ONiell's Irish Pub
4310 Central Ave SE

People who went with me/ate there also loved the place: a very nice pub. The Black and Bleu burger is to die for! None of us had alcohol, though, can't review the beer (which is what many people care about at a pub, of course.)

Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza - on your list, would be on mine, too. Good wood oven pizza, nice place.

I can't believe I left off O'Neills! They are a favorite of DH. They have moved around a bit and their newest location is a bit beyong Nob Hill but worth a short walk/drive.

Deb

Zinc Wine Bar and Bistro! In Nob Hill, on Central Ave/Route 66. WONDERFUL wine bar and bistro. Owned by same people who own Season's. But the food and service was much better at Zinc than at my previous 3 dinners at Seasons.

http://www.zincabq.com/index.php

Note that Scalo has half-priced pasta and entrees all day and night on Sundays. And half priced wines on Monday evenings. Try the pear vodka gimlets at the bar!

I may not get back to Albuquerque for a while, but believe me, O'Niells will be at the top of my list of places to revisit. I love a great burger and have had them all over the US this year; O'Niells had one of the best burgers I've had in a long time - several times. (A rival is a local place back east near where my parents live.) I haven't found a great burger here in Portland. They are quite good at McMenamins but not outstanding.

(ONiell's I mean.)

Just so people know, Rudy's is a Texas-based chain (all their locations are in Texas except the 2 in ABQ and 1 in Norman, OK). Their slogan used to be "The Worst BBQ in Texas", and I totally agree. The sauce had way too much pepper in it for me.

And Papa John's is nationwide - based on Louisville, KY. I do like their pizza, though. But Dion's is GREAT!!

I love the sopaipillas (stuffed with meat, beans and cheese for dinner, and then with honey for dessert) at Padilla's (on Girard, just south of Indian School). It is a little neighborhood place with great prices.

Go to the Frontier for breakfast and get one of their huge cinnamon rolls (I've never eaten there for any other meal). It is an ABQ institution. Of course, lots of the places on this list are!

Nice job!

I'll add a couple:

Standard Diner on Central just a bit east of Broadway, near Artichoke Cafe. Upscale diner-ish food.

Viet Taste on Menaul between San Mateo and San Pedro. Delicious, reasonably priced Vietnamese dishes; we haven't had a bad meal there yet.

Smokehouse BBQ in Rio Rancho

Olympia Cafe on Central across from UNM - inexpensive, good Greek food.

Deb and Cranachin mentioned Frontier; don't believe the price guide in Fodor's New Mexico. The most expensive meal on the menu is around $10!

Lee Ann

We had two really great meals at High Noon in Old Town. Really good margaritas and nice waiters too.

Topping cause Lee Ann couldn't find it.

Deb

Thanks, Deb!

Copying and pasting my post from the other thread, plus a bit more...

Chez Axel www.chezaxelrestaurant.com
6209 Montgomery NE (at San Pedro)

Mr. Pickle and I had our belated anniversary there this evening, thanks to a two for one coupon in the Entertainment book. Nice atmosphere, great food (I had cassoulet, he had pork cutlets), live classical piano music, and very good service.

Richard's Mexican Restaurant
3301 Menaul Blvd. NE
881-1039

We ate breakfast at Richard's Saturday morning (also using an Entertainment book coupon); I had a bacon/egg/papitas breakfast burrito and Mr. Pickle had a chorizo/papitas skillet, both with flavorful, not too spicy red chile.

Richard's will do low-fat or low-carb dishes (my burrito was wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla), and they have a pretty good selection of vegetarian entrees.

Richard's is located near the Radisson, the Residence Inn, Motel 6, etc. at Carlisle and Menaul, and isn't far from the other motels on Menaul between Carlisle and University.

Lee Ann

I will second Barelas Coffee House. Great local vibe and homemade-kitchen feel to the place. A tasty breakfast burrito with good green/red chile sauce started my day off right.

When we're passing through, Frontier Restaurant (on Central - especially for breakfast), sitting outside at El Patio on Harvard, and Duran's for lunch are some of our favorites too.

