ABQ Recommendations (eats, drinks, fun, learn)

Keely
ABQ Recommendations (eats, drinks, fun, learn)

Food scene

There are a million great places to eat in this town. Our recommendations are all LOCAL. and these are just a FEW of our fav's! Please send a message if you're looking for something specific. Restaurants organized by distance from the Greenhouse.
Look out the front window, you’ll see the JAMES BEARD NOMINATED bakery walk up window at the end of the block! Baked goods (sweet and savory), amazing croissants, granola & café.
13 locals recommend
The Burque Bakehouse
640 Broadway Blvd SE
13 locals recommend
Look out the front window, you’ll see the JAMES BEARD NOMINATED bakery walk up window at the end of the block! Baked goods (sweet and savory), amazing croissants, granola & café.
<1 mi, patio, brews, NM Soul food and BBQ. Sometimes you want all the meats, and we have never been disappointed. Growler available for guest use in the home. Be sure and get some red chile BBQ sauce on the side!
8 locals recommend
Nexus Blue Smokehouse
1511 Broadway Boulevard Southeast
8 locals recommend
<1 mi, patio, brews, NM Soul food and BBQ. Sometimes you want all the meats, and we have never been disappointed. Growler available for guest use in the home. Be sure and get some red chile BBQ sauce on the side!
1/2 mi. Foodie fave. Gorgeous meals, "intoxicating" pairings. Perfect for date night, an easy stroll if you're up for it, and an easy parking situation via the back streets from the house.
48 locals recommend
Artichoke Cafe
424 Central Ave SE
48 locals recommend
1/2 mi. Foodie fave. Gorgeous meals, "intoxicating" pairings. Perfect for date night, an easy stroll if you're up for it, and an easy parking situation via the back streets from the house.
0.6 mi. Artsy coffee house with a great patio 0.7 mi from the house.
75 locals recommend
Zendo
413 2nd St SW
75 locals recommend
0.6 mi. Artsy coffee house with a great patio 0.7 mi from the house.
0.6 mi. Gorgeous breakfast/brunch/lunch. Locally farmed ingredients (and who can argue with mimosas!).
131 locals recommend
Grove Cafe & Market
600 Central Ave SE
131 locals recommend
0.6 mi. Gorgeous breakfast/brunch/lunch. Locally farmed ingredients (and who can argue with mimosas!).
0.8 mi, voted #17 best pizza joint in the nation by timeout magazine. Hand tossed, wood oven, farm to table, gourmet taste but great prices.
99 locals recommend
Farina Pizzeria
510 Central Ave SE
99 locals recommend
0.8 mi, voted #17 best pizza joint in the nation by timeout magazine. Hand tossed, wood oven, farm to table, gourmet taste but great prices.
0.8-mi, patio & take out. It may say burgers (and they are LEGIT) but there's something for everyone like Ahi, veggie, and chicken options and some great salads.
38 locals recommend
Holy Burger
700 Central Ave SE
38 locals recommend
0.8-mi, patio & take out. It may say burgers (and they are LEGIT) but there's something for everyone like Ahi, veggie, and chicken options and some great salads.
0.8 miles. This is real French cuisine in the middle of downtown to are transported to a bistro in France. Outstanding service. Save room for dessert
6 locals recommend
Le Troquet
228 Gold Ave SW
6 locals recommend
0.8 miles. This is real French cuisine in the middle of downtown to are transported to a bistro in France. Outstanding service. Save room for dessert
1.25 mi, take out, REAL New Mexico breakfast and a genuine local fav. Please get breakfast smothered in Christmas (or on the side if you're cautious). Adorable gift shop up front with all the favorite candies of olden days.
60 locals recommend
Barelas Coffee House
1502 4th St SW
60 locals recommend
1.25 mi, take out, REAL New Mexico breakfast and a genuine local fav. Please get breakfast smothered in Christmas (or on the side if you're cautious). Adorable gift shop up front with all the favorite candies of olden days.
1.25 mi, to go, CALL AHEAD there’s usually a line! Here's our first "Mexican" not "New Mexican" recommendation. Since 1929 it's quick, and mouthwatering burritos will give you energy to last a day of adventure.
28 locals recommend
El Modelo Mexican Foods
1715 2nd St SW
28 locals recommend
1.25 mi, to go, CALL AHEAD there’s usually a line! Here's our first "Mexican" not "New Mexican" recommendation. Since 1929 it's quick, and mouthwatering burritos will give you energy to last a day of adventure.
1.3 mi. Whimsical, 50’s retro diner featuring lunch & diner amid a vintage jukebox & soda fountain
16 locals recommend
66 Diner
1405 Central Ave NE
16 locals recommend
1.3 mi. Whimsical, 50’s retro diner featuring lunch & diner amid a vintage jukebox & soda fountain
1.4 mi. Breakfast, lunch, boxed lunches, party trays. The Green Chile Philly, Lobo Club, and the Isotopes Triple Play give you what you need from the deli with a taste of New Mexico.
DG's Deli
1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave NE
1.4 mi. Breakfast, lunch, boxed lunches, party trays. The Green Chile Philly, Lobo Club, and the Isotopes Triple Play give you what you need from the deli with a taste of New Mexico.
