El Cotorro, a beloved Albuquerque eatery, is closing its doors permanently as of April 20, 2023. The restaurant has been a fixture of the Albuquerque food scene for years, known for its high-quality tacos, homemade salsas, and gelato-style ice creams with Mexico City flavors.
In a statement, the staff, management, and owner of El Cotorro thanked their customers for their years of patronage and support. They explained that their labor-intensive concept, featuring dishes like braised oxtail and house-smoked lamb barbacoa, has become financially unviable in the elevated post-pandemic cost of doing business.
The news of El Cotorro’s closure has hit the Albuquerque community hard, with many expressing their sadness and disappointment on social media. Reviewers on sites like Yelp and Google praised the restaurant’s unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. Some reviewers specifically mentioned the chard/potato/purslane vegan taco, the deep-fried nopales vegetarian taco, and the celebrated braised oxtail taco as standout menu items.
Despite the high praise, some reviewers also had complaints about El Cotorro. One recurring issue was the handling of customers with dietary restrictions, particularly gluten allergies. Reviewers mentioned a lack of communication and training between the kitchen and front staff regarding specific cooking procedures, such as frying potatoes or chips in the same oil as items with flour. Some also expressed frustration with the sous chef’s opinions about gluten intolerance, which were not backed by science.
It’s clear that El Cotorro will be missed by many in Albuquerque, both for its delicious food and its role in the community. The restaurant often hosted events and fundraisers for local organizations, and its closure marks the end of an era.
However, it’s important to remember that El Cotorro is just one of many small businesses struggling in the post-pandemic world. Rising costs and labor shortages have made it difficult for many restaurants to stay afloat. It’s crucial that we support our local businesses and restaurants, especially during these challenging times.
In conclusion, the closure of El Cotorro is a sad moment for the Albuquerque food scene. While the restaurant had its flaws, it was a unique and beloved part of the community. As we move forward, let’s remember the importance of supporting our local businesses and restaurants, and let’s hope that the next generation of Albuquerque eateries will carry on the tradition of high-quality, creative cuisine.
The closure of El Cotorro serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on local restaurants. Despite the beloved eatery’s best efforts, post-pandemic struggles with elevated costs of doing business and labor-intensive concepts proved insurmountable. As we bid farewell to El Cotorro, we can’t help but reflect on the challenges faced by restaurants in the wake of the pandemic and the need for continued support for our local eateries.