Whether you’re brand new to Albuquerque or a born-and-raised Burqueno, there’s always something to learn about our city, like new restaurants, entertainment recs, and hidden nuggets of info. Join us—and special guest, Mayor Tim Keller—as we explore the city’s offerings in food, culture, entertainment, and adventure.
ABQ metro area introduces two new sports teams; Global-Give-A-Book enters a new chapter; NM Jazz Workshop turns 50; plus, a look at a new community dining space.
Personality
Storyteller Fred Slow shares the trials—and triumphs—of being an ABQ radio personality.
173 Behind the Scenes
New to lithography? Artists from the Tamarind Institute take us behind the scenes of this centuries-old art form.
Rob Vanderslice’s approach to lowrider painting is pure art.
178 Storytellers
Mike Kimmel’s recent book dives into the realities of show business; The Creatives podcast highlights NM’s film and fashion industry; plus, @abq.foodies take over social media, plate-by-plate.
180 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.
184 Eats Review
Lucky Goose shares the inspiration behind their all-vegan restaurant.
188 Eats, Etc.
Bedrock Kitchen’s grab-and-go concept serves up clean eats; plus, Lavender Cocinita specializes in large portions with loads of heart.
190 Spirit Spotlight
The Necromancer cocktail at The Bitter Nun is raising eyebrows (and perhaps even the dead).
192 Bites
Info-filled nuggets about the city’s restaurants to take with you on the go.
JUNE 2026
Volume 23 Number 2
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
Lise Watkins lise@abqthemag.com
PHOTO DIRECTOR
Don James don@abqthemag.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Emily Klumpenhower emily@abqthemag.com
Suzanna Hoenicke-Martin suzanna@abqthemag.com
STAFF WRITER
Austin Seidel austin@abqthemag.com
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Delilah Baker
Emma Elliott
CONTRIBUTORS
Tristen Critchfield
Paloma Garcia
Mel Minter
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.
225 Fun
226 Can’t Live Without
Carol Wight, CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association, shares a few things that she can’t live without.
228 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.
230 Shop Talk
Hip Stitch is all about serving those who needle a little more stitching in their lives.
232 Paws Button
The ABQ BioPark is running wild with a new exhibit that includes some of your favorite large cats—and a few new ones.
234 Amazing Pets
This month’s winners: Winston the dog, Sunday the dog, and Pete the cat.
236 Passenger Window
The Hiway House Motel celebrates the history of Nob Hill with plenty of character.
239 Photo Contest
This month’s winner: “In Full Bloom” by Michael Perrine.
240 A Few Things
Fast and fun facts you might not have known about Albuquerque
Special Advertising Sections
111 Healthcare Professionals
These healthcare professionals from across the city are helping improve health and wellness in Albuuerque.
125 2025 Best of the City Hall of Fame
With voting for 2026’s Best of the City underway, allow us to proudly re-introduce some of the 2025 best of the best.
JUNE 2026 Volume 23 Number 2
PUBLISHER
Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com
PUBLISHING ASSISTANT
Saleema Ishq saleema@abqthemag.com
ADVERTISING MANAGERS
Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com
Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
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
Wendy Hancock business@abqthemag.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Scott Davis (1966–2004)
Welcome to Albuquerque. If you are new here, you are about to discover what so many of us already know. This city has a way of staying with you. Maybe it’s the sunsets that turn the Sandias watermelon pink. Maybe it’s the smell of roasting green chile in the fall. Maybe it’s the feeling of driving down Central at dusk with the mountains in front of you and realizing life moves a little differently here.
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, and even after all these years, there are still moments that stop me in my tracks. An early morning walk in the Bosque. Hot air balloons floating quietly overhead. A trip with the family to our incredible ABQ BioPark. Passing by the most intricate lowriders on your way to the Route 66 Visitor Center. Albuquerque gives you those moments all the time if you are paying attention.
One of the best things about living here is how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors. In a single day, you can hike in the Sandias, bike along the Rio Grande, grab lunch at a local restaurant, and still make it to a patio in time for sunset. We are a city that likes to be outside, and with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to see why.
Every neighborhood has its own personality, which is part of the fun of getting to know Albuquerque. Old Town feels rooted in history and tradition. Nob Hill brings its own energy and creativity. Downtown, the
Rail Yards, and local markets are filled with artists, musicians, and small businesses that give this city its character. Some of the best experiences here are the simplest ones, like finding a new favorite coffee shop or hearing live music on a weekend evening.
And of course, there is the food. You are going to hear one important question almost immediately: Red or green? My advice is Christmas, which of course means both varieties. Albuquerque’s food scene reflects the cultures and traditions that make this place unlike anywhere else, and exploring local restaurants is one of the best ways to feel connected to the city.
What I love most about Albuquerque, though, is the people. This is a welcoming city. Before long, you will find yourself giving restaurant recommendations, debating the best breakfast burrito in town, and explaining to visiting friends why the sky looks bigger here.
On behalf of my family, welcome to Albuquerque. I hope this guide helps you discover all the reasons we love calling this city home.
Tim Keller Mayor of Albuquerque
It’s feeding time
Arena football is back in Albuquerque! With a new team name and mascot, the New Mexico Chupacabras are leaning hard into their local roots—and fans are here for it. The squad, which plays home games at Tingley Coliseum at Expo New Mexico, has home games remaining on June 21 and July 5. Check chupacabras.net for ticket info. (p. 24)
Hockey Is Back in ‘Burque
AFTER A NEARLY TWO DECADE ABSENCE, HOCKEY IS RETURNING TO THE ABQ METRO AREA.
The Albuquerque metro area hasn’t seen a professional hockey team since 2009, and fans are eager to get back on the ice. The New Mexico Goatheads are fulfilling that long-awaited dream as part of the ECHL for the 2026-27 season.
But the season will kick off with much more than a game. “October 16 is going to be an incredible night for our fans, our partners, and the entire state of New Mexico,” shared general manager Jared Johnson. The first 6,000 attendees will celebrate with commemorative LED glow rods, and fans can expect additional giveaways and experiences throughout Opening Weekend. The team will play out of the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Why the Goatheads? The name came down to a vote. After narrowing some 2,000 entries down to a top three, the public voted between the “Cutthroats,” “Goatheads,” and “Tarantula Hawks.” Of course, Goatheads came out on top, and that’s exactly what they plan to do this inaugural season.
The Chupacabras Are REDEFINING THE GAME
The Chupacabras might be one of Albuquerque’s newest sports teams, but their identity is pure New Mexico.
Arena football is making its return to Tingley Coliseum with a new name, new ownership, and a completely new identity. After years of venue moves and a dormant 2025 season, the New Mexico Chupacabras are getting a true reset.
Under new ownership by Mike Fietz and Bob Pitre and coached by Kyle Moore-Brown, the team is leaning fully into its roots. If the name itself isn’t evidence enough–a Chupacabra is a creature from local folklore whose name translates to “goat-sucker”–their focus on statewide engagement and APS partnerships shows how community-focused the organization is.
Their inaugural season began March 22 and will run through July.
A Book for Every Child
One local nonprofit is working to close the literacy gap, one hardcover at a time.
On the heels of a brand-new hub at CNM’s Montoya campus, local nonprofit Global Give-A-Book is entering an exciting chapter—one focused on investing in the future through early childhood literacy.
Founded in 2020, the organization provides new children’s books for free to families in need, helping bridge a staggering gap that founder and executive director Sylvia Maser knows all too well.
“I was a single mother for many years, and there’s a harsh reality. 65% of low-income families in the U.S. have no children’s books at home. That statistic
has stayed with me for a long time,” she says.
Through partnerships with local food pantries and federal homeless programs, Global Give-A-Book ensures that books are never far from reach for those who need them the most. In-house literacy initiatives like Reading with Shepherd Daisy also encourage kiddos to read aloud at home—whether to their pets or stuffed animals—helping build confidence both in and outside the classroom.
Each book gifted is a brand-new hardcover, intentionally selected to be passed down and shared among future generations. They’re also thoughtfully packaged by special needs adults through a partnership with nonprofit Peter’s Paycheck, adding another layer of impact. The new CNM hub also serves as a landing spot for UNM student interns, who support the organization’s growing mission.
Ultimately, with each book distributed, Global Give-A-Book is heroically giving every student a fighting chance— and it all starts on page one. —Austin Seidel
Celebrating 50 Years of New Mexico Jazz
New Mexico Jazz Workshop turned the big 5-0 this year, and they have plenty to celebrate. From the organization’s inception in 1976 to its recent merger with Outpost Performance Space, here’s a look at the people, programs, and “firsts” that defined the last half century. – SI
1976
A group of cool cats in Santa Fe formed the New Mexico Jazz Workshop (NMJW) — a membership-supported, grant-funded, nonprofit jazz collective.
1988
1978
Tom Guralnick became director of NMJW and relocated the organization to Albuquerque. “Local musicians have always been key to the Workshop,” Guralnick says.
1980s
NMJW expanded its Guest Artist Series by bringing nationally and internationally recognized musicians to New Mexico.
Guralnick founded Outpost Performance Space, a community-based nonprofit presenting arts organization. Guralnick says, “Every legend has performed for either the Jazz Workshop or Outpost or both.”
NMJW and Outpost began discussing a merger, though the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the process.
NMJW expanded its programming to include Music Under the Stars and its longest-running youth program, Roots of Jazz.
1990s
2019 2021
Mia Maes joined NMJW as its executive director as the organization emerged from the pandemic shutdown.
2022
The first adult education programs were added to both NMJW and Outpost’s programming.
1996
The first New Mexico Jazz Festival took place in collaboration with Outpost and the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe.
NMJW’s summer concert series returned full-force post-pandemic.
2026
2006
In January 2026, NMJW merged with Outpost Performance Space, strengthening collaboration and expanding its future. “We give the community way more together than we ever could apart,” says Maes. Their first Music Under the Stars summer concert series as partners will kick off June 12.
Founding New Mexico Jazz Workshop members Steve Feld (trombone), Dave Moir (bass), and Jack Loeffler (trumpet) perform at Oscra L. Huber Ballpark in Madrid, NM in 1977 during the early days of the organization.
ark It HERE
HAYNES COMMUNITY CENTER AND PARK
Situated at the gateway to Rio Rancho, Haynes Community Center and Park is more than just another neighborhood green space—it’s the heart and hub of activity for all ages, all year round.
Widely regarded as one of the city’s busiest parks, Haynes offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to break a sweat or simply enjoy some fresh air. Youth and adult sports are a major draw, with leagues and activities centered around its multipurpose Rosko Field, basketball courts, and tennis courts— which also double as pickleball courts—making it a beloved spot for both organized games and casual play.
The on-site community center, gazebo, and Rotary Barbecue Pavillion add another facet of versatility, available to rent for everything from birthday bashes and family reunions to graduation celebrations. Nearby BBQ grills and picnic tables—available on a first-come, first-serve basis—make it easy to turn any visit into a full-day outing. And when temperatures climb, the public pool offers a refreshing way to cool off.
For those seeking something more lowkey, the park’s walking paths, playground, and horseshoe pits provide plenty of ways to relax and soak up surroundings. So whether you’re joining a sports league, hosting a gathering, or just enjoying a sunny desert afternoon, Haynes Community Center and Park delivers a well-rounded experience—proving that parks aren’t just green patches, but cornerstones of their communities. —Austin Seidel
AMENITIES:
• SWIMMING POOL
• BATHROOMS
• PICNIC TABLES AND BBQ GRILLS
• 2 TENNIS COURTS
• 4 HORSESHOE PITS
• 3 FULL-SIZED BASKETBALL COURTS
• DRINKING FOUNTAIN
• GAZEBO
• RENTABLE BBQ PAVILION
IF YOUR POSTS OF ABQ ARE AWESOME ENOUGH TO PRINT, TAG THEM!
THINKING OUTSIDE THE FOOD HALL
COMMUNITY DINING ISN’T A NEW CONCEPT, BUT BURQUENOS ARE BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN FOOD HALLS, FOOD TRUCK PARKS, AND COMMUNITY CENTERS TO CREATE SOME TRULY UNIQUE SPACES.
Modern food halls took off in the late aughts and made their way to Albuquerque in 2016 with Green Jeans Farmery. Since then, many others have followed suit. But, as we do in ABQ, locals have added their own flavor to the idea.
Nuevo Atrisco Food Park is a prime example. It might look like a food truck hall at first glance—which is fair, considering it boasts as many as 35 vendors at once on some weekends—but co-owner Miguel Rodriguez says the vision was always much more. “We wanted to build something real. Something with structure and something safe for the community at large,” he said.
Since opening, they’ve already had an impact. Some vendors have seen such significant growth that they’ve launched second trucks or expanded into other ventures, taking advantage of the park’s indoor seating, commissary kitchen, micro-restaurant space, and opportunity to serve as a “legacy” truck. Beyond food, Nuevo Atrisco is a community hub, with a mini soccer field for local youth teams and rentable community room. Rodriquez describes the park as being highly “family-oriented.”
Nuevo Atrisco has turned up the community aspect of the traditional food hall and food truck models and proved it’s not just about what you eat, it’s about how–and with whom–you’re doing it. In a city that loves options, hybrid community dining spaces will continue to evolve, and we are absolutely here for it. —SI
FACES&PLACES
Chocolate Fantasy Sandia Resort and
Casino
The 34th annual Chocolate Fantasy gala fundraiser, held on March 7, brought the community together for an evening of desserts and entertainment. This event raised vital funds for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation. Guests enjoyed chocolate creations, drinks, and star gazing - all while giving back to a meaningful cause.
1. Dan Treibel, Ethan Treibel, Lynne Treibel
2. Robert Vladem, Kim Hubbard, Anthony Fiorillo
3. Tatsuki Hewson, Tracy Aragon
4. Anne Hale, Bill Hale
5. Brett Thompson, Stephanie Thompson
6. D’Nae Robinette Mills, Chris Mills
7. Nathan Bush, Sarah Bush
FACES&PLACES
New Mexico Chupacabras Inaugural Game
The Tingley Coliseum
New Mexico
marked their exciting arena football debut in ABQ on Mar 22. This game brought football fans together for an eventful day of community spirit, including local supporters and featured entertainment.
The
Chupacabras
1. Bob Pitre, Mike Fietz
2. Christian Isely, Josefa Isely, Yumchi Isely
3. James Jaramillo, Steve Chavez
4. Michelle Cunningham, Matthew Cunningham
5. Alicia Pino, Troy Hatton
6. Mimi Padilla, Catherine Jaramillo
7. Lynne Treibel, Dan Treibel, Ethan Treibel
FACES&PLACES
May Issue Launch Party
Bravo Brewing Co.
The Albuquerque The Magazine May issue launch party, held on April 30, was a cause for much celebration. Along with honoring the recipients of our annual Hot Plate Awards, the party mingled alongside AGC New Mexico’s Construction Leadership Council during their Cornhole Tournament.
1. Stephanie Bochnowicz, Christine Means
2. Iris anguiano, Sandro Anguiano
3. Joe Standley, Emily Ashby, Larry Ashby
4. Liza Martinez, Analicia Stroud
5. Scott Turner, Maia Plevin
6. Chris Oliveira, Carlos Bunzira, Zane Snyder, Melissa Eavenson
Spring Fest was held Mar 13-15. This event featured local artists, vendors, and entertainment. Attendees enjoyed unique art, jewelry, and artisanal goods, all while supporting our local creators and artisans.
Grande Arts
Crafts
1. Paul Frederick, Barb Prose
2. Kim Rosenberger, Don Meyer
3. Jane Gallegos, Kelly Cobbett
4. Joanne Beal, Peter Beal
5. Kevin Dorsey, Ileana Figueroa 6. Sigourney McWilson, America Alvarado 7. Lynn Weeks, Mary McKenzie
FACES&PLACES
Run for Joy Marathon Canteen Brewhouse
The Run for Joy Marathon, held on Mar 28, was a unicorn themed community run. Participants dressed in fun attire while competing for a meaningful cause. This event honored and benefitted the families of late friends Lawrence Joy and Mike Thrall. The community came together to focus on remembrance, joy, and connection.
THE BUZZ AROUND ALBUQUERQUE: YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING HAPPENING THIS MONTH
FESTIVAL FLAMENCO
FRIDAY 19–SATURDAY 27 | VARIOUS TIMES
Festival Flamenco. For nine days, Albuquerque is transformed into the epicenter of the flamenco world, bringing together internationally acclaimed dancers, musicians, and artists for an unforgettable celebration of culture and artistry. Featuring exceptional performances, both world and U.S. premiers, hands-on workshops, live
music, and community events, Festival Flamenco is an experience. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the passion, rhythm, and emotional power of flamenco while honoring both its Spanish roots and New Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage. For details and tickets, visit ffabq.org.
JUNE 2026
FRIDAY 26 | 10:30 PM
Big Gay Movie Night. Celebrate Pride Month at PRIDE & Equality’s Big Gay Movie Night with a screening of The Birdcage. Enjoy live performances, door prizes from local businesses, and a night filled with laughter, love, and pride. This is an allages celebration of community and joy. Info: Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE. Find tickets and details at myprideonline. com/bgmn. $17.60.
Trust us, these are a few ABQ events YOU CAN'T MISS.
MOVIE PRIDE
FREEDOM FIESTA ABC YOU THERE
SATURDAY 13 | 1–8 PM
Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Join the Open Space Visitor Center for their Annual Juneteenth Celebration, honoring freedom, history, and community. This free familyfriendly event highlights the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans through art, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities. Info: 6500 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 768-4951.
FRIDAY 5 | 6:30 PM
‘Burque Bee Team Spelling Bee. Come out and spell for fun, for glory, for literacy! Ethos Literacy, an adult literacy nonprofit, is hosting its 6th Annual Team Spelling Bee. Shelly Ribando from KOAT-TV will be the emcee. Three people on a team. Registration Fee: $75. Info: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd NE. For more info, visit ethosliteracy.org/burque-bee.
THURSDAY 11 6–8:30 PM Nosotros. The concerts you love are getting a vibrant upgrade with a reimagined Garden Music experience. Enjoy a night dedicated to all things New Mexico with a performance by Nosotros and discovery stations focused on wildlife from Albuquerque’s bosque. Info: BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW. For details and tickets, visit cabq. gov/artsculture/ biopark/events/ garden-music.
WILD HEARTS CURSED COMEDY
THURSDAY 11 | 7 PM
The Crypt Keeper’s Comedy Hour. This is a cursed comedy experience where every word counts. Comedians must avoid “cursed” words, but they’ve got no idea what those words are. Can these comics survive the night, or will they be trapped in the crypt forever? Come out and support an all queer lineup for Pride Month. This is a PayWhat-You-Will event. Info: Painted Lady Bed & Brew, 1100 Bellamah Ave NW.
YOGA FOR ALL
SATURDAY 13 | 1–3 PM
Wild Hearts Gallery Reception. Celebrate “In The Spirit of Haiku,” an exhibit by the gallery’s June featured artist, Joan Fenicle. The exhibit runs June 3–28. Info: 221 B Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. For more details, visit wildheartsgallery.com.
SATURDAY 27 | 12–6 PM
Caribbean Celebration. This vibrant festival of music, food, and culture takes place in the heart of Albuquerque. Enjoy live performances, flavorful island cuisine, and a joyful atmosphere that honors Caribbean heritage. Get your tickets early and be part of this unforgettable celebration of rhythm, flavor, and community. Info: Manzano Mesa Park, 501 Elizabeth St SE. Find details and tickets at nmentertains. com/caribbeancelebration. Free.
WEDNESDAY 24 | 4 PM
The Great Race. Experience one of the world’s premier vintage car rallies as more than 120 antique automobiles roll into Albuquerque during the 2026 Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. For details visit greatrace. com. Free
SATURDAY 20 AND SUNDAY 21 | VARIOUS TIMES
NOMADIC Yoga Festival. Join fellow yogis and yoga enthusiasts for a two-day festival dedicated to health, community, and movement. All levels, abilities, ages, and bodies are welcome.
Info: FUSION 708, 1st St NW. For details and tickets, visit nomadicyogafestival. com.
FRIDAY 5 | 6–8 PM
Gallery With A Cause. Attend an art opening and fundraiser for “O n the R ise - A rtists in Early and Mid-Career,” featuring 300 works by artists who are someone to watch. 40% of sales go to patients in need. The exhibit will remain open until August 21 for visits by appointment only. Info: 4901 Lang Ave NE. For information, contact regina@ gallerywithacause.org , (505) 803-3345 or visit gallerywithacause.org.
DATEBOOK
wednesday 3 | 7–8 pm
Albuquerque Concert Band Summer Series Kickoff. Enjoy the band’s first free concert of the summer at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. A food truck will be present. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE. Visit abqband.org for more information. Free.
thursday 4 | 6 pm
A Word With Writers. Join former cabinet secretary, organizer, congresswoman, and New Mexico 2026 gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland for a writer talk to celebrate the release of her memoir, “A Voice Like Mine.” All tickets include a copy of the book. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. For details and tickets, visit ampconcerts. org. Tickets are $35–$42.
thursday 4–sunday 21 | various times
The Great American Trailer Park Musical. The Great American Trailer Park Musical presented by The Adobe Theater explores the relationships between the tenants at the Armadillo Acres Trailer Park in Florida, particularly between Pippi, “The stripper on the run,” the Dr. Phil loving agoraphobic, Jeanie and Jeanie’s tollbooth-collector husband. Info: 9813 4th St NW. Tickets are
$17-$26 available at adobetheater.org or (505) 898-9222.
friday 5 | 3–6 pm
“Oil and Mud” Opening Reception. Oil Serigrapher Gwen Peterson presents her series “Churches of New Mexico,” images from around the state. Sandra Moench creates useful beauty from mud, using the gentle hues of the Southwest and designs echoing the textures and colors surrounding her when she worked on the Navajo Nation. “Oil and Mud” is featured at Amapola Gallery the entire month of June. Info: 205 Romero St NW. For more info, visit amapola-gallery.com.
friday 5 | 5–8 pm
“Recycle Arts” Opening Reception. The Gallery Abq presents their June featured artist: Rebecca Quigley, fabric alchemist and textile artist. Info: 8210 Menaul Blvd NE. For more info, visit galleryabq.com. or call (505) 292-9333.
friday 5 | 5:30–8:30 pm
Opening Reception: ABSTRACTIONS. “ABSTRACTIONS” is a juried exhibition dedicated entirely to abstract art in all its forms and across every medium—from painting and sculpture to mixed media
and digital experimentation. The show celebrates color, form, and imagination unbound by representation. Info: Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Free.
friday 5 | 6–8 pm
Gallery With A Cause. Attend an art opening and fundraiser for on the rise –artists in early and mid-career featuring 300 works by artists who are someone to watch. 40% of sales go to patients in need. The exhibit will remain open until August 21 for visits by appointment only. Info: 4901 Lang Ave NE. For information, contact regina@gallerywithacause.org, (505) 803-3345 or visit gallerywithacause. org.
friday 5 | 6–8:30 pm
Eddie 9V. Eddie 9V will open the concert series with his signature mix of Southern soul, blues, rock, and funk that creates the perfect soundtrack for a summer evening. The featured habitat for this Zoo Music event is Asia. Info: BioPark Zoo, 903 10th St SW. For details and tickets, visit abq. gov/artsculture/biopark/events/zoomusic.
friday 5 | 6:30 pm
‘Burque Bee Team Spelling Bee. Come out and spell for fun, for glory, for literacy! Ethos Literacy, an adult literacy nonprofit, is hosting its 6th Annual Team Spelling Bee. Shelly Ribando from KOAT-TV will be the emcee. Three people on a team. Registration Fee: $75. Info: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd NE. For more info, visit ethosliteracy.org/burque-bee.
friday 5–sunday 14 | various times
West End Productions Theatre. Shirley Valentine is a heartwarming, comedic monologue focusing on self-discovery, liberation, and rediscovering one’s identity. Info: West End Productions at North Fourth Theatre, 4904 4th St NW. Tickets are $22-$26 available at westendproductions.org or (505) 4604823.
saturday 6 | 10 am–2 pm
Community in Bloom Market. Participate in plant swaps, plant bingo, and shop for plant-themed items at The ABQ Collective’s summer market. Their vibrant, outdoor space will feature local vendors and entertainment. Info: The ABQ Collective, 1321 Eubank Blvd NE. Find more information at theabqcollective.com.
saturday 6 | 10 am–2 pm
Mandy’s Farm. Bring the kids to a petting zoo at the WHEELS Museum, featuring goats, donkeys, ponies, and more. Info: 1100 Second St SW. For more info, visit wheelsmuseum.org. Free.
saturday 6, sunday 7, and wednesday, July 1 | 10 am–3 pm
Mosaic Guitars and Other Instruments. In this 3-session class, you will select a funky, old instrument and turn it into an incredible piece of art using glass and glass tile. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Visit thegrooveartspace. com for additional details and to reserve your spot. All materials are included for $300.
sunday 7 | 11 am–5 pm
Albuquerque Super Show. This premier lowrider showcase draws enthusiasts, collectors, and artists from across New Mexico and neighboring states, transforming the city into a regional hub for custom automotive culture. Info: Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 Second St NW. For more info, visit goloentertainment.com/events. Tickets $45-$160.
sunday 7 | 12 pm
Laugh Yoga with Irene Newlon. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing and stretching exercises, bringing more oxygen to the body and the brain, which makes one feel more energetic and healthy. Info: 1100 Second
St SW. For more info, visit wheelsmuseum. org. Free.
thursday 11 | 6–8:30 pm
Nosotros. The concerts you love are getting a vibrant upgrade with a reimagined Garden Music experience. Enjoy a night dedicated to all things New Mexico with a performance by Nosotros and discovery stations focused on wildlife from Albuquerque’s bosque. Info: BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW. For details and tickets, visit cabq.gov/ artsculture/biopark/events/gardenmusic.
thursday 11 | 7 pm
The Crypt Keeper’s Comedy Hour. This is a cursed comedy experience where every word counts. Comedians must avoid “cursed” words, but they’ve got no idea what those words are. Can these comics survive the night, or will they be trapped in the crypt forever? Come out and support an all queer lineup for Pride Month. This is a Pay-What-You-Will event. Info: Painted Lady Bed & Brew, 1100 Bellamah Ave NW.
friday 12 and saturday 13 | 7 and 9:30 pm
Rip Micheals. Need a laugh? Rip Micheals is an American comedian, actor, and
DATEBOOK
writer, best known for his appearances on MTV’s improv comedy show, “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out.” His comedic style, characterized by a slapstick approach, has garnered him significant attention in the entertainment industry. Info: Quezada’s Comedy Club & Cantina, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd, Bernalillo. For details and tickets visit quezadas.com.
friday 12 | 7:30 pm
Salsa y Mas: Son Como Son. Now in its 35th year, the New Mexico Jazz Workshop’s (NMJW) Music Under the Stars series, which features Salsa bands on Fridays and Jazz and Blues on Saturdays, kicks off with one of Albuquerque’s longest-standing and most popular salsa ensembles, Son Como Son, who bill themselves as Salsa Cuban Style. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. For tickets call (505) 255-9798 or visit outpostspace.org. $15-$25.
