Our Story
George Gundrey, Owner of Atrisco Cafe & Bar
The Atrisco Cafe & Bar is a third-generation family restaurant with its roots at the corner of Atrisco Boulevard and Central Avenue in Albuquerque. It was here from the 1940’s to the 1970’s that Sophia Aleck, a Greek immigrant and single mother of six children operated the Central Cafe. George’s mother Georgia and her siblings grew up working at the Central Cafe in the Atrisco barrio. There they developed a love of chile while learning how to run a great restaurant.
Georgia owned and operated Tomasita’s from 1974 until 2000. As a child, George grew up in the family business doing every job from washing dishes to cooking to waiting tables. After high school George lived in California for many years, only to be drawn back to Santa Fe in 2005 and its amazing local culture and cuisine. After two years working as the Director of the Santa Fe Farmers Market George opened the Atrisco Cafe & Bar in 2009.
The Atrisco Cafe & Bar benefits from the wisdom of Georgia, George’s father, Richard, and the entire extended family, as they owned and operated the Central Cafe (1946 to 1974), the Mayflower Cafe in downtown Santa Fe (1966 to 1972), Tomasita’s, Tia Sophia’s, and Diego’s. For over 50 years, our family has relied on simple recipes, quality ingredients, and friendly service.
In 2011, George officially took over ownership and management of Tomasita's on Guadalupe Street. In 2018 he opened Tomasita's Albuquerque, bringing the finest red and green chile to Burquenos! Please visit our sister restaurants.
We take tremendous pride in serving the best New Mexican food, the best margarita in Santa Fe, and our friendly service—our employees will treat you like family.
— George Gundrey and Georgia Maryol, Owners
“Love this place. Food is very good and well priced. Casual atmosphere and good service....I like to sit at the bar and chat with the locals that come in. One of my favorite haunts.”