Taqueria El Paisa: A Hidden Gem for Mexican Fare in Albuquerque

Taqueria El Paisa may not look like much from the outside, but what it lacks in curb appeal, it more than makes up for in its kitchen. This little spot has earned a loyal patronage through authentic Mexican taqueria-style cuisine that's made to order — and at prices that are easy on the wallet.

Keeping with its humble decor, the menu sticks to the basics: tortas, burritos, gorditas, and tacos, the latter of which are served upon corn tortillas and sprinkled with chopped onions and cilantro. That said, the tacos are a real crowd-pleaser at Taqueria El Paisa, but first-time diners would be also well-advised to order the mole burrito or the gordita de chicharron. Your meal will be accompanied by a little spice, but it's nothing that can't be curbed by a sip of ice-cold agua de melon.

Taqueria El Paisa is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The eatery is cash-only, so be sure to stop by an ATM on your way over.

Taqueria El Paisa
820 Bridge Blvd. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505) 452-8997
www.facebook.com/pages/Taqueria-El-Paisa/164961693618143
www.yelp.com/biz/el-paisa-albuquerque

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

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

Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge: A Local Classic

More than 35 years serving delectable Mexican food has made Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge a standby on the Albuquerque dining scene. That’s no mean feat when you consider that the city has over 150 restaurants serving inventive Mexican cuisine. Visit and you can start your meal with a refreshing Margarita, beer, sangria or glass of wine.

Favorite dishes at this Albuquerque spot include Chiles Rellenos, Cheese Enchiladas, Green Chile Stew, Tamales, Tacos, Seafood Enchiladas, Fajitas, and Stuffed Sopapillas. Take home some of their new line of prepared salsas from a list that includes Hot Jalapeno Salsa, Red Chile Salsa, Green Chile Salsa, and Flame Roasted Chopped Green Chile. You can even gather some in a gift basket for a unique gift.

Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge is open daily.

Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge
5801 Gibson Boulevard SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(505) 262-2253
http://cervantessalsa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cervantes-restaurant-and-lounge-albuquerque

Start Your Day With a Croissant Sandwich From Cafe Lush

Cafe Lush serves a flavorful menu of seasonal fare made with local and organic ingredients. Stop by for breakfast to fuel up for the day with hearty fare like a breakfast pizza with potato crust, eggs, cheese, and chile; French toast with coconut milk, apples, and Kahlua syrup; or a croissant sandwich with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and your choice of breakfast meat.

The lunch menu serves up tasty fare like the Papa Doc sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado aioli; the Mo with grilled eggplant and mushrooms; and the Adam with smoked turkey, brie, pesto, and lettuce. Thin-crust grilled pizzas are also an option, along with some fresh garden salads and yummy desserts.

Cafe Lush is open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays for brunch.

Cafe Lush
700 Tijeras Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 508-0164
cafelushabq.com/wp

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Pair Your Burger With a Craft Beer at Bistronomy

Stop by Bistronomy for a yummy selection of craft-brewed beers and burgers. New Mexico brews are on the menu, so you can chill out with a pint of Rio Grande Pale Ale, Santa Fe Happy Camper IPA, Turtle Mountain Red Eye, or Marble Oatmeal Stout.

The large selection of burgers is made with premium free-range, grass-fed Angus beef and grilled over an open flame. Choose from a list that includes the Rosa with chile con queso, the Texan with sharp cheddar cheese, black bean stout chili, and coleslaw, or the Nawlins’ with crumbled blue cheese sauce and a Cajun rub. A Black Bean veggie burger with sliced goat cheese and a sun-dried tomato sauce will please vegetarians. Hand-cut fries are also available with a variety of sauces.

Bistronomy is open every day.

Bistronomy
3118 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 262-2222
bistronomyb2b.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bistronomy-b2b-albuquerque

Dig Into a Hefty Plate of Hearty Barbecue at The Cube

Head to The Cube for a flavorful meal in a chilled out setting. Yummy barbecue is the hallmark of this eatery, so if you have a hankering for smoked meat, this is your go-to destination.

Order it by the pound, served with homemade toast or honey cornbread. Choices include brisket, pulled pork, pork loin, turkey leg, and sausage. If a sandwich sounds like a winning proposition, your options include brisket, pulled pork, pork loin, sausage, chicken, BLT, and grilled cheese. A hefty selection of hot dogs is also on the menu. Pair your meal with a some flavorful sides like macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, candied yams, green beans, and potato salad.

The Cube is open Tuesdays through Sundays.

The Cube
1520 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 243-0023
www.thecuberestaurant.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/the-cube-albuquerque

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