The Governor’s Room: Sandia Casino
This restaurant in Sandia Casino has potential, but unfortunately fell short of expectations. A birthday dinner with mostly steaks was ruined by an awful salmon dish with no flavor and small portions. The mashed potatoes were off, tasting like fake milk or powdered milk. Despite a friendly waitress, the prices did not match the low quality of the food. The snack bar would have been a better choice. Don’t waste your money here.
Casa Esencia
Located in Old Town this nightlife spot boasts an adorable decor and layout and steep prices on drinks. However, that’s where the positive experience ends. I found myself feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed by the scene. Perhaps it’s because I’m older and have seen it all before, but the crowd consisted of young people dressed in tacky, Forever 21 dresses and puking in corners before midnight. To make matters worse, the women’s restroom had vomit in the sink and a girl barged in, yelling about some guy dancing with another girl. The atmosphere felt like a college frat house party, making it not even worth attempting to dance. My group and I left within an hour, disappointed with our experience. Although it may be one of the better nightlife spots in the area, it definitely did not meet our expectations.
Ember’s Steakhouse: Isleta Casino & Hotel
Decent place to eat, but it wasn’t exactly memorable. While the service was good and the staff was friendly, the food didn’t leave much of an impression. The steak was cooked to the right temperature but didn’t have the bold, rich flavors I was expecting from a steakhouse. The sides were also average at best. The mashed potatoes were a bit dry, and the creamed spinach was lacking in flavor. The salad was fresh but basic.
The ambiance of the restaurant is nice, with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere. However, it didn’t quite live up to the upscale feel I was expecting. Overall, I would recommend Embers Steakhouse if you’re looking for a decent meal, but don’t expect it to be the best steak you’ve ever had.