Aubrey’s guidebook
Food scene
For a more upscale full-service bar, you can't beat the rooftop bar at Hotel Chaco. Its 4 miles away from the house. I'm obsessed with it! Its a bit pricey, and a tad more formal (ie: no shorts or workout gear), but totally worth it! Get a petroglyph martini!
31 locals recommend
Hotel Chaco
2000 Bellamah Ave NWFor a more upscale full-service bar, you can't beat the rooftop bar at Hotel Chaco. Its 4 miles away from the house. I'm obsessed with it! Its a bit pricey, and a tad more formal (ie: no shorts or workout gear), but totally worth it! Get a petroglyph martini!
0.2 miles away from the house. Great coffee, baked goods, and breakfast burritos. Their iced coffee is made with coffee ice cubes. Try the Biscochito latte for a NM taste!
23 locals recommend
Piñon Coffee House
5222 4th St NW0.2 miles away from the house. Great coffee, baked goods, and breakfast burritos. Their iced coffee is made with coffee ice cubes. Try the Biscochito latte for a NM taste!
AMAZING breakfast!! Get the Croque Madame or the Chorizo Biscuits and Gravy and you will not be disappointed!! Get there before 10 on the weekends or you'll wait in line a while.
23 locals recommend
The Shop Breakfast and Lunch
2933 Monte Vista Blvd NEAMAZING breakfast!! Get the Croque Madame or the Chorizo Biscuits and Gravy and you will not be disappointed!! Get there before 10 on the weekends or you'll wait in line a while.
Takumi Japanese Restaurant
2100 Louisiana Blvd NEGreat sushi, sit at the Sushi Bar and ask for Jose'.
BRAVO Cucina Italiana
2220 Louisiana Blvd NEBest Italian in town!
Awesome decor, great beer selections, delicious food, easy location!
20 locals recommend
The Range Café
1050 Rio Grande Blvd NWAwesome decor, great beer selections, delicious food, easy location!
Viet Taste Restaurant
5721 Menaul Blvd NEIn my opinion, the best Vietnamese restaurant in town!
Sadie's of New Mexico
6230 4th St NWIt doesn't look like much - but they have the best tacos in town! On Tuesdays, the tacos are 50 cents! Get 4 per person for a good meal. My favorites are Pastor, Chorizo, Pollo, and Asada.
Tacos Mex Y Mariscos
5201 4th St NWIt doesn't look like much - but they have the best tacos in town! On Tuesdays, the tacos are 50 cents! Get 4 per person for a good meal. My favorites are Pastor, Chorizo, Pollo, and Asada.
Laguna Burger
2400 12th St NWLEGENDARY NM Burgers!! Beer and wine sold here as well!
Boutique/Shopping
If you see Tess, the owner, tell her Noel's (pronounced like "knoll") girlfriend sent you! =) I think its a great place to get awesome souvenirs- full of vintage finds, handmade goods, and gorgeously decorated!
23 locals recommend
Spur Line Supply Co.
800 20th St NWIf you see Tess, the owner, tell her Noel's (pronounced like "knoll") girlfriend sent you! =) I think its a great place to get awesome souvenirs- full of vintage finds, handmade goods, and gorgeously decorated!
Uptown
Outdoor mall with upscale stores
Nob Hill
Sight-seeing, shopping, and food all in one, on the original Route 66.
No Longer Wander
10301 Comanche Rd NETrendy store, locally owned.
City advice
What to pack
Casual clothes! Dress in layers!
ABQ is not a formal place! We like to dress casually - think jeans and tees or blouses. Dress in layers in the fall, winter, and spring, because temperatures range wildly throughout the day. You're unlikely to need a heavy coat in any season unless you're doing some skiing.
Getting around
Uber, Lyft, and driving are the best ways to get around
ABQ's public transportation can be iffy, so if you can swing it, drive. Walking is usually safe in all areas during the day, but be aware of your surroundings. At night, be alert, and avoid walking in alleys. Basically, common sense.
Useful phrases
What does "red or green?" mean?
Waiters may ask you "red or green?". This means, "would you like red chile, or green chile?" If you've never tried New Mexican chile, I'd suggest ordering "Christmas on the side" (red AND green), so you can give it a try on your own terms.
Customs and culture
Always ask permission before taking a photo of tribal dancers, or artists.
If on tribal land, be respectful, and make sure you only attend events or gatherings you are specifically invited to.
Getting around
Street-side parking downtown is free on the evenings (after 5) and weekends.
Otherwise, pay meter.
Don't miss
The Sunday Railyard's Market is a must!
Beautiful artwork, souvenirs, and fun!
Customs and culture
We call NM "the land of mañana"
Mañana means "tomorrow". Our saying means that we take our time, don't generally rush, and expect pleasantries and short conversation before requesting service or ordering a meal from someone.