The 25 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Green chile cheeseburgers, Southwestern fare, and more of ABQ’s best meals, according to a local food journalist with years of experience
At the intersection of I-25 and I-40 (the interstate that largely replaced Route 66), Albuquerque represents a Southwestern crossroads of culture, food, art, music, and film. Commonly called the “smallest big city,” the bustling mini-metropolis of nearly 600,000 residents is more than just a pit stop in the middle of the desert. The vibe is funky, fun, and laid-back (another joking nickname is the “land of mañana”), and it can hold its own when it comes to attractions and charm.
The Duke City’s culinary appeal reaches beyond red, green, or Christmas chile-smothered enchiladas. After years of covering the local dining scene, I — and lots of restaurateurs — have been particularly excited by a stretch of Route 66 in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood, which is becoming a culinary powerhouse. Several standout corners along Central Avenue that once sat vacant are now buzzing with some of the best bars and restaurants that the city (and the country) has to offer. Though many visitors stick to the famed interstate, you should really follow the branching byways into the north and south valleys to taste the full scope of the city’s food scene. Wherever you find yourself in the Duke City, these are the restaurants that are blazing the trail.
In this latest refresh, we’ve revamped our write-ups to include even more relevant info for diners, including a rough range of pricing for each destination — ranging from $ for quick, inexpensive meals with dishes largely under $10, to $$$$ for places where entrees exceed $30.
Justin De La Rosa is a journalist who has been covering the Albuquerque food scene for more than a decade, along with 15 years of experience as a bartender, server, and beverage director.
