The Cube: Barbeque and Brew near the U

If barbecued brisket and ribs smothered in a smoky sauce accompanied by a side of mac’n’cheese is on your wish list, The Cube in Albuquerque is the spot to satisfy. Hamburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and sausages are also on the menu, alongside a list of homey sides like collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes and creamed corn. Pull out all the stops and go for a plate of fries smothered in chile and cheese. Wash it down with a cold Marble Brewery beer on tap or a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Just a hop-skip from the university, this is where college kids should go when they miss mama’s home cooking. The Cube also sells an assortment of barbecued meats by the pound for a take-home meal.

The Cube
1520 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 243-0023

La Cumbre Brewing Company: Local Brews

Relax with a cold brew at La Cumbre Brewing Company. The casual environment is the perfect place to kick back with friends as you enjoy the house beers brewed on site. You can even bring your dog inside. The homey atmosphere makes this the perfect neighborhood bar. No food is served but you are welcome to head over to one of the food trucks outside for some tasty grub. Order the beer sampler which comes with four, four ounce beers to try a variety the flavors on tap including seasonal offerings. The beers are all reasonably priced at around $4. Parking can be a hassle but once you're inside you'll forget all your troubles. 

La Cumbre Brewing Company
3313 Girard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 872-0225
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-cumbre-brewing-company-albuquerque

 

Kokoro: Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Sample a taste of Japan at Kokoro in Albuquerque. The menu is full of authentic Japanese fare. Instead of specializing in just sushi, Kokoro offers sushi in addition to the other delicious dishes. The curry, which comes with rice and miso soup, is amazing. Regulars say it's the best curry in town. Also try noodle dishes like ramen and soba. For a little bit of everything order one of the bento boxes. All meals are very reasonably priced. The cozy restaurant does get crowded. Closed on Mondays. 

Kokoro
5614 Menaul Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 830-2061
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kokoro-albuquerque

Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday as we honor our nation's heroes.

Il Vicino: A Great Combination

Beer and pizza are old friends, and Il Vicino  improves on this happy relationship with its hand-crafted beer. Disarmingly industrial from the outside, inside Il Vicino offers a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. While Il Vicino has an array of menu items, from pasta to calzones to a good selection of sandwiches, the pizza is the real star here. And with choices like these it’s easy to see why. For something with a kick try the Bianca. This pizza comes with spicy oil and capocolla ham, in addition to Portobello mushrooms and gorgonzola cheese. For a less fiery pie the Angeli is a good choice, with sweet balsamic marinara and roasted chicken. On the sandwich front you can’t go wrong with the Vespa, which comes with roasted chicken and sun dried tomato mayonnaise. You’d be remiss to pass up one of Il Vicino’s great beer selections, including the best selling chocolate cherry stout. 

 
2381 Aztec Road
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 881-2737
 

Lumpy’s Burgers: An Albuquerque Favorite Cooked the Old-Fashioned Way

The proprietors of Lumpy’s Burgers in Albuquerque really love making great burgers. Their patties are slapped on the grill as soon as you place your order for that hot-off-the-sizzler, home cooked taste that makes other burgers pale in comparison. Here’s how it works — you write your order on a paper bag and pick out your own personal potato, either sweet or russet. Choose your spud sliced and fried crispy in one of three ways – skinny (shoestring), chunky (thick) or skrewy (curly). Burgers come in three sizes, Wimpy, Lumpy and Plumpy, with toppings like green chile and cheese at no extra charge. Add a drink for a mere 25 cents. For the non-burger set, there are chicken strips, corn dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches, but hey, how can you refuse a Lumpy’s Burger?

Lumpy’s Burger
5420 Central Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(505) 833-1300

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing all moms a wonderful day filled with much love and happiness!

Tours of Old Town: Days of Old

In 1706 Old Town was founded in what is now Albuquerque, NM. Tours of Old Town, Albuquerque’s premier historical experience, gives visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of this iconic town firsthand. Tours of Old Town offers many exciting tours chock full of historical information. History buffs will love the historical tours through “Duke City”, including information pertaining to the many Native American tribes inhabiting the area at that time. Ghost tours take place at night and document Old Town’s haunted history, while an even later moonlight tour examines the seedy underbelly of Old Town and it’s dangerous saloons and salacious dance halls. The history of Old Town is not always pleasant, with atrocities like lynching being the norm at the time, but it is worth knowing. History has never been quite as interesting as at Tours of Old Town, where it comes alive before your eyes. 

Plaza Don Luis N-120
303 Romero St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 246-8687
 
 
 

Rio Grande Zoo: Lions and Tigers and Bears, and More

A trip to Albuquerque isn’t complete unless you visit the Rio Grande Zoo. With over 200 species of animals, from elephants, to orangutans, to toucans, there’s something for everyone at this spacious, beautifully landscaped 64 acre park. The seals and sea lions are a sleek favorite as they cavort and glide in the water. Ariel, a harbor seal pup, joined the gang in April of 2011. Mornings are cooler and less crowded in the summer months. The zoo is part of the Rio Grande BioPark, which also includes the botanical garden and aquarium. Admission can be purchased separately or discounted for all three venues. The Rio Grande Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rio Grande Zoo
903 10th Street SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-6200

The Grove Cafe and Market: Local Organic Fare and Artisan Treats

With its welcoming, modern ambiance and its healthy menu, The Grove Café brings a taste of northern California to the New Mexico desert. Just a short trip from Broadstone Towne Center, it’s a tasty gathering spot for breakfast and lunch that’s easy on the wallet. Co-owners Lauren and Jason Greene’s aim is to offer the highest quality local and organic ingredients cooked artisan-style and served up in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Their menu features all-day breakfast fare and lunch items that include soups, salads, panini and cold sandwiches. Have a cup of fresh brewed coffee and one of their signature cupcakes to finish off your repast. Cruise through the market section and pickup one of their artisan food items like a jar of raspberry red chile jam on your way out.

The Grove Café and Market
600 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 248-9800

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