This is a little off the beaten path, but if you want something a little different after visiting Old Town, the zoo, or the aquarium and botanic gardens, head west on Central across the river to

Pro's Ranch Market at Central and Atrisco.

It's a Hispanic market with all kinds of stuff, but their food hall is pretty amazing. We had lunch there today - three street tacos for $3.33. I had carnitas, Mr. Pickle ordered al pastor (marinated pork), and DS got pollo. We swapped so we all had one of each kind.

While we were waiting for our food, we got fresh salsa, guacamole, and limes at the salsa bar.

Each taco comes with a grilled jalapeno, lettuce, and a small grilled onion. They were all very tasty and just the right amount of food.

This place has just about any kind of prepared food you can imagine, and maybe some you couldn't. Trompas (fried pork snout), anyone?

You can get a Mexican soda or one of their agua frescas with your meal, and there is a great selection of pastries and desserts by the entrance. Listen to music and watch a futbol game while you dine.

Cheap, fun, and tasty - who could ask for anything more?

Lee Ann

I have this on my go see and do list, Lee Ann. Thanks for the reminder.

Deb

You have a list like this for SF? We're going there in a week.

Deb - just emailed this list to my ds. He sells produce to about 7 restaurants in the area. I recognized two on the list. Maybe this can help him. Thanks!

BigRuss, there are at least a couple of San Francisco food threads on Fodor's. www.sfgate.com also has a pretty good list.

Lee Ann

Big Russ, SF? Santa Fe or San Francisco? LeeAnn thinks San Francisco, I think Santa Fe. I have a trip report on here with a few Santa Fe favorites, but not nearly as comprehensive. I also have ones for Durango and Cortez CO. Click my name to find them.
Deb

That's funny, Deb - usually I do assume SF means Santa Fe, which caused me a good amount of confusion when I started on Fodor's!

BigRuss, you got several responses on a Santa Fe food thread. It's here somewhere in the NM folder.

Lee Ann

Santa Fe, not San Fran (this was an ABQ post, not Palo Alto ).

Deb -- I'll check under your name, thanks.

What a wonderful list!!!

DebitNM and ElendilPickle especially, thank you for pointing me this way.

I had a list going for a while. I'll try to find it and top it for you.

BeachGirl247 on Oct 1, 09 at 8:34pm
My favorites are:
Tia Sophia
Cafe Pasqual for lunch or dinner
Anasazi on the patio
La Boca -- one of my favorite Santa Fe restaurants
Rio Chama or Del Charro for a steak burger or bar experience
The Shed - I like the ambiance better than La Choza
Bistro 315
Upper Crust Pizza
Andiamo!
Geronimo - I have to give it another shot as it can't be open if it's that bad every day






