Enjoy an Affordable Meal of Latin American Fusion Fare at Sharkey’s

Sopas, tostadas, and more are expertly prepared at Sharkey's in Albuquerque. This casual, family-friendly eatery specializes in Mexican and Latin American fusion fare that's not too hard on the wallet.

While the menu spans tacos to Sonoran-style hot dogs, fresh seafood takes center stage here. Regulars recommend the sea bass tacos and the Chili Caribe, meat-stuffed peppers that are wrapped in bacon and deep-fried. Ceviche and aguachile are made to order, and soups arrive piping hot and well-seasoned. Landlubbers can choose from burgers, carne asada, and fries.

Sharkey's is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Live music takes the stage most weekends, and both indoor and outdoor seating are offered.

Sharkey’s
5420 Central Avenue Southwest
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505) 831-8905
www.facebook.com/pages/Sharkys-fish-and-shrimp/161886367303379
www.yelp.com/biz/sharkys-albuquerque

Cafe Lush: Dine Locally and Sustainably

Cafe Lush is a wonderfully sustainable, environmentally friendly addition to Albuquerque’s food scene, offering creative dishes made with organic ingredients and fresh, local produce whenever possible. The restaurant is housed in a modern building with an umbrella-covered patio on one side for dining under the New Mexico sunshine, and its interior is a sparsely furnished minimalist’s dream.

Regulars enjoy dining on Cafe Lush’s healthy breakfast tacos, tofu scramble and famous Lushaladas each morning, while the lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes packed with veggies and whole grains. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are also available for non-meat eaters. If you’re visiting for the first time, Cafe Lush regulars recommend the weekend brunch, which includes decadent entrees with your choice of morning beverage for just $11.25.

Cafe Lush is open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The restaurant is closed Sundays.

Cafe Lush
700 Tijeras Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 508-0164
www.cafelushabq.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-lush-albuquerque

Farina Pizzeria and Wine Bar: A Little Piece of Italy in Albuquerque

Fans of Italian food in the Albuquerque area simply can’t miss Farina Pizzeria and Wine Bar. This authentic Italian restaurant is laid-back and casual, but the chefs take their food very seriously. Handmade, wood fired pizzas topped with fresh ingredients like thick mozzarella, flavorful capers and fresh heirloom tomatoes are served on metal stands right at the table.

Although the majority of the pizza menu includes the expected Italian favorites, there are a few non-traditional toppings for more adventurous eaters. Farina also offers house-made pasta fagioli soup, insalata and antipasti to accompany its pizza. The friendly, lively atmosphere could be attributed to the restaurant’s extensive wine list, which makes it ideal for family dinners and first dates alike.

Farina Pizzeria and Wine Bar is open 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Mondays and until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Saturday hours are from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Farina Pizzeria and Wine Bar
510 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-0130
www.farinapizzeria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/farina-pizzeria-and-wine-bar-albuquerque

The Supper Truck: Fusion Tacos and Sandwiches Around Albuquerque

Although you never know where it will pop up, the Supper Truck always offers fresh, flavorful Southern fare all over Albuquerque. This mobile food truck parks in front of populated areas throughout the city and serves unique items like fried chicken banh mi sandwiches and Coca-Cola-braised beef tacos at reasonable prices.

The kitchen crew is incredibly fast and friendly, which makes it a perfect choice for a quick workday lunch break, and the menu changes so frequently that there’s always something new to try. Grab some hot boiled peanuts or fried pickle chips as a side and you’ll quickly realize why so many Albuquerque residents hunt for the Supper Truck around town.

The Supper Truck offers a full schedule of its locations and a current menu on its website. The truck’s staff is also available to cater large events or parties with advance reservations.

The Supper Truck
111 Marble Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 205-7877
www.ilovesupper.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-supper-truck-albuquerque

Cottonwood Mall: Shop, Dine and Catch a Flick at This Large Mall

If you’re an avid shopper in the Albuquerque area, Cottonwood Mall is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. This spacious, light-filled mall features open hallways that can accommodate even the largest weekend shopping crowds, and it’s filled with stores for just about any shopper’s interest.

Clothing retailers like American Eagle Outfitters and Express are situated between large department stores like Dillards, J.C. Penney and Sears. Bath and Body Works, Shoe Department, the As Seen On TV store and other specialty stores sell just about all of the home goods and clothing accessories that you can imagine, while eateries like Johnny Rockets and T.G.I. Friday’s will satisfy any food craving. Cottonwood Mall also offers ample parking, a large movie theater and small play areas for the little ones to make your visit to the mall as fun and convenient as possible.

