El Bruno's Restaurante Y Cantina

I was very underwhelmed by this place. The patio area was very nice, but the food was not as nice. I was really looking forward to this place, as the owners are cousins of the fabulous Church Street Cafe. Fajitas were ordered, and the corn tortillas were stiff. They also came out lukewarm.

Over-rated quaint tourist stop with the prices to go with it.  To say that in the desert even a muddy rain water pool seems like an oasis might explain it better.  In Santa Fe or Albuquerque this place would not be anything special and the prices would have to be lower to survive.  Perhaps the ambiance was on vacation when I visited.  Felt more like an inconvenience than a welcomed guest getting seated.  My server mostly did a very good job, but my meal was a 3 out of 10.  Perhaps ordering fish tacos in the desert is not the best idea, but how can you not get a decent piece of fish anywhere these days?  It still doesn't account for the poor preparation.  Frozen fish sticks from Costco are better than what was in my tacos, which I would sum up as poorly breaded, poorly fried, white-colored and tasteless supposedly-fish mass.  

It was more like mash with zero texture other than the freshly chopped cabbage.  Getting three large tacos that otherwise could have otherwise been great with decently prepared fish did not make up for the situation.  Maybe it had been sitting in a freezer for several years?  Maybe the oil was not up to temp?  Maybe it came out of frozen food section box of the lowest grade, cheapest price manufacturer?  Maybe my expectations were too high for a late Sunday afternoon $25 no-alcohol lunch experience for one person?

I also didn't want to pay $9 for chili con queso just for myself and instead got a skimpy little side serving for $4 or $5.  It was OK, but again nothing special.  The tortilla chips seemed like a no name out of the store bought bag brand.  The salsa with a kick I did like very much, but never got a refill after the first serving.  Maybe they thought the queso order was enough to get me by?  I give up ...

Next time I will either stop or wait to eat in Durango, Santa Fe, or Albuquerque.

Hearty, satisfying, traditional southwestern fare in an awesome setting. Generous drinks, rich green chilies, great service. If you find yourself in Cuba, this is where to eat.