Discover 11 Must-Visit Restaurants and Bars in Albuquerque

Exploring New Mexico Cuisine

New Mexico's cuisine often leaves people wondering: red or green? Your choice depends on your chili preference. If you can’t decide, go for both to create a ‘Christmas’ dish. This is a common practice not just in Albuquerque, but across the state.

But Albuquerque has much more to offer beyond its traditional dishes. The city is a melting pot of Native American and Spanish cultures, showcasing a blend of unique dishes and quirky cocktails. Below are some restaurants and bars you shouldn't miss in Albuquerque right now.

Sawmill Market

Sawmill Market is recognized as New Mexico’s first artisan food market, featuring a plethora of stalls offering both traditional and trending dishes. From fresh noodles to pastries and poke bowls, there’s a delightful variety to choose from. It’s the perfect spot to visit with friends when no one can decide what to eat.

In addition to food stalls, you can also explore shops selling handcrafted items from local artisans. Some must-try dishes here include the waffle fresas me amor from XO Waffle, lemon cream pasta from Tulipani Pasta, caramel cappuccino from Plata Coffee, and ube ice cream from Neko Neko.

Address: 1909 Bellamah Ave. NW Albuquerque, NM 87104
Hours: 8 AM-9 PM (until 10 PM on Saturdays & Sundays)

Level 5

Level 5, located on the rooftop of Hotel Chaco, offers a luxurious dining experience with a modern ambiance, outstanding craft cocktails, and delectable dishes like avocado hummus, short ribs, and Earl Grey crème brûlée. If you visit during sunset, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains.

Reservations are exclusive to hotel guests, so if you're not staying there, arrive early to snag a seat.

Address: 2000 Bellamah Ave. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104
Hours: 5 PM-10 PM (until 10 PM on Fridays & Saturdays), 8 AM-1 PM on Saturdays & Sundays

Campo at Los Poblanos

Set among lavender fields, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is the ideal place to enjoy the best brunch in Albuquerque. Don’t miss the almond beet hummus, Christmas-style chilaquiles, and lavender latte.

The dishes are crafted from fresh ingredients, often sourced from local farmers. There’s also a farm shop open from 8 AM-6 PM if you want to take home some delicious goodies.

Address: 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM 87107
Hours: 5 PM-9 PM daily, 8 AM-1 PM on Saturdays & Sundays. (Bar opens daily from 11 AM-10:30 PM)

MOMO Lounge

Located in Old Town Albuquerque, MoMo Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails made with local spirits. With a 1970s-inspired design, this place evokes a nostalgic Route 66 vibe.

While there’s no kitchen on-site, you can order from local restaurants, and the staff will bring your food right to your table. You don’t have to be a guest at the Monterey Motel to join in the fun.

Address: 2402 Central Ave SW, Monterey Motel, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Hours: 10 AM-10 PM daily

Electric Playhouse

They say not to play with your food, but Electric Playhouse is an exception. This interactive entertainment space allows you to engage with food in various fun ways.

Gather your friends for a unique dinner experience while enjoying dynamic art performances. After dinner, you can partake in games like air hockey and whack-a-mole. The themes and programs are always changing, ensuring exciting experiences even if you’ve visited Albuquerque multiple times.

Address: 5201 Ouray Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Hours: Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays; 2 PM-8 PM on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 2 PM-10 PM on Fridays, 10 AM-10 PM on Saturdays, 10 AM-8 PM on Sundays

Ten 3

If you want to unwind after a challenging hike, head to Ten 3, located at the top of Sandia Mountain. How could you resist the stunning views and fresh air? You can take the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest tramway in North America, for a scenic ride.

At an elevation of 10,300 feet, Ten 3 not only offers breathtaking views but also a relaxed dining experience with delicious food.

Address: 30 Tramway Rd., Albuquerque, NM 87122
Hours: Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:30 AM-7:30 PM Thursday-Monday (casual dining), 4:30 PM-7:30 PM Thursday-Monday (fine dining)

Char

Char is one of the newest additions to the must-visit dining spots in downtown, located in the historic Hotel Andaluz. While it has transitioned from a Spanish restaurant to a modern steakhouse, Char retains a unique atmosphere with intimate dining rooms perfect for date nights.

Char is known for its dishes cooked in a Josper charcoal oven, imparting a distinct smoky flavor to the meat. This is the only oven of its kind in New Mexico and one of the specialties that attract diners here.

Address: 125 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Hours: 11 AM-2 PM, 5 PM-10 PM daily

Apothecary Rooftop Lounge

Need a breath of fresh air? Apothecary Rooftop Lounge is Albuquerque’s hottest rooftop bar. Located atop the historic Parque hotel, it serves classic Prohibition-era cocktails alongside stunning views of the Sandia Mountains and the Albuquerque skyline.

Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails made with house-made bitters and syrups. Inside, you’ll find remnants of the building’s clinical past, such as vintage medicine bottles, an old desk, and surgical lights.

Address: 806 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Hours: 5 PM-10 PM (until 11:30 PM on Fridays & Saturdays)

Founders Speakeasy

At Founders Speakeasy, your journey begins with a not-so-secret password, leading you through a freezer door and down a secret staircase to a cozy cocktail bar. Though it may not be flashy, Founders Speakeasy promises an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss!