SubscribeFive restaurants to try in Albuquerque
Because I was staying at Los Poblanos Inn in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque during this last trip to New Mexico, I mostly ate in the North Valley, although I did manage to swing past Nob Hill, as well. There are so many fabulous eateries to choose from, including many Mexican and Southwestern places, but here were a few standouts.
Casa de Benavidez (8032 4th Street NW, 505-898-3311) While droves of people are trying to get into other, more famous Mexican eateries with hour-long waits elsewhere along 4th Street in the North Valley, you could be at this quirky, family-run spot instead. The service sometimes suffers when they get busy, but the cervezas are reasonably priced and the shrimp fajitas, with the unusual addition of broccoli to the vegetable medley, are unbelievably good — seriously, you’ll start sopping up the juices with your napkin and licking it if you run out of other things to use. Also love the Old-Fashioned, which makes you think, yes, why wouldn’t I have some breakfast for dinner? The plate features three cheese enchiladas smothered in a deep, chile-rich red, sided by their delectable, crispy-greasy papitas (potatoes), with a fried egg on top, as well as a puff ball of a sopaipilla. For $10.99, it’s ridiculously filling.
Cecilia’s Cafe (230 6th St. SW, 505-243-7070) An unassuming downtown spot, Cecilia’s sports a kitschy decor — Christmas ornaments up year-round, old Coca-Cola signs, a wood-burning stove, mismatched everything — and a cheerful staff. The small kitchen sends out copious amounts of red chile, their specialty, as well as enormous burritos — the Firemen’s will fill you for the day, packed with carne adovada, eggs, hash browns and chicharrones — and enchiladas wrapped in blue corn tortillas. They make their own flour tortillas, as well, and the brownies are chocolate heaven.
Frontier Restaurant (2400 Central SE, 505-266-0550) Casual and retro-hip, filled with all manner of John Wayne-themed art and convenient to the University of New Mexico, the 40-year-old Frontier is one big melting pot of a diner. The ordering system is daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, things move quickly. And what food, including delicious carne adovada breakfast burritos, spicy huevos rancheros and a killer sweet roll. Coffee or tea comes with, all for under $5.
Order at the counter, then watch for your number to light up when the food's ready to be picked up at the Frontier.
Flying Star (seven Albuquerque locations) An astounding array of house-baked desserts and pastries, as well as a variety of comfort foods, such as mac & cheese, chicken pot pie and French toast smothered with whipped cream. The only thing I don’t like at Flying Star is that the espresso drinks are served in glasses instead of mugs — I don’t understand why any place that takes its coffee seriously does that. The glass is too hot to hold or drink from while the beverage is still hot, and then it cools off too fast. It’s a shame, because otherwise the lattes are excellent. The Albuquerque original, which started on Nob Hill in 1987, also has a store in Santa Fe and one in Bernalillo.
Some of the many tempting baked items available at Flying Star.
Zinc (3009 Central Ave. NE, 505-254-9462) When we were having a terrible experience at another eatery, we called Zinc at the last minute the night before Valentine’s Day on the opening weekend of “Wicked,” and bless their hearts, they got us in and gave us the stellar service and well-executed, innovative food for which the chic but relaxed eatery is known. A seat at the exhibition bar will put you up against the action, where the chefs actually take the time to say hi and check on your meal, and check out the prix fixe tasting menu, which will get you more than enough food for a great price. The onion soup, the wild mushroom tart and the duck confit eggrolls are standouts.
Read more about visiting the Albuquerque area, including a trip to Acoma Pueblo.
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