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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

28 MUST-TRY ADVENTURES

FOR ABQ PET LOVERS Albuquerque is the second most dogfriendly city in the country—but the Duke City doesn’t just love dogs. From kitties to frogs and even snakes, there are plenty of ways for animal lovers to experience ABQ, whether you have a pet or just adore them.

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 18 Publisher’s Note 21 Tapas

P. 116 P. 124

A look back at the history of TEDxABQ; the Albuquerque Rugby Club and Duke City Fencing are challenging ABQ’s sport scene; Isleta Grill rises from a big setback; plus, The Santa Fe National Cemetery Visitation Program offers veterans’ families a way to visit loved ones.

34 Faces and Places 45 Datebook

115 People

116 Albuquerque the Interview Best known for the Emmy-winning seires Bands of Enchantment, producer Ken C. Peterson is continuously inspired by the ABQ music scene.

120 Personality

P. 22

UNM Head Football Coach Jason Eck offers a peek into his home life along with the driving force behind his leadership.

124 Behind the Scenes

Armed with advanced simulation technology, Presbyterian’s Healthcare Advanced Learning Lab (HALL) is training the next generation of medical professionals across New Mexico.

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DEPARTMENTS

P. 146 P. 142 P. 130 129 Culture

P. 150

130 Creatives

Contemporary artist Joshua Mizusawa uses his mixed background to create a blended art style that’s all his own.

132 Storytellers

Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn; Pass the Sopapillas Podcast with Manuel González; plus, Bookstagrammer Neeta posts as @brewdy_reader.

136 Tiempo

A monthly check-in with longtime Tiempo editor Mel Minter on the new performers—and familiar faces—making waves in ABQ’s thriving local music scene.

150 Spirit Spotlight

Take one last cool summer ride at Two Fools Tavern with their refreshing take on a minty classic.

141 Dish

152 A Recipe for Success

142 Eats Review

At Volaré Rooftop Bar, every menu item comes with a side of stunning Sandia views.

146 Eats, Etc.

New restaurant La Chancla has flavor so good, it’ll smack you right back into childhood; plus, Richie B’s relocates their enormous slices of pie to a new side of ABQ.

Albuquerque Community Foundation’s CEO, Marisa Magallanez, shares her favorite recipe with us—and the story behind it.

154 Bites

Info-filled nuggets about the city’s restaurants to take with you on the go.

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AUGUST 2026 Volume 23 Number 4 PUBLISHER

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

Lise Watkins lise@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com

Don James don@abqthemag.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Saleema Ishq saleema@abqthemag.com

Emily Klumpenhower emily@abqthemag.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanna Hoenicke-Martin suzanna@abqthemag.com

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER

Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

CONTRIBUTORS

Mel Minter Tristen Critchfield Daniel Larlham Jr. Paloma Garcia

Jake Handler jake@abqthemag.com

Gabe Candelaria gabe@abqthemag.com OPERATIONS

Scott Frankel scott@abqthemag.com FACES AND PLACES

Ariana Lopez ariana@abqthemag.com BUSINESS OFFICE

Windy Rivera business@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

SUBSCRIBE!

Annual subscriptions to Albuquerque The Magazine are $19 for 11 issues. You may subscribe directly from our website. Send check or money order to:

Albuquerque The Magazine 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor Albuquerque, NM 87107 phone: 505-842-1110 • fax: 505-842-1119 www.abqthemag.com

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

Albuquerque The Magazine (ISSN 1936-4350) is published monthly except January by Albuquerque The Media Corporation, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque, NM 87101, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Albuquerque The Magazine, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the Editor. You may e-mail yours to editor@abqthemag.com, or submit it directly from our website, or via snail mail. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Our editorial calendar is available online at www.abqthemag.com/MediaKit.pdf. No phone calls, please. Unsolicited manuscripts require a SASE.

DEPARTMENTS 193 Fun

194 Can’t Live Without

Abby Butler, Director of Creative Education and Development at ABQ Arts Hub, shares a few things that she can’t live without.

196 Local Stuff We Love

Your touchstone for ABQ’s cool, fun, and eclectic retail goodies that will help you live life a bit smarter and happier.

198 Shop Talk

Corrales-based Sage Valley Pottery is open 24/7 and 365 days a year—the reason is as beautiful as their ceramics.

200 Paws Button

Nine Lives Cat Rescue shares why their kitties are housed all over the city.

202 Amazing Pets

This month’s winners: Oliver the Dog and Minnie the Dog.

204 Passenger Window

Keep an eye out for La Herencia Nunca Muere, a stunning mural with an equally vibrant story.

207 Photo Contest

P. 198

This month’s winner: Summer Visitor by Doreen Garten.

208 A Few Things

Fast and fun facts you might not kmow about Milne Stadium.

Special Advertising Section 105 Pros You Should Know

This carefully curated list of business and trade professionals should definitely be on your radar.

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GABE’S PET ROCKY: Executive

SALEEMA’S PETS QUENTIN: Chief Odor Officer CLOVER: Assistant Biscuit

Hug Distributor

Kneading Specialist

JAKE’S PET MAVERICK:

Commissioner of Baseball Broadcasting

DON’S PETS ROVER: Strategic Nap

Operations Supervisor CHOO CHOO TRAIN: Director of Eggxecutive Affairs WEDNESDAY: Head of Unruffled Research

ARIANA’S PET BEN B JAMMIN’: Curator

of Rhythm & Waves

PHIL’S PET HADLEY: Manager of

GENA’S PET FURRGIE: Specialist in

Multi-Toe Operations

ComMEOWnications

LISE’S PETS TUBA: Head of Fetch

Logistics, High-Speed Division NOODLE: Vice President of Following You Everywhere MERLIN: Senior Neck Scarf Consultant

SUZANNA’S PETS DANTE: Inspector of

Unauthorized Snacks GIMLI: Director of Limited Braincell Resources SCOTT’S PET CALLIE: Strategic

Sidekick, Loyalty Department

MEGAN’S PET AXEL: Soccer Ball Quality Control Analyst

WINDY’S PETS ROKU: Head of Ball Acquisitions BETSY: Director of Deep Sleep Operations

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

ccording to the most recent stats, two-thirds of American homes have pets. This means about 90 million U.S. homeowners (and roughly 170,000 in ABQ’s metro area) happily vacuum fur off the couches, take their canines out for evening walks, sift kitty litter boxes daily (hopefully), and pinch flakes of food into an aquarium as needed. Yes, pets pretty much rule our lives. I say this with conviction—and I don’t even own a pet! But I understand the passion, which is confirmed by the same set of stats, which reveal that 97 percent of pet owners proclaim them as “part of the family.” So, it’s no surprise that our Pet feature brought an unmistakable buzz to the ATM team as we put this issue together over the past month. Assistant Editor Saleema Ishq had a particularly fun go of it, perhaps because of her fondness for her cat Clover, but also because she already had a few years’ worth of experience writing pet-focused content for an online outlet. Her array of fun pet info—including a list of cool stuff you can do in ABQ with your furry friends—starts on page 77. Speaking of pets and ABQ and unmistakable buzz, you likely noticed our cover photograph of UNM Lobo head football coach Jason Eck, his wife, Kimberly, and their five children, along with their pets. We had scheduled Coach to be interviewed for our Personality column, given that his first season on the University Stadium sidelines led to a 9-win season and bowl appearance for the previously lackluster Lobo football squad. (Oh, and for his lovable cameos in social media videos created by UNM’s marketing team.)

But after the coach and his wife revealed during the interview that the family had added a new puppy to the household just a few months ago, an idea clicked. Hmmmm…. Would the Eck clan perhaps be willing to pose with their furry friends for our August cover? Duh, do bulldogs have wrinkles? The interview with Coach Eck begins on page 120, and don’t forget to also check out our On The Cover write-up below to get the, uh, scoop on Gucci and Rucifee, and the photo shoot our team carried out at the Eck home. Also in this issue, we spend some time with Marisa Magallanez, who took over as the new CEO and President of the Albuquerque Community Foundation this past January. Growing up near Las Cruces, Magallanez learned early on from her mom and dad that philanthropy has many forms, but ultimately one goal: to help others. It’s a mantra has served her well during 20+ years as a leader in the nonprofit world. Turn to page 152 to learn what forces inspired her. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of ATM; we’re already working on the next one for you!

Sincerely,

Larryl Lynch Publisher

ON THE COVER The ATM Editorial Team had a blast on a recent Saturday afternoon at the ABQ home of UNM Lobo Football Coach Jason Eck and his family for this month’s cover photo. The session featured Jason and his wife of 24 years, Kimberly, and their five children: Quentin, Jaxton, Palmer, Maverick, and Lola. And what family portrait would be complete without the pets? That would be their distinguished kitty cat, Rucifee, and the family’s newest (and most mischievous) member, Gucci, the nine-month-old puppy. The English Bulldog—a Christmas surprise for the kids from mom and dad—stole the spotlight from the moment we arrived. Between chasing Gucci, protecting our shoes from his curiosity, keeping Rucifee far away from Gucci, and laughing at the chaos of it all, the shoot was full of unforgettable moments. (Don’t forget to scan the QR code for a fun bonus video!)

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PHOTO BY GABRIELA ROJAS MORENO

TINY BITES OF EVERYTHING TO SEE, DO AND BUY IN ALBUQUERQUE

Ruck and Roll

Jacky Hernandez of Aguilas Aztecas women’s side—a traveling team organized by Albuquerque Rugby Club—tackles a player from the Mexican National Team. This month, Aguilas Aztecas placed second in the Cancun 7s (p. 24).

TAPAS

WHERE ABQ’S BIG IDEAS TAKE THE STAGE

TEDxABQ is one of the US’s longest-

running TEDx organizations, founded

by Tim Nisly in 2009. Over the past 17 years, the volunteer-run event has inspired bold thinking and helped bring

ideas

into

the

2009: TEDx in Albuquerque began as TEDxTamaya, one of the earliest TEDx licenses in the country.

community.

As current TEDxABQ Curator and

OrganiXer Alex Andrego Adams puts it, “TEDxABQ fills a need that no other

organization in Albuquerque really does. It is a community institution, and Albuquerque feels its presence

2014: Alex Andrego Adams joined TEDxABQ as a volunteer. “These are the people I want to hang out with and do fun things with,” she says.

when it’s here, and its absence when it’s not.” And today, its presence is stronger than ever. –SI

2020: The organization took a brief hiatus due to leadership transitions followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022: “We couldn’t let this die,” Adams explains of the main event. So TEDxABQ returned with a soldout 300-person event at the African American Performing Arts Center.

2018: The main event at the Albuquerque Convention Center drew an audience of almost 2,000 attendees.

CURIOSITY INCORPORATED

2016: TEDxABQ expanded with more programming, including TEDxWomen and topic-focused salons. “There are cool people here doing cool things that I never would have met if I hadn’t walked into a TEDx event,” Adams shares.

2023: Adams, together with Meghan Pickard, began reimagining the organization’s future during a TEDxWeekend leadership gathering in Verona, Italy. “We did most of our planning there,” Adams explained. “Thinking about what this new version of TEDxABQ could be.”

2026: TEDxABQ continues its momentum with a large annual event at the Rail Yards taking place on August 29, 2026. “Our goal is to have a main event every year moving forward,” shares Adams.

2010: The first official TEDxABQ event took the stage.

2024: Curiosity Incorporated was established to expand TEDxABQ’s impact beyond the annual event and answer the question, “How do we take the talks off the stage and generate more activity in the community?”

2025: Adams and Pickard

relaunched TEDxABQ into a new era with their first main event since the reimagining.

2026: Curiosity Incorporated expands into community programming through TalkLab speaker development, youth Curiosity Camp, community comedy night, and more. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

TAPAS

The Aardvarks Embark

En Garde!

Though it’s far outside the realm of the traditional stick-and-ball sports that are most popular in the United States, fencing is not only a family-friendly activity — it’s something that participants can do for the rest of their lives. “Fencing is such a niche sport, and when you enter into the world, it’s like you see a whole different way of life,” says Duke City Fencing owner Courtney Hurley. “It’s so different and unique.”

PHOTOS BY GABRIELA ROJAS MORENO

While the Albuquerque Aardvarks have been a Duke City staple in the rugby community since 1973, the brand has undergone some significant restructuring in recent months. The Aardvarks now operate under the umbrella of the Albuquerque Rugby Club, a non-profit with the mission of growing rugby and using it as a “vehicle for cultural exchange, economic impact and community involvement in underserved communities.” In addition to the Aardvarks, the Albuquerque Rugby Club oversees the Aguilas Aztecas —a traveling squad that includes both men’s and women’s teams — and a youth program that just recently launched at Ernie Pyle Middle School. Executive Director Joel Luevano likes to refer to the club as “New Mexico’s bestkept secret.” The Aguilas Aztecas have already had a busy year. In April, the teams traveled to Aguascalientes, Mexico, to take part in a tournament and a cultural exchange, where players met with members of the community to share the benefits of rugby. The team also ventured to Cancun in July for a 7s tournament that also featured the Mexican National Team. The school program officially kicked off in July after an introductory career day earlier this year. “All the kids got to get introduced to rugby, and they all love the physicality,” Luevano says. Meanwhile, the Aardvarks head to Ireland on Aug. 8-9, where they will play an exhibition against a local club and hold a mixed-ability program for players with special needs. Also noteworthy: the Aardvarks recently appeared in the Guinness “Lovely Day” advertising campaign, which aired during the Six Nations rugby broadcasts on Peacock. “We’re checking all the boxes, and we’re out there representing New Mexico and Albuquerque to the fullest,” Luevano says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Locals compete in an ancient sport in modern times.

It’s safe to say that Hurley, who grew up fencing with her family, was born into the sport. Hurley is a three-time Olympian in épée, the largest and heaviest of the three fencing weapons, winning bronze in the team event at the 2012 London Olympics. She was also a two-time NCAA individual champion at Notre Dame. Hurley took over ownership of Duke City Fencing in August 2024, and since then she’s been focused on growing the

sport in New Mexico. The club offers classes for all ages and skill levels — from beginners to competitive fencers who are active on the travel circuit. Hurley, who also started a fencing program at Menaul School and hosts a number of after school programs, admits that it can be challenging to capture the attention of a generation whose focus shifts from sport to sport with each passing season. “Fencing really does help coordination, but it also helps your agility, moving your feet very fast,” Hurley says. “…It works the side of your muscles and body that you don’t usually use. So that also helps being better at other sports and just being more athletic and in tune with your body in general.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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Some thoughts on… WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ABQ ACTIVITY TO TAKE PART IN WITH YOUR PET?

Chef George Lovato

ON-CALL OUTDOOR CHEF, TV PERSONALITY

“Of course, we love participating in dog shows—particularly the coursing events and Fast CAT (Fast Coursing Ability Test).” AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

TAPAS

ROLLING WITH IT Silver linings usually don’t come with wheels. But after a vehicle crashed into the side of Isleta Grill in April, forcing the beloved South Valley restaurant to close, owner Leticia found hers parked across the street. While the search for the right contractor continues, the grills are still hot, the full menu is still available, and familiar faces are still lining up at the Isleta Grill food truck. “I come from a very strong family,” she says. “We find solutions and keep moving forward…That’s how we were raised.” That determination has become the silver lining. Unlike many food trucks that scale back their offerings, Isleta Grill brought the whole menu along for the ride. “Some food trucks only provide a few

items,” Leticia says. “We have our whole menu.” The community has responded in kind. Loyal customers continue showing up, proving their favorite breakfast burrito or green chile cheeseburger is worth crossing the street for. Just as importantly, Leticia has managed to keep nearly her entire team employed while waiting for the restaurant to reopen. “We didn’t give up. We didn’t shut down,” she says. “This is a new journey.” Maybe that’s what makes neighborhood restaurants so special. They’re never just about the building. They’re about the people behind the counter, the regulars who keep coming back, and owners who refuse to let an unexpected setback

write the final chapter. For now, Isleta Grill’s address may look a little different. Its heart hasn’t moved an inch. –PALOMA GARCIA

A Ride of Remembrance

For most passengers, the New Mexico Rail Runner is a way to get from Point A to Point B. But several times each year, one northbound trip carries something a little heavier than backpacks and briefcases: memories. The Santa Fe National Cemetery Visitation Program gives widows, veterans’ family members, and seniors complimentary transportation aboard the Rail Runner to visit loved ones laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. The program, developed in 2023 by Rio Metro Marketing Specialist Marie Morra, also includes

shuttle service from the train station to the cemetery, removing transportation barriers for those who may no longer be able to make the journey on their own. What begins as a train ride becomes something much more meaningful—a chance to reconnect, reflect, and remember. Marie says, “This is a big thing, and it’s all free. I don’t want seniors to have to pay to have a day to spend with their loves ones” The visits have grown into a community of regular riders, many of whom have found comfort not only in honoring their

loved ones, but also in traveling alongside others who understand the same sense of loss. The shared journey often becomes just as meaningful as the destination. Sometimes the most important trips aren’t measured in miles—they’re measured in moments. For dozens of New Mexicans, the Rail Runner has become more than a commuter train. It’s a bridge between the present and the past, carrying passengers toward remembrance, connection, and the enduring legacy of those who served. –PALOMA GARCIA

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Some thoughts on… WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ABQ ACTIVITY TO TAKE PART IN WITH YOUR PET?

Kelly Roepke-Orth

CEO OF AGC NEW MEXICO

“Our favorite moments with our pets are watching our chickens, Dora and Mable, happily roam the yard alongside our two Dobermans, Marshall and Renley, while our son (pictured) proudly takes our bearded dragon, Pancake, on leisurely summer walks that always turn heads and spark smiles.”

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

TAPAS

ark It

HERE

DANIEL WEBSTER PARK

Those who like to get extreme with their fitness will now have some additional options when they visit Officer Daniel Webster Memorial Children’s Park. Earlier this year, new recreational features were unveiled at the park, including a gathering plaza, inclusive playground and perhaps most notably, a ninja-style fitness course believed to be the first of its kind in a city park. The course — designed to emulate what one might see on an episode of American Ninja Warrior — was added at the request of officer Webster’s widow, Michelle Carlino-Webster. Officer Webster, a U.S. Army veteran, was slain in the line of duty during a traffic stop in 2015. The course is highlighted by an A-frame cage, globe grasp, jump hang, over-under bars, ledge hanger, angled overhead ladder, and an unstable bridge. Other new features include a net climbing structure, play logs and a mountain surface crafted to resemble the Sandias. The upgrades were part of Phase 3 of the project, which was funded at a city, state and national level. “Dan would love it. He would be playing on the fitness course, racing all the little kids,” Carlino-Webster said in a release. Construction on a fourth and final phase at the park is already underway and will add two basketball courts (one for inclusive/wheelchair use), dog area, nature-based play zone, a “tot lot” for younger children and a variety of safety features. –TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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IF YOUR POSTS OF ABQ ARE AWESOME ENOUGH TO PRINT, TAG THEM!

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TAPAS

92% ABQ

C r e at e s a S pac e f o r B l ac k Wo m e n i n Al bu q u e rq u e

After struggling to find community in Albuquerque as a newcomer, Trinitee Kennon founded 92% ABQ—an inclusive space where Black women can connect, feel seen, and be unapologetically themselves. When Trinitee Kennon moved from Texas to Albuquerque in 2025, she knew finding community would be one of her top priorities. She intentionally sought out spaces where she could connect with other Black women, but quickly realized there weren’t many. Then Kennon came across a statistic that helped explain why. “Black women make up just 1.7% of Albuquerque’s population,” she explains. “There aren’t many of us out here.” While a few online groups did exist, she found they were more focused on sharing events than fostering meaningful relationships. “I thought, ‘if I’m struggling, other people must be struggling too,’” Kennon says. So instead of waiting for someone else to build the community she was searching for, she created it herself. Kennon launched 92% ABQ, a community that celebrates every facet of Black womanhood—and the name is just as intentional as the vision. “While 92% ABQ is not a political group, the name is derived from the 2024 election results showing that 92% of Black women voted in unity,” Kennon shares. “To me, that

represented incredible solidarity.” Today, the organization has hundreds of followers on Instagram, an active community chat, regular outings, events, and a monthly book club centered around literature by Black authors. One of the group’s largest events—a Juneteenth weekend social featuring a Black DJ at a Black-owned downtown ABQ venue—became so popular, Kennon says she had to stop accepting RSVPs because of the overwhelming demand. “It let me know that I need to do more big events like this!”

Kennon is joined by Director of Operations Shelby Motter and Associate Director Sherelle Holmes, who also volunteer their time to help lead the organization. They hope more members will be inspired to step into leadership roles as 92% ABQ grows. “My vision for the future of 92% ABQ is to see this community grow into a foundational pillar of support for Black womanhood in Albuquerque,” Kennon says. “We want to ensure that every member feels seen, valued, and empowered to be unapologetically themselves.” –SI

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FACES&PLACES

ABQ Wine Classic Live Auction Dinner Ex Novo Downtown

5. The ABQ Wine Classic Live Auction Dinner was held on May 30. This lively and elegant premier fundraising gala featured a champagne reception, silent auction, and 4-course dinner. All proceeds supported Keshet Dance Company and its youth programs.

7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Maggie Santiago, Manola Colter, Mark Gorham, Dorothy Rainosek, Larry Rainosek Steve Maher, Becky Maher Mitch Weinreb, Lisa Weinreb Jessica Beecher, Felicia White, Shannon Rainosek Shannon Biddle, Justin Timsit Martin Biddle, Marissa Reynolds Tom Wolinski, Kris Wayde, Steve Wayde

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FACES&PLACES

AGC New Mexico Best Buildings Awards Gala

Sandia Resort and Casino

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) New Mexico 2026 Best Buildings Awards Gala was held on May 29. This premier commercial construction awards event celebrated the excellence of construction management and craftsmanship. Guests enjoyed great food, drinks, and a relaxed networking environment. All proceeds benefitted the AGC New Mexico Building Education Foundation.

7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Crystal Starkey, Mikael McCord, Tom Payne Cynthia Peterson, Gary Peterson Phil Aragon, Des Aragon Brenda Murray, James Murray Robert Rubio, Marina Posey Holly Barela, Jeremy Barela Ronnie Ruiz, Carlos Armijo

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FACES&PLACES

Rio Grande Food Project’s Urban Garden Party Rio Grande Food Project

The Rio Grande Food Project’s Urban Garden Party was held on Jun 12. This is an annual community event and major fundraiser that supports the organization’s mission of alleviating hunger. Guests enjoyed food, refreshments, free garden supplies, and more.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Chrisanna Lane, Samantha Kao Dympna Ryan, Terry Davis Pete Knipper, Joelle Chase Allan Armenta, Amanda Armenta David Swan, Valentina Valdez Juan Gechem, Jose Gechem Celia Yapita, Tim Ashby

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FACES&PLACES

Swing Fore a Cure

Santa Ana Golf Club

The Swing Fore a Cure Bud Nielsen Memorial Golf Tournament was held on May 18. This tournament is one of the largest charity golf tournaments in the Southwest that benefits ALS. Golfers, supporters, and volunteers came together for golf, meals, and raffle prizes. All proceeds were donated to funding patient care and research for Lou Gehrig’s disease.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Clinton Boball, Katie Sandoval, Kris Trujillo Kenton Van Harten, Veronica Aragon Gene Pino, Jimmy McMullan Jon Drury, Jeff Berry Christian Saiz, Micah Sanchez, Shaun Berry Adrian Lopez, Yvette Lopez Zach Munoz, John Frazir

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FACES&PLACES

¡Viva El Museo!

The Albuquerque Museum

Viva El Museo, the Albuquerque Museum Foundation’s annual fundraising gala, was held on May 30. This Route 66-themed event celebrated our well-known highway. Guests enjoyed themed food from states along Route 66 highway, live music, cash raffles, and more. Proceeds supported the museum’s exhibitions and helped fund The Other Route 66 exhibition.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Chelsea Houk, Samantha Veretto Dan Conklin, Brigid Conklin Susie Smith, Sheila Smith Doug Michel, Jill Michel Jill Sandal, David Sandal Jessica De Vries, Alex Scarpitto Chad Whitsell, Jesus Salazar

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DATEBOOK THE BUZZ AROUND ALBUQUERQUE: YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TORI AMOS’ IN TIMES OF DRAGONS TOUR SATURDAY 22 | 7:30 PM The groundbreaking singer-songwriter and pianist Tori Amos returns to the stage with music from In Times of Dragons alongside fan favorites spanning her acclaimed 35-year career. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE. For more information or tickets, call (505) 277-4569 or visit popejoypresents.com. $60.25-$123.95 with fees.

AUGUST 2026

Trust us, these are a few ABQ events YOU CAN'T MISS.

MOTHER ROAD MUSIC

FRIDAY 7 | 7:30 PM Music Under the Stars With Calle 66. A native New Mexico salsa band and Music Under the Stars favorite, Calle 66 serves up contemporary salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata with a unique style and flavor, touching on influences representing Cuba, Puerto Rico and Colombia as well as well as Argentina and Peru. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace. org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

DRAMA

FRIDAY 28–SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | VARIOUS TIMES The River. Written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Joe Feldman, The River is a haunting and lyrical play about a man, a woman, and a remote fishing cabin, exploring themes of love, loss, memory, and time through the lens of trout fishing. Info: West End Productions, 4904 4th St NW. Tickets are available at westendproductions. org or call (505) 460-4823. $22-$26.

GET GROOVY

SATURDAY 15 12–6 PM NM Jam Band Fest. Join 60+ far out artisan vendors, one solo act, and three local jam bands—one being the locally famous “One More Silver Dollar” band. This event showcases some of the biggest musical talent the SW has to offer. Bring groovy vibes and your dancing shoes. Info: Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion, 4900 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. Find more details at 5dpresents. com/new-mexicojam-band-fest.

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S C I F I & FA N TA S Y

R A D I A N T T H E AT E R

SATURDAY 1–SUNDAY 9 | VARIOUS TIMES FRIDAY 21—SUNDAY 23 | VARIOUS TIMES Bubonicon 57 Convention. New Mexico’s original annual science fiction convention focuses on SF, fantasy, and horror literature, allowing fans and pros to come together to socialize, listen to panel discussions and readings, admire artwork, play games, dress in costume, participate in a charity auction, and have fun. Special guests are Patricia Briggs, Martha Wells, Travis Baldree, and artist Jon Sanchez. Info: Albuquerque Marriott Uptown, 2101 Louisiana Blvd NE. For details, call (505) 266-8905, email bubonicon@gmail.com, or visit bubonicon.com. $16-$48.

SATURDAY 15 | 1–3 PM

These Shining Lives. “These Shining Lives” is a touching drama based on a true story of four women who worked for the Radium Dial Company, a watch company. The play showcases the danger the women faced in this workplace and highlights the wider lack of concern companies had for protecting the health of their employees. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th St NW. Find more details and get tickets at adobetheater.org or (505) 898-9222. $10-$26.

MILES FOR THE MUSEUM

SUNDAY 16 | 10 AM Albuquerque Museum Dash. Lace up and make your miles matter at the ABQ Museum Dash—a fun run supporting the Albuquerque Museum Foundation. Proceeds will help fun exhibitions, education, and community program. Choose from a 5k, 1-mile walk, or “Kids-K.” For details and registration, visit abqmf.org.

SOUL FOOD

“The River Runs Through Me” Exhibit Reception. Wild Hearts Gallery in Placitas presents Dana Patterson Roth in a featured show, “The River Runs Through Me.” This exhibit runs August 4–30. Info: 221 B Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. View all the artists and discover Dana’s virtual tour at wildheartsgallery. com or call (505) 361-2710.

SATURDAY 29 | 2 PM

Dukes of Albuquerque Concert Band. You’re invited on a musical journey from the first light of dawn to distant worlds beyond our own. Experience stirring contemporary works, vibrant dances, beloved classics, cinematic favorites, and a nostalgic trip through the 1980s. Featuring music by Omar Thomas, Charles Ives, Carl Orff, and more. Info: First Christian Church, 10101 Montgomery Blvd NE. (505) 908-8913. Free.

SATURDAY 22 | 7:30 PM Dee Brown Tribute to Ray Brown + Bump City. Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Dee Brown pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles whose work serves as an inspiration for many artists. He is joined by an all-star ten-piece group of musicians dedicated to funk and soul. Bump City is led by vocalist Michael Matison and draws inspiration from Tower of Power and other “horn bands”. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DATEBOOK saturday 1–sunday 2 | 10 am–3 pm

Glass on Glass Mosaic. This 2-day class focuses on using colored glass on flat glass or gorgeous glass blocks to create a work of art. Class is appropriate for everyone, including beginners, who want to experiment with glass and learn how to make something beautiful. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. $150 covers all materials.

saturday 1 | 2–4 pm

Closing Exhibit Reception. Join Albuquerque Abstract Artists Alliance for the closing reception of “New Visions of the Natural World”— visions of Albuquerque’s land, nature, conservation, and community. 30% of sales will be donated to the Open Space. Info: Open Space Visitor’s Center West Gallery, 6500 Coors Blvd NW.

saturday 1 | 5–10 pm

Westside Summerfest. This free community event features live entertainment, food trucks, local shops, vendors, and kids’ activities.

Info: Ventana Ranch Community Park, 10000 Universe Blvd NW. For details, visit cabq.gov/artsculture/things-todo. Free.

saturday 1 | 6:30 pm

Keshet’s Choreographers’ Showcase. A celebration of the breadth, depth, and immense talent of the Albuquerque dance community, Keshet’s Choreographers’ Showcase is the perfect way to experience new works from local choreographers and dancers. Join us one night only for an evening of dance like no other. Info: Keshet Center for the Arts, 4121 Cutler Ave NE. Find tickets and more information at keshetarts.org/events. $0-$30.

saturday 1 | 7:30 pm

Music Under the Stars Featuring Doug Lawrence. Albuquerque’s own legendary

tenor saxophonist, Doug Lawrence, presents an evening of music by America’s finest composers. He’ll be joined by vocalist Hillary Smith; Dimi DiSanti, guitar; Paul Gonzales, trumpet; John Trentacosta, drums, and Dan Trudell, Hammond B3 organ. NM Jazz Workshop (NMJW) founder and drummer Pete Amahl will join in on

a couple of tunes. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace. org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

saturday 1–sunday 9 | various times

sunday 2 | 10 am–4 pm Native

Artist

Demonstration

Series.

Join Randy Brokeshoulder (Hopi) for a demonstration of a Hopi wood doll carver. This series features monthly artists demonstration various traditional art techniques. Info: Coronado Historic Site, 485 Kuaua Rd, Bernalillo.

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sunday 2 | 2–4:30 pm

Fused Glass Jewelry. Make a few pairs of earrings and a couple of stunning glass pendants for yourself or gifts! Great family activity, kid appropriate. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. $85 covers materials and firing.

thursday 6 | 7:30 pm

Outpost’s Thursday Jazz Night. Celebrate Outpost’s 35th Annual Summer Thursday Jazz Nights with an evening of dynamic interplay and world-class musicianship with the John Rangel Quintet, featuring acclaimed Los Angeles saxophonist Rick Keller and celebrated trumpeter Robby Beasley. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

DATEBOOK

friday 7 | 6–8 pm

friday 7 | 7:30 pm

worship music, food, and community. This will be a family-friendly event featuring upbeat worship music from local worship bands, including familiar names like Tamra Aragon (Quality Tam & Friends), Ben Lawry, Stephen & Lauren Haynes, and Suri Rincon. All are welcome. Info: HOPE Christian High School amphitheater, 6800 Palomas Ave NE. For more details, visit HCSNM. org/jubilee. Free.

fiction club has author readings, science talks, films, and discussions. Preview the Bubonicon 57 programming schedule and artwork, plus attendees are encouraged to bring tabletop and card games to play after the preview. Info: Activity Room at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE. For more details call (505) 266-8905 or visit bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

Summer Concert Series at HOPE Christian High School. Enjoy an evening of live

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society Meeting. This long-running NM science

friday 7 | 4–7 pm

Amapola Gallery’s Opening Reception.

Featured artists for August are paper artist/photographer Elzbieta Kaleta and glass artist Delfie Martinez. Both share a love of our colorful desert, reflected in their work, and they also share a maturity of expression and meticulous attention to each graceful detail. The show is available through the entire month. Info: Amapola Gallery, upstairs on The Plaza in Old Town, 205 Romero St NW. For more information, call (505) 242-4311 or visit amapola-gallery.com.

friday 7 | 5–8 pm

Sandia Heights Artists Preview Exhibition.

The 23rd Annual tour includes 40 local artists from the foothills of the Sandias and begins with a preview exhibition. The Featured Artists will be Amelia Myer and Marcos O. Reyna. The Gallery ABQ in Hoffmantown is open Tuesday– Saturday, from 11 am–4 pm. Info: 8210 Menaul Blvd NE. For more info, visit galleryabq.com or call (505) 292-9333.

friday 7 | 5:30–8:30 pm

Opening Reception of “We PROTEST”. An exhibition of resistance, resilience, and collective voice, this show highlights how artists confront injustice, challenge power, and spark change through creative expression. From bold statements to quiet acts of defiance, We PROTEST amplifies the role of art as both witness and catalyst in revolution. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details, visit thegrooveartspace.com.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DATEBOOK friday 7 | 7:30 pm

Music Under the Stars With Calle 66.

A native New Mexico salsa band and Music Under the Stars favorite, Calle 66 serves up contemporary salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata with a unique style and flavor, touching on influences representing Cuba, Puerto Rico and Colombia as well as well as Argentina and Peru. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace. org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

friday 7–saturday 8 | 7 and 9:30 pm

Nate Jackson. Catch Nate Jackson on

his Big Dog Comedy Tour for a might of laughs and electric stage presence. Known as one of the fastest-rising stars in comedy, Jackson fearlessly dives into taboo topics and leaves no subject off-limits. Info: Quezadas, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd, Bernalillo. Tickets available at quezadas.holdmyticket. com/tickets/461841.

saturday 8 | 1–4 pm

Old San Ysidro Church Tours. Take in the beauty and learn about the 158-year-

old, iconic Old Church in the Historic Heart of Corrales. CHS Docent-led tours begin at 1 pm, and no registration is required. Info: 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. For details, reach out to Nan Kimball at njkimball30@gmail.com or (505) 730-6839, or visit corraleshistory. org. Free.

friday 8 | 4–7 pm Light

the

Desert

Anomalies.

Gallery Hózhó presents an opening reception showcasing contemporary works exploring light, landscape, and perception featuring Julia Lambright and Suzanne Sbrage. Info: Gallery Hózhó, 2000 Bellamah Ave NW. For more information, call (505) 306-2977 or visit galleryhozho.com. Free.

friday 8 | 4–7 pm

Slow Market. Get your slow fashion on at the Old Town Slow Market, where you can find local textiles, handcrafted clothing, skincare, ceramics, and more. This market is hosted by Above Snakes and The Host Craft. Info: Historic Old Town Plaza, 200 N Plaza St NW. Free.

saturday 8 | 7:30 pm

Music Under the Stars at the Albuquerque The fourth Annual Museum.

