La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant

Everything was just fine. I would have liked more heat in the chiles and salsa but I understand that New Mexican restaurant food is made more mild anymore. I had the combination plate.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant is a local institution in heart of Espanola, New Mexico, La Cocina stands as a testament to the vibrant culinary traditions of Northern New Mexico. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the warm aroma of fresh tortillas and wonderful aromas that induce a greater need to satisfy ones hunger.

The menu at La Cocina is a celebration of Northern New Mexican cuisine, featuring classic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The green chile cheeseburger is a must-try, with its perfectly cooked patty smothered in melted cheese and roasted green chiles. The carne asada tacos are another highlight, with tender, flavorful steak served on handmade tortillas.

It is in my opinion the best and one of the last places that serve authentic northern New Mexican food.
But La Cocina is more than just a restaurant; it's also a gathering place for the community. The friendly staff and lively atmosphere make it a great spot to catch up with family and friends or meet new people.

In the dining area where we were seated, the walls were adorned with hand-painted motifs of purple lilac, accompanied by the surnames of families associated with this food mecca such last names as Martinez and Rodriguez. My friend and I opted for different dishes - I ordered the Pollo La Cocina, while she enjoyed a build-your-own combo plate featuring a taco and a enchilada. In keeping with the seasonal offerings, we both chose the green chile. As always, the food was excellent; the green chile was particularly flavorful, albeit quite spicy. The generous portions ensured that our lunch at La Cocina not only satisfied our immediate hunger but also sustained us for the remainder of the day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips & Salsa, Green Chile Stew, Enchiladas and Burrito, Posole, Carne Adovada Plate, Taco, Salsa, Burrito, Huevos Rancheros

Delicious food and great service. Large portions.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food just love everything about the place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sopaipilla Tacos, Salsa

Always great food and good service ??

To bad that such a well know restaurant has gone down. Very poor customer service experience. Not only did the employee working the take out orders have a bad attitude but took a personal call in front of me. Almost dropped my order on the counter and to top it off I did not receive all my order. What a shame to the owners for hiring individuals who obviously don't take any pride in what they do or represent.

Service: 1

Food was delicious, quality was higher than many Mexican restaurants I've been to. The atmosphere was warm and welcome.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Actually got what I ordered.He was very good.It's sad that you have to go in to get what you want

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 2

It took a long time for us to be served because they only had one fryer. I think if they need to get more fryers. And I don't understand how come they being a mexican restaurant not having cilantro!?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sopaipilla Tacos

Wonderful, waiter great, food great, however, the person who sat us never smiled, never said welcome. She should not work there. I observed her sitting others and she did not not have a welcoming attitude. If I was to base my attitude on her, I would never go back. By the by l was a waitress many years ago and our hostess set the stage for welcoming in people and we set the standard for excellence service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was totally disappointed. I was looking forward to dining here. I was disgusted when someone else was seated before me , although I had been in line and the hostess clearly saw me. Even after speaking to the manager, it was a bust. He asked me what did I want him to do and expressed that he would always stand behind his employees. I asked even when they are wrong? I guess if you if you are not white, your money does not spend the same. I drove 25 minutes to get my face cracked. Great ambiance, but if you are not of a certain demographic, you don't matter

Atmosphere: 1

Parking: Good

Kid-friendliness: Great

Wheelchair accessibility: Good

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips & Salsa, Green Chile Stew, Enchiladas and Burrito, Posole, Grilled Fajitas for Two, Carne Adovada Plate, Lamb Fajitas, Grilled Salmon Salad, Menudo, Blue Corn Piñon Pancakes, Frito Pie, Blue Corn Pancake, Guacamole, Sopaipilla Tacos, Salsa, Burrito, Huevos Rancheros, Sopaipillas, Tortilla

One of the best stuffed sopapillas , with lamb meat and smothered with red and green chili. And with .Modelo Negro beer on tap.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sopaipilla Tacos

Best Mexican food in town.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food OK. Nothing special

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4