What to Eat in Albuquerque: A Local Recommends

At the foot of the Sandia mountains in the American Southwest lies the small urban community of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

New Mexico is truly one of the most wonderful hidden gems in North America. With its sweeping mesas and seemingly endless sky that feels larger than life, for me... New Mexico will always be home.

These days, I'm a Bay Area Cali girl, but I grew up in the good old 505. Keep on reading for my top food picks for a first-time visitor!

I don't know about you guys, but I explore new places through my tastebuds.

Albuquerque has seen explosive growth in microbreweries and hipster-friendly eating establishments over the past few years.

New Mexican Food is NOT Mexican Food

Let me be clear: if you came here looking for the best Mexican food in Albuquerque, I hate to break it to you—New Mexican food is different from "Mexican" food.

The flavors are different and while some dishes share similar names, the way they are prepared are totally different. And it's NOT Tex-Mex, as New Mexicans are horribly averse to cumin.

New Mexican Favorites

The Frontier

The Frontier is a total Albuquerque institution and is a beloved old haunt from my college days.

They've been serving up homestyle New Mexican food since like... the beginning of time. It's almost always open and has never let me down.

Warm, fluffy, freshly made flour tortillas come with every meal. And the best part is that Frontier has always been very budget-friendly, given their demographic of starving college kids.

My absolute favorite fries of all time come from Frontier. OK OK... I know the french fry thing seems a little random, but TRUST. I don't know exactly what they do to them, but it seems like the fries are ever so slightly battered then cooked to a perfect golden brown.

Don't get me started on the cinnamon rolls. OMG. They're literally the size of your head. Don't leave without grabbing one, even if you're stuffed! You can always eat it later.

Frontier Restaurant

2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Hours: Open everyday from 5 AM to 1 AM

*For all restaurants: please check hours, as they are subject to change.

Sadie's of New Mexico

Like the Frontier, Sadie's is another Albuquerque institution. Famous for their homemade (read: FREE) eye-watering, mouth-searing salsa, this is the place to go if you're ravenous.

The massive portions could feed a small army for a week, so start out by sharing a dish with a friend to get an idea of how large the plates are! I get the chile relleno, which is a chile that's stuffed with cheese, battered, deep fried, drenched in more chile, then served up with rich, decadent, refried beans. You can even buy the famous Sadie's salsa in jars to take home.

Sadie's of New Mexico on 4th St. [Flagship]

6230 4th St NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM 87107

Hours

• Saturday 10 AM to 10PM

• Sunday 10AM to 9PM
• Monday 11AM to 9PM
• Tuesday 11AM to 9PM
• Wednesday 11AM to 9PM
• Thursday 11AM to 9PM
• Friday 10AM to 10PM

Flying Star

Yet ANOTHER institution (are you seeing a pattern? The best restaurants in Albuquerque have been around forever)!

Flying Star is near and dear to my heart. I've spent hours there panicking about nursing board exams, went on dates with my boyfriend, had meals with my family, and enjoyed a cappuccino with friends. My favorite dish has to be the Sriracha Chicken Mac & Cheese.

These guys bake up some fantastic pastries, cakes, and more, so be sure to save room for dessert. Or just take it home, since I've probably already wrecked your diet by now.

They have multiple locations and are super dog-friendly (they have homemade dog cookies at the front if you ask). My favorite is the one on Juan Tabo and Menaul. Check out their blue corn pancakes for a delicious breakfast treat.

Flying Star [Juan Tabo]

4501 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

• Saturday 6:30AM to 10PM
• Sunday 6:30AM to 9PM
• Monday 6:30AM to 9:30PM
• Tuesday 6:30AM to 9:30PM
• Wednesday 6:30AM to 9:30PM
• Thursday 6:30 AMto 10PM
• Friday 6:30AM to 10PM

Non-New Mexican Favorites

Pop-up Dumpling House

This mom-and-pop dumpling operation appears in ABQ only a couple of days a week, and a couple times in Santa Fe. The fresh, handmade dumplings are truly some of the most divine I've ever had in my life... and I've been to a few places. 😉 In recent years, they've even added dan dan noodles to the menu, so be sure to go check them out if you happen to be in ABQ on a Friday or Saturday. They can be found in the back corner of Ta Lin World Market on Central Ave.

Talin World Market

88 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Hours

• Friday 11 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM

Vinaigrette

Founded by a Harvard business school graduate, Vinaigrette is a modern and fun restaurant dedicated almost entirely to salad. Now, hold on... it's not like Souper Salad or Sweet Tomatoes! You'll hardly find any watery old lettuce here—Vinaigrette sources only local ingredients and their diverse menu rotates seasonally.

Their inventive and delicious creations will change how you think about salad!

Vinaigrette

1828 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Hours

• Everyday 11 PM to 9 PM

Pollito con Papas

This Peruvian restaurant actually started out as a furniture store. Things were okay, up until the recession in 2008. At risk of losing his business, the owner asked a friend what he should do. The friend suggested he start selling his roasted chicken because it was so delicious. And the rest is history.

Get the stuffed potato and yucca fries to start, and definitely have some famous roast chicken after.

Pollito con Papas

6105 Gibson Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

• Mon to Fri: 11 AM to 3 PM

• CLOSED Saturday and Sunday