We are currently open Tuesday through Saturday with the first seating being at 5 PM. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the staffing shortages in the service industry nation-wide, reservations are HIGHLY recommended and pick-up/take-out orders may sometimes not be available. We appreciate our loyal customers and your support.
Michael J's by Chef Brian Flowers is an intimate fine dining Italian American restaurant in Ruidoso NM. In June of 2019, Chef Brian purchased Michael J's and has added new items to the menu while ensuring that ambiance and menu that Michael J's has become known for have been maintained. The menu offers veal and chicken as well as seafood choices such as Crab Cakes for a great appetizer or Williams Brothers Alaskan Salmon for a main course.
Michael J's by Chef Brian Flowers is an intimate fine dining Italian American restaurant in Ruidoso NM. In June of 2019, Chef Brian purchased Michael J's and has added new items to the menu while ensuring that ambiance and menu that Michael J's has become known for have been maintained. The menu offers veal and chicken as well as seafood choices such as Crab Cakes for a great appetizer or Williams Brothers Alaskan Salmon for a main course.
Reviews (25)
Jeremy Yowell
Jan 22, 2022
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Ashley S.
Jan 21, 2022
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Brittney Edwards
Jan 14, 2022
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We went with as a party of 6 on a Thursday night. We weren’t aware you needed a reservation, so that was our mistake. They sat us at a round table better suited for 4/5 people. We have little kids so it worked. Nice cozy atmosphere, very quiet. The food tasted great, although pretty small portions. Service was prompt and friendly
Casey Kennedy
Jan 12, 2022
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Honestly a restaurant like this is hard to find these days. Wonderful customer service and a hometown restaurant feel. Everyone was personable and polite. The owner or manager let us know they were running short staffed, but there would be no rushing us out the door since it was close to closing time. If I ever come back to Ruidoso I will always come here. You definitely need reservations so do that as soon as possible.
Eric S.
Dec 24, 2021
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Joel Candelaria
Dec 04, 2021
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Kimberly H.
Dec 03, 2021
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Bailey C.
Nov 25, 2021
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As far as first impressions go, this seemed to be the place to be. Reservations are not required but they are definitely the only way you will get a table for a party larger than 4. The prices are comparable to any other "high quality" restaurant, but don't let that fool you. When you enter the lobby there is only one bench to wait at. When our party of 7 was escorted to our table we had to walk through the kitchen where we could see one of the cooks placing food on a plate with bare hands. The food still looked and smelled alright so we decided to stay.
The entrees are advertised
The entrees are advertised
Eddie L.
Nov 22, 2021
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Ruthann T.
Nov 20, 2021
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Gabriel Sosa
Oct 27, 2021
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Tammy R.
Oct 09, 2021
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Jonathan R.
Sep 25, 2021
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Had a reservation at 7 , didn't get seated till 7:15 didn't get drinks or see our server till 7:30 when I asked another server if they could help us , service was terrible , didn't get food till 8:30 and one person in our party didn't get there food till everyone was done and had to take it to go.
This establishment needs new management , and better systems in place.
This establishment needs new management , and better systems in place.
Rj C.
Sep 24, 2021
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Our family of 5 made reservations to this restaurant the night before. We left our name and phone number and was told 5:30 was the only time they could accommodate us. So we booked the reservation and showed up on time for our reservation. Unfortunately we were told by the hostess that no reservation exists. She then told us she could sit us at 530 but we would have to leave at 630. The situation wasn't ideal but the hostess made the situation much worse by her poor attitude. We were exciting to try the food but due to someone's negligence, we had to completely rearrange our plans and
Lindsey P.
Sep 21, 2021
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Barry T.
Aug 29, 2021
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Came here for our anniversary. Upon entering, there seemed to be a bit of disorganization, especially at the bar. Our server was very pleasant, but seemed to lack some basic serving skills. Took way too long to get the bottle of wine we ordered. Ordered smoked salmon crostini and it was DELICIOUS, unfortunately this was the best part of the meal. We also ordered a side of creamed spinach...it was not good and had a "strange" flavor/spice that we could not figure out. We told the server we couldn't eat it and she immediately offered to remove it from our check. I had egg plant
Lydia M.