1.5 mi, In a hurry? Drive thru, quick & quality. Something for everyone and very reasonable prices. One of our family "go-to's".
Burritos Alinstante
2101 Broadway Blvd SE
1.5 mi, In a hurry? Drive thru, quick & quality. Something for everyone and very reasonable prices. One of our family "go-to's".
1.5 mi. Diners, Drive In’s & Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games & winner of Chopped! Chef Marie made a mission of supporting local farms & school lunch programs. Breakfast burritos or amazing slow roasted sandwiches at lunch. Keep it local with the Duke City Ruben or 505 Filthy!
Slow Roasted Bocadillos Downtown
200 Lomas Blvd NW
1.5 mi. Diners, Drive In’s & Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games & winner of Chopped! Chef Marie made a mission of supporting local farms & school lunch programs. Breakfast burritos or amazing slow roasted sandwiches at lunch. Keep it local with the Duke City Ruben or 505 Filthy!
1.6 mi, breakfast & lunch, weekend patio dinner. Healthful, gorgeous, and yummy!
35 locals recommend
Slate Street Cafe
515 Slate Ave NW
35 locals recommend
1.6 mi, breakfast & lunch, weekend patio dinner. Healthful, gorgeous, and yummy!
1.8-mi, car-hop service. We know sometimes you just want a sloppy chili dog and fries, in NM style it's spicy!. It's also a Breaking Bad location.
14 locals recommend
Dog House Drive In
1216 Central Ave NW
14 locals recommend
1.8-mi, car-hop service. We know sometimes you just want a sloppy chili dog and fries, in NM style it's spicy!. It's also a Breaking Bad location.
1.9 mi, lovely patio, Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar. Loved. Every. Bite. Great for date night
Debajo Tapas y Vino
1025 Lomas Boulevard Northwest
1.9 mi, lovely patio, Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar. Loved. Every. Bite. Great for date night
2 mi. Veggie forward, sandwiches, soups & salads, but plenty of meats.
103 locals recommend
Vinaigrette
1720 Central Ave SW
103 locals recommend
2 mi. Veggie forward, sandwiches, soups & salads, but plenty of meats.
2.2 mi, drive thru, sometimes you just crave some GREAT fried chicken. Don't wait, there's often a line, good thing they're quick!
8 locals recommend
Golden Pride Lomas
1830 Lomas Boulevard Northeast
8 locals recommend
2.2 mi, drive thru, sometimes you just crave some GREAT fried chicken. Don't wait, there's often a line, good thing they're quick!
2.2 mi. near museums and old town. Coffee, sweets, sandwiches, pizza and beer. Another Food Network Star! Get an Empanada (fruit of your choosing), kids of all ages get a free biscochito (state cookie!).
67 locals recommend
Golden Crown Panaderia
1103 Mountain Rd NW
67 locals recommend
2.2 mi. near museums and old town. Coffee, sweets, sandwiches, pizza and beer. Another Food Network Star! Get an Empanada (fruit of your choosing), kids of all ages get a free biscochito (state cookie!).
2.2 mi. New Mexican, Breakfast & lunch, popular carne adovada, green chile stew, big fluffy sopapillas.
100 locals recommend
Cocina Azul
1134 Mountain Rd NW
100 locals recommend
2.2 mi. New Mexican, Breakfast & lunch, popular carne adovada, green chile stew, big fluffy sopapillas.
2.7 mil. Dark wood Irish Tavern. FISH & CHIPS!!! Guinness Beef Stew? A flight of whiskeys!
54 locals recommend
Two Fools Tavern
3211 Central Ave NE
54 locals recommend
2.7 mil. Dark wood Irish Tavern. FISH & CHIPS!!! Guinness Beef Stew? A flight of whiskeys!
American, Seafood, & Greek, donations to veterans. Voted best in the city. Take out & delivery.
Nick & Jimmy's Bar and Grill
5021 Pan American Fwy NE
American, Seafood, & Greek, donations to veterans. Voted best in the city. Take out & delivery.
Take out & delivery. Greek food; donations to veterans. Voted best in the city.
14 locals recommend
Mykonos Cafe & Taverna
5900 Eubank Blvd NE
14 locals recommend
Take out & delivery. Greek food; donations to veterans. Voted best in the city.
Patio, pick up & delivery. Near the mountains. Elevated Mexican food, with a sense of an old Mexican plaza. Brunch outdoors on the dog-friendly patio. Donations to veterans. We love this place; we had our rehearsal dinner here!
18 locals recommend
El Patron
10551 Montgomery Blvd NE
18 locals recommend
Patio, pick up & delivery. Near the mountains. Elevated Mexican food, with a sense of an old Mexican plaza. Brunch outdoors on the dog-friendly patio. Donations to veterans. We love this place; we had our rehearsal dinner here!
lovely 20-min drive, real New Mexican food, beautiful old converted NM home.
15 locals recommend
Teofilos Restaurante
144 Vallejos Ln
15 locals recommend
lovely 20-min drive, real New Mexican food, beautiful old converted NM home.
If you are craving amazing curry, pad Thai and papaya salads this is where you want to go
Krung Thai Restaurant
7923 Menaul Blvd NE
If you are craving amazing curry, pad Thai and papaya salads this is where you want to go
Pho cures everything that green chile stew doesn’t. Visit the international district for your fix
May Cafe
111 Louisiana Blvd SE
Pho cures everything that green chile stew doesn’t. Visit the international district for your fix

