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Hours
Tue
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Wed
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Thu
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
features
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Michael J's is a collaborative effort between many friends and food lovers from around the globe. We can say that because we appreciate so many sources and learn all the time about what makes a restaurant truly successful. We strive to serve excellent food accompanied by fine wine to go with our offerings. We do NOT serve PIZZA!
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
449 reviews
Excellent
293
Very good
70
Average
35
Poor
22
Terrible
29
houstontravelingfool
Houston3911 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
This was our first time to try Michael J’s. All four of us enjoyed our meals - linguine with shrimp scampi, spaghetti bolognese, salmon with spinach and shrimp with a spicy red sauce. Three of us had the Caesar salad and one, the house salad - and we all thought the salads were outstanding. The complimentary bread was disappointing - I thought that was a given for Italian restaurants to have GREAT bread. Not here. We had tiramisu for dessert. It was made in house and was yummy. Service was VERY slow and we were seated almost 30 minutes after our reservation time. All in all, a nice evening out.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice B
Las Cruces404 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
After experiencing two evenings of mediocre to poor dining in Ruidoso, we were pleasantly surprised by Michael J's. We were greeted with a friendly smile and promptly seated at a nice outdoor table. Our waiter, Jose, came over immediately and greeted us in a most professional manner. The food and wine were excellent! Jose brought the wine shortly after we ordered it, the soup and salad followed in a timely, but not rushed manner, and the entrees were served AFTER we finished our soup and salad (as opposed to the restaurant we visited the previous night, where everything was served at the same time). The Minestrone and house salad were very good - the salad wasn't overwhelmed with greens, but a nice blend of veggies and greens, and the soup was actually served hot. Both the Spaghetti Bolognese and the Eggplant Parmesan were delicious - excellent pasta but quite filling! We so appreciated Jose's impeccable service - a breath of fresh air after our previous experiences! Thank you to the chef and all of the wait staff at Michael J's for making our last night in Ruidoso a memorable experience. We will definitely return.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Island Girl
Dallas13 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
We were able to secure reservations here for 2 of our 4 nights in Ruidoso over Memorial
Day weekend by calling 2-3 weeks ahead. So glad we did that as most places are limiting hours and not taking reservations due to lingering staffing issues post Covid.
Our first meal was for Sat 5/29 with a reservation at 7:40, their last seating. We arrived to a crazy scene of a long line waiting to be seated. We went to the bar and were kindly told they needed a few minutes to catch up with clean glasses and restocking. About 2 mins later, the bartender (owner??) and daughter served us out wine. So friendly and apologetic for the wait.
We headed outside to wait. I spied a 2 top out on the deck and went back to the hostess to be sure she knew we were open to indoor or outdoor seating. Less than 2 mins later she was back to show us to our table on the new deck.
We had great service and even better food. I did the mussels to start and salmon for dinner. Hubby had clams and the snapper filet. They were all amazing!
We went back on Memorial Day for our second reservation at the same time. Seated immediately and no one was waiting. We had crab cakes to start. Having lived in MD for years, not what we were used to, but still really good. I had the shrimp scampi, which was the best I have ever had and he had the shrimp fra Diablo which was awesome.
Overall, an amazing restaurant who handled the fact that they were SLAMMED with grace.
Highly recommend!
If I lived here, I would be a regular!
Kudos to the entire team!
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Owen A
Killeen2 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
My wife and I went hear for Valentine's Day which is also our anniversary, I had made reservations on 1/28. The place was busy and when we made it up to the hostess, she took us to a table for 4 with 2 people (strangers) already seated. Of course, I was shocked and asked what was happening? She said they were doing community seating, during a pandemic? and without informing us ahead of time. We went ahead and sat down. While waiting for a waitress I looked around and could see an empty table for 2 and 2 other tables for 4 with only 2 people seated. Apparently, it was only us and the other unfortunate couple who were being given community seating. When the waitress came to take our drink orders she started with the other couple and then turned to us. We explained that we weren't together which seemed to shock her. She immediately excused herself then came back and moved us to another area of the restaurant and sat us at a table for 2. Thank you to that waitress for finding us private table. Unfortunately, the area we were seated in was the patio which they had enclosed with some tarps. Being February, it was uncomfortably cold with drafts coming in between the tarps. This was not the romantic dinner we planned for our anniversary.
