New restaurant in Old Town takes over space left by beloved eatery

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been almost a year since a beloved New Mexican restaurant closed its doors after nearly 50 years serving Old Town. Now, what was Monica’s El Portal will soon get new life under a new name. 

Ramona’s Mexican Cafe will soon fill the space of what used to be Monica’s El Portal in Old Town. “A little nervousness, a little excitement, a little bit of everything,” said Damian Valles, co-owner. 

While they’re nervous filling a beloved space on Rio Grande Blvd., and while new to Old Town, the family’s not new to the restaurant game. 

It’s the second location for Ramona’s, which opened its first on Jefferson St. near Paseo about two years ago. “She’s the best cook in the family. Every time we had parties, any events, she would always make the food for everything. Even for our quinceañeras, weddings, stuff like that. She would be the one that everyone would go to,” said Denisse Marquez, co-owner. 

Calling it a dream come true, the family signed a lease last month for the Old Town location and have been working around the clock to get the space ready for a grand opening this weekend. 

Some people are already trickling in.  “I mean, it makes you feel really good. You know, I have to say, you know, because that opening up, you kind of feel that little, you know, thought in the back of your head all the time.  Like, what if, you know, it doesn’t go as planned and stuff? So, you know, that kind of people coming in when you’re we’re not even ready and everything kind of helps soothe that out,” said Valles.   

The family said that for the most part, the classic restaurant interior will look the same, and green and red chile will be served, of course. But people should also expect a little extra spice to the food. “Si va estar un poco picoso,” said Chavira. 

Ramona is planning her grand opening on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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