Brews and Vines

Easy walk to and from, board games, chill atmosphere, kombucha on tap
Thirsty Eye Brewing Company
Easy walk to and from, board games, chill atmosphere, kombucha on tap
< 1 mi, patio, pick up. Growler in home. See also restaurant section
8 locals recommend
Nexus Blue Smokehouse
1511 Broadway Boulevard Southeast
8 locals recommend
< 1 mi, patio, pick up. Growler in home. See also restaurant section
1.5 mi, rooftop & dog friendly patio, 6-packs, Growler in home. Local Fav!
190 locals recommend
Marble Brewery
111 Marble Ave NW
190 locals recommend
1.5 mi, rooftop & dog friendly patio, 6-packs, Growler in home. Local Fav!
2.5 mi, dog friendly patio, Award winning! 6 packs. Growler in home.
23 locals recommend
Rio Bravo Brewing Company
1912 2nd St NW
23 locals recommend
2.5 mi, dog friendly patio, Award winning! 6 packs. Growler in home.
2.5 mi, patio & pick up Native American & woman owned. Growler in home
54 locals recommend
Bow & Arrow Brewing Company
608 McKnight Ave NW
54 locals recommend
2.5 mi, patio & pick up Native American & woman owned. Growler in home
5 mi, patio, pick up. Keely's home town brews here in the Abq.
19 locals recommend
Santa Fe Brewing Company Albuquerque Taproom
3600 Cutler Ave NE
19 locals recommend
5 mi, patio, pick up. Keely's home town brews here in the Abq.
2.7 mi, pick up or Private winery experience
Sheehan Winery
303 Romero Street Northwest
2.7 mi, pick up or Private winery experience
3.2 mi, pick up, patio
70 locals recommend
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
901 Rio Grande Blvd NW
70 locals recommend
3.2 mi, pick up, patio
pick up/delivery, specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, fabulous stills, tours
18 locals recommend
Gruet Winery & Tasting Room
8400 Pan American Fwy NE
18 locals recommend
pick up/delivery, specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, fabulous stills, tours
sprawling European style vineyard, picnics
81 locals recommend
Casa Rondeña Winery
733 Chavez Rd
81 locals recommend
sprawling European style vineyard, picnics