Tia Sophia's for New Mexican breakfast and lunch.
Tomasita's - not a great ambiance but the food delivers my much needed red and green chile cravings.
Cafe Pasqual's - love their lunches and dinners more than breakfasts
Blue Corn Cafe - still a reliable spot for lunch and dinner
Coyote Cantina - a good spot for drinks and appetizers. Service is still slow and spotty.
Coyote Cafe -- chef Eric DiStefano from Geronimo has brought this back to life. It isn't the best but should give you a very nice dinner spot
Geronimo -- Chef Eric is back in the picture but I don't think it's as good as it was even last year. Maybe they just stumbled this summer, I don't know.
Andiamo! - always a good idea for Italian
Amavi - nice Italian in the spot where Julian's used to be on Shelby Street. Romantic atmosphere.
SantaCafe - hit or miss for us every single time.
The Compound - haven't been in over a year but I hear it is still good.
*La Boca -- LOVE this restaurant! The chefs love this restaurant. Wonderful Spanish menu. He used to be the chef at El Farol for many years.
El Farol - still a favorite. I just love the ambiance of it.
*Bistro 315 - This French bistro always delivers for us.
Ore House - margaritas and chips kind of place for us.
The Shed - love the ambiance and shed red!
La Choza - sister restaurant to The Shed is still good as well
The Bar at Rio Chama - great burgers and steaks. Good spot if you want to watch a game, too.
Pink Adobe -- well, the Dragon Room bar definitely lost its charm when it sold to the group that owns Five Graces behind it. Food is ok and it has a lovely outdoor dining area now.
Cowgirl Cafe - always consistently good and fun atmosphere
Del Charro Saloon - fun bar that serves great burgers and great atmosphere
Tesuque Village Market - was really good then it's fallen off. Hit and miss. I don't know what to say about a place that allows their kitchen to run out of red sauce. In New Mexico!
Fuego's at La Posada - if you want a multi-course gourmet meal this is the spot. Excellent service and a delicious meal
Harry's Roadhouse - I love this quirky spot that serves a little of everything.
Il Piatto - another good Italian restaurant.
Maria's -- the margaritas are still the strongest in town, I think.
La Casa Sena - we don't go as often but it is still a wonderful setting with a great wine list and menu.
Ristra - has been good for us but a friend just returned and said it wasn't good all around the table.
Sleeping Dog Tavern - another spot that gives us a great meal without a lot of fluff.
Upper Crust Pizza - still serving up the best pizza Santa Fe style. I never thought I would have pizza in Santa Fe but boy am I glad I did. Green chile, chorizo and red onion on wheat.

*******
Sorry this is so long but you hit a topic I'm quite fond of -- Santa Fe and food!
I'm sure I've left something out. There are many new restaurants we haven't hit yet.

Go to Santa Fe Reporter's web page and check the restaurant guide.

As Beachie indicated the restaurants in her list are in Santa Fe, not ABQ. A great list and she knows her stuff.

You are so nice, Deb. And, yes, it's Santa Fe restaurants.

Restaurant Martin is new on the list and we'll give it a try when we're there over the holidays. It's in the old Oasis Restaurant building on Galisteo.

A La Mesa is on our list, too. Heard great things from locals about it. It's located by Our Lady of Guadalupe church (?) on Aqua Fria & Guadalupe (same location that housed Cafe San Estephan). I hear the owner/chef of San Estephan is now the head chef at Hotel St. Francis. That may be worth a stop as he had wonderful food.

Also, after our last trip, La Boca wasn't a 10/10 according to our friends.

Thanks both of you. I'll use it on my next visit in May.

Has anyone eaten in Casa Vieja, Farina's or Slate Street Cafe? My spelling might be off.

I haven't eaten at Slate Street or Farina's; it's been a long time since Casa Vieja [different chef].

[Check on chow.com; there were a couple of mentions of Farina. There may be threads on others]

Same here, Centralparkgirl, but Slate Street and Farina get good reviews around town. Farina is some sort of offshoot of Artichoke Cafe.

Lee Ann

Yes. Farina's is owned by the same people as Artichoke Cafe. I'll check chow.com Thank you both!

I have two more to add based on our trip to ABQ and Santa Fe last wk.

In Bernalillo, north of ABQ, the Corn Maiden restaurant at the Hyatt Tamara was very good. We had a birthday dinner there and it blew us away from start to finish. Pricey but worth it. We sat outside on the covered patio and watched the sunset reflecting on the Sandia mountains as we ate. I had sea bass cooked in a banana leaf; husband had a rotisserie met selection w/steak, duck and tuna; it was incredibly good w/nice presentation. Good place for a special ocassion. Hyatt Tamara is a special place to stay also.

Santa Fe: Rooftop Pizzeria, on the top floor of the Santa Fe Arcade (which is on the Plaza- but the restaurant faces Water St.). This is not a typical pizza joint. Very nice cafe w/very good and creative antipasti/salads, artisan pizzas made w/a wonderfully flavorful thin artisan crust and very good toppings (they make their own spicy sausage and it is great). Great spot for lunch- they have a special w/a large slice of artisan pizza and salad, plus a drink (or upgrade to a beer for an extra $2) for $9.

http://www.rooftoppizzeria.com/Menu/EDIBLES

We had a very disappointing meal at El Farol in SF. It was still good a yr ago, but the service was AWFUL this time, hot tapaps were delivered cold and took forever to get reheated, and we won't go back again.

