Albuquerque: A Culinary Paradise. Discover the Top Spots to Dine and Drink Here.

During my recent trip to Albuquerque for an episode of our Unpacked by Dinogo podcast, I focused on the city’s protected outdoor areas. I engaged with local historians, traversed the Paseo del Bosque trail, and even interviewed a hot air balloon pilot—while soaring in the sky. However, the most unexpected narrative was about the local food scene. While the chiles are outstanding, Albuquerque boasts much more: a vibrant Vietnamese culinary culture, a new wave of winemakers continuing New Mexico's winemaking legacy (the oldest in the U.S.), and a dynamic Native farming community. There’s so much to explore in this Southwestern culinary haven.

Dining Options

El Patio

Red or green? This is the official state question, meaning, “Do you prefer red or green chiles?” Here, “chile” typically refers to the sauce accompanying your dish. At El Patio, a beloved establishment since 1977, you can enjoy favorites like frito pie, chile relleno, and their renowned green chile enchiladas. For the adventurous, ask for “Christmas” to sample both types of chiles.

Indian Pueblo Kitchen
Situated within the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the casual Indian Pueblo Kitchen offers a delicious journey through New Mexico’s 19 pueblos via their cuisine. (The pueblo people are the original inhabitants of New Mexico, with each pueblo recognized as a sovereign nation.) During my visit, I must have sampled half the menu, starting with blue corn–crusted fried Kool-Aid pickles, moving through several hearty stews, including the amazing red chile beef bone posole, savoring blue corn enchiladas, and finishing with a slice of peach pie. A delightful way to begin or conclude your time at the cultural center.

Sawmill Market

At this modern food hall—one of three in the city—dining is a choose-your-own-adventure experience in a repurposed sawmill. With nearly 30 restaurants and food vendors, Sawmill Market features spots like Hot Pizza (wood-fired pies), Dr. Field Good’s Burgers (comfort food with a New Mexican twist), and Little Madrid (serving paella and Basque cheesecake), alongside cocktail bars, a fantastic coffee shop, and more.

Campo

I highly recommend staying at Los Poblanos, but if an overnight visit isn’t feasible, make sure to dine at Campo. Under the leadership of chef Christopher Bethoney, the restaurant highlights ingredients grown on-site along with seasonal offerings from primarily New Mexican producers. The menu is frequently updated, but be sure to try the grilled New Mexican beef and anything featuring corn. The wine selection prominently features local New Mexican varieties. Don’t forget to stop by the Farm Shop, where you can find coffee, incredible pastries, and a variety of tasty items to take home, including the inn’s newly crafted botanical-infused gins.

Coda Bakery

When a local food critic claims that Coda has the finest bánh mì sandwich he’s ever tasted, it’s wise to take note. This Vietnamese eatery crafts exquisite spring rolls, noodle bowls, and sandwiches using local ingredients (don’t miss the shrimp sausage). The menu also features refreshing smoothies and authentic Vietnamese coffee.

Mesa Provisions

Chef Steve Riley is another local talent dedicated to utilizing New Mexican-grown produce. At his Central Avenue Mesa, he creates dishes like chicken-fried quail, trout accompanied by a citrus beurre blanc and pickled mushrooms, and an enchanting miso-infused charred cabbage. I enjoyed my time at the bar, where I chatted with the bartenders and even Steve himself—a 2024 James Beard semifinalist—while sipping local sparkling wine and snacking on green chile–infused cheddar biscuits. A definite must-visit!

Barelas Coffee House

The Barelas neighborhood is one of Albuquerque's oldest areas and is often considered the city’s Latin heart. It hosts the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the beloved Barelas Coffee House, founded in 1978 by longtime resident Michael Gonzales. Here, you can savor classic dishes such as huevos rancheros, enchiladas, and the highly popular menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe and red chile paste—rumored to be a hangover remedy. One of its notable claims to fame: Barack Obama has dined here.