Doings

Dinosaurs, fractals, local volcanos & more!
176 locals recommend
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
1801 Mountain Rd NW
176 locals recommend
Dinosaurs, fractals, local volcanos & more!
hands-on learning, science, math & art
178 locals recommend
Explora Science Center
1701 Mountain Rd NW
178 locals recommend
hands-on learning, science, math & art
Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach, Zoo, & Aquarium
263 locals recommend
ABQ BioPark
903 10th St SW
263 locals recommend
Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach, Zoo, & Aquarium
Want a breakfast burrito, a buttery croissant, a basket of fresh produce, a really cool t-shirt, beautiful jewelry, and homemade treats for the pups all in one beautiful spot? Do some yoga and listen to some music too!
51 locals recommend
Downtown Growers' Market
810 Copper Ave NW
51 locals recommend
Want a breakfast burrito, a buttery croissant, a basket of fresh produce, a really cool t-shirt, beautiful jewelry, and homemade treats for the pups all in one beautiful spot? Do some yoga and listen to some music too!
Old school amusement park!
41 locals recommend
Cliff's Amusement Park
4800 Osuna Rd NE
41 locals recommend
Old school amusement park!
Take me out to the ball game! And the Soccer game! A minor league baseball stadium home field of the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Though some days they show up as their alter-ego Mariachis! And we old-school NM people still wear our old Dukes Gear! Take your picture with the Simpsons (where they got the name). Currently home to the NM United Soccer Club as well! We're so excited for them to get their own stadium soon!
43 locals recommend
Isotopes Park
1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE
43 locals recommend
Take me out to the ball game! And the Soccer game! A minor league baseball stadium home field of the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Though some days they show up as their alter-ego Mariachis! And we old-school NM people still wear our old Dukes Gear! Take your picture with the Simpsons (where they got the name). Currently home to the NM United Soccer Club as well! We're so excited for them to get their own stadium soon!
Pick the ponies. Secret: Best bloody mary's in town.
8 locals recommend
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack & Casino
145 Louisiana Blvd NE
8 locals recommend
Pick the ponies. Secret: Best bloody mary's in town.
Home of the New Mexico State Fair, it also hosts art fairs, flea markets, public events.
9 locals recommend
Expo New Mexico
300 San Pedro Dr NE
9 locals recommend
Home of the New Mexico State Fair, it also hosts art fairs, flea markets, public events.
Outdoor concerts by major acts spring until fall
10 locals recommend
Isleta Ampitheater
5601 University Blvd SE
10 locals recommend
Outdoor concerts by major acts spring until fall
Urban square with open-air stage plus a splash pad. Enclosed convention center & performance stage.
6 locals recommend
Civic Plaza
1 Civic Plaza
6 locals recommend
Urban square with open-air stage plus a splash pad. Enclosed convention center & performance stage.
All music venue in historic theatre.
13 locals recommend
Sunshine Theater
120 Central Ave SW
13 locals recommend
All music venue in historic theatre.
music venue in historic theatre.
12 locals recommend
The Historic El Rey Theater
622 Central Ave SW
12 locals recommend
music venue in historic theatre.
University Campus theatre with world class acts, dance and theatre performances
47 locals recommend
KiMo Theatre
423 Central Ave NW
47 locals recommend
University Campus theatre with world class acts, dance and theatre performances
Formerly the Hard Rock and just as glitzy. Gorgeous spa. Golf.
33 locals recommend
Isleta Resort & Casino
11000 Broadway Blvd SE
33 locals recommend
Formerly the Hard Rock and just as glitzy. Gorgeous spa. Golf.
Outdoor ampitheatre with amazing acts. Beautiful spa. Nestled at the foot of the mountains a popular wedding venue for the views
110 locals recommend
Sandia Resort & Casino
30 Rainbow Rd
110 locals recommend
Outdoor ampitheatre with amazing acts. Beautiful spa. Nestled at the foot of the mountains a popular wedding venue for the views
Challenging and gorgeous hike!
50 locals recommend
La Luz Trailhead
50 locals recommend
Challenging and gorgeous hike!
Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites and an estimated 24,000 images carved by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex. Their meaning was, possibly, understood only by the carver. These images are the cultural heritage of a people who have long since moved into other areas and moved on through history for many reasons. The monument is intended as a protection for these lands and sites from and for visitors to see and appreciate for generations to come. The National Monument is managed in a manner that allows recreational use. The monument has four major sites that visitors can access, Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcano Day Use trails.
135 locals recommend
Petroglyph National Monument
Western Trail Northwest
135 locals recommend
Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites and an estimated 24,000 images carved by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex. Their meaning was, possibly, understood only by the carver. These images are the cultural heritage of a people who have long since moved into other areas and moved on through history for many reasons. The monument is intended as a protection for these lands and sites from and for visitors to see and appreciate for generations to come. The National Monument is managed in a manner that allows recreational use. The monument has four major sites that visitors can access, Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcano Day Use trails.
10-min drive through the beautiful north valley
32 locals recommend
Betty's Bath & Day Spa
1835 Candelaria Rd NW
32 locals recommend
10-min drive through the beautiful north valley
5 minutes away. Senior, student & military discounts.
10 locals recommend
Albuquerque Baths
1218 Broadway Blvd NE
10 locals recommend
5 minutes away. Senior, student & military discounts.
Romantic view, a must see. Spanning the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains, world’s 3rd longest single span & longest aerial tram in the Americas.
502 locals recommend
Sandia Peak Tramway
30 Tramway Rd NE
502 locals recommend
Romantic view, a must see. Spanning the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains, world’s 3rd longest single span & longest aerial tram in the Americas.
summer hikes, beautiful views year round, hang gliding, & winter skiing & snowboarding!
50 locals recommend
Sandia Peak Ski & Tram
New Mexico 536
50 locals recommend
summer hikes, beautiful views year round, hang gliding, & winter skiing & snowboarding!
Less than half a mile, One of Albuquerque's best-kept secrets, South Broadway Cultural Center is your gateway to excellent live entertainment, original art, cultural events, workshops and classes, and group gatherings. Make South Broadway Cultural Center part of your life; you'll find your cultural life richer for it.
South Broadway Cultural Center
1025 Broadway Blvd SE
Less than half a mile, One of Albuquerque's best-kept secrets, South Broadway Cultural Center is your gateway to excellent live entertainment, original art, cultural events, workshops and classes, and group gatherings. Make South Broadway Cultural Center part of your life; you'll find your cultural life richer for it.