Aug 18, 2021
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All I can say is WOW! This place is phenomenal. I will say CALL AND MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE! You can't just walk in there and expect to be sat. They are extremely busy and short staffed. They are doing the best they can to accommodate for the changes because of Covid. Let me tell you the food is so worth it. Hands down one of the best Italian restaurants I've been to. I live about 2 hours out and wouldn't mind going frequently, the food and service is phenomenal! Remember to be kind to everyone, especially restaurants that are short staffed.
Mary Cate A.
Aug 02, 2021
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We sat outdoors. We double-stacked the chairs because they were too low. Really think they could update their patio seating! We were looking for a good salmon dish but this isn't the place. Over-cooked and dry. The drinks were great and we will give it another try. Like all restaurants in Ruidosa, call for a reservation. They are struggling with staffing.
Larry B.
Jun 30, 2021
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We're visiting from out of state and found Michael J's on Google, along with lots of other restaurant choices. We thought we'd like to try them.
The Michael J's website says to call for reservations; none are accepted via email or any other way. We tried this afternoon at least 30 times over an hour and fifteen minute period and got nothing but a busy signal.
It must be nice to be doing so good a business in a small town in New Mexico that you don't have to worry about a single point of failure (your phone management) preventing people from contacting you and causing
The Michael J's website says to call for reservations; none are accepted via email or any other way. We tried this afternoon at least 30 times over an hour and fifteen minute period and got nothing but a busy signal.
It must be nice to be doing so good a business in a small town in New Mexico that you don't have to worry about a single point of failure (your phone management) preventing people from contacting you and causing
Michele D.
Jun 24, 2021
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Ben B.
Jun 18, 2021
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My wife and I thought Micheal J's was very good. Staff was amazing, very attentive. We had the salmon crostini as an appetizer and it was delicious. I thought the veal parmigiana was very good and my wife's pasta primavera was very tasty, the vegetables were cooked spot on. Reservations are suggested.
Ashlyn M.
Jun 12, 2021
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Overall not bad for small town Italian. Highlights: pretty outdoor spot, all our favorite dishes were seafood ones, kind and attentive staff (our waitress was very fun and sweet). If you're looking for a casual date night on vacation this spot will fit the bill. (Details below)
Our party was pretty large so we called ahead and made a reservation for 10. They were unable to seat us all together and so we had to split up into groups of 5 with a walkway in between us. So they weren't super equipped to deal with large parties and we didn't find out until we got there.
Appetizers: The
Our party was pretty large so we called ahead and made a reservation for 10. They were unable to seat us all together and so we had to split up into groups of 5 with a walkway in between us. So they weren't super equipped to deal with large parties and we didn't find out until we got there.
Appetizers: The
Scott L.
Jun 07, 2021
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Fantastic service. Eggplant Parma was a tad raw. Crunchy is not what I expect for $15.00, but I didn't complain. Taste was unique, and I convinced myself chef intended it!
Tiramisu was ok. Nothing to write home to momma Mia about.
Biggest gripe is seating. I couldn't sit outside because it was too windy for umbrellas. First, I didn't feel no stinkin' wind, but deferred to locals as experts. But umbrella excise is a bit thin: Take the stupid umbrellas down in the evening?!? No, that might be too much trouble, especially when there's an empty table next to the men&apos
Tiramisu was ok. Nothing to write home to momma Mia about.
Biggest gripe is seating. I couldn't sit outside because it was too windy for umbrellas. First, I didn't feel no stinkin' wind, but deferred to locals as experts. But umbrella excise is a bit thin: Take the stupid umbrellas down in the evening?!? No, that might be too much trouble, especially when there's an empty table next to the men&apos
Aaron R.
May 03, 2021
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Lovely place to have some food and mellow down. It was not the best Alfredo sauce I've had but don't get me wrong it wasn't bad. I recommend you make reservations beforehand to avoid any waiting.
Service was good, always attentive. The atmosphere inside wasn't all there but the music level and the frameless candles helped a lot.
Service was good, always attentive. The atmosphere inside wasn't all there but the music level and the frameless candles helped a lot.
Susan M.
Feb 19, 2021
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Ordered To Go during COVID. Weekends seem busy and stopped offering To Go during high traffic times so plan accordingly (get your order in early before 5:30 or go on an off-peak day of week). Large portions that come with a soup or salad. Ordered lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, and bruschetta. Sauce on lasagna was robust (not sweet - yay) and a good ratio to cheese and pasta. Daughter said spaghetti was very good. Minestrone was fantastic and could easily eat as a meal. French bread that comes with the meal was soft and delicious as well. Will certainly be back on our next visit!