saturday 13 | 8:30–11 am
Bosque Wild Guided Hike. Join the Open Space Nature Guides and Trail Watch Volunteer Stewards on an adventure into one of the gems of Albuquerque’s Open Spaces on the first Saturday of every month. This is a moderately strenuous, 2-to-3-hour hike so please bring water, wear comfortable closed toed shoes, and
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dress for the weather. Info: 6500 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 768-4951.
saturday 13 | 10 am
Model Railroading with Electric Trains. Rob Adelman, author of “Model Railroading with M.T.H. Electric Trains,” will discuss how to build an O-gauge train layout, with aspects about railroad history, benchwork, track planning, wiring, electronics, scenery and realistic train operation. Info: 1100 Second St SW. For more info, visit wheelsmuseum.org. Free.
saturday 13 | 12 pm
Comedy Club. Grab a seat and laugh at the antics of Ronn Perea and Howard Hirsch. Info: 1100 Second St SW. For more info, visit wheelsmuseum.org. Free.
saturday 13 | 1–3 pm
Wild Hearts Gallery Reception. Celebrate “In The Spirit of Haiku,” an exhibit by the gallery’s June featured artist, Joan Fenicle. The exhibit runs June 3–28. Info: 221 B Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. For more details, visit wildheartsgallery.com.
saturday 13 | 1–5 pm
Chromatic Shift: Pastels in New Mexico and Summer Market. Gallery Hózhó hosts pastel works by artists Julia Lambright, Vasili Katakis, and more in honor of the International Association of Pastel Societies, alongside a vibrant summer market featuring local makers, a glassblowing demonstration, refreshments, and community fun. Info: Gallery Hózhó, 2000 Bellamah Ave NW. For more information visit galleryhozho. com or call (505) 306-2977. Free.
saturday 13 | 1–8 pm
Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Join the Open Space Visitor Center for their Annual Juneteenth Celebration, honoring freedom, history, and community. This FREE family-friendly event highlights the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans through art, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities. Info: 6500 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 768-4951.
saturday 13 | 1:30–3:30 pm
Painting with Crayons. Create a mini flower or leaf painting using molten crayons. This modern twist on encaustic art invites students to use the Encaustic Stylus Pro and crayons to paint a mini work of art. For students of all levels. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Visit thegrooveartspace.com for additional details and to reserve your spot. All materials are included for $60.
saturday 13 and sunday 14 | 3–5 pm
New Mexico Peace Choir Concert. Experience an afternoon celebrating songs of healing and hope. This event is family-friendly, and an ASL interpreter and a signing signer are provided. Info: various locations. Visit nmpeacechoir.org for information and tickets. Suggested donation of $25. Youth under 15 are free.
saturday 13 | 5–10 pm
Heights Summerfest. Celebrate warm weather and outdoor fun at a community gathering with a free concert series, featuring local businesses with handcrafted products, food trucks, libations, and entertainment including free kids’ activities. Info: North Domingo Baca Park, 7521 Carmel Ave NE. For more details visit visitalbuquerque.org.
saturday 13 | 7:30 pm
Swing Dance featuring Hillary Smith. This evening of swing dancing with the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra (AJO) and vocalist Hillary Smith has become a favorite of the Music Under the Stars Series. The 19-member AJO has been delighting audiences throughout the Southwest for over 40 years. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. For tickets call (505) 255-9798 or visit outpostspace.org. $15-$30.
saturday 13 | 10 pm
Anesthesia. Get ready to jam out as Albuquerque’s own Anesthesia brings nearly 30 years of metal mayhem to the stage. Info: Launchpad, 618 Central Ave SW. Visit launchpadrocks.com for details.
sunday 14 | 12 pm
Using AI to Unlock Your Personal History. Monica Poling, an Albuquerque AI educator, will show how to use AI to translate old documents, caption forgotten photos, transcribe family stories, and turn scattered memories into something families will treasure. Info: 1100 Second St SW. For more info, visit wheelsmuseum.org. Free.
sunday 14 | 2 pm
Patrociños Legacy of Taos Woodcarvers. Experience a very interesting presentation on both the history and technique of the well-known woodcarver Luis Barela, who lives and works out of his studio in Taos, New Mexico. Inspired by the wood carvings of his grandfather, Luis searches the local mountains for unusual shapes of cedar wood that he forms into figurative sculptures influenced by his cultural history. Info: Sandoval County Historical Society and Museum, 160 Edmund Rd, Bernalillo. Visit sc-hsm.org. Free.
sunday 14 | 3–4:30 pm
Chamber Music Concert. Join the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra for a program of small chamber works. Info: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St NE. Visit abqphil.org or call (505) 433-7445 for more information. Free.
tuesday 16 | 6 pm
A Word With Writers. Hear from Pulitzerprize winning author Andrew Sean Greer in conversation with Emily Zipps for a night of wit and humor. All tickets include a copy of Greer’s new book, “Villa Coco.” Info: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE. Find info and tickets at ampconcerts.org/event/460680. $35.
wednesday 17 | 10 am–2 pm
Annual Pollinator Day Celebration. Celebrate the vital role of pollinators at the OSVC Annual Pollinator Day Celebration. Info: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW, (505) 768-4951. Free.
wednesday 17 | 5:30–6:30 pm
Lecture Series at La Quinta. “The Bright Edges of the World” by Garrett Peck explores how Willa Cather transformed her travels through New Mexico into one of the great works of American literature, Death Comes for the Archbishop. Info: La
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Quinta Cultural Center, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. $20.
wednesday 17 | 7–8 pm
Albuquerque Concert Band Summer Series. Join the ACB for a free outdoor concert where our theme will be A Night at the Movies. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE. Visit abqband.org for more information. Free.
friday 19 | 6–8:30 pm
Amelia Day. Get ready to dance as Amelia Day takes the stage with a blend of folk, rock, and pop. Meanwhile, the BioPark will come to life with up-close keeper chats and interactive discovery stations focused around feathered friends. Info: BioPark Zoo, 903 10th St SW. For details and tickets, visit cabq.gov/artsculture/ biopark/events/zoo-music.
friday 19 | 7:30 pm
Salsa y Mas: Nosotros. One of the most recognizable Latin bands in the Southwest United States, Nosotros has been featured on NPR’s Alt Latino twice and were named winners in the prestigious “John Lennon Songwriting Competition” twice. A Latin music powerhouse band that has received 13 NM Music Awards and has shared the stage with some of the biggest names
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in music, they seamlessly combine Latin rhythms with elements of Rock, Salsa, Jazz, and Cumbia. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. For tickets call (505) 255-9798 or visit outpostspace.org. $15-$25.
friday 19–saturday 27 | various times
Festival Flamenco. For nine days, Albuquerque becomes flamenco’s epicenter, where exceptional artists deliver world and US premieres that captivate and inspire. Experience performances, workshops, music, and more. For details and tickets, visit ffabq.org.
saturday 20 | 12–4 pm
Sgraffito on Glass. Beginning with a 6x6 fully fused glass panel, then topped with an additional glass enamel layer, you will scratch a design into the surface using bbq sticks. Designs can be made by using stencils, free hand, doodles or zentangles. The piece is then fired to set your design and can be hung or set in a stand. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Visit thegrooveartspace.com for additional details and to reserve your spot. All materials are included for $120.
saturday 20 | 2–4 pm
New Visions of the Natural World. Albuquerque Abstract Artist’s Alliance presents visions of Albuquerque’s land, nature, conservation, and community. Celebrate the opening with a reception or visit the exhibit until August 1st. Info: Open Space West Gallery, 6500 Coors Blvd NW.
saturday 20 | 2–4 pm
Wisdom of the Wild. This exhibition brings together sculpture and watercolor works that celebrate the wonder, intelligence, and quiet magic of the natural world. Info: Open Space East Gallery, 6500 Coors Blvd NW.
saturday 20 |
Party in the Park. This high-energy throwback festival features headliner Lil Jon along with Pretty Ricky, Soulja Boy, Chamillionaire, and more. Fans can expect a full-day celebration featuring live music, nostalgic throwback hits, interactive art installations, local food vendors, fullservice bars, and curated VIP experiences. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. For more details, visit partyinthepark.com. Tickets start at $79.
saturday 20 and sunday 21 | various times
NOMADIC Yoga Festival. Join fellow yogis and yoga enthusiasts for a two-day festival dedicated to health, community, and movement. All levels, abilities, ages, and bodies are welcome. Info: FUSION 708, 1st St NW. For details and tickets, visit nomadicyogafestival.com.
saturday 20 | 7:30 pm
Evolution of the Blues Featuring Joanie Cere, Michael Matison, & Linda Piper. Curated by vocalists Joanie Cere and Michael Matison, “Evolution of the Blues” is a brief narrative and song-drenched look at how the blues has evolved from the early part of the 20th century up to the present. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. For tickets visit outpostspace.org. $15-$25.
tuesday 23 and thursday 25 | 1–3:30 pm
Freeze and Fuse Glass Garden Party. In this 2-day class, using powder glass and the power of the kitchen freezer, participants will mold glass elements (blossoms, leaves, and stems). In the second session, you’ll compose them onto a base sheet of glass to be fired. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Visit thegrooveartspace.com for additional details and to reserve your spot. All materials are included for $150.
wednesday 24 | 4 pm
The Great Race. Experience one of the world’s premier vintage car rallies as more than 120 antique automobiles roll into Albuquerque during the 2026 Hemmings Great Race presented by Coker Tire. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. For details visit greatrace.com. Free.
thursday 25 | 6–8:30 pm
JD Nash and the Rash of Cash. Get ready for a high-energy night at the Botanic Garden with a blend of alternative country, rock, and Americana music. Guests can stroll through the area and admire a vineyard, apple orchard, crop gardens, and perennial beds. Info: BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW. For details and tickets, visit cabq.gov/artsculture/ biopark/events/garden-music.
thursday 25 | 7:30 pm
30th Annual Summer Thursday Jazz Nights. Join Outpost for the opening night of their popular “Summer Thursday Jazz Nights,” featuring New Mexicobased jazz and Latin music artists every Thursday through August 13. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. For details and tickets, visit outpostspace.org.
friday 26 | 7:30 pm
Salsa y Mas: Son Habana. Four talented musicians and good friends from Cuba revive the roots of traditional Cuban music—Son Cubano— fusing it with contemporary Latin sounds to create a distinct and new identity for Cuban music in Los Angeles. Led by singer-songwriter and lead vocalist, Luis Felipe, the group also features bassist Yadier Noa Chamble; guitar master and vocalist, Denis Medina; and percussionist Eliezer “Chamo” Suarez. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. For tickets call
(505) 255-9798 or visit outpostspace.org. $15-$25.
friday 26 | 10:30 pm
Big Gay Movie Night. Celebrate Pride Month at PRIDE & Equality’s Big Gay Movie Night with a screening of The Birdcage. Enjoy live performances, door prizes from local businesses, and a night filled with laughter, love, and pride. This is an all-ages celebration of community and joy. Info: Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE. Find tickets and details at myprideonline.com/ bgmn. $17.60.
saturday 27 and sunday 28 | 10–4 pm
Beginning Stained Glass Workshop. Join a 2-day class during which Linda will teach participants how to cut circles out of glass and make a stained-glass art piece. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Visit thegrooveartspace.com for additional details and to reserve your spot. All materials are included for $175.
saturday 27 | 12 pm
Route 66 Centennial Talk Series: Chinese Merchants of ABQ. Aimee Tang will talk about Chinese merchants on Central Avenue, a welcoming destination along the “Mother Road,” featuring Fremont’s Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery store in the heart of Albuquerque established by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s. Info: 1100 Second St SW. For more info, visit wheelsmuseum.org. Free.
saturday 27 | 12–6 pm
Caribbean Celebration. This vibrant festival of music, food, and culture takes place in the heart of Albuquerque. Enjoy live performances, flavorful island cuisine, and a joyful atmosphere that honors Caribbean heritage. Get your tickets early and be part of this unforgettable celebration of rhythm, flavor, and community. Info: Manzano Mesa Park, 501 Elizabeth St SE. Find details and tickets at nmentertains.com/caribbeancelebration. Free.
saturday 27 | 7:30 pm
Bert Dalton Quartet plays Dave Brubeck. Led by pianist Bert Dalton, this allstar quartet, comprised of Rob “Milo” Jaramillo on bass, John Bartlit on drums, and Dave Anderson on alto sax, performs the unique music of Dave Brubeck, featuring selections from Brubeck’s “Time Out,” the first jazz recording to sell one million copies. This concert includes a wide range of Brubeck compositions and brief commentary on the music, the use of unusual time signatures, and stories about the quartet. Info: Albuquerque Museum, Ventana Room, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. For tickets call (505) 255-9798 or visit outpostspace.org. $15-$25.
sunday 28 | 3–4:30 pm
Chamber Orchestra Concert. Join the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra for Piazzolla Tangazo and Haydn Symphony No. 88 in G major. Info: Keller Hall, UNM Popejoy Complex, 203 Cornell Dr. Visit abqphil.org or call (505) 433-7445 for more information. Free.
sunday 28 | 7:30 pm
Both Sides Now. This theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by and starring Robbie Schaefer and Danielle Wertz, the cabaret-style performance traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW. For more information and tickets, visit ampconcerts.org. Tickets are $38-$60.
New Mexico Young Actors Summer Camps. Info: Visit nmyoungactors.org.
wednesday 1 | 7–8 pm
Albuquerque Concert Band Summer Series. Get primed for your Independence Day celebrations with a free patriotic concert by the 2026 Creative Bravos award-winning Albuquerque Concert Band. This family-friendly concert will be conducted by Grammy winner and New York Emmy award-winner, Col. Jim Keene, U.S. Army, Ret. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE. Visit abqband.org for more information. Free.
monday 6–friday 10 | 8 am–2 pm
The Official FC Barcelona Soccer Camp Registration. The camp will take place at the APS Soccer Complex and will consist of five days of training with official FC Barcelona coaches. Players will learn the same successful methodology from which players such as Leo Messi, Sergio Busque, Lamine Yamal, and Xavi Hernández emerged. Info: Campers aged 6 to 17 years are invited to sign up at fcbarcelona.us/ locations/Albuquerque and use code FCBNEWM50 for $50 off your registration of $499 for the week.
friday 10 | 7–9 pm
Free Square Dance Open House. Ready to laugh, connect, and get moving? Discover the joy of modern square dancing with the
Duke City Square Dance Club. Learn basic calls, meet new friends, and experience a unique blend of exercise and camaraderie. No experience or partner necessary. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St NE. For details contact dukecitysd0@gmail.com or (505) 4337117.
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-planplace. 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
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to explore the city. An official printed Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide can also be obtained.
various days | various times
Cancer Support Now. Free services. Info: Call the helpline, (505) 255-0405. Also, various days/times listed throughout Datebook for specific group and individual assistance.
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)261-3553.
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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 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-toone 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 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) 2452137. 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, (855) 486-1380. $15 per class. To reserve your space, visit lospoblanos.com/ hacienda-spa/wellness-classes.
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.
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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.
daily | 10 am–5 pm
Weems Gallery & Framing. The website enables people to purchase fine art 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) 9387900.
daily |
Donate Blood. Because every day, someone needs it. Info: (505) 843-6227, unitedbloodservices.org.
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
Rattlesnake Museum. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed 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
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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 flytying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-andrelease 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
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fishing license. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Dr SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000.
daily | 9 am–4 pm
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Please join others for virtual and in-person events which offer a unique way to experience Pueblo culture 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, 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) 242-4311, 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.
daily | 10 am–8 pm
Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter seeks loving homes 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) 2712877, dukecitybridge.com.
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 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. Class fees generally include all materials.
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
Tango Club of Albuquerque. Please contact info@abqtango.org for details about various classes, workshops, and opportunities for social dancing.
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 twohour blocks. Pricing available for members and non-members.
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. A calendar can be found at chatterabq.org and in Datebook above. 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 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 | 5–7 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
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hour, including story time and special songs by the resident musician, Tom. 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) 2550405. 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
505-681-6325. $30 fee (cash or check at the door).
first and third mondays | 6–8 pm
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.
first and third mondays | 4:30–5:30 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 be won. Info: Canteen Taproom, 417 Tramway Blvd
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 at namialbuquerque.org/ support-and-education/support-groups/ nami-connection.
mondays and wednesdays | 9:30 pm
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 Iris Show. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd NE. albuquerquegardencenter.org. Free.
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mondays–saturdays | 12–2 pm
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) 433-3684.
mondays, wednesdays, and fridays | 10 am–1:30 pm
Telephone 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 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.
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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-planplace. Registrations can also be done at this web address.
first tuesdays| 6:00–7:30 pm
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: Education Building, 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, Classroom #2. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.
every other tuesday | 6–7:30 pm
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/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.
tuesdays | 9–9:30 am
QiGong Class. Experience the many health benefits of qigong from a holistic, lowimpact practice that combines meditation, breathing, and movement. Info: 2404 San Mateo Pl NE, (908) 486-4442
tuesdays | 6–7 pm
Chess Club. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Info: Corrales Community Library, 84 West La Entrada, (505) 8970733.
tuesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm
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.
tuesdays | 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: 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 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.
third tuesdays | 6–8 pm
Bead Society of New Mexico (BSNM) Monthly Membership Meeting. BSNM’s purpose is to 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. We do not meet in July or December. Please check our website in case of occasional changes. Info: Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Rd NE, 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.
Casa San Ysidro Tours. Take a tour of this late 19th century building filled with 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
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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.
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
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people and places that shaped this early community. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, cabq.gov, 2437255. 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 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) 8812737, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.
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-toone 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/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.
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, 490915 Hawkins St NE. For more information contact Randy Pratt at (505) 415-1124 or desertdancersabq@gmail.com.
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 at namialbuquerque.org/ support-and-education/support-groups/ nami-connection.
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,
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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.
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) 508-4278.
first thursdays bimonthly (every other) | 6:30 pm
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: Hosted by Balanced Physical Therapy + Wellness, 7849 Tramway Blvd NE, Ste. A (Paseo Del Norte and Tramway Blvd), balancedrehababq.com/lymph, (505) 8213831.
thursdays | 11:30 am
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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) 3195001.
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: The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho. 18+ welcome.
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) 348-4443. 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-toone 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/events. Tickets are $25 and include a signature cocktail or mocktail.
first and third thursdays | 5–6:30 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 St NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/ events. Free.
thursdays | 9:30 pm
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.
fridays in June and July | 6:30 pm
Live @ Winrock Free Concert Series Last year established Winrock as the place to be outdoors on Fridays. Join us for your favorite local bands, food trucks, beer, wine and vendors, a grassy park and a playground, something for everyone. Mark your calendars now for round two of joyous community and celebration with like-minded good people and music fans. Info: Check ampconcerts.org/tag/ Winrock for bands playing on the night(s) you would like to attend. Free.
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, 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) 2773901. 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 | 6:30–8 pm
NAMI Connection Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM–Sign up once online at namialbuquerque. org/support-and-education/supportgroups/nami-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. The cost is $8. For more information, contact dukecitysd0@gmail.com.
fridays | 7–9
Solid Grounds Music Café. 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.
second fridays | 6–7 pm
Free Country Dance Lessons. Friday night just got waaaay better. Info: Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, (505) 8839521. 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:
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.
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 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) 610-9591. 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.
saturdays | 10 am–2 pm
CNM Student Study Hours with Free Childcare. CNM student families are 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.
saturdays | 12–1 pm
Watermelon Mountain Ranch Volunteer Orientation. Come to the main facility 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.
saturdays | 12:30 pm
Children’s Chorus of Rio Rancho. Rehearsals have begun for the Fall 2026 season and continue through our concerts in December. CCRR is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (2nd5th 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 rr-cc.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 grown-up friendly. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 243-7255. 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
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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 (6th12th 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 rr-cc.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/couples welcome! No partner needed! Fee: $8 ($5 ADC);
ABQ Sq Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE, 7-10pm (Optional: Lesson @ 6:45pm TBD). Variety of music includes swing, country, ballroom, Latin. 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 | 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) 2038250 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.
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2026 NEWCOMER’S GUIDE
We’ve all visited a city for the first time, right? And wasn’t that experience made infinitely better when you were lucky enough to have a good friend along who knows the lay of the land? Well, consider us—along with Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller—that good friend, whether you’re new to ABQ or have lived here for years.
For 22 years, we’ve been writing about the city’s offerings in food, culture, entertainment and adventure. And for this year’s Guide, we decided to have the Mayor jump in here and there with a few recommendations. For those not in the know, Keller was born and raised in ABQ before heading off to Notre Dame and Harvard to earn fancy college degrees; he began his third term as our Mayor in January of 2026.
Withyourtourguide,
MayorTimKeller
We hope that newcomers will find the info on the following pages to be uber-helpful in finding their groove in the city— and ABQ long-timers will hopefully discover some hidden nuggets of info, as well. For everyone, this compilation is meant to give fresh insight on the joys to be found in our eclectic, amazing, diverse city filled with people who (like us) love it here!
Your insiders guide on ABQ's food culture
NOM NOM Your Cheat Sheet to New Mexican Menus
Did you know that
Calabacitas– A veggie side dish of zucchini, corn, garlic, onions, and green chile, slow-cooked in a pan with spices. Available at most New Mexican restaurants, every eatery makes their calabacitas a little differently, and some variations might include a dash of cream or cheese—so why not sample them all while you’re at it?
There are hundreds of restaurants in the metro area alone, and many feature made-from-scratch recipes that have been passed down through families for generations—so you’ll truly never tire of quality options. Decoding a New Mexican menu, however, might seem daunting to first-time desert dwellers, and it can involve learning some local lingo that you might not have known about prior to moving to New Mexico. But never fear: your ABQ Food Guide by the ABCs is here!
Enchiladas– You can have them stacked or rolled, but both come with corn tortillas filled with cheese and chile, or beef, or chicken (noticing a pattern yet with the chile?).
TOP TIP: Ask to add an egg, over easy, right on top. You’ll thank us later (plus, you’ll blend in just fine with the locals).
Chips & Salsa– Chips & salsa are a huge source of pride for Albuquerque restaurants. Most New Mexican eateries serve this as a complimentary treat as soon as you take your seat to prep your palate for the next course. The salsas are often closely-guarded (and decades-old) secrets, but typically, recipes are on the spicy side and include tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic, with the chips made fresh daily. The local salsas are so popular that many ABQ restaurants even sell jars at the counter and in local grocery stores. In France, this is where we would say “Bon appétit!” But here in Albuquerque, the term is “Provecho!” Translation: Enjoy!
Sopaipilla – A golden puff of slightly flaky and oh-so good and chewy dough that’s fried and served with honey, often alongside meals. The honey serves a distinct role: it helps cut the spice of the chile and cool your tongue so you can keep eating to your heart’s content. The sopaipilla, meanwhile, helps ‘sop’ up the rest.
TOP TIP: Try it ‘stuffed’ with your choice of meat, beans, and cheese. Rest assured, you’ll still be served sopaipillas on the side.
Carne Adovada– Fall-off-the-bone tender from hours of slow-roasting, this is pork (or carne) marinated in red chile. It’s so good that you can have it for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, in any form—wrapped in a burrito or stuffed in enchiladas.
Tamale – Available year-round but primarily a Christmas tradition among families, tamales are masa, or corn dough, wrapped and steamed in corn husks, filled with cheese, meat, or beans—and, you guessed it, served with red or green (or both, as you’ll soon learn) chile.
Frijoles Refritos –Refried beans, which may or may not use lard in their making. Just a heads-up: if you order your dish with whole beans, you’ll get
Posole – Sometimes spelled as ‘pozole,’ this traditional stew is made with red chile, pork, and hominy, which are dried corn kernels soaked in an alkali solution, giving them a soft and slightly starchy texture like a potato. A cold weather dish usually made for the holidays, it will, no matter the occasion, warm your bones.
Chilaquiles– A nacho-like breakfast dish that is ‘nacho’ your typical morning toast with jam. Made with crispy fried tortilla chips tossed in luscious red chile, this homestyle recipe is typically topped with an egg
Chile Rellenos – A whole pepper in the beauty of its entirety that’s stuffed with cheese, dipped in batter, and then fried to golden perfection. It’s pretty much our idea of heaven.
TOP TIP: The chile stem serves as a nifty han dle that allows for easy maneuvering around your plate.
Chile– Not to be confused with chili (that’s the bean and beef mixture you’ll find over yonder in Texas). This is chile with an e, New Mexico’s state vegetable and arguably most infamous ingredient. It comes in green and red: green is picked before the pods ripen; red is what happens after ripening. So, when your server asks you, “Red or green?”—just know that they’re talking chile.
Red or Green?
“Listen, tontos, red or green is not a choice you just make.It depends on the dish it’s going to be on. It depends on the flavor of the cook’s fingers. It depends on who you’re with, and where, and at what time. It depends on whether you’re in love or not.”
— Rudolfo Anaya
The late, great New Mexico author synonymous with Chica no literature offered this incredible take on chile preference as it relates to our state’s official question, “Red or Green?” The year was 2016, and I emailed Rudolfo and other local notables to give us their choices, which we included in an Albuquerque The Magazine-produced guide for ABQ tourists.
I’m proud to say ATM had a long and jovial relationship with Anaya, the “Bless Me Ultima” author who passed away a few years ago at the age of 82. From the first days we photographed him for our pages in 2004, Anaya was always a joy to be around. Both myself and our Photo Director, Don James, ventured many times to his Westside ABQ home, sometimes to shoot pics and do interviews, but mostly just to chat and occasionally sip tequila.
His measured words were always delivered with a small quip, so that you got his laughter and wisdom in the same sentence— which is why we chose to use his words above to give you a starting point to contemplate the question of red or green. —LL
Chile facts to take a bite out of:
Each chile variety comes in both red and green; green is the freshly grown fruit, which turns red as it ripens on the vine.
The New Mexico State Legislature in 1996 declared “Red or Green?” as the official state question.
Green chile has intense and crispy notes, unmistakenly vegetal; a bit more ageing makes turns the pod red, and produces layers of smoky, earthy flavors.
As the chile ages into red pods, it produces more capsaicin, usually making it bit hotter than its green iteration. Usually.
It’s quite alright to choose both red AND green, which is the “Christmas” option your waiter was referring to.
"North of Albuquerque, I go red. South of Albuquerque, I go green."
Smells Like Chile Spirit
The smell of roasting chiles is synonymous with late summer in Albuquerque–and you’ll almost always smell them before you see them. It’s common to find drum roasters set up in grocery store parking lots or at markets. These rotating drums sit over an open flame and char the skin to perfection, but you can achieve a similar effect at home via grilling.
What’s next? After roasting–or picking up a bag filled with freshly roasted chiles—you’ll need to get to peeling.
Wait until the chiles are slightly cooled, then grab some food-safe gloves and maybe even a mask and goggles, de-
pending on the level of spice you’ve chosen. Your eyes will thank you!
Remove the charred skin, stem, and seeds, then dispose of them. Some people like to keep the seeds intact, but that’ll definitely add another layer of spice to your chile.
Portion your cleaned chile out into bags and freeze them for later. Now you have your own supply of chile to defrost for use throughout the year! Top your burgers, add them to stews, or just snack on them with chips and a little sprinkle of salt. You’re a real Burqueno now!
The James Beard Awards
–aka the Oscars of the food world– recognize excellence in American cuisine, and Albuquerque is home to several James Beard nominees and finalists. You’ll definitely want to thank the Academy after sinking your teeth into these tasty honorees.
