Chez Axel French Restaurant
| Address: | 6209 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, USA |
| Phone: | +1 505-881-8104 |
| Site: | chezaxelrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 3.3 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 5–9PM Closed |
Location
Photos 40
Reviews 19
A
A Private User
Truth telling can be tough. Yes, the service is nice. Yes, the Chef did come out to greet us, exceptionally warmly. Yes there was a lovely piano being played by a lovely lady. But for those touches, Id be slamming this place, hard. The location was dreadful . . . though, in this particularly downtrodden strip mall Chez Axel does have the best presence. I ordered the Spinach Salad and Lamb Chops; my husband ordered Snails and Veal Cordon Bleu. Though the portions were well sized, the red Balsamic dressing too heavy on the vinegar, which overwhelmed everything else in the salad, then me. The Lamb Chops were also a disappointment. They were smothered in dried herbs at some point in the cooking process, which overwhelmed the lamb completely. I actually salted my meat - which I never do. My husband enjoyed his Veal very much - my bite was delicious, but heavy on the herbs. He liked the snails but would never have prepared them with Pernod. We both had fantastic potatoes on our plates - the best thing we ate all night. We "split" a Creme Caramel, which was overcooked and had cinnamon in it. Ick! I make excellent Creme Caramel/Flan, yet I often like a restaurants version better. But the cinnamon and caramel flavors didnt work for me at all. French food is really about a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and truly incredible sauces. Neither of those were present at this meal. We prepare much better food at home than we experienced at Chez Axel. We wont be going back.
A
A Private User
We have been coming here for years, back when it was Emlies. It seemed to have gone through a rough patch but now since the new owner and chef has taken over (Stephon) the place is back on a roll again. The menu is small and simple but the food is flavorful, well portioned, and just delicious. The atmosphere is excellent. Stephon makes a point to come out and talk to you and is more than willing to listen to how you really felt about the food. He also is such a personable guy and so nice and easy to talk with about everything. Dont be in a big hurry, the service runs at a slower pace, which I like a lot, and the staff is very knowledgeable about the menu. The only thing I would like to see improved is their wine selection. It really needs to be expanded. But other than that this is a "best kept secret" for me but I dont think it will be for much longer. Tell your friends! And make sure to get on their email list to get some good deals and information.
A
A Private User
First things first, the food is outstanding! Im still dreaming of the carrots from my beef bourguignon - mmmmm. My friend had an equally enjoyable meal with the mushroom & bacon crepe. However, she was served a side of carrots even though she had the carrot soup... thats a few carrots too many, dont ya think? The real disappointment, however, was no greeting upon entering the establishment (the owners should know this) and when the waitress did see us she let out a disgruntled "aw" while giving us a sour look. (Was that supposed to be part of the French atmosphere? Well, Ive been to France and the waiters were much kinder to me there.) Overall, its worth putting up with the service, or lack thereof, when the food is this good!
AP
April Morris
So it was in a sketchy area, looked runner down from the outside. The inside I was cute and had potinial. But there were dead flowers on the table. There were no drink choices only water...no coke or wine. Only water. Took about 15min to get a tiny loaf if dry bread. After 20min finally took our order. I asked what sides came with the meals and I quote "I dont know, whatever we have" took an hour to get our meal. And after we got it, it looked like grandmas old kitchen cooking nothing "French" about this place. It was unflavored with ore packaged meat and frozen veggies. I didnt even eat it all. Not inpreased and too pricy for such low quality.
A
A Private User
Really surprised to find this gem in ABQ. . . My wife and I enjoyed our dinner (appreciate the Chef coming out to check with the patrons not just once but twice)--fantastic combination of flavors. Soft pianist in the background. So came back to try the crepes and salad for lunch--equally good and value priced. Could do without the Carrot soup (I like carrots and soup was fine, but wife abhors anything with the name on it, let alone the vegetable). Highly recommend you try it.
UL
Ulf Hofemeier
Well, I could finally convince my wife to give Chez Axel a try. From the outside this place doesnt look like much, but once you step in WOHOO. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays your dinner experience will be accompanied with live classical piano music. Regarding their food, I can only say that I havent found a place in Albuquerque that offers better french country cuisine. If you know Le Cafe Miche (and like it), give this place a try. You wont be disappointed!
LA
lacasita
I had friend visiting from Boston. I had not been to this place in three years. What an embarrassment. NO ONE was there. We were the only table all evening. The food was overpriced and, not very good. The bread was stale, little slivers of bread, the onion soup was seasoned too much, tasted old, my companion said, the trout flavorless and dry. I had bragged about Chez Axel, from the Airport. It was not a very Happy, New Mexico welcome.
SU
Susan Spaeth
I had always enjoyed coming here. For a French restaurant, there needs to be wine served to attract a dinner crowd. When I went with my sister in April, we were the only patrons there from 5:30 to 6:30. Was the wine license revoked for some reason?
LE
Lee Nj
The best French food Ive ever had! The atmosphere was intimate, with darker lighting... Live piano is wonderful..There were so many good choices on the menu, and not to mention several tantalizing specials as well.. We were impressed.
OP
Ophelia Lentz
The food was delicious and the people were friendly. All the dishes are fantastic, you really cant go wrong. The desserts are amazing too. Cant wait to go back.
CH
Charlotte Vallez
The plate was the porion of a TV dinner,way overpriced. The desert was supposed to be a pastry puff,it was a raw piece of old dough. Will never return
CH
Charles Darwin
Nope never again. Way better french restaurants out there. Hersheys chocolate syrup on cream puffs with rough wine is not my idea of french.
JE
Jeffrey Morgan
Not french atmosphere. French onion soup had tomatoes in it. Bread was cold. Red snapper was frozen not fresh. No wine. Need I say more...
A
A Private User
Authenticity! French Food isnt what you think...Its much Better! These guys do it very well and with style...Love it!
ST
Stan Alexander
Awesome French food! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is homey. For a great deal, go for lunch!
MI
Michael & Allen Mitchell
The food was good. The service was not very good and the restaurant did not have a license to sell wine.
NE
Nelida Dumitrache
Great decor, limited menu, $10-15/plate. Salads and crepes are great!
AR
Arlene Apodaca
Not worth the $. Dessert was yuck!
CL
ClarayeeKimberly ClarayeeKimberly
worth every penny
