Albuquerque has a ton of options when it comes to good New Mexican food – a unique blend of Mexican and Southwestern cuisines with a little Land of Enchantment flair and a generous helping of chile. The only difficulty in deciding where to eat is narrowing down your options (and deciding whether you’re in the mood for red, green, or “christmas.”) Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, or a nice strong margarita, you’ll be sure to find something to strike your fancy. Here are our top picks for the best New Mexican restaurants in ABQ:
1. Los Cuates
Where to find them:
Coors Location: 10051 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque
Lomas Location: 4901 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque
Menaul Location: 8700 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque
What to get: southwest calamari, chiles rellenos, cucumber jalapeno margarita
In business for almost 40 years, Los Cuates serves up classic New Mexican food with generous portions and a cozy, authentic ambiance. They have three locations in Albuquerque, so no matter where you are in the city they’re probably within a short drive. Los Cuates’ signature dish is the chiles rellenos, a delicious stuffed and roasted Anaheim chile pepper. They also offer creative, New Mexico-inspired twists on other classic offerings, like their southwest calamari or their seafood enchilada. No matter what you order, you’ll leave feeling full, happy, and satisfied!
2. Little Anita’s
Where to find them: There are nine different locations in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, all of which are listed on their website.
What to get: New Mexico green chile stew, Old Town green chile burger
Little Anita’s is another Albuquerque classic, offering hand-crafted New Mexican food for over 40 years. They have nine locations in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, and they’ve done the math: you’re never more than 15 minutes away from a Little Anita’s anywhere in the city! They also have two locations in Colorado. However, Little Anita’s isn’t your typical chain restaurant, with Albuquerque roots and serious commitment to good food. Dine in or take out, and enjoy authentic New Mexico at its best!
3. Cocina Azul
Where to find them:
Cocina Azul de Original: 1134 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Cocina Azul Bar & Grill: 4243 Montgomery Blvd NE, Abuquerque, NM 87109
Cocina Azul Cantina: 5916 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
What to get: Evelyn’s bowl of posole, carne adovada plate
Cocina Azul is yet another classic New Mexican restaurant with several location in Albuquerque, just recently opening up a third location in the form of the Cocina Azul Cantina. Owner Frank Barela and his wife Evelyn serve up authentic New Mexican recipes, many of which are based off of his grandmother’s cooking. Many dishes are also named after the owners themselves, friends, and family members, like Evelyn’s bowl of posole, Frank Jr.’s bowl of green chile stew, and Frank Sr.’s brisket burger.
4. Mary & Tito’s Café
Where to find them: 2711 4th St NW, Albuquerque,NM87107
What to get: carne adovada omelet, large combination plate
Mary & Tito’s is a beloved Albuquerque staple, in business since 1963. While they have plenty of local fame, they’ve also got some national accolades for their excellent New Mexican food, including being listed as one of America’s 38 essential restaurants in 2018. The restaurant remains family owned and operated, with the daughter of the original Mary and Tito now at the helm. Make sure to check out their daily specials, try their award-winning carne adovada, and sample their combination plates featuring tacos, chile rellenos, tamales, and enchiladas.
5. Sadie’s of New Mexico
Where to find them:
Sadie’s 4th Street: 6230 Fourth Street NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107
Sadie’s East: 15 Hotel Circle NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Sadie’s Academy: 5400 Academy Road Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87109
What to get: fried green chile strips, Sadie’s tacos, dessert nachos
In business for over 50 years, Sadie’s now has three locations in Albuquerque. They offer classic New Mexican staples like tacos, enchiladas, and green chile stew, as well as creative New Mexio-inspired dishes like fried green chile strips and dessert nachos. Outside of Albuquerque, Sadie’s is best known for their award-winning salsas, which can be found in grocery stores around the state and beyond, and is also available online.
6. Duran’s
Where to find them: 1815 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
What to get: Duran combination plate, bowl of chile
Part restaurant, part pharmacy, part eclectic gift shop, Duran’s has a little something for everyone. They’re located near historic Old Town in Albuquerque, and are a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. Not only can you order some delicious, authentic New Mexican food, you can also pick up your prescriptions, purchase over the counter medicine, and peruse their selection of vitamins, supplements, and quirky gifts and accessories.
7. El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina
Where to find them: 10500 4th Street, Albuquerque, NM 87114
What to get: red chile ribs, tequila flight
Situated in Albuquerque’s north valley, El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina offers delicious food in a charming setting, with great outdoor patios and delightful ambiance. Try their red chile ribs, named by the Food Network as the #3 best ribs in America. And make sure to wash it all down with a good margarita, or sample from their extensive tequila bar. El Pinto is also available for weddings and other events, and you can purchase their chile and salsas online.
8. Church Street Café
Where to find them: 2111 Church St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
What to get: bandito pie, Navajo taco, Rita margarita, stuffed sopapilla
Church Street Café is located inside Casa de Ruiz, originally built sometime in the early 1700s, and is one of the oldest structures in the state of New Mexico. Located in the middle of Old Town, this structure boasts historic architecture and has a beautiful outdoor patio. They have a variety of options when it comes to quality New Mexican food. Try their bandito pie, a twist on a frito pie with fritos, beef, beans, and chile, or their Navajo taco, a blend of traditional southwestern and Native American cuisines that’s an entirely New Mexican classic.
From casual chains with local roots to more upscale cafes and cantinas, there’s a little something for everyone when it comes to ABQ’s quality New Mexican offerings. If you’re in the mood for classic New Mexican food, you couldn’t pick a better spot than Albuquerque!
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