Soo Bak Seoul Bowl

This beloved eatery began as a food truck, and its popularity led chef-owner John Katrinak to establish a brick-and-mortar location. At Soo Bak, he draws upon his mother and grandmother’s recipes to create a unique Korean–New Mexican menu, featuring everything from classic bibimbap with kimchi and rice to a New Mexican bowl topped with spicy pork, green chile, and Korean pepper sauce.

Where to Enjoy a Drink

Bow & Arrow Brewing

Bow & Arrow holds the distinction of being the first Native women–owned brewery in the United States. Co-owners Missy Begay and her wife, Shyla Sheppard, utilize Southwestern ingredients—frequently Indigenous ones sourced locally—to create flavorful and innovative beers. One example is the Denim Tux, inspired by the iconic wardrobe of the Southwest, crafted with blue corn from the Santa Ana Pueblo. Additionally, through their annual Native Land Initiative, they brew a special beer to honor the Tiwa people’s land on which the brewery is located, share the recipes with breweries nationwide, and donate all proceeds to local Native American nonprofits.

La Cumbre

Enjoy foosball, savor some food, and indulge in favorites like the Elevated IPA at this well-established local brewery, named after the Spanish word for 'summit.' Founder and brewer Jeff Erway frequently introduces seasonal creations such as the Tonal Bliss IPA, while also focusing on perfecting classic recipes. He operates a second location that exclusively serves beer.

The Copper Lounge

This LGBTQ+-friendly bar exudes a speakeasy vibe, offering inventive cocktails. Relax under the distinctive copper ceiling—after all, it’s the Copper Lounge! Try an El Mezcalero (made with pineapple juice, mezcal, and ginger) or a Kentucky Ninja (featuring Japanese whisky, bourbon, and lemon). Alternatively, you can unwind in the lounge, where classic films are screened. Small bites like Sonoran dogs and elote are also on the menu.

Happy Accidents

You can expect exceptional drinks at this establishment, especially since its team was awarded the title of best bar team at the 2023 Spirited Awards, the most esteemed accolade in the industry. You might also recognize Happy Accidents co-owner Kate Gerwin from her appearance on Netflix’s Drink Master. Choose from over 40 cocktails, ranging from the non-alcoholic Chris Barley (made with roasted buckwheat, garam masala, and hops) to the bold Dirty Talk (similar to a dirty martini but crafted with olive, garlic, leek, and rosemary gins).

Teddy Roe’s

This remarkable bar is a true speakeasy. I won’t give away how to locate Teddy Roe’s, as that’s part of the adventure. Your quest (which may or may not start in a bakery...) will lead you to an extensive menu of creatively named, elevated cocktails like the blueberry-infused Blues on Michigan Avenue or the green tea twist on a milk punch known as the Genuine Risk. Or simply ask one of the bartenders—perhaps co-owner Jessica O’Brien—to craft you something unique.

Zendo Coffee

When you're in the mood for a different kind of brew, Zendo Coffee (with two locations) is the perfect spot. This café also functions as an art gallery, providing you with visual delights as you enjoy your Aztec latte (a blend of dark chocolate and cayenne) or a Regis (a double shot topped with sparkling water and house-made whipped cream). Don’t miss the pastries from the Witching Flour Bakery, including their delightful gluten-free doughnuts.

Where to eat, drink, and enjoy the outdoors

Bike and Taco Tour with Routes

Albuquerque boasts some fantastic trails, making it a great place to explore the city on two wheels. Routes, situated in Old Town, not only rents bikes but also offers guided tours, including ones that highlight murals and Breaking Bad filming sites. Their latest offering is the ABQ Bike & Taco tour, which takes you to three different taco locations, with bike breaks in between.

Level 5 at Hotel Chaco

You won't find a better panoramic view in the city than at the top of Hotel Chaco, right across from the Sawmill Market. On a sunny day (and there are plenty in Albuquerque), the Level 5 rooftop restaurant is the ideal spot for watching the sunset. The food and drinks are just as impressive—during my visit, I enjoyed an Old-Fashioned while savoring the Asparagus Calabacitas, a delightful mix of summer squash and asparagus topped with a swirl of red chile gel and served with tortillas as I watched the sun sink below the horizon.