Good dinner at La Casa Sena in the Cantina w/live Broadway tunes sung by the waiters/waitresses and piano player.

I'm sitting here getting excited about Balloon Fiesta and thinking of new restaurants to try and old favorites.

Anyone have a suggestion of a new favorite? I've found most of my favorite ABQ restaurants thanks to this post over the years.

Crepe Michel and Il Vecino - Here I come!

I just got back from a weekend in ABQ. I had dinner in Jennifer James 101, Seasons, and Farinas. I can't say enough great things about JJ101 and Farinas - although very different menus and prices. I also had a very good lunch in Zinc.

Hey, didn't you have a nice Buddah Bowl at Flying Star too??

Debit and others-

Which of these restaurants would you recommend for breakfast that is in the vacinity of the airport and I-40? We will be spending the night at the airport upon arrival and then heading to AZ in the morning (early I'm sure as we will be on EST).

Hands down, go to Frontier. Classic New Mexican, funky place and great food at really good prices.

Deb - just saw this. Yes, I had a nice Buddah Bowl and with even better company!

Thanks Debit, that was my thought. I was worried that on a Sat morning it might be a long wait but I am sure we will be getting there early.

Actually, Sat. am will probably be less crowded as there are way fewer classes over at UNM. It moves pretty fast, even when there is a line.

I wonder if the Flying Star (Silver and 8th?) is OK for a GTG? We have only 4.5 months to decide

CentralParkGirl and I had one there not too long ago; it was fine!

duh, I should have scrolled up a bit! I forgot what I wrote on my own thread....

Yes, it would be a good location.

Lee Ann

Good! It will be close to the hotel, as we'll most likely end up in Blue.

Zacatecas Tacos is a winner - great food at reasonable prices. In Nob Hill, 3423 Central NE http://www.zacatecastacos.com/

Farina's is excellent. Also on Central, west of I25.

The Grove top notch. Also on Central, west if I25.

I love the Grove, but I don't think it's open for dinner.

I ate at Seasons again and was surprised at how good the food was. Wine was priced very well.

CPG, did you eat at Zinc again? Zinc, Artichoke Cafe, and Scalo are the places my mind returns to when I think of ABQ. I have an upcoming trip there this summe and plan meals at all 3.

emd3, I didn't. Did you know that Artichoke owns Farina's?
Consider Jennifer James 101 for your next trip. That Is my favorite for dinner!
I will look into Scalo. Thanks.

Also new [and considering we are in NM]and a very good find for fish:

Desert Fish - http://www.desertfishabq.com/

4214 Central Ave SE

And be sure to try their Prickly Pear Mojitos! UMMMMMM

I was just looking at OP, I really need to update it; several are gone. Will do so when I have a bit of time.

Deb, Any great new must tries or places to avoid? I'm really looking forward to my favorite pizza at Il Vicinos.

hey, Deb, any updates?

Yes, I'll put a few on here shortly.

OK, here's a few new[er] ones to add:

Farm and Table in the North Valley. Beautiful old building and equally wonderful food, in the slow food/localvore genre.
http://farmandtablenm.com/

Holy Cow on Central for great burgers, shakes, fries:
http://www.holycownm.com/

A second location [original in Santa Fe] for Vinaigrette:
1828 Central Ave SW
Amazing salads etc. that can have meats, poultry and fish added. Wine and beer, and dessert too! Not far from the ABQ BioPark Gardens and Aquarium:

http://www.vinaigretteonline.com/

Limonata -- A really european style cafe offering coffees, pastries, breakfast items and lunch. Owned by the folks from Torino's [which is still hitting it out of the park over on Jefferson]
http://do222.com/wordpress/

We haven't been to Farm and Table yet, but PickleDude and I had lunch at Holy Cow once and it was really good.

Lee Ann

Thanks Deb. Mouths watering in prep for our March visit.