DAYDREAM RUM BAR
3123 Central Ave NE, Ste. F (505) 503-1494 daydreamrumbar.com
2026 Semifinalist in Best New Bar
MESA PROVISIONS
3120 Central Ave SE (505) 494-5264 mesaprovisions.com
2026 Semifinalist Best Chef –Southwest (Steve Riley) 2024 Nominee Best Chef –Southwest (Steve Riley)
James Beard
Award nominees and finalists
BOW & ARROW BREWING CO
608 McKnight Ave NW (505) 247-9800
bowandarrowbrewing.com
2026 Nominee in Outstanding Bar
2024 Semifinalist in Outstanding Bar
HAPPY ACCIDENTS
3225 Central Ave NE happyaccidentsbar.com
2025 Semifinalist Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service (Kate Gerwin)
THE BURQUE BAKEHOUSE
640 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 234-6294 burquebakehouse.com
2026 Semifinalist in Outstanding Bakery
2024 Nominee in Outstanding Bakery
CODA BAKERY
201 San Pedro Dr SE, Ste. B1 (505) 232-0085 codabakery.com
2025 Semifinalist in Outstanding Bakery
LA GUELAGUETZA
816 Old Coors Dr SW (505) 916-0095
2022 Nominee in Best Chef –Southwest (Roberto Salazar)
2025 Semifinalist in Best Chef –Southwest (Kattia Rojas)
CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS
4803 Rio Grande NM, Los Ranchos (505) 985-5000
lospablanos.com
2025 Nominee in Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
2024 Semifinalist in Best Chef –Southwest (Chris Bethoney)
LegendARY Local EATERIES
Every city has its classics those iconic establishments that have been around for decades. But these spots are about so much more than food. They are cultural touchstones for generations of Albuquerqueans, serving as big sites (and bites) of nostalgia.
Dion’s- Ask any local Albuquerquean where to find good pizza, and the knee-jerk reaction will invariably be Dion’s. Having first opened its doors as a Greek restaurant in 1979 by Jon Patten and Bill Scott, the partners initially served more Italian-forward dishes until their Greek menu could come together. But the pies became so popular that the Greek food took a back seat—and now Dion’s is exclusively pizza-centric, with 11 locations in Albuquerque alone—and more than 20 across New Mexico.
Sadie’s– What began as a nine-stool diner run by Sadie Koury in 1954 has transformed into a New Mexico staple. And why wouldn’t it, with portions that are both enormous and delicious? The restaurant has been passed down through generations, which is evident on their menu. You can try one of “Betty’s Original Creations,” an homage to Sadie’s little sister, who took over the business in 1975, or Brian’s Spicy Carne Adovada Ribs, named after one of Betty’s sons who worked at the 4th Street restaurant. Sadie’s now has three locations and sells their jarred salsa and chiles in stores across New Mexico.
Frontier- Founded by Dorothy and Larry Rainosek in the early 70s, Frontier Restaurant is known for its sweet rolls and daily house-made tortillas—and its distinct Americana decor still retains a sense of a groovier time. Open late and located just across the street from the University of New Mexico, Frontier is a top pick for students—but you don’t have to be enrolled in classes to enjoy their uniquely New Mexican menu.
TOP TIP: If you let the staff know you’re on your way to or from the airport, you just might get a complimentary sweet roll!
Monte Carlo Liquors & Steak House–
Monte Carlo might be part steakhouse and part liquor store, but it’s entirely charming. This Duke City secret has been around since 1961, and not much has changed much since then, including the retro décor and perfectly prepared steaks. They were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, where Guy Fieri referred to it as an “off-the-hook steakhouse with homemade Greek.”
Barelas Coffee House–
Barelas Coffee House dishes out more than just coffee. This legendary morning hotspot has been serving up New Mexican comfort food since 1978 in the historic Barelas neighborhood. It was founded by Mike Gonzales while he was a student at UNM, and the breakfast spot continues to thrive as a local favorite.
Duran’s Pharmacy– In 1942, a Notre Dame graduate named Pete Duran took the phrase “food is medicine” to a whole new level. Though Duran’s Pharmacy began with nothing but a humble soda fountain, the downtown ABQ business has since evolved to include an authentic New Mexican restaurant and novelty gift shop. Yes—you can you pick up your prescription and have a taco in the same visit!
Blake’s-
Founded in 1952 by Blake Chanslor, a WWII Navy Veteran, this iconic burger joint chain is easily recognized throughout ABQ due to its top-hat-wearing, American-flag-draped mascot. Voted the World’s Best Green Chile Cheeseburger by National Geographic, the burgers remain one of the city’s most popular—and the seasoned fries, breakfast burritos, and ever-changing shake menu are second to none.
Golden Pride– After just a few years of opening Frontier, the Rainoseks went on to successfully start a series of fried chicken restaurants known as Golden Pride. As a sister franchise, Golden Pride has risen to become an icon as well.
El Pinto– El Pinto, established in 1962, is the epitome of authentic New Mexican cuisine. In fact, the recipes they use today are the very same they began with–belonging to founder Connie Thomas’s grandmother. Locals don’t just flock to El Pinto for the food, though—they have the largest tequila bar in New Mexico with 200+ different types of tequila and mezcal.
Feeling Fancy?
“Our fine dining scene would surprise most people we have a celebrity chef culture that people get really into when they figure it out.”
frenchish
Though frenchish offers a more casual dining experience than perhaps the other restaurants on this list, its food and ambience are still some of the best in the city. The brainchild of renowned Albuquerque chef Jennifer James and longtime restaurateur Nelle Bauer, frenchish specializes in an ever-evolving menu that always features unique, artistic dishes found nowhere else in the city.
Ten 3
It’s the highest restaurant in Albuquerque, best known for top-notch seafood, steaks, and views of the city. Opened by the Abruzzo family, Ten 3 sits on top of Sandia Peak and offers an unparalleled dining experience for gourmet cuisine. Take the Sandia Peak Tram or drive to the crest to check out what this fine dining establishment is all about (hint: maybe bring a date).
Dorothea
Even though Dorothea emphasizes modern techniques and elevated presentation, their menu remains true to traditional Greek cuisine. Think spanakorizo, souvlaki, and rack of lamb with a refined touch. The space itself, located in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights, is polished with soft lighting—perfect for a date when you want to impress but still keep things relaxed.
Vintage 423
If you’re in search of an experience, look no further than Vintage 423. Sure, their ingredients are sourced from high-quality locations and keep an eye on remaining as local as possible—and of course, items on the menu are made from scratch, and their wine list is curated for perfect pairings—but Vintage 423 is really about sitting back and letting the knowledgeable staff take you on a culinary journey.
Indigo Crow
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a rural retreat? Indigo Crow, located in downtown Corrales, is as cozy as fine dining comes. Whether you’re nestled next to a fireplace for dinner or stationed on the patio under one of the towering elms for Sunday brunch, you’re in for a treat.
Char
Char, located in Hotel Andaluz, offers elevated New Mexican cuisine cooked to perfection. In fact, Char is the home to New Mexico’s only Josper grill (a high-performing charcoal oven). Along with the distinctive smokey flavor and chic ambiance, Char also offers a chile flight–why choose between red and green ever again?
Campo at Los Poblanos
Located on the historic Los Poblanos grounds—which include over twenty acres of certified organic lavender fields—Campo provides brunch and dinner services by reservation only—and it is highly regarded as one of the premiere destinations in the Southwest for ‘farm-to-fork’ dining. Seasonally minded, Campo’s culinary program offers a changing menu that regularly features handmade pasta and more traditional dishes, such as mole, that showcase the rich heritage of the Rio Grande Valley.
M’Tucci’s Bar Roma
Previously a New York concept, M’Tucci’s owners traded the high rises of the Big Apple for the mountains and valleys of the Duke City—and now have four buzzy locations across the metro area. Each has a different menu and unique charm, but we’re especially fond of Bar Roma’s patio dining. Treat yourself to a selection of well-curated wines and their infamous pasta alla gricia or five pork bolognese.
Vernon’s Speakeasy
Shhh… Vernon’s is a bit of a local secret—and that’s by design. Located through a hidden door in the back of Los Ranchos Liquors, this speakeasy-inspired steakhouse concept requires a password to enter (which can be obtained by making a reservation, either online or over the phone). But once in, Vernon’s offers a variety of award-winning steak cuts—often considered the best in the city.
Farm and Table
This North Valley gem is the epitome of farm-to-table sourcing. With an on-site farm, you can expect the freshest ingredients and intentionally curated seasonal menus. Farm and Table’s patio dining is highly coveted, considering it overlooks their 10-acre farm. Be sure to align your reservation at with the sunset—you won’t want to miss that view!
For the Vibes
Albuquerque’s nightlife is having a moment, and these vibey spots put the 505 on the map for all the right reasons. Looking for a trendy place to impress a date? Want to plan a brunch
DWTNR Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Touted as being one of the most Instagrammable bars in Albuquerque, the vibes at DWTNR don’t disappoint. Because it’s located in the ARRIVE Albuquerque hotel, a lot of locals opt to enjoy their cocktails poolside. Just grab a day pass for $20, which gives you pool access and complimentary WiFi, then spend your afternoon sipping and swimming.
Gaia’s Kava Root
Gaia’s Kava Root is for those who prefer their vibes sans booze. Kava is a root plant that calms the mind and body without alcohol (or the inevitable hangover). This family-owned lounge on Central specializes in all things relaxation, including kava drinks, mocktails, tea shots, and other botanicals. Grab one and sing your heart out at one of their Karaoke nights or chill out to live harp music.
Level 5
Wih a near 360-degree view of the city, Level 5 sits on top of the luxury Hotel Chaco. Sit inside or take advantage of the rooftop patio while enjoying craft cocktails and regionally-inspired dishes created by Chef Goran Basarov.
Wolf ‘n’ Swallow
If you’re in the mood for sips and snacks with an atmosphere that screams “VIBES,” Wolf ‘n’ Swallow is a must. Located in a renovated building in East Downtown, the space is loaded with quirky décor–paired with the moody lighting and intimate seating, it’s giving “effortlessly cool.” Their menu is just as trendy, boasting boards, bites, and a wide selection of sustainable caviar options.
TOP TIP: Should you find yourself dining with a canine companion, have a seat on the outdoor patio and order them a “pup’sicle” or “pup’cuterie” while you enjoy your own nibbles.
Sandia Sports Bar
This isn’t your average sports bar. In fact, there’s nothing average about it. Located in the Sandia Casino & Resort, Sandia Sports Bar has some of the most immaculate views of the mountains (you guessed it–the Sandias!) you’ve ever seen. So you can watch the game on one of their 50 TVs while enjoying the sunset and nomming on a Frito Pie. Can you say best day ever?
The Bitter Nun
Head up to the mezzanine above Ex Novo Brewing and you’ll find yourself at The Bitter Nun. This tucked-away lounge isn’t a secret, but it feels like it could be. With no social media presence (you’ll need to follow Ex Novo’s account to learn about The Bitter Nun happenings) it has an “iykyk” vibe—and now you know! On the menu, you can find anything from rare pours to absinthe-based craft cocktails.
ABQ Food-Speak Decoded
Albuquerque’s servers may ask you questions that you’re not exactly sure how to answer—and that’s okay (here in the Land of Mañana, we aren’t very judgmental). Our menus, however, just might have some words that don’t seem to make sense, at least at first. No matter where you’re at in your New Mexican food journey, here’s your cheat sheet for ordering the very best dishes like a pro.
IF THE MENU SAYS “CHILE” IT MEANS:
Chile (with an e)—New Mexico’s state vegetable and a point of spice-filled pride. Just try not to confuse it with chili (with an i), that beans-and-beef dish you’ll find in Texas. Our chile comes in two colors, each with its own distinct flavor: red (smoky and on the milder side) and green (hotter and more acidic).
TOP TIP: Because spice varies from batch to batch and restaurant to restaurant, you can always ask for your chile to be served on the side, rather than smothered on top.
IF THEY ASK: “RED OR GREEN?”, THEY MEAN: Take your pick of red or green chile.
TOP TIP: When in doubt, say “Christmas.” You’ll be served both red and green chile—and no one will ever know you’re not local.
IF THE MENU SAYS “FRIJOLES REFRITOS” IT MEANS: Refried pinto beans, often made with lard, and typically smothered with shredded cheese.
TOP TIP: Stir the cheese in while the beans are hot for melty goodness.
IF THEY ASK: “SOPAS DURING OR AFTER?” THEY MEAN: Sopaipillas—tasty puffs of lighter-than-air fried dough—are a New Mexican food staple. While they can be the perfect sweet top-off for any meal, they’re not just for kicks, on or off Route 66. The honey that’s served alongside has a purpose: It helps cut the spice of your salsa or chile.
TOP TIP: Ask for extra sopaipillas (and extra honey) during your meal. Just in case.
As the #2 most dog-friendly city in America, dogs are undoubtedly part of the family here in Albuquerque. The Duke City boasts 216 canine-friendly restaurants and 9 shopping centers that allow pups. Pawsome, indeed. Check out these hotspots with your four-legged sidekick.
Doggie Dash & Dawdle
Not only is the Doggie Dash & Dawdle considered the largest pet event in Albuquerque—it’s the largest in the entire state of New Mexico. It attracts nearly 5,000 human participates and 2,000 doggos every March. Choose to “dash” the 5k distance or “dawdle” a 1-mile route with or without a canine companion. Not interested in racing? Roam around the “Barketplace” and shop from local vendors or grab a brew at the “Watering Bowl.”
North Domingo Baca Dog Park
Located in the Northeast Heights, the North Domingo Baca Dog Park is a bustling canine social scene from 6am to 10pm. The park flaunts beautiful walking trails along with its small-dog-only zone, guaranteeing that every dog feels welcome at Domingo Baca. An insider-feature of the park is that it’s often packed with food trucks and frequented by a portable dog wash.
My Furry Godmothers
Life as a dog parent can be ruff. When you want to treat yourself and your canine counterpart, My Furry Godmothers is the place to do it. This trendy spot is part boutique and part café, which means you can meet up with your buddies for a coffee date while your pups enjoy their own playdate on the enclosed pet turf.
FOR THOSE WHO PREFURR CATS
If felines are more your thing, you’re in luck—Albuquerque is home to Catopia Cat Café. Not only can you enjoy snacks and drinks with the resident cats, but you can even take one home. All Catopia kitties are adoptable through their rescue group partners.
FAMILY FUN FOR ALL
According to a recent US Census, 20% of Albuquerque’s population is under the age of 18. As such, the city tends to cater towards family-friendly activities— and kiddos will find plenty of enrichment in the Land of Enchantment. Admittedly, this is just the tip of the iceberg, but it’s a good place to start.
Wildlife West Nature Park
Located just to the east of the city in Edgewood, Wildlife West Nature Park is a privately owned zoo that exclusively cares for rescued New Mexican animals—from bobcats to bald eagles. For kids, admission is just $5.00 (and $12.00 for adults), and all proceeds help fund the park.
TOP TIP: Wildlife West Nature Park is more than just a zoo. It’s also the site for the New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival. Huzzah!
Trampoline Parks — Elevate (3301 Southern Blvd SE #200, Rio Rancho, (505) 985-5577, elevatetrampolinepark.com), Cool Springz (4320 Yale Blvd NE, (505) 345-5687, coolspringz.com), Jungle Jam (9227 Coors Blvd NM, (505) 200-2345, junglejamplay.com), and Urban Air Adventure Park (3930 Pan American Fwy NE, (505) 910-4389, urbanair.com) have tons of bouncy ways for your kid to boing out some energy. Look for obstacle courses, laser tag, arcade games, climbing walls, dodgeball, and much more!
TOP TIP: Most of these parks have monthly memberships to make play a little more cost effective. And check out Low Sensory Sundays at Jungle Jam for easily overwhelmed kiddos.
Explora – Made expressly for small hands and expanding minds, Explora (1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 224-8300, explora.us) is a full-on discovery center with science exhibits, nature programs, tech activities, and much more. Plus, it includes a room devoted entirely to blowing the world’s biggest bubbles.
Hinkle Fun Center
As one of the longest-running family entertainment centers in Albuquerque, Hinkle (12931 Indian School Rd NE, (505) 299-3100, hinnklefuncetner.com) has been a source of family fun for over 3 decades. Partake in mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, Bazooka Ball or their recently added Flash Pad or bumper boat attractions.
City
Parks – The City of Albuquerque maintains nearly 300 parks—some of which, such as North Domingo Baca Park on Wyoming Blvd and Carmel Ave, boast splash pads during the summer. Mariposa Basin Park on Kachina St and Taylor Ranch Rd even features a duck pond, with three trail loops to explore. No matter your neighborhood, there’s bound to be a park nearby for play time.
ABQ BioPark
Greeting more than 1.5 million visitors a year, ABQ BioPark is one of the most popular attractions in the state. But multiple visits are required to experience all that the park has to offer, as it’s four different attractions in one: the Zoo, the Aquarium, the Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach.
Botanic Garden – ABQ’s Botanic Garden has plants from every type of ecosystem on the planet, displayed in giant greenhouses or biomes—plus a magnificent Japanese garden with a waterfall and koi pond.
Aquarium – With everything from sharks to otters, our aquarium takes an educational approach to exhibits. Visitors can walk through the 360-view tunnel reef or even get hands-on with touch tanks.
Tingley Beach
Tingley Beach is a wildlife attraction for fishing and boat rides. It houses 3 fishing areas regularly stocked with fish, hiking trails, paddle boat rentals, and areas perfect for a family picnic.
Zoo – The zoo features animal exhibits from around the world. Some of the highlights include the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) award-winning Asia exhibit, Mexican gray wolf conservation program, a train (connecting the zoo to the other parks), and baby critters (like Maisy the hippo) popping up across exhibits.
The Rhythm of ABQ
The Albuquerque music scene is about as varied as the culinary scene. In the mood for jazz? Metal? Pop? Country? There’s a venue for that. Not only do we have incredible local talent, but big names frequently make ABQ a must-stop while touring.
Outpost Performance Space
The Outpost Performance Space has been bringing jazz to Albuquerque since 1988 and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. This intimate venue has hosted legends like Dee Dee Bridgewater and Wayne Shorter, plus plenty of local stars since its inception.
Launchpad
Known for its intimate, unique space, Launchpad is the best venue for indie bands. It’s hardly the largest or most historic venue in downtown ABQ, but don’t let its small appearance deceive you–what Launchpad lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in sound.
FUSION Theatre
FUSION is a multi-venue campus that hosts live music as well as comedy, theater, dance, documentary screenings, and more. They have both indoor and outdoor spaces at their 35,000 square foot downtown location.
Sunshine Theater
After opening in 1924, the Sunshine served as a movie theater for over 50 years. Now it’s a live concert venue and is recognized as a historic city landmark due to its rich history. Notable performers who have graced the stage include Snoop Dogg, Soulfly, and The Strokes.
What’s a live music experience in ABQ you’ll never forget?
“There are a lot, but Trivium at the Sunshine Theater—and that was also my first day in office.”
ARRON WATSON PLAYS THE SUNSHINE THEATER
Revel Entertainment Center
The Revel Entertainment Center is the beast of the Albuquerque music scene. With four restaurants, six bars, and a capacity of almost three thousand people, entertainment is never in short supply in one of the biggest venues in downtown ABQ. Revel hosts a broad variety of music, brings in bands from all across the US, and fuels the downtown nightlife.
As one of Albuquerque’s newest venues, Revel is more than just a theater. They have two concert halls, a food court, bars, pinball machines, and hangout space. Think of it as a party venue where you can watch acts like Steve Aoki.
Isleta Resort & Casino Showroom
Longtime popular touring acts of all musical genres regularly pack the 2,500 seats in this venue (think Smokey Robinson, Foreigner, and Blue Oyster Cult). You can also find comedy icons and other acts.
Rio Rancho Events Center
The cozy arena is wonderfully suited for touring family events, like ice and circus shows, but the modern venue also hosts plenty of iconic music and comedy acts. Sure, it's a half-hour north of downtown ABQ, but parking is a breeze—and so is getting out of that parking lot after a show.
Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino
Remodeled just a couple of years ago, this plush, enormous venue (2,900 seats) is a musical oasis adjacent to the casino gaming floor. With state-of-the-art sound and visuals (including a 28-foot video wall backdrop, and two large hidef screens), there's not a bad seat in the house.
First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater
The amphitheater previously known as Isleta is Albuquerque’s largest outdoor concert venue. It can accommodate up to 15,000 guests between its lawn and pavilion seating. When attending a show there, make sure you dress for the weather–meaning ABQ weather, which is a little… unpredictable. The show will always go on—rain or shine.
Sandia Amphitheater
Located outside the Sandia Resort & Casino, the Sandia Amphitheater is an outdoor venue that gives “concert under the stars” vibes. Before the sun sets—and during afternoon shows—you can catch a gorgeous view of the mountains.
El Rey
El Rey is another popular historical venue in downtown ABQ– only, El Rey hasn’t always shown live music. In fact, when the space was founded in 1941, it began as a movie theater. Today, the venue features a hardwood dance floor and spacious concert hall that have brought internationally famous musicians to Albuquerque.
MustKnow ABQ Events
There’s a reason why nearly six million travelers pass through the Albuquerque International Sunport year after year—in fact, there are more than just a few. Check out these must-see events, festivals, and celebrations around Albuquerque.
State Fair
Some states don’t really seem to care about their State Fair, but let it be known: New Mexico is not one of them. Held in the heart of Albuquerque at Expo New Mexico, the State Fair starts in September and offers a wide variety of attractions: food, rides, art exhibits, nature exhibits, horse racing, rodeos, vendors, horse shows, livestock auctions, car shows, acrobats—and plenty, plenty more.
National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show -
Designed to celebrate the “spicier” side of life, the National Fiery Foods & BBQ show hit a record 20,000 attendees in recent years, setting an exciting precedent. It’s been covered by the New York Times and National Geographic, but locals keep coming back on the promise to sample over 1,000 hot products from the Land of Enchantment and beyond.
Summerfest –at three different locales—the Heights, Route 66, and the Westside—these events bring nationally-recog nized musical acts, as well as local musicians, for no charge. It’s also a chance to eat some local food—and maybe jump on an inflatable castle or two, plus plenty of kids’ activities and games, and an Artisan Market to browse.
THE SUNPORT SCENE
Cheese & Coffee
The Albuquerque International Sunport has been welcoming travelers since 1939 and has undergone many transformations since then. Its most recent glowup, dubbed the “Dream of Flight” renovation, brought in new dining, shops, artwork, infrastructure, and roadways while retaining its distinctly New Mexican vibe. Here are a few highlights to look for the next time you pass through.
What started as a small cheese shop in 2001 is now a must-stop after a long flight. Their fresh salads and handcrafted sandwiches (try the Rio Grande pastrami, cheese, and green chile combo served hot on a pita!) hit the spot every time. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller put it best when he said, “The opening of Cheese & Coffee is just one more way the Sunport is growing with our city and serving up what makes Albuquerque special.”
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - From its first liftoff of 13 balloons in a mall parking lot, to today’s modern spectacle with hundreds of balloons, over 1,000 volunteers, and nearly a million guests, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has become the city’s premier annual event. Occurring at the beginning of October, this is the most photographed event in the world.
SOMOS ABQ – As one of ABQ’s newest annual events, Somos celebrates all things Burque by bringing together nonprofits, community organizations, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, chefs—and more!—on stage for a day full of live music, performances, art exhibits, food, brews, and hands-on creative activities for all ages. It’s an all-out fiesta that showcases our city’s colorful spirit.
New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta
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Spawned from humble beginnings, the New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta has skyrocketed in popularity to become a nationally recognized tattoo event. With some of the country’s leading tattoo artists in attendance, this event has, in recent years, been hosted by Isleta Resort and Casino, attracting thousands with spectacular artistry, good food, and spur-of-the-moment body art.
Sadie’s Margs To-Go
Lavender In The Village – This is one of the most sweetly scented and colorful events of the year, thanks to the Village of Los Ranchos. Lavender In The Village (also known as the Lavender Festival) takes place in the summer and is a celebration of all things lavender, from distilling demonstrations to art and even open-air yoga classes.
Sadie’s is an Albuquerque staple, and you can now have your fill of carne adovada and sopas as soon as you touch down in Abq. But what has locals in a tizzy is their Margs To-Go counter. You can grab a margarita to enjoy while you shop at the Sunport’s specialty retail shops, or chill at your gate while you sit. Salud!
Museum of New Mexico Foundation Shop
A museum you can take home in your suitcase?? That’s practically what the Museum of New Mexico Foundation (MNMF) shop is. They offer a curated collection of pieces that represent the state’s history, art, and culture. And the best part is you can purchase these items to bring home with you, or gift those you’re visiting.
AfroMundo Festival – With 8 days of powerful multilingual, cross-cultural celebration, the annual AfroMundo Festival is not one to miss. Attendees get to immerse themselves in music, literature, film, visual arts, culinary taste feasts, and discussions that transcend borders. While all events are free, ticket reservations are required.
Frank’s Chicken & Waffles
Frank’s serves up Southern-style soul food with a heavy helping of local flavor. They’re one of the newest additions to the Sunport restaurant lineup, and diners couldn’t be happier. Owned by former UNM Lobo basketball star Frank Willis, he shares, “Opening at the Sunport is our way of giving that love back, by sharing the food and culture that define who we are.”
AN Adventure for Every Season
Summer:
Pools: Cool off at city pools, splash pads, Watermania at Cliff’s Amusement Park, or hotel day passes.
Rio Grande: heat by rafting, kayak ing, or paddle board ing—or have a picnic along the bosque.
Winter:
Sandia Ski Area has a 7,000foot vertical drop and run access via four lifts. Drive to the base or take the famous Sandia Peak Tram.
Sledding: Head to the East Mountains and check the Capulin Snow Play Site for the best place to sled, inner tube, or saucer.
Weather, But Make it Unpredictable
Thanks to varying elevations, ABQ is unique in that the great outdoors are at your fingertips—no matter the season.
Fall:
Hiking: Explore the Sandia Foothills—filled with more than two-dozen separate trails. If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle La Luz Trail with an incline of over 3,300 feet.
Biking: Fall is a wonderful time of the year to hit some of the city’s 400 miles of bike paths and trails.
Spring:
Golf: Tee off at one of our four public courses like Los Altos or
Locals know that the weather in Albu querque can be a bit… fickle. Just because it’s April doesn’t mean it’s warming up, as it can still snow—and just because it’s warm ing up doesn’t mean that it’ll stay that way (we call this “fake Spring”).
The good news is that most rain showers pass quickly—often in 15 minutes or less— and snow often melts within a day or two. Still, it’s always best to be prepared with lay ers, just in case.
“Wegetall seasons–sometimesin oneday!”
From the Fields to the 505
As an area with a long history of ranching and farming, Albuquerque is home to an extensive selection of farmers’ and growers’ markets. Breakfast burritos, fresh produce, organic smoothies, fresh red and green chile, and local art find it all and more at one of the city’s many outdoor markets.
“Onekeyisthey’re not all the same. There’s much more ofavarietythanyou think.”
