Restaurant guide for Albuquerque, New Mexico, including a list of the best local cuisine and places to eat.
Albuquerque, located in the north central region of New Mexico, is not only enchanting to view but has some great restaurants too. New Mexican cuisine is the fare of choice for most visitors. You can't get this cuisine anywhere else in the world the way you can in New Mexico.
Typical New Mexican cuisine is created with the chile in mind. The number one question all over the state is undoubtedly, "Red or Green"? If you have never tried New Mexican chile ask for a taste of both before you decide what your answer will be. The locals do have preferences. Some prefer one, some prefer the other and still some prefer one for breakfast and lunch and another for dinner or vice versa. Experiment and decide for yourself.
Grown in the cool and the heat of New Mexico and harvested in late summer, chile is the focus all year long. The freshest appears in the fall when local markets roast them in the open air and the smell permeates the countryside. It's a wonderful blend of peppers and fire that sends the locals and visitors alike into chile overload. Fresh chile ristras hang from homes and vendors windows and local restaurateurs take pride in their chile making abilities. Each venue boasts of having the hottest, the most flavorful, or the best chile in town.
Had a taste of chile and prefer not to eat your food smothered in it? Just ask for it on the side and dip or pour what you need. Don't like chile at all? Not to worry there are plenty of other food styles to choose from. Here is a quick rundown of locally owned and run restaurants.
HISTORIC OLD TOWN
Just as its name describes, this is the oldest part of town. It centers on the original square with its own gazebo along with tourist shops and restaurants throughout the area. Some of the older and better known are:
- La Placita Dining Rooms - Directly located on the Old Town Square this restaurant is full of old Albuquerque charm and authentic New Mexican cuisine. You have your choice of a series of dining rooms, outdoor dining and a gift store for curio shopping. - Monroe's - Located just east of the Old Town Square on Lomas NW, Monroe's has been a local favorite for green chile cheeseburgers for many years.
- Duran's Pharmacy - Another local hangout, the pharmacy is located on Central Avenue NW. Here you will find great green chile stew perfect for a cool fall day.
- Garcia's Kitchen - There are several Garcia's Kitchens in town but this particular one is located on Central Avenue NW. Garcia's is an original institution in Albuquerque boasting fresh tortillas, enchiladas and New Mexican cuisine.
- La Crepe Michel - La Crepe Michel is one of the secrets in Albuquerque dining. Yes, it is French cuisine and it's served in one of the secluded alleys of the Old Town Square. When you have had too much chile it's a nice respite to head for a delicious French meal and La Crepe Michel is the place to go.
- St. James Tea Room - A traditional British tea parlor St. James Tea Room is located on Rio Grande just north of Old Town. If you are looking for some afternoon shade and would like to linger over your tea then St. James is the perfect setting with outstanding service and pleasant surroundings. Reservations are required.
DOWNTOWN AND CENTRAL AVENUE
These areas will give you a better mix of cuisine than the historic Old Town. You can find much more than chile here. Drive down Central Avenue and head toward the mountain and the Nob Hill Shopping District and you will find more than we have room to list here.
Start with the
- Artichoke Café - Find this upscale bistro on Central Avenue SE just east of Broadway if you are interested in casual gourmet dining. They serve New Mexican, Italian and French meals fit for a King. Local art, great service and a wonderful wine list make this a enjoyable stop. The locals love this place so reservations are suggested.
- El Patio - Located in the University area off Central Avenue to the south, El Patio is a long time local favorite. It is a casual experience filled with great New Mexican fare. They offer outdoor seating in good weather, all year round.
- Gold Street Caffe - For some great people-watching stop by Gold Street Caffe. Located on an architecturally historic street south of Central Ave, the dining is contemporary and fresh with a gourmet twist. Great pastries, coffees, and lunch plates abound but they are known especially for their incredible bacon. Get there early for a sidewalk table.
- Graze - The latest entry to the Central corridor cuisine list is Graze. The food is excellent, beautifully presented, fresh and innovative. Plates are served "small" and worth the cost. You will get a view of the street that many restaurants cannot offer and a well trained and educated staff.
Keep searching up and down Central Avenue and you will find a wine bar, a 1950's era diner, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and American delights along with a few chain restaurants tucked in the mix. This corridor runs all the way to the base of the Sandia Mountain's so don't give up until you have at least cleared San Mateo street.
NORTHEAST HEIGHTS
Offering a more contemporary setting, the Northeast Heights is filled with a broad range of eating establishments. We can only scratch the surface here.
- Assets Grille - Assets opened in 1977 and is one of the areas oldest restaurants. It quickly became the city's first microbrewery in 1993. Since then they have won a few medals in brew competitions.
- Oasis Restaurant - Oasis Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine from Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, and Spain with homemade desserts and an International wine list.
- The County Line - One of the city's favorite restaurants The County Line sits right at the base of the Sandia Mountains. It serves national award winning barbeque and has a spectacular view of the city at night with a 1940's roadhouse ambiance.
- Minato of Japan - An elegant dining experience, Minato of Japan offers private dining rooms, first-rate sushi and sashimi and a welcoming atmosphere.
Albuquerque is not stuck in the past and serves much more than just New Mexican cuisine. Local newspapers and directories will put you in touch with the variety it has to offer.
