Local Restaurant Recommendations

Albuquerque Uptown

• Cheese & Coffee:
  “The most excellent place I know of” in Uptown, according to one UNM Law Librarian. It’s across Louisiana, north of Menaul on the west side of the street.  They’re only open for lunch or a snack before 3:00 pm, but their food is really excellent.  Sandwiches, salads and desserts. 
• Tsai's Chinese Bistro:
  Tsai’s is the real deal. Its authentic, local, and they use fresh ingredients in everything. Soups and appetizers are just as delicious as the main courses. Plus it is quiet, clean, and friendly.
• Japanese Kitchen Sushi Bar & Japanese Kitchen Steakhouse
  Two separate spaces across the courtyard from each other. Enjoy the mellow vibe at the sushi bar with solid sushi options and good service – and a nice bento selection at lunch. If you prefer a higher-energy teppan grill experience, step into the steakhouse for the usual assortment of teppan items (meats and seafood), fried rice, and a brief kids menu.
• Ruth's Chris Steakhouse:
  If you want to spend some money and enjoy a steak this is a solid Uptown option.
• The Egg & I:
  Good for breakfast or lunch (not open for dinner).
• Fork & Fig – Across the street from the hotel, this restaurant features gourmet burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads using fresh, local ingredients.  Often packed, but with good reason. Recommended: NM reuben, grown-up grilled cheese, ribeye sandwich, cotija corn, green chile coleslaw. Open til 9pm, 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Downtown / Edo

• Pasión Latin Fusion
  Child-friendly, family-run restaurant that boasts good service and serves a unique blend of Latin American cuisine spanning from the Argentinian Tierra Del Fuego, the Caribbean beaches, the streets of Mexico, the rolling hills of Spain, and the local, classic flavors from New Mexico.  And were on Restaurant Impossible!
• Café Lush
  This cafe has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened.  It is very friendly for gluten-free eaters (their red chile is wheat free!) & Tom has been Voted Best Chef.  Brunch menu on Saturdays, they are closed Sundays. Did we mention they have gluten-free desserts during the week?
• Cecila's Cafe
  The perfect hole in the wall for breakfast, and their Fireman's Burrito will keep you full until dinner.  Be warned, they don't mess around with their chile!  Featured on Diners, Drives-Ins and Dives.
• Hartford Square
  Locally sourced, fresh & seasonal ingredients from around New Mexico.  With a cozy indoor and outdoor eating area.  Open for breakfast and lunch, they have delicious tartlets.
• Marble Brewery
  Local Microbrewery.  Hang out on the second-floor patio and enjoy their rotating beer selection (or bottled root beer) and nosh from rotating Food Trucks.  Check online for food trucks and music.
• Standard Diner
  A remolded service station and modernized diner food.  Try something new, stay with the classics. (They also own The Range Cafe)
• Farina Pizzeria
  Artisanal Pizzas using organic flour, with tasty gluten-free crust option.  Great wine list.
• Holy Cow Burgers
  Great burgers, great price, and don't miss out on the parmesan zucchini fries.
• Apothecary Lounge:
  If you want a seasonal cocktail from a selection of bitters, some light food fare, and a rooftop view of the city then this bar is it! 
   

Better Call Saul & Café Lush in the Background

Old Town (& Nearby)

• High Noon
  Serving steak since 1974 with a great selection of tequila.  The building is original adobe with brick floors, lighted nichos, and kiva fireplaces.
• Vinaigrette
  A salad bistro where much of the produce for is grown on owner Erin Wade’s 10-acre farm in Nambe, New Mexico.  Don't miss out on their Mushroom Stew or homemade ice cream.
• Golden Crown Panaderia
  A beloved bakery for 25 years, they also have great pizza.  Or, stop by for a sandwich with an empanada for later.  And everyone gets a free biscochito!
• Cocina Azul
  Across the street from Golden Crown Panaderia, they were voted Best New Mexican Restaurant, open from 8am - 8pm.  Come for a cup of posole, or fill up with the Brisket Taco Plate.
• St. Clair Winery & Bistro
  Nosh on their patio with an array of award-winning New Mexico wines.  They sell their wines along with wine accessories inside.  They also have a kids menu.

Nob Hill & UNM Area

• Streetfood Asia
  They offer an array of sauces, toppings, garnishes, meats, seafood and veggies.  Add some sparkle with sake or an exotic bar drink.
• Korean Barbeque House
  Good sushi and Korean options, good service, great location for strolling after eating.
• Little Anita's
  “Delicious New Mexican cuisine in a casual atmostphere” according to a UNM staff member who knows. Very accommodating of groups.
• The Range Café
  Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Serving comfort food made from scratch. 

NE Heights

• Duran’s Station
  Best Red Chile, they don't skimp on their enchiladas!
• Rebel Donut
  So delicious they should be outlawed!
   

North Valley & Westside

• Farm and Table
  Seasonally inspired menu, they grow their food right behind the restaurant.  An array of vegetarian options, as well as New Mexico steaks. 
• El Pinto
  In the family since 1962.  They the recipes of the abuela Josephina Chavez-Griggs. Their family was the first to differentiate their cuisine as "New Mexican".
• Sharky’s
  Best Seafood in ABQ!

Albuquerque Uptown

• Uptown Funk Dueling Pianos:

The dueling piano show is like no other kind of live music entertainment. Professional pianists play side-by-side and the music played is requests from the audience. You can request any genre: rock, country, hip hop, etc. Uptown Funk has a full bar and has a food menu provided by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (their neighbor).

he show is like no other kind of live music entertainment, where only professional pianists play side by side, and the music played is the requests from the audience. You can request any genre of music such as rock, country, hip hop, etc. they’ll sing and play everything on the piano.

he show is like no other kind of live music entertainment, where only professional pianists play side by side, and the music played is the requests from the audience. You can request any genre of music such as rock, country, hip hop, etc. they’ll sing and play everything on the piano.