Cottonwood Mall
10000 Coors Boulevard Bypass NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 897-6571
www.cottonwoodmall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cottonwood-mall-albuquerque

Expect Authentic Japanese Fare at Kokoro in Albuquerque

Kokoro brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Albuquerque. Founder and chef Takako Kimura grew up in Niigata, Japan, a coastal city known for its fresh produce and high quality rice. After attending culinary school and training under great chefs in Tokyo, Kimura came to New Mexico and opened her restaurant to bring the “heart of Japanese cuisine” to Albuquerque.

Yelp reviewers who have lived in Japan claim that Kokoro’s dishes taste just like food they enjoyed in Kyoto or Tokyo. The menu lists traditional Japanese fare made with organic vegetables. Expect everything from tempuras, chicken teriyaki, and gyoza to egg rolls, edamame, and ten-don. Don’t leave without trying the curry, a favorite of many of Kokoro's regular diners.

Kokoro is open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Kokoro
5614 Menaul Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-830-2061
kokoroabq.com
yelp.com/biz/kokoro-albuquerque

Farm & Table: Local Food Worthy of a Special Occasion

Celebrating an anniversary? Maybe a special birthday? Or looking to change things up for date night? Farm & Table is the place to go. Yelp reviewers call this restaurant “an occasion type of place.” Here, diners dress up in anticipation of a fine dining experience in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.

More than 80 percent of the menu is local, featuring seasonal food from the restaurant’s on-site farm as well as nearby farmers and ranchers. Portion sizes may be smaller than expected, according to reviewers, but the dishes are packed with fresh, sharp, and sultry flavors. For the best experience, ask to be seated on the patio to watch the sun set over the farm. Farm & Table is often crowded, so plan to make reservations.

Farm & Table is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Farm & Table
8917 Fourth Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
505-503-7124
farmandtablenm.com
yelp.com/biz/farm-and-table-albuquerque

Get Your Breakfast Fix at The Grove Cafe & Market

Fans of AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad will certainly recognize The Grove Cafe & Market. This Albuquerque eatery was featured in several episodes during the series's fifth and final season, including a pivotal scene in the finale. The Grove Cafe & Market has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

However, the television series isn’t the only thing that draws in customers, according to Yelp reviewers. Here, “farm-fresh” organic fare proves The Grove to be a local favorite lunch spot. The counter service-style restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu, and the eatery boasts a light and airy setting in which diners can enjoy their breakfast sandwiches. The Grove also serves Intelligentsia coffee, espresso, and tea all day. Stop in on the weekend to grab a fresh baked French macaroon to accompany your coffee!

The Grove Cafe & Market is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

The Grove Cafe & Market
600 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-248-9800
thegrovecafemarket.com
yelp.com/biz/the-grove-cafe-and-market-albuquerque

Mexican Food Is Served With a Twist on Tradition at Sadie’s of New Mexico

For more than 50 years, Sadie’s of New Mexico has been serving traditional New Mexican cuisine to Albuquerque residents and visitors alike. Founded in 1954, this family-owned restaurant uses “only the freshest ingredients and recipes that have been passed down for generations,” according to its website.

Try the house-specialty enchiladas or the “legendary” carne adovada, both of which arrive piping hot and full of the tender, juicy meat of your choosing. Be warned that Sadie’s does not skip on spice. Red or green, the eatery's salsas pack a punch that’s sometimes too spicy, even for New Mexico natives! You can take some home with you, too: The award-winning salsa can be purchased at the restaurant or online. Leave room for the sweet sopaipillas that come free with every meal.

Sadie’s is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Sadie’s of New Mexico
6230 Fourth Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-345-5339
sadiesofnewmexico.com
yelp.com/biz/sadies-of-new-mexico-albuquerque

Tia Betty Blue’s: A Retro Cafe Serving New Mexican Fare

Tia Betty Blue’s is a charming cafe that serves what the owners describe as “new Mexican,” which includes unique combinations like sweet waffles with lavender whipped cream for breakfast and Frito pies for lunch. The restaurant itself has a retro flair that extends from the bright blue sign on the outside to the more than 100 brands of glass-bottled sodas on the inside.

Tia Betty Blue’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week, and all of the authentic Mexican dishes like chiles, carne adovada and tamales are made in-house daily. With friendly service, affordable prices and a comfortable, stylish seating area, there’s a whole lot to like about Tia Betty Blue’s.

The restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. There’s also a convenient drive-thru window for ordering carryout meals on the go.

Tia Betty Blue’s
1248 San Mateo SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 268-1955
www.tiabettyblues.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tia-betty-blues-albuquerque

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