Best Restaurants in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is a world-class destination with activities that can’t be beat, from a tram that carries you over 10,000 feet above sea level up the Sandia Mountains, to colorful hot air balloon rides
After a day of exploring, you can look forward to some of the best in regional cuisine as this Land of Enchantment is loaded with top-notch grub that’s as enchanting as the city’s natural surroundings.
Mary & Tito's Cafe
You're in the heart of Southwestern culture in Albuquerque, so head on over to Mary & Tito's for some authentic local eats. Housed in a modest adobe dwelling just around the corner from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Mary & Tito's serves mouth-watering carne adovada—marinated pork that’s served like a stew with tortillas, and sopapillas, a Southwestern version of meat turnovers. If you're curious about unfamiliar items on the menu, the staff is happy to explain the nuances of local fare.
Sophia's Place
This old-school, local haunt doesn't even have its own website, relying rather on word-of-mouth and third-party reviews—from no less than Guy Fieri and the Food Network—to generate some table traffic. Sophia’s Place offers a breakfast and lunch menu loaded with everything from duck confit tacos to lemon ricotta pancakes. The tiny restaurant also serves up plenty of local kitsch, complete with Native American dolls, hand-painted posters and yellow rubber ducks.
Guava Tree Cafe
If anyone in your family attended the University of New Mexico, they no doubt rave about the nearby Guava Tree Cafe. This hotspot provides a great sample of affordable Latin and Caribbean cuisine, served primarily during lunch hours. Popular favorites include yucca fries and the pernil sandwiches, made with a special recipe of crispy pork. Even if you've already eaten, pop in for a pick-me-up with café con leche and some Latin music before heading on your way.
Mr. Powdrell's Barbeque House
Follow your nose to Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque House; it’s a short one-mile drive from the must-see National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Anyone in the area can get a hunger-inducing whiff of the eatery’s wood-chip barbeque aroma. The menu isn't fancy, but on top of the usual BBQ favorites like brisket, chicken, pulled pork and sausage, Mr. Powdrell's offers popular po' boy sandwiches, fried okra and sweet potato fries. Some say it’s the best BBQ in the 505!
Jennifer James 101
Love the farm-to-table trend? Head straight for Jennifer James 101. JJ’s offers both staples and eclectic dishes—everything from traditional steakhouse favorites like ribeye and halibut to flank steak and chickpea fries on the ever-changing menu. If you're there on a Thursday night, opt for the three-course $25 dinner. JJ 101’s menu is small, but the flavors are big as the restaurant, and chef Jennifer James, is often regarded as one of the best in the Southwest.
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