Dubbed “Duke City”, Albuquerque is a city with many options for outdoor activities, but less in regard to haute cuisine and drinking. The winning booze here is actually beer and the city offers many breweries making some remarkable beers.
One thing you’ll hear over and over at restaurants is “red, green, or Christmas”. That means that you can choose red or green chiles or combine the two. Go for broke and order Christmas.
DRINK//EAT//DO
DRINK
CASA RODEÑA | This cute, little winery puts out surprisingly high-quality wines. Don’t miss the chocolate wine, which is great for mole sauces and as an ice cream topping!
733 Chavez Rd NW (Los Ranchos)
(505) 344-5911
casarondena.com
GRUET WINERY | This VERY SMALL winery has some amazing offerings. (My sister served their sparkling wine at her wedding.) Stop into their tasting room and sample some of their offerings.
8400 Pan American Freeway N.E.
(505) 821-0055
gruetwinery.com
VERNON’S SPEAKEASY | A true speakeasy … very difficult to find (look for the green light), and you HAVE to know the password for the fully costumed gangster-esque host. Hang out at the bar and order yourself a steak and a martini and enjoy the live music.
6855 4th Street NW, Suite A (Los Ranchos)
(505) 341-0831
thehiddensteakhouse.com
APOTHECARY LOUNGE | The rooftop bar offers well made cocktails with expansive views of the city. Their drink menu offers local beer and wine and seasonal cocktails.
806 Central Ave SE – inside the Hotel Parq Central (Downtown)(888)796-7277
hotelparqcentral.com
TEN-3 | At the top of Sandia Peak, you can take the tram (a 20 minute ride) up to the restaurant for an incredible view of the city and a unique dining experience. Perfect for date night …
40 Tramway Road Northeast (on Sandia Peak)
(505) 764-8363
ten3tram.com
EAT
SADIE’S | THE most authentic New Mexican food. The Roberto is the winning dish here–grilled hamburger steak with chile con queso, beans, potatoes, and your choice of red or green (or Christmas) chile. Make sure to grab a jar of their award-winning salsa on the way out!
multiple locations
sadiesofnewmexico.com
P’TIT LOUIS BISTRO | This tiny French restaurant is absolument adorable. Named one of the five best restaurants in ABQ, it is authentic thanks to the efforts of its owner … who just happens to be French. Now open for brunch, it’s the perfect spot for a girl’s outing.
3218 Silver Avenue SE
(505) 314-1110
ptitlouisbistro.com
EL PINTO | El Pinto is one of the most popular New Mexican food restaurants in ABQ. They also boast the most vast selection of tequila in their tequila bar with more than 160 tequilas, including a
“specially produced Double Barrel Reposado made by Herradura.” Visit this restaurant more for the atmosphere than the food and don’t miss the guacamole. Try to go when they are offering a buffet.
10500 4th Street NW
(505) 898-1771
elpinto.com
DURAN CENTRAL PHARMACY | A quaint pharmacy and restaurant offering traditional Albuquerque food. This is a cute place for a quick meal Downtown.
1815 Central Avenue NW (Downtown)
(505) 247-4141
durancentralpharmacy.com
IBIZA ROOFTOP BAR | This unique bar in the Hotel Andaluz is a great spot to grab a beer or cocktail.
125 Second Street NW
(505)923-9080
hotelandaluz.com
SAWMILL MARKET | Have a group of differing tastes? Cart them to Sawmill Market and everyone can order their own food from one of the 17+ vendors and meet in at one of the large picnic tables. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a few gift and flower shops to peruse while you’re waiting for your meal. Don’t forget to grab a beer or a glass of wine!
1909 Bellamah Ave NW (near Old Town)
sawmillmarket.com
DO
HIKE AND MOUNTAIN BIKE
TAKE THE TRAM | The Sandia Peak Tramway affords riders a view of the whole city. After the 15 minute ride, you’ll have the chance to visit he observation deck, eat at High Finance, ski/snowboard, hike, etc. Take in the views at the top of the 10,378 foot observation deck. (Take a jacket as the weather can vary up to 30º at the top of the mountain.)
30 Tramway Road NE
sandiapeak.com
$15 – $25
SKI/SNOWBOARD | Sandia Peak offers winter sports during the colder months with 10 groomed runs from green to black. Skiers and snowboards are permitted. Rent equipment from Sport Systems before heading to the mountain.
SKI AREA: 505-242-9052
SNOW REPORT: 505-857-8977
sandiapeak.com
PASEO DEL BOSQUE TRAIL | This 16-mile nature trail allows bikers and hikers to enjoy the gorgeous cottonwood trees.
Multiple access points
cabq.gov/parksandrecreation
LOS POBLANOS HISTORIC INN & ORGANIC FARM | A small farm has an on-site inn, lavender field, and a newly renovated restaurant. It’s on the expensive side, but it’s an amazing experience. Find out when you can visit and cut your own lavender. (If you’re looking to take home one of their signature beauty items, grab some of their hand salve from their charming gift shop.)
4803 Rio Grande Boulevard (Los Ranchos)
(505) 344-9297
lospoblanos.com
ST. JAMES TEAROOM | This quaint tearoom is really old school. You schedule a time for tea and you’re served courses of tea, finger sandwiches, and desserts. If you forget your hat, they have plenty for you to borrow. Take a light sweater or wrap as it’s freeeeezing in there.
320 Osuna NE, Bldg. D (Los Ranchos)
(505)242-3752
stjamestearoom.com
TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE | Albuquerque is known for its hot air balloons and even has an annual festival in which hundreds of balloons are launched, the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival.
2016 dates: October 1-9
balloonfiesta.com