4 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Duran Central Pharmacy

$ Fodor's choice

A favorite of old-timers who know their way around a blue-corn enchilada (and know that Duran's deeply authentic New Mexican red is the chile to pick for it), this welcoming spot serves fine, freshly made and warm flour tortillas, too. Duran's harkens to the days when every drugstore had a soda fountain; it's got cold beer and a full kitchen now, serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with your choice of counter stools, cozy tables, or the little shaded patio right off old Route 66. By the way, the pharmacy itself still offers the personal care it did since its founding back in 1942, and the traveler will find just about any sundry they might have a need for—as well as a sophisticated selection of New Mexico–centric books and gifts.

Barelas Coffee House

$ | Barelas

This eatery may look like a set in search of a script, but it's the real deal: folks come from all over the city to sup in the longtime New Mexican--style chile parlor in a historic Route 66 neighborhood south of Downtown. You may notice looks of quiet contentment on the faces of its many dedicated diners as they dive into their bowls of Barelas's potent red chile. It's nothing fancy here, just the comfort of familiarity and the very pleasant option of seating on their shaded patio. The staff treats everybody like an old friend—indeed, many of the regulars who come here have been fans of Barelas since it opened its doors in 1978.

Casa de Benavidez

$ | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

The fajitas at this welcoming local spot with a romantic garden patio are a favorite here, and are served-up in generous portions. The burger wrapped inside a sopaipilla is another specialty, as are the chimichangas packed with beef. As always with New Mexican cuisine, diners will be asked if they would like their dish with red or green chile (or Christmas); the sauces are both pork-based here, so vegetarians will want to skip them and ask for roasted green simply chopped instead. The charming restaurant occupies a late 19th-century Territorial-style adobe house. If there's a wait, enjoy a Negro Modelo (with lime, please) at the pleasant bar.

8032 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87114, USA
505-898–3311
Known For
  • breakfast on the shaded patio
  • meat-based red and green chiles
  • friendly atmosphere in a traditional adobe
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner Sat.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Church Street Café

$$

This traditional adobe eatery features New Mexican--style family recipes, which happily feed streams of hungry tourists. Locals, too, are drawn here, especially for the alfresco dining in the lovely courtyard (and in the mosaic-bedazzled great room looking out to it), amid trellises of sweet grapes and flowers, and further enhanced by the occasional accompaniment of a classical and flamenco guitarist. Buttery guacamole, with just a bit of bite, is the perfect appetizer to prep one's palate for the tender carne asada main. Try the house specialty, chile rellenos stuffed with pork and cheese, or a portobello-and-bell-pepper fajita. Traditional desserts and hearty breakfast choices are also offered.

2111 Church St. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104, USA
505-247–8522
Known For
  • chile rellenos stuffed with pork and cheese
  • historic tile and tin decorations
  • flower-filled courtyard seating
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.