Enchantment Blues & Guitars, curated by Chris Dracup, one of New Mexico’s most in-demand blues artists, pays tribute to the “Three Kings” of blues guitar – Albert King, B.B. King, and Freddy King, and features some of New Mexico’s top performing blues artists – Dracup, Levi Platero, Rudy “Boy” Jaramillo, Stanlee Kee, Armando Ortega, and Tiho Dmitrov, all joined by a full band. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

saturday 8 | 7:30–10 pm

Steve Earle Solo Acoustic. Hear acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Earle perform his blend of folk, country, and rock on the “Fifty One Years of Songs and Stories Tour.” Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW. For details and tickets, visit artsandculture.cabq.gov/13590/13591. $44-$66.

sunday 9 | 1–4 pm

Glass Fossils Class. What is a fossil? It’s an impression of something that no longer exists. In this class you will create an impression with leaves and flowers. Once fired, you will have an image permanently recorded on the glass. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. $80 covers all materials and firing.

wednesday 12 | 7–8 pm

Albuquerque Concert Band Summer Finale. The Albuquerque Concert Band

invites you to attend their final summer concert of the year, featuring music from your favorite musicals. There’s plenty of seating in the amphitheater as well as grass areas for picnics. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE. For more information, visit abqband.org. Free.

thursday 13 | 7:30 pm

Toni Morgan and Michael Matison Sing Jazz Standards. Vocalist Toni Morgan,

a seasoned performer known for her expressive delivery, commanding voice, and soulful interpretations, is joined by fellow vocalist Michael Matison, whose style is filled with grit, soul, and emotional depth, to perform timeless jazz standards. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

friday 14–sunday 30 | various times

They Must Be Women Now. Three women in rural Georgia must come to grips

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with the past they can’t change and the future they seek. Info: Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE. For details and tickets, visit vortexabq.org. $26 General Admission, $21 Students/SAG AFTRA.

friday 14 | 7:30 pm

Son Como Son. Closing out the Friday

Night Salsa y Más series is Son Como Son, directed by renowned trombonist, vocalist, percussionist, composer, and arranger César Bauvallet. One of Albuquerque’s longest standing and most popular salsa ensembles, they bill themselves as Salsa Cuban Style and the band is comprised of some of Albuquerque’s most accomplished musicians. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

saturday 15 | 10 am–2 pm

Bangin’ Bike Wheel Spinners. Convert a

recycled bicycle wheel into a gorgeous, colorful stained glass spinner for your yard. You will cut stained glass scrap, learn to foil and solder. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. $150 covers all materials.

saturday 15 | 11:30 am

Models of Hope. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Models of Hope, honoring individuals making a difference in the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy an inspiring afternoon of recognition, connection, and celebration. Be a part of this milestone event, uplifting hope, advocacy, and the spirit of community. Info: La Fonda de Bosque, 1701 4th St SW. Find tickets at myprideonline.com/ moh.

saturday 15 | 12–6 pm

NM Jam Band Fest. Join 60+ far out artisan vendors, one solo act, and three local jam bands—one being the locally famous “One More Silver Dollar” band. This event showcases some of the biggest musical talent the SW has to offer. Bring groovy vibes and your dancing shoes. Info: Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion, 4900 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. Find more details at 5dpresents.com/ new-mexico-jam-band-fest.

saturday 15 | 1–3 pm

“The River Runs Through Me” Exhibit Reception. Wild Hearts Gallery in

Placitas presents Dana Patterson Roth in a featured show, “The River Runs

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DATEBOOK

Through Me.” This exhibit runs August 4–30. Info: 221 B Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. View all the artists and discover Dana’s virtual tour at wildheartsgallery.com or call (505) 3612710.

saturday 15 | 7:30 pm

Music Under the Stars Where Ladies Sing the Blues. It’s an all-star line-up featuring

ladies who continue to sing the blues and rock the house – Hillary Smith, Wendy Beach, Rachel Ross, and curator and rockin’ blues mama Joanie Cere. They will be joined by hometown girl, Liz Melendez, a singer and nationally recognized guitarist, and vocalist, guitarist, keyboard player, Caroline Aiken. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

sunday 16 | 10 am

Albuquerque Museum Dash. Lace up and make your miles matter at the ABQ Museum Dash—a fun run supporting the Albuquerque Museum Foundation. Proceeds will help fun exhibitions, education, and community program. Choose from a 5k, 1-mile walk, or

DATEBOOK

“Kids-K.” For details and registration, visit abqmf.org.

monday 17 | 7:30 pm

Albert Castiglia. Experience the blues

powerhouse Albert Castiglia in concert. Along with his acclaimed solo career, Castiglia is also known for his electrifying collaboration with Mike Zito, and a member of Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers. Info: Fusion | 708, 708 1st St SW. For details and tickets, visit ampconcerts.org/event/464523/ albert-castiglia. $25-$32.

tuesday 18 | 7–8 pm

Sound and Sip. Relax into an immersive

evening that blends the healing vibrations of a quartz crystal sound bath with time to connect over a craft cocktail in the Library Bar at La Quinta. 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos. For details visit lospoblanos. com/events. $55.

friday 21—sunday 23 | various times

Bubonicon 57 Convention. New Mexico’s

original annual science fiction convention focuses on SF, fantasy, and horror literature, allowing fans and pros

to come together to socialize, listen to panel discussions and readings, admire artwork, play games, dress in costume, participate in a charity auction, and have fun. Special guests are Patricia Briggs, Martha Wells, Travis Baldree, and artist Jon Sanchez. Info: Albuquerque Marriott Uptown, 2101 Louisiana Blvd NE. For details, call (505) 266-8905, email bubonicon@gmail.com, or visit bubonicon.com. $16-$48.

friday 21 | 1–4 pm

Fused Glass Wave. You will create a 6-8-

inch free form wave using cut curves and frit in various shades of blue. Instructions on putting the wave in the base and using alcohol inks to color and seal the base will be covered. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. $150 covers all materials, firing and handouts.

friday 21 | 8 pm

Cheap Trick. Watch

American rock legends Cheap Trick perform their best hits, including “I Want You to Want Me” and “Dream Police.” Info: Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Blvd SE #7469.

For details and tickets, visit isleta.com/ entertainment.

friday 21 | 12 am

Submission Deadline for Far Out Far East. Far Out Far East celebrates Asian

pop culture and its explosion into global visual art: anime, manga, street fashion, action figures, bold graphics, and the iconography that has shaped generations of artists worldwide. Whether your work pays homage to the classics or remixes the genre entirely, this show is for art that channels the energy of the East. Apply online at thegrooveartspace.com.

saturday 22–sunday 23 | 10 am–12 pm

Powder Painting with Delfie. This 2-day class dares you to dream bigger and push the boundaries of your creativity— The Powder Printer empowers you to achieve intricate, awe-inspiring multi-color designs with precision and ease, allowing you to make beautiful, fused glass projects. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. $200 covers all materials.

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DATEBOOK saturday 22 | 11 am

Rerouting Route 66 through New Mexico. Join Roger Zimmerman for

this presentation, part of the Route 66 Centennial Speakers Series, about Route 66 and the politically charged changes that led to a 107-mile shortening in New Mexico (1926-37). La Bajada Hill was removed as an obstacle and problems of crossing the Rio Grande and the Rio Puerco had to be resolved. Info: WHEELS Museum, 1100 Second St SW. For details, call (505) 243-6269. Free.

saturday 22 | 1–5 pm

The Art of Japanese Rock Wrapping. Learn the art of Japanese rock wrapping with master Carrie Botto. You will learn three knots and complete three gorgeous projects. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit thegrooveartspace.com. All materials are included for $90.

saturday 22 | 2–10 pm

13th Annual Blues and Guitar Festival.

This charity music event is presented by The Freedom in Music Project in collaboration with RiseN Music Ministry.

Special guests include The School of Rock, Brandon Post, The Bastard Sons of Elvis, Glass Anvil, and the High Desert BLUES Band. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW. $0–$20.

saturday 22 | 7:30 pm

Tori Amos’ In Times of Dragons Tour. The groundbreaking singer-songwriter and pianist returns to the stage with music from In Times of Dragons alongside fan favorites spanning her acclaimed 35-year career. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE. For more information or tickets, call (505) 277-4569 or visit popejoypresents.com. $60.25-$123.95 with fees.

saturday 22 | 7:30 pm

Dee Brown Tribute to Ray Brown + Bump City. Singer, songwriter, producer, and

multi-instrumentalist Dee Brown pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles whose work serves as an inspiration for many artists. He is joined by an all-star ten-piece group of musicians dedicated to funk and soul. Bump City is led by vocalist Michael Matison and draws inspiration from Tower of Power and other “horn bands”. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE.

Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

thursday 27 | 7 pm

Gonzo Opera Gala. Experience a taste of opera with an hour-long concert of excerpts from Gonzo Opera. Info: Kelly Jo Designs by Wine, 6829 4th St NW, Los Ranchos. For reservations, call (505) 341-1893. $20.

friday 28 | 6–8 pm

Breaking the Rules of Looking (A Touchable Art Show). Touch is often

the forgotten sense when it comes to art. This show is the opposite, bringing together compelling artworks that invite visitors to touch and feel the work as well as see it. The first in a series about activating all our senses with art, the visual and tactile experiences can only enhance one another. Info: Weems Gallery, 5935 Wyoming Blvd NE. For details call (505) 293-6133. Free.

friday 28 | 7:30 pm

Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Closing out the 35th Annual Music Under the Stars series and kicking off the 20th Anniversary of the New Mexico Jazz Festival is the ever-popular

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DATEBOOK Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO), now celebrating 25 years of excellence. Dedicated to the sounds of the barrio – their music characterized by the raw, organic, and vintage sound defined by the genre. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Find tickets at outpostspace.org or by phone at (505) 255-9798. $15-$30.

friday 28–sunday 30 | 10 am–11 pm

In Rhythm Fest. Participate in a two-day

and three-night celebration of music and dance. This event features 30 dance classes and workshops, including cha cha cha, cumbia, salsa, and many more, followed by evening dance socials. Info: various venues. For details and tickets, visit nhccnm.org/event. $19-$149.

friday 28–sunday 30 | various times

Festival Ballet Albuquerque Auditions.

Festival Ballet Albuquerque’s 2026– 2027 season auditions will include roles for all ages in full-length productions of NUTCRACKER IN THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT in December with a full orchestra and ROMEO & JULIET

in February. Info: Dance Theatre Southwest, 3805 Academy Parkway South, NE.

friday 28–sunday, september 13 | various times

The River. Written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Joe Feldman, The River is a haunting and lyrical play about a man, a woman, and a remote fishing cabin, exploring themes of love, loss, memory, and time through the lens of trout fishing. Info: West End Productions, 4904 4th St NW. Tickets are available at westendproductions. org or call (505) 460-4823. $22-$26.

saturday 29 | 2 pm

Dukes of Albuquerque Concert Band.

You’re invited on a musical journey from the first light of dawn to distant worlds beyond our own. Experience stirring contemporary works, vibrant dances, beloved classics, cinematic favorites, and a nostalgic trip through the 1980s. Featuring music by Omar Thomas, Charles Ives, Carl Orff, and more. Info: First Christian Church, 10101

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Montgomery Blvd NE. (505) 908-8913. Free.

EARLY SEPTEMBER EVENTS AND OTHERS OF INTEREST friday 4 | 5–9 pm

ArtStop Market. Explore a creative market loaded with local artists selling their jewelry, ceramics, fine arts, and more. Food trucks will be in attendance for delicious bites. This is a familyfriendly event. Info: FUSION, 708 1st St NW. Free.

friday 4—monday 14 | various times

New Mexico State Fair. It’s that time again! Enjoy our very own state fair right here in Albuquerque—experience concerts, rodeos, rides, exhibits, food, art, agriculture, and much, much more. Info: EXPO New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Dr NE. For details and tickets, visit statefair.exponm.com.

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ONGOING/DAILY EVENTS various days | various events and times

Presbyterian Health Plan Place. These beautiful facilities have activities all month long, including fitness, nutrition, and wellness classes, such as strength training, pain care awareness, beginner’s fitness journey, tai chi, salsa dancing, sewing, making crafts, Zumba, education, and fun such as Lego Club and Dreamcatcher making. Info: Two Locations: 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste 408 and 6100 Pan American Fwy NE. See what’s available and the calendars at phs.org/health-plan-place. Registrations can also be made at this web address.

various days | various times

Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide. Info: Check out visitabq.org for many great ideas to explore the city. An official printed Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide can also be obtained.

various days | various times

New Mexico Young Actors, Inc. Now in

their 46th season, NMYA features youth ages 9 to 19 in all roles. The mission is to develop an appreciation of theater in the community – performances by children and for children. NMYA offers classes, workshops, and productions, and are always looking for new young actors to join their company. Weekly theater classes are offered for ages 5 to 18; Drama I classes for elementary, middle, and high school students; and Advanced Drama productions are available for returning students. Call (505) 821-8055, email info@ nmyoungactors.org, or visit the website at nmyoungactors.org. Prorated fees and tuition assistance available.

various days | various times

Old San Ysidro Church Tours. Come see the beauty and learn the history of one of Corrales’ most significant historic buildings. Informative docents are on hand to provide insight into the history and current usage of this iconic landmark. Info: 966 Old Church

various days | various times

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Rd, Corrales. Register for a tour at corraleshistory.org. Free.

various days | 8–10 pm

Haunted Tour of Old Town. Take a tour of Old Town Albuquerque and learn about the many ghosts who have made the Old Town square their home. Legends, folklore, ghost stories, and history come to life as you depart on an intriguing excursion – 315 years of haunted history. Info: Approximately 1 hour, 50 minutes at abqtours.fun.

daily |

Cancer Support Now. LGBT Cancer Peer Support, no charge one-on-one peer cancer support-matching for cancer survivors and/or caregivers. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

daily | 9 am–5 pm

At Play in the Atomic Age. The toys of the atomic age reflect the times and culture of their day. The Atomic Age was born with the Manhattan Project and blasted

Cancer Support Now. Free services. Info: Call the helpline, (505) 255-0405.

various days | various times

CSP Dance Studios. Providing Albuquerque with the best partner dance instruction in town, including ballroom, Latin, swing, country, and line dance instruction. Info: 1624 Eubank Blvd NE, (505) 883-9521. Please check out the website to see all that is offered, cspdancestudios.com.

various days | various times

Overeaters Anonymous. Overeaters Anonymous offers a program of recovery using the Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, as well as the nine tools of recovery to provide a fellowship of experience, strength, and hope, where members support each other’s recovery from compulsive eating disorders such as overeating, binging, bulimia, and anorexia. For more information and a list of local meetings, go to oa-cnmi.org or call (505)2613553.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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into the public’s consciousness in 1945. This exhibit features over 100 artifacts from the permanent collection of the Nuclear Museum and artifacts on loan specifically for this exhibition. Info: The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, 601 Eubank Blvd NE, (505) 245-2137. Tickets $15 at nuclearmuseum.org.

daily | various times

Wellness Classes at Los Poblanos. Restore,

revive, and move with a class in the Wellness Yurt. Class offerings include Gentle Yoga, Flow and Restore Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Mat Pilates. Info: Los Poblanos, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW. To reserve your space, visit lospoblanos. com/hacienda-spa/wellness-classes or call (855) 486-1380. $15.

daily | various activities and times

Jewish Community Center. The Ronald

Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque (JCC) is part of your extended family and your home away from home, providing programs and services for all ages and stages in life. Within our walls or around the world, our members gather to meet,

play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age or religious affiliation, is welcome. Info: JCC, 5520 Wyoming Blvd NE, (505) 332-0565, jccabq.org.

daily | various times

Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen.

Meetings are held various days, times, and locations throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico and this is an anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of problem drinkers. We come together to share our experience, strength and hope to recover from the effects of another person’s drinking. Info: Al-Anon Information Service, aisnm.org, (505) 262-2177.

daily |

Agora Crisis Center Volunteers. Are you a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to help others? Learn new skills, make friends, earn class credit, and be part of a rewarding organization. Info: Agora Crisis Center, agoracares. org (505) 277-3013.

online, as well as kaleidoscopes, jewelry, glass, sculptures, photography, and wood. Go to weemsgallery.com, (505) 293-6133. Closed Sundays.

daily |

Animal Humane Free Behavioral Helpline.

This service is available to all pet owners who are experiencing behavior problems with their dogs or cats. Animal Humane New Mexico’s trained behavior coaches answer questions and provide tips on everything from housetraining to living with multiple animals. Info: (505) 938-7900.

daily |

Blood. Because every day, someone needs it. Info: (505) 8436227, unitedbloodservices.org.

Donate

daily |

Epilepsy Support and Education Services.

For meeting times and places, call (505) 243-9119 or visit epilepsysupportnm. org.

daily | 11:30 am–5:30 pm

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Weems Gallery & Framing. The website

enables people to purchase fine art

Rattlesnake Museum. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed

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in recreated natural landscapes. The owners are dedicated to conservation and preservation education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Rd NW, Ste A, (505) 242-6569, rattlesnakes.com. Closed Mondays.

daily |

Roadrunner Food Bank. Volunteers needed to prepare packaged food for distribution, repack and sort items, and other activities. The gift of your precious time helps solve hunger for many New Mexicans. Volunteers must register in advance. Shifts are available in two-hour increments, Mondays– Saturdays. Info: 5840 Office Blvd NE, givetime@rrfb.org, (505) 349-5358.

daily |

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. A “home-away-from-home” is

available for families whose children are in medical treatment. Operating the 30-guest room Yale House, 20-guest room Highlands House, and the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at UNM and Presbyterian Hospitals, volunteers make a vital difference in the lives of the people they serve. Info: Volunteer

Coordinator, volunteer@rmhc-nm.org, rmhc-nm.org, (505) 842-8960.

daily |

Cancer Support Now. Relaxation support sessions are available over the telephone by appointment. Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only.

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing at Tingley Beach. From sunup to sun-down, practice your basic fly-tying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-and-release practices, and enhancement of advanced skills. Bring your own equipment and refreshments as the store and cafes are currently closed. Great place for a picnic with trails. Make sure you have a fishing license. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Dr SW, call 311 or (505) 7682000.

daily | 9 am–4 pm The

Indian

Pueblo

Cultural

Center.

Please join others for virtual and inperson events which offer a unique way to experience Pueblo culture

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including cultural dances, daily artists, lecture series, pick-up meals, book club, collections tours, Indigenous agriculture workshops, and many other special events. While there, enjoy the restaurant and shop at the store. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th St NW, (505) 843-7270. See website for events and exhibitions, indianpueblo.org.

daily | 10 am–1 pm; 2–6 pm

Adopt a Pet. Find your best pet ever. Adopt a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten from Animal Humane New Mexico. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip. Info: 615 Virginia St SE, (505) 255-5523 and 10141 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 323-7387, animalhumanenm. org.

daily | various times

NAMI NM and NAMI Albuquerque (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill).

There are many support programs available weekly – Zoom at no charge. Also, 8-week classes are offered on mental illness that are available at no charge to family members and people with a mental health condition or diagnosis. During trying times, stress, anxiety, depression, and anger are prevalent. Info: naminewmexico.org,

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namialbuquerque.org, information line (505) 260-0154. Free.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Amapola Gallery. This is a group of 39

local artists and artisans who have joined together to keep quality and variety up, prices down. They are small, local, creative, and the artists’ wondrous works are always priced right. Info: Amapola Gallery in Old Town on the Plaza, 205 Romero St NW, (505) 2424311, amapolagallery.com.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

¡Explora! Explora is an innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque with over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math for the whole family. Open 9–11 Mondays for Toddler Time. Info: 170 Mountain Rd NW, explora@explora.us, (505) 600-6072. Tickets: $8–$11 at explora@explora.us/ visitor-information.

for rescued dogs and cats. Adoptions occur at select PetSmart locations and Watermelon Mountain Ranch. Donations, fosters, and volunteers are always welcome. Info: wmranch.org, (505) 771-0140, wmranchnm@aol.com.

daily | 12:30 pm

Duplicate Bridge. There are open games

for newer and experienced players Monday–Saturday, and special novice games on Thursdays. Come with your favorite partner or call us for help finding a partner. Info: Duke City Bridge Club, 8616 Northeastern Blvd NE, (505) 271-2877, dukecitybridge.com.

various days | various times New

Visions

the

Natural

World.

Albuquerque Abstract Artist’s Alliance presents visions of Albuquerque’s land, nature, conservation, and community. The exhibit until August 1st. Info: Open Space West Gallery, 6500 Coors Blvd NW.

daily | 10 am–8 pm

various days | 11:30 am–1:30 pm

animal shelter seeks loving homes

hand how we extract essential oil and hydrosol from our organic lavender

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. New Mexico’s largest no-kill

Drop-in Lavender Distillation. Learn first-

plants at Los Poblanos. The Distillation Hut is next to the Farm Shop. 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. Free.

various days | monday– thursday 9 am–12 pm; saturday–sunday 10 am–2 pm

The WHEELS Museum, Inc. This museum

is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization whose mission is to continue to fund a transportation museum at the downtown Albuquerque Steam Locomotive Repair Shops. Educational programs, tours, and presentations are provided for the community in the 21,000 square foot historic building located at 2nd and Pacific SW (1100 2nd St SW). Info: Visit wheelsmuseum.org for information on all the interesting and informative exhibits, (505) 243-6269. Tax deductible donations are gratefully accepted; contact Leba at leba4@aol. com.

various days | various times

Create Art at The Groove Artspace.

Explore your creativity in a relaxed

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setting with local teaching artists. A wide range of art classes are offered for adults, teens, and youth. Check out our full list of daytime and evening availability, as well as weekday and weekend classes at thegrooveartspace. com. Class fees generally include all materials. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW, (505) 750-1713.

various days |various times

ABQ Scavenger Hunt. Teams of two to five

people solve clues, complete challenges, and work together to unravel secrets of the city. Info: (805) 603-5620, 1919 Old Town Rd NW, urbanadventurequest. com, $49 per team; $10 off coupon at visitalbuquerque.org.

various days | various times

Please contact info@abqtango.org for details about various classes, workshops, and opportunities for social dancing. Tango

Club

Albuquerque.

saturdays and sundays

Birthday Parties at ¡Explora! The smartest party in town is at Explora! Celebrate with all-day museum admission, a private party room and an interactive activity of your choice led by an Explora host. Now booking online at explora.com for two-hour blocks. Pricing available for members and nonmembers.

there are prizes to be won. No Brain Gang Trivia on April 5 – Easter. Info: Craft Republic, 4301 The Lane 25 NE, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

sundays | 6–8 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg.

Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

mondays–saturdays | 10:30 am–2 pm

Albuquerque City Library Bookshop. Funds

raised by the Bookshop go directly to the Library to fund important literacy programs, staff development, and community outreach efforts. Info: Main Library, Lower Level, 501 Copper Ave NW. Two-hour free parking available; bring parking ticket to the library to get validated.

mondays | 9–11 am

Toddler Time at ¡Explora! Enjoy Explora with your wee ones in an exclusive extra hour, including story time and special songs by the resident musician, Tom.

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Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

mondays | 2:30–4 pm

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors Writing Together is a journaling support group for survivors, men and women, all cancer diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

first and third mondays | 11:30 am–1 pm

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Luncheon. Meet other friendly people

whose mission is to help kids. Our speaker program is highly regarded. Info: Luncheons are held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, l1000 Woodward Pl NE. Reserve your seat and buffet lunch for $30 (cash or check at the door) by contacting Dave at (505) 681-6325 or dorner66@gmail.com for more information. Meet friendly people whose mission is to help kids. Reserve your seat and buffet lunch: Dorner66@ gmail.com, or call Dave O at 505-681-

sundays | check website

Breaking Bad Tour. Breaking Bad fans won’t want to miss this entertaining and action-packed tour that features many show locations that only true fans will appreciate. Your Breaking Bad knowledge will be tested with trivia from the show, so come prepared to win prizes. Locations may change depending upon ongoing filming schedules. Info: 1919 Old Town Rd NW, abqtours.fun for more information and $95 tickets.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday offers weekly Sunday morning concerts which also include readings and refreshments. Info: Chatter,

912 Third St NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $17 adults, $9 under-30 and students, and $5 children, at chatterabq. org/boxoffice and if still available, at the door: $20 adults, $9 students, $5 children.

sundays | 1–3 pm

Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg.

Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and

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6325. $30 fee (cash or check at the door).

first and third mondays | 6–8 pm

Iris Show. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd NE. albuquerquegardencenter.org. Free.

mondays | 6:30–8 pm

mondays–saturdays | 12–2 pm

Connection Support Group. This is a

Game Night at I Scream Ice Cream. Join us for an evening of games, treats, and community fun. Bring the whole crew or come ready to make new friends. There is always a seat at the table. Also, $5 Bingo tickets with prizes; proceeds go to updating the game shelf. Info: I Scream Ice Cream, 2000 Carlisle Blvd NE, Ste F, (505) 268-0139.

free peer-led support group for any adult that has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: Education Building, 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, Classroom #2. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.

first and third mondays | 4:30–5:30 pm

mondays and wednesdays | 9:30 pm

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors and/or caregivers, all diagnoses, men, and women. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

mondays | 6–8 pm

Brain Gang Trivia. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to

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be won. Info: Canteen Taproom, 417 Tramway Blvd NE, (505) 200-2344, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

Online Tango Classes. Live lessons with Eva Garle˙ and Pablo Rodriguez. Info: Bien Milonguero Tango School, 1512 First St NW, evaypablotango@ gmail.com or (505) 313-5316 text or Whatsapp.

monday–friday | 9:30 am–2:30 pm

Albuquerque Garden Center. Our events include the Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, the African Violet Show and Sale, the Annual Spring Plant Sale, and the Aril and

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silversmithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd St SW. Tickets at turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 4333684.

mondays, wednesdays, and fridays | 10 am–1:30 pm

Museum. The museum’s purpose is to educate young and old alike to the history of the telephone in New Mexico and to preserve the legacy of the telephone people that built that industry in New Mexico. There are four floors of exhibits, telephone switchboards and telephones, as well as four audio exhibits in the original telephone building dating from 1906. There are also telephone directories from 1916-current from almost every

Telephone

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town in New Mexico. Info: 110 Fourth St NW, (505) 842-2937. Scheduled tours can be made after normal museum hours.

mondays–fridays | 8:30 am–4 pm

Presbyterian Health Plan Place. Start

enjoying your health and wellness journey. We will educate and guide you no matter where you are in your health journey to build a strong foundation. Our resources, services, and classes are open to all, free of charge and regardless of insurance. Join us for activities around nutrition, fitness, and self-management and wellness. Any Medicare eligible individual with any type of health insurance is welcome at Health Plan Place. Info: Two Locations: 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste 408 and 6100 Pan American Fwy NE. See what’s available and the calendars at phs.org/ health-plan-place. Registrations can also be done at this web address.

symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: Education Building, 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, Classroom #2. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/ support-and-education/supportgroups/nami-connection.

NAMI Family Support Group. This is a free

peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM: Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/support-ande d u c a t i o n / s u p p o r t - g ro u p s / n a m i connection.

tuesdays | 9–9:30 am

tuesdays | 7–9 pm

every other tuesday | 6–7:30 pm

QiGong Class. Experience the many

health benefits of qigong from a holistic, low-impact practice that combines meditation, breathing, and movement. Info: 2404 San Mateo Pl NE, (908) 4864442

tuesdays | 6–7 pm

peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced

welcome. Info: Corrales Community Library, 84 West La Entrada, (505) 8970733.

The New MexiChords Barbershop Chorus. Do you love to sing? The New

MexiChords Barbershop Chorus is looking for men and women to join them. It is not necessary to read music to join. Sheet music and learning tracks are available to learn songs. Two concerts are performed annually, and they also sing at Albuquerque’s Citizenship Naturalization Ceremonies as well as other civic events, such as the Balloon Fiesta and others as they arise. Info: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona Ave NE. For more information, contact Walt Parsons at (505) 410-9635.

first tuesdays| 6:00–7:30 pm

NAMI Family Support Group. This is a free

tuesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm

Chess Club. All ages and skill levels are

Brain Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the

gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: The Tatted Bee Brewhouse, 11500 Menaul Blvd NE, (505) 554-2513, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

first tuesdays | 10–11 am

Albuquerque Newcomers’ Club. Make new friends who share your interests. The “Welcome Coffee” is free. Join

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us to meet some of our members and learn about the club’s events and activities. Open to singles and couples. Info: Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo Del Norte NE. Once there, follow the yellow ANC signs to meeting room #214 on the 2nd floor. (We aren’t affiliated with this, or any other, church. We just use the space they have donated.) More information can be obtained at (505) 321-6970. Please visit albuquerquenewcomersclub.org for more information.

second tuesdays | 5:30–7 pm

Turquoise Trail Harley Owners Group, Chapter #2015. Socialize with other

Harley Owners Group members to learn about upcoming events and rides and get to know our fellow Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Green chile cheeseburgers are available for purchase from the Moose Lodge. First meeting is free; National HOG membership is required in order to join the Chapter. We love to RIDE. Info: Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 2121 Edith Blvd NE, turquoisetrailhog. org.

an excellent collection of New Mexico vernacular art. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Rd, Corrales, cabq.gov/ casasanysidro, (505) 898-3915, $4–$6 general admission.

tuesdays | 3:30–5 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Advanced

cancer survivors writing together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of cancer, men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

tuesdays | 7 pm

Music Bingo Night. Enjoy yourself and

invite friends to join you with food, drinks, and friendly competition presented by World’s Best Trivia. Food truck on site from 5–10 pm. Prizes awarded. Info: Flock of Moons Brewing Company, 111 Harvard Dr SE.

third tuesdays | 6–8 pm

Bead Society of New Mexico (BSNM) Monthly Meeting. BSNM’s purpose is to

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second tuesdays | 10:30–12 pm

Pueblo of Isleta Cancer Community Support. Info: Isleta Pueblo Health

Clinic, 1 Sagebrush St.

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits.

See the website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth St SW, (505) 246-2261, nhccnm.org.

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

Historic Old Town Tours. Explore historic

Old Town on foot with informative docents who will provide insight into the people and places that shaped this early community. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, cabq. gov, 243-7255. Tour included with paid museum admission, $4–$6, Sundays free.

tuesday–sunday | 10 am–5 pm

The Corrales Bosque Gallery. Artistowned and operated, the Corrales

provide for the benefit and development of our members and the community at large through education, appreciation, and involvement in the field of beads and bead-related subjects. Info: Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Rd NE. For more details, visit beadsocietyNM.org.

tuesdays, wednesdays, and thursdays | 6 pm

Argentine Tango Classes. Practicums and

events with Puerta al Tango (Graham P. Stanford). Info: Las Puertas, 1500 First St NW, Puerta-al-tango.com. Contact graham@puertotango.com.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

Art and History Exhibitions. See the Albuquerque Museum website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, cabq.gov/artsculture/ abqmuseum, (505) 243-7255. General admission: $6; a $5 exhibition surcharge may apply.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9:30 am, 1:30 pm tuesdays– fridays; 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm saturdays

Casa San Ysidro Tours. Take a tour of this

late 19th century building filled with

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Bosque Gallery is delighted to display the work of its 18 member-artists. You will find a wide variety of media and styles, including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, drawing, folk art, beadwork, and mosaic. Info: 4685 Corrales Rd, (505) 898-7203, corralesbosquegallery.com.

first wednesdays | 9 am–5 pm

Free First Wednesday. Start your month

off right with free admission to the Albuquerque Museum and Veteran

Garden tour. An additional $5 special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NE, cabq.gov/artsculture, (505) 243-7255.

wednesdays | 6–8 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with Host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the

gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd NE, (505) 881-2737, braingangtrivia. com. 18+ welcome.

wednesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm

The Real You Principles. G.Brian Kurtz,

MS, discusses “The Real You Principles” in his book “Access The Real You,” and supports their practical application in whatever life concerns you’re willing to share. All are welcome Info: Zoom. Use meeting code 505-541-0265. No password needed.

second wednesdays | 12–1 pm

Cancer Support Now. Sandia Base cancer

support group for survivors of all cancers, all stages, men and women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second wednesdays | 10—11:30 am

NAMI Family Support Group. This is a free

peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/support-ande d u c a t i o n / s u p p o r t - g ro u p s / n a m i connection.

second and fourth wednesdays | 11:30 am

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte. The Club welcomes visitors and community partners interested in networking, fellowship, and uplifting presentations to luncheon attendees. New members are welcomed into committees which suit their interests and skills. Info and schedule: rotarydelnorte.org, email rotarydelnorteabq@gmail.com.

second and fourth wednesdays | 6–7 pm

Learn to Social Dance. Choreographed (Cued) Ballroom is placing names to steps in ballroom patterns. No partner needed and visitors welcome. Rhythms taught include Cha-cha and Rumba. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909-15 Hawkins St NE. For more information contact Randy Pratt at (505) 415-1124 or desertdancersabq@ gmail.com. $5.

fourth wednesdays | 10–11:30 am

Connection Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult that has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: Education Building, 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, Classroom #2. Sign up once online

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at namialbuquerque.org/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.

wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 pm

Natural History Museum. Explore the

most dynamic dinosaurs that roamed New Mexico. Learn to balance like Seismosaurus, hunt like Coelophysis, and stomp like Tyrannosaurus. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Rd NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 841-2848.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–3:30 pm

New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum. The museum is dedicated

to providing knowledge about genocides and intolerance throughout history, continuing to the present day. Approximately 50 percent of the museum focuses on the Holocaust; the remaining space is devoted to other genocides, human rights, and social justice issues. Info: 616 Central Ave SW, (505) 247-0606, nmholocaustmuseum. org. Reservations required for parties of five or more.

wednesdays | 11 am–8 pm; fridays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm

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caregivers. Info: Wheels Museum, 1100 Second SW. For details, call (505) 2436269. Free.

Help Socialize Cats and Have Fun. Spend time with adorable, adoptable cats at Catopia Cat Cafe. Your visit and purchase of drinks and snacks will support the foster home of shelter and rescue kitties. Please visit catopiacatcafe.com for more information and details on special events. Info: Paseo Village, 8001 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste C–5, (505) 5084278.

thursdays | 11:30 am

first thursdays bimonthly (every other) | 6:30 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Friends and Family Writing Together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of metastatic cancer, men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

Lymphedema + Lipedema Support Group.

Patients, caregivers, and advocates are invited to share experiences and strategies in a supportive space. Learn about wellness resources, compression options, and self-care techniques. Info: Balanced Physical Therapy + Wellness, 7849 Tramway Blvd NE, Ste. A. For details, visit balancedrehababq.com/ lymph, (505) 821-3831.

thursdays | 10 am

Story Time for Youngsters. Join the

Wheels Museum for story time for youngsters and their parents and

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Road Runner Business Networking Group.

If you’d like to generate more business referrals, meet with us. Info: Jimmy’s Café, 7007 Jefferson St NE. Contact Terry at (505) 377-6074, triddle@ rmmsonline.com or roadrunnersabq. com.

thursdays | 4–5:30 pm

thursdays | 5:30—7:30 pm

CNM Student Study Hours with Childcare.

CNM student families are invited to take advantage of study hours at Explora. Childcare will be provided by Brillante

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thursdays | 6–8 pm

Live Music at Town & Ranch. Featuring our favorite local artists, paired with our selection of local spirits and craft cocktails. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4t St

NW. For details, visit lospoblanos.com/ events. Free.

thursdays | 6–7:30 pm

Course in Miracles Discussion Group.

Join Nancy Bowers in exploring how this spiritual self-study course can shift your thinking from fear to inner peace Everyone is welcome. No prior experience needed. Info: Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living, 2404 San Mateo Place NE.

thursdays | 6–9 pm

Karaoke. Join DJ Danielsan for an evening of fun. Take the stage and sing your favorite songs or relax with friends while enjoying great drinks and food. Sip on cocktails, local NM craft beers, and wines. Feast on dishes from Ursa Minor, Suffocakes, La Cocina de Maria, Vegan Vato, and Latin Flavor ABQ. Info: Imperial Inn, 701 Central Ave NE. Free.

thursdays | 6:30 pm

Nerd Nite. Nerd Nite is a monthly lecture

event that strives for an inebriated, salacious, yet deeply academic vibe. It’s often about science or technology, but by no means is it limited to such topics. And it’s definitely entertaining. Our unofficial tag line is “It’s like the Discovery Channel–with beer!” There are Nerd Nites around the world; ABQ is just one of them. Info: Santa Fe Brewing Company Taproom at Green Jeans Food Hall, 3600 Cutler Ave NE, #1. Take a gander at nerdnite.com for more info or contact Nat at (650) 319-5001.

thursdays | 7–9 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with Host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the

gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: Turquoise Desert Taproom, 4405 Jager Way NE E, Rio Rancho.

Second and fourth Thursdays | 11–12 pm

Grief and Loss Support Group. Grief is

a natural process that can often be eased, sharing with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one or any other significant loss. Info: Jewish Care Program. Pre-registration required with Jen Dennis at (505) 3484443. Free.

second and fourth thursdays | 3:30–5 pm

Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer

caregiver support group for caregivers of patients and survivors of pancreatic cancer, all stages, men, and women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only currently. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

first and third thursdays | 2:30 and 3:30 pm

Distillery and Production Tour at Town & Ranch. Go behind the scenes on a guided

tour of the distillery and production space. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW, for details visit lospoblanos.com/

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DATEBOOK events. Tickets are $25 and include a signature cocktail or mocktail.

St NW. For details visit lospoblanos. com/events. Free.

first and third thursdays | 5–6:30 pm

thursdays | 9:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Women’s North

Valley cancer support group for all cancers, all women, survivors and/ or caregivers. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

thursdays | 4–6 pm

Tutoring Thursdays at ¡Explora!. Tutoring in the Tech Lab. Want help with tricky homework or a study partner for that upcoming quiz? Drop in for an effective tutoring session. Ages 13–19 welcome. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

thursdays | 6–8 pm

Live Music at Town & Ranch. Featuring our favorite local artists paired with our selection of local spirits and craft cocktails. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th

Online Tango Classes. Follower’s technique with Eva. All levels. Info: Bien Milonguero Tango School, 1512 First St NW, evaypablotango@gmail.com or (505) 313-5316 text or Whatsapp.

first friday | 9 pm

Chatter Late Works. Info: Chatter, 912

3rd St NW. Doors open at 8:15; concert starts at 9 pm. General admission is $15 with tickets at chatterabq.org/ boxoffice and, if still available, at the door. Cash bar provided by Rumor Brewing.

fridays | 12–1:30 pm

Grief and Loss Support Group. Grief is

a natural process that can often be eased – sharing with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one or any other significant lProgram, (505) 821-3214, free.

fridays | 1–4 pm

Tamarind Institute. See the workshop

facility, learn about fine art lithography,

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

current programs, and the history of Tamarind (a division within the College of Fine Arts at UNM). See a collaborative process video and a printing demonstration. The public is welcome, no reservation required; reservation for other times: tamarind. unm.edu. Info: Tamarind Institute, 2500 Central Ave SE, (505) 277-3901. Free.

fridays | 4–6 pm

Fix-it Fridays and Crafternoons at ¡Explora!.

Join others for a variety of projects – repair your broken electronics, use sewing skills to bring old clothes back to life, and craft with friends over Boba Tea drinks. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

fridays | 6–8 pm

Summer Jazz Series at Town & Ranch. Kick off your weekend with complimentary jazz performances by some of your favorite performers. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4TH ST NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. Free.

fridays | 6:30–8 pm

NAMI Connection Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms

DATEBOOK of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM–Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/support-ande d u c a t i o n / s u p p o r t - g ro u p s / n a m i connection.

fridays | 7–10 pm

Dance Party. Learn a new dance and

meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-of-the-art floating dance floors. Enjoy refreshments and an introductory dance class from 7–8 pm. Info: Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd NE. Call to confirm schedule, (505) 508-4020, holidaydancestudio.com, $30.

every first friday |

Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Free Admission Day. Check out

this award-winning, world-class facility highlighting the art, culture, history, science and sport of hot air ballooning and other lighter-than-aircraft. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE (north of Alameda), (505) 768-6020, cabq.gov/ balloon.

fridays | 7–9 pm

Square Dance. Come dance with the

Duke City Square Dance Club every Friday night. We dance SSD, Mainstream and Plus levels. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St NE. dukecitysquaredanceclub. com. For more information, contact dukecitysd0@gmail.com. $8.

fridays | 7–9

Solid Grounds is a unique venue offering musical inspiration and community in a coffeehouse atmosphere, every Friday evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Live music from 7 until 9 pm. No cover charge. Info: Hosted by Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living. 4374 Alexander Blvd NE, (505) 224-9405, rgcsl.org. Everyone is welcome and donations are gratefully accepted. Solid

Grounds

Music

Café.

second fridays | 6–7 pm

Free Country Dance Lessons. Friday night just got waaaay better. Info: Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, (505) 883-9521. Sponsored by and information available at cspdancestudios.com.

every third friday | 7–9 pm

Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Discuss cacti and succulents;

enjoy a program presented on a subject relevant to these plants. The program usually includes a slideshow. It is not necessary to be a member to attend. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd NE, (505) 296-6020 newmexico.cactus-society.org.

fridays, saturdays, and sundays

Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque. The passion and energy of flamenco comes alive as you experience flamenco in its most intimate, powerful setting in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque. Featuring a world-class lineup of artists, the Tablao Flamenco presents a dynamic schedule of performances. Info: Friday and Saturday dinner shows feature electrifying performances accompanied by an exclusive four-course meal created by Hotel Albuquerque’s Chef, Gilbert Aragon. Visiting on Sunday? Enjoy a light tapas menu and regionally inspired fine wines and spirits. Reservations and more information, dates, and times are found at tablaoflamenco.org.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

first saturdays | 8:30–11 am

Bosque Wild Guided Hike. Come join the Open Space Nature Guides and Trail Watch Volunteer Stewards on an adventure into one of the gems of Albuquerque’s Open Spaces. This is a moderately strenuous, 2-to-3-hour hike so please bring water, wear comfortable and closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Info: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 768-4951.

first saturdays | 10–11:30 am People

Living

Through

DATEBOOK

saturdays | 10 am–2 pm

saturdays | 12–1 pm

invited to take advantage of study hours at Explora. Childcare will be provided by Brillante for kids between the ages of three and 12. X Studio programming is available for children older than 12. Info: This is a free service available at Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072 or email brillante@explora.us for more information. Space is limited.

in northern Rio Rancho to find out all about the volunteer program and the opportunities to work with the animals in our care. Info: Watermelon Mountain Ranch, 3251 Westphalia Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, wmranch.org. Reservations required: volunteerwmr@gmail.com.

CNM Student Study Hours with Free Childcare. CNM student families are

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Volunteer Orientation. Come to the main facility

saturdays | 12:30 pm Children’s

Chorus

Rio

Rancho.

Rehearsals have begun for the Fall

Cancer.

Support Group for women with any gynecological cancer plus concurrent group for families/caregivers. Info: The Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project holds these peer-led groups at the People Living – Cancer Office, 3411 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. M, theGCAP.org.

saturdays | 8–11 am

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Fresh local produce and products, plants, arts & crafts, music, and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. Info: 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW. Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. For more information, call Colene (505) 6109591. Free. May have seasonal changes.

saturdays | 8 am–12 pm

Downtown Growers’ Market. Shop the

largest selection of local farmers and ranchers in Albuquerque. Each bring their own knowledge, flavor, and personal touch to the plants they grow, animals they raise, and bees they tend. Info: Robinson Park, 8th St and Central Ave. May have seasonal changes.

saturdays | 9 am–10 am Kundalini Yoga. Start

your weekend grounded, refreshed, and connected to nature with a Saturday Morning Outdoor Yoga Series at the Open Space Visitor Center. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced yogi, this class welcomes all who are looking to move their body, calm their mind, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Info: 6500 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 768-4951.

saturdays | 9 am–12 pm

Duplicate Bridge Lessons. Whether you are new to bridge or a former or rusty player, enjoy the free supervised play lessons – no partner needed. Info: Duke City Bridge Club, 8616 Northeastern Blvd NE, (505) 271-2877, dukecitybridge.com. Free.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DATEBOOK 2026 season and continue through our concerts in December. CCRR is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (2nd-5th grades) from Rio Rancho and all surrounding areas through September 15th. No auditions and no experience required. Just come and join the fun. Registration $150 at rrcc.org. Questions? info@rr-cc.org.

saturdays | 1–2:30 pm

Family Art Workshops. Stop by the

Albuquerque Museum School during your visit to participate in an art project. Families are welcomed with weekly opportunities to get creative together. All ages will enjoy working with a variety of art mediums with all materials supplied. Child and grownup friendly. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 2437255. Workshops included with paid

admission of $3–$6. Tickets at cabq. gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum.

saturdays | 1–3 pm

Duke City Model Yacht Club. Join us every Saturday at Tingley Beach where we race remote-controlled sailboats. All are welcome to visit us at the pond. We will be happy to help you sail one of our boats before or after the races. Info: 1800 Tingley Dr SW, dcmyc.org.

saturdays | 2 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus. Rehearsals have begun for the Spring 2025 season and continue through our concerts in December. RRYC is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (6th-12th grades) from Rio Rancho and all surrounding areas through September 15. No auditions and no experience required. Just come and join the fun. Registration $150 at rrcc.org.

second saturdays | 10 am–4 pm

Monthly Book Sale. Hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, puzzles, games, art prints and more. 70% to 90% off list prices. Info: Main Library, 501 Copper Ave NW, (505) 768-5141.

most 2nd and 4th saturdays | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances held every 2nd and 4th Saturday-of-themonth. 120+ dancers of all ages and skill levels attend. Singles and couples welcome—no partner needed! Fee: $8 ($5 ADC); (Optional: Lesson @ 6:45pm TBD). Variety of music includes swing, country, ballroom, Latin. Info: ABQ Sq Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE. For more details, email glkello@nmia.com or call 505-299-3737 (no text).

saturdays | 2:30–4:30 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Practice. At this Argentine Tango

practice, no partner is necessary. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins St NE, abqtango.org.

second saturdays | 10–11 am

Visionary Arts & Crafts Guild Monthly Meeting. VACG’s mission is to develop

a fellowship among craftspeople and facilitate a market for crafts. Meets monthly on the second Saturday.

Info: Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, 4201 Crestview Dr,

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

Rio Rancho. For more details, visit ssheridan4.wixsite.com/vacgnm.

second saturdays | 6–8:30 pm

Community Coffee House. Warm up with a cup and the opening musical performer. This is a great way to spend a Saturday evening listening to music and enjoying friends, old and new. Info: Unity Spiritual Center, relocated from the East Mountains to 9800 Candelaria Rd NE, (505) 292-1998, uscabq.org/ coffeehouse for information about the month’s performers. (Not affiliated with the church.)

third saturdays |

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military. Care packages are packed four times a year for those serving in the military. They also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 2nd St NW, rgvnmbsm.org. Contact Ruby at rubyjeangarcia@gmail. com or (505) 203-8250 or Denise at (505) 883-6240. Free.

INCLUDE YOUR EVENTS IN THE DATEBOOK! Please send an e-mail with the date, time, and event description to datebook@abqthemag. com. If available, include a high-resolution digital photograph or image. Listing information deadline is the 10th two months prior to publication (e.g.—all MAY events must be submitted by March 10, etc.). All events are subject to change. Please call event organization for final verification on events, times, dates, prices, and ticket availability.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

Albuquerque is the second most dog-friendly city in the country—but the Duke City doesn’t just love dogs. From kitties to frogs and even snakes, there are plenty of ways for animal lovers to experience ABQ, whether you have a pet or just adore them.

BY SALEEMA ISHQ

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUE RQUE TH E MAGAZI N E

See the city on a pet-friendly ABQ Trolley Tour All aboard! Your dog can see Albuquerque right by your side on an ABQ Trolley tour. “ABQ Trolley Co. was established to help visitors (and locals) fall in love with Albuquerque, and that includes the four-legged ones,” says Mike Silva, co-founder of TourABQ. “We’ve been pet-friendly since our very first tour back in 2009.” Not only are lap-sized pets welcome—they’re practically encouraged to tag along. “Our open-air trolley is basically made for dogs,” adds co-founder Jesse Herron. “Ears flapping, tails wagging, taking in the sights right alongside you. We’ve had hundreds of pets (mostly dogs) ride along with us over the years.” Next time you’re showing off Albuquerque to out-of-towners or just want to reexperience your city through fresh eyes, bring your furry copilot along for a trolley ride.

WWW.ABQTH E MAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

RAISE A GLASS AT

YAPPY HOUR For most people, a ruff day ends at happy hour. Pet owners head to Yappy Hour. Every Wednesday night, D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro rolls out the red carpet and transforms their patio into a pupfest. Select Yappy Hours feature drink specials, photo ops, local vendors, and even a doggy fashion show. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a glass of NM wine while your pup makes new friends.

Earn a Certificate of Bravery at

the Rattlesnake Museum Not every dog can say they’ve visited a rattlesnake museum, but those that do earn an official Certificate of Bravery. The American International Rattlesnake Museum welcomes pets— the sign at their door even says “All Dogs Welcome. Most Humans Welcome”—while teaching visitors about one of New Mexico’s most misunderstood reptiles. Museum director Bob Myers advises that the best way to protect your dog from rattlesnakes on the trail is to keep them on leash. “A dog will immediately want to sniff or bark at a snake,” he says. “If you encounter a snake, give it space.” If you’re ever unsure what kind of snake you’ve spotted, the museum offers snake identification where you can send a photo in and they’ll let you know if it’s venomous.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUE RQUE TH E MAGAZI N E

GIVE YOUR PET A

COLORFUL MAKEOVER

Treat them to a

pup cup

Many local coffee shops have embraced the pup cup trend. If you’re not familiar, it’s basically a dollop of whipped cream (or steamed milk) served in a tiny espresso cup. The best part? These little cups of joy are typically complimentary. Yep—totally free! Ask for one at Flying Star Cafe, Satellite Coffee, NM Piñon Coffee, or your favorite local dog-friendly coffee shop next time you’re grabbing yourself a latte and see what your pup thinks.

Who says your dog can’t have an emo moment with a streak of blue fur? With creative grooming, anything is possible. Jennifer Acuna, owner of Lollipups Grooming, has used non-toxic and pet-safe dyes to turn dogs into zebras, watermelons, skeletons, and even Lisa Frank-inspired rainbow leopards. When asked about a favorite style, she shares “The more color, the better!” But the enthusiasm comes with a caveat. “While coloring is fun, it is not for every pet,” Acuna says. “It definitely requires a dog that’s familiar with the grooming salon because it does take time—you have to let the color sit for at least 20 mins.” For pets who are comfortable with grooming and don’t mind sitting still for a little extra pampering, a pop of color can be a fun way to shake things up. Head to the salon with your own idea or let your groomer’s creativity run wild.

STRIKE A POSE AT A PET PHOTOSHOOT

You know your pet is pretty enough to be a model—why not make them a true model for a day? Schedule a photoshoot with one of ABQ’s talented pet photographers. And before you say ‘my pet would not sit still long enough for a photoshoot!,’ know that’s not a requirement. At all. “I’m not expecting your dog to be perfect,” shares Jordyn DeMay, founder of Nothin’ But a Hound Dog Photography. “It’s just them showing their personality—that’s what we want to capture.”

There are plenty of picturesque places around town to choose from. So many, in fact, that DeMay actually offers clients a location guide of her most popular and most frequented locations, but she also hosts pets in an adorable at-home studio complete with plush couch. For DeMay, it’s all about capturing memories for her clients and their soulpets—whether that’s a hound, cat, or a ferret in a graduation cap. “All pets are welcome!”

WWW.ABQTH E MAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

SCAN TO MEET THE DOGS!

Visit with the

Sunport K9 Crew Airports aren’t the most relaxing places, but the Sunport has a furry crew of helpers working to change that. The Sunport K9 Crew is a group of volunteer handlers and dogs that provide comfort to nervous fliers. “People just light up,” one volunteer shares about the experience. “It makes their whole travel experience much different.” The K9 Crew has been around since 2015 and has since grown from a small group of six to over 36 dogs. “We have a 5-pounder all the way up to Indigo at 190 lbs,” shares Doug Lutz, Sunport Volunteer and Art Program Coordinators. Each dog holds a therapy

dog certification and has to perform multiple evaluations—two at the airport and one in a medical facility—before becoming part of the team. And it’s not just passengers who look forward to petting the dogs. “The best part of my day is when I get to see the ‘Pet Me’ dogs,” a TSA employee shares. Dr. Vic Strasburger is the proud owner of the late Maggie Mae, the first dog to join the ABQ K9 Crew program. Throughout her 10-year career, Maggie was pet by more than 40,000 people, including the cast of Better Call Saul. Strasburger continues to volunteer with Maggie’s successor, Marshal.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUE RQUE TH E MAGAZI N E

During the interview, a group from Nashville broke into a sprint when they spotted Balthazar the Labrador. “I follow him on Instagram!” one says. They met Balthazar three years ago during a trip through Albuquerque. “Last time we saw him, he was healing from some medical issues,” they say. “It’s good to see that he’s doing well.” Moments like this are pretty common. One volunteer remembers a traveler rushing up to the therapy dog after what she exclaimed was ‘a shitty day,’ fell to her knees, hugged the dog for over five minutes, and rose with a smile. “That’s exactly what she’s here for,” the volunteer exclaims.

Rio Grande Pool

Float down

Before the city drains the Rio Grande Pool at the end of the summer, they invite all the dogs of ABQ to take a dip. Rio Grande Pool Doggy Paddle is an annual event that’s so highly attended, it always sells out. Tickets are $5 a dog (humans are free!) and includes a spot in one of two 2-hour swimming sessions with access to the main pool and smaller wading pools—for those pups that aren’t confident swimmers. Along with a ticket, you’ll need to provide proof of vaccinations. The 2026 event is tentatively scheduled for September 12.

the Rio Grande

together

If you’re feeling adventurous, trade your usual walk for a paddle down the Rio Grande. Among Albuquerque’s kayak rental options, SpiritFly Expeditions lets dogs float for free. Just make sure your four-legged sidekick is comfortable around water, has good balance, and can share your kayak. Every trip includes equipment rentals along with your shuttle ride to and from the perfect launch spot.

PHOTO BY CLARKE CONDE

Do the doggy paddle at

Paint your pet’s portrait at The Groove No matter your artistic experience, you can absolutely paint a portrait of your pet. Alison Robbenhaar, colorist and co-director of The Groove Artspace, leads a class where you work from a favorite photo of your own pet—or someone else’s if you want to create a one-ofa-kind gift—to create a colorful portrait.

WWW.ABQTH E MAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

Get your kitty fix at Catopia Cat Cafe Don’t let the tables and chairs at Catopia deceive you—you’re not getting any work done at this cafe. “Most people come just to hang out with the cats,” Catopia Cat Cafe owner Sandy Dierks shares. “They’re social, and they love sitting with you. When you’re ready to adopt, it’s a great place to see their personality and get to meet them.” That’s right—you can even take the cats home. Catopia partners with local rescue organizations, including Albuquerque Animal Welfare, the Bernalillo County Shelter, Nine Lives Rescue, High Desert Cat Rescue, Desert Paws, among others. As Dierks describes it, “We’re just the foster home.” But unlike most foster homes, the cats at Catopia get endless attention, which really helps them in the long run. “People being here and visiting really helps them socialize. They get used to children and a variety of people—it makes them more adoptable,” Dierks says. Your $14 cafe entry fee also goes right back to the cats. As Dierks explains, “Some of the extras that the shelter can’t afford to do—we’ll pay for that using the proceeds from the cafe.” That might be a dental surgery with extractions or a Tempur-Pedic bed for a geriatric kitty with arthritis. So even if you’re not looking for a new feline friend, simply spending an hour getting covered in cat hair can help give these kitties a better chance at finding their forever homes.

Shop for petfriendly

plants together

Bring your pet along while you shop for pet-friendly houseplants. Local nurseries like Osuna Nursery, Jericho Nursery, Alameda Greenhouse, and others welcome pet shoppers on leash, so you can browse together. Just make sure you stick with non-toxic choices like spider plants or Boston ferns and avoid bringing home toxic plants like lilies, pothos, sago palms, or oleander.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUE RQUE TH E MAGAZI N E

Celebrate their birthday

with a puppy pawty

Skip the Milk-Bones and celebrate your pet’s big day with a decadent pet-friendly dessert. My Furry Godmothers uses high-quality, human-grade ingredients to make a huge range of dog treats that mimic your favorite treats. Think chantilly cake, Linzer cookies, mini pies, cupcakes, and more. Not sure what your furry friend’s birthday is? My Furry Godmothers co-owner Heather Caine shares that their cakes are perfect for “Gotcha-Day celebrations, to say ‘I love you’, or just because.” The shop even has an enclosed outdoor space you can book to throw a full-on puppy pawty.

Read to the Dogs at the library Dogs can be great listeners, and several ABQ dogs are helping kids become more confident readers because of it. The Albuquerque Public Library’s Read to the Dogs program is designed to help children practice reading out loud to certified therapy dogs in a judgment-free space. “A kid might be a little nervous at first, but they can pet and play with the dog,” explains library paraprofessional and volunteer coordinator Stuart Hardin. “No one’s going to correct how they’re reading or make any comments.” Each therapy dog has its own collectible sticker, and children earn one every time they read to a new doggo. The goal is to fill an entire bookmark to earn a certificate of completion. “Some get really into it and go to all the different branches,” Hardin says. As for the dogs’ favorite books, “Go, Dog, Go! and Big Dog… Little Dog are popular.”

WWW.ABQTH E MAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

Meet New Mexico’s Only

Veterinary Cardiologist For over two decades, the State of New Mexico functioned without a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, meaning veterinarians have been forced to refer their heart patients out of state for advanced cardiac care—that is, until Dr. Bradley Lytle DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) came to Albuquerque’s VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center last fall. With a passion for heart health and appreciation of ABQ, Dr. Lytle shares a bit about what this means for NM. ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: What does it mean for New Mexico pet owners to finally have a board-certified veterinary cardiologist practicing in the state? DR. BRADLEY LYTLE: Hopefully, having a board-certified veterinary cardiologist will bring more attention to the presence of heart disease in companion animals and will increase the level of care for these patients. ATM: What inspired you to specialize in veterinary cardiology, and what made you want to bring that expertise to New Mexico? BL: Cardiology fascinated me in veterinary school and is a mix of physiology, imaging, and clinical medicine. I completed a one-year internship after vet school at VCA Vet Care [in Albuquerque] and fell in love with the area and the people here. The fact that there is such a need for veterinary specialists made coming back after residency an easy decision. ATM: Are there any heart-related conditions, environmental factors, or lifestyle trends that affect pets in New Mexico differently than in other parts of the country? BL: Albuquerque—and other parts of New Mexico—is at relatively high elevation, which seems to cause an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension in dogs. There are infectious diseases present in the state (heartworm disease, Chagas disease, valley fever) that can affect the hearts of animals. ATM: What’s one thing you wish every Albuquerque pet owner knew about keeping their pet’s heart healthy? BL: There are reports that diets containing peas, lentils, chickpeas and beans could cause heart issues in some dogs, and I am advising my clients to consider not feeding diets containing these ingredients. Research into this topic is ongoing.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUE RQUE TH E MAGAZI N E

Pet Safety at 5,000+ Feet Even though you’re used to Albuquerque’s dry air and elevation, pet ownership here comes with some unique challenges. “Albuquerque is still the wild, wild west,” shares Dr. Consuela Conley, DVM, owner of Sandia Animal Clinic. “We have rattlesnakes. We have coyotes in town. We have the plague here,” she cautions. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can keep your pet safe. Dr. Conley shares seven safety tips all Albuquerque pet owners should now.

BEWARE OF GRASS SEEDS: “I think the single most surprising thing new residents see are grass awns or foxtails,” says Conley. These grass seeds have a barb on the end that can embed itself into your pet’s skin and essentially ‘crawl’ into your dog’s paws, ears, and more. “They will travel through eyes, lungs, and mouths and cause irreversible damage,” Conley cautions.

KNOW WHAT’S NORMAL: You are your pet’s advocate, so it’s important to know their normal pulse, breathing rate, temperature, gum color, and even waist measurement. That way, if something changes, you’ll know. “This is overlooked by so many,” Conley says. Not sure how to find your pet’s normal? Conley shares, “Your primary care veterinarian would love to help you identify this if you need help!”

RESPECT WILDLIFE: Albuquerque is home to coyotes, rattlesnakes, deer, bobcats, and more. Keep your pet on leash when out to avoid a run-in with one of these animals—but you should also use caution when in your own backyard. Make sure your pet is within eyeline or even consider a spiky coyote vest for small pets.

KNOW YOUR EMERGENCY VET: Emergencies can occur at any time, so make sure you know where you’ll go if one does. “Know who is where and what hours they have a DVM on staff,” Conley advises. “We have four in Albuquerque now, but not all of them are open 24/7/365.”

PREPARE FOR THE HEAT: When it’s hot out, your pet should be in a well-ventilated carrier or have booties on and always have access to drinking water. “Due to Albuquerque’s elevation, our air is thinner mixed with our high desert heat—this can be a perfect storm for respiratory emergencies,” Conley shares. “Heat stroke happens very fast. Dogs cannot sweat like humans, so they maintain thermoregulation through panting and their pads.” If you have a smoosh-faced dog like a bulldog, boxer, or Frenchie—be extra cautious. “These brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to respiratory distress because of their physiology,” Conley says.

DON’T SKIP PARASITE PREVENTION: Along with large wildlife, you should also be aware of smaller critters— namely ticks, fleas, and mosquitos. They can pass dangerous and even deadly diseases onto your pet with a single bite, and contrary to popular belief, we do see them here in New Mexico. “We are seeing more heartworm disease from an increased mosquito population,” Conley shares. “We are also seeing more tickborne diseases.”

MICROCHIP YOUR PET: “This is the single best thing you can do to get your pet back to you,” Conley shares. But don’t just stop at the microchip placement. “Make sure that your chip is registered to you,” she says. “I get an annual email from my microchip company that reminds me to make sure tact info is all of my conthe same.”

Dr. Conley 86

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From Pet Passion

to Profession Have you always dreamed of turning your love of pets into a career? Albuquerque is home to several programs that can prepare you for work with animals, including careers in grooming, dog training, veterinary medicine, and everything in between. Heather Carson, RVT, M.Ed., director of CNM’s Veterinary Technician program, shares what it takes to turn a passion for pets into a fulfilling profession. ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: What is something you’ve found surprises students the most about CNM’s Veterinary Technology program? HEATHER CARSON, RVT, M.ED.: One of the biggest surprises for many students is that we do not house animals on campus. Instead, our program is designed to provide students with extensive hands-on experience through our network of clinical preceptor partnerships and comprehensive laboratory field-trip sessions. This approach allows students to develop and refine their technical skills alongside experienced veterinary professionals in real clinical settings— students build professional relationships with potential employers and become familiar with the day-to-day responsibilities of the profession. ATM: What career opportunities are available to graduates after completing the program?

ATM: What advice would you give to someone in Albuquerque who loves animals and is thinking about turning that passion into a career?

HC: On the first day of class, I ask my students to share why they chose to enroll in the CNM Veterinary Technician program—I ask them not to answer with, “Because I love animals.” While that statement is true for nearly everyone entering this profession, I encourage them to reflect more deeply on the experiences that led them to this career path. Each person has a unique and meaningful reason for choosing veterinary medicine. Some grew up on farms or in homes where caring for animals was part of everyday life. Many have been inspired by a compassionate Veterinary Technician who made a lasting impression during a difficult time. Others are motivated by a genuine curiosity about animal health and a passion for lifelong learning. My advice to anyone considering a career as a Veterinary Technician is to identify the reason that inspires you. Your passion for animals may open the door, but your personal purpose will sustain you throughout the challenges and rewards of this profession.

OTHER WAYS TO GET STARTED:

APS CAREER ENRICHMENT CENTER: High school juniors and seniors can enroll to learn about veterinary medicine and small animal science careers through hands-on learning. UNM PRE-VET SOCIETY: Connect with other UNM students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine. ASSISTANCE DOGS OF THE WEST (ADW) REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM: Become an ADW Instructor/Trainer through this 2-year program. ALBUQUERQUE DOGGIE SPA INSTRUCTION PROGRAM: A local grooming education program through Evie’s Doggie Spa.

HC: Our graduates have built successful careers in small and large animal general practice, specialty and referral hospitals, emergency and critical care, animal shelters, research, diagnostic laboratories, regulatory medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and zoological medicine. With a strong educational foundation and hands-on clinical training, graduates are equipped to pursue rewarding careers across many areas of veterinary medicine.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUE RQUE TH E MAGAZI N E

Inside the World of

Cat Judging

After cat judging brought Hisako Yamada from Japan to Albuquerque, she built a career evaluating cats all around the world. Now with over 43 years of judging under her belt, she holds The International Cat Association (TICA)’s highest-level judging position—Approved Allbreed Judge—and even serves as an instructor teaching the next generation of cat judges. Yamada shares an inside peek at what really goes on during cat shows while addressing the biggest misconceptions around them. ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: What did your path to this career look like?

HISAKO YAMADA: When I was a nov-

ice specialty judge, I met an American Allbreed cat judge in Japan. She encouraged me to come to the States to improve my English. I attended UNM in 1986 and eventually got an MBA while I took some judging assignments, then became an

Allbreed judge. After years, I have made and am still making friends all over the world. ATM: What are the biggest miscon-

ceptions people have about cat shows and pedigreed cats?

HY: Some people think that cats are abused or that they are shown against their will at a cat show. The first timers are a little nervous, however, many are happy to get attention (play with a toy, scratch a post, kiss a judge etc.). A cat show is not only for pedigreed cats—household pets are judged for awards.

ATM: Have you noticed any changes

in cat breeding or ownership over the years?

HY: The standard for each breed

has not changed very much, but some breeds look different today than years ago. For example, Siamese used to have a rounder head, but now they have a triangle head. Lately, I have seen some with huge ears like airplane wings. Is this just

trendy? I am not sure if it is healthy for a cat. Some owners are conscientious about making the perfect cat by its standard, while some still breed for selling and making money. ATM: What is the most memorable or

unusual cat you have ever judged?

HY: I can think of several, but one

of them was shown as a household cat but was actually a Savannah. His name is Motzie—a gentle giant. He didn’t fit in a cage, so he sat on a chair calmly waiting his turn. It was funny—some judges were afraid of his size!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ALBUQUERQUE CAT OWNERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SHOWING THEIR CATS? 1. GO TO A SHOW OR TWO TO SEE IF YOU LIKE CAT SHOWS. 2. GET A MENTOR WHO CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR CAT GET READY FOR A SHOW. 3. REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME (WHETHER YOU GET AN AWARD OR NOT), ENJOY A SHOW AND MAKE FRIENDS. 4. DON’T HESITATE TO ASK JUDGES QUESTIONS (POLITELY—AND PICK A GOOD TIME TO TALK).

HISAKO YAMADA JUDGING MOTZIE THE SAVANNAH CAT

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Bark in

the Park

“Play ball!” becomes “Play fetch!” once a year during “Bark in the Park” at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. This annual event invites dog parents to bring their leashed pups into the park for a doggone day of fun. Not only do furry fans and their people have special seating on the grass with doggy water stations, but there’s also a pregame parade. Add in complimentary bandanas, vendor goodies, and giveaways, and everyone is in for a treat of a time. The next “Bark in the Park” takes place September 9, 2026.

Become a BARK Ranger Contrary to popular belief, pets are actually welcome at many national parks and monuments, and they can even become BARK Rangers. The National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program made its way to New Mexico in 2019 and is now offered at Petroglyph National Monument, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. At Petroglyph, pups can earn their official B.A.R.K. Ranger tag by completing an activity checklist and taking the B.A.R.K. pledge: Bag your pet’s waste, Always wear a leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go. Once they’ve completed the program, they’re invited to pose for a photo in the park’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Hall of Fame! Rachel Taylor, a park ranger at Petroglyph National Monument, says the program has had a really positive response. “If dog owners are familiar with it from other national park sites, they tend to ask about it,” she says. “If they’re not familiar with it, they’re over the moon about it.” Exploring Petroglyph and other natural spaces can be tons of fun with your dog, but Taylor reminds visitors to be prepared. “You’re entering a place that’s not only home to wildlife but also a sacred cultural landscape,” she says. “When hiking in the desert, especially during summertime, make sure you have water and know that the sand is very hot—sometimes 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the ambient temperature.” Hot diggity dog, indeed.

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Take a pet

First Aid and CPR class

You never expect your pet to have an emergency, but knowing how to respond could save their—or another pet’s—life. “When I tell people I teach pet first aid and CPR, the first question I usually get is, ‘That’s a thing?’” says Lauren Ruska, a certified PetTech instructor with 18 years of experience working with animals. It’s absolutely a thing. Because animals need different techniques than people, Rusko offers hands-on pet-specific classes in Albuquerque through her business, Dexter’s Grove. “A lot of people end up in my class after something scary has already happened,” Ruska says. Her goal is to give pet owners the hands-on practice they’ll hopefully never need but will be grateful to have. During the class, participants practice skills like wrapping wounds, controlling bleeding, and performing CPR so they’re ready if an emergency ever drops into their lap.

Run or walk the

Doggie Dash & Dawdle

Whether your dog is a dasher or a dawdler, there’s a race for them at the annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle. Animal Humane hosts this event every spring, and it’s their largest fundraiser of the year. Choose from a 5K “dash,” 1-mile “dawdle,” or cheer everyone on from the Watering Bowl. There’s also a Barketplace where you can shop local vendors and meet adoptable pets still looking for their forever homes.

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Meet Albuquerque’s Most Unique Pets Pets can be found in all shapes, sizes, and species. Meet some of Albuquerque’s most unique critters and the people lucky enough to call them family.

Meet

Sir Honk Dewlap SPECIES: Swan Goose OWNER: Abbey Scott SPECIAL SKILLS: dancing, snoring, munching on mealworms, wearing hats, watching TV, and updating his admiring fans on Instagram (@agoosenamedhonk).

Meet

Pretzel SPECIES: Black Leopard Mini Appaloosa

OWNER: Nicolette Quesada SPECIAL SKILLS: eating cupcakes and Oreos, pulling a mini cart, getting his hair blown off in the spring with the leaf blower (after getting super fluffy all winter long), hanging out with his BFF Flapjack.

SPECIES: Tarantulas (Mexican Fireleg, Greenbottle Blue, Curly Hair, Pinktoe, and Brazilian White Knee) OWNER: Jazzy Renee SPECIAL SKILLS: cuddling, escaping from hands, and being a grumpy old man (Lucien).

Ben B Jammin SPECIES: Jumping Spider OWNER: Ariana Lopez SPECIAL SKILLS: listening in on conversations, “waving” along to music, basking in the sun, and munching on crickets.

Frank

Meet

The Tarantulas

Meet

Force

Lucas

Geneva

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Book a petfriendly staycation

You don’t have to leave town to enjoy a getaway with your pet. Albuquerque is home to dozens of pet-friendly hotel options, and many go the extra mile for their furry guests. Hotel Parq Central even offers plush pet beds, food and water bowls, loaner leashes, and a private dog run. Just check in and let the tail-wagging begin.

Try a DIY dog wash

Giving your dog a good lather yourself can be a great way to bond with them—and can cut down on the cost of grooming. If your home isn’t equipped for a wash, ABQ is home to plenty of self-serve dog washes. Most have elevated tubs (your back will thank you!) and provide towels, shampoo, brushes, dryers, and all the other good stuff you’ll need to make your pet squeaky clean.

Like Owner, Like Pet

Some people really do start to look like their pets… These local pairs are probably mistaken as twins. Do you see the resemblance?

Chloe and Hamlet

“I think we have similar vibes, although not necessarily a complete match.” Chloe says of herself and her sweet senior Greyhound, Hamlet. But with their matching auburn tresses, we’d swear these two are related. 92

Gabe and Rocky

Is it those dark, soulful eyes or the fact that they both give great hugs? Whatever the case, Rocky and Gabe definitely pass as family.

Dana and Ruffles

Dana and her pup Ruffles both sport the same volume and signature hair flip. Great hair must run in this family!

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Pet Heroes of ABQ For more than 25 years, Sandia Search Dogs have been helping bring lost New Mexicans home. Meet the dogs—and owners—behind this incredible volunteer-run organization. Some heroes don’t wear capes— they wear bright red harnesses that say “Search Dog.” But every mission involves a whole team of volunteer handlers, dogs, and field support, often in the wee hours of the morning. As team member Cindy Oliver says, “It takes a village for one dog to make a find.” Sandia Search Dogs (SSD), founded in 1999 by Albuquerque veterinarian Dr. Mary Berry, is a volunteer-run nonprofit that helps New Mexico State Police locate missing people. They respond to about 12 to 20 searches each year, deploying to every corner of New Mexico and beyond. Berry and retired search dog Dusty were even deployed to the Pentagon following 9/11. Unlike what the media might portray as a dog catching a scent and racing into the woods to find a missing child within mere minutes, the reality of search-and-rescue is very different. Searches can last hours or even months with dozens of volunteers covering miles. And a “success-

ful” mission might end in a find, but it could also provide valuable information like confirming that a missing person is no longer in the area, which can save precious time. Not every dog is cut out for searchand-rescue. “We do not have therapy dogs that will sit quietly,” shared Oliver. “We have dogs that have lots of energy, or what we call drive.” All search dogs work for a “payoff,” but what that payoff looks like depends on the individual. For example, Scout is motivated by the chance to chase a favorite toy, while Rio will do anything for food. Every training task ends in an enormous celebration. Even though the dogs might receive most of the attention, they couldn’t do their work without their

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people. Volunteers spend five to ten or more hours each week on training, certifications, exercising their dogs, and preparing for missions. “We love the training, we love the relationship with the dog,” Oliver says. “And we love each other.” Even those who don’t have search dogs of their own, like Jacqui Weeks, serve as field support and play an invaluable role in both training and searches. All are needed to make this well-oiled machine run. “The moment when somebody gets lost and 40 people drop everything and show up—not because you’re important or special, but just because you’re human and you’re lost,” Weeks says. “That’s what community should be.”

Stop by the Bark Bar

Bark Bar is New Mexico’s first dog-friendly food truck, and it was inspired by one local’s love for his canine companion. “I started it so I could hang out with my dog,” explains owner Chad Rutter. That dog is Phoebe Mae, Bark Bar’s official greeter who happily welcomes all human and four-legged customers. “There’s nothing better than watching a dog jump up on my counter—their tongues sticking out,” Rutter shares. With a slogan like “Every Pup Deserves a Cup,” the truck serves affordable dog treats and pops up at adoption events, birthday parties, and community gatherings throughout ABQ and Rio Rancho. You can find them every Saturday at North Domingo Baca Park.

Do a downward dog

with the dogs

Yoga with dogs? Sign us up. Puppy yoga is a beginner-friendly way to stretch, destress, and spend an hour surrounded by adorable pups. Faith Perkins founded Faithful Critters out of a love of yoga and wanting to help dogs get adopted. As Albuquerque’s first rescue puppy yoga business, Faithful Critters hosts classes at Albuquerque venues like Kaktus Brewing and Juno Brewing while partnering with local rescues. Best of all, every puppy is adoptable, so don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just a newfound inner peace.

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Pets Beyond Cats and Dogs New Mexico allows ownership of some animals that are restricted or even illegal in other states, like ferrets, axolotls, hedgehogs, gerbils, red-eared sliders, and reticulated pythons. But exotic pets require specialized care at home along with a veterinarian well-versed in these species. Dr. Maggie Jones, DVM and Dr. Griffin Schaefer, DVM of Aztec Animal Clinic share a bit about what you should consider before bringing one of these cuties home.

MAGAZINE:

ATM: If someone is considering an ex-

DR. MAGGIE JONES & DR. GRIFFIN SCHAEFER: We see a wide variety of

MJ&GS: Prepare! It’s important to consider how difficult it will be to recreate that animal’s natural habitat in New Mexico. For example, an iguana or chameleon that thrives in a humid environment may require you to essentially turn part of your home into a rainforest to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity. You should also identify a veterinarian who is comfortable caring for the species that you will be bringing home, as exotic pets benefit from wellness care just like dogs and cats. Finally, think about the animal’s lifespan. Many reptiles and birds live for several decades in captivity, so adopting one is a long-term commitment.

ALBUQUERQUE

THE

What are some of the most common exotic pets you see in Albuquerque? exotic animals. The most common pets that we see are small mammals (like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and rats) and reptiles (like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, box turtles, ball pythons, boa constrictors, and a variety of tortoises). We also occasionally see chinchillas, hedgehogs, frogs, and other less common species. ATM: What are the biggest miscon-

ceptions people have before bringing one home?

MJ&GS: The biggest misconception is that because exotic animals are small and often confined to a cage, that they are easy keepers or good firsttime pets. Quite the opposite is true. Exotic animals have very specific environmental, social, and dietary needs that are essential to their health and survival. Bringing home an exotic pet is not as simple as placing it in a cage. There is a significant financial and time commitment that is necessary to help that animal thrive.

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otic pet, what’s the one piece of advice you’d want them to remember?

ATM: Anything else you’d like our readers to know? MJ&GS: Dogs and cats have been do-

mesticated to live alongside humans. Exotic pets have not. It is our responsibility to adapt their environment to meet their needs, rather than expecting them to adapt to ours.

Who Rescu Sometimes it’s tough to say who really saved whom. These local rescue stories remind us that saving a pet often means being rescued right back.

“In the spring of 2020, we were hunkered down in the midst of the pandemic. As a family, we had talked about getting a puppy, and I was looking forward to a cozy lapdog that would sit and spend time with me. We soon welcomed ‘Bruce’ a big-eyed black chihuahua with white markings. He fit perfectly in two hands and was all ears. ‘Bruce’ quickly became ‘Larry,’ and my high school aged boys and I enjoyed his joyfulness and curiosity. In the spring of 2021, I learned that I had breast cancer, and soon after, my husband of 24 years asked for a divorce. For some icing on the cake, I had a very toxic job that was weighing on me. Alone and living in an apartment for the first time, it would have been easy for depression and misery to take hold. But Larry insisted on showing me how great the grass was in the backyard. Every morning, he would jump on my bed and bat his paws at me to wake me up. He was like a giant ray of demanding sunshine that kept me moving and operational. I took up hiking for the first time in my life, and it was very healing to be outside and active. I recently read that we don’t get the dog that we want (I had been hoping for a dog that was all cuddles and

Larry’s Story

rest), but that we get the dog that we need. I sincerely believe that I might not be here if it wasn’t for Larry’s intense level of energy and good-naturedness. The love that I have for his goofy smile, cleverness, and determination to get what he wants has inspired me daily to move forward literally and figuratively. He truly is the dog that I needed to get through this

life. I am greatly indebted to the folks at Lap Dog Rescue for taking care of animals like Larry and giving them a chance at a better life. It is important for us to remember that sometimes they are helping the people who receive the dogs just as much—if not more!”—Kristin Sandoval

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ued Whom? “I started volunteering as a dog walker in January for Albuquerque Animal Welfare, and Rose was one of the first dogs I walked. Each Thursday I’d come and walk her and would even stop by on the weekends to let her out of her kennel while she waited for a potential adopter. After a few weeks of her being there and no adopters in sight, I decided to take her for a Doggy Day Out to Canteen Brewhouse for their February Six Pack 5K Fun Run. Jamie, the General Manager, even paraded her around and promoted her prior to the event! Rose willingly walked/jogged right next to me during the 5K. Although she only made it 2 miles, she was there to please! We then took her home to meet our other two dogs, who she played with and napped with. After seeing the natural ease she had at the house Quincy (my partner) and I agreed in a matter of moments to proceed back to Animal Welfare and adopt her promptly that same day! Rosie (only a small name change) has since settled in nicely. She loves her walks at the Bosque, couch snuggles, hikes in the Sandias, and lots of naps in the breeze way with Buddy and Tor. Please consider a rescue when looking for a pet. They know you saved them, and they’ll love you unconditionally for it. If we as a community step in to foster and adopt our municipal shelter animals, we can directly make a difference on the euthanasia rates and help support animal welfare in our city and state. Adopt, don’t shop.” —Nicole Candelaria

Rosie’s Story

Winston’s Story “Rio Bravo Brewing was asked to be a vendor at the Doggie Dash & Dawdle for Animal Humane in 2022. My husband and I had gotten married the month prior and just returned from our honeymoon. We didn’t have a dog, but my sister was insistent that we should. She told us that there were dogs up for adoption, and that if you paid a $10 donation, you could walk around with them during the event. She said she would pay the fee, and we had to go pick one. We walked over, but by that time most dogs had been taken on a walk or adopted. The first dog I saw was this furry orange Australian Shepherd-looking pup. He got excited and stood up, and I audibly laughed be-

cause his legs were so short and did not match his full-size body. He was the cutest thing I had seen. Luke and I decided to take him on a walk. After about 30 minutes, I was in love. Luke loved him too but reminded me that we had agreed to not get a dog yet. I told him that I would let him return Winston and not bring him home on two conditions: 1. If we didn’t get Winston that day, then we wouldn’t get any other dog for at least a year because otherwise there was not a good enough reason to say no. 2. He had to be the one to return him to the tent because I could not say bye to this cute little pumpkin. He agreed. He went to return Winston, and I went to get a beer. About 20 minutes later, I see Luke and my sister walking towards me with papers and Winnie who was no longer wearing an “adopt me” vest. I immediately started crying, and we took him home

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that day. Since then, he has been the most perfect pup we could have ever asked for.” —Jennifer Baker

When It’s Time

Goodbye

to Say

Often, the most difficult part of having a pet isn’t just saying goodbye—it’s deciding when that time has come. Dr. Amy Everly, DVM, CVA, CVC, CPEV, owner of Balanced Paws mobile veterinary services, is extremely passionate about helping animals experience a peaceful, dignified passing while reminding owners, “this is a gift we are able to provide our beloved pets.” ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: What signs do you encourage pet owners to look for when deciding whether it might be time to say goodbye?

DR. AMY EVERLY: One of the biggest things I encourage people to think about is, ‘what are the joys in my pet’s life?’ For instance, do they love to go on walks, or follow their people around in the house, or greet their people at the door when they come home? If they are not able to do these things anymore, that is a quality-of-life concern. I find using a quality-of-life scale can be very helpful when assessing how our pet is doing. ATM: How do you suggest parents navigate the end-of-life conversation with their kids?

AE: I am very honest and straightforward with kids when it comes to euthanasia and have found that using euphemisms around death can

be confusing and scary to children. For example, I prefer to say: “We are helping (pet) to die gently and peacefully”, instead of “we are putting (pet) to sleep”. We all go to sleep, and I don’t want children not understanding what is happening with their beloved pet, or worse, thinking they may die if they go to sleep. I also encourage parents to discuss what they believe will happen with their pet after they die. Do they believe in a heaven, reincarnation, or their pet being free of pain and suffering? I offer parents a complimentary coloring book called “My Pet Died” by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. if they have young children. ATM: What’s a common misconception Albuquerque owners have about euthanasia that you wish more people understood?

of our pet, but to provide a gentle, peaceful, dignified passing. This is a gift we are able to provide our beloved pets. I often tell people we are making sure our pets don’t suffer, and we are willing to take on that suffering for them through the grief that comes from losing them. ATM: What advice would you give to owners who are struggling with feelings of guilt, anger, etc. as they make end-of-life decisions?

AE: Because we have chosen to help them pass instead of letting them pass on their own, there tends to be more uncertainty as to whether we are choosing it too soon or too late. I encourage people to remember that their pet is living in the moment. They are not anticipating what will happen in the future. If we are in a situation where the pet is declining, and their quality-of-life is declining as well, I feel saying goodbye while the pet is still enjoying some of life is a wonderful gift that we can offer.

AE: The word euthanasia translates to “good death”. I think it is important to understand that when we choose to provide a pet with euthanasia, we are not choosing to shorten the life

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Put their nose to the test

with scent training

Dogs experience the world through their noses, and they can get a great mental workout in just by sniffing. Scent work is a growing dog sport in Albuquerque that teaches dogs to search for hidden scents using their incredible sense of smell. “It feeds into what they’re built to do,” says scent work judge and instructor Cathy Hyatt. “We get a window into their minds and watch them problem solve in a way that’s unique to dogs.” Classes use small “hides,” which are Q-Tips scented with essential oils, and dogs search for them—it’s similar to the training used for drug detection dogs. Practicing scent work can be incredibly rewarding for dogs and has other benefits. “One thing all instructors see is that scent work really builds confidence,” Hyatt says. “They become comfortable in their own skin.” Several Albuquerque training centers offer scent work, including Pet Paradise, Sandia Dog Obedience Club, and Acoma Training Center, where Hyatt trains. Better yet, you don’t need an experienced dog to get started. “It’s a great place to start your training journey with your dog,” Hyatt says.

Befriend the reptiles

at a herpetarium If you prefer things that slither over pets with fur, you’ll definitely want to head to Scales And Shells Herpetarium. This semi-interactive reptile zoo, owned and run by Darius and Linzy Hargrove, has everything from hermit crabs and frogs to pythons. And because it’s semi-interactive, you can pet, touch, and even feed select reptiles.

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March in the Howl-a-Day of the Dog Pet Parade

Let your pup strut their best Halloween or Dia de los Muertos outfit in the annual Howl-a-Day of the Dog Parade. The free event is hosted by Albuquerque Animal Welfare as a way to bring the community together while promoting adoption and responsible pet ownership. The real highlight is the parade of incredibly creative costumes—and yes, prizes are awarded for the top three. Start planning your pup’s outfit ASAP.

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Bring your pet to the bookstore Your next read might come with a wagging tail, because luckily, a lot of ABQ’s bookstores welcome four-legged bookworms. Bookworks sees dogs quite a bit. “There’s a lot of hiking opportunities here, so we get a lot of traffic with four-legged friends,” says bookseller Maya. “We welcome all!” Books on the Bosque even curated a list of their top 10 books featuring pets to honor this issue. Their top pick? “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot. Scan the QR code to see the full Top 10, then add them to your to-be-read list!

Head to story time

with the birds

Who says dogs should get all the reading fun? At Parrot Pantry, the retail bird supply store operated by Birds of a Feather Parrot Rescue, kids can read aloud to rescued parrots. “It’s a way to keep them reading throughout the summertime,” explains director Dorothy Newbill. She suggests bringing a fruit or veggie snack to share with the birds and a favorite book—or borrow one of theirs. “The program helps socialize the birds with small children and can help find these pets homes,” says Newbill. But it’s not just fulfilling for kids. “I think the parents have more fun,” she jokes. Adults are absolutely welcome to join and learn more about what care for the magnificent creatures looks like. Newbill also explains that they have other rescued animals—like reptiles— come in as guests for the reading programs. If you complete five reading sessions, you can even earn a prize provided by Parrot Pantry, like a sweet treat from Mrs. Sprinkles.

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with a Spend a Doggy Day Out

You don’t necessarily have to adopt a dog to make their day, thanks to Albuquerque Animal Welfare’s Doggy Day Out (DDO) program. The idea is that volunteers can take a dog out for a walk, hike, or snuggle on the couch to give them a temporary break from the shelter environment. “Even a few hours outside the shelter helps reduce stress, provides valuable mental and physical enrichment, and allows dogs to relax in a more natural environment,” shares Anita Jesser, Animal Welfare’s community engagement coordinator. “Dogs often return to the shelter calmer and more relaxed after an outing.” Your time spent with them can also give the shelter more insight into the pet’s personality, so they can market the dog to the right home. Plus, you get an afternoon of tail-wagging cuddle time, which sounds like a win-win for everyone! Not sure if Doggy Day Out is right for you? “We believe in proper training for our DDO adventurers and matching you with a dog that fits your skill level,” Jesser assures. “We want it to be a fun and educational time for both volunteers and pups.”

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PARTNER CONTENT

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PROS YOU SHOULD KNOW

ABQ Childcare

Niharika Pandey, Daysi Martin, Leslie Watts, Lupe Flores, Laura Ware Lead Teachers 10111 CONSTITUTION AVE NE (4 ABQ METRO LOCATIONS) 505-299-0633 ABQCHILDCARE.COM At ABQ Childcare, our team is united by a shared passion for early childhood education and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. For more than 50 years, we have proudly served the Albuquerque community, providing high-quality early childhood education and care while building lasting relationships with children and families. That starts with our team of seasoned educators. Many of our teachers have Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and have been with ABQ Childcare for decades —an ideal blend of longevity and expertise that makes us the most trusted early childhood care provider in the Duke City. “I have worked in early childhood education for over 25 years, and I have been with ABQ Childcare the entire time,” says lead teacher Daysi Martin. “I started as an infant teacher, later taught Early Pre-K and Pre-K, and today oversee both Pre-K classrooms while supporting teachers and helping ensure children receive a positive and enriching learning experience.” Relationships matter here. Our team believes that the genuine care we provide to children and families is what sets ABQ Childcare apart. At ABQ Childcare, we understand that education extends beyond the classroom. We value family partnerships and community involvement, recognizing that strong relationships create the foundation for children’s success. “We strive to create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential,” says lead teacher Niharika Pandey. The relationships are so strong here that we keep our families for generations. A great representative of this is assistant director Julian Lopez, who attended our program as a child and now has a position in management at ABQ Childcare. Today, he works with some of the same teachers that taught him as a child, and his daughter is now also in the program. These type of full circle moments make for irreplaceable relationships and trust within our families and staff. “We work hard to build strong relationships and create an environment where children feel safe, loved and encouraged to learn,” says Leslie Watts, another lead teacher at ABQ Childcare. Over the years, ABQ Childcare has embraced new educational approaches, modern safety standards and innovative technology to meet the evolving needs of families. We recently unveiled a company-wide rollout of a new curriculum, and our students, staff and parents have thrived with it! As a five-star, nationally accredited business, ABQ Childcare ensures that developmentally appropriate curriculum is used in all classrooms — for infants, toddlers, pre-K and school age alike. We always strive to improve and offer the best for our families. ABQ Childcare is proud to have been recognized as the “Best of the City” for four consecutive years. While awards are never the reason we do this work, it is encouraging to know that families and the community appreciate the care and dedication our team provides. In another exciting milestone, this past year we threw our first company-wide Fall Carnival — one of the largest family engagement events in our organization’s 54-year history. Families from all four ABQ Childcare locations came together for an evening of fun, connection, and community. The event reflected the creativity, dedication and teamwork of our staff while creating meaningful experiences for the children and families we serve.

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PROS YOU SHOULD KNOW

PARTNER CONTENT

Elizabeth MD Facial Plastic Surgery Dr. Elizabeth Blasberg

1510 MONTE LARGE DR NE 505-421-0091 ELIZABETH-MD.COM How does a patient determine if facial plastic surgery is right for them? Determining if facial plastic surgery is suitable for you requires thoughtful consideration over time. Typically, ideal candidates have pondered their desired procedure for a significant duration, often months or even years. This personal journey focuses on their own aspirations and is not influenced by others. Potential patients meticulously educate themselves about the procedure, understanding the expected recovery process and outcomes. They also make practical preparations, such as setting aside recovery time and planning financially for elective surgery expenses. Moreover, a solid support network is crucial, offering assistance during recovery and ensuring overall stability in life. This stability provides the resilience needed to navigate the emotional and physical fluctuations that accompany recovery. Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal, and having the right support and preparation sets a strong foundation for a successful experience.

What can a patient expect when they book a consultation? At our practice, each consultation is carefully tailored to ensure our patients feel both valued and unhurried. We begin by providing you with electronic health history forms to complete in advance, ensuring that our time together can be focused entirely on you. Upon arrival, professional photographs are taken in standardized facial plastic surgery views to document your medical chart. These images are reviewed during your consultation and, in the case of rhinoplasty, can be photo-morphed to visualize potential outcomes. These serve as invaluable comparisons post-procedure. We prioritize understanding your unique concerns and aspirations, dedicating time to thoroughly discuss these with you. Following an in-depth examination, we present personalized options that contemplate factors such as anesthesia requirements, optimal incision sites, recovery time, cost, and, most importantly, your distinctive facial features. Our surgical care coordinator will then walk you through a detailed written quote, elucidate the booking process, and help schedule any necessary appointments. We encourage you to take home your quote and reflect on your decision, taking as much time as you need before committing to a procedure. Our commitment is to your comfort and confidence throughout this transformative journey.

What are you excited about when it comes to the future of plastic surgery and your practice? I am truly excited about the continued incorporation of the latest advancements in regenerative medicine into my practice, which significantly enhance my ability to deliver exceptional results, expedite recovery times, and ensure consistent outcomes for my patients. By integrating cutting-edge research, I am elevating all services I offer, including Sciton’s broadband light technology, which reverses skin aging at the genetic level, and nano-fat grafting, which excels in tissue regeneration, skin rejuvenation, and scar repair. I am thrilled to announce that we now have a fully operational, state of the art operating room at my practice. All surgery is now performed on site, providing patients with the utmost in safety, privacy, and personalized care.

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SHOULD KNOW PROS YOUPROS

PARTNER CONTENT

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists Zachary Haas, DPM; Matthew Cobb, DPM; Haywan Chiu, DPM; Paul Whitehouse, DPM; Jose Hernandez Lingao, DPM | PROVIDERS 8080 ACADEMY RD NE, STE C 505-247-4164 AAPODS.COM A third-generation family business serving the community since 1946, Albuquerque Associated Podiatry (AAP) has forged strong bonds with generations of New Mexicans. We value availability with same-day appointments, affability with long-tenured, caring staff and physicians and superior care with board-certified physicians trained at elite institutions. AAP works with patients in a comprehensive setting, offering nationallyrecognized care in foot and ankle pathology including pediatrics, sports medicine injuries, nail pain, custom-made orthotics and braces, trauma and limb salvage. We take pride in helping patients begin or continue training regimens, sports activities, and activities of daily life through in-office treatments and immediate referrals. The foot and ankle specialists at AAP believe the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship is a formation of a partnership. This partnership consists of team members who are equal in stature when determining the best individual course of treatment for your lower extremity foot and ankle condition. With the assistance of our professional and loyal staff, we follow up our treatment to ensure that your podiatric problems resolve in a timely manner contributing to overall betterment of your health. AAP takes call and is available at all major hospitals in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area, providing trauma and limb salvage care with appropriate and timely follow-up. We take all major commercial and private insurance plans, obtain authorizations for MRI/ CT/orthotics/surgical care, and have on site X-rays along with cast technicians. Looking ahead, AAP will continue to put our best foot forward by emphasizing patient care with availability and a compassionate, motivated, and elite-trained staff. You spend a lifetime on your feet and they should have the best care to see you through it. Call the practice today to schedule a consultation. We have providers available for foot and ankle urgent care needs Monday through Thursday 7am to 6pm, and Fridays 7am to 5pm. AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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PROS YOU SHOULD KNOW

PARTNER CONTENT

MỘC HEAD SPA

GOLDUST NAIL LOUNGE

Tracy Nguyen

Owner | Goldust Nail Lounge & Mộc Head Spa 10131 COORS BLVD NW, STE B-1 505-991-9999 GOLDUSTNAILOUNGE.COM

10131 COORS BLVD NW, STE C-2 505-456-9799 MOCHEADSPA.COM

I (Tracy) am a registered nurse, licensed nail technician, licensed nail instructor and esthetician instructor in New Mexico. My journey as an entrepreneur started with my passion for wellness and beauty. I realized this was my calling when I saw how much confidence and joy self-care services could bring to people. Whether it’s a perfect manicure or a deeply relaxing scalp massage, these small moments of self-care empower people to feel their best. In 2022, I opened Goldust Nail Lounge, which quickly became a top-rated salon, earning the title of “Best Nail Salon” in Albuquerque for four consecutive years. Goldust Nail Lounge specializes in high-end nail services, including manicures, pedicures and seasonal treatments like the Peppermint Swirl Pedicure. My mission was to create a space that delivered high-quality nail care while maintaining a clean and relaxing atmosphere. In 2025, I expanded my vision by launching Mộc Head Spa, introducing an innovative head spa experience to New Mexico. My goal with Mộc was to provide a sanctuary where clients could enjoy scalp and hair health treatments, blending Eastern wellness techniques with modern expertise. Mộc Head Spa is the first of its kind in New Mexico, offering an exclusive experience that goes beyond traditional hair care. We focus on scalp health, stress relief, and luxury relaxation — something many people don’t realize they need until they experience it My success is rooted in my unwavering dedication to quality, continuous learning and a genuine passion for self-care and wellness. I’ve always believed in prioritizing the customer experience, investing in my team and staying ahead of industry trends. Looking ahead, I plan to expand Mộc Head Spa’s services to reach more clients and possibly open additional locations in the future. My longterm vision is to continue bringing innovative wellness treatments to Albuquerque while mentoring the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals. My businesses are built on passion, innovation and care. As a female entrepreneur, nurse and beauty professional, I am committed to elevating the industry and making high-quality self-care accessible to everyone.

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PARTNER CONTENT

Angela M. Piarowski

PROS SHOULD KNOW PROS YOU YOU SHOULD KNOW

CEO & Principal

Modulus Architects & Land Use Planning

8220 SAN PEDRO DR NE, STE 520 505-338-1499 MODULUSARCHITECTS.COM Angela M. Piarowski has never been one to let obstacles stand in her way. When she entered the world of commercial development more than two decades ago, Angela encountered more than her fair share of skepticism and doubt in a male-dominated industry. She was undeterred. “My journey as the CEO of Modulus Architects & Land Use Planning is not just a story of professional success but a testament to resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers,” Angela says. “With every challenge I faced, I emerged stronger, honing my skills and refining my vision for the future of our firm. Leading by example, I fostered a culture of inclusivity and diversity within our organization, recognizing that innovation thrives in environments where perspectives are varied and voices are heard.” Today, Angela strives to be a visionary leader by working with imagination, insight and boldness. During the course of her career she has provided oversight and management on the entitlements, design and construction management services for resorts, large mixed-use developments, master planned communities, sports, entertainment, large industrial developments, waterfront projects, and a long list of multifamily and commercial projects. This wealth of experience has helped Angela lead Modulus into an era of architecture and urban planning where the landscape is constantly evolving. Modulus has embraced this complexity with the integration of both architecture and land use entitlements. “By seamlessly integrating architecture and land use entitlements, we have unlocked a myriad of possibilities, empowering our clients to envision, develop, and realize their projects with unparalleled efficiency and precision,” Angela says. This approach also allows for more synergy and collaboration, as architects work hand in hand with urban planners, environmental consultants, and legal experts, leveraging collective expertise to address multifaceted challenges and seize opportunities for creative solutions. Modulus is also committed to responsible and sustainable development, which helps to nurture communities and preserve the planet for future generations. “As a woman CEO leading the charge in this paradigm shift, I am deeply proud of the impact we have made and the trail we continue to blaze,” Angela says. “Our firm stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, challenging conventional wisdom and redefining the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and urban planning.”

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 116 // PERSONALITY P. 120 // BEHIND THE SCENES P. 124

COURTESY PHOTOS

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

Cinematic Soul

Adrian Quesada, best known as half of the Black Pumas, headlined the 2025 Bands of Enchantment Music Festival as Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino. The forthcoming 2026 event promises to be just as epic (p. 116).

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ABQTHEINTERVIEW

UP CLOSE A N D PERSON A L WIT H OUR LEA D ERS A N D D IF F ER EN CE MAKERS

A Love Letter to ABQ Ken C. Peterson shares how his love for Albuquerque inspired the Emmy Award-winning series Bands of Enchantment and why kindness is the north star that guides him through every episode.

B PHOTO BY TRAVIS MONTOYA

efore Ken C. Peterson was bringing internationally acclaimed musicians to Albuquerque through Bands of Enchantment, he was roadtripping from his hometown of Las Cruces to ABQ to catch shows. His first big concerts—like Weezer at the El Rey Theater—helped shape that deep love of music, along with the vision behind the Emmy Award-winning PBS show Peterson created with his brother, Vince Chavez. After graduating from New Mexico State University, Peterson traveled wherever production work took him. He eventually built a career as a writer, performer, producer, and co-founded Elkhorn Entertainment with Chavez. In 2015, while working on his own TV pilot, Peterson watched the finished project become “completely different than what I set out to make,” and resolved his next venture would be different. “I said, ‘I want to do it with family, treat people right, have a set of kindness, and I really wanted to get back to New Mexico,’” Peterson shares. And he’s done just that with Bands of Enchantment.

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: How did Bands of Enchantment come about?

so we ended up making season one during the pandemic in Tucumcari. It was a wild ride.

KEN C. PETERSON: I moved around a

ATM: How did you pull off filming that first season during the pandemic?

lot for entertainment work, and everywhere I went, I found myself trying to inform people about New Mexico. People didn’t know that it’s actually part of the US or they only knew things like Breaking Bad. They didn’t know the Albuquerque I know and love. I made a pitch deck and presented it to a bunch of different places. New Mexico PBS showed interest, and the City of Tucumcari expressed interest,

KCP: Most television show sets could

have about 100 to 150 people working on them. We had a crew of 11. It was March 2021, and we had bands coming in from all over the country—some of whom hadn’t left their apartments in a year. When the lights were up and the band started playing, we realized that we all needed this. None of us had heard live

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music in a while, so it was a really beautiful first season in that regard, where everybody was pitching in for love of the game. I think that’s captured in that first season. ATM: How has the show evolved over the last five seasons? KCP: After season one in Tucumcari—

because we filmed at their railyards there— we took it on down the tracks, came to Albuquerque, and we filmed at the Rail Yards. Which was an incredible season—we won an Emmy for that season.

ATM: What was it like winning an Emmy? KCP: It was incredibly exciting. When we

started out on this, it wasn’t really about awards or anything like that. It was incredibly gratifying, but also it felt wonderful to bring that back to Albuquerque to share. We gave the award to the city. We have it on the red carpet every season for everyone to hold it and take pictures with because we believe this is the city’s show— Albuquerque’s show. I think it also put some wind under our sails to keep working hard and growing this thing.

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW ATM: For someone who’s never seen Bands of Enchantment, what makes it different from other music shows? KCP: We film at the KiMo, but earlier in

the day, we take that artist to a location and film an acoustic session and an interview—that’s weaved into the episode. In any season, an audience member sees eight different locations across Albuquerque, and the artist gets to experience that and takes it home with them. They’re used to just going from the airport to the venue and never experiencing a town, a city, a culture. I truly believe that that’s an integral part of the Bands of Enchantment experience. We had BJ the Chicago Kid on the Sandia Tram. He had never been to New Mexico, to Albuquerque, or on a tram, and he was just blown away. We recorded his session going up on the tram.

ATM: I’m always impressed with the musical talent that you’re able to bring in from all over the world. How do you find these incredible bands and how do you convince them to fly all the way out to Albuquerque to film the show? KCP: Well, thank you. Season one was

definitely a lift because we didn’t have the show, but we always say that we try to make the greatest, most beautiful thing

we can—and that comes through. It’s a lot of sleuthing, searching, and listening to playlists. I always get super giddy and excited when people say yes. Like La Vida Bohème, who are two- time Latin Grammy winners from Caracas, Venezuela. It was such an honor to have them on. Having Arrested Development say yes to be our season finale on the festival stage was a dream come true. ATM: You also showcase a lot of local talent—what has it been like to watch their careers following the show? KCP: We champion four to six Albuquerque bands every season, and we did an impact video where we got to go back and talk with all the bands on the show. I was blown away that people booked managers, agents, and booked national or international tours after being on our show. It’s really like a supercharge to their careers, and that means the world to us because when I graduated many, many moons ago, we didn’t necessarily have those opportunities. ATM: What is it like to attend a Bands of Enchantment taping? KCP: If you’ve never been to a Bands of

Enchantment taping, it’s a live concert experience and a taping. You’re getting

In any season, an audience member sees eight different locations across Albuquerque, and the artist gets to experience that and takes it home with them.

this up close and personal experience that you’ll probably never get with a band. We film our episodes inside the KiMo theater, and we thrust the stage out, so the audience is invited onto the stage with the bands. The set feels like a living room, and the artists adore it. I remember a girl sharing that she could smell Girl Ultra’s perfume. It’s very intimate, and it’s free to attend and open to all ages. ATM: Let’s talk about season six— what surprises do you have in store for this upcoming season?

Ken C. Peterson and the Bands of Enchantment crew circa season one in March 2021. “Most television show sets have about 100 to 150 people working on it—we had a crew of 11,” Peterson shares.

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18 inside the KiMo Theater, and on the 19th, we’ll shut down all of Central. We’re building a stage on 5th between the KiMo and 505 Central Food Hall to film the final episode of the season with downtown as the main character. We will have over 40 booth activations, providing opportunities for local vendors, we’ll have art installations, a classic car show to celebrate the centennial of Route 66, and we’re also engaging with music venues downtown. You’ll get a map, and you’ll get to explore all around downtown and catch shows and in different places. We’re also proud

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COURTESY PHOTOS

KCP: Season six is filming September 16–

ABQ THE INTERVIEW to announce that we’ll have a second stage this year dedicated to local Albuquerque artists, so we’re capturing that experience of downtown filled with all ages, all cultures, and all ethnicities, celebrating culture and music—that’s what Albuquerque and New Mexico stand for.

that became our season two poster. We hired him, and he’s been on our show ever since. He told me last week that his work is in Vogue Magazine and it was just a hobby when we met him.

ATM: What has it been like to find the crew to be able to pull off this huge undertaking?

ATM: I noticed from being on set and attending the street festival that your crew really seems excited and happy to be there. How do you create that kind of culture on set?

KCP: 90% of our crew is Albuquerque,

KCP: The north star for this show is kind-

New Mexico-based. We have incredible partnerships with CNM Film Academy as well as other departments of CNM— we have marketing with social media, business, and a post-production team. We have partnerships where we provide workforce training and internships to college and even high school students. We get some of the sharpest, brightest, and enthusiastic people who believe in what we’re doing, and that’s the best fit. Our photographer actually snuck onto the season two set and was taking pictures and I was like, “Hey, kid, what are you doing? Wait, let me look at your pictures,” and

ness first. It’s hard work and it’s long days and everyone is doing it because they love this art form. We don’t have to treat people poorly or disrespectfully—I received so much of that treatment myself coming up.

ATM: How has the received the show?

community

KCP: This is all made possible by a lot of

people that believe in this, and those are the partnerships that we have forged. We call it the “Coalition of Awesomeness,” and it’s arts and culture departments, City of Albuquerque, Visit Albuquerque, New

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Mexico True, Legacy Development & Management puts up our artists, and 505 Central Food Hall feeds them—it’s those kinds of touches where the community steps up. We are stewards to these out-oftown artists, and we take that really seriously ourselves—that we’re hosting this incredible experience for them, and we want them to experience it the way we did growing up. ATM: Where did the inspiration for your signed guitar giveaway come from? KCP: Every season, we give away Bands of

Enchantment guitars signed by the bands, and that’s super important to us. Young kids win them. When I first moved to New Mexico—when I was 13—a stranger who became my friend just gave me a guitar. And I thought that was so New Mexico because where I grew up, that didn’t really happen. That’s how I learned how to play guitar and fell in love with music. So, that’s why I want to give guitars to others—I pay it forward because it was given to me. –

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PERSONALITY

A LOOK AT THE LIF E & WOR K OF A LBUQUERQUEA N S WHO D ESERVE A TOAST

HOWL YEAH

Why didn’t he jump to a bigger program after a stunning first season as the UNM Lobos head football coach? Probably because Jason Eck and his down-to-earth family are having too much fun living life in ABQ.

he saying goes something like this: ‘Every overnight success was years in the making.’ Jason Eck, the UNM head football coach who jolted the Lobos to a magical, nine-win season in his debut, nods his head at the thought. “Yeah, well, it must be true,” he says. “We had 23 years where I was an assistant coach, and worked for 12 different head coaches, never making close to a six-figure salary, before I had a chance to finally be a

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

head coach.” After three successful years as the head coach at University of Idaho, Eck was hired last year to lead the Lobos—and turned around the program so quickly and convincingly that he earned a bigger contract after just one season. Overnight success, indeed. Oh, and his use of the term “we”? He’s referring to his wife of 24 years, Kimberly, who “stuck with me all those tough years,” says Eck, who turns 49 this month. The whole family is enjoying the fruits of Dad’s labor these days. Eldest son Quentin, 23, and his brother Jaxton, 21, will both graduate from UNM in December ( Jax will also return for another season this fall as a Lobo linebacker after earning all-Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025). Fifteen-year-old Palmer is a sophomore and athlete at La Cueva High School. Meanwhile, Maverick, 10, and Lola, 6,

await their turn for the spotlight. “They don’t even have phones yet,” says mom Kimberly. “Maverick tries to tell me all his friends at school have phones, but I’m like, ‘No. We’re good.’ The Ecks are all on the same page when it comes to their family pets, which include their 8-year-old cat, Rucifee, and their rambunctious newcomer, Gucci, a puppy bulldog. ATM recently interviewed Coach Eck (along with Kimberly) to learn more about his transition to ABQ—as coach, dad and foodie.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ON COACHING BETWEEN THE EARS COACH JASON ECK: My undergraduate degree is in Psychology, and I think the mental game and the power of belief are so important in football. If you have the same consistent messages among the many people in the organization, continually repeating the goals, you start to believe it. Even though we hadn’t been to a bowl game since 2016, in every team meeting last year we said we’re going to a bowl game, and we’re going to be good. ON COACHING IN THE ERA OF SALARIED COLLEGE PLAYERS CJE: Players still want to be coached, and to be pushed, and they want discipline. And in the past, if someone was transferring it was because they had a bad experience. Now you’ll sometimes get players who say, Coach, I love it here, and I’ve had a great experience, but hey, this (other school) told me they can give me

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PERSONALITY this much money. And, you know, that’s America.

ON MAKING PLAYERS SEE BEYOND JUST THE MONEY CJE: You’ve got to sell kids on the ‘Why,’ and get them to kind of believe in your cause. I think that’s what we were able to do this past year, just build a lot of belief in the team and a buy-in from the team of what we’re telling them. ON THE WIDESPREAD USE OF THE NCAA TRANSFER PORTAL BY PLAYERS CJE: It’s a pain in the butt, but it’s probably been good for me as a head coach because it makes it a lot easier to turn a program around quickly now. We had 109 guys on the roster last year, and 75 of them were in their first season at New Mexico. In the old days, you couldn’t flip your team that fast.

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ON BEATING UCLA 35-10 LAST YEAR AFTER BEING A 15-POINT UNDERDOG CJE: The win itself was big, but I realized it was extra special because Albuquerque has strong connections to L.A., probably back from the days of Dukes baseball. Things like (former Lobo basketball coach) Steve Alford leaving here to go to UCLA, or (former Lobo point guard) Donoval Dent transferring there, people remember that. They fired their coach the next day, and he was a nice guy. Plus, beating UCLA captured people’s attention for the next week when we played New Mexico State, because we had the first (attendance) sellout since 2017. ON DECLINING TO PLAY IN THE NEW MEXICO BOWL LAST YEAR CJE: Part of the reason was that North Texas’s administration said they didn’t

want to play New Mexico in our home stadium because we were just coming off the San Diego State win where they had three straight false starts (penalties) in the second overtime because our fans were so loud. So, we decided to go to the Rate Bowl, and played against a really good team. (Note: the Lobos lost to Minnesota 20-17 in overtime.)

ON STARRING IN UNM’S POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING SKITS CJE: It’s really a lot of fun, and people really seem to enjoy them. We have different groups of people who put those together and plan them out, and I just play my role and we all have a blast with it. ON THE ABQ DINING SCENE CJE: I think the food here is great. We’ve mostly lived in small college towns, so this is the big city for us. We already found

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PERSONALITY several restaurants we love, like Vintage (423), which isn’t too far from our house. And Restaurant Antiquity was recommended to us, and it’s been nice. KIMBERLY ECK: I really like M’tucci’s

(Bar Roma) in Nob Hill for Italian food, and also Pizzeria Luca, which is a cute little place and a great spot to take the kids. It’s always a challenge to find places where you can take a large family.

CJE: In June we celebrated our anniver-

sary with a little dinner and staycation at Los Poblanos. We ate at Campo restaurant, which is now on my list of beautiful places to eat. I’ve also enjoyed the food from Nexus Brewery, they do a lot of catering for the (football) team. We’ve made a big investment in nutrition for the players, and it’s a big budget expense, but when you win, no one worries about it. (laughs)–

What The Eck? SWEET ABOUT JASON AND KIMBERLY’S LOVE STORY

Kimberly cuts the coach’s hair, which he styles with pride, although “when I first met her, I used fancy hair products, but now after 5 kids, I just get the big tub of gel from Dollar Tree.”

His accent is hard to pinpoint. “I’ve lived in 13 or 14 states, so my speech is kind of a hodge-podge,” admits Eck.

They met in their early 20s in a Wisconsin bar where Jason was doing security work, and he started chatting up Kimberly. “I honestly fell head over heels right away,” she says. “He got my number and that was it.”

He’s got handyman skills around the house, “but only if it takes 20 minutes or less,” Eck confesses. “If it takes, like, two hours, I get frustrated.” Coach says he’s more Sinatra than Elvis. “You’d think Elvis because of my sideburns, but no,” he says.

He says Kimberly teases him about all the female pop singers on his playlist. “He really likes Sabrina Carpenter,” says Kimberly. “That’s his crush.”

One of their favorite couple activities? Getting pedicures together. “That,” he says, “is something I really enjoy.”

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BEHINDTHESCENES

YOUR SN EA K PEEK AT JOBS THAT F LY BELOW THE RA DAR

Practice Makes Professionals Armed with advanced simulation technology, Presbyterian’s Healthcare Advanced Learning Lab (HALL) is training the next generation of medical professionals across Albuquerque —and throughout the entire state of New Mexico.

I PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

f you can envision a medical scenario, odds are that Presbyterian’s Healthcare Advanced Learning Lab (HALL) has a simulation for it. Originally a call center, the 25,200 square foot learning lab boasts a total of eight simulation rooms to help, as HALL manager Micah Garner likes to say, “bridge the gap” from school to the hospital. The rooms — which include settings such as a family practice clinic, ICU, delivery room, emergency department, pediatric, surgery, post-and pre-op and even an apartment — are designed to re-create any number of contingencies one might encounter in the healthcare field. Garner’s own background includes a stint as a military flight nurse, where the “practice like you play” mantra was imperative. Passing that philosophy on to a variety of medical professionals through hands-on training can only serve to benefit the healthcare industry throughout the state.

“It makes them so much better prepared when they’re at the bedside, and they actually have to perform this. We like to get that stress inoculation, that adrenaline going,” Garner says. According to a press release from Presbyterian, the HALL “onboarded 1,176 new staff members, hosted more than 1,000 trainings and conducted 97 high-fi-

delity simulation events” in 2025 alone. Moreover, the HALL is the only simulation lab in New Mexico to receive professional accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). A team of five keeps the HALL running smoothly: Garner as manager, two nurses and two simulation technologists. In the apartment simulation, which is

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geared toward home health and hospice workers, attention to detail is paramount. The setup features everything one might expect in a typical residence, complete with a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. For a potential scenario, the HALL team might have an ashtray placed near an open oxygen tank, or old newspapers laying near the stove — hazards that could easily be overlooked by patients. The HALL staff even steps in to role play on occasion. For example, Garner could be sitting in the room with a plastic shotgun, and it’s the trainee’s job to figure out how to navigate the situation properly. “What our cue for our staff is…don’t freak out, try and run for the gun,” Garner explains. “You just want to call (to the patient), ‘Hey, listen, I see you have your firearm out.’ You can go ahead and secure that for me. And then we can go ahead and do our procedures and handle things.”

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Circumstances change in the delivery room simulation, where instead of actors, programmable mannequins (or manikins, in hospital vernacular) — including a pregnant mother, a newborn and a premature newborn — test participants’ aptitude in a variety of neonatal situations. The babies, for example, will move on their own and respond accordingly to different types of stimulation. There’s also an LED light built in to provide cues for various issues: red for feverish, green for nauseous and yellow for jaundiced, to name a few. The HALL team can get quite specific when programming these patient simulators, setting up different scenarios for blood pressure, heart rates and lung sounds. HALL staff can even speak through some simulators to provide verbal prompts during training sessions. “We can hook them up to monitors so we can see their heart tracings, we can feel pulses, we can listen to sounds. We can shove a tube down (their) throat,” Garner says. “Everything we do in real life, we can do with these guys.” The pregnant mother manikin is

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equipped to simulate postpartum hemorrhage, a common complication during delivery. “She can hemorrhage out up to four liters,” Garner says. “We have all these tasks and things that we need to do to stop and to prevent it… So having practice this kind of thing is hopefully going to help some of that maternal mortality really decrease.” All the various simulation exercises are monitored in a control room, where staff can observe without being seen while also influencing the conditions. It’s a little like being The Wizard of Oz, Garner says. “We want to take ourselves out of the room,” he explains. “(You) don’t want to see the master behind the curtain, right?” While only a couple staff members might take part in a simulation at any given time, the rest of a group can view the procedure via video in one of five classrooms. That way, everyone can benefit and learn without actively participating. “One of the things I love about what we get to do here versus nursing school or med school, is they will let you continue down the wrong path and then give you

your failing grade at the end of the day and say, ‘Better luck next time,’” Garner says. “..So if I see them going down the wrong way, I will take a timeout… We just start from there and have them go down the right path.” Earlier this year, the HALL added a mobile simulation vehicle to expand training access to rural and regional areas to further expand its reach. The HALL program isn’t limited to Presbyterian employees, either. Medical professionals and students from other hospitals and all over the state are welcome to participate in the training. As Garner sees it, healthcare workers from UNM and Lovelace could become colleagues one day. The facility is also a major selling point when it comes to retaining medical talent in the state. “We’re pretty confident that this side of the Mississippi, this is probably the largest simulation center like this that is not attached to (a university). You won’t see another hospital system like it that has this kind of training capabilities,” Garner says. “So it’s definitely a draw.” — TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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BEHINDTHESCENES

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CREATIVES P. 130 // STORYTELLERS P. 132 // TIEMPO P. 136

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A PULSE CHECK ON ALBUQUERQUE’S ART, MUSIC AND THEATER SCENE

Painting Stories Into Art

“‘Hazama’ is the space in between two objects or between two identities,” says artist Joshua Mizusawa. He titled this piece of work “Hazama” after the concept. Mizusawa shares how and why Japanese symbolism informs his art (p. 130). AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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CREATIVES DIP INTO THE PERFECTLY MIXED PALETTE OF ABQ’S ART AND ARTISTS

Four years ago, Joshua Mizusawa left the corporate world behind, and he hasn’t look looked back since.

ike many young artists, Joshua Mizusawa was told from an early age that when he went off to college he should focus on something that would make him money, and that the art could always come “later”. Mizusawa grew up on the Westside of Albuquerque in a half-Hispanic half-Japanese household and studied “the furthest thing you can get from anything creative”—finance and economics—at UNM. He spent much of his 20s climbing his way up the corporate ladder before going out on his own into the world of Airbnb arbitrage, only to be stopped by the pandemic and forced to return to the corporate world. But for him, the art didn’t come. The stress and long hours left him with little creative drive and so the piles of art supplies and sketch books he had accumulated through college and high school sat untouched in some closet. “Just as soon as the corporate job came around, I just kind of put it in the closet,” he said. “I always told myself I’m going to take those out one day and keep doing

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art.” About four years ago, Mizusawa took a long shower and realized that he hated what he was doing. He took six months’ worth of savings and told his wife, “I gotta figure out this art thing or else I’m probably going to die from high blood pressure.” Now at 30, Mizusawa spends his days working in his own art studio painting acrylic on wood portraits defined by their

crisp linework and bright colors. Part of that initial decision, he says, came from watching his father and others spend their lives in that same corporate environment: “I’ve seen him get laid off after putting 30 years of his life into a company. I’ve seen people work in an office with no windows and retire and get a pizza party and plastic plaque.” But after so much time away from the creative process, those first few pieces sketched out at his kitchen table more closely resembled portraits of Mr. Potato Head than people, he said. It wasn’t until he created a piece for his wife that he knew he was moving in the right direction. “I didn’t have any money, and I was trying to figure out a gift for my wife for Christmas. So I found a picture of her

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

CORPORATE TO CREATIVE

and her dad, and I was like, ‘okay I’m just going to spend seven hours doing this— making a beautiful graphite portrait for her and her dad.’ I did that with like 50 cents of paper and 15 hours of time, and I gave it to her at dinner. It was probably the most emotional reaction I’ve ever received from somebody.” “From there I was like, ‘holy moly, art is this thing that—if done right, if done with the right intentions—can have this powerful impact on people.” Mizusawa began to lean further into those intentions, and shortly thereafter created a piece titled “Unfulfilled,” a representation of how he felt in the corporate jobs, and among his earliest use of the Japanese Oni mask that has become a reoccurring motif in his work. His works quickly gained traction, partly thanks to the explosion of shortform video content. Three videos each hitting millions of views netted him nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram. He’s since been able to feature his works in local art shows and galleries and according to his estimates, is making a little bit more now than he would have had he stayed in the corporate world.

Among his many inspirations, Mizusawa studies manga artists in particular, whom he considers masters of perspective and anatomy. “They’re these powerhouses of creativity. Most people don’t know that they write the story and produce the artwork themselves…” he said. “I’ve been trying to study them and how they’ve learned and just incorporate that into my artwork.” Known for producing highly-detailed work under tight deadline schedules, Mizusawa has seemingly adopted some of the work ethics of manga artists as well. The artist usually begins each morning with a red pencil and paper, sketching and practicing a certain aspect of the craft. “Then, at the end, I force myself to come up with an idea. Two thumbnail sketches—just a concept. Maybe I have some sort of idea that’s itching at me, and I get it out on paper. And from there, I spend the rest of the day exploring both of those concepts, mapping it out and making the composition in pencil.” He then scans the piece onto his iPad to render it digitally and get a better idea of what he’d like the final piece to look like before transferring it to wood. He can

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spend days matching paint before he begins to put it all together. “Then, I use something like a pinstriping brush—a fine line brush—to finish it off. And that’s the whole process.” Returning to art has, in general, given him the opportunity reconnect with Japanese culture in ways that he hadn’t really investigated. While he’s partial to New Mexican sunsets and has incorporated them into his work, he’s become quite attached to the symbolism and ascribed meaning in Japanese folklore and artifacts. Alongside the Oni mask—which represents strength, sadness and betrayal— samurai, kimono and lotus flowers are present throughout his work. “I try to take concepts that I felt and that people have felt throughout time. (In Japan) there’s this concept called ‘mono no aware,’ which means ‘the subtle sadness of the passing of time.’ It just means that flowers are beautiful because you know they’ll die, summer is important because eventually there’s winter.” “I feel like these are just good life lessons for people.” –DANIEL LARLHAM JR.

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STORYTELLERS

A MONTHLY ROUND UP OF ABQ’S LOCAL MEDIA MESSENGERS

IT’S PAYBACK TIME he strangest thing about Payback might not be its emotional-support iguana character named Nacho—it’s the fact that many readers assume author Elizabeth Rose Quinn invented the payto-stay prison system at the center of the novel. “I’m so sorry. I’m not that creative,” she jokes. But creativity definitely isn’t an issue. It takes a special kind of imagination to turn a lesser-known correctional model—one where inmates pay a premium to stay in a luxury facility or even serve their sentence solely on the weekends, as is the case in this novel—into a dark comedic thriller while still asking thoughtful questions about justice, privilege, and accountability. Using her 15-year career in television writing, Quinn has done exactly that in Payback. ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: What inspired the idea for Payback? ELIZABETH ROSE QUINN: Learning

about the existence of the pay-to-stay prison system was wild. I couldn’t believe not only that it was real, but that they’re everywhere and no one talks about them. I learned about the existence of it in 2016, and I’ve been trying to find the right story to tell in that setting. It’s been really interesting because I unfortunately am getting a lot of credit for “inventing this.” No— this is totally real. ATM: What surprised you most during your research? ERQ: When you get into the actual statis-

tics of the prison, probation, and parole system, they’re so jarring because it’s just an abject failure—and that’s not even outsiders saying that. It’s people who are in the system saying, “This is not working.” We just disappear people into the system and then don’t listen to them, so to hear people who are probation officers, parole officers, or correctional officers saying, “This is a mess. You have to fix it,” it’s like, if we all agree that this is a mess, why is it never changing?

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PAYBACK By Elizabeth Rose Quinn 276 pages $16.99 (paperback)

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ATM: What was your mission with this book? ERQ: I think my mission with this book

is to say, I don’t think it’s immoral that pay-to-stay exists. I think it’s immoral that it’s only offered to people who can pay for it. If we already have alternatives to incarceration available, why aren’t we utilizing them to give people a chance to atone their transgressions without inflicting harm on them and their families and their communities? We already have the solution in so many ways. Why aren’t we using it?

ATM: What conversations do you hope readers have after finishing the book? ERQ: I just hope they have empathy for

people in this book that they didn’t at the beginning. And maybe it allows them to extend that empathy to real people who have made real mistakes. No one in this book is innocent, and that’s by design, but we can’t just throw people away, and we can’t make police and prison the only solution we have.

ATM: Outside of your writing you also work as a psychotherapist—does that

knowledge and experience inform your fiction? ERQ: The muscle is the same—you look

at people or you look at characters and you think, what do you want, and why can’t you get it? What created the patterns of behavior that make up your life? One person is a human in front of me, and I get to unpack their mysteries with them. The others are characters that I invent, and I get to make sure they feel whole.

ATM: Payback tackles serious themes but also has sharp humor and some gruesome moments. How do those elements work together? ERQ: I have these three different poles

that I’m working through. I have the societal question that I want to interrogate in my book. I have the fun, the joy, the popcorn thriller, the comedy. And then there’s also violence. I feel like those three things—the more I heighten one, the more I can heighten the other two. The funnier I make it, the more gory I can make it. The funnier I make it, the more I can push on a societal question. They all work like a little braid to get to the end.

–SI

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STORYTELLERS WHAT: Biweekly podcast highlighting conversations with local educators, policymakers, and innovators WHO: Manuel González, New Mexico State Poet Laureate WHERE: Listeners can find episodes for free on all major platforms, along with video recordings on W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s YouTube channel (@kelloggfoundation)

n many New Mexican households, conversations truly begin when the sopapillas are being passed around the table. That’s the vision around the Pass the Sopapillas podcast—with an intentional twist. “Instead of talking about the issues and problems in New Mexico, we’re talking about the solutions,” host Manuel González shares. The podcast, presented by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, aims to change the narrative around what it means to be from New Mexico by spotlighting the people working to strengthen their communities. “It’s about holding a mirror to our people and showing our brilliance,” González says. “We’re innovators—we’re the first when it comes to early childhood education, feeding children in schools—especially when it comes to our culture and what we represent.” As New Mexico’s current Poet Laureate, González sees the podcast as a natural extension of his work. “I represent the city, the state, and this art form,” he explains. “One of my responsibilities is to collect these stories and narratives across

the state. Our stories hold medicine.” Despite having launched only recently in May of 2026, Pass the Sopapillas has already featured several powerful conversations, including one with La Plazita Institute, an organization that uses culture and spirituality to help change the trajectory of at-risk youth. González looks forward to continuing to ignite conversations among New Mexicans, whether at a boardroom table or the dinner table. As he reminds listeners, “When we all do better, we all do better.” –SI

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PASS THE SOPAPILLAS PODCAST I

WHAT: Instagram account spotlighting underhyped book reviews and recs WHO: Neeta, avid reader and book reviewer WHERE: Follow @brewdy_reader on Instagram and Goodreads

ost people finish a great book and recommend it to a friend—Neeta recommends it to her nearly 15,000 followers on Instagram. What started as a small account in 2023 to share book reviews has bloomed into a community of engaged readers looking for their next read. But on Neeta’s page, you won’t find solely the viral titles that are sweeping through Bookstagram. “I try to emphasize underrepresented authors and stories,” she shares. “They just don’t get as much hype.”

Neeta initially relied on the public library, Libby app, and buying books herself when the account was new, though she’s since become increasingly sought after by the publishing industry. “Now I’m receiving all these advanced-reader copies of books and reading them pre-published,” she exclaims, sharing that she has so many books now, “I need to start a Free Little Library!” While the complimentary books are a nice perk, they’re not what keeps Neeta turning the pages. “I want it to remain a hobby and a fun thing,” she says. Building connections with fellow readers, meeting authors, joining local groups, and exploring new ideas with every book keep her posting content. “That’s the thing about books,” Neeta says. “I’m always learning something new.” –SI

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BREWDY READER

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TIEMPO ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

SCINTILLATING SOUNDS

SOUND MOVIES

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Chris Meyer

tography. With a degree in computer science and a stint at Stanford’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics—“where I got the bug for computer music,” he says—Coker began doing performances of his electronic music in the Chicago area around 1993. His obsession with electronic and experimental music led to the creation of Five12 Inc. (five12.com), which produces legendary sequencing software and hardware. As Meridian Alpha, Coker composes and performs electronic music that one fan described as “soundtracks to the coolest sci-fi film I have yet to see.” You can check out his work online by searching “Jim Coker, Five12.” The two met in 2017 at New Mexico Control Voltage, an informal collective of musicians who use electronics. From that

connection, the idea of Sandia Soundscapes evolved. “We both believe that there are people who . . . are interested in electronic music but don’t want something that’s dance music,” says Coker. “They want to be surprised without being shocked. And the goal of Sandia Soundscapes is to build that audience.” Meyer and Coker also wanted to make things right for musicians. To address their objectives, they built Sandia Soundscapes on four pillars: 1. Treat the musicians with respect (get them paid). 2. Represent them the way they want to be represented. 3. Respect the audience (run the show on time—have a schedule and stick to it). 4. Build the audience/musician connection. Meyer says that many people, even those familiar with this muCONTINUED ON PG 139

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hris Meyer and Jim Coker have had a hand in just about every facet of electronic and electro-acoustic music— as inventors, software developers, educators, composers, performing musicians, and fans—and they’ve recently added a new line to their résumés: founders of the presenting organization Sandia Soundscapes. They feel there is an audience for this music in Albuquerque, and judging from the standing-room-only crowd at The Cell in May, when they presented Michael Stearns, one of the preeminent composers of electro-acoustic music (“Baraka,” “The Mystery of Chaco Canyon”), it looks like they’re on to something. Meyer, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, was directed away from a musical career by his parents and went and got himself an engineering degree and designed a number of electronic music devices for various prominent companies. When he and his wife moved here from Los Angeles in 2008, finding Albuquerque a welcoming spot for their expertise in motion graphics—“We got tired of working for psychotic producers in Hollywood,” he says—Meyer decided to return to his first love, making music. As Alias Zone, he composes and performs electro-acoustic music, a highly cinematic montage of electronic and acoustic instruments, field recordings, and voice, and he’s teaching others how to use modular synthesizers. You can find him at aliaszone.com. Coker, a native of Meridian, Mississippi, arrived in Albuquerque in 1998, drawn by his interest in landscape pho-

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AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Artha Meadors—and continues his award-winning ways, with single releases earning Best Pop Song, Best R&B Song, Best Adult Contemporary Song, and Best Recording Engineer at the New Mexico Music Awards. Crowder’s expressive and often sunny vocals ride on consistently tight arrangements, tothe-point lyrics, and irresistibly danceable beats, extolling the power of love (“A Little Love”) and faith (“Gotta Find a Way”), lamenting how the everyday can grind down our dreams (“Everyday Eyes”), condemning racial hatred (“Streets Are Burning”), weighing the risk of romantic love (“Off of My Mind”), monkeying around (the highly kinetic “Monkey Down”), and more. The album releases August 28 on Bandcamp and roncrowdermusic.com, with digital, CD, and vinyl available on both. You’ll also find CD and vinyl at the Albuquerque release party on August 28 at Fusion, promoted by AMP Concerts, and at Crowder’s gigs. A Santa Fe release party will be held at a date and place TBD. –MEL MINTER

Be sure to check out Musically Speaking, Mel’s online music journal, at www.melminter.com.

If you’d like to share something with “¡tiempo!” readers, e-mail editor@abqthemag.

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sic, may “have no clue how this music is played or why the composer chose to make this music, and I really wanted to close that gap.” Each event begins with an interview of the performers by Meyer to give the audience an insight into the composer’s process and intentions. The music is produced in high-fidelity quadrophonic sound. Video cameras are focused on the performer so the audience can better see how they work musical tools that are unfamiliar to many. Jim Coker Sandia Soundscapes is currently presenting concerts on a quarterly basis at The Cell. August 13 features the Siphonophores, an improvisaing “Holy Ground” relives the exuerant tion-based project featuring Jesse Tatum recklessness of teenagers who knew the on flute, Peter Gilbert on electronics, and price of nothing and didn’t care to know, Nick Tauro, Jr., with projected images. On before encountering the ultimate price. October 3, WARR guitarist Trey Gunn “Through” looks for a way forward once and sound artist David Forlano take the a couple’s heated love has cooled in the stage as Gunn Forlano for an evening of face of everyday life. “King of the World” ambient music, and C3 (Denver’s Chris captures the emptiness of the digital kingCardone) will treat your ears to crystal dom. Thunder and W o nder have probowls, a six-string bass, and a modular duced a deeply musical work of profound synth. feeling, heartfelt insight, and hard-won Get all the info and tickets at sandiawisdom Available on the usual streaming soundscapes.com, where you can also services and Bandcamp. connect with Meyer and Coker. Singer/songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and multi-instrumentalist NEW RELEASES Ron Crowder’s latest album, “Moving at the Speed of Life,” features a who’s who Singer/songwriter Micah Thunder’s of backing musicians—Greg Bisonette, “Wounded Healer” (Monsoon Music Kebbi Williams, Chris Ishee, Daniel House) offers a collection of heartbreakAlex Murzyn, Robert Muller, and Ward, ingly and upliftingly personal and poignant songs delivered with an undefended vulnerability. Thunder could take his acoustic guitar and perform these songs solo to captivating effect, but here he fronts a full band, with executive producer Edgar Wonder playing nearly all of the instruments—various guitars and keyboards, drums and percussion, bass, strings. The finely crafted arrangements take the songs to a different level, deepening the already powerful feelings in Thunder’s poetic lyrics, expressive melodies, and vocal performance. The album’s 12 tracks cover a wide range of experience with many high points. The heartrend-

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EATS P. 142 // EATS, ETC. P. 146 // MY FAVORITE RECIPE P. 152 // BITES P. 154

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A TASTE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ABQ’S WORLD OF WINE, SPIRITS, AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

Sips and Sights

The Strawberry Social is just one of the intentionally curated cocktails found at Volaré Rooftop Bar. The menu even boasts a full list of spirit-free mocktails for those who don’t wish to imbibe but still want some bubbles with their breathtaking rooftop view (p. 142).

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VOLARÉ ROOFTOP BAR

An elevated Albuquerque experience where you can catch both east and west views of the city.

hey took a parking lot and transformed it into one of the most breathtaking views in the city. That was the impetus behind the Volaré Rooftop Bar, which opened in August 2024 and is located on the seventh floor of The Element Hotel in Albuquerque’s Uptown area. The east side patio gives visitors a glimpse of the Sandia Mountains, while the bar’s west side provides sunset scenes. It’s fitting then, that Volare means “to fly” in Latin and Italian. “We have great food, we have great staff, great drinks and an incredible view every time people come up. It’s the one thing everyone mentions,” says General Manager Diana Roman. “It’s something we can all get together and talk about and just enjoy Albuquerque, the ambiance.”

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“We don’t have any televisions at Volaré, so it definitely is more of a welcoming environment to get together with your close ones, have a small meeting, (or) hang out and talk to the bartenders. It really is just about being welcoming and providing a very memorable experience for anyone.” The menu was intentionally crafted to complement that environment. There are snackables like wings, chips and queso and Mushroom Crostini; healthy bowls filled with plenty of veggies and a variety of flatbreads — including a build-yourown option. Dessert options include a S’mores Cake, though the marshmallow is roasted for you in advance. A signature dish is the Bacon Wrapped Dates, a Volaré staple stuffed with goat cheese that

has Roman waxing poetic. “It’s really hard for me not to eat them all the time,” she admits. Meanwhile, the Charcuterie Board has a carefully curated selection of local products ideal for combining with a drink and some rooftop vibes. In a sense, it encapsulates the philosophy behind the entire food menu. “Because of our small space, our kitchen is limited. So we focus more on smaller plates, things that aren’t too messy,” Roman says. “People can have conversations while eating food and having good drinks.” The drink menu is highlighted by what Roman refers to as a “fresh, citrus, botanical type of style” with offerings such as The Daisy (tequila with muddled or-

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EATS

ange, mango puree and ginger beer), the Strawberry Social (gin with elderflower, strawberry, lemon and sparkling Rosé) and That Mule is a Real Peach (bourbon with lemon juice, peach syrup and ginger beer). Other favorites include the Lavender Mojito and the Botanical Fizz. The bar program has managed to strike that perfect balance between following hotel standards while still keeping things interesting. “The Element by Marriott Hotel is a select type of brand that Marriott has, which is meant to be for guests who want that sustainable lifestyle,” Roman explains. “They want healthier options; they want a nice work-life balance. “…So we installed that same direction to Volaré. We want to do more craft

RELAX RECEPTION As an added amenity to their stay, hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary beer or wine from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the rooftop each day.

CHANGE IN PLANS Early on, Volaré had lawn games for customers as another rooftop attraction. However, the bar’s popularity necessitated additional seating in place of those games.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PATIO FOR HIRE Both Volaré patios are available to be rented out for private events and special occasions.

INDOOR OOHS AND AAHS Even if one is inside, there is a window behind the bar area that opens to allow guests to partake in the spectacular views.

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Volaré Rooftop Bar 2430 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 675-1400 volarerooftopbarabq.com

cocktails, some quality items that are fresh. When we create new items, we want that fresh feeling.” There’s also a beer and wine menu featuring local staples such as Steel Bender, Santa Fe Brewing, Ex Novo and Sheehan Winery, to name a few. The bar’s spirit-free offerings allow non-drinkers to get in on the fun with options such as the Light & Stormy — a blend of lime, pineapple, cinnamon, clove and ginger beer. When Volaré opened, the turnout was greater than anyone involved with the project expected. “Even when we built it, we didn’t think we’d get the demand and the attention that we did,” Roman says. “We anticipated a small start. But because we are welcom-

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ing, and we don’t really have a dress code, and we don’t have a certain audience we (target), we got very busy. When it comes to Volaré, the concept that we like is it’s for everyone.” Despite that unexpected initial surge of popularity, Volaré still has the feel of a diamond in the rough, a phenomenon that’s building a reputation via word of mouth instead of marketing. “After two years, I feel like there’s still so many guests that don’t know about us. A lot of people come and they love it. And they’ll bring someone. And those people will say, ‘I didn’t know you guys were here,’” Roman says. “It’s almost like a hidden oasis.”

FEATURED DISHES CHARCUTERIE BOARD, $35

Imported Genoa salami, imported Spanish chorizo, aged manchego, French style brie, jalapeño cherry peach compote, Marcona almonds, and dreamsicle mascarpone

BACON WRAPPED DATES, $15

Dates hand-stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped with bacon, and baked to order

LAVENDER MOJITO, $16

Empress Gin, Dry Vermouth, Lavender Syrup, Lemon Juice

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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Eats, Etc.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

A quick glance at two local eateries that you may or may not already know about.

Drizzled with dulce de leche sauce, the Tres Leche French Toast is a hit any time of day.

his isn’t your standard Duke City breakfast and brunch spot. “New Mexican restaurants are pretty predictable,” says co-owner Candice Billy. “And whether it’s huevos (rancheros) or churros, breakfast burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, asadas — it’s really a lot of the same. And all of that’s wonderful, and we absolutely love it. But we wanted something more like when we go out to eat in Phoenix or Denver or Dallas. “I love trying a croque madame. But, I want it with green chile. I want it with red chile. I want to make it New Mexican somehow.” The Chancla is a family-owned establishment run by Billy, a New Mexico native who grew up working in her mother’s kitchen before attending culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, and Jeremy Jourdian, a chef with more than 20

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years’ experience. It initially started as an after hours pop-up that served tamales to hungry patrons in Nob Hill. But when the couple learned that the building formerly occupied by Tia Betty Blue’s on San Mateo near Gibson was available, they quickly pounced on the opportunity to expand the brand. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the tradition of Hispanic mothers using sandals, or Chanclas, as a playful disciplinary tool. “We are first come, first served. We’re a counter service restaurant…You will get the chanclas if you take a table without a table number,” Billy quips. The restaurant opened in March 2025 and serves a unique menu that includes offerings such as Tres Leches French Toast, Blue Corn Chicken Chilaquiles (with XXX-hot green chile cream sauce) and four different kinds of eggs benedict,

or Benitos, as they are called on the menu. The Chicken Fried Steak is cooked Korean Style and, like many items, is gluten free. One can also find specials on the weekends, ranging from a bacon western cheeseburger to blueberry biscuits to Philly cheesesteak. Billy and Jourdian take pride in making everything in-house, using only the best ingredients possible. “A lot of people think we’re a little bit fancier because they come and they see the aesthetics, and they’re like, ‘Oh, no,’” Jourdian says. “But once they get the food, they’re a little bit more at ease.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

THE CHANCLA 1248 San Mateo Blvd SE (505) 503-1005 Instagram: thechanclaabq

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Eats, Etc.

Onwer Chuck Ruiz demonstrates the dough-tossing skills that go into creating the perfect crust.

A it.

s the old saying goes, “Don’t mess with success.” But it certainly doesn’t hurt to build upon

That was the philosophy adopted by Chuck Ruiz when he assumed ownership of Richie B’s, a popular New York-style pizza establishment, in 2019. What he quickly learned during an introductory period was that regulars were quite fond of the existing menu. “At that time I had all these ideas in my head: ‘I’m going to change this. I’m going to change that, make it my own,’” Ruiz recalls. “Instead of people being like, ‘Wow, congratulations,’ people were like, ‘Whoa, you’re not going to change anything, are you?’ … And I quickly saw that the community loved that place.” Fast forward to the present day, and Richie B’s continues to thrive with Ruiz at the helm. This summer, the establishment

moved from the Northeast Heights to a more modern location on the Westside. The menu, which consists primarily of pizza, subs and salads (the Philly Cheesesteak Sub is a former Hot Plate award winner) — remains largely unchanged. That doesn’t mean Ruiz hasn’t added his own touch. For example, Richie B’s was always known for its generous-sized slices. However, that reputation took on a life of its own with the introduction of the Monster Slice, which Ruiz says equates roughly to the size of an 18-inch pizza from the restaurant. “It’s rare to get a whole slice that is just like a cartoon,” Ruiz says. “We set it on the table, and people’s eyes pop out of their head. It’s just a whole unique experience.” Ruiz, who wanted to run a pizza shop since he was 15, has also showcased creativity with some of the restaurant’s spe-

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cialty slices. This includes the Thanksgiving slice, a major hit during the holidays, and another offering highlighted by a tamale crust. Ruiz has other creations in the lab, ready to unveil when the time is right. “Thankfully we’ve been able to strike gold a few times,” he says. Not visible on the online menu are the wings, which are baked and then fried. With flavors like Spicy Peach, these tend to sell quickly. “If you like crispy wings, these are right on point,” Ruiz says.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

A quick glance at two local eateries that you may or may not already know about.

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

RICHIE B’S 2220 Unser Blvd NW, Ste B (505) 312-8579 richiebsabq.com

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SPIRITSPOTLIGHT Ri ch

Fresh Zesty

A true Irish tavern is more than a place to grab a pint. It earns its reputation with character, tradition, and just the right amount of swagger. A meaningful name, a menu packed with hearty pub fare, and a whiskey selection worthy of a long conversation—Two Fools Tavern delivers on every front. Then it goes a step further, pairing its Albuquerque-born Irish soul with a cocktail program that’s every bit as impressive as the stout pouring from the taps. As late-summer afternoons melt into cooler evenings, the Mint Whiskey Smash feels right at home. Maker’s Mark bourbon meets housemade mint simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a float of Pimm’s for a cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing and robust. It’s the kind of drink that cools you down without sacrificing an ounce of character. Available throughout the hottest months of the year, it hibernates quietly while living on the “secret menu” long after summer fades. –GG

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

MINT WHISKEY SMASH

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A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

MARISA MAGALLANEZ WITH HER MOM, DIANA

WITH

MARISA MAGALLANEZ

rowing up near Las Cruces, Marisa Magallanez didn’t have to look far to learn about the effect that smalltown values had on people. “Both of my parents are deeply generous. My mom moved beautifully in our community, whether it was helping neighbors or our schools,” says Magallanez, whose hometown is Mesquite, N.M. “And my dad was always giving things to people. The joke was, in elementary school, a friend would be like, ‘I need a belt,’ and my dad would give him his belt, even though it was 10 sizes too big.” This influence on Magallanez was certainly no joke. She’s spent the past two decades working in the ABQ nonprofit world since earning her MBA from UNM. And this past January she was named CEO and President of the Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF), the state’s largest charity endowment hub that helps manage and administer programs and donations for hundreds of New Mexico nonprofits. “Because of where I come from, I’m completely an optimist,” says Magallanez, 44. “I’m relentless in my love and belief in New Mexicans and New Mexico.” She also credits the influence of Eva

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Enciñias, the founder of ABQ-based National Institute of Flamenco, where Magallanez began working right after college. “She taught me so much about energy and work. Plus, her tenacity in keeping flamenco alive and growing for the community, that really shaped me in how I think about work and leadership,” says Magallanez, who spent 14 years at the organization. Since joining ACF in 2019, she’s helped grow the group’s assets (now over $180 million) and update its mission, and helped create the organization’s new strategic plan. As with most nonprofits, leaders must naturally be comfortable with fundraising—a reality that Magallanez is well aware of. “A huge part of what we do (at ACF) is to try and activate and build philanthropy, and identify generous people in our community who want to help,” she says. “It was definitely something I had to teach myself. I’m going to say this might be true for many of my fellow New Mexicans, that we have cultures of philanthropy deeply, but we don’t look at ourselves as philanthropists. Giving is just what we do.” Magallanez says her ascension has been fairly “seamless,” in part due to the fact that she was the Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation for six and a half years.

“And I had a lot of support from our team and from my predecessor, Randy (Royster, who led ACF for 20 years before retiring at the end of 2025). I think I’m in a wonderful place to lead the organization.” Through her initial six months on the job, she says a recurring theme is her audacity to ask, ‘What if?’ and ‘Why not?’ when it comes to possibilities for the Foundation. It’s a sense of optimism Magallanez says rubbed off on her from her mom, Diana, during her upbringing with family in Mesquite and Española. A tradition they share can be found in a Cherry Cream Cheese Pie that mom always made (and continues to make) for her on special occasions. “It was always my favorite, favorite dessert,” says Magallanez. “It’s such a special thing for me that on my birthday, my mom always made it for me instead of birthday cake.” So, was the dish a longtime traditional family recipe? “When I asked my mom, she laughed and told me she had just found it one day on the back of a pie crust package,” says Magallanez, who agreed to our request to include her mom—and her mom’s version of the pie—in the photo shoot. “I’ve made the pie many times, but I prefer for my mom to make it for me.”

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PHOTOS BY TONY TOSTE

CEO, Albuquerque Community Foundation

ARECIPEFORSUCCESS

Cherry Cheese Cream Pie Ingredients

Directions

1 8 OUNCE PACKAGE CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED

Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to prevent the pie from being lumpy.

1 14 OUNCE CAN SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 1/3 CUP LEMON JUICE 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT 1 READY-MADE GRAHAM CRACKER PIE CRUST 1 CAN CHERRY PIE FILLING (REFRIGERATED)

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Place the cream cheese, condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix until creamy and smooth.

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Spread the cream cheese mixture into the pie crust, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours. Top the chilled pie with the chilled canned pie filling and return it to the refrigerator until completely chilled. Serve cold and enjoy!

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BITES

OUR EATS ALUMNI, CONDENSED INTO PERFECTLY SIZED SNACKS TO TAKE WITH YOU ON THE GO

think out of the box for a sight that’s almost too good to eat every time. Almost. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, macarons–this is basically heaven, even if you’ve only got a tiny sweet tooth.

POLICY: “Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area eating establishments compiled by Albuquerque The Magazine’s editorial staff. These restaurants have been featured previously in the “Eats” department of the magazine. Restaurants may or may not accept reservations or major credit cards, so call before visiting.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN 6083 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-5700 abuelitasnewmexicankitchen.com

3128 Central Ave SE (505) 461-3128 IG: @3128socialhouse

ALBUQUERQUE CITY LIMITS 3211 Coors Blvd SW, Ste. F4 (505) 873-8959 abqcitylimits.com

2027 Yale Blvd SE (505) 916-0331 the377brewery.com

This dive aims to provide food that makes you feel at home. Dishes like made-from-scratch meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and savory brown gravy, homemade salsa, or a fan favorite—natillas—bear uncanny resemblances to the dishes mom used to make.

This European-inspired gastropub features tried and true favorites—like a house burger made with ground New Mexico beef and a rotating selection of fish—that all come with a bit of an upscale twist. Choose from a diverse array of innovative cocktails—and mocktails, too!—at this trendy Nob Hill spot.

THE 377 BREWERY

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

CORRECTIONS: Please send corrections and suggestions to bites@abqthemag.com.

3128 SOCIAL HOUSE

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO 3216 Silver Ave SE (505) 266-2305 ajiacobistro.com

Inside the intimate space, you’ll find combination plates, arroz con pollo, arepas, plantains, and of course, a great cup of Colombian coffee. The dishes at Ajiaco combine indigenous Colombian, Spanish, African, and Arab flavors for a truly thrilling experience.

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & GROCERY 5555 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 888-2921 alqudsnm.com

Check out the funky metal and wood sign of The 377 Brewery. This warehouse-style structure is a little off-thebeaten path but they’ve got multiple creative drinks and meaty entrees just an order away. Along with burgers, nachos, and burritos, the Fish and Chips have been labeled as the best in the city.

Owner Mohamad Abdel Jalil and his sons run this all-inone operation—a small grocery store and Middle East restaurant—seven days a week. This family team makes fresh pita bread every day and serves platefuls of their delicious hummus. It’s a great spot for lunch on-the-go.

66 DINER

501 Copper Ave NW (505) 314-1118 alsbigdipper.com

1405 Central Ave NE (505) 247-1421 66diner.com

This blast from the past specializes in burgers, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, and blue-plate specials, including the Pile Up: a mound of pan-fried potatoes, chopped bacon, green chile, two eggs, cheddar cheese, and red or green chile sauce on top.

ABC CAKE SHOP

1830 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 255-5080 abccakeshop.com

Specializing in custom cakes and baked goods for all occasions, this bakery focuses on freshness and flavor. Everything is made from scratch, including the cupcakes, cookies, pies, danishes, pastries, and other desserts.

ABQ SWEET SPOT

9250 Golf Course Rd NW, Ste. D (505) 900-3814 abqsweetspot.net

Cleverly-decorated cakes and cookies are as easy as your everyday chocolate chip cookie for these bakers who

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AL’S BIG DIPPER

From the beginning, Al’s Big Dipper has been a family affair. Every sandwich is named after a family member, and the owners test every soup they make. Try the 505 Lunch Deal—a cup of soup, a grilled cheese sandwich and a homemade cookie for only $5.05.

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA 1690 Pat D’Arco Hwy, Unit E plus 1 other metro location (505) 892-2026 aldosalbuquerque.com

With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS

1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103 (505) 896-4555 aliceasnybagelssubsabq.com

diners, using fresh-baked New York–style bagels and meats prepared in house for the likes of its Philly Steak and Cheese or the Cuban. Come hungry, because Alicea’s portions are not for the faint of heart. Can’t get out? Delivery options in Rio Rancho and parts of ABQ are also available when that hunger pang strikes.

585 Osuna Rd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-5555 amadeospizza.com

This family-run pizza place believes that there truly are a million different ways to make a pizza. Using fresh, highquality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA 6110 Alameda Blvd Ne, #3 (505) 554-1967 amoreabq.com

After relocating to Albuquerque from Naples, Italy, Gabriel and Kimberly Amador missed Neapolitan pizza. The husband and wife team, certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), opened Amore, bringing a slice of Italy to Albuquerque. A Neapolitan brick oven fires delicious pizzas, such as the Margherita and the Zia, for 60 to 90 seconds at 905 degrees Fahrenheit. Local beer and wine compliment the pies perfectly.

ANA’S KITCHEN

6004 Edith Blvd NE (505) 341-0055

Off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the deviation. Ana’s Kitchen is rooted in family recipes and hearty homestyle meals. This good old-fashioned combination of American classics and New Mexican comfort food ensures that no one leaves hungry and everyone enjoys themselves in the process.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ$ 5200 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. E7 plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424 chaishoppe.com

Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, healthconscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT 112 Romero St NW (505) 247-3545 antiquityrestaurant.com

$$$$

Antiquity Restaurant is located just off historic Old Town Plaza. Antiquity holds the distinction of being the only restaurant in Albuquerque to serve the Henry IV—a bacon-wrapped filet mignon placed on a bed of artichoke leaves, topped with an artichoke heart and covered with béarnaise sauce.

This East Coast–style deli on ABQ’s Westside is serving up 20 different sandwiches to Rio Rancho’s hungriest

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BITES

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

A NEW KIND OF PIZZA BAGEL Urban 360 is no stranger to getting experimental with its pizza toppings. With offerings such as The Shrimp, The Thai Chicken, The Gyro and The Alfredo, diners don’t have to worry about getting bored with the same old pies. That unique lineup also includes the Smoked Salmon Pizza, which has a flavor profile that really doesn’t fit the category, according to co-owner Tyler Fabian. “We kind of just want to throw fish on a pizza — but more of like a bagel with cream cheese, like a salmon lox,” Fabian says. “It’s just pizza style.” The pizza includes a cream cheese base, mozzarella, capers, onion and a special bagel seasoning on the crust. The salmon is smoked beforehand and added to the pizza, where the final product is cooked in a red stone pizza oven for an especially crispy crust. “People like it. It’s just that some people are just set on simpler pizzas,” Fabian says. But we always get good feedback; people always finish it.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Urban 360 Pizzeria

SMOKED SALMON PIZZA, $20.50 (PERSONAL), $27.50 (LARGE)

2119 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2384 urban360pizza.com

AREPAS EL PANA

317 Central Ave NW (505) 808-1707 arepaselpana.com

Authentic Venezuelan fare is on the menu at Arepas El Pana. Whether you order empanadas, pollo guisado, yuca fries, and—of course—arepas, you know everything is made from scratch and with love.

ARTICHOKE CAFE

424 Central Ave SE (505) 243-0200 artichokecafe.com

$$$

This EDo fine-dining spot boasts a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence,” and for good reason. A veteran of the Duke City’s fine dining scene, Artichoke Café remains the best bet for a great lunch or evening out. Innovative dishes and European aperitifs served by staff that takes ownership of the experience, the location is also an ideal launchpad for downtown adventures.

ASIAN NOODLE BAR 318 Central Ave SW (505) 224-9119 asiannoodlebar.com

Every kind of noodle awaits at this Downtown eatery, from spicy sesame udon noodles to chicken pho with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime. Slurping has never been so tasty.

ASIAN PEAR

8101 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. D (505) 766-9405 asianpearabq.com

Specializing in healthy, authentic, Korean-style eats, this shop pleases the palate with delicious takes on BBQ chicken, kimchi pancakes, and flavorful bowls.

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN 2720 Central Ave SE (505) 503-8428 atasteofthecaribbeannm.com

A Taste of the Caribbean brings flavors from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad, and other islands of the vast region right to the Duke City. Friendly staff is available to offer advice to help those unfamiliar with Caribbean cuisine navigate the menu and find something they’ll love.

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

4701 San Mateo NE Plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800 azuma-sushi-teppan-abq.com

Pioneering the sushi game in Albuquerque for the past 20 years, Azuma is guaranteed to have your favorite roll, plus a house-made creation you won’t be able to resist. If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, step on over to the teppan side and be dazzled and delighted.

BACA BOYS CAFÉ

102 4th St NW (505) 200-0065 FB: @bacaboyscafe

Family is at the heart of this downtown spot, and you’ll know it walking through the doors. You’ll find good, simple New Mexican comfort foods and service that only comes from a local mom-and-pop place.

THE BAKEHOUSE OFF THE WHEATEN PATH $ 515 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 312-8252 IG: @thebakehouseoffthewheatenpath

Opened strictly as a gluten-free bakery, The Bakehouse Off The Wheaten Path offers delectable baked goods– like oatmeal cream pie or cinnamon rolls–for those with

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dietary restrictions. But really, anyone is welcome to enjoy–gluten-free or not. Vegan options are also available.

BANDIDO HIDEOUT

2128 Central Ave SE (505) 489-9865 bandidohideout.com

The masked luchador on the median might catch your attention, but venture inside Bandido Hideout, and you’ll be delighted by authentic south-of-the-border specials and a fun, festive, colorful interior.

BANH ME & U

5011 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 259-4701 banhmeu.com

Vietnamese comfort food meets a trendy yet laid-back vibe at locally-owned Banh Me & U, where diners are encouraged to sip on refreshing tea beverages while enjoying homemade banh mi sandwiches—plus newly added pho and spring rolls—in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

1502 4th St SW (505) 843-7577 FB: @thebarelascoffeehouse

This legendary neighborhood restaurant serves New Mexican dishes from the Gonzales family cookbook: menudo, posole, chicharrone burritos, and huevos rancheros–all smothered with its famous red or green chile.

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT $$ 1225 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 323-2594 basilleaf.us

Sure, Albuquerque offers a variety of Vietnamese eateries, but Basil Leaf elevates the everyday with healthy and fragrant versions of traditional noodle and soup

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BITES selections. They’ll even modify for any dietary desire. Celiacs and vegans, rejoice!

BEDROCK KITCHEN

BEST LEE’S

2003 Southern Blvd SE, #127 (505) 892-7887

According to owner Rhoby Schempp, Bedrock Kitchen provides its customers with a “solid foundation” for the day with nutritional breakfast and lunch options. Their meals range from vegan and vegetarian to clean meat dishes.

Specializing in American-Chinese and Cantonese Chinese cuisine, Best Lee’s has over 100 items on the menu. From fried rice to chicken dishes and everything in between. You can select your level of heat ranging from a little hot, all the way to extra hot, or for those not a fan of the heat, no spice. Popular items include General Tso’s Chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, and Mongolian Beef. Best Lee’s is a reliable choice for delicious simple Chinese food accompanied by friendly service.

BELLE’S URBAN DELI

BIG MIKE’S BURGERS AND MORE

5333 4th St NW (505) 545-9460 bedrock-kitchen.com

3650 Corrales Rd, Ste. G (505) 548-2009 Bellesurbandeli.square.site

Is there anything better than a good sandwich? How about a sandwich made on in-house made Japanese milk bread with truly unique flavors, like lox and goat cheese. Add to that a pickle bar where you can try everything from the classic dill to fermented green chile - how could you resist?

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT 2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct NW (505) 267-6827 FB: @BenMichaelsRestaurant

The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservative-free and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN 1675 Bosque Farms Blvd (505) 869-2210

Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include red-chile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, double-cheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake.

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BLADES’ BISTRO

221 NM Hwy 165, Ste. L, Placitas (505) 771-0695 bladesbistro.com

$$$

Owner and chef Kevin Bladergroen’s restaurant offers a culinary journey from his 30-plus years of experience in restaurants across the country and Europe, serving up steak and seafood with a twist.

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

3806 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 30 other metro locations (505) 883-7615 lotaburger.com

The hand-pressed and specially seasoned burgers are the star of the show at this Belen staple. Big Mike’s uses locally sourced ingredients to bring you the best mouthwatering burgers and monster sandwiches.

Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 70 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

BREKKI BREKKI

19388 NM-314 (505) 864-7918 bigmikesburgersandmore.com

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd SE (505) 842-4305 fresquezcompanies.com

With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up pre-flight. The made-toorder turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are gluten-free.

8338 Comanche Rd NE, St. H plus 1 other metro location (505) 308-8871 brekkibrekki.com

$-$$

Brekki Brekki does right by brunch (and your stomach) by offering a wide range of hearty, craveable dishes—from their chilaquiles to strawberry cheesecake pancakes. Not to mention the fact that they’re currently open til’ 4pm every day—with a full drink menu, to boot.

BURGER BOY

12023 New Mexico 14, Cedar Crest (505) 281-3949 burgerboynm.com

Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger.

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BITES

ROLLIN’ WITH IT

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

While Spring Rollin’ prides itself on serving made-to-order Vietnamese food, the restaurant also knows how to cater to its audience. “When we started, we wanted to make sure that we integrate the New Mexico, which is green and red chile,” says co-owner Dipo Alam. “Personally, I love the green chile.” And thus, the New Mexico Egg Rolls were born. Initially, there was a notion to include some green chile with the traditional pork and shrimp egg rolls, but that didn’t come together as planned. Instead, green chile, mac and cheese and broccoli turned out to be the ideal combination — with a sweet chile dipping sauce on the side. “It just worked great,” Alam says. “It’s actually our best sales since we opened because people are interested in it.” For those who aren’t sure how all that works inside an egg roll, Spring Rollin’ provides samples in smaller serving sizes to give curious customers a taste. “Sure enough, they’re enjoying it,” Alam says. –TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Spring Rollin’

6241 Riverside Plaza Ln. C4, plus one other metro location (505) 792-7786 spring-rollin.com

BURRITO EXPRESS

141 Osuna Rd NW, Ste. A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-8964 burritoexpressinc.com

THE BURRITO LADY 938 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 271-2268

The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores— cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-toorder. That means you should be prepared to wait (the line here can often go out the door). It’s worth it—ask for your burrito smothered if you want to really heat things up.

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

2101 Broadway Blvd SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 242-0966 burritosalinstante.com

6855 4th St NW (505) 890-9150 cafe6855.com

A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with

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2115 Golf Course Rd SE, #102 (505) 994-9436 cafebellacoffee.com

With made-to-order panini and tasty salads filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant’s farm-totable concept is a smart—and delicious—one.

CAFE CHICA

1700 Central Ave SW, Ste. A (505) 499-5111 wearecafechica.com

As a specialty dessert and coffee shop that focuses on Italian pastries, Cafe Chica is known for its signature sweet treats, from bombolonis (Italian doughnuts filled with various pastry creams) to tiramisus. Everything is made from scratch as much as possible—even the bread for its sandwiches.

CAFE ISTANBUL

1410 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. F (505) 294-9900

A paradise for anyone who loves wrapping tasty things (chicharrones, carne adovada, bacon, cheese, potatoes— you get the picture) up inside of locally made tortillas, this operation maintains a half dozen storefronts between Belen and Albuquerque.

CAFE 6855

gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

This Roswell-original brings southern New Mexican flavor to the Duke City. With made-fresh-daily tortillas and a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, Burrito Express is a satisfying spot for southern New Mexican transplants and multi-generational Burqueños alike.

NEW MEXICO EGG ROLLS, $7.99

Mediterranean delights abound at Cafe Istanbul—don’t be fooled by the name, as this restaurant is known for its wide array of European eats (including the fan-favorite baklava topped with crushed pistachios).

CAKE FETISH

2665 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 883-0670 cakefetish.com

CAFÉ LUSH

700 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 508-0164 cafelushabq.com

Cozy and full of fan favorite breakfast and brunch items like sandwiches, enchiladas, and loaded salads, Café Lush is something of an institution (and it’s even had its 15 minutes of fame in “Better Call Saul”). Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced—and the service? Top notch.

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 344-9297 lospoblanos.com

$$$

Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-the-line menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.

CARRIE’S RESTAURANT

330 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 302-6929 clydehotel.com/eat-drink/carries-restaurant

From the cozy digs of The Clyde Hotel, Carrie’s Restaurant will take care of you and your appetite, thanks to their unique New Mexican comfort food. Whether you’re there for the chicken pot pie or the blue corn-encrusted ruby red trout, Carrie’s old-fashioned hospitality will encourage you to savor every bite—and save room for dessert.

CANVAS ARTISTRY

Cake Fetish specializes in baker’s cups filled with heaven, such as the Sleepless in Albuquerque (chocolate cake with mocha French buttercream frosting) and the InsideOut German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

1 Central Ave NW (505) 639-5214 canvas-artistry.com

Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot.

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A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night.

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

8032 4th St NW (505) 898-3311 casadebenavidez.com

One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger.

CASA TACO

5801 Academy Rd NE (505) 821-8226 casa-taco.com

Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner James Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. Casa Taco defies expectations.

CENTRAL BODEGA

3418 Central Ave SE (505) 433-5600 centralbodeganm.com

This European bistro features a marketplace with local products and great eats. Central Bodega spotlights good food, wine, and community with favorites like whipped feta with honey, black pepper, and Italian Eggs Benedict.

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE 2056 Central Ave SW (505) 554-1424 centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5801 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 262-2253 cervantesabq.com

CHEESE AND COFFEE

BITES

2679 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226 cheeseandcoffee.com

Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the made-from-scratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada.

There’s more than just cheese and coffee here—think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

CHELLO GRILL

5300 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 256-8017 cesarsmexicanandgreek.com

Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich.

CHAR

125 2nd St NW (inside Hotel Andaluz) (505) 923-9080 hotelandaluz.com/sip-and-savor/char

$$$

Housed inside downtown’s historic (and swanky) Hotel Andaluz, Char offers a refined take on modern New Mexican dining. Expect wood-fired flavors, chile flights, elevated plates, and a stylish atmosphere perfect for date nights or special occasions.

CHEBA HUT

115 Harvard Dr SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2432 chebahut.com

Located next to UNM, Cheba Hut serves up toasted subs made from quality ingredients. Try sandwiches loaded with everything from guacamole, olives, mushrooms, cheeses, meats and much more.

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5010 Cutler Ave NE Ste. A (505) 881-2299 chellogrill.com

Known for the varieties of kabobs, Chello Grill aims to introduce authentic Persian cuisine to Albuquerque. This restaurant offers different salads, sandwiches, and combinations of plates packed with immense flavor.

CHEZ AXEL

6209 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 881-8104 chezaxelrestaurant.com

$$$

At Chez Axel, classical music is played at dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the food has a decidedly French twist: cassoulet, trout amandine, chocolate mousse, and authentic French onion soup. Reservations are recommended.

CHILE CHICKEN NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN 3005 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 293-1700 chilechicken.com

As the legend of Nashville chicken goes, revenge is a dish best served fiery hot. This Southern staple comes to the Duke City in red hot fashion. Frying up proteins like chicken and catfish, diners can choose sauces ranging from mild to really cluckin’ hot for a customizable, unforgettable meal.

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BITES CHILI HILLS

5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM (505) 286-9202 chilihillsedgewood.com

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Chili Hills is a comfort food haven. The team here is all about providing quality food and service at a fair price. From Huevos Rancheros to Chicken Fried steak they are serving up classic American and New Mexican eats.

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

10660 Unser Blvd NW (505) 898-4589 chocglitzandcream.com

Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee).

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT 1400 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 255-4740 christymaes.com

“Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Old-fashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ 2111 Church St NW (505) 247-8522 churchstreetcafe.com

Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 492-2119 cinnamoncafeabq.com

Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase.

COCINA AZUL

4243 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600 cocinaazul.com

201 San Pedro Dr SE, Ste. B-1 (505) 232-0085 codabakery.com

1300 Tuyuna Trail, Bernalillo (505) 867-1234

$$$

Located at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa on the Santa Ana Pueblo, Corn Maiden is a destination in and of itself and provides fine-dining, Southwestern style–all while centering a garden-to-table menu that celebrates indigenous New Mexican cuisine and flavors.

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All-day breakfast and a killer chicken fried steak topped with your choice of traditional white gravy or homemade green chile sauce (naturally) grace this menu, and a steady lineup of loyal customers means the food’s always hot and fresh.

9600 Tramway Blvd NE (505) 856-7477 countyline.com

It doesn’t take long for the barbecue to arrive at your dinner table, whether it’s wood-burning oven cooked and slow-roasted brisket, ribs, or sausage. Throw in the Rib King Platter, green-chile stuffed pork loin, live music, and two stepping, and at The County Line, everybody wins.

CRACKIN’ CRAB

Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts.

CORN MAIDEN

5455 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 266-6318 coppercanyoncafeabq.com

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.

CODA BAKERY

COPPER CANYON CAFE

2100 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611 crackincrababq.com

Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE 10420 4th St NW (505) 298-2597 cravincookiesandmore.com

Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

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BITES CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT 3015 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3474 crazyfishabq.com

Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchen-made favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

THE CROWN ROOM

145 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 767-7171 abqdowns.com/crown-room

$$$$

Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.

CURRY LEAF

6910-C Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 881-3663 curryleafrestaurant.us

Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. This means that, while you can get familiar favorites like tandoori chicken, you can also explore the world of chicken chettinad and dosas—a type of crepe made with fermented lentil and rice flour, filled with stuffing like potato, spiced vegetables, or ground lamb.

THE DAILY GRIND

4360a Cutler Ave NE (505) 883-8310 dailygrindabq.net

This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for

spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs.

DAGMAR’S SPECIALTIES

2704 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 615-5651 FB: DagmarsSpecialties

Rooted in tradition, Dagmar’s is an ode to German foods— from bratwurst to their ever-popular breakfast schnitzel. Their kitchen also whips up delectable baked goods like strudels and classic German breads (or brot)—so make sure to bring a big appetite and plenty of room when you visit.

DAMACIOS BAR & TAPAS 722 Central Ave SW (505) 595-7383 damacios.com

Nestled downtown in a non-traditional eating space, Damacios uses its fun atmosphere and talented chefs to put a twist on classic Spanish tapas.

DAVE’S HIGH DESERT GRILL 5200 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. B5 (505) 433-2380 davesrestaurants.com

Restaurant veteran Dave Hanisch is back with this Northeast Heights eatery serving up Midwestern comfort food with a little New Mexican flair. Come for the hearty entrees like the Braised Beef Short Ribs on Bubble & Squeak, stay for the Biscochito Peach Cobbler; the restaurant’s flagship dessert.

DAVE’S VALLEY GRILL 6601 4th St NW (505) 639-5807 davesvalleygrill.com

Dave’s Valley Grill offers a delightful range of traditional favorites, each infused with a modern twist and a deep respect for ingredients.

DEBAJO TAPAS Y VINO 1025 Lomas Blvd NW (505) 503-8645 debajoabq.com

This Iberian-inspired restaurant serves modern-day eats and classic drinks, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxed night out. The chefs are passionate about providing guests with locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience.

DELICIAS CAFÉ

6001 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 830-6561

Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata.

DG’S DELI

1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave NE (505) 247-3354 dgsdeli.com

With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo— there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO $$$ 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW Plus 1 other metro location (505) 243-9916 lescombeswinery.com

With generations of experience in winemaking coursing through this North Valley staple’s doors, D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro specializes in pairing wine with its expertly crafted and entirely house-made menu, with a local twist. Themed events and giving back to its community are big parts of this eatery’s success, not to mention popular dishes such as its Chicken Picado, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Ghirardelli Port Brownie.

DR. FIELD GOODS

1909 Bellahmah Ave NW (Sawmill Market) drfieldgoods.com

Located inside of Sawmill Market, Dr. Field Goods is a farm-to-table fusion concept that takes New Mexican flavors in stride with classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries. Burger patties and dogs are made in-house, and customers also have the option to take home and fix their choice cut of steak or pork chop (but you can also allow a professional to handle the cooking).

DION’S

6308 4th St NW plus 14 other metro locations (505) 345-4900 dionspizza.com

Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN 1216 Central Ave SW (505) 243-1019

An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-in-your-car Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

DON CHOCHE TACOS Y CERVEZA 7319 4th St NW, Unit 1 (505) 433-2242 donchochetacosycerveza.com

Starting as a food truck, Don Choche Tacos y Cerveza established residency in the Los Ranchos area in 2009. Tacos are the signature here and can be ordered with various fillings such as asada, barbacoa, fried shrimp, and green chile brisket, just to name a few. A trip to this classic Mexican eatery wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the salsa bar packed with interesting and delicious choices. Dine inside or on the renovated and shaded patio.

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BITES

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

YES THEY PECAN At Oni, the focus has always been on using the local ingredients, and the restaurant’s Pecan Ramen dish is no exception. “A few of the many things New Mexico is great at growing are red chile and pecans,” owner and chef David Gaspar de Alba says. A dashi stock, made from kombu seaweed and dried shiitake mushrooms, serves as the base. Meanwhile, the pecans are toasted and soaked overnight before being made into a milk, and red chile pods are toasted and blended with Japanese sea salt for seasoning. A rotating seasonal vegetable, baked tofu, a cage free egg and a house-infused garlic chile oil provide the finishing touches. Fun fact: Hobbs-based CLC Pecans has been hand-delivering Oni’s pecans each month since the restaurant’s inception. “We have heard from multiple customers that our pecan ramen is the best vegetarian dish (it can also be made vegan) they have ever had,” de Alba says. “It is a powerhouse bowl of flavor and nutrition.” — TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

ONI

600 Central Ave SW, Ste 100 (505) 503-6722 oniabq.com

DONUT MART

4501 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278 donutmartusa.com

PECAN RAMEN, $16

Multiple locations sprinkled around town means a donut lover can always get a sweet fix. Find apple strudels, piñon coffee, green chile bialys, croissants, muffins, and even a Peanut Butter and Jelly donut.

DOROTHEA

5900 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste E6 (505) 291-1116 dorotheafinegreek.com

Tradition meets the finest and freshest ingredients at Dorothea, a Greek restaurant in the NE Heights that serves up classics like gyros—plus luxurious favorites like lobster pasta—in a refined but inviting setting. (Pro tip: ask for the grilled Whole Fish Branzino, flown in straight from the Mediterranean Sea.)

DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL 4200 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 345-0595 FB: @downndirtyseafoodboil

Southern transplants who make their way to ABQ have a new spot for traditional seafood boil. From dry rub to a spicy, buttery fusion sauce, your tastebuds will dance with delight when you feast on this eatery’s collection of crawfish, rock shrimp, crab legs, and more.

DUGGAN’S

227 Lead Ave SE (505) 312-7257 dugganscoffeeshop.com

This breakfast and lunch spot serves up news-themed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee.

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY 1815 Central Ave NW (505) 247-4141 duransrx.com

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM 6800 4th St NW (505) 344-0448

Where in the city can you get amazing huevos, kitschy printed dish towels, an emergency rubber chicken in a box, and a flu shot? There is only one answer, Duran’s Central Pharmacy.

Those with a bottomless appetite might meet their match with any of El Camino’s breakfast burrito options. These plate-sized behemoths are filled with eggs, hashbrowns or home-fries, and your choice of meat, then smothered in red or green chile.

DURAN’S STATION

EL CHARRITOS

4201 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 830-0007 IG: @duransstation

Traditional New Mexican food served up with a side of homestyle cooking. An off-shoot of Duran’s Pharmacy, Duran’s station has built a reputation for amazing red chile, house-made tortillas, and plenty of blue corn.

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 3601 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 889-9315 eastoceanalbq.com

East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA $$ 8806 4th St NW (505) 897-0444 elbrunos.com

El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-and-true family recipes are still the focus of the menu. The Ceviche, Pollo Adovo, and the Deep Fried Spinach are a few items guests can look forward to.

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4703 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2464

Whether you like the standard New Mexican fare of enchiladas, rellenos, and tacos or if you’re looking for something off the beaten path like steak picado, green chile chicken fried steak, or even a deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich, you’re sure to leave El Charritos satisfied with a full belly.

EL MOLCAJETON

4921 Jefferson St NE (505) 881-5332

Enjoy a variety of poultry, seafood, and beef (Cielo, Mar, y Tierra) with vegetables, cheese, and salsas all served piping hot on a traditional molcajeton. El Molcajete has everything from steak to octopus and anything else you could desire - or some simply delicious tacos if that’s more to your taste.

EL PAPATURRO

6601 4th St NW, Ste. H (505) 503-1575 elpapaturrorestaurantnm.com

El Papaturro serves traditional El Salvadoran food. In fact, you’ll even find a dish called Tipico Salvadoreno! The menu is rooted in family recipes and includes everything from your classic pupusa and other Central American favorites as well as carne asada, frito pie, and chicken wings.

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BITES EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

3851 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-4499 elpatioabq.com

El Patio is an Albuquerque institution, and for nearly 50 years, they’ve been serving up classic New Mexican fare like from-scratch sopaipillas, alongside their popular Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas and Carne Adovada Huevos Rancheros. Needless to say, this local favorite is a must-try for Burqueños and visitors alike.

EL PATRON

10551 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 275-0223 elpatronabq.com

A customer favorite, El Patron’s menu includes dishes such as mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and housemade chips. Wash them down with a tasty margarita.

EL PINTO

10500 4th St NW (505) 898-1771 elpinto.com

$$$

Food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand at this Duke City staple, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Enjoy fresh salsa, enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada, and many more New Mexican dishes while sipping a margarita on one of the many beautiful patios. Reservations are recommended.

EL ROI CAFE

616 Lomas Blvd NW Ste. A (505) 401-9313 elroicafe.com

El Roi Cafe offers a blend of Native American and New Mexican cuisine aimed to pay tribute to owners’ favorites growing up. Diners will find various options, including

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mutton stew, Indian tacos, and fry-bread green chile cheeseburgers.

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ 3527 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 265-3338

Its name means “the flavor of Juarez,” and since 1980, this restaurant has served just that. Try the family recipes for menudo and carne desebrada (shredded roast beef sautéed with jalapeño, tomato, and onions).

EL SARAPE

3248 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-8871 elsarapeabq.com

Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1508 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 293-6018

Opening 52 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD 11000 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 244-8288 isleta.com

$$$

FANO BREAD COMPANY 4605 McLeod Rd NE (505) 884-5555 fanobread.com

For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.

FAN TANG

3523 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 266-3566 fan-tang.com

With authentic family recipes that include coffee chicken (rubbed in Satellite coffee, then stir-fried with flavorful sauce) and creative additions like soul dumplings (made with tofu, kimchi, and cashew pesto), this spot is sure to satisfy.

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR 10721 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 298-0035 farinaalto.com

The Northeast Heights version of Farina offers the same urban atmosphere as the East Downtown (EDo) Farina, minus the elbow-to-elbow seating. Alto offers every pizza on the EDo menu, such as the Formaggio di Capra and the Carne, but includes unique dishes—Eggplant Parmesan Napoleon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings. Alto’s wine room is stocked with more than 300 bottles of wine.

FARINA PIZZERIA

Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

510 Central Ave SE (505) 243-0130 farinapizzeria.com

Whether you like yours bianco or covered in carne, you’ll get a pie cooked to perfection at this relaxed-but-hip urban eatery.

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FARM & TABLE

8917 4th St NW (505) 503-7124 farmandtablenm.com

$$$

This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes.

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA 4400 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 881-0478

Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been family-owned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FIVE STAR BURGERS

5901 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 821-1909 5starburgers.com

From bison, salmon, turkey and crab to lamb, chicken and Black Angus beef, burger addicts will love Five Star’s 100 percent natural meat. Hand-formed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

FLATIRON BITES AND BREWS 6001 San Mateo NE, Ste F3 (505) 585-0023 eatflatiron.com

A welcome addition to the ABQ brewpub scene, Flatiron bites and brews knows how to build a flavorful burger, which they achieve by using a mix of brisket-chuck beef, resulting in the perfectly juicy patty. Also available on the menu are chicken sandwiches, wings, and plenty of shareable plates.

FLIX BREWHOUSE

3258 La Orilla Rd NW, B-1 plus 1 other metro location (505) 445-8500 flixbrewhouse.com

FRENCHISH

Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you.

FLYING STAR CAFE

8001 Menaul Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911 flyingstarcafe.com

BITES

dish out favorites like chicken and waffles, fried pickles, mac ‘n cheese, and collard greens.

3509 Central Ave NE (505) 433-5911 frenchish.com

$$$

Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

FRONTIER RESTAURANT 2400 Central Ave SE (505) 266-0550 frontierrestaurant.com

With menu options ranging from breakfast served all day to flavor-packed salads and sandwiches, handmade desserts to die for, and beautiful patio dining, Flying Star is the place to treat yourself to good vibes and great food.

Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-off-the-iron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

FOODTOPIA

FUEGO 505

4959 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 554-3698 foodtopiarestaurant.com

5750 McMahon Blvd NW (505) 705-8439 fuego505.com

If you have never had a deep-fried quesadilla, let Foodtopia be the place to introduce you to the dish. Additional tasty treats include a poblano chile relleno, and a whole variety of Mexican-style tacos, burritos, tortas, and enchiladas brought you from the Zacatecas heritage of owner and chef Leticia Gonzalez.

Traditional meets trendy at this Westside rotisserie grill and bar. Gourmet tacos, bowls, and hot-fired skewers (including exotic meats like rabbit, elk and rattlesnake) pair nicely with whiskeys from their extensive list. Salads, hand-shaken cocktails, local craft beers and a large patio round out the scene.

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND $ WAFFLES 400 Washington St SE

FUN NOODLE BAR

(505) 712-5109 franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com

Owner and former Lobo basketball player Frank Willis wanted to give Albuquerque the soul food he had while growing up in Los Angeles. He fiddled with flavors, making sure they were perfect, before opening his restaurant to

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5317 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 801-6888 funnoodleabq.com

The perfect place to go with family and friends to enjoy fresh Asian cuisine. Fun noodle bar provides you with an authentic and, well, fun experience. Fresh dumplings and hand-pulled noodles are a homerun.

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BITES GARCIA’S KITCHEN

2924 San Mateo Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488 garciaskitchen.com

This Albuquerque institution serves up classic New Mexican dishes, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive burrito list. You’ll leave one of the multiple locations with a full belly and content heart.

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA 10031 Coors Blvd NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 880-0055 gardunosrestaurants.com

Garduño’s consistently earns enthusiastic kudos for its mouthwatering enchiladas, burritos, salsa, and knockyour-socks-off margaritas. And, with three locations around town, you’re always near a fiesta.

GIMANI

2100 Louisiana Blvd NE #810 gimanimenu.com

Pizza by the slice is made twice as nice thanks to Gimani’s handcrafted sourdough recipes—which feature tantalizing flavor combinations like lemon and ricotta, or pepperoni and hot honey. For added foodie flair, order a gelato—available in either fior di latte (fresh mozzarella), hazelnut, or a swirl of the two, each topped with extra virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt. Yum!

GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA 3908 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 883-6000 ginosnystylepizza.com

With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Gino’s New York Style Pizza shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

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GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

921 San Pedro Dr SE (505) 255-1233 giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com

Giovanni’s isn’t easy to spot at first, but once you’ve had a big slice of fold-in-half New York-style pie, you’ll never miss it again. Whether you like it covered in spinach, pesto and tomatoes, cheese-only, no cheese at all, or plain pepperoni, you’re sure to find your pizza match.

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA 1103 Mountain Rd NW (505) 243-2424 goldencrown.biz

Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

GRASSBURGER

5600 Coors Blvd NW, Ste. C3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-2368 eatgrassburger.com

GRANDMA’S K & I DINER 2500 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 243-1881 grandmaskandidiner.com

This South Valley dive is known for its heaping plates of classic American comfort food—they’ve even been featured on “Man vs. Food” for their massive “Travis on a Silver Platter” dish.

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET 600 Central Ave SE, Ste. A (505) 248-9800 thegrovecafemarket.com

The brunch and lunch favorite is well-known for its exceptional dishes made from local and organic ingredients, and it now offers a newly expanded menu, with additions such as the French Ham & Cheese with d’affinois cheese, mostarda, and caper mustard sauce.

GOBBLE THIS

308 San Felipe St NW (505) 975-3969 gobblethis.biz

There’s a lot that sets the burger joint apart—including its community involvement, its vegan and gluten-free burger options, and its commitment to a no-corn syrup menu.

A fusion of ingredients from El Salvador, Los Angeles, and New Mexico make up the recipes at Gobble This. Owner and chef Nestor Lopez goes out of his way to make the food and atmosphere like being at a friend or family member’s house for dinner.

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

3300 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 872-9772

A choice of mesquite-grilled chicken, rib eye, hot dogs, and burgers (beef and garden) accompany bottomless house-made chips and salsa, complete with sides like classic fries and fried zucchini, and fresh fixings are on a build-your-own basis offering a completely customizable burger.

106 Cornell Dr SE (505) 255-4401 egyros.com

Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laid-back collegial atmosphere.

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BITES GYRO SHACK

2100 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 361-1920 gyroshack.com

Serving up their signature gyro and pita sandwiches, Gyro Shack is a no-fuss, made-from-scratch Mediterranean establishment, boasting two locations across the metro area. Friendly service is built into the experience—in addition to the perfect combination of “fast food” and quality. The secret ingredient, however, lies in a proprietary Tzatziki sauce, which like everything else, is made fresh daily.

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ 4512 Corrales Rd plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-2370

Offering breakfast and lunch, Hannah & Nate’s is all about flavor—whether it’s the flavor of traditional New Mexican cuisine, cuisines from throughout the world or the family recipes served.

HELLO DELI

7600 Jefferson St NE (505) 797-3354 hellodeliabq.com

Home to one of the most delicious breakfast burritos around, Hello Deli serves sandwiches and even Frontier’s sweet rolls.

HERENCIA

11225 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 292-3776 herencia.res-menu.net

Longtime local favorite Herencia serves up modern Mexican plates—with a refined touch. From savory bocadillos or starters to tenderloin medallions smothered in luscious chipotle crema, the menu delivers upscale eats in a comfortable setting while offering generous portions—and warm hospitality.

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HIBACHI ONE

3230 Coors Blvd NE (505) 839-0808 hibachioneabq.com

In addition to their tableside teppanyaki service, Hibachi One visitors can take advantage of private rooms. Hibachi options like shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon are available wherever you’re sitting in the house, as is a full menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls.

HIGH POINT GRILL

9780 Coors Blvd NW (505) 312-8519 highpointgrill.com

425 San Felipe St NW (505) 765-1455 highnoonrestaurant.com

$$$

Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.

HORIZON BAGELS AND CAFE 4000 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 221-0668

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 299-0225

New York is a long way from here, but it’s a little closer with Horizon’s delicious bagels. Of course there has to be the NM touch - like a red chile bagel with green chile

Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day.

HOT PINK THAI

2626 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 872-2296

Those perpetually on the hunt for the perfect burger will find plenty to love at High Point. With a foundation of 100-percent Akaushi, American Prime Wagyu beef, the burgers at High Point Grill are some of the city’s most popular. Its Southwest burger, for instance, features a red chile crusted patty, extra hot local green chile and cheddar cheese.

HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

cream cheese. You can also fill your belly with corned beef hash, matzo ball soup, and fresh cinnamon rolls.

For dine in or takeout at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot.

HOT TAMALES

1520 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 962-0123 hottamalesnmrestaurant.com

This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fire-roasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes.

HUMBLE COFFEE COMPANY 4200 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 289-9909 bakerad.com/humble

Humble prides itself on keeping it simple. Here you’ll find the most classic coffee drinks (ones that aren’t overly sweet) in an attempt to highlight the coffee bean itself. They use single-origin beans so customers can taste the difference between other beans. Both locations are perfect for sipping delicious coffee and gathering with friends.

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BITES HURRICANE’S CAFE 4330 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 255-4248

With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda.

IHATOV BREAD AND COFFEE 3400 Central Ave SE (505) 539-5445

Bread and coffee are the foundation of this diverse bakery. IHATOV is whipping up approximately 20 types of bread inspired by different locations. Must-try items include the buttermilk biscuit and the croissants.

ISLETA GRILL

4047 NM State Highway 47 (505) 869-2046 FB: Isleta Grill

A popular breakfast-and-lunch counter on the Isleta Pueblo serving up tortilla burgers, Indian tacos and Frito pies, along with an assortment of made-to-order sandwiches (BLT, Club, etc.). The grab-and-go morning menu includes breakfast burritos and quesadillas in two sizes.

I SCREAM ICE CREAM 2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 268-0139

This cozy dessert shop is filled with toys, gadgets, board games, and—oh yeah—34 flavors of ice cream and 28 different toppings. Each scoop comes with a free mixin, and there’s even a free play area for kiddos—plus the state’s largest transistor radio collection (believe it or not)!

IL LOCALETTO ROSSI 106 Buena Vista Dr SE (505) 355-5953 IG: @LocalettoRossi

Loosely translated as ‘little red house,’ Il Localetto Rossi is a bit of a hidden gem, located just across from UNM in what used to be Thai House. Standout items on the menu include lasagna, finished with homemade alfredo sauce and roasted marinara, along with gnocchi cacio e pepe— that’s from-scratch potato dumplings with black pepper, fresh cheese, and truffle oil for non-Italian speakers. Mamma mia!

IL VICINO

3403 Central Ave NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 266-7855 ilvicino.com

Using wood ovens to bake its thin-crust pizzas, Il Vicino (which means “The Neighbor”) also offers hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN 2401 12th St NW (505) 724-3510 indianpueblo.org

$$$

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ 4515 Corrales Rd (505) 585-3061 indigocrowcafe.net

$$$

This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

5740 Night Whisper Rd NW, Ste. 250 (505) 890-4488 ironwoodkitchen.com

This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

ITALITY

2500 12th St NW (505) 451-2861 italitynm.com

Plant-based cooking meets Pueblo culture at Itality, where every plate is made from scratch using Nativeinspired recipes. Standout dishes include the Ital NDN Taco, a Pueblo-style fry bread topped with red chile, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado, plus an inhouse pumpkin sauce.

THE IVY TEAROOM

8830 4th St NW (505) 388-8691 theivytearoom.com

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937 japanesekitchen.com

$$$

Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating todie-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

JAVA JOE’S

906 Park Ave SW (505) 765-1514 downtownjavajoes.com

You’ll find all walks of life at this relaxing Downtown joint, enjoying freshly made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, green chile chicken melts, coffee drinks and more.

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT 215 Central Ave NW, Ste. B (505) 766-6973 jcnypd.com

New York-style pizza, pasta, salads, and fully-loaded pasta and calzone dishes, all in a laid-back lounge. During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON 8900 Holly Ave NE, Ste. B (505) 856-1413 jinjabistro.com

3201 Southern Blvd SE (505) 892-3333 joespastahouse.com

A neighborhood Italian-American joint with an incredible dose of warmth and personality, Joe’s offers a terrific lunch buffet and an expansive dinner menu to please every palate in la mia famiglia: steaks, pasta, and some of the best cannelloni and tiramisu anywhere.

JUNIPER STEAKHOUSE

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd (505) 771-7145 santaanastar.com

$$$

Inside the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, Juniper Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience in an entertaining atmosphere. With popular options like the prime rib and filet mignon, diners can also opt for a seafood entree. The food is enticing; they also have a full bar with an extensive wine list and handcrafted seasonal cocktails.

KABAB & CURRY

Offering 20 varieties of tea and a monthly menu that highlights the season, the Ivy Tearoom has something for everyone. With ten suites, three cottages and a large parlor, there is an opportunity for an immersive tea experience. Bookings are recommended for large groups and special occasions.

JAPANESE KITCHEN

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

3617 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 292-2059 kababcurryalbuquerque.com

If you’ve never had green chile naan, better believe that you’re missing out. With its owners carrying over 40 years of experience, Kabab & Curry brings mouth-watering, authentic Indian dishes to ABQ. Here you’ll find authentic favorites like goat curry, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, and more—all baked by the warm glow of the tandoor oven.

KABAB HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE 8104 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 312-8949

Authentic, made-to-order Persian food is constantly sizzling on the grill here. The koobideh kabab is made with minced ground beef or ground chicken, onion, and house spices. Each dish is a healthy size and comes with soup, salad, and rice. Top everything off with a glass of delicious banana milk, or majoun, which is banana milk with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and honey.

KAKTUS BREWING CO. 471 S Hill Rd, Bernalillo (505) 818-7285 kaktusbrewery.com

Tucked away from it all, Kaktus specializes in Europeanstyle pints, and a menu featuring pizzas and apps uniquely topped with game meats like elk, boar, bison, and duck. Special events on weekends abound.

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER 5801 Central Ave NE (505) 232-9658 kapscoffeeshopanddiner.com

Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.

Serving the Duke City and hungry travelers since 1968, Kap’s is the place to go for a great meal. Enjoy a hearty plate of chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken with an egg on top or some golden brown, griddle-cooked flapjacks.

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

KATHY’S CARRY OUT

7007 Jefferson St NE (505) 341-2546 jimmyscafeonjefferson.com

The menu here lists more than 100 items, most of them mouthwatering comfort foods: sandwiches, burgers, New Mexican dishes, handmade pizzas, and breakfast served all day long.

JINJA BAR & BISTRO WESTSIDE 5400 Sevilla Ave NW (505) 792-8776

Whether you’re looking for a good place to gather some friends for tasty drinks and appetizers or a laid-back place to bring the family, Jinja has the atmosphere for you. You won’t find one specific menu theme at Jinja, with its blend of Chinese and Vietnamese which makes it easy for anyone to find something they like. Staples like potstickers, Kung Pao chicken, and wings with different sauces are all served up

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823 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 873-3472 FB: Kathy’s Carry Out

A half-century of success in the heart of the city’s South Valley that’s renowned for $2 tacos on Wednesdays (yes, Wednesdays), stuffed sopaipillas, smothered burritos and burgers. Take-home pints also available for beans, rice, carne adovada, etc. Indoor and outdoor seating, plus a drive-thru.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL 150 State Rd, 344 A (505) 508-0601 kawaiibobacafeabq.com

This contemporary diner specializes in homemade dishes, such as gyros, hand-cut steaks and burgers, and the bestselling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).

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BITES

APPLE-SOLUTELY UNIQUE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Green chile and apple together in a Danish dough pastry, Rita Norris says, is “a little match made in heaven.” The Abuelita’s Old Town Bakery owner initially debuted the Green Chile Apple Strudel while doing the baking at Dave’s Valley Grill and Dave’s High Desert Grill, and it seemed like a natural transition to carry it over to the menu when she opened her own business. Adding piñon nuts was the ideal final touch. “You get that spice but also the sweetness that kind of tones it down and then again, you have your pastry that just kind of ties it all together and that nice little earthy bite of the pine nuts,” Norris says. While the strudel works well on the go — some people purchase them in bulk to share with their office mates— those who have the time to sit are encouraged to enjoy it fresh and warm at the bakery. Either way, it’s a verified hit. “I like to play around and kind of create my own spin on things,” Norris says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Abuelita’s Old Town Bakery 302 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste 124 (657) 330-0398

KAWAII BOBA-CAFÉ

3200 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 281-9111 eastmountaingrill.com

GREEN CHILE APPLE STRUDEL, $6.95

Boba tea is just the beginning of the menu at this westside cafe. While the expansive tea menu allows for plenty of customizations, what really sets this cafe apart is their food menu featuring ramen, kimchi, and other Asian staples. Located conveniently next to Flix Brewhouse, this spot is a magnet for Albuquerque’s anime fans and cosplayers.

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ 3239 Girard Blvd NE (505) 582-2797 kimosabq.com

Hawaii comes home. What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar location also. Try fresh-from-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

KŪKRI

505 Central Ave NW (Located inside 505 Central Food Hall), Plus 3 other metro locations (505) 582-8891 kukriabq.com

Hot and spicy halal chicken tenders inspired by global flavors are Kūkri’s specialty, but their menu boasts a diverse array of poultry picks, from sliders to salads. With multiple spice levels to choose from, just don’t forget to try their specialty lemonades (you’ll be glad you did; it cools down the kick!).

K’LYNN’S SOUTHERN & CAJUN FUSION $$ 4300 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Ste. O, Rio Rancho (505) 453-3068

Kathrine Johnson-Bey brings Cajun cuisine from the bayou to the desert in this Rio Rancho fusion restaurant. From fried oysters to hand-breaded crawfish tails,

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alligator po boys to collard greens, this unique eatery is a can’t-miss.

KOSMOS RESTAURANT 1715 5th St NW (505) 369-1772 kosmosabq.com

Part art gallery, part restaurant, Kosmos is a feast for the senses. The inventive staff brings together high-grade dinner style burgers with dishes sparked by the flavors of the Near East.

LA MEXICANA TORTILLA COMPANY 304 Coal Ave SW (505) 242-2558

Family owned and operated since 1932–that’s nearly a century, believe it or not–La Mexicana Tortilla Company makes fresh, hand-made corn and flour tortillas daily for both the restaurant itself and distributes their tortillas to nearly sixty other restaurants across the state. Of course, La Mexicana also offers New Mexican classics, ranging from green chile cheeseburgers to stuffed sopaipillas, available dine-in or carry-out.

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO 5850 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. 17 (505) 242-2808 laquicheparisiennebistro.com

8900 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. I (505) 717-1361 lareformabrewery.com

LA SALITA

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 299-9968 lasalita.com

The name may mean “little room,” but this New Mexican restaurant always has a full house. The chile rellenos, chile con queso, sopaipillas, and shredded beef burrito (a Wednesday special) have earned loyal customers for 37 years.

LA GUELAGUETZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT$ 816 Old Coors Dr SW (505) 916-0095 la-guelaguetza-mexican-restaurantllc. business.site

If you’re looking for something especially authentic, La Guelaguetza is the place for you. This restaurant will provide you with no frills and traditional Mexican food. Options range from Birria, to mole, to cocktail shrimp and everything in between. Located on Old Coors La Guelaguetza gives a homestyle feel to all the favorites.

LAGUNA BURGER

Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA

broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempurabattered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plant-based.

2400 12th St NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 352-8282 thelagunaburger.com

Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a buttertoasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshly-cut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-

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LAZY LIZARD GRILL

12480 North Hwy 14, Sandia Park (505) 281-9122 lazylizardgrill.com

From the King Cobra Pizza and made-from-scratch Jalapeño Poppers to their impressive selection of microbrews, the Lazy Lizard Grill has customers always coming back for more—and has the food and atmosphere to back it up.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES 8216 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 293-7057 lechantillybakery.com

to have an atmosphere that values family and traditions. Some popular items include mole, tacos, guacamole and their chile rojo. All made fresh in house.

LILY AND LIAM BISTRO

The NM Dutch Baby (loaded with green chile, of course) is a Lily and Liam staple that has regulars coming back time and again. As a family-run business, it makes perfect sense that your whole family will love this homegrown spot.

This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts—not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence.

LE TROQUET

228 Gold Ave SW (505) 508-1166 abqfrenchrestaurant.com

1751 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Ste. 101, Rio Rancho (505) 340-3309 lilyandliambistro.com

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

LITTLE GEMS

2632 Pennsylvania St NE Plus 1 other metro location (505) 917-8902 littlebearcoffeeco.com Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community. 6565 Americas Pkwy #110 (505) 225-3768 eatlittlegems.com

Full of bright and playful flavors, Little Gems specializes in creative, ingredient-driven salads and seasonal bowls that pack big flavors into colorful (and healthy!) dishes, making it a go-to for quick lunches or light, guilt-free dinners.

THE LOCAL BREWHOUSE

300 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 994-2007

Even situated in the large metro area, The Local Brewhouse still has that small town, neighborhood charm.

The Parisian bistro, open for lunch or dinner, offers classically simple French dishes made by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard. From Boeuf Bourguignon to quiche and delectable desserts, expect a tres bien atmosphere with a comprehensive wine list.

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO 2000 Bellamah Ave NW (505) 318-3998 hotelchaco.com

$$$

The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city.

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL 312 Central Ave SW (505) 242-2992 library-abq.com

Featuring more than a great party, the Library offers drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour, as well as salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items.

LANTERN RIDGE FARM

12540 N Highway 14, Sandia Park (505) 395-7774 lanternridgemarket.com

$$$

Lantern Ridge Farm has it all - a tasty breakfast menu, amazing lunches, gourmet dinners, beautiful scenery, and a market. Whether you’re looking for classic huevos rancheros, filet mignon, or dried pasta, you’ll find it here.

LIMONATA CAFÉ

3222 Silver Ave SE (505) 266-0607 limonatacafe.com

Channel your inner Italian at this street food-inspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LINDA’S DOLCI

8520 Montgomery Blvd NE, Ste B4 (505) 355-5945 lindasdolci.com

A sweet slice of Italy isn’t so far away, thanks to Linda’s Dolci—Albuquerque’s traditional pasticceria. Take home biscotti, crostata (Italian pie), and graffe (Italian doughnuts)—and more—at this seriously authentic bakery, where everything is made from scratch using traditional recipes.

LINDO MEXICO

7209 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 266-2999 lindomexicogrillandseafood.com

This once smaller operation has since been in business for 20 years. With extreme passion to express the heritage of certain dishes through authentic tastes, owners are proud

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BITES Their menu features brewpub classics and 32 local, regional, domestic, and international beers and ciders on tap, more than a dozen of which are brewed in house.

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT 2437 Central Ave NW (505) 452-8091 compadresabq.com

Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

LOS CUATES

8700 Menual Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 237-2800 loscuatesrestaurants.com

Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions.

LOS OLIVOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 7900 Zuni Rd SE (505) 503-7879

Virtually everything on the menu at Los Olivos is Hernandez family recipe. Focused on traditional Mexican flavors, diners can enjoy authentic tacos, tortas, burritos, and soups, as well as different salsa for every dish.

LOS POOKIES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5626 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 588-2911

Los Pookies serves up both authentic and inventive Mexican family recipes from the heart. Known primarily for their birria, Los Pookies has ultimately generated plenty of buzz from their popular birria ramen and birria pizza (there’s even birria egg rolls on the menu). Also available on the menu are Mexican classics like molcajete, enchiladas, and tacos.

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 4500 Central Ave SE (505) 268-6478 loyolasfamilyrestaurant.com

You’ll find both American and New Mexican goodies here, from fried chicken, roast beef and sandwiches to tasty local favorites such as burritos and posole.

LOS RANCHOS BAKERY

6920 4th St NW (505) 859-4727 FB: @LosRanchosBakery

Specializing in sourdough loaves, Los Ranchos Bakery starts everything from scratch, also providing custom cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, and scones, a cult favorite. Coffee is also a part of the menu, and all syrups are made in-house. Everything is ultimately small batch, so it’s best to get while the getting (or rather, baking) is good.

LUCKY GOOSE

4416 Wyoming Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 580-9693 lucky-goose-llc.square.site

Don’t be fooled by the all-vegan menu at Lucky Goose— these tasty versions of your favorite comfort foods—think burgers, fries, dogs, and even shakes—could easily pass as the real thing (but we promise—they’re not).

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA 6225 4th St NW (505) 343-0466 luigisitalianfood.com

Enjoy more than 250 made-from-scratch Italian dishes, including pizza, chicken Florentine, spaghetti and meatballs, and green chile chicken lasagna.

M’TUCCI’S

4939 Pan American Fwy NE plus 3 other metro locations (505) 554-2660 mtuccis.com

The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH 4515 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 888-3611 macsnm.com

Taquitos, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

MANZANO GRILLE THE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS 911 Four Hills Rd SE (505) 299-9555 canyonclubgolf.com

This newly remodeled property was rejuvenated thanks to its own club members, and now boasts modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Members can enjoy creative dishes like Pork Alexander, New Mexico Eggs Benedict with green chile Hollandaise sauce, or the Turkey Lurkey, including green chile and Pepper Jack cheese in the dining room or al fresco on its large, shaded patio overlooking the mountain vistas. Dining-only memberships available.

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BITES MICHES

3925 Las Estancias Way (505) 407-2058 michesabq.com

Ceviche nachos are the standout item here at Miches, but really, seafood lovers can’t go wrong with their extensive menu that also features tostadas and fish tacos. Come for the seafood and stay for the micheladas, or Mexican beer cocktails—which are just about as fresh and authentic as it gets.

MISSION WINE & DINE 3423 Central Ave NE (505) 263-0731 missionwinerynm.com

This Nob Hill restaurant concept pairs its own sustainable wines with unique, locally-inspired dishes—ranging from popular classics like the Green Chile Smash Burger to higher-end creations like Lobster Roll Sliders. Everything can be expertly paired with a glass of vino (or two), although diners are encouraged to experiment and delve deeper into New Mexico’s rich culinary history through an eclectic menu.

MICK’S CHILE FIX

3351 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. A (505) 881-2233 mickschilefix.com

One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

MILLY’S

2100 Candelaria Rd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707 millysrestaurants.com

Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16-oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile.

NAAN & DOSA

6501 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 797-4243 naananddosa.com

Many Indian restaurants only serve either Northern or Southern Indian food. Not Naan and Dosa. Named for the traditional breads from both regions of the country, take your pick of the leavened flatbreads (naan) or eight different types of rolled dosas. Also try their lunch buffet Tuesdays through Saturdays, featuring a sampling of their menu.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

2400 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 298-3081 nagomirestaurantabq.com

A little bit of Thai, a little bit of Korean, and a little bit of Japanese, but entirely delicious. Naka Sushi fuses multiple Asian flavors to make fresh sushi, bento boxes, and other Asian dishes, all in a location with a vibrant, appealing ambiance.

NAMASTE

NAPOLI COFFEE

3916 Central Ave SW (505) 836-9886

$$$

The iconic steakhouse meets liquor store has been featured on the Food Network and boasts some of the best steaks in the city. Since 1971, locals always come back for hand-cut steaks, house-made Greek salad dressing, freshly cut fries, and a mean green chile cheeseburger.

MR. TOKYO

11200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 292-4728

Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

THE MOUSE HOLE CHEESE SHOP 300 Broadway Blvd NW, Ste A (505) 554-2994 mouseholeabq.com

3035 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 884-5454 napolicoffee.com

A diversified menu of caffeinated companions means something for everyone at Napoli Coffee. Currently located on Menaul, Napoli aims to please and cater to guest requests, so the possibilities and drink combinations are seemingly endless. In addition to coffee, they also offer a variety of freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast burritos.

NARUTO

2110 Central Ave SE (505) 369-1039 narutonoodle.com

Who knew Ramen noodles could be so creative, so diverse, and so darn good. Naruto is reinventing the Ramen noodle with specialized dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

NEW MEXICO BEEF JERKY COMPANY 1425 4th St NW (505) 242-6121 newmexicobeefjerkycompany.com

NEXUS BREWERY

MUSTANG CAFÉ

If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.

5901 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. S (505) 990-0055 noodleworksnm.com

Every noodle at Noodle Works hand stretched, hand spun, and hand sliced in house fresh for every meal. With unique dishes and signature takes on popular favorites, almost everything on the menu can be modified or elaborated with noodles.

4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste. D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100 nexusbrewery.com

Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this auto-themed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

4545 Alameda Blvd NE (505) 830-2233 cafeoaktree.com

OHANA HUT

5750 McMahon Blvd NW (505) 433-2648 ohanahut.com

Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR 108 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 999-1949 oldtownpizzaabq.com

This comfy, funky, family-owned restaurant serves tasty pies, huge calzones, and portions of pasta that won’t ever leave you hungry.

OLO DESSERT STUDIO

3339 Central Ave NE, Ste. C-3 (505) 750-4656 olodessertstudio.com

Nothing is as sweet as a guilt-free treat. In the same building as Staples in Nob Hill, Olo features a Candylandesque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

4100 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-0123 oharesgrillepub.com

With a menu that is centered around the idea that variety is the key to success, O’Hare’s offers pub fare in a familyfriendly atmosphere. Try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special, O’Hare’s Double Decker Reuben, or the staple Fish and Chips, for a truly Irish experience.

ONI

Beef jerky? Check. Chicharrones? You better believe it. Tacos, burgers, and burritos - who knew that the New Mexico Beef Jerky Company had so much awesome food to offer? You don’t stay in business for 45 years without good reason, so be sure to swing by this classic joint to get your New Mexican food fix.

A cozy cheese shop where you can shop for cheese—and eat it, too. They boast a rotating selection of artisanal cheeses, along with curated boards, sandwiches, jams, and other bites.

8601 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 275-4477

NOODLE WORKS

Owner Robert Carson is a constant presence at this homestyle joint that consistently serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and craft salads. With local beer on tap, this isn’t your typical cafe—and as a family-owned establishment for generations, it’s perhaps best kept that way.

1035 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 200-9152 nakasushiabq.com

MONROE’S RESTAURANT

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE

Tender and mouthwatering meat, Nexus uses the blue smoke method. With favorites like burnt ends and pulled pork sandwiches, tangy sides, and perfectly paired brews, Nexus Blue Smokehouse achieves top of the line status.

NAKA SUSHI

Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes—including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry—Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry.

More than 50 years after opening its doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

OAK TREE CAFE

1580 Deborah Rd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-3126 namastenm.net

1511 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 445-1545 smokehouse.nexusbrewery.com

The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.

If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

6051 Osuna Rd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224 monroeschile.com

NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE

600 Central Ave SW, Ste. #100 (505) 503-6722 oniabq.com

Warm, umami scents fill the air at Oni, which has an abundance of ramen and other Japanese options. A house favorite is the Shoyu Ramen, which features cherry wood smoked pork belly, seasonal vegetables, and a pork bone broth that’s cooked in-house.

O’NIELL’S PUB

3301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-1122 oniells.com

O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

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BITES MARIO’S PIZZA

2401 San Pedro Dr NE plus 3 other metro locations (505) 883-4414 mariospizzaabq.com

Gourmet pizzas, big bowls of pasta, custom calzones and New York-style sandwiches are the norm at this tasty Italian eatery.

MARISCOS ALTAMAR

1517 Coors Blvd NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 831-1496 mariscosaltamarabq.com

With live music on the weekends, colorful murals, and authentic Mexican seafood dishes such as tostada de ceviche with shrimp, fish, and snow crab, dining at Mariscos Altamar is well worth the trip.

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ 2711 4th St NW (505) 344-6266 maryandtitos.com

From their famous carne adovada to their authentic New Mexican chips and salsa, Mary & Tito’s Café makes sure guests leave full and happy. This homey café also became the only Albuquerque restaurant to win a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award in 2010.

MATA G VEGETARIAN KITCHEN 116 Amherst Dr SE (505) 266-6374 mata-g.com

An authentic vegetarian restaurant with a wide variety of vegetarian breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot specials.

MATI PERUVIAN CUISINE

303 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 516-9618 Facebook: Mati Peruvian Cuisine

Mati Peruvian Cuisine is arguably ABQ’s touchstone for Peruvian food—thanks to a diverse menu that aims to introduce restaurant goers to this complex South American cuisine. Popular dishes include four types of Peruvian ceviche and the Aji de Gallina, a mildly spiced chicken with yellow chile pepper and potatoes—along with the Loma Saltado, or marinated strips of sirloin served with red onions and tomatoes.

MARIGOLD CAFE

161 Lang Ave NE, Ste. C (505) 433-4427 marigoldabq.com

This cozy cafe is serving up a much-loved fusion of Indian and American cuisine. The marigold cafe is a local family-owned business that uses only the highest quality ingredients and spices.

MAZAYA CAFÉ

120 Harvard Dr SE (505) 582-2447 mazayacafe.com

Mazaya Café is dedicated to adding an authentic Mediterranean dining experience to the medley of options in the Nob Hill area–without breaking the bank for its diners. If you are looking to fill up, fresh-grilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MESA PROVISIONS

3009 Central Ave NE (505) 494-5264 mesaprovisions.com

With an emphasis on seasonally and locally influenced ingredients, you can always expect to find something fresh on the menu at Mesa Provisions. And although they have a wide variety of culinary offerings, year-round staples such as the half-smoked chicken or the green chile cheddar biscuit will have you coming back for more.

MERAKI COFFEE + MARKET 5900 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-1116 drinkmerakiabq.com

Meraki in Greek is the word that describes the attention and love put into something you are preparing for others. With all real ingredients (no fake butter, sugar substitutes, etc.) it is clear the passion runs through each item that is made at Meraki. Everything is made early in the morning and most ingredients are sold in-store exclusively. Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or smoked salmon toast with homemade tomato jam, you are sure to find that every dish is extremely high quality and delicious.

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS (505) 504-7078 202 Bryn Mawr Dr SE michaelthomascoffee.com

Michael Thomas’ fresh-roasted coffees can be purchased in bulk or by the cup. Favorites include the Banda Bear Blend and the Duke’s Runners’ Blend. If you prefer to let them make your cup of Joe, try an espresso-based drink such as a Double Espresso, a Macchiato, or a Cubano.

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BITES O RAMEN

2114 Central Ave SE (505) 508-1897

Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot.

ORCHID THAI CUISINE 4300 Central Ave SE (505) 265-4047 orchidabq.com

Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried

sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

THE OWL CAFÉ

800 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-4900 owlcafealbuquerque.com

World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN 1510 Girard Blvd NE (505) 262-0115

It might not get any more New Mexican than it does at Padilla’s—from huevos rancheros and tamales to chile

rellenos and egg-topped blue corn enchiladas. You may have to shake your head after a taste of the chile just to remind yourself you’re not in your grandmother’s kitchen. A sopaipilla dripping with honey will seal the deal for your traditional meal.

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1935 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 298-7541 paisanosabq.com

Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, hand-stuffed ravioli, homemade sausage and marinara haven’t hurt business, either. It’s also the only place in town to get wheat-free pizza and pasta.

THE PALETA BAR

2325 San Pedro Dr NE plus 14 other metro locations (505) 884-0049 thepaletabar.com

A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$ 9800 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 292-8877 papafelipes.com

Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PAPA NACHOS

7648 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 821-4900 papanachosfood.com

Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-and-true family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.

PARS CUISINE

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste. 100 (505) 345-5156 parscuisine.us

For more than 20 years, Pars has served Persian and Mediterranean menu items in a unique atmosphere. Choose to sit on the floor under a large tent, and enjoy the talents of belly dancers, and enjoy tasty kebabs, gyros and more.

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT

9800 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 298-7678 pelicansabq.com

$$$

For 30 years, customers have fallen for Pelican’s—hook, line and sinker. Favorite entrées include Alaskan king crab, Australian lobster tail, and their delicious prime rib.

PEREA’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1140 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-0157

Even after multiple relocations over the course of it’s 40-plus year history in Albuquerque, Perea’s keeps their loyal customers and newcomings coming back with their hearty New Mexican comfort foods.

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR 4590 Corrales Rd (505) 898-2442

Open for lunch only, the family-owned and -operated business specializes in real, home-cooked New Mexican food that’s consistently earned kudos from customers who can’t say “no” to the Frito pie, carne adovada, and green chile cheeseburgers.

PERICO’S

10401 Golf Course Rd NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 792-5255 pericosmexicanrestaurant.com

Serving delicious New Mexican food at affordable prices made Perico’s instantly popular, and the “home of the ½

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BITES lb burrito” is now an Albuquerque institution with three locations, catering services, and 22 different burritos.

PHAT STAX BURGERS 114 Tulane Dr SE (505) 503-6564 FB/IG: @ phatstax505

Phat Stax Burgers is big on flavor without the shortcuts, living up to its name with towering and indulgent burgers that demand (at least) two hands—and a knapkin or two. Juicy patties, creative toppings (think teriyaki grilled pineapple and BBQ pulled pork), plus loaded fries and more, make up a menu that unapologetically leans into indulgence.

PHO LINH

9100 Central Ave SE (505) 266-3368 pholinhabq.com

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is the name of the game at this restaurant. Look for pad thai, special noodles (with grilled barbecue shrimp), spring rolls, curry, and papaya salad.

PIATANZI

1403 Girard Blvd NE (505) 792-1700 piatanzi.com

A neighborhood Italian eatery with artisan flair, Piatanzi serves up big bites on smallish plates that please families and adventurous foodies alike, in a venue that scores big points.

PIZZA 9

5241 Ouray Ave. NW, Ste. A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 831-6463 pizzanine.com

Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust—that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal.

PIZZERIA LUCA

8850 Holly Ave NE (505) 797-8086 pizzerialuca.com

With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials.

PLANTY SWEET

2506 Washington St NE (505) 433-7111 plantysweet.weebly.com

Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.

POKI POKI CEVICHERIA 3517 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 503-6806 pokipokinm.com

Think deconstructed sushi if you’ve never had the traditionally Hawaiian poké. Completely customizable bowls with Latin and Asian fusion are the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad.

POLLITO CON PAPAS 6105 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 765-5486 pollitoconpapas.com

Get ready for a punch of Peruvian cuisine. The menu is dotted with combinations of chicken, potatoes, and cilantro rice. The chicken is brined in vinegar and cumin for about 10 hours, then fired on a spit. The traditional drink, chicha, makes the perfect complement to any dish. The southeast part of town just inched a bit closer to South America.

PONDEROSA BREWING CO. 1761 Bellamah Ave NW (505) 639-5941 ponderosabrewing.net

A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT 288 Prairie Star Rd (505) 867-3327 mynewmexicogolf.com

Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-from-scratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bison-raised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.

QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB 1100 San Mateo Blvd NE, #50 plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1387 quartercelticbrewpub.com

7600 Jefferson St NE, Ste. 29 plus 1 other metro location (505) 295-3945

For home-cooked food regional with local roots, look no further than Ramona’s Mexican Cafe. A hybrid of Mexican and New Mexican cuisine with the likes of tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas on the menu. The restaurant’s menu primarily features recipes from the owner’s mother, including Chile Colorado and the Norteño Plate.

RANGE CAFÉ

4400 Wyoming Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-2633 rangecafe.com

Locals flock to the Range Café when they’re in search of good, made-from-scratch comfort food, including meatloaf sandwiches, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, ice cream, and the gooey Life by Chocolate dessert.

RED ROCK DELI

2414 San Mateo Pl NE (505) 332-9656

So authentic that the menu is derived from a family cookbook written entirely in Polish, Red Rock Deli boasts Polish and Chicago-style deli delights, especially their handmade pierogies with ingredients sourced from Chicago.

RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES 8019 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 299-0001 relishsandwichesabq.com

It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque—it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

RESTORATION PIZZA

5161 Lang Ave NE, Ste. A (505) 582-2720 restorationpizza.com

Here, good food and positive works—delivered simultaneously—is in the very nature of the business. The idea is to provide patrons with top-notch pies and first-rate beers while giving traditionally underemployed individuals work opportunities they would otherwise miss.

RESTAURANT FORTY NINE FORTY 4940 Corrales Rd, Corrales (505) 554-3866 fanciecorrales.com

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 3301 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 881-1039

$$$

Mexican favorites—such as carne adovada, relleño, tacos, and green chile enchiladas—cooked in the healthiest, most nutritious, yummiest way possible. Open for breakfast and lunch.

RIO BRAVO BREWING COMPANY 1912 2nd St NW (505) 900-3909 riobravobrewing.com

The pub and grill is bright and airy with high ceilings and a modern industrial style, mixed with the cozy rustic feel of a neighborhood bar, with 32 taps, including their award winning La Luz Lager.

RIO TACOS

Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with green chile.

RAMONA’S MEXICAN CAFE

program, plus Sunday Brunch and plenty of special dinners on the calendar, Restaurant Forty Nine Forty offers a plethora of plates, such as roasted sea bass, on a rotating, seasonal menu.

4545 Alameda Blvd NE (505) 630-7960 riotacosco.com

From tastebud-worthy birria to classic carne asada, Rio Tacos is a lively, laid-back spot for all your serious taco cravings—or otherwise. Their diverse, Mexican street food-forward menu also features quesadillas, chilaquiles, and tortas—plus breakfast for those early-morning burrito hankerings.

ROMA BAKERY & DELI

501 Roma Ave NW (505) 843-9418 romabakeryanddeli.com

You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

ROSE GARDEN

6541 Paradise Blvd NW, Ste. E plus 1 other metro location (505) 897-8880 rosegardenabq.com

Over 100 menu items and great customer service ensures locals always return. Rose Garden never disappoints with a wide range of appetizers, soups and entrees. Owner, Mieng Lu, says the Kung Pao chicken, orange chicken and beef lo mein are just a few of his favorites.

RUMOR PIZZA

724 Mountain Rd NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 808-9877 rumorpizza.com

It’s not just a rumor: the pies at Rumor Pizza are seriously top-notch—arguably better than your average American chain. Made with organic ingredients and featuring unique pairings, Rumor’s menu offers ten core pizzas to choose from, ranging from classics like pepperoni to a funghi pie, made with two types of mushrooms and topped with whipped mascarpone and chives.

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE

840 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-1813

Rustic Bubble Tea Cafe has all of the fundamentals of a bubble shop down, of course - the hint is in the name but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnamese-inspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages.

RUTILIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 455 N Main St, Belen (505) 864-0093

Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilos on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilios breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

What began as a taco stand eventually evolved into a more high-end, fine dining experience, now known as Restaurant Forty Nine Forty. With a dry-aged meats

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BITES SA THAI

6400 Holly Ave, Ste I (505) 508-2972 sathaiusa.com

SAVOY BAR & GRILL

With a modern aesthetic and authentic cuisine, SA Thai checks all the boxes. From classic Pad Thai to Khao Soi, every dish is created with fresh ingredients and made to match your spice preference.

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

6230 4th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940 sadiesofnewmexico.com

10601 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 294-9463 savoyabq.com

A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

SAGGIO’S

107 Cornell Dr SE plus one other metro location (505) 255-5454 unmsaggios.com

This university joint is known for its pizza, particularly the pepperoni and green chile-topped pie, but the pasta, sandwiches, and salads shouldn’t be slept on!

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY 2622 Central Ave SE (505) 255-5400 saharamiddleeasterneatery.com

Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattandeli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and award-winning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike.

SAIGON RESTAURANT

6001 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. D4 plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706 saigonrestaurantnm.com

fuel. The tamale and enchilada take-and-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home—after all, you can.

$$$

Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier fine-dining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

SATELLITE COFFEE

2300 Central Ave Plus 5 other metro locations (505) 254-3800 satellitecoffee.com

Satellite Coffee perhaps harkens back to the classic cafes of yesteryear, as the coffee here is roasted fresh in small batches daily, available alongside refreshing smoothies and plen-tea of tea options for enthusiasts. But make no mistake: Satellite is 100% local and serves all-day breakfast and lunch bites like carne adovada burritos and sandwiches such as the turkey pepper jack. At the end of the day, it’s coffee done well and done right.

SCARPA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 5500 Academy Rd NE (505) 821-1885 scarpaspizza.com

That brick oven is cornerstone to this neighborhood favorite, producing pizzas such as the shrimp pesto, the Greek, and the chipotle chicken. But Scarpas also knows pasta, including red chile cream pasta and pasta sorento with oak-roasted chicken.

SEARED

119 San Pasquale Ave SW (505) 999-8414 searedabq.com

During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL 2031 Mountain Rd NW (505) 766-5100 seasonsabq.com

$$$

As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients. Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheese-crusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S BAKERY & CAFE 2740 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 554-2602 sergiosbakeryandcafe.com

Truly a hidden gem for freshly made Italian goods, Sergio’s Bakery and Cafe walks on the savory side of life with ease. Stuffed calzones, chicken wings, subs—plus a weekend pasta dinner menu—are just a few options you’ll find at this neighborhood spot that keeps locals coming back for more. Prego!

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

2601 Central Ave NW (505) 848-7182

To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.

Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

6241 Riverside Plaza NW (505) 890-2838 abqsakurasushingrill.com

Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI

2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 265-9330

Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR 9500 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 275-6601 abqsamurai.com

$$$

What’s your pleasure, sushi or teppan? Here, you can have either expertly crafted right in front of you. It’s also where you can get fresh sushi favorites such as the California roll, the dragon roll, and a veggies-and-sushi “Viagra salad” special.

SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL 1911 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 292-8226

It’s in the sauce—Papa Jim’s Taco Sauce, at least—which comes with items such as burritos, tacos, and salsa. This Santiago Scramble—a pile of scrambled eggs, cheese, corn tortillas, chorizo, and hash browns—is great morning

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BITES SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT 3310 Central Ave SE (505) 265-9166 shogunabq.com

When your order of sushi comes around the bend on its floating wooden boat, you couldn’t be happier, whether you’ve ordered the “Super Crunch” (shrimp tempura roll), or the “TNT Roll” (fish, zucchini, and onion, baked with spicy mayo and smothered on a California roll).

THE SHOP BREAKFAST AND LUNCH 2933 Monte Vista Blvd NE (505) 433-2795 theshopabq.com

The Shop Breakfast and Lunch serves up breakfast and lunch (as the name implies) but with a focus on local sourcing and seasonal favorites. The dishes at The Shop deftly combine Creole and Latin American influences with a dose of New Mexican comfort. The flavors really pop.

SIXTY SIX ACRES 2400 12th St NW (505) 243-2230 sixtysixacres.com

A modern take on a classic bar and grill, Sixty-Six Acres has something for everyone. With unique appetizers, salads, and bowls, plus craft cocktails, you’re sure to find something to satisfy. Located in the Avanyu Plaza, you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the Sandias.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS BAR & GRILLE $ 2003 Southern Blvd SE, #139, Rio Rancho (505) 994-0363 slatestreetbilliards.com

Come for the pool, stay for the nachos. And the burgers. And the wings. Rio Rancho’s favorite pool hall also has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFE 515 Slate Ave NW (505) 243-2210 slatestreetcafe.com

Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambiance with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to build-your-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

5720 McMahon Blvd NE. Ste. B plus 1 other metro locations (505) 261-2058 sliceanddicepizzeria.com

With both a sweeping library of board games and full menu of hot pies and subs, Slice and Dice is a venue for everyone from seasoned players to wide-eyed beginners (or people just hungry for some pizza). They provide a space where you can gather with a few friends and take in the twin delights of pizza and board games.

SOO BAK SEOUL BOWL 111 Hermosa Dr SE (505) 268-0017 soobakfoods.com

Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimchi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimchi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

7900 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. A-12 plus 1 other metro locations (505) 821-1437 squeezedjuicebars.com

Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery. Three to five pounds of fruit

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are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.

ST. JAMES TEA ROOM

320 Osuna Rd NE, Ste. D (505) 242-3752 stjamestearoom.com

$$$

Albuquerque’s long-standing, go-to teahouse, this enveloping, intricately detailed, and authentically British tearoom provides old-fashioned conversation and honest service.

STARR BROS. BREWING

5700 San Antonio Dr NE, Ste. B1 (505) 492-2752 starrbrothersbrewing.com

With dishes ranging from American favorites to Southern fare, Starr Bros. Brewing is more than an award-winning brewery. It has turned heads with Poutine Burqueno: a New Mexican take on the Canadian greasy-spoon classic. The house burger, with high-quality beef and homemade green chile aioli, is a customer favorite.

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD 8305 2nd St NW (505) 433-3537 steelbenderbrewyard.com

The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of housemade beers and its gourmet menu.

STICKY RICE

7600 Jefferson St NE, #5 (505) 797-1288

Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.

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BITES STONE FACE TAVERN 8201 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 822-8855

Whether as a sports bar, live music venue, upscale grill, or just as a place that offers a little fun in the sand, Stone Face Tavern has something for everyone. Inside these doors, guarded by stone gargoyles, you’ll find large, shareable appetizers and entrees, plenty of beets on tap, and both outdoor and indoor volleyball courts.

STORMING CRAB

5001 San Mateo Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 407-2032 albuquerque.stormingcrab.us

Specializing in large, customizable seafood boils, rich in Cajun and Atlantic coast flavor, Storming Crab’s selection of dinner combos encourages diners to build their own. Black and green mussels, shrimp, crawfish, white clams, and crab legs can be ordered by the pound.

STRIPES BURRITO CO

2204 Menaul Blvd NE plus 7 other metro locations (505) 881-5151 stripesco.com

Stripes is serving up classic burritos all day long. From bacon to carne adovada, the flavor-packed favorite will surely hit the spot. What’s the hardest choice you’ll have to make? Red or green!

SUNNYSIDE UP BREAKFAST & LUNCH CAFE $$ 6909 Menaul Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 888-3447 sunnysideupabq.com

Located right by Uptown, patrons can find everything from eggs (prepared in various ways) to waffles to cocktails and more served up from breakfast through lunch. Specific menu items include Strawberry Banana Waffle, Bacon Avocado Scramble and Arizona Turkey.

SUSHIBUCKS

2106 Central Ave SE, Ste. A (505) 243-8089

This Asian-inspired restaurant with New Mexican flair provides customers with fast service and quality food. Sushibucks offers over 30 sushi rolls, including baked and no-rice offerings. Diners can also order udon, bulgogi, and bibimbap for those not feeling sushi.

SUSHI KING

9421 Coors Blvd NW (505) 890-6200 sushikingabq.com

417 Tramway Blvd NE, #3 (505) 200-2477 sushixuanasiangrill.com

You’ll find more than just tasty sushi here. Diners dig into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes too. Sushi Xuan has multiple shipments of fresh fish during the week, and only uses Japanese Kokoro rice, and organic veggies whenever possible.

SUSHIYA

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 275-4777 sushiyanm.com

115 Harvard Dr SE, Ste. 7 (505) 750-2040 snapdragontea.com

TAAJ PALACE

Family recipes modified for American tastes; Taste of India typically dials back the spice a bit. But it’s no misnomer to think of Taste of India as just what the name advertises: a taste of regional flavors, conveyed by people who grew up with them

1435 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 296-0109 taajpalacenm.com

$-$$

Taaj Palace is a multifaceted field of flavor and texture, built around the fiery core of the tandoor oven, that serves up a variety of delicious curries, including the widely popular chicken makhani (butter chicken), where tandoori chicken is presented swimming in a creamy tomato sauce.

