18 places to visit and restaurants to eat at in and near Downtown ABQ
Albuquerque's Downtown skyline looking northeast
Albuquerque Journal
Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth TuckerElizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
Whether you are a local resident looking for a nice meal downtown or a tourist passing through, here is a list of 18 places to explore Downtown.
You can hop a free bus along Central Avenue to get to many of these spots.
Food halls and restaurants
505 Central Food Hall
Updated
A prominent storefront along Route 66, thisfood hallhosts nine different vendors bringing flavors from around the world.Richard S. Dargan
Buen Provecho ABQ
Updated
Thisrestaurantwas opened in 2018 by owner William Rojas, who is originally from Costa Rica. The delicious smell of cooking meat greets you as soon as you walk in. The restaurant is in El Vado Motel right off Central Avenue SW in the distinct white adobe buildings directly across from the ABQ BioPark. There is no seating inside, rather, patrons sit on the patio after ordering and a server will bring the food. The patio has a water feature and misters for summer evenings.
Indian Pueblo Kitchen
Updated
Thisrestaurantserves New Mexican food with Native American flair. The menu offers Blue Corn Enchiladas, Indian Tacos and Fried Kool Aid Pickles to name a few options.Richard S. Dargan
Itality Cafe
Updated
Tina Archuleta, owner of Itality Cafe, a restaurant that specializes in Vegan Native Foods is see with a vegan pizza and a “hand grenade”, a dough filled with vegetables.Adolphe Pierre-Louis
JC's New York Pizza Department
Updated
This restaurantis located within easy walking distance from the Albuquerque Convention Center, Sunshine Theater and other Downtown entertainment venues, making it a convenient place to drop in for a meal after an evening out on the town. In addition to the pizza offerings, the restaurant has pastas, calzones, sandwiches and a variety of desserts.Elizabeth Tucker
New Mexico Beef Jerky Co
Updated
Savory scents fill the air in this Southwest-style restaurant, with wooden beams and vigas providing decorative support. In addition to the savory goods for sale, the shop has a coffee and tea bar with pastries and churros, which are made to order. Make sure to grab a horchata with your burrito because it's got a spicy kick. The chicharron is smoky and crispy and wrapped in a buttery tortilla.Elizabeth Tucker
Papa Frank's
Updated
Ad
Thisrestaurant—owned by a husband and wife, Joey and Priscilla Gallegos — is built in what used to be Joey Gallegos' grandfather's house. Breakfast burritos are sold all day, but other breakfast options are available only in the morning.Elizabeth Tucker
Sawmill
Updated
Thisfood hallfeatures more than 20 vendors selling not only food options, but also craft cocktails, artisan desserts and even custom floral arrangements. The developer of Sawmill is planning a newUptown locationset to open in summer 2024.Adolphe Pierre-Louis
Slate Street Café
Updated
Thiscaféserves comfort foods with a twist. Breakfast is served all day with some menu items available only on weekends.Reservationsare suggested, especially for bigger parties.
Still Spirits
Updated
An Eli Special mocktail with sparkling water strawberry-balsamic gastrique and lime from Still Spirits 120 Marble Ave. NW. The drink has a tart, vinegar flavor from the gastrique and lime lightened by the strawberry and sparkling water.Elizabeth Tucker
The Dog House drive in
Updated
Featured in the popular series' "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," this spot has been serving travelers along Route 66 since its glory days. The restaurant keeps its menu simple — as it does with its seating options — and is known for its signature foot-long chili dog.Richard S. Dargan
The Grove
Updated
Thiscafeis a popular brunch spot that often has a line out front, as the establishment doesn't take reservations. The food is sourced locally as much as possible. The menu's large breakfast selection ranges from Croque Madame to chilaquiles and is served all day. Lunch options include fresh chopped salads and soups. While you wait for the food, shop around the market space at the front of the restaurant where you'll find cookbooks, candles, journals, cards, old-fashioned candies, hot sauces and other foods and spices.Richard S. Dargan
Things to do
ABQ BioPark
Updated
The ABQ BioPark hosts a zoo, aquarium and botanic gardens.Jon Austria
Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner Station
Updated
Hop on the Rail Runner and take a trip up to Santa Fe or down to Belen to see more of New Mexico.
Old Town
Updated
Old Town has a variety of shopping and dining options such as a "Breaking Bad" store.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
Updated
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science has a variety of exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to Mars rovers.Courtesy of New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
Explora! Science Center & Children's Museum
Updated
Explora! Science Center & Children's Museum has tons of hands-on expirments and science exhibits that are fun for the whole family.Courtesy of Explora
Albuquerque Museum
Updated
Albuquerque Museums'spermanent art and history collections, world-class traveling exhibits and community-curated exhibits.Courtesy of the Albuquerque Museum
