmth of rich mole sauces simmering alongside the unmistakable aroma of tender meats slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Meals here aren’t just about feeding hunger, but about savoring a connection to tradition and community.
Whether you find yourself delighting in a playful twist on classic flavors — like a wide, cheesy pizzabirria that invites dipping into savory broth — or enjoying the crisp, comforting presence of golden tacos, each bite reveals layers of care and culinary heritage. The friendly staff, attentive and easygoing, seem genuinely pleased to help you navigate the menu, which feels like a curated glimpse into authentic Mexican home cooking.
Though tucked away on a stretch some might pass without noticing, La Guelaguetza rewards those who make the detour with a heartfelt experience. It’s a spot that invites you to slow down, share a few stories, and leave feeling a little more connected to a vibrant culture — all without needing to leave your city.
What’s Available Here
-
Kerbside pickup - Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
Share Your Experience
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kelly klingler 31 Dec 2025
This place was very tasty!! We got way more food than we expected and no prices on the menu left us surprised with the bill. The pizzabirria is a 3 pound birria cut like a pizza(pictured) the nachos were very tasty as well!
Esperanza Vite 24 Dec 2025
Very kind & help staff. Few options for seating. Easy to miss when driving by but worth the stop. Big portions, lots of meat, and wonderful taste.
Shana Smith 15 Dec 2025
Wow!! So good! We ordered quesabirria tacos to go and they were amazing!! The flavor was so good! The meat was tender and literally melted in my mouth. I would 100% go here again. I want to try everything on the menu! The staff were really friendly, made us comfortable while we waited and we didn’t wait long. Definitely recommend!
Steph 20 Nov 2025
So wonderfully kind service and the food was ! They brought out a sample of the moles to try and I couldn’t decide so they offered a sampler mole with all three. My favorite is the Coloradito, followed closely by the negro and I liked the picoso as it had a nice brightness to balance the richness. The quesabirria might be the best my husband has had, and wow soooo much food. Also thanks to the team there for putting up with my attempts at Spanish.
Jiten Chandra Das 16 Nov 2025
A Hidden Mexican Gem in Albuquerque. My wife and I dined here on Thanksgiving night while traveling, and this place turned out to be an absolute hidden gem. The Mexican vibe was everywhere; from the colorful decor to the fun, lively music playing inside. It instantly lifted our mood and made the evening feel festive. The menu was written in Mexican Spanish, which made it a bit difficult to understand at first, but the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They patiently explained each item and made great recommendations. We ordered: Mole (Coloradito Picoso Negro) with Chicken Breast (spicy), Chicken Flautas (spicy), Cheesecake with strawberry and chocolate syrup and, Diet Coke. The rice and beans that came with both dishes were well made, no complaints at all and, the portions were perfect. The Mole sauce was exceptional; spicy, rich, and full of flavor. The chicken breast was cooked well, and the fresh corn tortillas served on the side were amazing; super soft, warm, and absolutely delicious. The Chicken Flautas were also excellent; crispy on the outside, with a flavorful and tender chicken filling inside. For dessert, we had the cheesecake, which was simple, tasty, and just the right finish to our meal. The staff truly stood out; warm, friendly, helpful, and full of positive energy. They made us feel welcome even though it was a holiday night. We will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone passing through Albuquerque, NM, as well as to locals. It’s a true hidden gem with authentic Mexican food, great vibes, and wonderful service.
Paul Ginnane 09 Nov 2025
Friendly staff greeted us with a tray of house made kettle chips which were crispy and tasty. We ordered the Birria Pizza and it was more than two could handle. Plenty of birria and bursting with the flavor of fresh cilantro. The dipping sauce was nice and the server also brought us house made red and green sauces (we liked the green sauce best!) while we were waiting for our food I asked the server to sample their mole sauce, he brought us three different mole sauces (black, sweet and spicy) WOW there were amazing and bursting with flavor! I would highly recommend ordering something with the mole sauce if you enjoy mole sauce, probably the best mole sauce I’ve ever sampled! Will stop by again when passing through Albuquerque, NM.
sue Ribeiro 02 Oct 2025
Wonderful small local Restaurant! My daughter brought me and the colorful decorations matched the flavorful foods in appeal!! Had and lived the pizza albeit a little spicy for my tender tongue The Mole I had was dark, sweet and full of intense flavors.Enchiladas were great, rice just average, beans ok. Loved the basket of homemade potato chips as we sat down. Highly recommend if you like authentic tastes.
Rosa Noriega 30 Sep 2025
Wow! Just wow! Authentic Mexican food. Best mole I’ve ever had. Instead of totilla chips and salsa they give you free home made potato chips. We didn’t realize we were at a James Beard award winning restaurant till we paid, but I 1000% agree with the win. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing cost. Just go you won’t regret it.