Developed with relative isolation in the Southwest, New Mexican cuisine is a unique blend of Pueblo and Mexican flavors. Chile is the state’s chief crop, and since it is grown in a high altitude with hot weather, capsaicin levels are increased creating an even spicier product. Other popular staples include breakfast burritos, enchiladas, pine nuts called piñons, and sopapillas which are similar to a Native American style frybread. From the days of old western chuckwagons to the sprouting of Route 66 diners, New Mexican dining culture has always been an adventure in Albuquerque.
Breakfast at Frontier Restaurant
You’ll love the funky wild western decor of this Albuquerque institution, each of the many rooms has so much to see.
For a meal that will fuel you all morning, order the breakfast burrito which is monstrously huge and dripping with gooey cheese, a generous portion of egg, and veggies.
Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss the ginormous and gorgeous cinnamon roll, served hot and topped with a buttery icing.
Breakfast is served all day.
Lunch at Mary & Tito’s
Tastes like delicious home cooking and service as friendly as family at this mom and pop shop.
The restaurant was filled with locals, a great sign – but get there early because they may run out of your favorite ingredients! While they may not have had what I wanted to order, the waitress generously brought our table complimentary guacamole on top of the normally gratis chips and salsa.
New Mexico’s state question is, Red or Green? But luckily, you don’t have to choose. Get whatever your dish is Christmas style and be prepared for a spicy experience.
Dinner at Cocina Azul
You might not find a green chile cheeseburger outside of the state, so this is your big chance to try it.
This burger is made with New Mexican Hatch green chiles, and you can find other great offerings such as sopapillas, pozole, and enchiladas here.
Look online to see if there is a yelp check in for free salsa rojo and verde!
Dinner at La Salita
You can find the best Chile Rellenos in the city here, two deep fried Hatch green chiles stuffed with cheese and topped with avocado – divine and indulgent.
A Frito Pie is another fun dish to find locally, made with ground beef and beans that are smothered with chile and queso.
If you’re dining on a Tuesday, you can grab this plate for a great deal of just $5 instead of $9. End on a sweet note with the dessert sopapilla drizzled with a chocolate chile glaze.
Dinner at Owl Café
For a kitschy Route 66 experience, don’t pass up a trip to this eye-catching diner. They will start you off with a bowl of beans and green chile, but you have to try the Santa Fe style chicken soup which I could have eaten an entire vat of it!
On certain nights of the week you can order Indian tacos, super filling and fresh.
Most of all the restaurant is known for their heaping slices of pie, so save room for dessert!
Thanks so much! I get emotional just thinking about how good the food in New Mexico is 🙂
Love this post. Your descriptions of the foods & locations are wonderful.