La Familia Growers’ Market
100 Isleta Blvd SW lafamiliagrowersmarket.org
Dates & Hours:
Fridays 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (June 12– Oct. 16)
Corrales Growers’ Market
500 Jones Rd. & Corrales Rd, Corrales corralesgrowersmarket.com
Isotopes Baseball – The Albuquerque Isotopes, the Colorado Rockies’ AAA affiliate, play at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park (1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE), a fan favorite known for packed stands, great food, and Orbit, the beloved mascot. Tickets are available online or at the Isotopes Park Box Office.
New Mexico United Soccer – Since 2018, New Mexico United has energized Albuquerque with its “Somos Unidos” spirit and loyal fanbase. The club currently plays at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park while a new stadium is in development. Tickets are available at newmexicoutd. com.
New Mexico Ice Wolves Hockey
– The Ice Wolves bring fast-paced junior hockey action to Outpost Ice Arenas (9530 Tramway Blvd NE) as part of the NAHL South Division. Tickets are available at tickets. nmicewolves.com.
New Mexico Chupacabras Indoor Football – Arena football returned to Albuquerque with the NM Chupacabras, who play high-energy games at Tingley Coliseum (300 San Pedro Dr NE).
Tickets are available at chupacabras. net.
New Mexico Goatheads Hockey – The New Mexico Goatheads compete in the ECHL at the Rio Rancho Events Center (3001 Civic Center Cir NE, Rio Rancho), giving local hockey fans 36 home games to rally behind.
Albuquerque is a city full of diehard sports fans—and you can bet that Burqueños will show up for their team, rain or shine (although, admittedly, ABQ rarely needs a rain check). Check out these local sports teams that pack the stands year after year. Just be prepared to bring a lot of cheer if you’re attending.
UNM Lobo Basketball – Catch the Lobos at The Pit – Powered by Nusenda (1414 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE), the legendary arena famous for its sunken court and electric atmosphere. Cheer on Coach Eric Olen’s men’s team and Coach Amy Eagan’s women’s team. Tickets are available at the Pit Ticket Office or online.
UNM Lobo Football – Saturdays at University Stadium (1111 University Blvd SE) mean tailgates, rivalry games, and plenty of Lobo pride as the football team continues its resurgence under Coach Jason Eck.
Tickets are available at nmgoatheads.com.
Tickets are available through golobos. com.
“Albuquerque’s pro and college sports scene is underrated. From the Ice Wolves to the NM Runners, there are tons of awesome teams here.”
New Mexico Runners Indoor Soccer – The New Mexico Runners bring fast-paced indoor soccer action back to Albuquerque as members of the MASL2. Playing at the Rio Rancho Events Center (3001 Civic Center Cir NE, Rio Rancho), the team delivers highenergy matches and a lively atmosphere for local soccer fans. Tickets are available at newmexicorunners.com
Thinking Culturally
Albuquerque is home to many world-renowned cultural institutions—like venues, museums, and cultural centers—which all help preserve the city’s unique and storied history. Beyond the grandeur of the Sandia Mountains and the beauty of the Rio Grande, this is an area that has borne witness to centuries of human history—and it’s older than the country itself. Get acquainted with ABQ’s past and present with these important sites and settings.
KiMo Theatre
This architectural gem first opened in 1927 and persists as one of Albuquerque’s landmark buildings. Showcasing live theater, film, and musical performances, the KiMo endures as a marker of the Pueblo Deco style, which fused Native and Art Deco architecture to create something truly unique and indicative of the area.
Popejoy Hall
Popejoy Hall brings a little bit of everything to Albuquerque: symphony concerts, touring Broadway shows, world-renowned ballet and dance companies, noted speakers, and internationally known musicians and artists. Able to seat up to 1,985, it is the largest venue of its kind in the state.
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
In the 20th century, New Mexico played a pivotal role in nuclear science and technology, serving as one of the hubs for the Manhattan Project—or the development of the atomic bomb. Exhibits aim to chronicle an objective story of the state’s involvement with the Atomic Age—tracing it all the way to today, as Los Alamos remains an important pillar in the scientific community for nuclear research.
The Albuquerque Museum
Established in 1967, The Albuquerque Museum currently displays nearly 10,000 works of priceless art from New Mexico and around the world. The grounds are also home to a stunning sculpture garden with over 50 contemporary and modern works. With permanent collections and rotating exhibits, along with events and Third Thursdays, where visitors receive free entry into the museum, there’s always something new to uncover at the museum.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
This world-famous–and newly renovated–museum features state-ofthe-art exhibits and a research facility on the cutting edge of science. With over 300 fossils—all of which were excavated from across New Mexico—the 3,000-square-foot Bradbury Stamm Construction Hall of Ancient Life recreates what life was like here in the desert nearly 500 million years ago. Plus, there’s even a planetarium—an immersive dome theater that presents plenty of star-studded showings on astronomy and space science.
National Hispanic Cultural Center
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is a museum, an event center, a concert hall, a library, a genealogy center, and an educational center—all rolled into one. The Center presents over 700 events every year and is the perfect place to learn about the history of New Mexico from a Hispanic, Chicano, and Latinx perspective.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
The IPCC was created as a place to honor the traditions, culture, and history of the Pueblo peoples. Representing 19 different Pueblos across New Mexico, this one-of-a-kind facility is a museum and event center that also offers shopping, tours, and the interior-located Indian Pueblo Kitchen—which serves up some of the best culinary delights of Pueblo cuisine in the city.
Sorry, I'm Booked!
Is there anything better than curling up with a good book? (This is a rhetorical question.)
Despite being very much in the digital age, there are new bookshops opening every year in Albuquerque—and there are boatloads of bookish options for readers. So never fear, bookworms: your next great read is here.
Enchanted Books
As one of the newer additions to the independent bookstore community in Albuquerque, Enchanted Books is located in a 320-square-foot repurposed shipping container at THE BLOCK in Rio Rancho. The small but mighty space specializes in books by local and independent authors. And you’re likely to run into a local author while browsing their shelves—the founder and owner, Winston Malone, is an author himself.
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Public Libraries
With 19 libraries located across the county, it pays (because it’s free!) to keep your eyes peeled on the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library website for events, community activities, and author readings. Library card holders can also place holds online or at the circulation desk for titles that they can’t find at their local branch. Holds will then be available within a couple of days for pick-up at their chosen location. How’s that for free book delivery?
Page 1 Books
Page 1 is one of New Mexico’s largest independent bookstores and carries thousands (yes, thousands!) of brandnew, gently used, and rare books in a variety of genres, from science fiction and fantasy to horror and nonfiction. Shop instore or online—and be on the lookout for author talks and signings. Customers are also welcome to bring any books that might need a new home— which can then be traded for cash or store credit.
Organic Books
Organic Books is Nob Hill’s family-owned, neighborhood bookshop, nestled in the Nob Hill Business Center—which also includes the organic grocery store, La Montañita Co-op. Featuring a mix of new and used titles, this community-supported shop focuses on carrying local authors, along with a robust selection of fiction and nonfiction.
Downtown Books
Downtown Books is a bastion of a bygone era of bookstores—and visitors are encouraged to get lost down one of its many narrow aisles and hidden nooks. Selling almost exclusively used books, it’s the perfect spot to explore a bit and find your next great read.
Books on the Bosque
Books on the Bosque boasts a carefully curated selection of books that truly offers something for all ages. With plenty of hot genres to choose from—such as ‘romantasy’—Books on the Bosque also hosts plenty of book clubs, author events, and midnight book release parties. Have enough titles in your to-beread pile? Browse the wall of locally crafted merch or grab a coffee at their in-shop café.
Bookworks
Something of an ABQ institution, Bookworks has hosted big-time authors like Stephen King and George R. R. Martin (who, by the way, is a longtime resident of Santa Fe). As such, it’s been the goto destination for author events, local or otherwise, in Albuquerque for years. Primarily stocking new books—and a combination of new releases and popular favorites—Bookworks is truly a treat for any bookworm.
LOCAL 101
What you need to know to be and ALBUQUERQUEAN
A Quick Look Back on ABQ
A lightning-speed lesson on the city’s long history
~10,000 B.C.: The history of Albuquerque launched a whopping 12,000 years ago. Back then, the locals lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers, bringing down fantastical creatures, at least by today’s modern standards, like mastodons, ancient bison, and western camels with stone-tipped spears and darts.
~1,500 B.C.: Around 3,500 years ago, the cultivation of maize (corn) began in the area, which opened the door to a lifestyle built less around roaming and more on stationary agriculture. This paved the way for developments that would come to characterize the area in later centuries.
750-1500 A.D.: By 750 A.D., people were already building multi-story pueblos in the vicinity. 500 years later, the Tiwa
people started settling in the middle Rio Grande Valley, and after another quarter of a millennium, they had successfully built about 20 pueblos between present-day Algodones and Belen.
1540: When Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was exploring the region with a small party, they stumbled upon the central Rio Grande valley—and thereafter, more and more Spanish settlers flowed into the region for God, gold, and glory. However, the Spanish colonists were brutal in their treatment of local residents, inhumanely outlawing Native beliefs and imposing policies that would lead to famine and disease.
1680-1692: In 1680, local Pueblos successfully revolted against Spanish rule— and for more than a decade, European colonists largely avoided the area.
1706-1796: Francisco Cuervo y Valdes established a settlement in the Rio Abajo region in 1706, which he named for his boss, the Duke of Albuquerque. Some 90 years later, the settlement had consolidated into a real town, complete with a church.
1821: Political power shifted again when Mexico gained its independence from
Spain in 1821, and New Mexico became a territory of Mexico.
1846-1848: The tides again turned a quarter of a century later, as the Mexican-American War saw the region fall under the new political dominion of the United States.
1870-1892: Following the war, the first railroad was built, officially cutting through New Mexico territory in the late 1870s. The first train rolled into Albuquerque in April of 1880. A decade later, Albuquerque was officially incorporated as a city.
1912: New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States.
1940-1960: With the onset of World War II, an influx of government money fueled a veritable population explosion. From 1940 to 1950, the population tripled, then doubled again to reach just over 200,000 by 1960. Since then, the city has continued to grow, steadily becoming more vibrant and diverse.
2026: Today, the population of the Albuquerque Metro area is just shy of 1 million and continues to grow—bearing a bright future yet to be written.
¿How Do You Say...
CÓMO SE DICE?
Getting to know the local lingo can prove to be a challenge if you’re from out of state, so here are some handy tips on how to talk like an Albuquerquean.
For Spanish-centric words that contain a double “L,” pronounce them as a “Y,” as in “buy.” It’s especially important for words common to Albuquerque, including “tortilla” and “sopaipilla” (foods to eat), “calle” (street), “pollo”(chicken) and “caballo” (horse).
The river that runs through the city is known as the Rio Grande (or the Large River)—not the “Rio Grande River,” which is redundant. Also, accentuate the “E” at the end of “Grande” so it sounds like “Grahn-day.”
The funny-looking squiggle over the “N” in some
Carne Asada – “cahr-neh ah-SAH-dah”
Chile - “CHEEH-leh”
Frijoles - “freeh-HO-less”
San Mateo - “San Ma-TAY-oh”
Sopaipilla – “sew-pah-PEE-yah”
Tijeras – “tea-HAIR-us”
common words around Albuquerque is called a “tilde” in the Spanish alphabet, and signals that the “N” should be pronounced differently, with a slight “enye” sound. For example, New Mexico’s state tree, the piñon pine, is pronounced “pinyown,” similar to the “nyon” sound in “onion.”
If you’re going to call Albuquerque home, it pays to learn how to roll your “Rs.” Spanish-rooted words with two consecutive Rs should be pronounced with an “rrrrr” sound that comes from vibrating the tongue on the roof of your mouth. Think of a cat’s purr and try your best when pronouncing words like “arroyo” and “Corrales.” Once you’ve got that down, it’ll be easy to stick to your guns with every word you encounter. Get these commonly mispronounced words in the bag—and you’ll be speaking like a Burqueño in no time!
Pajarito – “pah-har-EE-toe”
Montaño – “mon-TAWN-yoh”
Juan Tabo – “wahn tuh-BO”
Lomas – “low-MUSS”
Relleno – “rhee-EN-oh”
Rio Grande – “RHEE-yo GROHN-deh”
ABQ ICONS, THEN AND NOW
The west side of Albuquerque is home to history as told by petroglyphs—the carved images left behind by Native Americans and Spanish colonists some 400 to 700 years ago.
Petroglyph National Monument Old Town
Located in the heart of the city, Old Town is a living monument to Albuquerque’s beginnings as a city over 300 years ago. The San Felipe de Neri Church, first built in 1793, presides over the plaza. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating as far back as the Spanish colonial period.
66
Beginning with an 1857 wagon road carved by Ned Beale, Route 66 was established in 1926 and became a major route for Dust Bowl “Okies” who packed up and headed westward. With the seeds of I-40 planted in the 1950s, Route 66 was decommissioned stretch by stretch.
Seen on Silver Screens
Albuquerque has played host to film productions since 1898, when one of the earliest films made in New Mexico was shot at Isleta Pueblo. With the rise in popularity of Westerns in the mid-20th century, filmmakers flocked to the desert to create features like ‘Albuquerque’ and ‘Silverado.’
Throughout the years, these various icons have withstood the test of time—and they continue to define Albuquerque culturally, historically, and presently.
The Petroglyph National Monument contains one of the largest sites for petroglyphs on the North American continent, and remarkably, these cultural and spiritual artifacts are still intact and are now protected by Congress.
To this day, the church still conducts mass, making it also one of longest, continuously run Catholic churches in the United States. The plaza holds events year-round and offers unparalleled shopping and dining experiences in and among its adobe houses—many of which contain their original fireplaces.
Today, Central Avenue— which served as part of Route 66 from 1937 until 1985—still maintains many of its archetypal neon lights and original motel landmarks, making it one of the best spots in the city for a Sunday cruise.
Now, especially with the advent of Netflix studios, Albuquerque is a hub for film and TV. In fact, it was ranked the #2 “best big city” for filmmakers to work and live in 2026—its eight consecutive year straight in the Top 5. Blockbuster titles like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘The Avengers’ have all been shot here in the Land Enchantment—with the most notorious being— can you guess it?—‘Breaking Bad.’
Are You A True BURQUEÑO?
It’s no secret that Albuquerque is a wonderfully acquired taste. And once you come to know our city from an insider’s point of view, you can speak with a lingo that only locals would fully understand. But how do you know when you’ve achieved that status? To figure that out, we asked Mayor Tim Keller — and also our ATM staff — to fill in the blank to the following statement: “You know you’ve become a true Burqueño when…”
“…the phrase ‘eee’ becomes a regular part of your vocabulary.”
ARIANA, PUBLISHING ASSISTANT
“…you can rank the best places in town to get green and red chile.”
GABE, ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE
“…you give directions based on where things used to be, e.g. ‘Turn right at the old Lotaburger building.’”
LISE, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
“…you’re asked ‘Red or green’ and you sometimes say ‘Christmas.’”
MEGAN, SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE
“…you can rank breakfast burritos around town from best-to-worst off the top of your head.”
EMILY, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
“…you know all four of our seasons: Windy, Allergy, Monsoon, and Chile.”
SUZANNA, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
“…you no longer eat the sopaipilla as a dessert, and instead use it to sop up your red and green chile.”
PHIL, ADVERTISING MANAGER
“…you know the difference between the
“…you regularly add ‘or no?’ to your conversations.”
DON, PHOTO DIRECTOR
“…you know all the best Balloon Fiesta parking secrets.”
JAKE, ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE
“…I feel like anyone who re-routes their commute during Balloon Fiesta has truly ascended to Burqueña status.”
GENA, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Saul Good, Albuquerque
There are two types of people in Albuquerque: people who have watched “Breaking Bad,” and people who have a deeply rehearsed speech prepared for tourists asking where Walter White’s house is.
I fall somewhere in the middle.
I’ve binge-watched “Breaking Bad” enough times that certain episodes now feel seasonal. Autumn arrives?
Suddenly I’m rewatching Jesse Pinkman make catastrophic life choices— again—during a perfect New Mexico sunset (both on my TV, and my patio).
The characters are part of why the show hit so hard here. They felt real. Not “TV real.” Human real… messy, complicated, hilarious, and utterly heartbreaking.
Albuquerque itself almost became another character in the story: quiet one moment, chaotic the next, beautiful in ways that sneak up on you. Not polished. Not trying too hard. Just endless sky, beige strip malls, dusty intersections, and that magical New Mexico lighting that makes even a gas station look cinematic at sunset.
Sure, our city had some Hollywood clout as a filming location for plenty of movies. But after BB honcho Vince Gilligan decided on ABQ as the show’s setting, things began to blow up like
Tuco Salamanca’s temper.
Now, it’s seen as prestige television material. Suddenly our car washes, fast food spots, and random stretches of Central Avenue became internationally
recognizable.
There are tourists who come here with full filming-location itineraries. Meanwhile locals are driving past those same places thinking, I once cried in that Walgreens parking lot.
The show embedded itself into Albuquerque culture so deeply that it’s hard to separate the city from it now. My roommate’s name is Solomon, which
means he’s been trapped inside the same joke for years.
“Hey Solomon” doesn’t exist. It’s always: “Better Call Saaauuul.” I even do it. He’s learned to lean into it. New people meeting him for the first time physically cannot resist it. At this point, my roommate reacts to the phrase the way war veterans react to helicopters in movies.
He gets it… Albuquerque collectively committed to the bit years ago. That’s what I’ve grown to love most about the “Breaking Bad” impact here. It gave people a reason to pay attention to Albuquerque. It stopped simply being where Looney Tunes cartoons made a left turn, but as a place with personality. A place weird enough, beautiful enough, and specific enough to become iconic.
Also, it permanently changed the way locals look at RVs in the desert. You simply cannot see one parked suspiciously in the middle of nowhere without wondering if someone’s making “science” happen in there.
At the very least, Breaking Bad taught the world two important things: Albuquerque has incredible sunsets, and locals will absolutely tell you when a scene was filmed three blocks from their house. — PALOMA GARCIA
THE CRITTER GUIDE
Say hello to your furry and feathered neighbors. Many of these critters are unique to our desert environment and a point of New Mexican pride. Some may seem strange— or even scary—but they call this place home, too. We’ve ranked them from common sightings to rare encounters. How many have you seen?
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMING-
BIRD– Albuquerque is known as a humming bird hotspot, and Blackchinned Hummingbirds are the most common species around town. Peak season is March and April, though sight ings continue through September.
ROADRUNNER– A symbol of New Mexico, roadrunners can sprint up to 26 miles per hour and are even known to hunt
MULE DEER– Named for their large ears, mule deer are common in the foothills, on trails, and sometimes even in neighborhoods. Watch for crossing signs while driving.
BOBCAT– These timid wildcats, recognized by their short tails, thrive in environments ranging from forests to urban edges.
PORCUPINE– Easier to spot in winter, porcupines can often be seen resting in Bosque trees after the leaves have fallen.
SANDHILL CRANE– With wingspans reaching seven feet, these migratory birds pass through Albuquerque each fall and winter.
WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE–
Often found near the foothills and volcanic areas, rattlesnakes are usually shy and unlikely to attack if given space.
GREAT HORNED Recognizable by their yellow eyes and ear tufts, great horned owls hunt rodents and small animals. Their nighttime hoot is unmistakable.
PALLID BAT– Desert-dwelling pallid bats feed mainly on insects and help pollinate native plants, including cacti.
COYOTE– Known for their haunting howls, coyotes are
MONARCH BUTTERFLY– Famous for their long migrations, monarchs travel south in fall and north in spring. Migrating monarchs can live up to nine months.
BLACK-TAILED JACKRABBIT-
Despite the name, jackrabbits are hares, known for their long ears and powerful hind legs. They’re active year-round and often hide in neighborhood bushes.
PRAIRIE DOG–
More closely related to squirrels than dogs, prairie dogs build extensive burrow systems that improve soil quality and support local ecosystems.
GILA MONSTER– The only venomous lizard native to the U.S., the Gila monster rarely threatens humans and can survive months without food.
ABQ BY THE NUMBERS
Sure, the constant sunshine, friendly atmosphere, and fresh desert air are great, but there’s a lot more to Albuquerque than you might think. Let’s count the ways–by the numbers.
310 days out of the year Albuquerque sees sunshine.
427 takeoffs and landings at the Albuquerque International Sunport each day.
50+ galleries and studios, along with 250 art organizations, that call ABQ home.
10,000 B.C earliest evidence of people living in the Rio Grande Valley according to archaeological findings.
1706
the year Albuquerque was founded in the area now known as “Old Town,” making it older than the U.S. Constitution, which was signed in 1787.
400+ miles of running and biking trails throughout Albuquerque.
600+
balloons that participate in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each year.
10,678 height of the Sandia Mountains in feet at their highest point.
19 museums and cultural institutions in the Duke City.
5,312
Albuquerque’s elevation in feet, making it higher than Denver, known as the “Mile High City” at 5,280 feet.
2.7 miles the Sandia Peak Tram travels to reach the top of the mountain.
96.5 miles of track the New Mexico Rail Runner travels from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Annually, it serves 770,000 passengers.
930,000people currently live in the metropolitan area of Albuquerque.
23,000+ employees at Kirtland Air Force Base, which borders the southeast edge of Albuquerque and encompasses 80 square miles.
A Spotlight on the Sandias
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
In Spanish, ‘sandía’ means ‘watermelon,’ and varying sources attribute a different story as to how the mountain range got its name. Some claim that Spaniard conquistadors to the area mistook native squash gourds for watermelons—and others say that the name derives from the pinkish color that the mountains tend to turn at sunset.
Pueblo communities each have their own name for the mountains—and these names predate ‘Sandia.’ In Tewa, for example, the mountains are known as O:ku:p’į, which means ‘turtle mountain.’ O:ku:p’į is often featured in Pueblo mythology as being a sacred site—and it still is to this day.
Sights
to See
Wherever you look,
there
they are: our majestic mountain range known as the Sandias.
MOVING MOUNTAINS
According to geological studies, the granite core of the Sandia Mountains is roughly 1.45 billion years old. That amount of time is pretty much impossible to imagine, at least by human standards—but we’re talking geological time here.
With its highest peak measuring 10,678 feet at Sandia Crest, The Sandias are technically a part of a 17-mile mountain range that includes the Manzanita and the Manzano Mountains (which mean ‘little apple tree’ and ‘apple tree’ in Spanish, respectively). These lie slightly to the south and were shaped nearly 10 million years ago after the formation of the Rio Grande Rift. The mountains are made primarily out of limestone and sandstone, which still bear microscopic traces of marine fossils, circa 300 million years ago.
Besides the tram—which is worth a visit in and of itself—the Sandias are home to a myriad of mountainous attractions—many of which reflect Albuquerque’s dynamic history. In addition, it has been the ancestral home to numerous Pueblos, such as the Sandia, San Felipe, and Isleta Pueblos, who still occupy the area today.
SANDIA CAVE: First excavated in the 1930s and located on the north side, the Sandia Cave can be accessed by a short hike off New Mexico State Road 165. The site was the source of much controversy, as Frank Hibben—the man who discovered the cave in the 30s—claimed to have found the oldest known evidence of humans in North America. The jury, however, is still out on that claim.
Tram Facts 101
KIWANIS CABIN: Located along the Sandia Crest, Kiwanis Cabin was constructed out of locally-sourced limestone blocks around 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program that provided work for young, unmarried men during the Great Depression. Today, Kiwanis Cabin is about a half mile hike from the Crest— and makes for stunning views (and entertaining photo ops).
TWA FLIGHT 260 CRASH SITE: On February 19, 1955, TWA Flight 260 departed from Albuquerque and made its way to Santa Fe on what by all measures seemed like a routine flight. At 7:13am, after what still proves to be unknown circumstances, the aircraft veered off of its normal route and crashed into the Sandia Mountains, killing 13 passengers and 3 crew members. The wreckage from the tragic crash can still be seen on the mountains today—particularly on a ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway—and has largely remained intact.
The Sandia Peak Tramway is an ABQ must-do. After all, these facts and figures don’t lie (and neither does that view)!
The Sandia Peak Tramway (30 Tramway Road NE, (505) 856-7325, sandiapeak.com) celebrated its 50th birthday in May 2016 and unveiled for its big ‘five oh’ a special announcement: a brandnew car design.
The original cars (which were in almost-constant operation since 1966) are now on display at the tram’s base, whereas the more aerodynamic modern cars have since taken on the task of heading up the mountain (with larger windows to boot).
Passengers are whisked up 4,000 feet in about 15 minutes; at its fastest
point in the ascent, the tram travels 24 feet per second. Overall, it averages about 12 miles per hour, providing a heart-pounding view of 11,000 square miles that stretch in all directions.
Two towers are responsible for keeping the tram on course as it travels up to the staggeringly high 10,378-foot summit, and four 100,000-pound track cables and first-rate brakes add more than enough support and security to keep the tram safe during its journey.
The cars average 10,500 trips per year, sometimes hauling up to 200 passengers an hour (carrying no more than 10,000 pounds per round).
Truly, it’s a trip that even lifelong Albuquerqueans will never tire of. The lesson? Get thee to a tram!
Left to Right:
Thomas B. Gillette, MD ; Paul A. Sanchez, MD ; Nolan J. Adams, MD ; Kenneth M. Downes, MD ; Zoe M. Baker, OD
SOUTHWEST EYECARE
7110 Wyoming Blvd NE southwesteyecare.com
505.346.0500
At Southwest Eyecare, caring for someone’s eyesight isn’t just our profession; it is a profound privilege.
Southwest Eyecare has been a trusted cornerstone of vision care in New Mexico for over two decades. Our practice originally opened its doors in May 2004 under the leadership of Dr. John Teahan. Following his well-deserved retirement in 2021, the clinic transitioned into its next exciting chapter. Today, Southwest Eyecare is proudly owned and led by Dr. Paul Sanchez, Dr. Kenneth Downes, and Dr. Thomas Gillette. Together, they carry forward our long-standing legacy of providing comprehensive, state-of-theart eye care to our community.
Our practice offers a complete continuum of care under one roof. Our expert team of ophthalmologists and optometrists handles everything from routine eye exams and on-site optical services to advanced medical, surgical, and refractive treatments. Whether we’re managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease, or performing advanced vision-correction procedures like PRK and Clear Lens Replacement, the defining highlight of our practice is our unwavering focus on the individual patient.
Southwest Eyecare is proud to feature the most experienced physicians in Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery in New Mexico, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care with absolute confidence. Our own cataract surgeon, Dr. Sanchez, made state history as the first physician in New Mexico to implant the premium Vivity lens and RxSight’s Light Adjustable Lens+. Reflecting his outstanding expertise and our commitment to innovative care, Dr. Sanchez was voted Albuquerque The Magazine’s “Top Doc” for Ophthalmology in both 2024 and 2026. Additionally, our unwavering dedication to patient care and operational excellence was recently recognized with the prestigious Meritorious Administration Award from the Corcoran Consulting Group, further cementing our reputation for world-class customer service.
We strive to maintain a unique balance at Southwest Eyecare. What that means is we offer the warmth of a small, local, family practice alongside the most advanced clinical technology available. Our mission is to exceed expectations through compassionate, precise eye care tailored to the individual. Instead of rushing appointments, we work as a dedicated team to thoroughly educate and communicate with every person who walks through our doors. By taking the time to truly know our patients, our staff, and their families, we aren’t just treating eyes—we are nurturing lasting professional relationships designed to facilitate a lifetime of the best possible vision.