Neighborhoods

historic downtown, outdoor plaza, shopping & restaurants. Dances and music on the plaza in the warm months. Historic church. Beautiful Christmas lights. Parking is paid or tucked away behind shops. Drive slowly.
197 locals recommend
Old Town
197 locals recommend
historic downtown, outdoor plaza, shopping & restaurants. Dances and music on the plaza in the warm months. Historic church. Beautiful Christmas lights. Parking is paid or tucked away behind shops. Drive slowly.
Eclectic shopping, theatres, and eats. an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, bars, & restaurants, many of which are locally owned, & several are on the National Register of Historic Places. Local bus service in Nob Hill is provided by ABQ RIDE's 66 Central, 97 Zuni, & 16/18 Broadway-University-Gibson routes. In addition, there is a Rapid Ride station at Central & Carlisle providing express bus service via the 766 Red Line & 777 Green Line. There are also several rental scooter & bike stops. A fun stroll, a bike designated speed zone (take Silver Street from the house), bus stops, and rental scooters and bikes. Close to the University.
209 locals recommend
Nob Hill
209 locals recommend
Eclectic shopping, theatres, and eats. an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, bars, & restaurants, many of which are locally owned, & several are on the National Register of Historic Places. Local bus service in Nob Hill is provided by ABQ RIDE's 66 Central, 97 Zuni, & 16/18 Broadway-University-Gibson routes. In addition, there is a Rapid Ride station at Central & Carlisle providing express bus service via the 766 Red Line & 777 Green Line. There are also several rental scooter & bike stops. A fun stroll, a bike designated speed zone (take Silver Street from the house), bus stops, and rental scooters and bikes. Close to the University.

Sightseeing

Romantic view, a must see. Spanning the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains, world’s 3rd longest single span & longest aerial tram in the Americas. Stunning views and a totally enclosed carriage, but may make you weak in the knees if you're afraid of heights.
502 locals recommend
Sandia Peak Tramway
30 Tramway Rd NE
502 locals recommend
Romantic view, a must see. Spanning the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains, world’s 3rd longest single span & longest aerial tram in the Americas. Stunning views and a totally enclosed carriage, but may make you weak in the knees if you're afraid of heights.
11,000-sq.-ft. gallery classic & modern Hispanic art along with visual art presentations
108 locals recommend
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th St SW
108 locals recommend
11,000-sq.-ft. gallery classic & modern Hispanic art along with visual art presentations
Cultural dances year-round in the courtyard. Learn about Pueblo culture from ancient to present, full-service restaurant & shopping.
158 locals recommend
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW
158 locals recommend
Cultural dances year-round in the courtyard. Learn about Pueblo culture from ancient to present, full-service restaurant & shopping.
Former trading post on historic royal road now museum & farming education. (Sentimental submission, we got married here.)
Gutierrez Hubbell House
6029 Isleta Blvd SW
Former trading post on historic royal road now museum & farming education. (Sentimental submission, we got married here.)
Yes the most famous doing of all here. Balloon Fiesta is perhaps the best known & most popular, and absolutely the most photographed event in NM. If you're an early riser catch the mass ascension (bundle up!), if not, come back in the evening for the balloon glows and fireworks.
136 locals recommend
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
4401 Alameda Blvd NE
136 locals recommend
Yes the most famous doing of all here. Balloon Fiesta is perhaps the best known & most popular, and absolutely the most photographed event in NM. If you're an early riser catch the mass ascension (bundle up!), if not, come back in the evening for the balloon glows and fireworks.

City advice

Don't miss

New Mexico True Certified Visitor Experiences

Follow this link to go to the NM True website for more suggestions! https://www.newmexico.org/new-mexico-true-certified/true-certified-visitor-experiences/