The food was excellent, but I would say overpriced for the portions you receive. We ordered the crab cakes which should be on the menu as crab cake since there was 1 on the plate. The dinner salad was very small and the entree's seemed a bit skimpy on the protein portion for the price they are charging, there was plenty of pasta though. If money is not a concern, I would say try it the food is gourmet.
Written February 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Micki M
18 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We had a reserved, well-shaded outside table for 2 during COVID restrictions on a Tuesday. This is one of the few restaurants in town during these times that is actually taking reservations.
The atmosphere was quiet and mostly adult-situated. The service was good as well. The food was ok but did not live up to the ratings on this site. We ordered the crab cakes, chicken picatta and filet mignon. If average is ok with you, then go for it.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robinkoch
Vernon11 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
We have eaten here for years. Went this past weekend to celebrate our anniversary. The restaurant in all aspects is a shell of its former self. We had reservations and had to wait thirty minutes to be seated. They had a large sign outside stating that they were reservation only for the night and many people were outside waiting. The doors to the bar and restaurant were open and the flies were thick inside. When we were finally seated the ac was working somewhat in our area but other parts of the restaurant were extremely hot. The service was horrible with our waiter never refilling our glasses and literally throwing the bread on our table. In the past service has been top notch. The food was inedible. I ordered fettuccine and it was too salty and too garlicky to eat. My husbands chicken Marsala was rubbery. We saw several tables with no one at them and when they finally seated the party it was the same one they had been waiting outside with us. They had a reservation and waited for an empty table for Almost an hour. Completely unacceptable. We ordered lobster cakes as an appetizer. It used to come as two. This time it was one small one for 18.00. So sad to see what once a great restaurant has become. We will not be back.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda H
Midland77 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Our dinner was amazing! My filet was cooked perfectly and my husband had the special which was scallops w/t angel hair pasta also very good. We had the butter cake topped w/t berries and Italian whipped cream, delicious. We didn’t have an appetizer because we wanted room for dessert but if they are anything like our dinner I’m sure it’s good. You need reservations, we will definitely be coming back. Very cozy atmosphere and our waiter Andy was excellent!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brianfO7388GI
Thank you Linda for your 5 star review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your meal and experience! We'll be sure to share this with Andy as well! We look forward to our next opportunity to serve you!
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
maryenmedio
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
The hostess wore her mask below her nose moving all through the rooms; was asked to cover, did until out of room, then yanked it down. Our waiter wore his upside down so constantly slipping; he giggled when we pointed this out. Kitchen workers emerged into service area with masks below chins. The food was good enough but who could enjoy it?
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret R
2 contributions
Dec 2021 • couples
We made dinner reservations and had no wait time. Based upon another review we read we had somewhat low expectations. I cannot imagine that reviewer ate at the same restaurant. I cook gourmet meals from scratch and only eat out for a break, inspiration, or when on vacation; my family is usually disappointed by restaurant food compared to what they eat nightly at home. No disappointments at all at Michael J’s! Very pleased to find a meal that met my standards with the bonus of friendly, professional, accommodating service.
The hard wood floors and walls required some sound management, and it seemed to me they dealt with that in an acceptable manner by using decorative sound absorbing tiles near the ceiling.all around the walls. Regional, professional
art (for sale) hung on the walls.
The portions were sized right to enable us to savor the salads, entrees, and spectacular desserts. In-house made artisan crusty bread accompanied our.meals, and we enjoyed multiple baskets of it. What a bonus! They offer a nice selection of domestic and international wines.
Chicken Marsala and Chicken Parmesana were some of best ever tasted at a restaurant and plated well. Pasta texture seemed like fresh made and cooked perfectly (not soggy or tough). Tiramisu was outstanding with a variety of well balanced flavors compared to so many I’ve had elsewhere that were soggy and/or too strongly flavored. It’s definitely the best Tiramisu I’ve had in the past 10 years!
