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

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

Nexus Brewery: Soul Food and Craft Beer

If you want to indulge in chicken and waffles or learn about how beer is made, Nexus Brewery is the place to do it. This brewery is popular among locals because of its great selection of craft beers ranging from dark stouts to lighter wheats. The brewery itself is tucked away into an industrial park near the highway, but its comfortable, lively interior makes it well worth the drive.

Guests can embark on an educational beer tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process, or you can skip the tour all together and simply grab a bite to eat in the dining area. Nexus serves chicken wings, sandwiches and other soul food dishes along with its extensive list of craft beers, which makes it ideal for a casual weekday lunch or a fun weekend outing.

Nexus Brewery is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Nexus Brewery
4730 Pan American E Freeway NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 242-4100
www.nexusbrewery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/nexus-brewery-albuquerque

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