Southwest Eyecare is deeply rooted in New Mexico, so we step up for our neighbors. We have a long history of supporting local causes, including participating in Pride celebrations and in local food drives for the Roadrunner Food Bank. Whether it is a major city-wide event or a small neighborhood fundraiser, our team is always looking for meaningful ways to give back to the community that supports us.
Our vision for the future is rooted in continuous, intentional growth and a relentless pursuit of innovation. The field of ophthalmology is evolving rapidly, and we are dedicated to staying at the absolute forefront of the newest surgical techniques and diagnostic technologies. As we grow, our focus will be on expanding our capacity to serve the New Mexico community while bringing in the next generation of premium treatments. Ultimately, our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in eye care, all while maintaining the personalized, family practice-feel that our patients trust.
CARRINGTON COLLEGE
1001 Menaul Blvd NE carrington.edu/school-of-nursing 505.200.3745
Carrington College has been a trusted name in healthcare education for almost 60 years. With campuses throughout the Western United States, Carrington College is committed to transforming lives by preparing students for careers in the medical field. The Albuquerque campus has played a key role in this mission, serving the local community by offering career-focused education in various healthcare fields, including an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Practical Nursing program.
The campus at Carrington College offers almost 35,000 square feet of space tailored to hands-on training and one-on-one interaction between instructors and students. The campus provides fully equipped science labs and a simulation lab that uses computerized human patient simulators and custom-designed scenarios to help students develop skills and build confidence. Additionally, there are high-tech classrooms with ceiling-mounted LCD projectors and a medical library equipped with reference materials, textbooks and journals. The Carrington library website offers online resources and professional organization information.
The nursing staff for Carrington College’s School of Nursing in Albuquerque is the backbone of the mission to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. These instructors are not just educators; they are experienced Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) who bring years of real-world experience directly into the classroom.
The dedicated nursing faculty have practiced in diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This extensive hands-on experience enables them to provide students with invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed as a nurse in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. Students at Carrington College will enjoy a small college experience, getting the attention they deserve. Here, instructors not only know students’ names, but they also know them on a more personal level.
By incorporating real-world scenarios into the curriculum, the nursing faculty helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students engage in simulations and clinical experiences that mimic what they will encounter on the job, allowing them to develop essential skills in a safe and supportive environment. Faculty members also share personal experiences from the field, offering advice on how to handle the challenges and rewards of nursing with confidence and compassion.
Thanks to the real-world expertise of the nursing staff, students graduate well-prepared to take on the demands of nursing with a deep understanding of both the art and science of this vital profession.
Visit carrington.edu/sci for information on program outcomes.
Both Ryan Asher and Sonya Walsh knew early in their careers that they wanted to help people, but also that they wanted to do it differently—in a more personalized and more thoughtful manner. At Modern Edge Family Practice, Ryan and Sonya take the time to really listen and understand what each patient needs, rather than rushing through visits. Building those relationships and seeing real improvements in how patients feel is their greatest source of pride.
Modern Edge Family Practice is a healthcare team focused on providing personalized, concierge-style care with an emphasis on overall wellness and longterm health. The goal is simple: To help patients to feel better, have more energy, and ultimately add quality years to their lives. The practice focuses on wellness and optimization, offering services like hair restoration, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), weight loss, IV therapy, and peptide treatments.
Ryan is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with a background in family medicine, urgent care, and men’s health. He brings a calm, steady presence and a practical, results-focused approach to patient care. Sonya, meanwhile, is a boardcertified family nurse practitioner with over five years of clinical experience in primary care, chronic disease management, and integrative wellness. She’s known for her approachable style, clinical expertise, and dedication to treating the whole person — not just symptoms.
Healthcare has shifted over the years, and the Modern Edge Family Practice has adapted by focusing more on prevention, longevity, and individualized care instead of quick fixes. The practice has continued to grow over the past year, expanding its services and building strong relationships within the community. Moving forward, the plan is to keep growing while staying true to that personalized approach. At the end of the day, seeing patients feel better, gain confidence, and truly improve their quality of life is incredibly fulfilling.
RYAN ASHER, NP-C SONYA WALSH, CNP
Born and raised in New Mexico, TriCore was created in 1998 to provide a local, accessible, and community-centered option for high-quality lab testing. Since then, this not-for-profit has become one of the best-known and trusted medical laboratories, earning national recognition in a space often dominated by corporate chains.
70+ locations tricore.org
505.938.8888
With more than 70 locations in patient care centers, hospitals, and clinics statewide, TriCore brings lab testing services across New Mexico—including in rural and underserved communities. It employs over 1,500 people, from the phlebotomists patients interact with to the laboratory scientists and professionals who keep the lab running. Nearly 99% of testing is performed locally, helping ensure faster, more reliable results while keeping healthcare jobs and resources in New Mexico. That community focus extends to the patient experience. TriCore strives to make lab testing simple, convenient, and more informative. Patients can easily schedule appointments and view their results through a secure portal that organizes lab data into clear health categories, with educational context to help them better understand what their results mean.
Building on that commitment to access and clarity, TriCore now offers direct-to-consumer lab testing. This service allows New Mexicans to purchase many basic tests without a doctor’s order. From checking hormone levels to allergy testing and basic metabolic panels, direct ordering makes it easier to gain health and wellness insights even when doctor’s appointments are hard to schedule. Developed under physician guidance, all self-ordered tests meet the same high standards for accuracy, quality, and safety as providerordered tests.
Whether scheduling a lab visit, reviewing results, or exploring self-directed testing, New Mexicans have more ways to stay informed and proactive about their health. All these options are available through myTriCore services at www.mytricore.org.
Although he was a theater major during his first year of college, Dr. Travis Rudd prefers to remove the drama from the experience for his patients at Bear Canyon Oral and Facial Surgery.
As someone who provides oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) with expertise ranging from dental implant placement to corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal, Dr. Rudd is well aware that trepidation might accompany a visit to his practice. He combats those feelings using multiple methods, both personal and practical.
“First, kindness,” he says. “Also, OMS providers have extensive training in sedation techniques that can be a game changer for patients that feel anxious.”
It’s also key, Dr. Rudd says, to connect with people beyond the doctor-patient relationship.
“I think taking some time to talk to people and getting to know a bit about their story helps them feel comfortable,” Dr. Rudd says. “I want them to know that we recognize them as a brother or sister in our human family and not just another person on a schedule.”
Dr. Rudd is no stranger to stress himself. While his love for hiking and a weekly dose of Cherry Pepsi can certainly help ease his mind, he is a perfectionist when it comes to surgery, and he wants to see every procedure come off without a hitch.
“All surgeons deal with surgical complications,” he admits. “Some people aren’t too bothered by theirs. I suffer right along with my patients if something doesn’t go well after surgery.”
With that said, Dr. Rudd only sees good things ahead, both for Bear Canyon Oral and the profession in general.
“The future in oral surgery is so bright,” he says. “I am especially excited about our unique ability to lead out in the area of dental implants as hospital trained surgeons. We are integrating technology and the art of surgery in a way that makes our outcomes increasingly comfortable, efficient, and predictable.”
DR. BRETT SAINTAUBIN
2605 Wyoming Blvd NE
saintaubinchiropractic.org
505.883.6421
Nearly 40 years ago, a chiropractor saved Brett Saintaubin from having to see a neurosurgeon. That inspired him to follow a career path based on healing — to help people get their lives back when pain has taken too much from them.
This past January, Brett opened Saintaubin Chiropractic, a clinic built on straightforward guidance, trust, and care that genuinely helps people get back to what’s important to them. Saintaubin Chiropractic serves Albuquerque and Rio Rancho with evidence-based chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and mobility issues. Most patients feel real improvement within the first few visits because the clinic’s process is simple: find the true cause, treat it directly, and track your progress so you can see and feel the change.
“I’m most proud of the work we do helping people get their lives back,” Brett says. “Seeing someone return to the things pain pulled them away from is extremely satisfying.”
At Saintaubin Chiropractic, you will receive a complimentary consultation, where a thorough clinical history will be taken to determine your problem and recovery goals. From there, a comprehensive physical examination — including neurological, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal examinations and tests — will be performed. Once the necessary information is compiled to make an accurate diagnosis, you will receive a clear and concise presentation to ensure there are no surprises. Next, a personalized treatment plan will be created. In addition to in-office adjustments, you will be provided with rehabilitative exercises and stretches as well as advice on relevant lifestyle factors. To make sure you are consistently improving, your condition will be re-evaluated every 10 visits. If Dr. Saintaubin can’t treat the problem, you will be referred to someone who can.
“I have always felt that the drive and curiosity to best serve my patients is what sets me apart. I’m still learning after 29 years,” Brett says. “I feel we will have great growth in the future. More and more people are looking to truly get their lives back as opposed to masking the pain or accepting partial results.”
DR. MOHAN MUVVALA
DO/MBA
8232 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste A (inside Royal Medical Health) archelife.com
505.605.3286
Dr. Mohan Muvvala’s path into medicine didn’t follow the typical script. He started in biomedical engineering, drawn to innovation and the idea that systems could be improved. That mindset stayed with him as he transitioned into osteopathic medicine, where treating the whole person felt like a natural extension of how he already thought.
What changed things was seeing how healthcare actually worked. Short visits. Long wait times. Patients coming back with the same problems, never fully addressed. He found himself asking a familiar question: “Why are we doing it this way?” The answers were often unsatisfying.
At Arche Health, Dr. Muvvala practices Direct Primary Care, a membership-based model built around access and continuity. Patients can text him directly and are often seen the same day. There’s no rushing through a checklist because there’s no one waiting outside the door. Care isn’t fragmented, and patients aren’t navigating the system alone.
For patients, the difference shows up quickly. Someone with knee pain reaches out, comes in that day, gets treated, and leaves with a clear plan. Others who have seen multiple providers without answers finally have the time to work through the full picture. Many simply stop putting off care because it’s easier to reach their doctor than to avoid it.
“I treat people, not diagnoses,” he says. That means conversations that go beyond symptoms and into sleep, stress, routines, and the patterns that drive health. “Visits aren’t built around a timer. There’s context, memory, and continuity.”
For Dr. Muvvala, access isn’t an added benefit, it’s the foundation. When patients can reach their physician, they engage earlier, follow through more consistently, and, over time, change the trajectory of their health.
9388 Valley View Drive NW
505.362.9861
Inspired Health was built from Mike Romero’s vision, and that vision was brought to life by combining business drive with Gema Miller’s medical background. What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger.
After starting their business from home, Romero and Miller opened a storefront location two years ago with a clear plan: to create a space focused on integrative medicine — combining beauty, wellness, and medical care under one roof. Today, Inspired Health and Integrative Medicine offers advanced services including IV therapy, aesthetics, hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, and regenerative treatments like stem cell joint injections.
Inspired Health believes in helping individuals reconnect with how the body was designed to function through proper nutrition, sunlight, grounding, and balanced vitamins and minerals. Backed by an incredible team, the practice takes a personalized approach by offering in-house lab testing and deficiency assessments, allowing it to tailor treatments because every person is different.
Looking ahead, Inspired Health plans to continue expanding into primary care and integrative medicine, growing its team, and bringing more advanced treatments to its patients. The long-term vision is to create a full wellness center that bridges the gap between medical care and aesthetics.
4630 Jefferson Ln, Suite C Inspiredha.com nmpainassociates.com
505.633.4141
Dr. Diego Gonzalez’s passion for the medical field dates back to his childhood, when he decided he wanted to be a doctor after his mom gave him his first Fisher Price medical kit when he was 5 years old.
The passion never wavered and today, Dr. Gonzalez’s patients at New Mexico Pain Associates are the beneficiaries. For people who are dealing with chronic pain, even the most mundane day-to-day tasks can seem difficult. At New Mexico Pain Associates, the primary objective is to ensure that each patient returns to their normal routines as quickly as possible.
Dr. Gonzalez and his team recognize that a “one size fits all” approach cannot be applied to patients when it comes to their pain management. New Mexico Pain Associates strives to offer viable alternatives to individuals with chronic pain. Some of the procedures offered include Radiofrequency Ablations, Spinal Cord Stimulation, Kyphoplasty, pain pumps and epidurals. New Mexico Associates is pleased to announce that it has recently expanded to include physical therapy in the same location as the clinic.
Here, each patient is treated like family, and treatments are tailored specifically to fit individual needs. New Mexico Pain Associates always welcomes new patients and accepts most forms of insurance — and a referral from another physician is not required.
MIKE ROMERO FOUNDER & VISIONARY GEMA MILLER CO-FOUNDER/RN MSN, RN/AESTHETIC & WELLNESS PROVIDER
DR. DIEGO GONZALEZ CEO/PHYSICIAN
First Nations Community HealthSource is committed to providing culturally centered healthcare, tailored to meet the unique needs of American Indians and other underserved populations in Albuquerque.
This holistic approach skillfully blends traditional wellness practices with contemporary Western medical techniques, ensuring that patients receive care that is both respectful of their cultural backgrounds and grounded in effective medical science. Through this integration, FNCH aims to foster a healthier community while addressing the specific health challenges these populations face.
This past year, FNCH launched a new mobile medical unit designed to deliver essential health services and resources to underserved community members across New Mexico. This innovative initiative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access, reaching individuals in remote or disadvantaged areas who may otherwise face barriers to obtaining medical attention.
FNCH is committed to the ongoing development and implementation of innovative solutions that are specifically designed to address the ever-changing needs of the community. This includes actively engaging with community members to understand their unique challenges and aspirations and leveraging cutting-edge technology and creative strategies to provide effective and sustainable solutions. By fostering collaboration and encouraging feedback, FNCH aims to continually adapt and enhance its offerings, ensuring that they effectively contribute to the community’s growth and wellbeing.
Southwest Gastroenterology is a patient-centered, physicianled practice whose mission is to provide safe, high-quality, compassionate digestive care in a healthy work environment. We focus on the core pillars of patient-centered care, clinical excellence, access to services, and collaboration. We believe in the autonomy that independent private practice allows. We believe in creating a workplace to support our employees. Most importantly, we want to create an environment where patients can heal and maintain health.
For the past 45 years, we have offered comprehensive digestive healthcare. Our team currently includes 11 boardcertified gastroenterologists, a dedicated pathologist, six nurse practitioners, three physician assistants, two internal medicine physicians and one family medicine physician. We have a state-of-the-art endoscopy center, infusion center, GI research program, hemorrhoidal banding and fibroscan services. If needed, we collaborate with colleagues locally and nationally.
Our philosophy on preventive care and patient education focuses on proactive, evidence-driven and patient-centered care. We strive for early detection and risk reduction. Screening for colon cancer, as an example, can be a life-saving intervention. We strive to practice evidence-based medicine, following guidelines while individualizing care for each patient. We collaborate with the patient to achieve their health goals, guiding them along the way.
At ABQ Dental Implant Center, we are dedicated to rebuilding dental health and beautiful smiles with superior full-arch dental implants. We focus exclusively on dental implants, utilizing a fully digital approach to restore function and esthetics in as little as a day. We also provide IV sedation to ensure that the procedure is completed in a comfortable environment.
One of our patient success stories is Sue, an Albuquerque resident who spent years struggling to eat something as simple as a saltine cracker due to issues with her teeth. After regular dentures proved to be ineffective, Sue had a consultation with Dr. Ozzie Rodas regarding a fixed full arch solution in her lower and upper jaw.
Thanks to valuable advice from Dr. Oz, Sue elected to go through with the procedure.The results not only allow her to enjoy many of her favorite foods, but it also allowed her to smile again with a more optimistic outlook on life.
“Dr. Oz just makes it so stress free on you. He listens to you,” Sue says. “He’s interested in what’s going on in your life and why you’re there and what you’re going through. He goes through everything with you — every little detail. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
To regain the smile of your dreams, call ABQ Dental Implant Center today to set up an appointment with one of our implant dentists.
HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
When Life Rings, You Answer
As a kid growing up in the Midwest, Fred Slow was a huge fan of pro wrestling. When he started a career as a radio sports announcer a few years later, his animated style incorporated the same flair and showmanship as his ring heroes. So it makes sense that radio and wrestling still play roles in Slow’s career, both as a local talk host, and the owner of Duke City Championship Wrestling. (p. 168)
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
FInside the Ropes
How does one make the journey from big-market radio host, to owning a pro wrestling venture in ABQ?
Fred Slow did it with lots of passion—and a need to hit the reset button on life.
red Slow isn’t your average TV and radio Joe. Rhymes aside, his career—like any good story—has taken an unlikely path and is defined by a rare commodity: a passion for storytelling.
Hailing from Wood River, Illinois, where the famed Lewis and Clark expedition first began, Slow has managed what many only ever dream of: turning a childhood fascination into a big time endeavor.
Today, he leads two seemingly disparate but surprisingly complementary organizations: the Boys and Girls Club of Central New Mexico and Duke City Championship Wrestling. As Major Gifts Officer and Owner, respectively, his heart posture doesn’t necessarily lean towards the limelight. Instead, it’s centered on community impact.
“I look at it now as a blessing, but we grew up in a tougher socioeconomic status,” he says. “Growing up, there were only a handful of opportunities. Either you became a barge worker or a worker at the steel mill or oil refinery… so I’m just very proud to be a community member. And I’m so very proud to be able to entertain it.”
Knowing at a young age that he wanted to help people, Slow pursued a degree in history with aims of becoming a teacher.
“As far as real life implementation, I would say knowing why stories are told is super helpful in entertainment, but it’s pretty rudimentary,” he says on how his degree
has informed his radio career.
In 2003, while attending college in St. Louis, Missouri, he landed his first live broadcast on WLCA 89.9, an alt rock/ pop station (think Blink-182 and Sum 41). “They also covered the high school football game of the week—their region-
al claim to fame,” he says. “I wasn’t in the radio program, but a gentleman named Mike Lemon asked, ‘Could you broadcast the high school football game of the week? Because none of these dweebs and alternative rockies can do it.’”
With fond memories of “sitting crisscross applesauce” and watching the “weird world” of pro wrestling in front of his grandmother’s TV screen, the gears started turning. “We didn’t necessarily play sports every weekend, but we went to historical reenactments,” says Slow. “I wasn’t the biggest or the fastest—but I could tell the story of what I was seeing.”
Leaning into that gift, he called his first football game with the same flair and flavor that he’d absorbed from countless professional wrestling programs as a kid. “I had hit the ground running at that point, never looking back,” he says.
A career in radio would snowball into success for over a decade in metro St.
I no longer identified as the person that people identified me as.
Louis—a top 20 media market with a reach of over two million. “I was the voice of the professional soccer team in town, and I had this real public presence, and I was so proud of it,” he says. But life changes in the instant.
In 2016, Slow went through a divorce— and his world was subsequently upended.
“I no longer identified as the person that people identified me as,” he says. “I was surrounded by people in my community, and they were just ever-present. It was all based out of love, but people would ask, ‘How’s your ex-wife? How’s your world?’ And I didn’t want to have those conversations.”
In an ardent search for anonymity, Slow soon found himself in search of some place where nobody knew his name. “I didn’t know anyone in Albuquerque,” he says. “And I thought, well, that’d be a nice place to go to mentally and emotionally hit reset.”
For over a year, he avoided the spotlight—and even staunchly boycotted it. “I started running a Sports and Wellness (fitness gym) location in town because I felt like people wouldn’t ask me for help,” he says. “It didn’t really strike me to get back into radio until the summer of 2018.”
The inciting impetus for getting back in the saddle? Macklemore’s show at the El Rey Theater. “I didn’t have a plug—and that had never happened in my life,” he says.
Soon after, Slow returned to the airwaves, serving for years as the “afternoon drive guy” for KNML. But even with his Top 20 background, ABQ radio wasn’t without its trials—and triumphs.
“There was an interesting resistance internally, as I was the guy who quit a Top 20—and on-air talent strive to reach that market,” he says. “They didn’t necessarily understand that my passion was storytelling and connecting with the commu-
nity—so the motivations here have felt different.” Even so, nothing beats the authenticity of Albuquerque listeners. “Fans can come right up and shake your hand and buy you a drink and talk to you about the impact you’ve had on their lives,” he says.
Circa today, Slow co-hosts the Saturday morning talk show, ‘Two Men On,’ on 93.7 with Van Nunley, while continuing to make waves in Albuquerque’s burgeoning entertainment scene. Most notably, he’s one of the driving forces behind Duke City Championship Wrestling—a venture that brings his story full circle, from grandma’s living room TV to the ring. Since launching in 2023, DCCW has quickly found its audience, thanks to the combined efforts of Slow, Aaron Burnett, co-owner of the El Rey Theater, and Joe Singer, a pro wrestler known more commonly by his moniker, Hobo Hank.
“We have sold every chair to every show we’ve ever done,” says Slow. “It’s just been incredible.”
Filling a long-standing need for live professional wrestling in Burque, DCCW has partnered with the National Wrestling Alliance—famoulsy owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan—to deliver family-friendly fun in a “live, 360 Shakespearean-style theater.”
At the end of the day—or match—it comes down to storytelling, no matter the medium. In professional wrestling, it’s not just about who wins, but about crafting the timeless clash of good versus evil. What marks Slow as a true storyteller is his willingness to blur those lines and challenge perceptions of heroes and villains—all while audiences hang on every move, captivated, just as he once was as a kid—and still is today. —Austin Seidel
It’s not just about who wins, but about crafting the timeless clash of good versus evil.
BEHINDTHESCENES
YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR
Art of Stone
The basis of lithography’s technique—oil and water do not mix—is applied to perfection by the printing team at UNM’s Tamarind Institute, which is considered to be an authority on the ancient craft.
Tucked into an unassuming corner on Central and Stanford, the Tamarind Institute houses a centuries-old art form that continues to thrive in the heart of Albuquerque. Widely regarded as a global authority on lithography, Tamarind has been quietly shaping the field since 1960, all while upholding the medium’s time-honored traditions. Lithography—literally meaning “stone drawing”—was invented in the late 1700s by Alois Senefelder, a German playwright and actor. The process itself is based on the simple, age-old principle: oil and water don’t mix. Utilizing the principles of chemistry, artists can draw images using “greasy” materials onto a series of unique canvases, such as limestone blocks or aluminum plates, setting the stage for a meticulous and collaborative process.
Founded in Los Angeles by painter and printmaker June Wayne, Tamarind later relocated to the University of New Mexico, where Wayne’s colleague, Clinton Adams, served as the Dean. Now, the institute operates as part of the College of Fine Arts, consisting of a public gallery, research library, archival flat files, state-of-the-art classroom spaces—and even a coveted artist-in-residence apartment with 24-hour studio access.
“Our workshop is essentially set up into two halves,” says Marissa Fassano, Gallery Director. “Half is under the direction of our Director of Education, Brandon Gunn. He trains all of our printers before they graduate. Then, we invite artists to stay for up to three or four weeks.”
At the heart of Tamarind’s mission is
collaboration—a central tenet to lithography. Artists and printers ultimately work in tandem, fulfilling a centuries-old tradition unlike any other. “This goes back to the old masters,” says Brandon Gunn. “Artists that you see in books usually aren’t printing their own work. They’re usually working with a printer—and then
maybe they’ll have a favorite printer or a favorite workshop. And hopefully it’s us.”
The institute’s rigorous printer training program equips students with the technical expertise needed to bring an artist’s vision to life. An art form in its own right, printmaking involves skills that range from color proofing to press operation— and much more. However, applicants aren’t required to have prior experience in lithography.
“That’s what we’re here for,” says Gunn. “We’re looking for people who know their artwork and who have a strong practice. We’re just here to make art essentially.”
The process itself is as time consuming as it is intricate. In other words, you don’t just press a button.
To start, the artist draws, most traditionally, on a polished limestone block using oily materials, like litho crayons or tusche ink. A naturally porous substance, limestone perfectly lends itself to lithography’s water versus oil approach.
Next, the printer treats the surface with
BEHINDTHESCENES
powdered rosin, then talc. Gum arabic and acid are now applied to chemically affix the design in place, creating hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces on the stone. This reaction allows the block to absorb water in its white or blank spots while repelling ink in those areas.
Afterwards, the printer wipes the artist’s drawing with a solvent, leaving behind a ‘ghost’ image sealed within its pores. A layer of asphaltum is applied as a base in preparation for inking.
When dampened with water, the block becomes ready for printing. The oil-based ink sticks to the greasy design, while being repelled by the damp white sections of the stone.
Miraculously, printshops can reuse their limestone blocks through a technique called ‘graining,’ which involves erasing previous images, thus allowing artists and printers to work on the same limestone block for multiple generations.
A common misconception, the result is not a reproduction, but ultimately an original work of art—and part of a care-
fully executed edition.
“We do really small editions, and within that edition, they’re called impressions,” says Fassano. “So, if we want to do 20 impressions—so an edition of 20—we will sometimes bring up 25 or 28, because not everything will be determined to be perfect. We compare them across multiples, and sometimes, an edition will be smaller. If there’s only 12 that are perfectly alike, then there will only be an edition of 12.”
Each impression can carry subtle variations—underscoring the handmade nature of the medium, in addition to its highly technical process. And for artists like Meaghan Hyckie, that unpredictability is precisely part of the appeal.
“There’s just so much variety and potential for different marks and textures,” she says. “I have a plan, and I’m open to how it will happen—but the proofs [tests] are always not what I expect, but in a good way.”
Hyckie, who comes from a screenprinting background, tends to steer more towards graphic yet lyrical imagery, which
are often inspired by seemingly disparate (but certainly related) film genres—think Disney and “The Amityville Horror.”
In a world now ransacked by the pervasive (and seemingly unending) use of technology, the Tamarind Institute stands as a beacon for human-centered design.
“There’s a new appreciation for the handmade object,” says Director Diana Gaston. “Largely through the skill of our printers, people can see that the prints are handmade—but they can also see this incredible level of perfection.”
Through accessible programming— including free gallery hours and public events—the Tamarind Institute continues to open its doors wide to the community, ensuring that this historic art form not only survives, but thrives.
“This is the place to study lithography,” says Gaston. “We are sustaining a very traditional form of hand-drawn and handpulled lithographs. It’s truly an original medium.” —Austin Seidel
Coloring Outside The Lines
Rob Vanderslice has played a big part in elevating lowrider culture and art—once largely dismissed as being too niche—into the mainstream. His unique painting style and his propensity for being a mentor have earned him plenty of accolades, including a recent feature on one of the most mainstream media outlets, CBS television’s vaunted “60 Minutes” program. (p. 176)
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
A PULSE CHECK ON ALBUQUERQUE’S ART, MUSIC AND THEATER SCENE
CREATIVES
DIP INTO THE PERFECTLY MIXED PALETTE
‘TASTEFUL OVERKILL’
USING AN UNLIKELY MATERIAL, ROB VANDERSLICE’S MAXIMALIST LOWRIDERS TURN HEADS—AND SHIFT PERCEPTIONS.
Low, slow, and always ready to roll, Rob Vanderslice’s roving works of art delightfully defy the notion that fine art must hang in a gallery. At the nexus of lowrider culture—in Albuquerque and beyond—his kaleidoscopic pieces have reached a national stage, marking a new chapter in the once-stigmatized art form.
Self-described as “tasteful overkill,” Vanderslice’s candylike paint jobs have been covered across New Mexico media—even receiving a ‘60 Minutes’ special in 2024. Recognizable by intricate linework and patterns, the look has earned the name the “Rob Job”—all while arguably challenging the concept of what a lowrider can be. “I always make sure every inch is packed,” he says. “My mom always said that less is better—but I always did the opposite.”
