Good Eats and the best of ABQ

ABQ was quite an adventure. So very different from the southeast in good and not so good ways. It is definitely the most diverse place I ever lived, and the culture reflects that. 

Going out to eat was one of my favorite ways to explore the city (duh). We often ate out under the guise of 'exploring the city'. Okay, okay I won't cook dinner. 

I have been thinking about this post since we got here and I have made my choices. 

Here are some of my favorites:

B2B Bistronomy

Best burger in Albuquerque, hands down

This place located in the heart of Nob Hill is oh so delicious. We didn't learn about it until the beginning of April from some friends in our small group and we have been twice since then. They have yummy local beers, fun sauces to try with your fries, and all local ingredients for the burgers. Geez it's good. 

Satellite Coffee

This coffee joint local to ABQ has several locations around the city and was a great place to sit and hang out. They made my coffee perfect every time. Ask Austin how many times I asked him to stop there on the way home. 

Standard Diner

You have your fair share of diners to choose from as you drive down Route 66, but after trying this one we didn't see the need to try any others. They make terrific breakfast and Sunday brunch, have an awesome beer selection, and have yummy apps and zerts. LOVE

Golden Crown Panaderia

After eating at a not so good pizza place, some of our friends introduced us to this bakery close to our house. The owner treats everyone who visits the counter to order with a free biscochito, a cinnamon sugar Mexican cookie. Other baked goods include empanadas, fresh loaves of bread, and different pizza crusts (blue corn and green chile). Their pizza has my heart.  

Golden Pride and Frontier

These are two restaurants with the same(ish) menu located at opposite ends of UNM's campus. Golden Pride can boast THE BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO YOU WILL EAT EVER. I will seriously miss NM breakfast. Huevos Rancheros for life. Why would anyone want to eat anything other than breakfast food?

Frontier is like a New Mexican Varsity, serving up just about everything for dirt cheap. Located right across the street from campus, it is open almost 24 hours. This is the first place we stopped to eat in Albuquerque! Don't miss the sweet roll!

Vinaigrette 

For a healthier option, this is a fun and unique spot that serves a variety of salads. While the original is located in Sante Fe, this one was right around the corner from our house. Just because you like salads doesn't mean you hate yourself, and this place is always packed to prove that : ) You could always get the mac and cheese appetizer too. 

Marble Brewery

We visited this downtown brewery while our friends Jon and Natalie were in town and it was so fun! They have lots of beers, live music most nights, and food trucks parked outside. If you don't want food from the food truck you can bring anything you want! They have a special Breaking Bad beer that they make. And Tucker got to go! 

If you are every in Albuquerque give one of these places a try! The one thing we were disappointed by was the Mexican food, ironically. There is no white queso cheese dip to be found anywhere. Also most plates are smothered with green or red chile (spicy!) unless you ask for it on the side. It is an acquired taste, much like New Mexico itself.

Fun game: see if you can find 3 Parks and Rec references in this post : )