I went here to meet up with one of my good friends that I don’t get to see very often. There were no signs on the door or in the restaurant that say it is a CASH ONLY establishment. I give them that it is in small print on the top of the menu. The owner did not remind us of this, as most cash-only businesses do. If he had, we would have come back another time with cash in hand. But he did not, and I was forced to drive home and get cash. (I did not have a debit card for the ATM.) It took 30 min out of my night with my friend and forced me to use gas at a time when gas is over $4.50 a gallon. If we had been given the courtesy of being warned of their policy they would have repeat customers.On another note, the chips and salsa are not free. They ask you if you want them before they give you a menu. This item is like bread at an Italian restaurant. It is almost always free in New Mexico.Their chips and salsa are almost certainly store bought.The pork enchilada was a mix. The pork was good, and the squash was excellent. The red chile was very mild (Not a compliment in NM.) As a whole it was very greasy.Remember to bring cash and you might have a good time. There is better New Mexican food to be had in Albuquerque though.
You need to go to this place. The food is great, the owner is fantastic, it's mellow, there's regular live music and the owner not only built the place, but made every brick by hand, was the wait staff and kitchen staff and even played us a Beatles tune on the piano after Let It Be was mentioned. Best experience I had through my entire stay in ABQ. Thanks, Ben!
What a cute, quaint little place. The food was excellent, and the owner charming, and so friendly. He sat and visited with us for at least 20-30 minutes. If you want a unique experience with wonderful food, check this place out!
Listen man. The food was outstanding, but the company was even better. The guy who owns the place was the only one running the show, while he entertained and played PIANO?! We walked in here because it was one of the only places open after 9 and now we have to go back. We met some locals that treated us like family and the conversations with Ben Michael will be highlights of our trip. LC
The Trifecta!!!Delicious authentic NM food, great old school adobe atmosphere, and last but not least Ben Michael is the ultimate host. If you’re lucky you’ll get to hear some live piano. This place is truly a diamond in the rough.
Outstanding food and even better company! Sea bass was so good we had to order tapas after we finished our entrees. Ben played the piano and gave us some awesome conversation. 5/5
This is a great place to have dinner and listen to live music. They usually have jazz music in the summer out on the patio. They have great customer service, the owner is very personable.
I've driven by Ben Michael's a thousand times in my life and I was never sure if it was open. (Lunchtime). Today I decided to stop in. It looks and feels inside like a familiar heritage adobe home. A piano sits on one side of the room. Ben Michael himself greeted me and made my delicious pork enchiladas. All organic ingredients. We had a great conversation while I ate and afterwards Ben played me some Santana and Beatles on the piano. Really special lunch for me.
Amazing atmosphere, live music all night, and a very homey vibe. It felt like someone inviting you into their home for a lovely meal.
I hadn’t been back in over 10 years, but sought out Ben Michael’s for dinner tonight. This quirky spot serves great food that depends on what the chef has on hand that day; tonight no filet mignon, but a great organic red soup from his garden (the beets colored everything else in the mix, lol). He greeted each guest personally before taking their orders, cooking everything, then sitting at the piano for a couple Beatles tunes and some wise words on eating healthy. I’ll definitely be back sooner next time.