In some ways, this contrarian instinct has served him well as an artist—but that hasn’t always been the case. Influenced by his father, Vanderslice began painting at just 17. “He always had side jobs in the front yard to make extra money, so I grew up painting,” he says. “But until I actually got to [paint a lowrider,] that’s when ev-
erything changed for me.”
Change, however, brought additional challenges. In the 1990s and early 2000s, lowrider culture carried different connotations than it perhaps does today—and Vanderslice soon became caught up in what he describes as the “craziness” of the time.
“The music industry really pushed what you’ve seen out on the streets and just magnified it, from the gangbanging to the drug dealing,” he says. “And trust me: there’re a lot of legit people who worked for a living who unfortunately grew up in that culture—and that had to be the poison that came in at that time.”
Now 15 years clean, Vanderslice owes his remarkable transformation to his faith—and has likewise evolved with the community. “I wouldn’t change a part of it,” he says. “Now the whole culture has totally reversed. There will always be some bad seeds—but there’s still a lot of good. Right now, it’s back to the culture: back to the art, back to family, back to what it should be.”
For much of its history, lowriders ex-
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
isted outside the art world, rarely if ever receiving curatorial or critical recognition—until more recently. A big shift occurred in the mid-2010s, when the New Mexico History Museum mounted a major, year-long exhibition dedicated exclusively to low riders.
“We were finally respected in the art world as artists,” he says. “I was looked down upon because I’m doing my art on a lowrider versus somebody doing it on pottery or a statute or a canvas. And now that’s done a total flip.”
Since then, institutions such as the Harwood Museum in Taos and The Peterson Automotive Museum in California have showcased lowriders, further cementing their much-deserved place in the cultural canon. Closer to home, the ABQ Sunport’s permanent installation of lowrider airplanes marks another milestone—one that Vanderslice sees as pivotal.
Despite the growing recognition, his style and approach remain unchanged. “I strictly do patterns on cars,” he says. “No straight paint jobs… My style is called puzzle taping.”
Where some artists rely on brushes,
Vanderslice uses tape as his main tool to craft complex compositions—layer by layer, roll by roll. Each custom project ultimately begins with basing and flaking the surface to create a gray canvas—and the signature lowrider shimmer. “There’re smaller ones that dance, and then bigger ones that bling,” he says on the flakes. “So you’ll shoot that. You’ll clear, let it set, and then sand it to where it’s smooth.”
From there, the tape takes center stage. “I’ll literally sit in a chair and just look at her. How is she speaking to me?” he says. “I’ll outline her shapes, and then, I’ll go, ‘What theme am I going to do on this?’ That depends on the style—if we’re doing scroll work, straight lines, old school S patterns, whatever it is.”
This painstaking—but passionate— process of masking with tape doesn’t just happen overnight: it occurs over a series of weeks. “There’re so many ways of doing it. Me, I try to pre-think everything that I’m doing. I have a plan, and I know it’s going to unfold a certain way. Does it work out that way all the time? Most of the time it does, but it unfolds—and sometimes it’ll be months of taping.”
By his estimate, as much as 85% of the work is tape alone. A humble material, it produces striking, one-of-a-kind Rob Job results. “I want each car to have its own personality, to not be just a different version of the last one,” he says.
Beyond Vanderslice Kustom Shop, he serves as a mentor and community leader, working to build a foundation for the future of Albuquerque’s lowriders. “We’ve really tried to come together and squash whatever we had in the past, which was total nonsense in the first place. It’s just that ego, pride,” he says. “We are united as a community here in Albuquerque and in New Mexico. We’re really a good example to people because we can all come together.”
More than anything, he hopes to pass the craft—and the culture—on to the next generation, which include his children, Dacia and Allante, who now help drive the creative force behind Vanderlice Kustom Shop. Because for Vanderslice, legacy isn’t just about finishing the job: it’s also about what he can leave behind. —Austin Seidel
STORYTELLERS
A HOW-TO FOR HOLLYWOOD
Success in Hollywood rarely comes with a playbook—but actor, author, and educator Mike Kimmel has turned his hard-earned lessons into invaluable insights in his brand-new book, which hopes to help fledgling actors navigate a highly competitive—and unpredictable—industry.
With a career that spans decades, Kimmel has built an extensive resume across film, television, and stage, working alongside some of the industry’s most respected names—like Francis Ford Coppola, Jay Leno, and many others.
Now, he’s pulling back the proverbial curtain with his book, “50 Secrets Nobody Tells You in Hollywood,” offering candid insights into the realities of show business. From the evolution of auditions in the virtual age to the unspoken rules that can make or break a career, “50 Secrets” isn’t just for actors: it’s for everyone looking to make a name for themselves.
ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: Your book opens with a dedication to Francis Ford Coppola. Tell us more about that relationship.
MIKE KIMMEL: He cast me in “Distant Vision,” a passion project he had been planning for 40 years. He even gave me an opportunity to contribute original dialogue to his script. Years later, he was gracious enough to feature me in his book, “Live Cinema.” I was also honored to attend the ceremony in which he received his long-overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.
ATM: What are challenges that actors face today that didn’t exist 30 years ago?
MK: Nowadays, most auditions are taped at home and emailed to casting directors and agents. In theory, this convenience factor should be a plus. In practice, however, productions now receive thousands of submissions for each role all over the world, making business ten times more competitive than in years past.
ATM: What red flags should actors watch for when it comes to agencies?
MK: It’s incredibly important to maintain a long-term perspective in show business.
50 SECRETS NOBODY TELLS YOU IN HOLLYWOOD: THE WORKING ACTOR’S GUIDE TO AVOIDING PITFALLS AND SUPERCHARGING YOUR CAREER
By: Mike Kimmel
248 pages
$19.99 (paperback)
Every actor has a few horror stories— being passed over for jobs, cheated out of residual payments, or sidestepping inappropriate behavior. Believe me, I’ve encountered more than my share of bottom-feeders in this industry. Thankfully, most are no longer in the business. Your acting career is a marathon, not a sprint.
ATM: You encourage actors to think like producers. Why is that mindset valuable?
MK: Actors are forever in danger of becoming too introspective. It’s easy to become self-absorbed and laser-focused on our own role in the projects we’re shooting. Producers need to see the big picture so they can ensure all elements are working together as a cohesive whole. Training yourself to think like a producer shows those in a position to hire us that we’re team players and able to think bigger, roll up our sleeves, and help get the project completed on time and under budget.
ATM: You highlight “unspoken” industry rules—like never asking for coffee. Why aren’t these norms openly discussed?
MK: The entertainment industry is a qualitative, not quantitative, field. Be-
cause it’s so competitive, there are many secrets that people are reluctant to share with newcomers. You can’t win a fight you don’t know you’re in—and there’s not enough time, money, or Kleenex to figure it all out on your own.
ATM: Is there a “secret” from the book that surprises people the most?
MK: I’m always disappointed when old colleagues tell me they’ve quit the business—and they always say the same thing. They considered themselves good at handling rejection. Then, they received particularly harsh criticism from someone prominent—an industry expert.
I believe nobody fails in show business, but most actors quit too soon. My former cast mates’ stories compelled me to write the chapter, “The Experts Aren’t Always Right.” At the height of his career, Charlie Chaplin entered a Chaplin look-a-like contest—and he came in third! Even way back, the experts weren’t always right. Don’t let someone else’s opinion define or deter you. The only way we lose is if we quit. —Austin Seidel
THE CREATIVES
LWHAT: Monthly talk show spotlighting NM’s film and fashion industry
WHO: Daniel Serrano, Co-Executive Producer and Founder of DanGil World Enterprise
NOTABLE: Guests run the gamut, from talent agents to Deanna Allison, lead actress on ‘Dark Winds’
ABQ FOODIES
WHAT: Instagram/TikTok account spotlighting ABQ’s local food scene
WHO: Sarah and Dee, classmates-turned-content creators
NOTABLE: Plate-by-plate reviews during ABQ Restaurant Week—and beyond
STORYTELLERS
ike any great idea, The Creatives podcast was born from a casual night out between fashion producer Lidia Gonzalez and actor/producer Daniel Serrano. “She was like, I’m into fashion—and you’re into film—so let’s do a podcast where we can have a platform to give our local talent,” says Serrano.
Now in its second season, the show highlights New Mexico creatives across the closely connected worlds of film and fashion. “There’s a lot of production behind it—like logistics and casting calls,” says Serrano on their similarities. “A lot of models are actors, too, and sometimes they use the same photographers. So, there’re a lot of little ways that they intertwine with each other.”
Hosted by Tevin Brown and Simone Campbell, the talk show airs monthly from Studio 519 on Ch. 27, streaming via RM Entertainment and YouTube.
“We want people to know that we have great incentives for film here,” he says.
“We have a great location, great weather. We have the talent. We have the crew— we have everything.”
With plans to monetize and expand coverage of film and fashion events in Albuquerque and beyond, The Creatives isn’t just talking about the scene—it’s building it. —Austin Seidel
From mochi donuts to Korean BBQ, gal pals Sarah and Dee know exactly where to find the best bites in and around Albuquerque. As the dynamic duo behind ABQ Foodies, they’ve built a social media platform dedicated to highlighting local restaurants and hidden gems across the metro—all while staying true to themselves.
Both graduates of the Anderson School of Management, Sarah and Dee launched ABQ Foodies as a part of a class assignment—but it quickly evolved into something more. “COVID hit, and we saw that local businesses needed a voice—and it just grew from there,” says Dee.
“Our classes helped us understand things like branding and audience engagement,” says Sarah. “Our growth came from hands-on experience—and that’s what shaped our platform in a big way.”
As ABQ’s food scene continues to expand, the pair has noticed a renewed interest in supporting locally owned busi-
nesses, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape. “Albuquerque has a strong foundation of local staples—and there’s a lot more variety than most people would expect,” says Sarah. “I just hope that, with our page, it encourages people to actually try out these new places that they wouldn’t even expect to see before.”
—Austin Seidel
PHOTO BY SHYANNE BREDMAN
Dee (left) anD Sarah (right)
ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE
INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS TIEMPO
Secret Feast released its eponymously titled, ear-catching first album in 2025, featuring songwriter Roman Wagner (guitar, synth, vocals), Royce Platero (bass, drums), Rebekah Pyne (vocals), and songwriter Nick Stern, a virtuosic keyboardist who passed away prematurely in 2021.
The project began in 2020 during the COVID shutdown, when Wagner and Stern, friends for 25 years since meeting in grade school, started working together on songs, recording tracks on inexpensive apps and passing them back and forth digitally since they were unable to meet in person. Once they were able to get together physically, says Wagner, “we got a decent recording setup, and I would go over there, and we would lay down as much music as we possibly could.”
With Stern’s passing, Wagner turned to John Wall at Wall of Sound Studio, bringing a huge trove of recorded material that included complete songs and a variety of intriguing fragments and sounds. “The intention was always to take it to John after we did all this preliminary stuff,” says Wagner. Culling through the material, Wagner and Wall started the process of completing and polishing the material.
They were not alone. “As Roman put it one time, he said, ‘It’s like producing with a ghost,’ because Nick was part of the process,” says Wall.
“He was in the room,” Wagner adds.
“We did layer. We added stuff to what they had already done, of course,” Wall says, but they worked hard to preserve Stern’s unique contributions.
“It was important because at the end of the day, he wrote half of this album,” says Wagner.
“It was just kind of a joy,” Wall adds.
“The hooks were what we were looking for.”
“That’s what we built it off of completely, because we have this little chorus or we have this hook. Let’s find out how to do justice to it,” says Wagner.
They found out how, and there’s a lot more to the album than musical hooks. It’s been nominated for three New Mexico Music Awards: best engineering, best pop album, best modern rock song. Even better, there is enough material for at least another album.
For Wagner, it’s a bittersweet situation: his best friend is gone, but “it’s so crazy because he’s living through hard drives,” he says.
You can hear the album on the usual streaming services, and you can reach Wagner at 505-850-4757 or on his Instagram page, and Wall at wallofsoundstudio.com.
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
Dreams do come true. Just ask vocalist Tracey Whitney (profiled in the March 2018 “Tiempo”), who recently opened Babydoll’s House of Jazz & Blues, a very comfortable, intimate, and sophisticated
Secret Feast
nightclub “Where the Music Is the Thing.”
When Whitney transplanted herself from Los Angeles to Albuquerque in 2012, heeding a voice heard at 4 AM one night that had ordered to make the move, she had a dream to open a club of her own. With her impressive résumé—touring the country and world, recording, and appearing on TV as a member of The Whitney Family; touring with Ray Charles; launching a successful solo career; founding a production company and record label—it was a reasonable objective.
Embraced by the music community, Whitney found important work—as president of Local 618 of the American Federation of Musicians, president of the board of the African American Performing Arts Center, a state music commissioner, a jazz vocal instructor at New Mexico School for the Arts—gigged regularly, and won awards for her vocal performance. A club of her own remained out of reach, but these experiences laid a foundation for what was to come.
In 2024, Jim Long, founder and CEO of Heritage House Hotels and Resorts, was looking to partner with someone to reopen the space that had previously been home to Dueling Pianos. He asked pianist John Funkhouser if anyone in the city had the necessary qualifications. Funkhouser told him there was only one person in the state with those qualifications: Tracey Whitney.
Shortly after that, Whitney was invited to meet with Long, who told her, “We would love to talk with you about being our partner over there. I understand you
always wanted your own jazz club. I think you’d be perfect for what we’re trying to do.”
He was right. Over the next 18 months, a team of 10 or so worked with Whitney in a series of weekly meetings to design a club that matched her vision—“What did I want, what was the feel that I wanted,” says Whitney—from the fabric on the easy chairs to the portraits of the queens of jazz that adorn the walls (a very personal touch of Whitney’s).
On May 9, the club held its grand opening, with Whitney and her band providing the entertainment. On Thursday nights, the club features Hues of the Blues with Zenobia. On Fridays and Saturday nights, it’s The Art of Jazz with Tracey Whitney, and also on Saturday a late-night dance party, I Love the Night Life! Dancing to Old School. Sunday afternoons are reserved for the best of the local vocalists and musicians.
“One of the things I’ve always wanted to do was a program I’m calling Next Gen Jazz,” says Whitney. “This is going to be a space where I will be nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians. That could be a musician, it could be a singer, but I want a place where, ‘OK, you’ve gone to school, done all of that. Now let’s teach you how to do it live.’ . . . This will be a place of opportunity.”
For an opportunity to check out the club, visit babydollshouseofjazz.com to make your reservation and to learn more about the club and the folks who will make your visit entertaining.
NEW RELEASE
Singer/songwriter Jimmy Deveney, profiled in the September 2023 “Tiempo,” will celebrate the release of “Dispatches,” the new album from Jimmy Deveney and the Hold Fast Union, at 7 PM on June 13 at Marble Downtown (a very limited supply of numbered and signed vinyl copies will be available). Drawing on hard lessons learned and a survivor’s grit, Deveney sings soulfully of opportunities lost (“Cherry”), accountability (“Sonny”), and the possibility of redemption (“Right Here”). Learn more at jimmydeveney. com, where you can order a vinyl copy, and you’ll also find the album on Bandcamp and the usual streaming services.
Tracey Whitney at Baby Doll’s House
A TASTE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ABQ’S WORLD OF WINE, SPIRITS, AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Where’s The Beef?
Don’t be fooled by the all-vegan menu at Lucky Goose—you still get all the familiar taste and flair we love in everyday burgers, fries, dogs, sammies, tenders and even shakes. After launching a sit-down location in Nob Hill in 2021, the former food truck recently opened a second location in the Northeast Heights, where you can find dishes such as the vegan-patty Lucky Fries. (p. 184)
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
EATS P. 184 // EATS, ETC. P. 188 // BITES P. 192
LUCKY GOOSE
Tasty vegan versions of favorite comfort foods proves to be a hit.
When Lucky Goose co-owners — and life partners — Melissa Timmons and Rafael Guillen surveyed the Albuquerque restaurant scene, they found it to be sorely lacking in terms of tasty vegan options.
“There were a few places here, but they weren’t really the things that you crave, like a juicy, greasy burger and a milkshake and fries,” Timmons says. “You couldn’t find that here, but when we were out in Los Angeles, you could find options of those things for vegans.”
Guillen, who originally hails from the City of Angels, became a vegan when he was a teenager. Timmons, a Duke City native, converted after the couple met. With Guillen’s cooking, it was an easy transition. When they launched Lucky Goose
as a food truck in 2021, the goal was to keep the menu relatively small.
“(Guillen) always had that, ‘Find something that you can do really good and just do it really well’ (philosophy) versus having this giant menu with all these options,” Timmons says. “Like, let’s just focus on what we’re good at. It’s kind of like the In-N-Out Burger model.”
At first, it was just burgers, fries and Frito pies, the latter providing an option for those reticent to sample a vegan burger. It quickly became apparent that Guillen and Timmons were on to something.
“Once we opened, the thing that we were selling like crazy was the burger,” Timmons says. “And then we started having non-vegans really enjoy the burger.”
From there, they added other options
such as chicken, milkshakes and hot dogs while expanding on the variations of fries and burgers available. The Lucky Goose concept gained enough traction to move into a brick-and-mortar spot in Nob Hill in 2022, and the restaurant expanded into a Northeast Heights location this past September.
Lucky Goose utilizes Impossible meat, a plant-based patty that emulates real beef. The product gained traction when Burger King launched an Impossible Whopper, and Impossible Foods has since added chicken, pork, fish and dairy to its product line. According to Timmons, Impossible remains the best burger substitute available, particularly when it comes to creating an appealing option for vegans or vegetarians.
BY
PHOTO
DON JAMES/ATM
“A lot of our ingredients are accessible to people,” says Timmons. “If you were making a burger at home, you could go out and could buy ground beef and burger buns and all that, and you can make it at home. But I think what really makes our burgers and our food stand out is our sauces.”
Without revealing any trade secrets, the Lucky Sauce is best described as a mayonnaise-ketchup base with jalapenos and spices. The sauce is found on all of the Lucky Goose burgers and on its Wild Style upgrade — which also comes with grilled onions and cheese.
The milkshakes took some trial-and-error to perfect. Timmons and Guillen eventually found a vegan vanilla ice cream that serves as an ideal base, and it blends
ORIGIN STORY
The Lucky Goose name comes from two components: The serendipitous journey of its owners (the “Lucky”), and the moniker of their daughter, who they often call a “silly goose.”
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
BOTTLE IT UP
It hasn’t gone full-scale retail yet, but there are plans in the works to sell the Lucky
by
The restaurant recently relocated its Nob Hill shop a couple miles west to a building previously occupied by Whole Hog Cafe.
Lucky Goose got its start as a Little League concession stand in Bosque Farms.
Sauce
the bottle down the road.
HOME SWEET (NEW) HOME
Lucky Goose 4416 Wyoming Blvd NE, Plus one other metro location (505) 580-9693 lucky-goose-llc.square.site
well with the restaurant’s house-made sauces. While there are standard flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, there are also unique options such as Thai Tea and Mexican Mazapan.
Ultimately Lucky Goose strives to provide a welcoming environment for all types of diets.
“We’re happy if you’re eating with us once a month or once every other week,” Timmons says. “You don’t have to be vegan to eat with us.”
With vegan food tasting better and being more accessible than ever, Timmons has no issue pointing customers in the right direction for ingredients if they have designs on making their own plant-based cuisine. While it might be difficult to duplicate Guillen’s culinary talents, the op-
portunity to experiment awaits.
“Part of why I think it was easy for me to be vegan with Rafael is yes, he’s an amazing cook, but the options that are available right now for vegan and plantbased eaters are so much better than they used to be,” she says.
“We’ve sampled so many things. We’ve been to events and conferences to try things. But right now you can go to Walmart and you can get all of these vegan things — a lot of the same things that we use. I think there’s always an intimidation with vegan food that it’s hard, that it costs more, and that it’s just more complicated. But I think that I do try and (tell our) non-vegan customers, you can do this at home too.”
—Tristen Critchfield
FEATURED DISHES
BURGER (NEW MEXICO STYLE) $14.50
Two well-seasoned patties, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and lucky sauce on a toasted bun — add a patty, double cheese and green chile for NM style.
FRIES (WILD STYLE) $17.15
Crispy fries piled high with 2 well-seasoned, plantbased patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and lucky sauce.
Hand battered Chick’n in your choice of Original, BBQ, or Buffalo. Dressed with onion, pickle, and golden goose dressing with your choice of slaw or lettuce and tomato.
LUCKY
LUCKY
LUCKY CHICK’N, $12
Eats, Etc.
A quick glance at two local eateries that you may or may not already know about.
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The goal at Bedrock Kitchen, according to owner Rhoby Schempp, is to provide its customers a “solid foundation” for the day through nutritional breakfast and lunch options.
After being raised in what she describes as an “alternative hippie art community,” where eating fresh foods from the garden and concepts like holistic healing were a way of life, Schempp transitioned to a career in the health food industry. That path included opening five new Whole Foods stores and helping to launch some raw, vegan paleo juice bars on the East Coast. Schempp moved to New Mexico in 2017, and when the pandemic hit three years later, she took the opportunity to develop her own concept.
“I figured this was the opportunity to put together a business plan and do this kind of the way I want to do it, which is
something for everyone with clean eating — including vegan, vegetarian, and meat,” she says. “I added meat to the concept because everybody deserves to eat clean.”
Bedrock Kitchen officially opened in May 2023, with two commissary kitchen spaces in a space that is 80% production and 20% retail. The vegan and meat kitchens are in separate areas to help prevent cross contamination. Much of the menu, including the hot breakfast bar, hot lunch bar and hot soups, rotates on a seasonal basis.
While vegans are prioritized with the Bedrock Kitchen concept, Schempp says that the Meat Lover’s Lunch tends to be a fan favorite no matter what is being served. In the winter, the restaurant’s pot roast sold out on a near daily basis, and the same held true for the Marry Me Chicken (creamy chicken with sun-dried
tomato over brown rice) in the spring. The variety of vegan, vegetarian and meat lovers soups — a recent menu offering included Split Pea, Creamy Mushroom and Coconut Chicken — are also big hits.
“There’s nothing processed, nothing pre-made. Everything is scratch, everything is organic and everything is from the ground,” Schempp says. “People seem to be really appreciative of the clean food being offered here, especially among these other fast food places that we’re surrounded by.” —Tristen Critchfield
BEDROCK KITCHEN
5333 4th St NW (505) 545-9460
bedrock-kitchen.com
PHOTO
DON JAMES/ATM
‘Clean eating’ comes built-in with the healthy dishes offered at Bedrock Kitchen.
Eats, Etc.
A quick glance at two local eateries that you may or may not already know about.
When Alfred Sandoval surveyed the restaurant scene in Los Ranchos, he felt like something was missing.
“I just kind of got tired of not being able to find true old school New Mexican style chilies and all that, “ he says. “So I decided it’s time to (bring) something back to the old school, where people are still doing their beans in a pressure cooker and just having good wholesome New Mexican food.”
With that menu philosophy in tow and some special inspiration behind the name, Lavender Cocinita opened its doors in April 2024. Sandoval’s youngest daughter once fancied herself a baker, and the restaurant was essentially named after her playroom kitchen — at her suggestion.
“It’s got a real special place in my heart because of that,” Sandoval says.
Sandoval intentionally kept things sim-
ple with menu options, utilizing locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible as well as plenty of love in the kitchen.
“Just loving what you do makes a big difference,” he says. “… And I wanted people to taste the true flavor of the food instead of always feeling like, ‘Oh, well, I can get this over here down the street.’”
While New Mexican is a primary theme, there’s also plenty of diversity to be found. If someone wants a hand-pressed, half-pound green chile cheeseburger with hand cut fries or a Frito pie with red chile, beef and beans, Sandoval can do that. But the repertoire also includes the likes of his own reuben recipe — complete with red cabbage habanero kraut and house-made Russian sauce — and a gyro with all the fixings one might expect. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s breakfast quesadilla is a hearty offering often capable of feeding multiple patrons.
“There’s everything from Mediterranean food to New Mexican,” says Sandoval, who picked up recipes from his family while also incorporating ideas he’s learned after spending more than 15 years in the restaurant industry. After enjoying a meal at Lavender Cocinita, it’s more than likely you’ll get to give your compliments to the chef.
“I’m really big about talking to the people and making sure the food is delicious,” Sandoval says. “You want to know the person that’s cooking your food.” –Tristen Critchfield
LAVENDER COCINITA
6847 4th St. NW, Los Ranchos (505) 364-4501 lavendercocinita.com
BY DON JAMES/ATM
Burgers accompany true New Mexican fare at Lavender Cocinita.
PHOTO
THE NECROMANCER
The spirits are certainly among us—at least at The Bitter Nun, where The Necromancer cocktail is raising eyebrows (and perhaps even the dead).
A delightfully devilish twist on the classic, ginbased Corpse Reviver, the drink stems from the magically-inclined mind of bartender (and resident potion master) Anthony Ruiz.
“I wanted something floral and citrusy for spring that can introduce people to absinthe in a new way,” he says. “Mixology feels a lot like chemistry sometimes. It makes me feel like I’m mixing potions.”
Handcrafted by Santa Fe’s As Above, So Below Distillery, their wormwood-based absinthe is potently herbaceous, featuring starring notes of star anise and fennel that harmonize with lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and Lillet Blanc.
Long associated with myths surrounding the mysterious “Green Fairy,” absinthe has carried a haunted reputation for centuries—but the Necromancer makes the spirit surprisingly approachable.
At 125 proof, however, don’t be fooled by its sweet and floral charm: this drink still packs a punch— and just might bring you back from the grave.
—AUSTIN SEIDEL
BITES
OUR EATS ALUMNI, CONDENSED INTO PERFECTLY SIZED SNACKS TO TAKE WITH YOU ON THE GO
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.
CORRECTIONS:
Please send corrections and suggestions to bites@abqthemag.com.
3128 SOCIAL HOUSE $$
3128 Central Ave SE (505) 461-3128
IG: @3128socialhouse
This European-inspired gastropub features tried and true favorites—like a house burger made with ground New Mexico beef and a rotating selection of fish—that all come with a bit of an upscale twist. Choose from a diverse array of innovative cocktails—and mocktails, too!—at this trendy Nob Hill spot.
THE 377 BREWERY
2027 Yale Blvd SE (505) 916-0331
the377brewery.com
$$
Check out the funky metal and wood sign of The 377 Brewery. This warehouse-style structure is a little off-the-beaten 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.
66 DINER
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 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.
ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $
6083 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-5700
abuelitasnewmexicankitchen.com
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.
ALBUQUERQUE CITY LIMITS $$
3211 Coors Blvd SW, Ste. F4 (505) 873-8959
abqcitylimits.com
This dive aims to provide food that makes you feel at home. Dishes like made-from-scratch meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and savory brown gravy, homemade salsa, or a fan favorite—natillas—bear uncanny resemblances to the dishes mom used to make.
AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO $$
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
Owner Mohamad Abdel Jalil and his sons run this allin-one 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.
AL’S BIG DIPPER $
501 Copper Ave NW (505) 314-1118 alsbigdipper.com
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
This East Coast–style deli on ABQ’s Westside is serving up 20 different sandwiches to Rio Rancho’s hungriest 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.
AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS $ 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, high-quality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.
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.
DUBAI, MEET DUKE CITY
Dubai Chocolate has been all the rage in recent times, so it was only natural that Amalie Coffee Co. decided to incorporate the popular treat into one of its already well-loved pastries.
“We love selling croissants because they’re our No. 1 seller,” says owner Ayia Awad. “So we literally made a Dubai Chocolate Croissant, and it’s been No. 1 hit.”
Because of the owner’s Palestinian’s heritage, this might very well be one of the most authentic versions one can find in the Duke City. The pistachio, a key ingredient to Dubai Chocolate, is made in-house and mixed with knafeh, a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo pastry. Then, strawberries provide the finishing touch. The croissant is also served with fresh fruit on the side. Only the highest-quality ingredients are used, and the Dubai Chocolate Croissants tend to sell out on a daily basis.
“It was just good memories overall with Dubai and Palestine,” Awad says. “So I’m like, let’s make something classy, but that can originate from Palestinian ingredients.”
—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD
Amalie Coffee Co.
2312 Central Ave. SE, Ste C (505) 307-8037
amaliecoffeeco.com
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, health-conscious 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.
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 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.
DUBAI CHOCOLATE CROISSANT, $11.99
BITES
BANH ME & U $
5011 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 259-4701
banhmeu.com
Vietnamese comfort food meets a trendy yet laidback 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, familyfriendly 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 $$
1225 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 323-2594
basilleaf.us
Sure, Albuquerque offers a variety of Vietnamese eateries, but Basil Leaf elevates the everyday with healthy and fragrant versions of traditional noodle and soup selections. They’ll even modify for any dietary desire. Celiacs and vegans, rejoice!
BELLE’S URBAN DELI $$
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 $$
2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct NW (505) 267-6827
FB: @BenMichaelsRestaurant
The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservativefree and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.
BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN $
1675 Bosque Farms Blvd (505) 869-2210
Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include redchile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, doublecheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake.
BEST LEE’S $
2003 Southern Blvd SE, #127 (505) 892-7887
Specializing in American-Chinese and Cantonese Chinese cuisine, Best Lee’s has over 100 items on the menu. From fried rice to chicken dishes and everything in between. You can select your level of heat ranging from a little hot, all the way to extra hot, or for those not a fan of the heat, no spice. Popular items include General Tso’s Chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, and Mongolian Beef. Best Lee’s is a reliable choice for delicious simple Chinese food accompanied by friendly service.
BIG MIKE’S BURGERS AND MORE $$
19388 NM-314 (505) 864-7918
bigmikesburgersandmore.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 mouth-watering burgers and monster sandwiches.
BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY $
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-to-order 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
BITES
LONG LIVE THE KOOBIDEH
At Chello Grill, the Koobideh is so popular that it essentially has its own manager. That transition occurred sometime during COVID, when the labor-intensive nature of the dish — coupled with the lack of help — nearly led to the Koobideh being taken off the menu entirely.
That’s when Trinity Garcia, a shift manager at the restaurant, stepped up to save the popular Persian delicacy. With Garcia focused solely on Koobideh preparation (it takes three to four hours to make a batch), the dish is available Fridays through Sundays at Chello — and that’s only while supplies last.
“We put a lot of time and effort into making sure it comes out pretty perfect,” Garcia says.
That means chopping and mincing the onions before putting them through a juicer to ensure they stay on the skewer. The onions are then mixed with meat and other spices before being hand-molded onto the kebab. Garcia has it down to a science.
“I think a lot of people like that it’s different compared to the cuisine we’re pretty used to,” Garcia says. “The flavors are fabulous.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD
Chello Grill
5010 Cutler Ave, Ste A (505) 881-2299
chellogrill.com
bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are gluten-free.
BLADES’ BISTRO $$$
221 NM Hwy 165, Ste. L, Placitas (505) 771-0695
bladesbistro.com
Owner and chef Kevin Bladergroen’s restaurant offers a culinary journey from his 30-plus years of experience in restaurants across the country and Europe, serving up steak and seafood with a twist.
BLAKE’S LOTABURGER $
3806 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 30 other metro locations (505) 883-7615
lotaburger.com
Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 70 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before.
BREKKI BREKKI
8338 Comanche Rd NE, St. H plus 1 other metro location (505) 308-8871
brekkibrekki.com
they’re currently open til’ 4pm every day—with a full drink menu, to boot.
BURGER BOY $
12023 New Mexico 14, Cedar Crest (505) 281-3949 burgerboynm.com
Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger.
BURRITO EXPRESS $
141 Osuna Rd NW, Ste. A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-8964
burritoexpressinc.com
This Roswell-original brings southern New Mexican flavor to the Duke City. With made-fresh-daily tortillas and a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, Burrito Express is a satisfying spot for southern New Mexican transplants and multi-generational Burqueños alike.
THE BURRITO LADY
938 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 271-2268
$-$$
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
$
The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores—cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-to-order. 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
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 $$ 6855 4th St NW (505) 890-9150 cafe6855.com
A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.
With made-to-order panini and tasty salads filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant’s farm-to-table concept is a smart—and delicious—one.
CAFE CHICA $ 1700 Central Ave SW, Ste. A (505) 499-5111 wearecafechica.com
As a specialty dessert and coffee shop that focuses on Italian pastries, Cafe Chica is known for its
BY
PHOTO
DON JAMES/ATM
KOOBIDEH KABOB, $8.99
signature sweet treats, from bombolonis (Italian doughnuts filled with various pastry creams) to tiramisus. Everything is made from scratch as much as possible—even the bread for its sandwiches.
CAFE ISTANBUL $$
1410 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. F (505) 294-9900
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
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 Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).
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 $$$
4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 344-9297
lospoblanos.com
Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-theline menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.
CARRIE’S RESTAURANT
330 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 302-6929
$
clydehotel.com/eat-drink/carries-restaurant
From the cozy digs of The Clyde Hotel, Carrie’s Restaurant will take care of you and your appetite, thanks to their unique New Mexican comfort food. Whether you’re there for the chicken pot pie or the blue corn-encrusted ruby red trout, Carrie’s oldfashioned hospitality will encourage you to savor every bite—and save room for dessert.
CANVAS ARTISTRY $$
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. 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.
BITES
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
CHAR $$$
125 2nd St NW (inside Hotel Andaluz) (505) 923-9080
hotelandaluz.com/sip-and-savor/char
Housed inside downtown’s historic (and swanky) Hotel Andaluz, Char offers a refined take on modern New Mexican dining. Expect wood-fired flavors, chile flights, elevated plates, and a stylish atmosphere perfect for date nights or special occasions.
CHEBA HUT
$$
Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the made-fromscratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada.
CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK
5300 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 256-8017
cesarsmexicanandgreek.com
$
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.
CHEESE AND COFFEE
$
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.
$$
2679 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226
cheeseandcoffee.com
There’s more than just cheese and coffee here—think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.
CHELLO GRILL $
5010 Cutler Ave NE Ste. A (505) 881-2299
chellogrill.com
Known for the varieties of kabobs, Chello Grill aims to introduce authentic Persian cuisine to Albuquerque. This restaurant offers different salads, sandwiches, and combinations of plates packed with immense flavor.
CHEZ AXEL
6209 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 881-8104
chezaxelrestaurant.com
$$$
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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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. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.
CHURCH STREET CAFÉ $$
2111 Church St NW (505) 247-8522
churchstreetcafe.com
Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.
CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ $
5809 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 492-2119 cinnamoncafeabq.com
Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase.
COCINA AZUL $
4243 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600 cocinaazul.com
The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.
CODA BAKERY
201 San Pedro Dr SE, Ste. B-1 (505) 232-0085 codabakery.com
$
Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts.
CORN MAIDEN
1300 Tuyuna Trail, Bernalillo (505) 867-1234
$$$
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.
COPPER CANYON CAFE $$ 5455 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 266-6318
coppercanyoncafeabq.com
All-day breakfast and a killer chicken fried steak topped with your choice of traditional white gravy or homemade green chile sauce (naturally) grace this menu, and a steady lineup of loyal customers means the food’s always hot and fresh.
THE COUNTY LINE BBQ $$
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 $$
2100 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611
crackincrababq.com
Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.
CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE $
10420 4th St NW (505) 298-2597
cravincookiesandmore.com
Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.
CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT
3015 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3474
crazyfishabq.com
German breads (or brot)—so make sure to bring a big appetite and plenty of room when you visit.
DAMACIOS BAR & TAPAS $$
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 $$
5200 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. B5 (505) 433-2380
davesrestaurants.com
Restaurant veteran Dave Hanisch is back with this Northeast Heights eatery serving up Midwestern comfort food with a little New Mexican flair. Come for the hearty entrees like the Braised Beef Short Ribs on Bubble & Squeak, stay for the Biscochito Peach Cobbler; the restaurant’s flagship dessert.
DAVE’S VALLEY GRILL
6601 4th St NW (505) 639-5807 davesvalleygrill.com
$$
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 $$$$
145 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 767-7171
abqdowns.com/crown-room
Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.
CURRY LEAF $
6910-C Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 881-3663
curryleafrestaurant.us
Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. This means that, while you can get familiar favorites like tandoori chicken, you can also explore the world of chicken chettinad and dosas—a type of crepe made with fermented lentil and rice flour, filled with stuffing like potato, spiced vegetables, or ground lamb.
THE DAILY GRIND $
4360a Cutler Ave NE (505) 883-8310 dailygrindabq.net
This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs.
DAGMAR’S
SPECIALTIES
2704 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 615-5651
FB: DagmarsSpecialties
$
Rooted in tradition, Dagmar’s is an ode to German foods—from bratwurst to their ever-popular breakfast schnitzel. Their kitchen also whips up delectable baked goods like strudels and classic
$$
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 housemade 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-yourcar 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.
DONUT MART $ 4501 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278 donutmartusa.com
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.
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
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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 $$
1815 Central Ave NW (505) 247-4141
duransrx.com
Where in the city can you get amazing huevos, kitschy printed dish towels, an emergency rubber chicken in a box, and a flu shot? There is only one answer, Duran’s Central Pharmacy.
DURAN’S STATION $$
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.
EL CAMINO DINING ROOM $
6800 4th St NW (505) 344-0448
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.
EL CHARRITOS $
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 deepfried 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.
NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S TEA
If there’s a hint of childhood nostalgia that accompanies each order of Turquoise Tea Latte, well, that was the intention. As the Grandma’s Coffee Garden owners were brainstorming flavors, they had an epiphany: Matcha plus oat milk combines for a taste that bears a striking resemblance to cereal milk.
“Saturday mornings as a kid … personally I loved the part of the cereal process where I got to just slurp milk while watching cartoons,” says co-owner Betsy Solis.
Add some butterfly pea flower to the mix, and you get a distinct turquoise color, a tribute to New Mexico and the indigenous community.
“By default we decided that oat milk and just a little bit of vanilla bean syrup and ice is a really great refreshing drink with minimal caffeine — because matcha does have caffeine in it,” Solis says. “But because it’s cut with the butterfly pea flower, it’s just the right amount of caffeine to give you a little boost for the day, too.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD
Grandma’s Coffee Garden 124 Girard Blvd SE grandmascoffeegarden.com
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 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 $$
3248 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-8871
elsarapeabq.com
Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.
ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $
1508 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 293-6018
Opening 52 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it
famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.
Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.
FANO BREAD COMPANY $ 4605 McLeod Rd NE (505) 884-5555 fanobread.com
For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.
FAN TANG $$ 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.
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FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$
10721 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 298-0035
farinaalto.com
The Northeast Heights version of Farina offers the same urban atmosphere as the East Downtown (EDo) Farina, minus the elbow-to-elbow seating. Alto offers every pizza on the EDo menu, such as the Formaggio di Capra and the Carne, but includes unique dishes— Eggplant Parmesan Napoleon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings. Alto’s wine room is stocked with more than 300 bottles of wine.
FARINA PIZZERIA $$
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 relaxedbut-hip urban eatery.
FARM & TABLE $$$
8917 4th St NW (505) 503-7124
farmandtablenm.com
This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes.
FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
& CANTINA $
4400 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 881-0478
Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been family-owned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.
FIVE STAR BURGERS
5901 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 821-1909
5starburgers.com
$
From bison, salmon, turkey and crab to lamb, chicken and Black Angus beef, burger addicts will love Five Star’s 100 percent natural meat. Hand-formed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.
FLATIRON BITES AND BREWS $
6001 San Mateo NE, Ste F3 (505) 585-0023 eatflatiron.com
A welcome addition to the ABQ brewpub scene, Flatiron bites and brews knows how to build a flavorful burger, which they achieve by using a mix of brisketchuck beef, resulting in the perfectly juicy patty. Also available on the menu are chicken sandwiches, wings, and plenty of shareable plates.
FLIX BREWHOUSE
3258 La Orilla Rd NW, B-1 plus 1 other metro location (505) 445-8500
flixbrewhouse.com
FLYING STAR CAFE $$
8001 Menaul Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911
flyingstarcafe.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.
FOODTOPIA $
4959 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 554-3698
foodtopiarestaurant.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.
FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES $
400 Washington St SE (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 dish out favorites like chicken and waffles, fried pickles, mac ‘n cheese, and collard greens.
FRENCHISH $$$
3509 Central Ave NE (505) 433-5911
frenchish.com
Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.
FRONTIER RESTAURANT
2400 Central Ave SE (505) 266-0550
frontierrestaurant.com
$
Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-off-theiron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.
FUEGO 505
5750 McMahon Blvd NW (505) 705-8439
fuego505.com
$$
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.
$$
Traditional meets trendy at this Westside rotisserie grill and bar. Gourmet tacos, bowls, and hot-fired skewers (including exotic meats like rabbit, elk and rattlesnake) pair nicely with whiskeys from their extensive list. Salads, hand-shaken cocktails, local craft beers and a large patio round out the scene.
FUN NOODLE BAR
5317 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 801-6888 funnoodleabq.com
GARCIA’S KITCHEN $
2924 San Mateo Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488
garciaskitchen.com
This Albuquerque institution serves up classic New Mexican dishes, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive burrito list. You’ll leave one of the multiple locations with a full belly and content heart.
GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA
10031 Coors Blvd NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 880-0055 gardunosrestaurants.com
$$
Garduño’s consistently earns enthusiastic kudos for its mouthwatering enchiladas, burritos, salsa, and knock-your-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.
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 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
$
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.
$
5600 Coors Blvd NW, Ste. C3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-2368
eatgrassburger.com
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.
THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO
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.
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
$$
The brunch and lunch favorite is well-known for its exceptional dishes made from local and organic ingredients, and it now offers a newly expanded menu, with additions such as the French Ham & Cheese with d’affinois cheese, mostarda, and caper mustard sauce.
GOBBLE THIS
308 San Felipe St NW (505) 975-3969 gobblethis.biz
$$
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.
GYROS MEDITERRANEAN $
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.
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.
HIBACHI ONE $$
3230 Coors Blvd NE (505) 839-0808
hibachioneabq.com
In addition to their tableside teppanyaki service, Hibachi One visitors can take advantage of private rooms. Hibachi options like shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon are available wherever you’re sitting in the house, as is a full menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls.
HIGH POINT
GRILL
9780 Coors Blvd NW (505) 312-8519
highpointgrill.com
$$
Those perpetually on the hunt for the perfect burger will find plenty to love at High Point. With a foundation
BITES
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 $$$
425 San Felipe St NW (505) 765-1455
highnoonrestaurant.com
Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.
HORIZON BAGELS AND CAFE $
4000 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 221-0668
New York is a long way from here, but it’s a little closer with Horizon’s delicious bagels. Of course there has to be the NM touch - like a red chile bagel with green chile cream cheese. You can also fill your belly with corned beef hash, matzo ball soup, and fresh cinnamon rolls.
HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN $$
5809 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 299-0225
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
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.
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. Musttry 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-toorder sandwiches (BLT, Club, etc.). The grab-andgo 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 mix-in, 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
$$
Using wood ovens to bake its thin-crust pizzas, Il Vicino (which means “The Neighbor”) also offers hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.
INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN
2401 12th St NW (505) 724-3510 indianpueblo.org
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad,
and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.
IRONWOOD
KITCHEN $$
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 in-house pumpkin sauce.
THE IVY TEAROOM $$
8830 4th St NW (505) 388-8691 theivytearoom.com
Offering 20 varieties of tea and a monthly menu that highlights the season, the Ivy Tearoom has something for everyone. With ten suites, three cottages and a large parlor, there is an opportunity for an immersive tea experience. Bookings are recommended for large groups and special occasions.
Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.
JAVA JOE’S $$
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 $$
215 Central Ave NW, Ste. B (505) 766-6973
jcnypd.com
New York-style pizza, pasta, salads, and fully-loaded pasta and calzone dishes, all in a laid-back lounge. During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.
JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON $
8900 Holly Ave NE, Ste. B (505) 856-1413
jinjabistro.com
Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.
JINJA BAR AND BISTRO $$
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 $$
5400 Sevilla Ave NW (505) 792-8776
Whether you’re looking for a good place to gather some friends for tasty drinks and appetizers or a laid-back place to bring the family, Jinja has the atmosphere for you. You won’t find one specific menu theme at Jinja, with its blend of Chinese and Vietnamese which makes it easy for anyone to find something they like. Staples like potstickers, Kung Pao chicken, and wings with different sauces are all served up
JOE’S PASTA HOUSE $$
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 $
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 mouthwatering, 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 European-style 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
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.
KATHY’S CARRY OUT
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.
BITES
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 best-selling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).
KAWAII BOBA-CAFÉ $
3200 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 281-9111
eastmountaingrill.com
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-fromthe-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 $$
4300 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Ste. O, Rio Rancho (505) 453-3068
Kathrine Johnson-Bey brings Cajun cuisine from the bayou to the desert in this Rio Rancho fusion restaurant. From fried oysters to hand-breaded crawfish tails, alligator po boys to collard greens, this unique eatery is a can’t-miss.
KOSMOS RESTAURANT $$
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 highgrade dinner style burgers with dishes sparked by the flavors of the Near East.
LA MEXICANA TORTILLA COMPANY $$
304 Coal Ave SW (505) 242-2558
Family owned and operated since 1932–that’s nearly a century, believe it or not–La Mexicana Tortilla Company makes fresh, hand-made corn and flour tortillas daily for both the restaurant itself and distributes their tortillas to nearly sixty other restaurants across the state. Of course, La Mexicana also offers New Mexican classics, ranging from green chile cheeseburgers to stuffed sopaipillas, available dine-in or carry-out.
LA
QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO $
5850 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. 17 (505) 242-2808
laquicheparisiennebistro.com
Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.
LA REFORMA $$
8900 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. I (505) 717-1361
lareformabrewery.com
On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plantbased.
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.
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 $
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 butter-toasted 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.
LAVENDER COCINITA
6847 4th St NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque (505) 717-9814
$
lavendercocinita.com
Lavender Cocinita is the answer to old school New Mexican cuisine in Los Ranchos, serving up classic favorites like green chile cheeseburgers and even more innovative items like gyros in a small but comfortable space. Ingredients are also sourced locally as much as possible on a menu that is fittingly as diverse as New Mexico itself.
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
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 $$
228 Gold Ave SW (505) 508-1166
abqfrenchrestaurant.com
The Parisian bistro, open for lunch or dinner, offers classically simple French dishes made by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard. From Boeuf Bourguignon to quiche and delectable desserts, expect a tres bien atmosphere with a comprehensive wine list.
LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO $$$
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 foodinspired 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 $$
7209 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 266-2999
lindomexicogrillandseafood.com
This once smaller operation has since been in business for 20 years. With extreme passion to express the heritage of certain dishes through authentic tastes, owners are proud to have an atmosphere that values family and traditions. Some popular items include mole, tacos, guacamole and their chile rojo. All made fresh in house.
LILY AND LIAM BISTRO $$
1751 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Ste. 101, Rio Rancho (505) 340-3309
lilyandliambistro.com
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.
LITTLE BEAR COFFEE
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.
LITTLE GEMS
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. 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.
BITES
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.
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 $$ 911 Four Hills Rd SE (505) 299-9555
canyonclubgolf.com
This newly remodeled property was rejuvenated thanks to its own club members, and now boasts modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Members can enjoy creative dishes like Pork Alexander, New Mexico Eggs Benedict with green chile Hollandaise sauce, or the Turkey Lurkey, including green chile and Pepper Jack cheese in the dining room or al fresco on its large, shaded patio overlooking the mountain vistas. Diningonly memberships available.
MARIO’S PIZZA $$ 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 $$
303 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 516-9618
Facebook: Mati Peruvian Cuisine
Mati Peruvian Cuisine is arguably ABQ’s touchstone for Peruvian food—thanks to a diverse menu that aims to introduce restaurant goers to this complex South American cuisine. Popular dishes include four types of Peruvian ceviche and the Aji de Gallina, a mildly spiced chicken with yellow chile pepper and potatoes—along with the Loma Saltado, or marinated strips of sirloin served with red onions and tomatoes.
MARIGOLD CAFE $
161 Lang Ave NE, Ste. C (505) 433-4427
marigoldabq.com
This cozy cafe is serving up a much-loved fusion of Indian and American cuisine. The marigold cafe is a local family-owned business that uses only the highest quality ingredients and spices.
MAZAYA CAFÉ $
120 Harvard Dr SE (505) 582-2447
mazayacafe.com
Mazaya Café is dedicated to adding an authentic Mediterranean dining experience to the medley of options in the Nob Hill area–without breaking the bank for its diners. If you are looking to fill up, freshgrilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.
MESA PROVISIONS $$
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, yearround staples such as the half-smoked chicken or the green chile cheddar biscuit will have you coming back for more.
MERAKI COFFEE + MARKET $$
5900 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-1116
drinkmerakiabq.com
Meraki in Greek is the word that describes the attention and love put into something you are preparing for others. With all real ingredients (no fake butter, sugar substitutes, etc.) it is clear the passion
runs through each item that is made at Meraki. Everything is made early in the morning and most ingredients are sold in-store exclusively. Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or smoked salmon toast with homemade tomato jam, you are sure to find that every dish is extremely high quality and delicious.
MICHAEL THOMAS
COFFEE ROASTERS $ (505) 504-7078
202 Bryn Mawr Dr SE michaelthomascoffee.com
Michael Thomas’ fresh-roasted coffees can be purchased in bulk or by the cup. Favorites include the Banda Bear Blend and the Duke’s Runners’ Blend. If you prefer to let them make your cup of Joe, try an espresso-based drink such as a Double Espresso, a Macchiato, or a Cubano.
MICHES
3925 Las Estancias Way (505) 407-2058 michesabq.com
$
Ceviche nachos are the standout item here at Miches, but really, seafood lovers can’t go wrong with their extensive menu that also features tostadas and fish tacos. Come for the seafood and stay for the micheladas, or Mexican beer cocktails—which are just about as fresh and authentic as it gets.
MISSION WINE & DINE $$
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
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.
MONROE’S RESTAURANT $
6051 Osuna Rd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224 monroeschile.com
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.
MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE $$$
3916 Central Ave SW (505) 836-9886
The iconic steakhouse meets liquor store has been featured on the Food Network and boasts some of the best steaks in the city. Since 1971, locals always come back for hand-cut steaks, house-made Greek salad dressing, freshly cut fries, and a mean green chile cheeseburger.
MR. TOKYO
11200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 292-4728
Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.
MUSTANG CAFÉ
8601 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 275-4477
Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this auto-themed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16-oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile.
NAAN & DOSA
6501 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 797-4243
naananddosa.com
Many Indian restaurants only serve either Northern or Southern Indian food. Not Naan and Dosa. Named for the traditional breads from both regions of the country, take your pick of the leavened flatbreads (naan) or eight different types of rolled dosas. Also try their lunch buffet Tuesdays through Saturdays, featuring a sampling of their menu.
NAGOMI RESTAURANT
2400 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 298-3081
nagomirestaurantabq.com
The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabushabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.
NAKA SUSHI $$
1035 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 200-9152
nakasushiabq.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
1580 Deborah Rd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-3126 namastenm.net
$
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.
NAPOLI COFFEE
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
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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
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.
NEXUS BREWERY $$
4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste. D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100 nexusbrewery.com
If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.
NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE
$$ 1511 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 445-1545 smokehouse.nexusbrewery.com
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.
NOODLE WORKS $$
5901 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. S (505) 990-0055 noodleworksnm.com
Every noodle at Noodle Works hand stretched, hand spun, and hand sliced in house fresh for every meal. With unique dishes and signature takes on popular favorites, almost everything on the menu can be modified or elaborated with noodles.
OAK TREE CAFE
4545 Alameda Blvd NE (505) 830-2233
cafeoaktree.com
$
Owner Robert Carson is a constant presence at this homestyle joint that consistently serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and craft salads. With local beer on tap, this isn’t your typical cafe—and as a familyowned establishment for generations, it’s perhaps best kept that way.
OHANA HUT $
5750 McMahon Blvd NW (505) 433-2648
ohanahut.com
Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.
OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR $$
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 Candyland-esque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.
O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB $$
4100 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-0123
oharesgrillepub.com
With a menu that is centered around the idea that variety is the key to success, O’Hare’s offers pub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special, O’Hare’s Double Decker Reuben, or the staple Fish and Chips, for a truly Irish experience.
ONI
600 Central Ave SW, Ste. #100 (505) 503-6722 oniabq.com
Warm, umami scents fill the air at Oni, which has an abundance of ramen and other Japanese options. A house favorite is the Shoyu Ramen, which features cherry wood smoked pork belly, seasonal vegetables, and a pork bone broth that’s cooked in-house.
O’NIELL’S PUB
3301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-1122 oniells.com
O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.
O RAMEN
2114 Central Ave SE (505) 508-1897
Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot.
ORCHID THAI CUISINE $
4300 Central Ave SE (505) 265-4047
orchidabq.com
Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.
THE OWL CAFÉ $$
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
$$
Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.
PARS CUISINE $$
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 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 $$
2506 Washington St NE (505) 433-7111
plantysweet.weebly.com
Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and glutenfree bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.
POKI POKI CEVICHERIA $$
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.
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AN ELEVATED KIND OF PIE
Once upon a time, when Ken Carson would visit his now-wife in Santa Fe, the couple would head to Woolworth’s just off the plaza for Frito pie. Carson came away so impressed with that particular version — where all the goodness was poured over the chips within the bag — that he wanted to implement something similar when he opened Nexus.
The dish evolved to fit the New Mexican Soul Food theme, of course, and it also comes with a tweak that allows the chips to maintain their crunch. At Nexus, the meat (usually chicken or beef), chile (red, green or both) and all go in the bottom of a dish before the Fritos are scattered on top. For an upcharge, diners can add an egg, pulled pork and at the Nexus Smokehouse, even burnt ends. In other words, options abound — and it’s not just for snacking.
“It’s a full meal,” Carson says. “In fact, sometimes I can’t even finish it.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD
Nexus Brewery
4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste D (505) 242-4100
restaurant.nexusbrewery.com
POLLITO
CON PAPAS $$
6105 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 765-5486 pollitoconpapas.com
Get ready for a punch of Peruvian cuisine. The menu is dotted with combinations of chicken, potatoes, and cilantro rice. The chicken is brined in vinegar and cumin for about 10 hours, then fired on a spit. The traditional drink, chicha, makes the perfect complement to any dish. The southeast part of town just inched a bit closer to South America.
