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

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

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

Antiquity Restaurant: Uncommon Elegance

There's nothing run of the mill about Albuquerque's Antiquity Restaurant. This upscale eatery serves gourmet cuisine that utilizes the freshest ingredients and most innovative cooking techniques. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, recalling a laid back European bistro. The menu is equally impressive, featuring perfect cuts of meat perfectly cooked. Tenderloin au Poivre features a brandy based sauce infused with green peppercorns and mushrooms. The Spiced Shrimp is sautéed with beer and New Mexican red chili. This one is a real scorcher. The Chateaubriand for two is carved table side, while the pork Normande is made with brandy and sliced apples in cream sauce. For dessert there is Polyczenta, which is ground walnuts and cream wrapped into a crepe, as well as crème brulee and chocolate mousse. Along with a glass of wine from Antiquity’s stellar wine list and you have a world class meal at your fingertips. Be sure to call ahead to arrange seating, Antiquity can get full pretty fast.

112 Romero Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 247-3545
 

The Owl Cafe: A Tasty Albuquerque Diner

The Owl Café is becoming an Albuquerque standby. It’s modeled after the original café located 150 miles south near New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range. It might be a 1990s copy of a diner, but locals and visitors alike rave about their mountainous green chile cheeseburgers that leave them sated and addicted. The breakfast burritos, chicken fried steak smothered in chile, chocolate shakes, and quesadillas also get good reviews. Table top juke boxes add to the 1950s diner atmosphere and the giant neon owl sign out front is a hoot. Good food and low prices – what’s not to like? Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Owl Café
800 Eubank Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 291-4900

Thai Vegan: Healthy Thai Fare

Finding food that is both tasty and healthy can be a challenge. Thai Vegan in Albuquerque makes it easy. The food is so good and full of flavor you'll be shocked that you're eating vegan fare. Even meat lovers will enjoy the classic, fresh flavors bursting with spices. The interior is comfy and intimate with touches of gold tones throughout. The menu is packed with Thai classics like curries, pad Thai, spicy eggplant, and faux chicken dishes. There are even "burgers" to enjoy. Enjoy a tasty Thai Iced Tea or Thai Coffee as you savor your meal. No matter what you get your taste buds will thank you. The generous portions are enough to fill you up but because it's healthy you can leave the guilt at the door. After just one visit you are sure to become a regular.

Thai Vegan
5505 Osuna Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 884-4610
http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-vegan-albuquerque-2

Marble Brewery: Great Craft Beer and a Laid-back Vibe

Joining the burgeoning trend of brewpubs crafting their own beers, the Marble Brewery has fast become one of Albuquerque’s favorite chill spots. A friendly atmosphere, ten beers on tap and a menu of sandwiches and snacks keeps customers coming back for more. Try the Marble Red Ale brewed with caramel malt, or a chocolaty Oatmeal Stout that’s practically a meal in itself. Sit out on the patio, belly up to the 40-foot bar, or choose a table inside and play one of their board games with friends. You can tour their brew room too, but call ahead to make sure one is available when you drop in. Check out the Marble Brewery's website for a schedule of live performances. Carry out beers are available in six-packs, growlers, and kegs.

Marble Brewery
111 Marble Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-2739

Golden Crown Panaderia: A Neighborhood Jewel to Savor

Don’t let the plain exterior of the Golden Crown Panaderia fool you. This neighborhood bakery in the Old Town section of Albuquerque is a local favorite, beloved for making tasty baked goods for three decades. Green chile bread is their standby, but other favorites are their empanaditas (half-moon-shaped turnovers filled with fruit), biscochitos (Mexican anise cookies), pecan cakes, and sandwiches. They’ve recently expanded their repertoire with the addition of fresh-baked pizzas. Choose green chile, blue corn, spelt or whole wheat crust and top with Genoa salami, cheddar, asadero or provolone cheese. Cozy up inside at one of their three small tables, chill out on the patio, or take it home. Pizzas take 45 minutes to prepare, so call ahead to avoid a long wait.

Golden Crown Panaderia
1103 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-2424

La Crepe Michel: Authentic French Fare in an Old Town Hideaway

Tucked in a courtyard just off the plaza in charming Old Town Albuquerque, La Crepe Michel offers authentic French cuisine with reasonable prices and friendly service. Chef Claudie Zamet-Wilcox’s culinary expertise runs to more than just crepes, although they are by all accounts divine. Crepes can be savory, filled with luscious combinations of seafood, meat, cheese and vegetables, or sweet – try the one filled with chocolate mousse.Daily specials offer dishes like Marmite du Pecheur (stew with fresh fish, shellfish and tomatoes) and Filet de Boeuf (beef tenderloin with Roquefort cheese or black peppercorn cream sauce). Pair your entrée with one of their great authentic French wines for the perfect meal at La Crepe Michel!

La Crepe Michel
400 San Felipe Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 242-1251

Pin It on Pinterest