Hello dear
"The Grill on San Mateo" is a charming burger joint in Albuquerque, NM, known for its retro theme and flavorful food. The menu features a variety of burgers, including the popular 8 oz. Papa Burger and Veggie Burger options. Customers rave about the self-serve chips and salsa, with salsa made fresh every 2 hours. The mesquite wood-smoked burgers and ribeyes are a highlight, offering a unique smoky flavor. The restaurant's casual atmosphere, friendly staff, and live music create a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. Overall, "The Grill on San Mateo" is a hidden gem for burger lovers seeking delicious comfort food.
About
Located in the heart of Albuquerque, The Grill on San Mateo is a hidden gem in the world of burgers, chicken wings, and steakhouses. This casual dining spot offers a range of mouth-watering dishes, from Chicken Breast Platters to Jumbo Hot Dogs, catering to every craving.
As a food enthusiast and reviewer, I can attest to the amazing flavors and friendly service at The Grill on San Mateo. The restaurant exudes an old-fashioned charm, with live music and eclectic decor adding to the dining experience. The self-serve chips and salsa station is a delightful touch, with the salsa receiving rave reviews from customers like Diedra Q. and Linda J.
One standout feature of The Grill on San Mateo is the unique grill in the back, which infuses every dish with incredible flavor. Whether you're indulging in a juicy burger or savoring a perfectly cooked ribeye steak, the food here is nothing short of exceptional. The menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian choices, making it a great spot for groups and families.
Overall, my experience at The Grill on San Mateo was nothing short of delightful. The combination of tasty food, welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service makes it a must-visit destination in Albuquerque. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by and experience the delicious offerings at The Grill on San Mateo.
“ I absolutely love everything about this place! When you walk in they have an old fashion theme. Sometimes they have live music playing. Their food and service are amazing!! There's 3 different sizes of burgers I usually get the 4 ounce so I can eat other stuff they have. They have self serve chips and salsa. The salsa is super delicious! Their fried zucchini hits the spot! One of my favorite things they have! The actually grill they have in the back is super iconic and what makes everything so flavorful! Overall a hidden gem! If you haven't been here you're missing out!! ”
“ The service is awesome The hamburgers can't be beat The restaurant is like a museum And they have free chips and salsa, The salsa is made on premise. ”
“ I had my first visit here on January 22, 2025. There is adequate parking and good outdoor signage. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Casual decor with interesting extensive decorations of nostalgic memorabilia on the walls. I had the veggie burger with fries. Was able to load it up with mustard and pickles and I just loved it. They also had nice chips and salsa as part of the meal and the salsa had just a little touch of heat to make it very interesting. The menu has many burger related choices, and I would describe this is a very stellar comfort food establishment. ”
“ We stopped by Saturday afternoon and had an amazing lunch! First off, they had live music, which I loved. Country hits from the 70s-90s. The place is large with eclectic decorations throughout. There was a cart with all the fresh burger fixins and chips and salsa to enjoy while you wait for your food. They serve delicious burgers of various sizes. The papa burger was a 1/2 lb burger cooked to perfection for $9.95. I also had a 16oz ribeye steak cooked medium that was the best steak I've had since I got to New Mexico four months ago. The food was great and the music was too, but what it put it over the top was the owner, Phil. He stopped over and joked with my family and then gave us a tour of the restaurant when we finished eating. I'd highly recommend this place! ”
“ Traveling through Albuquerque, we were craving a good hamburger. Yelp reviews of The Grill stood out. The place was easy to find. The outdoor seating would be great had the weather been warmer. The restaurant is very CLEAN which always makes me happy. The large indoor dining area is filled with memorabilia and antiques. One wall was mostly a military, police, and fire honor roll area with photos, patches, ribbons, uniforms, and more. The Americana décor was well thought out, seemingly arranged thematically, yet somehow also chronologically. Stepping up to the order counter, you smell the amazing mesquite wood smoke coming from the grill. You can see them cooking the burgers and ribeyes. When your order comes up, you top the burger how you like at the Works Bar where you choose not only what you prefer, but how much. We had to eat with forks as a result. The sodas and iced tea are self-serve and all you can drink. Oh, and there's a self-serve (all you want) chips and salsa bar. The salsa was amazingly delicious. I was told they make it fresh every 2 hours. Our green chile cheeseburgers are done. Wow, that smoke - it's there in the grilled meat. Served on perfectly toasted buns, BEST burger hands down! Definitely recommend! We can't wait to try the ribeyes next time. ”
“ I went to try this burger place with a group. Apparently, this place has been around for years, moved a few time but now in this location and sad that I just tried it now! Good menu, choices and price. Not to mention they have free chips and salsa bar with sandwich fixings. Service was quick, and staff was friendly, and attentive to the big group I was with. The inside is awesome! Neat stuff on the walls to look at. Inside area, tables and bathrooms were clean. The only issue I have is there is a stop sign that they have on the floor and it was raised a little from the floor, and I caught my foot on it and almost tripped. ”
“ How have I never heard of this restaurant? Upon walking in, I saw that it was packed! It was clear people were enjoying their food while also listening to live entertainment. I walked to the back to pay for my order and waited at a small table in the back. While I was waiting, I had a glass of water and chips and salsa. This is definitely the spot for older people and I can't wait to take my parents and grandparents. Seems like they have many loyal customers! Lastly, I admired the huge grill, visible from the pickup window! ”
“ I came here for a green chili cheeseburger and got distracted by the ribeye on the menu...I stuck to my guns and ordered a double green chili cheeseburger. It was pretty good and hit the spot of my green chili cheeseburger craving. I gotta come back for their ribeye special though... Anyway! I enjoyed their condiment bar as well as their complimentary chips and salsa. The workers as well as the customers were very friendly. It's easy to strike up a conversation with anyone here; lot of locals and regulars visit this place. Parking is not an issue because there is plenty out front. Be sure to stop by and get yourself a burger...or a ribeye...if you get the ribeye then let me know how it is haha ”
“ We had a late lunch at The Grill today and I think I just found one of the best burgers in Albuquerque - top three for sure and #1 for my husband. The menu isn't extensive (burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, tenders, and a magnificent -looking steak) but it doesn't have to be with food this good. You order at the counter (this is when you ask for cheese, green chile, grilled onions, etc.) then find a table and enjoy the eclectic decor while you wait. Complimentary chips and delicious salsa are available and both were tasty. Pick your toppings from the fresh bar - lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, etc. - and you're ready to dig in. The food is cooked over mesquite and wow. Perfectly seasoned and juicy! Paired with fresh, hot fries, this is a really fantastic burger. ”