Owner greeted us after hostess confirmed our reservation. They discussed seating and adjusted to be sure we weren’t crowded with my service dog needing a place to curl up out of the way. I’m deaf & mobility challenged, and they welcomed my service dog, had faces I could see to lip read, and assisted me to the bathroom when I asked for directions. They were kind to us and other customers too,
(Tip for handicapped: do not use main parking lot as there are stairs required. Instead turn into first parking area off main road where there are a few parking spaces level with the restaurant.)
Our waitress was new but not inexperienced. Her attention and timing was impeccable to support an exemplary dining experience.
Visiting Michael J’s will be a major attraction for our return trips to Ruidoso.
(While we enjoyed this dining experience as a couple, I can imagine this quiet, comfortable environment being conducive to business meetings and well-behaved children also. I didn’t see evidence of a children’s menu, but I wasn’t looking for one.)
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C-monkey
Cedar Park104 contributions
Sep 2021 • couples
Of all the places we ate in Ruidoso this was our favorite meal. The lasagna was wonderful - close to the best we’ve ever had (not quite the best). The salmon was delicious and cooked perfectly.
Minestrone soup was excellent - never had a more flavorful one. Balsamic on salad very good as well - we used the extra to pour over our caprese since the dressing for that was a bit bland.
The chocolate tort and butter cake were also fantastic and flavorful.
The only area we would knock this place down 1/2 a star is that they were so short staffed our meal was 20 minutes late from promised time (we ordered to go). They were very apologetic and remained friendly even though it was obvious everyone was completely in the weeds. We would have returned here several times if it weren’t for the short staffing issues (which is an issue all over town).
All staff was masked.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LinuxWizard
Santa Fe53 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
I ordered the chicken Marsala, which the menu claimed to be “chicken breast”. The actual amount of chicken amounted to four small bites of what I doubt was even half a chicken breast. The salmon crostini was also disappointing in its size and lack of any substantial amount of salmon.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fxb
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • couples
Initially chose a different restaurant for dinner but was turned off by a 90 minute wait. Called Michael J’s and was given immediate seating despite being 15 minutes away. This establishment has a chef that specializes in sauces and this is evident in the tastiness of the dishes. Wonderful Italian fare but a very nice selection of steak and fish as well. Thomas took care of not only us but the entire restaurant and the very attentive staff. This restaurant is a gem at this remote location which are so often overrun by “chain” joints. Great selection of wines. Wish I had this place around the corner from where I live. I challenge you to be disappointed.
BJ and Jody from the great white north.
Written March 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chef Brian Flowers
Thank you for the positive feedback and we hope to see you in the future. Chef
Written April 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
d0uge11
Miami3 contributions
Aug 2022 • couples
Check your bill! Server tried to run a gift card for $30 more than the value of the gift card after they were told the value. The marinara sauce had tons and tons of oregano. Many complaints about that. You must leave after a short period of time or you will be asked to leave by the hostess. Manager backs up the hostess and tells you if you don’t like it don’t come back. Called owner owner told me the same thing. We are too busy and we do not care if you come back and patronize us. Food is not worth the money or the hype. Do not spend your hard earned money at this restaurant. They do not care about you or anybody else but themselves.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lag345
Santa Fe3 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
We had a fabulous meal at Michael D's. The staff was super attentive and had a great sense of humor. The chef, who is known for his sauces didn't disappoint us. The next time that we are in Ruidoso, we will certainly make a point of having dinner there again.
Written April 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chef Brian Flowers
Thank you so much for your support! We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written April 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sheryl M
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • couples
We ordered takeout on a Saturday evening. My husband waited about 20 minutes before anyone even asked if they could help him. Our order was sitting in the window the while time! When he got home the food was cold had to microwave it to eat. I can honestly say the price of the food is defiantly way to much for the quality you receive. Then I looked at my receipt and they charged us $5.00 for a "Charge TO GO FEE". Needles to say we won't go back! WAY OVER PRICED!!!!
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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