A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.
PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT $$
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-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bison-raised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.
QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB $$
1100 San Mateo Blvd NE, #50 plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1387
quartercelticbrewpub.com
Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with green chile.
RAMONA’S MEXICAN CAFE $$
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.
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
NEW MEXICO FRITO PIE, $14.50
RESTAURANT FORTY NINE FORTY $$$
4940 Corrales Rd, Corrales (505) 554-3866
fanciecorrales.com
What began as a taco stand eventually evolved into a more high-end, fine dining experience, now known as Restaurant Forty Nine Forty. With a dry-aged meats program, plus Sunday Brunch and plenty of special dinners on the calendar, Restaurant Forty Nine Forty offers a plethora of plates, such as roasted sea bass, on a rotating, seasonal menu.
RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$
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
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 earlymorning 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
$$
It’s not just a rumor: the pies at Rumor Pizza are seriously top-notch—arguably better than your average American chain. Made with organic ingredients and featuring unique pairings, Rumor’s menu offers ten core pizzas to choose from, ranging from classics like pepperoni to a funghi pie, made with two types of mushrooms and topped with whipped mascarpone and chives.
RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE
840 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-1813
$
Rustic Bubble Tea Cafe has all of the fundamentals of a bubble shop down, of course - the hint is in the name - but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnamese-inspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages.
RUTILIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
455 N Main St, Belen (505) 864-0093
$
Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilos on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilios breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.
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SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO $$
6230 4th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940
sadiesofnewmexico.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 $$
107 Cornell Dr SE plus one other metro location (505) 255-5454
unmsaggios.com
This university joint is known for its pizza, particularly the pepperoni and green chile-topped pie, but the pasta, sandwiches, and salads shouldn’t be slept on!
SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY $
2622 Central Ave SE (505) 255-5400
saharamiddleeasterneatery.com
Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattan-deli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and awardwinning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike.
SAIGON RESTAURANT $ 6001 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. D4 plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706
saigonrestaurantnm.com
Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.
Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.
SALATHAI $
2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 265-9330
Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.
SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$$
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-andsushi “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 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.
SAVOY BAR & GRILL $$$
10601 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 294-9463
savoyabq.com
Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier fine-dining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.
SATELLITE COFFEE $
2300 Central Ave
Plus 5 other metro locations (505) 254-3800
satellitecoffee.com
Satellite Coffee perhaps harkens back to the classic cafes of yesteryear, as the coffee here is roasted fresh in small batches daily, available alongside refreshing smoothies and plen-tea of tea options for enthusiasts. But make no mistake: Satellite is 100% local and serves all-day breakfast and lunch bites like carne adovada burritos and sandwiches such as the turkey pepper jack. At the end of the day, it’s coffee done well and done right.
SCARPA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA $$
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 cheesecrusted 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 $$
2601 Central Ave NW (505) 848-7182
To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.
SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT $$
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.
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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 $$
515 Slate Ave NW (505) 243-2210
slatestreetcafe.com
Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambiance with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to buildyour-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.
SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA $
5720 McMahon Blvd NE. Ste. B plus 1 other metro locations (505) 261-2058
sliceanddicepizzeria.com
With both a sweeping library of board games and full menu of hot pies and subs, Slice and Dice is a venue for everyone from seasoned players to wide-eyed beginners (or people just hungry for some pizza). They provide a space where you can gather with a few friends and take in the twin delights of pizza and board games.
SOO BAK SEOUL BOWL $
111 Hermosa Dr SE (505) 268-0017
soobakfoods.com
Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimchi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimchi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.
SQUEEZED JUICE BAR $
7900 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. A-12 plus 1 other metro locations (505) 821-1437
squeezedjuicebars.com
Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery. Three to five pounds of fruit are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.
ST. JAMES TEA ROOM
320 Osuna Rd NE, Ste. D (505) 242-3752
stjamestearoom.com
$$$
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
$$
The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of house-made beers and its gourmet menu.
STICKY RICE
7600 Jefferson St NE, #5 (505) 797-1288
$
Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.
STONE FACE TAVERN
8201 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 822-8855
$$
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
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 $$
417 Tramway Blvd NE, #3 (505) 200-2477
sushixuanasiangrill.com
You’ll find more than just tasty sushi here. Diners dig into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes too. Sushi Xuan has multiple shipments of fresh fish during the week, and only uses Japanese Kokoro rice, and organic veggies whenever possible.
SUSHIYA $$
2906 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 275-4777
sushiyanm.com
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 $-$$
115 Harvard Dr SE, Ste. 7 (505) 750-2040
snapdragontea.com
Perfect for brunch or an afternoon jaunt, Snapdragon Tea offers baked goodies like scones and kolaches alongside a plethora of tea options for even the most discerning of aficionados. Reservations are required for their three-course afternoon tea menus (served Fridays-Sundays), but walk-ins are welcome for the daily a la carte.
TAAJ PALACE $
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.
BITES
TAKO TEN $
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 $
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.
TASTE OF INDIA $$
1605 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 294-6342
tasteofindiaabq.com
Family recipes modified for American tastes; Taste of India typically dials back the spice a bit. But it’s no misnomer to think of Taste of India as just what the name advertises: a taste of regional flavors, conveyed by people who grew up with them
TASTY NOODLES AND DUMPLINGS $$
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 muchbeloved 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.
THAI
KITCHEN
10707 Corrales Rd (505) 890-0059
thaikitchenabq.com
$
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”.
THAI HOUSE $$
2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 247-9205
thaihouserestaurantabq.com
With an impressive stay in ABQ (Thai House is approaching its 40-year anniversary), this South Asian restaurant has a secret weapon in its native Thai chef who brings her vast knowledge of Thai cuisine to the metro.
THAI SPICE
7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521 thaispiceabq.com
$$
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: madefrom-scratch 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, they have expanded to include harderto-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.
TURQUOISE DESERT TAPROOM $
4405 Jager Way NE E, Rio Rancho (505) 835-4701
turqouisetap.com
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 in-house, 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.
TRAIL RIDER PIZZA $$
12165 NM-14, Ste. B2, Cedar Crest (505) 281-6068
trailriderpizza.com
The fact that this spot is a 98% from scratch kitchen should be reason enough to stop by, and with 14 types of specialty pizza, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
TRIANA $$
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 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
$-$$
Brought to you by the same folks behind the Dion’s dynasty, Tula’s Kitchen is a fresh dining concept that pairs laid-back New Mexican eats (think green chile cheeseburgers) with craveable, global flavors. Sharing is encouraged—although certainly not required.
TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI
1425 San Mateo Blvd NE A (505) 255-5370
tullysdeli.com
Old-school deli charm meets high quality ingredients at Tully’s Italian Deli. Known for its stacked sandwiches, Italian-imported ingredients, and no-frills authenticity, this longtime ABQ staple is part grocery, part restaurant, and part bakery. Whether it’s a mouthwatering sub topped with prosciutto, mozzarella, and all the fixings—or a from-scratch cannoli—Tully’s keeps things simple, fresh, and oh so satisfying.
TWO CRANES BISTRO + BREW $$
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.
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).
BITES
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.
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
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 PearFessor 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
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, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.
WESTERN VIEW
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 family-friendly 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.
SPOTTED IN LOVE
The cheetahs (and other majestic big cats) have a little more room to frolic at ABQ BioPark, thanks to a recent renovation to the existing ‘catwalk.’ The area—first created nearly 60 years ago—gives the cats more options to move between caged areas, and also offers zoogoers more vantage points to catch a glimpse of their favorite kitty. (p. 232)
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
OUT AND ABOUT: YOUR GUIDE TO THE LIGHTER SIDE OF THE DUKE CITY
MUST-HAVE ITEMS
CAN’TLIVEWITHOUT
BY: CAROL WIGHT | CEO, NEW MEXICO RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
pairs of earrings. I’ve been collecting them since high school! Earrings instantly pull a look together, and I love having options.
COMFORTABLE SHOES
I recently had a stress fracture in my foot, so I’m on the hunt for good-looking, comfy shoes. (Not an easy task!)
NESTING PURSES
As CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association, Carol Wight has spent de cades of her career advocating for the Land of Enchantment’s dynamic—and always evolving—food scene. A wonder mom of five, she’s a steadfast support er of local restaurants and hospitality professionals, helping shape an industry that feeds both the economy—and the community—one plate (and one chile) at
I always have one large purse to carry my laptop and paperwork, but I also keep a smaller purse inside that with essentials when I don’t need a laptop.
It’s kind of embarrassing to carry around bright yellow microfiber wipes, but they keep my glasses clean like nothing else.
BREAKFAST IN BED
Nothing feels more luxurious than a slow morning with coffee, a cozy blanket, and breakfast before the day gets busy.
A GOOD NOTEBOOK
I love having a place to jot down ideas. Sometimes it just feels right to write it down!
LOCALSTUFF WELOVE
Your touchstone for ABQ’s cool, fun & eclectic retail goodies that will help you live life a bit
A LITTLE NUTTY
Sweet, smoky, and unmistakably New Mexican, these gourmet spiced nuts strike the perfect balance of crunchy, hot, and savory. Whether you’re road-tripping, hosting, or simply indulging at home, they’re an addictive local treat that’s hard to put down.
ASSORTED NUTS (6 OZ), $11.99
SEÑOR D’S NUTZ
318 ISLETA BLVD SW (505) 688-1553
SENORDSNUTZ.COM
this ultra-comfy tee that blends spooky charm with New Mexican pride. Featuring a feline take on the iconic Zia symbol, it’s quirky, stylish, and purr-fect for everyday wear around the Duke City.
BUBO IN ZIA UNISEX T-SHIRT
$28.00
MOBIUS THEORY
215 GOLD AVE SW MOBIUSTHEORY.COM
GOOD VIBES ONLY
Made with an organic blend of peppermint, chamomile, mugwort, skullcap, damiana, rosemary, and rose, this calming tea is designed to help you relax, reflect, and reach your higher self. Earthy, flower, and soothing, it’s basically self-care in a cup.
HIGHER SELF TEA BLEND, $20.08 (2.5 OZ)
DAILY RITUALS
3409 CENTRAL AVE NE
(504) 377-1751
DAILYRITUALSCAFE.COM
Sleek, durable, and portable, it instantly elevates any smoking setup.
LOTUS BRAWN T7 QUAD
TORCH LIGHTER, $49.95
MONTE’S CIGAR SHOP
3636 SAN MATEO BLVD NE (505) 881-7999
MONTESCIGARSHOP.COM
SHOP TALK
HIP STITCH
2320 Wisconsin St NE
(505) 821-2739
hipstitchabq.com
Quilting has existed for centuries—with historians tracing its origins to somewhere around 3400 B.C. But at Albuquerque’s Hip Stitch, sewing and its sister art form quilting have taken on a fresh face for the 21st century. Founded in 2008 by a trailblazing trio of PTA moms, this isn’t your grandma’s fabric store (although she’s certainly more than welcome here). In fact, Hip Stitch is more than just a grab-and-go retailer; it’s also a community space— now for nearly two decades.
“We started brainstorming, because we couldn’t get any modern fabrics in Albuquerque at the time—so we opened Hip Stitch with the idea of gathering the community with a sewing classroom,”
FROM GARMENT
FABRICS
TO QUILTING PATTERNS, HIP STITCH OFFERS EVERYTHING A STITCHER MIGHT NEED—INCLUDING CLASSES AND ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING.
says co-founder and owner Suzanne Kelly. “We had no business opening a store, but everything came into place. It started with the three of us—and they’re still very good friends of mine today.”
Professionally trained as a teacher with an emphasis in special education, Kelly learned how to sew from her aunt as young as 12—and she’s had the itch to stitch ever since. “It’s always been therapeutic for me,” she says. Over time, her passion has evolved beyond garment sewing and home decor into the more creative, high concept realm of art quilting. “What I create comes out of my head instead of a pattern for a quilt,” Kelly says. “That’s the chapter I’m in—and there are many chapters in my life.”
One chapter that has remained con-
BY
PHOTO
DON JAMES/ATM
sistent since day one is the sewing classroom, conveniently attached to the main retail area. It offers dedicated classes nearly every day of the week for all skill levels. Among the most popular options are onehour private lessons, which start at $40.
In an effort to adjust to the demands (and confines) of the time, the store has also introduced its ReCreate section, which has quickly become a customer favorite. The area features donated, unused materials available at lower price points, making it especially appealing for newcomers to the hobby and cost-conscious creators.
“We take fabric unused from customers and give store credit for it. It’s a lower priced section of our store,” she says. “That benefits new sewists who are just starting, so they don’t spend a lot on fabric—because fabric prices have gone up. That’s our world.”
Elsewhere in the shop, visitors will find rows and rows of fabric bolts, along with kits, patterns, and essential quilting materials like batting—the insulating middle layer of a quilt—and backing. There’s also
an ample selection of locally designed fabrics in store, many created by artists within the community—including some who work at Hip Stitch themselves.
While quilts can technically be stitched entirely by hand, that work would, at the very least, take years. Most modern quilters use sewing machines to assemble their pieces, but the final stitching— which binds the three layers of a quilt together—often requires specialized equipment. Because this process can be tricky to accomplish on an at-home sewing machine, many send their pieces to a longarm quilter for finishing touches. In a sense, longarm quilters operate like an editor or a framer, polishing a work to its completion.
Although trends and styles will always ebb and flow, broader industry shifts— like the closing of major national chain JOANN Fabrics—has inevitably led to the reshaping of Albuquerque’s local fabric scene. Perhaps a double-edged sword, the lack of previously reliable retailers has led to an uptick in customers for local businesses like Hip Stitch—but small
stores find it challenging to cater to every customer due to inventory constraints.
Even so, an emerging gap exists among sewists of different generations. “There are many young people I’ve come across who say, ‘Oh, my grandmother sewed,’ and that’s it. Their mind is shut down because they think quilts and grandmother’s curtains.” When in reality, sewing runs the gamut—from garments to bags.
Despite generational perceptions, sewing is arguably experiencing a resurgence—and it’s easier than one might think to start stitching: it just requires a little bit of patience to get started.
“It doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it’s perceived,” Kelly clarifies. “But the flip side of that is it does take patience. Many hobbies do. We’re in an instant gratification world, and I’ve had very enthusiastic people come in excited to sew. They don’t have the patience, and I never see them again because the frustration kicks in. It’s a great hobby for your brain, but it can be hard for those who aren’t willing to put in the patience.” —Austin Seidel
PAWS BUTTON
KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS
RUN ON THE WILD SIDE
The ABQ BioPark reimagines a longtime exhibit with rotating animal spaces and new species to discover.
Run, don’t walk to ABQ BioPark’s newly revamped exhibit, Running Wild: Cheetahs and More—a thoughtfully reimagined space that houses familiar favorites alongside exciting new additions to the BioPark family.
Originally the location of the Catwalk exhibit—which first opened in 1967—this nearly 60-year-old area underwent a dramatic transformation beginning in October 2024. A remarkable turnaround time, the result is a modernized habitat space designed with both animal wellbeing and guest experience in mind.
“We’re always looking to evolve our animal spaces and keep them as dynamic as possible,” says Erin Dougher, Animal Wellness and Behavioral Training Manager. “For the Catwalk, we were looking to do a little bit of transformation, so we transformed that space into Running Wild: Cheetahs and More. It’s going to be
a familiar space for guests with upgraded spaces for the animals, as well.”
Contrary to the typical zoo exhibit, which often center around a single region or ecosystem, Running Wild takes a broader—and more creative—approach.
“Unlike a lot of our areas of the zoo— where it’s Asia-themed or Africa-themed,
or some other location-themed—this one didn’t fit into a box like that,” explains Greg Jackson, Marketing Director. “So we went with Running Wild—kind of a play on a catwalk. So we evolved from walking to running, if you will.”
Behind the scenes of the project, both public-facing habitats and backstage animal homes received extensive and attentive upgrades, including transfer tunnels and multilevel vantage points designed to both encourage natural behaviors while improving visitor experience with the animals.
“A lot of the animals that we have at Running Wild like to be up high and are arboreal, so there are a lot of opportu-
nities for animals to swap spaces,” says Dougher.
As such, the exhibit incorporates state-of-the-art “flex” spaces, an innovative design that takes after the BioPark’s award-winning Asia exhibit, home to Malayan tigers, orangutans, and sea eagles (oh my!).
“We’re able to rotate animals safely to give them different vantage points, but also to give them different scents and areas to check out and be curious about,” says Dougher. At any time, different species can be separately housed in each flex space, allowing for new environments.
Familiar fan favorites in Running Wild include Monty the mountain lion, Ben the Andean bear, Dash the snow leopard, and the exhibit’s headliners: the cheetah brothers Borracho, Garbanzo, and Pinto—lovingly nicknamed the “Bean Brothers.”
“What’s neat is you can see them from a lot of different vantage points,” says Jackson. “And then they have all this space to run.” Their updated habitat notably includes a significant expansion, from 4,000 to 14,000 square feet, allowing the speedy
siblings plenty of room for play.
“In the wild, their success rate for hunting is actually not fabulous,” says Jackson. “They’ll catch something—but they spend so much energy in that process, that it’s easier for other predators to go, ‘I’ll take that.’ So they do have to rest to conserve energy.”
As such, visitors shouldn’t be too surprised to find the cheetahs lounging more like oversized house cats.
“Yes, they’re super fast—but they also love sleeping,” says Dougher. “So seeing them resting and going in the shade and even suntanning, if you will, would all be very normal behaviors to see.”
Running Wild also introduces several new (and seriously cute) faces to the BioPark, including a pair of coatis (kohAH-tees), Goose and Acacia.
“When you look at a coati, it looks a lot like a raccoon,” says Dougher. “It’s got a slender snout. The coatis we have are white-nosed coatis, so it almost looks like they’re wearing a mask.”
These social omnivores—native to South America, Central America, parts of Mexico, and even the Southwestern Unit-
ed States—use their helpful long noses to forage for food in the dirt. “They love eating,” says Dougher, “which is relatable.”
Other intrepid newcomers include bobcats Ruckus and Maxi, along with fennec foxes, Rocket and Comet. “They’re about four months old—and are also adorable,” says Dougher on the fennec foxes. “They’ve got some cute big ears that really help them to tune into their location and surroundings. [Their ears] are also a cooling mechanism, because they do live out in Africa in pretty hot weather. And that just helps with blood flow to keep them nice and cool.”
Ultimately, Running Wild: Cheetahs and More is intentionally designed to create fresh and fun experiences for both longtime BioPark visitors and first-time guests alike, all while continuing to care for these wildly beloved members of the community.
“I’d really encourage guests to come and check it out and build some new memories at Running Wild,” says Dougher. “It’s a great way to see animals that are new, but also animals that the community has gotten to know and love.”
—Austin Seidel
ABQ’SAMAZINGPETS
Winston the Dog
At four years old, Winston is a true shelter success story—and an unapologetic mama’s boy. Adopted in January 2022, this adorable cattle dog mix isn’t your typical toy-chasing pup. Fetch? Never heard of it. Instead, his true canine passion involves sticking close to his favorite human—whether that’s at home, the North Domingo Baca dog park, or the seemingly endless aisles of Lowe’s. He gets along smashingly with his cat siblings—and has a penchant for lounging in grassy fields.
His most treasured possession? A stuffed pig gifted during his first Christmas—which he adorably uses every night as a pillow. Winston will snack on just about anything, much to the chagrin of his family—from raw veggies to sneaky chomps of cat food. But his love is ultimately unconditional, if not a bit selective (especially when it comes to Mom).
—Austin Seidel
Sunday the Dog
Sweet, snuggly, and just the right amount of spoiled, Sunday the Goldendoodle has arguably perfected the art of affection. Now six years old, she’s been a part of her family since she was just three weeks old, arriving from Colorado and quickly claiming her place at the center of her family’s heart.
Sunday loves giving kisses and being held like a (human) baby, proving that love truly knows no bounds. While she enjoys chewing on rubber dog bones, she’s also been known to guard them closely—especially from her Doodle broth er. She adores chicken, despite a mild allergy, and is a homebody through and through, preferring her creature comforts to the outside world. More than any thing, Sunday is known for her unique smile—so distinctive, in fact, that her vet
Pete the Cat
Pete the cat may have experienced a rough start to kitty life here on planet Earth, but this nine-month-old rescue has transformed into a lively and unstop pable force of love within his newfound home. First discovered as a tiny, sick kit ten at a Bernalillo fire station, Pete has since grown into a healthy—and some what mischievous—whirlwind. When he isn’t busy instigating his two cat sisters into playtime (or pestering the family dog), he spends his feline days climbing, bird watching, and chasing lasers.
Pete is also a bit of a kitty connoisseur and is especially fond of chicken and Churu treats (and has been known to swipe entire chicken legs off the counter). Despite his antics, he’s a total sweetheart—and a certified purring machine.
—Austin Seidel
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.
PASSENGERWINDOW
SLEEP IS OUR BUSINESS
Nob Hill’s iconic Hiway House Motel enters a new era—without leaving its past behind.
Afull-circle moment—nearly a century in the making—is unfolding in Nob Hill. The once-beloved Hiway House Motel may be gone, but its iconic signage of a couple riding in a Model T—alongside the slogan, “Sleep is our business”—remains an enduring vestige of the past. Even so, the wheels of time continue to turn as plans for a newer, more 21st century future take shape.
Originally founded by Del Webb—a 20th-century real estate tycoon and co-owner of the New York Yankees—the Hiway House Motel chain dates back to the 1930s and ‘40s. In its heyday, the Nob Hill location welcomed weary automobile travelers along their neon-lit Route 66 journeys. And soon, it will do so again.
Leading the new Tribute by Marriott project are partners Josh Rogers and Ian Robertson of Titan Development. A former architect, Robertson now serves as Director of Development, bringing a fresh creative vision when it comes to the site’s next chapter.
“It was basically a kit,” says Robertson.
“Sort of like a Sears home, where in a catalog, you’d buy it and either build it yourself or find someone locally to build it.”
Fascinated by the bygone days of a neon-filled Mother Road, Robertson decided to keep the original signage—but the hotel’s dilapidated state wasn’t so lucky. “We looked at keeping it, but unfortunately, it had gotten so run down by the time that we acquired it,” he says. “We also found significant asbestos on site. They were using it as a building material, so it was everywhere.”
Despite its well-kept appearances, the sign will also need to undergo significant repairs due to rusting on its interior structure—but Robertson is keen on preserving it. “The challenge here is trying to get the density out of it. We’ll definitely keep the sign—it’s just not clear where it’s going to go.”
With more than 100 rooms planned— along with a rooftop bar—the new hotel represents a firm step into modernity while honoring its roots. “The design of the new hotel will definitely be an hom-
age to New Mexico’s contribution to the golden era of Route 66,” he says. “It’s not going to be a Route 66 hotel—it’s going to celebrate the history of Nob Hill.”
Although the neighborhood itself predates Route 66 by roughly a decade, its history is inextricably tied with the construction of what is known as one of America’s first roadways. “Nob Hill has been incredibly welcoming,” he says. “They want to maintain the character of their neighborhood, and we’ve worked really closely with them to do that.”
To further preserve the character of the hotel, subtle design details will also be incorporated. “We’re going to create some silkscreen tiles that use that logo in a few places. We’ll hide it in an Easter egg way,” he says.
With projections to break ground by the end of the year—just in time for the centennial—the story of the Hiway House Hotel is far from over; it’s simply entering a new chapter. —Austin Seidel
PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM
ADVERTISING REGISTRY
YOURBESTSHOT
‘IN FULL BLOOM’
by Michael Perrine
Aflower by any other name would smell—and certainly look—just as sweet, especially when captured through the lens of lifetime hobbyist Michael Perrine. “I was always taking art classes, and I did photography as well,” he says. “Fast forward to college, someone gets the bug in your ear that you can’t make a career in art. So, I abandoned it and pursued a traditional route.”
After two decades in the biotech industry, Perrine (like many) pivoted during the pandemic when his company closed shop. “One of the things I kept coming back to is consulting for businesses,” he says. “They always wanted help with marketing, so I started coming up with ideas for photos, reels, and videos—and it reignited this passion that I forgot I had.”
A self-proclaimed “Sony guy,” he captured spring’s stunning first blooms in the ABQ BioPark one April afternoon. “Most people don’t like to shoot in the middle of the day, because light is really harsh, but it gave it a bit of an editorial look.”
Often apt to shoot portraits, Perrine is especially drawn to the interplay of light and dark—a process which he describes as deeply therapeutic. And even though he only acquired his first “professional” camera three years ago, he’s all in when it comes to pursuing his passion.
“Everyone is going to have an opinion about what you’re doing no matter what—and if you have that fire to pursue something, you just have to go for it.”
Austin Seidel
AFew THINGS YOU
MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ALBUQUERQUE!
Albuquerque is a rarity—one of those places that resists an easy, run-of-themill definition. Is it a bigger city, or more of a small town? It’s both, depending on who you ask—and it ultimately rewards those willing to take the time and look a little closer.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains and shaped by the ebb and flow of the Rio Grande, Albuquerque continues to be a multicultural melting pot, blending centuries of history with a unique and modern energy all its own. Home to Indigenous cultures and Spanish settlers, combined with an enduring spirit of the American West, it’s a place where the aroma of roasting green chile mingles with the uplifting sight of hot air balloons. And that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Endowed with a surprising place in tech history, the Duke City is full of details that set it apart and define its unmistakable character—one that Burqueños are rightfully proud of. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a newcomer, or just passing through, there’s always something new to discover—plus plenty of reasons why this high-desert gem continues to stand in a category all its own.
—Austin Seidel
1. Albuquerque enjoys an average of 280 days of sunshine and clear blue skies each and every year.
2. Legend has it that the breakfast burrito made its debut here—at the International Balloon Fiesta in the 1970s.
3. The Sandia Mountains contain four of the planet’s six major ecological life zones.
4. Founded in 1706, Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It just celebrated its 300th birthday in 2006!
5. Notable natives include Neil Patrick Harris, Xzibit, Freddie Prinze, Jr., and Jeff Bezos—just to name a few.
6. Bill Gates and Paul Allen famously founded Microsoft in Albuquerque in 1975 before eventually moving to Washington state in 1979.
7. Literary icons include Rudolfo Anaya and Tony Hillerman.
8. Nearly 30% of Albuquerque’s land area is dedicated to public parks.
9. “The Duke City” nickname honors Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, the Duke of Alburquerque.
10. The city was originally spelled “Alburquerque,” after a town in Spain.
11. ABQ’s highest structure stands at just 351 feet, due in part to desert soil conditions, which makes it difficult to construct tall buildings.
12. The Rio Grande Bosque is among the largest cottonwood forests in the world.
13. Albuquerque is known as the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World”— for obvious reasons.
14. The American International Rattlesnake Museum, located in Old Town, houses the largest collection of live rattlesnakes on earth.
15. The region once served as a major sheep-herding hub of the American West.
16. New Mexico is known as the oldest wine-producing region in the country, with grapes first introduced in 1629.
17. Nearly 70,000 tons of chile are produced annually in New Mexico!
18. Five dormant volcanoes sit on Albuquerque’s West Mesa, with activity reported as recently as 1881.
19. Albuquerque is the only city name in the country that contains two Q’s.
