A Quick Guide to Albuquerque for Foodies
Good food can make any trip better. When I travel alone, I look for new places to try foods I know I would enjoy, and when I travel with my family, I try to find family-friendly options. If you’re traveling to the Albuquerque area and you’re interested in the local food scene, this quick guide for foodies is the perfect place to start. Once you’ve booked your Albuquerque hotel, starting planning your culinary adventure.
Southwestern Eats
Image via Flickr by neonsighs
Mary and Tito’s Cafe has been serving locals delicious New Mexican cuisine for over five decades. According to locals, the carne adovada used as the marinade for the cubed roast pork can be enjoyed as a soup, but it’s heavenly on the pork. You can find Mary and Tito’s at 2711 Fourth Street NW.
Sadie’s of New Mexico is another local favorite. Praised for its large portions, Sadie’s also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a variety of Mexican dishes. Sadie’s was voted favorite New Mexican restaurant three years in a row by the Albuquerque Journal. You can find Sadie’s at 6230 Fourth Street NW and at two other locations in Albuquerque.
Worth the Wait
Even if you’re pressed for time while traveling, these two Albuquerque eateries are worth the wait for locals and tourists alike. The Groove Café & Market opened in 2006 and serves breakfast and lunch six days a week. Try the avocado toast, homemade granola and yogurt bowl, or the scratch-made English muffin. The Grove supports local small businesses by sourcing ingredients from local growers in Albuquerque and throughout the Southwest region. The Grove is located at 600 Central Avenue SE.
Antiquity Restaurant serves up fresh seafood, fowl, lamb, steaks, and other specials nightly. Make reservations when dining with larger parties since the restaurant is small. The atmosphere is a bit different, but according to guest reviews, Antiquity does not disappoint. You can find the restaurant at 112 Romero St NW.
Local Favorites
The Frontier Restaurant features five dining rooms and sits directly across the street from the University of New Mexico. College students flock to the restaurant during late-night hours, and families like to visit for breakfast. The cinnamon rolls and breakfast burritos are two of the reasons why diners keep going back. Frontier Restaurant is located at 2400 Central Avenue SE.
Sophia’s Place is a small restaurant serving up fancy eats like lemon ricotta pancakes and duck confit tacos. Named after owner Dennis Apodaca’s daughter, Sophia’s Place is located at 6313 Fourth Street NW.
Wine Lover’s Dream
If you’re a wine lover, these places are perfect to add to your list. Mas – Tapas y Vino is an experience not to be missed, according to past guests. Executive chef Marc Quinones, who appeared twice on Food Network Kitchen, brings his Puerto Rican roots to his dishes at Mas. It’s located in the stylish Hotel Andaluz, so hotel guests can order room service from the restaurant. Mas is located at 125 Second Street NW.
St. Clair Winery & Bistro added a menu to highlight its award-winning wines. Guests can enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday while sampling a selection of New Mexican wines. Stop in the gift shop for wine accessories, local craft beer, and gourmet foods. St. Clair Winery & Bistro can be found at 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW.
If you visit one of these restaurants in Albuquerque, I hope your dining experience is out of this world.