The Artichoke Cafe - Isleta Pueblo

Nice place if you can get past the poor reception at the front door. last night i was waiting at the bar (i had a reservation in the lounge, which turned out to be meaningless, apparently i really had a reservation to stand and wait for seats) and the man at the front door wouldn 't admit my date, told her 'there was no one waiting at the bar for her '. really? this kind of bad night is now a pattern there, 2 of my last 3 visits have had this level of problem. so although everyone is terrific once you 're seated, the problem at the front door ruined the visit for my date and i, we just had a glass of wine and left. there are now lots of restaurants in Albuq with food and service equal to Artichoke, but with a pleasant reception at the door, so if i can i 'll steer my friends to those places now.

The craft cocktails were very good and delicious. The atmosphere and vibe was great.They were out of the catch of the day, ribeye, and smashed potatoes. This wouldn’t have been a problem if we were told it once we sat down, but each item was told to me on separate occasions after the waiter visited the cooks. Additionally, I asked for a side but was given a totally different side. Finally, I went to the restaurant to celebrate my wife’s bday. I made a reservation and told the host about this occasion and I asked if they do anything special. The host replied with, “yes we do, and we’ll put a candle on it for you to sing happy bday.” I said, “great let’s do it.” The waiter brought out the dessert but with no candle. I notified the waiter that I requested a bday celebration and he said that he wasn’t notified by the host Later on, he saw this reservation/request in their scheduling system. He offered to removed the dessert. Bottomline, there was a failure to communicate between the host and the waiter.

Food is good. I went for a promotional program so I did not pay. My understanding is that the price is a bit high. While I don't like artichokes themselves, that should not preclude a person from visiting. They have a good menu. I really like the dessert as well. Parking: There is a free lot plus street parking. The lot has an attendant that accepts a small gratuity should one offer. I appreciated the peace of mind of an attendant as car break ins/thefts are not uncommon in Albuquerque in general. I felt safe in the lot and restaurant.

I’ve heard great things about this restaurant, and while there is nothing wrong with our meal I’d describe as underwhelming.The atmosphere was not super relaxing lighting too bright for evening, no notable music the dining room decor was blah at best.My friend was disappointed that her favorite steamed artichoke dish was no longer on the menu, and the chef deigned to prepare something similar for her.The carrot dish was surprisingly unique delicious, however, my mussels were stringy to the point of inedible. I guess that’s what I deserve for ordering seafood in Albuquerque but based on this restaurant reputation, I thought it would be a safe bet.Overall, the meal was pleasant but there are other places I would revisit before going back.

This afternoon I stopped in for lunch and for me to post a review about another business in this environment must have taken me a lot because I don’t do this.However, what I was told this afternoon after eating the steak frites was absolutely absurd.I very politely asked for them to warm my food up, it was cold. The bartender (who was awesome by the way said absolutely and apologized. About five minutes later, the manager walked back with the same plate of food and told me he could do an entirely new steak, but he wouldn’t promise it would be warm. I asked why not, and his response is that they rest their steaks (apparently in the cold? so “they lose their temperature”.I clarified 3 different times after he told me their steaks aren’t served warm.There was no misinterpretation because I was very specific in my questions because I couldn’t believe what he was saying. I told him if I cannot get a steak that was warm that to just refund my money.After that, the waitress walked up without knowing anything that had been discussed and asked if he was getting me a new steak. I let her know that hat was said and she assured me that this couldn’t be the case to which I agreed that it was absurd.The manager walked away without saying another word and brought me a bill for the coke and soup which I paid and left a tip for the waitress as it wasn’t her fault. Very disappointing to a place I’ve gone for a long time.