Garduno's

Garduno's Restaurant Review:

Originating in 1957 in the form of a drive-in, this home-grown franchise has outlived its heyday --- along with any commitment to local cuisine it may once have had. Yet the two outposts that remain (down from six at the height of its popularity) continue to draw Albuquerqueans right along with passers-through. Why? Because the festive hacienda-style décor, giant margaritas and gargantuan Tex-Mex menu laden with cheese-smothered guilty pleasures make for a much-needed workaday escape. Since the menu also lists plenty of salads, vegetarian options and seafood-based dishes like spicy crab cakes and swordfish fajitas, it’s not impossible to eat healthfully; the bar even offers a light margarita. Keeping up with national trends, it's also stepped up its cocktail program, emphasizing fresh juices and agave nectar over syrupy mixes. But why come here if not to let it all hang out over a platter of Mexi-skins or a deep-fried beef-and-cheddar chimichanga (or both), followed by chocolate tacos or strawberry sopaipillas for dessert? Come lunchtime, the bargains range from green chile cheeseburgers to tamale combos.