New Mexican
Albuquerque Tortilla Company
You thought it was just a factory, but what of the front café? Is it really open to the public? Hell yes! Fresh, cheap, and stocked with piñatas. Honestly, how could this end wrong?
Bailey's on the Beach
Roy ‘Iron Man’ (he competes!) Solomon, daughter Bailey, and Kirk Clark (plays with local group Chris Kill Trio), had a vision. A silky, wavy-palm-tree, with plenty of drinks in a lawn chair, in the middle of the city… type of vision.
Barelas Coffee House
Second home to countless Burqueños. Still the Soul Food of ABQ. Never more than a 20-minute wait. Eric recommends the Huevos Deluxe and carne adovada enchiladas, red, with an egg on top. Vegetarians: ask the obliging wait-staff for alternatives–and beware the chile. Bill Clinton-tested, Barack Obama-approved.
Blackbird Buvette
A definite favorite for loud live music downtown, and in possession of one of the great drinking patios in all the city.
Burritos Alinstante
Seriously cheap, seriously delicious burritos with seriously excellent green chile. Until the recent economic meltdown, all their burritos cost $4.20 with tax; we shake our heads at the Bush Administration once more.
Casa de Benavidez
Where other high-end New Mexican restaurants might look modeled on a house, here you’re waiting to be seated in Paul and Rita’s old foyer–and eating on their porch. It’s gourmet New Mexican made with love–ain’t a lot of places can boast that combination, and no other in Burque that we’re aware of.
Cecilia's Café
A cute and quirky family-run nook in the heart of Downtown. Amazingly hot (read: colon-punishing), richly flavorful Chimayó red chile.
Chama River Brewing Co.
Two completely different locations serving the same excellent beer! Downtown has a casual, easy-going vibe (with food nearby). Up north is the huge, swanky brewery. Choose for location, mood, or who it is you intend to run into. Neither disappoints.
Dos Hermanos
Enormous, delicious burritos. Carne adovada, potatoes, chicken, calabacitas, green chile, red chile, whatever. One more reason we don’t need a fucking Chipotle.
Duran's Central Pharmacy
One of downtown’s best eateries, tucked behind the – ahem, totally serviceable – pharmacy. This treasure serves some of the best homemade New Mexican food in the whole city. On Tuesdays and Fridays the special is green chile enchiladas; if you get there at the lunch rush expect a long wait.
El Charritos
Classic New Mexican. Delectable, home-cooked food in a cheerful, clean dining room. Superb red chile, carne adovada, and enchiladas. Addictive chips and salsa; killer sopas.