TACOS EL MUCHACHO ALEGRE

3107 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. 16 (505) 221-2112 IG: @tacoselmuchachoalegre505

Family recipes are the source of many of the authentic Mexican dishes at Tacos El Muchacho Alegre—like, for example, the popular Carne Asada taco, which comes loaded with all the classic fixings. Everything here is homemade, from the corn tortillas to all the salsas and sauces, although owners will claim that the secret ingredient is really simple: love.

TACO SAL

9621 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 298-2210

This family-owned and operated restaurant offers tasty, traditional New Mexican (burritos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, huevos rancheros, and more) with its own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TACO SHEL

7001 San Antonio Dr NE, Ste. G (505) 828-0260 tacoshel.com

Be sure to bring cash when you come to this New Mexican staple. You’ll be glad you did, because whether you prefer tamales, enchiladas, sopapillas, or any other New Mexican classic, you can be sure that it will have been made fresh, in-house with affordable prices at Taco Shel.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA 1430 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 255-1994 tajmahalabq.com

Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet.

12501 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-3518

Chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela takes a creative spin on tacos, or takos if you will, by curating a unique menu, which includes a Vegan Sweet Potato Tako. Try the salsa bar!

TAMASHI

6400 Holly Ave NE, Ste. G Plus 1 other metro location (505) 717-2457 tamashiabq.com

Award winning sushi at reasonable prices, unique appetizers, and hand picked alcohol are just some of the reasons to eat at Tamashi. Did we mention they also have killer ramen? With so much variety, you’re sure to become a regular.

TAP N TACO

This family-owned and operated restaurant strives to serve up sushi the way you’d find it on the southern California coast. A clean and comfortable atmosphere pairs well with friendly service and some of the thickest cuts of salmon in the city.

SNAPDRAGON TEA

TASTE OF INDIA

TAKO TEN

As one of the originators of sushi in Albuquerque, it’s no wonder Sushi King is beloved by so many. By merging tastes of Japan and America with rolls like the New Mexico Roll and the Lady in Red, you really can’t go wrong.

SUSHI XUAN

a plethora of tea options for even the most discerning of aficionados. Reservations are required for their threecourse afternoon tea menus (served Fridays-Sundays), but walk-ins are welcome for the daily a la carte.

1120 Pat D’Arco Hwy (505) 800-5966 tapntaco.com

This spot specializes in Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, papa asada, nachos, and fries, with protein options for everyone ranging from asada to vegetarian. If you’re a fan of salsa bars, Tap N Taco has one with just about everything you need to elevate your food. Not only are the taco options pleasing to the palate but there’s an aesthetic appeal too.

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 294-6342 tasteofindiaabq.com

TASTY NOODLES AND DUMPLINGS 2325 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. 1E (505) 219-3988 tastynoodlesanddumplings.com

This Uptown spot known for their hand-pulled noodles and made-to-order dumplings and Bao (soup dumplings) also features more “traditional” Chinese fare and an adventurous Chef’s Special menu on request.

TASTY POT

8050 Academy Rd NE, #101 (505) 717-2190

The popular chain Tasty Pot offers ten signature hot pot options, in addition to twelve flavors of soup bases–such as beef, lamb, and tomato–allowing seemingly endless customization and flavor combinations. Various proteins from lobster to beef are also available to put into your hot pot to make it your way. Of course, it wouldn’t be New Mexico without a little (or a lot) of chile–and the Tasty Pot in Albuquerque keeps it local by offering a special green chile hot pot.

TEN 3

30 Tramway Rd NE (505) 764-8363 ten3tram.com

Whether you’re looking for fine or casual dining, TEN 3 is an experience. With a take on modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, choose from a menu of delicious appetizers, salads, and entrees while dining 10,300 feet above sea level. TEN 3 is a treat for your eyes and taste buds as you sit at the top of Sandia Peak.

TEOFILO’S RESTAURANTE 144 Main St NW, Los Lunas (505) 865-5511 teofilos.com

This restaurant’s generations-old made-from-scratch recipes will draw you to Los Lunas, along with the warm chips, chile rellenos, crème cake enchiladas, and more, all handmade from scratch.

TERIYAKI MADNESS

11032 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 508-0430 teriyakimadness.com

For those looking for a break from the old guard of fast casual Asian cuisine, Teriyaki Madness offers fresh, simple teriyaki bowls. The secret is in their house made sauce, officially known as MAD sauce.

THAI BORAN

3236 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. A (505) 492-2244 thaiborannm.com

Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

THAI CUISINE II

4201 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3200 thaicuisinenm.com

House in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a much-beloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/ vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

Perfect for brunch or an afternoon jaunt, Snapdragon Tea offers baked goodies like scones and kolaches alongside

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they have expanded to include harder-to-execute menu items such as glazed salmon steaks, and Jagerschnitzel. New menu items paired with a longer wine and beer list takes Turtle Mountain to an elevated level.

TRAIL RIDER PIZZA

Art Xaiyasiha is one of two siblings who crafted one of the Duke City’s first great Thai restaurants, Siam Cafe. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home”.

TURQUOISE DESERT TAPROOM

The fact that this spot is a 98% from scratch kitchen should be reason enough to stop by, and with 14 types of specialty pizza, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

THAI HOUSE

Turquoise Desert Taproom is a serious step-up from your typical sports bar food. They’re a from-scratch kitchen, and their pretzels and hamburger buns are made inhouse, making it both an upscale restaurant and a more casual sports bar. With all of the fan favorites, like wings, nachos, and fish and chips, Sunday football games are also sure to be screened on one of their nine flatscreen TVs during the season. It’s seriously the best of both worlds.

10707 Corrales Rd (505) 890-0059 thaikitchenabq.com

2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 247-9205 thaihouserestaurantabq.com

With an impressive stay in ABQ (Thai House is approaching its 40-year anniversary), this South Asian restaurant has a secret weapon in its native Thai chef who brings her vast knowledge of Thai cuisine to the metro.

THAI SPICE

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521 thaispiceabq.com

4405 Jager Way NE E, Rio Rancho (505) 835-4701 turqouisetap.com

12165 NM-14, Ste. B2, Cedar Crest (505) 281-6068 trailriderpizza.com

TRIANA

111 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 503-6202 triananobhill.com

Named after the historic district in Seville, Spain, Trianas brings traditional tapas to Nob Hill. Their seasonal menus ensure only the freshest ingredients go into their

An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw.

THAI VEGAN

5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610 thaivegannm.com

Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER 12611 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 293-6545 theobromachocolatier.com

More than 20 years of experience goes into every morsel of European–inspired chocolate and sweet treat at this 505 sweet-tooth savior. Streamlined and polished, Theobroma has the look of a franchise, but everything is hand-crafted and produced on-site.

THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

14500 Central Ave SW, Laguna Pueblo (505) 352-7888 rt66casino.com

Nestled inside this busy casino, you’ll find dishes that are a confluence of cultures at Thunder Road: made-fromscratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

WAFFLETOPIA

3710 Campus Blvd NE (505) 492-2007 lawaffleriaabq.com

You’ve never experienced waffles of this magnitude. A residential home-turned-restaurant, anticipate artisan flare (lavender whipped cream, goat cheese, and caramel apple toppings) and plenty of goods for vegans and celiacs.

TOMASITA’S

4949 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 344-1204 tomasitas.com

Known widely for its Northern New Mexican food and margaritas, Tomasita’s prides itself on authenticity and locally sourced ingredients. The food and friendly service will not disappoint.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN NORTH

7835 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location (505) 404-0414

The newest location of a beloved original, Turtle Mountain North features double the beer taps and double the kitchen size. Keeping classic brewery finds on the menu,

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BITES beautiful, eye-catching small plates, making every bite a flavorful experience.

TULA’S KITCHEN

8100 Wyoming Blvd NE Plus one other metro location (505) 418 4488 tulaskitchen.com

$-$$

Brought to you by the same folks behind the Dion’s dynasty, Tula’s Kitchen is a fresh dining concept that pairs laid-back New Mexican eats (think green chile cheeseburgers) with craveable, global flavors. Sharing is encouraged—although certainly not required.

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

1425 San Mateo Blvd NE A (505) 255-5370 tullysdeli.com

Old-school deli charm meets high quality ingredients at Tully’s Italian Deli. Known for its stacked sandwiches, Italian-imported ingredients, and no-frills authenticity, this longtime ABQ staple is part grocery, part restaurant, and part bakery. Whether it’s a mouth-watering sub topped with prosciutto, mozzarella, and all the fixings—or a fromscratch cannoli—Tully’s keeps things simple, fresh, and oh so satisfying.

TWO CRANES BISTRO + BREW 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste. A (505) 295-3970 twocranesnm.com

Comfort food with a high-end twist is all the rage at this spot, where you’ll find enticing dishes like Chorizo Rellenos wrapped like egg rolls and grilled salmon with a Michelin Star-level presentation.

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TWO FOOLS TAVERN 3211 Central Ave NE (505) 265-7447 2foolstavern.com

Dubliner or not, there’s soul-warming Irish fare to be found at this authentic Irish eatery. Two Fools Tavern is known to have good food, drink and conversation. Its atmosphere earns an A plus for feeling just like a traditional Irish pub, and its food most definitely does not fall short. If Irish classics like Scottish Eggs and Guinness Beef Boxty don’t do it for you, the 300 brands of whiskey will certainly make you feel like you’re right in Dublin.

URBAN 360 PIZZA

2119 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2384 urban360pizza.com

Urban 360 Pizza is a one-stop-shop for traditional pizzas like your classic Margherita or pepperoni, unconventional options like orange chicken or gyros pizza, burgers, Asian food and more. This place has something for everyone no matter what you’re craving. With new menu items added all the time, there’s plenty of reason to come back again and again.

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste. 400 H plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-5671 urbanhotdogcompany.com

With about 20 choices–and even a vegetarian option– this restaurant has become a dog-lover’s go-to. Look for Chicago and NYC classics, plus adventurous temptations like the Crafty Dog (topped with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon).

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR 6601 Uptown Blvd NE (505) 884-4714 uptown-sportsbar.com

A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers.

VEGOS

2904 Indian School Rd NE (505) 554-1041 vegosabq.com

New Mexican staples made for vegans and vegetarians without skipping out on any of the flavor. Vegos aims to bring traditional flavors and textures found in New Mexican food while keeping it entirely plant based. However, don’t get discouraged if youre all about meat, Vegos makes it a priority to try and tailor food to everyone’s liking no matter the diet.

VERNON’S SPEAKEASY

6855 4th St NW (505) 341-0831 vernonsspeakeasymenu.com

$$$

This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ 3600 Osuna Rd NE (505) 341-9710 vicsdailycafe.com

With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie.

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BITES VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN 8810 Central Ave SE (505) 298-5143 vicksvittles.com

Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day—except Wednesdays, when Vick’s is closed. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed.

VIET TASTE

5721 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 888-0101 pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq

With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

VIET PHO

4208 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2359

This Vietnamese-based cuisine restaurant offers a homey feel and Southeast Asian comfort food. Try the popular Beef Pho Soup or go for a lighter dish like the Shrimp Spring Rolls.

VIET RICE

1340 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 892-7423 ordervietrice.com

This family owned and operated restaurant brings storied Vietnamese cuisine to the City of Vision. Their most popular dish is rice noodles with meatballs or brisket, but the dish is heavily customizable, from the kind of noodle to the proteins, including vegetarian options.

VILLAGE PIZZA

3200 La Orilla Rd NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location (505) 219-3766 villagepizzanm.com

WESTERN VIEW

Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE

1720 Central Ave SW (505) 842-5507 vinaigretteonline.com

Getting in touch with your “green” side has never been as hip as it is at Albuquerque’s newest go-to salad bistro. Vinaigrette offers a menu full of unique salads made with fresh produce from owner Erin Wade’s farm in Nambè. Items like The Nutty Pear-Fessor and the Asian Chopped Salad don’t sacrifice deliciousness just because they’re healthy. Expect one of 17 vinaigrette dressings to be perfectly paired with your salad.

VINTAGE 423

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE (505) 821-1918 vintage-423.com

Decorated with plush booths, black and white photos of vintage cars, a glass wine cellar wall, and an outdoor patio with couches and fireplaces, Vintage 423 is a go-to location for good eats and happy hour—all year long.

WECK’S

4500 Osuna Rd NE, #100 plus 7 other metro locations (505) 344-1472 wecksinc.com

cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.

For nearly 20 years, Weck’s has served up huge, tasty portions of breakfast and lunch. Examples: The Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs,

6411 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2200

With a cozy diner feel and a long history, Western View is turning out plates of diner classics and New Mexican staples—finely seasoned with a sprinkling of Greek options—for diners hungry for both hearty home cooked meals and classic countertop service.

WHOLE HOG CAFE

9880 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 323-1688 wholehogcafenm.com

Get award-winning Memphis-style barbecue in a familyfriendly atmosphere. Can’t-miss items include the pulled pork, potato salad, and the homemade banana pudding.

YASMINE’S CAFÉ

1600 Central Ave SE (505) 242-1980

Yasmine’s is one of the few places in Albuquerque with shawarma—pitas filled with marinated chicken or beef that’s been pressed, stacked and cooked slowly on a rotisserie. Also try lamb and beef shish kababs, baba ghanoush, fatah, and four varieties of baklava.

YUMMY NOODLE HOUSE

6001 Winter Haven Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 595-3296 yummynoodlehouse.com

This dive is exactly what it sounds like: a yummy noodle house. With 12 noodle dishes to choose from, the question isn’t “Which one should I get?” but instead it’s “What order should I get these in?”

THE YELLER SUB

7200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 888-9784 yellersub.com

Cheyanne Bywater, new business operator, leads a happy team of sandwich professionals who genuinely love what they do. This 45-year-old sandwich institution has spent the last four decades perfecting everything on the menu. If you need proof - start with the customer favorite - the Steak & Grilled Onions Sub. The bread is baked fresh daily, and the potato chips, waffle fries, and onion rings are all made from scratch the old-fashioned way. The perfection shows.

ZENDO COFFEE

413 2nd St SW (505) 926-1636 zendocoffee.com

Opening its doors in 2013 on 2nd Street, Zendo Coffee’s creativity plays a huge part in the beloved menu. The variety of different items on the menu caters to just about anyone and provides a sense of comfort.

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LOCAL STUFF P. 196 // SHOP TALK P. 198 // PAWS BUTTON P. 200 // YOUR BEST SHOT P. 207 // A FEW THINGS P. 208

OUT AND ABOUT: YOUR GUIDE TO THE LIGHTER SIDE OF THE DUKE CITY

Home Is Wher e the Pu r r Is

Behind every Nine Lives Rescue success story is a foster parent with a welcoming home, huge heart, and plenty of patience. Nine Lives specializes in special cases—cats that might need some extra care, like this cutie (p. 200).

CAN’TLIVEWITHOUT

MUST-HAVE ITEMS BY: ABBY BUTLER DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT AT ALBUQUERQUE ARTS HUB

TLE OT get B TER sy to WA uper ea ou’re in s y . It ’s ated if ay long r d d dehy car all your

ELBOW MACAR ONI (THE DO I take her G) wit She’s resp h me to a lot of pl aces. onsible for improving mental hea my lth and k going too eeps me fr psycho or om spending time focu too much s because sh ing on everything el e’s a pupp y. She nee se taken car ds to be e of, and that has separate a helped m little bit from work e .

S ASSE , and L G SUN the time y all t craz es, e g ve i I r Id ht. ass y brig eed sungl ng r ve s it ’ so I n start getti t , s e h a c heada m going to glasses th ’ n . but I d-lady su entire face ol r e thos round you a wrap

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When she’s not spending time organizing events or program planning at home, Abby Butler is on the go. During the school year she’s on the road meeting with teachers and administrators and making community connections to ensure the next generation of artists are getting the education they deserve. A visual artist herself, Butler’s everyday items are a bit more than ordinary (and a fair bit hairier).

IPAD It has my notes in it. It has a sketchboo k in there for me. It has my calendar in it. I can resp ond to emails, take vi deo calls, and send texts.

RAYS CARDBOARD T OR BOXES ys carrying Because I am alwa teaching around supplies for artists!

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

Want to look good and feel good? Send us your questions, and we’ll ask the city’s experts, lookgoodfeelgood@abqthemag.com

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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LOCALSTUFF WELOVE

Your touchstone for ABQ’s cool, fun & eclectic retail goodies that will help you live life a bit happier and smarter. A TAROT DECK WITH NINE LIVES

Forget all the superstition around black cats—these ones are nothing but good luck. The Black Cat Tarot deck puts a meowvelous spin on the traditional symbolism of the Rider-Waite tarot with whimsical cat illustrations. The imagery was actually inspired by the artist’s rescue cat, Boo, making the 78-card deck that much more meaningful.

BLACK CAT TAROT, $36 BLACK CAT BURQUE THEABURQUE.COM

WINGIN’ IT

EVERYTHING IS FINE. SPIRAL NOTEBOOK, $17.99 THE GOOD GARBAGE CO. THEGOODGARBAGE.COM

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COURTESY PHOTOS

Everyone needs a little reminder that “Everything Is Fine,” even when it might not feel that way. The adorably frazzled bird on the front of this notebook embodies what we’re all thinking, and the blank pages inside are ready for your ideas, notes, grocery lists, or emotional brain dump (we won’t tell).

LOCALSTUFFWELOVE TREATS WORTH SITTING FOR

If peanut butter is your pup’s love language, these handmade twists are sure to earn not one but two paws up. They’re baked in small batches with wholesome, pet-friendly ingredients, so they’re as healthy as they are delicious—and beautiful. Kitties can also get in on the action with tiny catnip-baked morsels. Me-ow, indeed.

TAILWAGGIN TEMPTATIONS GOURMET DOG TREATS, $7 (505) 239-2371 TAILWAGGINTEMPTATIONS.COM

FIDGET FRIENDS

Want a pet you can carry in your pocket? These adorable 3D-printed pocket pets double as fidget toys. Each critter is articulated and designed to keep your restless hands busy. Choose from tiny narwhals, cats, chameleons, elephants, and more!

POCKET PETS, $3 RAXA3D (505) 785-7971 RAXA3D.COM

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SHOP TALK

4908 Corrales Rd, Corrales (505) 221-6836 sagevalleypottery.com

essi Penrod has a few pieces at home, mugs in particular, gifted or crafted by friends that draw fond memories; pieces that elevate the experience of small daily rituals like early morning coffee by reminding her of who was there when she first held them. It is, to her summation, part of the nature of these small gifts we give to one another. That nature—functional and evoking—is a part of what drew her into the world of ceramics, and certainly part of what drives Sage Valley Pottery. “This is something that people are able to pass down and have found valuable. As anthropologists are digging things up you find them in tombs and all these different places. So it’s definitely a valuable art form that can be preserved,” says Penrod.

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A CORRALES STUDIO CRAFTS HANDMADE, HIGHQUALITY CERAMICS FOR EVERYDAY THAT CAN BE PURCHASED ANY TIME OF DAY, AND DAY OF THE YEAR. “And it’s also made out of materials from the earth, even if it does get broken somehow.” In Corrales, hand crafted ceramics have been made in the same studio since the 1970s. Penrod, who was there when it was still Hanselmann Pottery, continues that legacy of producing high-quality ceramics coated with house-made glazes under a new name. Joining Hanselmann’s six months after graduating college, Penrod worked under Head Potter James West for eight years before being elevated to a studio manager position, where she learned the business side of the shop. In 2023, she learned that the previous owner had planned to move on and a year later, Hanselmann’s became Sage Valley Pottery under WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | AUGUST 2026

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

SAGE VALLEY POTTERY

SHOPTALK

Penrod’s leadership. An Arizonan and originally a musician, Penrod first found her appreciation for ceramics at her local community college after struggling at the pottery wheel. She attended UNM partly due to its ceramics program, where her appreciation for the form deepened. “It was the first thing that I really wanted to go through the discomfort with,” Penrod said of pottery. “With anything, you need a lot of practice and repetition and discipline, and there’s always a level of discomfort. Whether you’re learning to be a runner or a musician, those long hours of practice.” “This was the first thing where I felt like I really wanted that.” Microwave, oven and dishwasher safe, each piece of cookware crafted at Sage Valley is handmade by a team of four artists through a process that takes about two weeks from start to finish. Their staple collection, conceptualized over years by James West, is featured in a housemade glaze that prioritizes the food rather than the dish, and can exist in just about any setting.

Sage Valley also produces a number of seasonally-available glazes and plans to add more in the future. While Sage Valley Pottery ceramics are available both online and through some retail shops, there is certainly much more charm in their studio. The best part is that the shop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, a kind of tradition carried over by previous owners. The gallery works on an honor system. Patrons can in and browse the wares at any time of the day, purchase what they like and write a note with their purchase, leaving the cash behind. “When I got here ten years ago, it was a metal box nailed to the top of a cardboard table,” said Penrod. “I was really shocked; it didn’t seem very secure to me. But now we’ve got this massively heavy handmade table and there’s and iron drop box with a heavy-duty lock.” They’ve also recently installed a self-checkout system for card users, where they’d previously have patrons leave their card information and run it the following morning. “There’s been a little bit more concern from people leaving their credit

AUGUST 2026 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

card information with us, which is totally understandable.” The positive to the system, Penrod says, becomes especially clear during the holidays. She says it’s almost shocking how many people come in between the hours of 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. during the month of December. Sage Valley Pottery offers classes as well, albeit slightly different to many other local studios. Where most pottery studios offer reoccurring courses, Sage Valley offers intimate single class session classes, perfect for date night or to give as a gift. Classes cost $90 per person, host a maximum of four people and are available for scheduling from Tuesday to Saturday in the morning or afternoon. Students get to keep three pieces, as well as a discount code for the gallery. “You’re most likely not going to get it on your first try,” said Penrod. “We found that keeping the classes small just really allows us to work one on one with people, and people don’t have to wait for assistance.”—DANIEL LARLHAM JR.

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PAWS BUTTON

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

NINE LIVES, THREE LEGS, OR NO EYES

n just one year, and thanks to a lot of community support, Nine Lives Rescue has been able to find homes for over 400 kittens in the Albuquerque area. Diana Schultz and Chelsea Winter, the duo behind the organization, have both been long-time fosters working closely with other local shelters. But they equally felt there was a gap in care when it came to exceptional cases. While Nine Lives Rescue takes in kittens of all kinds, Winter says they’re known in the local rescue network as the “that rescue you can call as a last resort.” They take cats on the euthanasia list or have special medical needs or require surgery. “We say our unofficial slogan is nine lives, no eyes, three legs,” Winter jokes, “because we get all the kind of messed up ones.” Polo, for example, was found outside Route 66 Veterinary and was all skin and bones. “We thought he was a young kitten, but it turns out he had all of his adult teeth,” Schultz said. “He just had some kind of intestinal problem, we’re still not sure 100% what it was, that needed to be treated. He just needed to be rehabbed until he got better.” Most rescues aren’t able takes cases like Polo, of which there are plenty, because they are often so financially challenging. That’s where Nine Lives Rescue comes in. The two certainly have their hands full.

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Along with her three dogs Barbie, Scruffy and Whiskey, Schultz was fostering nearly 20 (including two adorable white twin Persians) kittens with four more on the way and Winter had 27 back at home. On

average, they both foster about 100 kittens each year. “It’s kind of addictive, once you get your first foster family, then you’re ready for your next one as soon as they leave…” said Schultz. “You have a constant rotation of kittens, and they never grow into cats. You get to experience kittenhood all the time.” But they also don’t do it alone: Schultz and Winter have built out a network of about 20 foster families who they’ve come to rely on. Compared to a shelter system, a foster home no matter the size always provides foster kittens with room to grow and helps them to socialize, especially those families with children and dogs. Atypical of most rescues, the donation-driven non-profit also provides fos-

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COURTESY PHOTOS

THIS ABQ CAT RESCUE SPECIALIZES IN FOSTERING KITTENS WITH EXTRA NEEDS.

ter families with everything they might need—food, litter, etc.—as well as mentorship. “It overwhelms a foster, because the costs are a lot,” said Schultz. Any medical treatment that a kitten might need is also taken care of. It is hard to imagine the need for foster families in the Albuquerque area to be greater. With a warmer-than-average winter, kitten season began early this year and will likely last through September, during the season the rescue has about 100 kittens available at any given time. Many of the kittens Nine Lives Rescue gets come by way of Street Cat Hub’s efforts in dampening the free roaming cat population in Albuquerque. “A lot of our cats and kittens come from trapping projects,” said Winter. “We’ll go out and trap at a feral colony and the ones that are truly feral we’ll fix them through Street Cat Hub and return them. But the kittens that are underway or can be socialized, we pull them into the rescue.” And the conditions that the cats in those colonies can be quite dire. Schultz added that the week before our interview, Street Cat Hub performed over 200 surgeries. As such, Winter and Schultz don’t take in rescues if the mother hasn’t been fixed. “Because then you’re just bailing out a boat with holes in it, right?” said Winter. Rather, they talk to just about anyone they can about the trap-neuter-rescue program that provides free spay/neuter services. “People reach out to us like, ‘I found these kittens or my cat had these kittens.’ The first thing we’re going to say is ‘where’s mom?’ and we want to help you get the mom fixed for free.” She added. There are so many cats in Albuquerque, they reckon, that there’s a cat for just about every house in the city, or at least “that’s the goal.” But until that happens, kittens from Nine Lives Rescue end up all over the place. Many are adopted locally but others have travelled from as far away as Texas to adopt kittens from Nine Lives. Others end up in cat cafés, which Winter says are enormously helpful in getting cats adopted due to the frequent foot traffic they receive. Those looking to adopt a kitten from Nine Lives Rescue can visit their website at ninelivesrescuenm.org or reach out through their social media pages. —DANIEL LARLHAM JR.

ABQ’SAMAZINGPETS Oliver the Dog

Oliver the Boston Terrier definitely keeps his family on their toes—especially when a tennis ball is involved. Fetch is his favorite game, although he prefers to keep the ball for himself once his parents have thrown it. Oliver is originally from Oklahoma but now spends his days hiking mountain trails in ABQ, hanging with his brother Hank and sister Ivy, and making friends at the dog park. He’s also a big fan of car rides and never turns down a trip to Home Depot or a local plant nursery. When he’s not out exploring, you’ll usually find Oliver chewing on his favorite bone or munching on blueberries—even though he’s picky, they’re his favorite treat. Oliver’s family says he’s “the best little buddy ever,” and we believe it!

Minnie the Dog

Minnie might sound like the name of a small dog, but this Minnie is anything but tiny. “Many people call her a horse,” says Ameera, Minnie’s owner. As a Newfoundland Poodle mix, Minnie is pretty enormous, and that’s exactly how she earned her mismatched moniker. Minnie is especially cuddly and fun, but she also has a hyper streak. When she’s not running around at the dog park or socializing with other pups, Minnie spends her days lounging on her bed and watching movies with her family.

Is your pet ATM’s next Pet of the Month? Send a photo and short story about why you think your pet belongs in these pages to petofthemonth@abqthemag.com.

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PASSENGERWINDOW

HERITAGE IN FULL COLOR

a Herencia Nunca Muere, translated to “Heritage Never Dies,” does a little of both. Standing at Central and Atrisco, the mural by artist Joe Stephenson isn’t shy. It bursts with color, movement, and symbols celebrating the rich history of the Atrisco community, where generations of families have helped shape Albuquerque’s story. Created through a partnership with Working Classroom and the Atrisco Companies, the mural honors a heritage that continues to thrive rather than simply exist in the past. From the passenger window, though, you don’t have to know any of that—you just know it feels alive. If you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road. But if you’re lucky enough to be riding shotgun, this is your cue to look right. It’s one of those rare murals that rewards a red light. The longer you look, the more you notice. The first thing that catches your eye is the color. Rich reds, brilliant blues, golden yellows, and vibrant greens all seem to

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compete for your attention like siblings trying to tell the same family story at once. Somehow, it works. Your eyes drift from one image to another before you realize that’s exactly what heritage is: not one story, but hundreds layered together. If you’ve ever driven Central, you know it’s a street full of personalities: neon signs, vintage motels, tire shops, local restaurants, and murals around nearly every corner. Everyone seems to be saying, “Look at me.” What I appreciate most is that it doesn’t feel nostalgic in the dusty, museum-piece kind of way. It feels lived in. Like the neighborhood itself. It reminds you that Atrisco isn’t just history tucked away in textbooks; it’s families gathering on Sundays, recipes that don’t require measuring cups, neighbors waving from front porches, and stories that somehow get a little better every time they’re told. In a city famous for public art, that’s saying something. Joe Stephenson has spent decades painting Albuquerque’s stories, and this

mural feels less like a history lesson and more like a conversation with the neighborhood. It doesn’t ask whether you grew up here or arrived last week. It doesn’t quiz you on local history or expect you to recognize every symbol woven into its design. It simply invites you to look a little longer. Maybe that’s the real magic of public art, where a commute becomes a conversation, astoplight becomes an art gallery, and a familiar intersection becomes a reminder that heritage isn’t something trapped in the past—it’s something living, growing, and still being painted every single day. The next time you’re heading down Central, resist the urge to spend the entire red light watching the countdown timer. Instead, steal a glance at La Herencia Nunca Muere. The light will change soon enough. The mural isn’t going anywhere—its stories have been waiting generations for someone to notice. —PALOMA GARCIA

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Some murals ask you to stop and stare. Others seem to wave as you drive by.

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ADVERTISING REGISTRY 100.3 The Peak..................................................................................52 103.3 Ed-FM.....................................................................................60 3 Advertising..................................................................................206 94 Rock............................................................................................164 ABQ Childcare......................................................................... 73,106 Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists...........................................109 Albuquerque Community Foundation......................................134 Albuquerque ER & Hospital........................................................169 Albuquerque Florist........................................................................49 Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball....................................................8,9 Albuquerque Tent and Events......................... Inside Front Cover All World Travel...............................................................................13 Allaso ..............................................................................................138 Angel's Nails.....................................................................................70 BabyDolls House Of Jazz and Blues...........................................192 Bear Canyon Oral and Facial Surgery..........................................20 Bedrock Kitchen............................................................................162 Bella Vida Photography..................................................................72 Bosque School................................................................................189 Brew Lab 101..................................................................................201 Bright Ideas Promotional Products............................................191 Bubba's 33.......................................................................................174 California Closets............................................................................23 Camille Trujillo Photography........................................................54 Cantina Business Strategies Inc...................................................113 Central Grill and Coffee House...................................................156 Chasing The Flames......................................................................178 Christina Kent Early Childhood Center....................................133 Coyote 102.5 ....................................................................................65 Danielle Lamhier-Real Broker, LLC...........................................166 DavisKelin NM Trial Lawyers.......................................................35 Defined Fitness...............................................................................190 Elegance Limousines.......................................................................53 Elite OSM........................................................................................165 Elizabeth MD Facial Plastic Surgery..........................................108 Enhanced Wellness Center.............................................................25 Ex Novo Brewing.............................................................................50

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Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico..................................................43 Explora..............................................................................................57 Flying Star Cafe..............................................................................181 Fogo De Chao...................................................................................41 Fuego 102.9.......................................................................................58 Garage Doors by Nestor...............................................................119 Golddust Nail Lounge and Moc Head Spa................................110 Harris Jewelers & Gemologists....................................................137 High Noon Restaurant & Saloon................................................148 Hotel Parq Central.........................................................................127 Houston Wholesale Cars LLC......................................................6,7 Inn of the Mountain Gods.............................................................61 Integrity Automotive.....................................................................114 Isleta Grill........................................................................................159 Isleta Resort and Casino ................................................................19 Jimmy's Cafe...................................................................................140 Joy Junction.....................................................................................123 Juniper Steakhouse Santa Ana Star Casino...............................195 Kiss 97.3...........................................................................................186 Kubota Tractor, Inc..............................................Inside Back Cover La Mission Art & Design................................................................59 La-Z-Boy.........................................................................................104 Law Offices of David C. Chavez....................................................64 Le Troquet.......................................................................................177 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry............................................. Back Cover Life Spa MD ...................................................................................113 Lonnie's Custom Jewelers...............................................................56 Magic 99.5.......................................................................................122 Magic Mirror Photo Booth & Events...........................................63 Manzano Day School......................................................................33 Mesa Tractor.....................................................................................27 Mike's Jerky.....................................................................................167 Modulus Architects and Land Use Planning............................111 Monte's Cigar Shop.........................................................................11 Mrs. Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor.................................................188 National Museum of Nuclear Science and History....................55 New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI)...................................112

New Mexico Solutions..................................................................170 New Mexico Sports & Wellness .................................................205 New Mexico United.......................................................................203 Outpost Productions/New Mexico Jazz Festival......................128 Paradise Hills Golf Course.............................................................62 Ram Motors RV & Truck...............................................................37 Reliable Nissan.................................................................................39 Rio Bravo Brewing Company........................................................75 Route 66 Cleaners............................................................................67 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ......................................................185 Salt and Board................................................................................182 Sandia Golf Club..............................................................................48 Sandia Preparatory School...........................................................168 Santa Fe Fine...................................................................................161 Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta......................................................151 Senor D's Nutz................................................................................157 Silver Star Auto Haus......................................................................69 Slate Street Billiards.......................................................................179 Smiles by Design..............................................................................32 Soft Serve Dispensary ....................................................................31 Southwest Eyecare.........................................................................103 Southwest Women's Oncology.....................................................2,3 Southwestern HR Consulting........................................................74 Tacos El Muchacho Alegre...........................................................173 The Cleanery.....................................................................................68 The County Line Bar-B-Q............................................................183 The Fertility Center of NM LLC....................................................66 The Grove Cafe & Market............................................................145 The Scuba Company.....................................................................160 The Village Guitarist........................................................................71 Turquoise World..............................................................................44 University of New Mexico Athletic Department.......................4,5 Westside Chiropractic.....................................................................51 Wildlife West Nature Park............................................................187 WisePies..........................................................................................147

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YOURBESTSHOT

SUMMER VISITOR by Doreen Garten

oreen Garten is proof that creativity knows no bounds—and can’t be confined to a single medium. As an award-winning jewelry artist, she typically works with metals and gemstones, so this photo was “one of those things that was spontaneous,” she explains. Garten keeps a Canon EOS R7 camera on her desk to photograph finished jewelry pieces, and when this stunning butterfly drifted by, she acted quickly. “The butterfly

stayed there long enough for me to get a picture, and then it just flitted away.” Nature isn’t just something Garten can view from her workspace—it’s also a huge source of inspiration for her art. “I look for beauty everywhere—the contrast, the sense of wonders, the lighting here in New Mexico—it just inspires me,” she shares. Much of her jewelry uses elements of shadows, light, colors, and textures found in nature. Butterflies also happen to

hold a special place in her heart, as “they symbolize the soul’s journey.” Even if she hadn’t caught this perfect moment with her camera, Garten would have appreciated it all the same. “We get so busy, we forget to really spend time with the natural world. There’s beauty everywhere—it’s fleeting,” she says. We can all take a page from Garten’s book and pause to appreciate the precious moments of beauty that surround us. –SI

Enter ATM’s photo contest and see your photo featured in YOUR BEST SHOT! Submissions should include one high-resolution digital file sent by email. All photos sent to ATM will be property of the magazine and will not be mailed back to sender. All entries should include your name and phone number. Please include a bio and a brief description of how the photo was taken. Email entries to: editor@abqthemag.com

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YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

Milne Stadium

If the bleachers could talk, Milne Stadium would certainly have some stories to tell. Originally erected in 1939 and located next to Roosevelt Park in Southeast Albuquerque, Milne is the oldest stadium in the Duke City. The venue has hosted countless football games, track and field meets and a variety of community events since its inception. The venue was originally known by a relatively uninspiring moniker: Public School Stadium. However, the name changed when John Milne, who served as APS superintendent from 1911 to 1956 passed away. In addition to his duties with APS, Milne oversaw the construction of the facility. There were only five schools in APS (including just one high school) when Milne began as superintendent. By the conclusion of his tenure, there were 64. –Tristen Critchfield

1. Milne serves as the home

football stadium for APS Highschools: Highland, Valley, Rio Grande, Del Norte and Albuquerque High.

Milne is the senior venue to Duke City counterparts Wilson Stadium (built in 1963) by 24 years and to Nusenda Community Stadium (built in 2013) by 74 years.

3. It is believed that the first lighting was installed sometime in the 1940s, allowing for regular night games.

4. The venue includes seat-

ing for up to 7,500 spectators, has a clubhouse with locker/changing rooms, and an Olympic-size track and field.

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At the height of the COVID pandemic, the parking lot was comissioned by Presbyterian Hospital for medical helicopters.

6. The entirety of the turf

was replaced in 2022, a process that took approximately two weeks to complete.

7. Sportswriters and broad-

casters rejoiced ahead of the 2025 prep football campaign, as air conditioning was added to the press box. In prior years, early-season games in August and September could be quite toasty for media members — and anyone else working in that space.

8. For the first time, UNM was granted access to the Milne Stadium lot to provide additional overflow parking options for a high-demand 2025 gridiron matchup between the Lobos and New Mexico State.

9. Special Olympics of

New Mexico’s first-ever State Games featured more than 200 athletes competing at Milne Stadium.

10.

The nowdefunct New Mexico Chiles, a professional soccer franchise based in Albuquerque from 1990 to 1996, occasionally called Milne home for matches.

11. Out-of-town

visitors have used Milne as a practice venue. Example: The Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners practiced there ahead of a 23-20 loss to the University of New Mexico in the 2016 New Mexico Bowl.

12. Among the notable track-

and-field events sometimes held at Milne was the Buddy Robertson Invitational, which was named for the Highland High School graduate and New Mexico Hall of Fame inductee, who served as the longtime district athletic director for APS.

13.

Milne II, Milne’s sister stadium, is located just to the east and hosts sub-varsity football games along with CNM PE classes.

14. Both home and visiting

locker rooms were initially located beneath the press box. Teams would walk up the stairs to the field from these notoriously cramped spaces. Today, the accommodations are on the south end of the facility.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

AFew THINGS