Recognized for outstanding cuisine, visitors can find New Mexican, Native American, American, Vegetarian/Vegan, Greek, Chinese, Vietnam, and other cultural restaurants in New Mexico. Selecting my top five favorite New Mexico restaurants is not only difficult; it has made me ponder what makes them my favorite restaurant.
Without any doubt, I favor mom-and-pop restaurants over chain restaurants. According to the New Mexico Restaurant Association, an estimated 71% of restaurants in New Mexico are independently owned.
Simply put, the food must challenge all 10,000 of my taste buds, be eye-appealing, and taste delicious. I do not consider myself picky as I enjoy a broad spectrum of food, but I know what I like. Guess that makes me particular!
Restaurants with a noticeable attitude rank high on my list and a unique and unexpected décor appeal to me. Exceptional customer service and sparkling clean, spacious bathrooms are a must. Oh, yes! The menus must also be clean. I appreciate it when the owner or chef stops by to say hi and see how everything is going; lastly, but equally important are clean uniforms.
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El Pinto
El Pinto Restaurant has always been a favorite restaurant because of the ambiance and the delicious New Mexican food paired with a perfectly blended margarita. It wasn’t until I moved back to Iowa and returned to New Mexico for a visit that I tried their pork ribs smothered in red chile. The ribs are rated #3 Ribs in America by the Food Network. Oh, my! They are mouth-watering delicious. I enjoy BBQ ribs, but they fall short when compared to El Pinto’s ribs.
Owl Cafe
The Owl Café, located in the small village of San Antonio, is the locals’ favorite place to stop for a green chile cheeseburger when heading south on I25. The burger is all I need because it is so good and filling. The chile is always the perfect temperature.
Vinegrette
Having eaten at Vinegrette, an American Restaurant located on historic Rt. 66 in Albuquerque only once it still made my top five list. My daughter, Crissy, introduced me to this restaurant. Vinegrette, with its modern décor, offers a relaxing atmosphere for catching up with my daughter. I ordered the mushroom stew described as a hearty miso-based vegan stew with a blend of forest, button, and porcini mushrooms. Crissy encouraged me to try her, The Beet Goes On, described as fresh baby greens and arugula tossed with tangy goat cheese, chopped pistachios, balsamic roasted beets, and honey-balsamic vinaigrette. I will be back!
Blake’s Lotaburger
For the last 30 plus years, I have been enjoying a Blake’s Lotaburger breakfast burrito, a New Mexico tradition. I like mine with green chile, bacon, and hash browns. They are huge, filling, and tasty. My favorite time to enjoy a Lotaburger breakfast burrito is at Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta or any other outdoor event early in the morning. A breakfast burrito can’t be beaten!
Range Cafe
Another restaurant that I have frequented too many times to count is the Range Café in Bernalillo. I have been going there with friends, family, and colleagues for years. The restaurant has called three different locations in Bernalillo home, and I can proudly say I have eaten at all three. The atmosphere is comfortable and the décor unique, plus the staff is always friendly. I have not tried everything on the menu because I tend never to switch once I have a favorite dish. My favorites are the Blue Corn Relleno Plate and Tom’s Meatloaf. I rarely order dessert as I am not a fan of desserts, but when I break my routine, I will share a dessert, and it is always the Chocolate Roadhouse Cake. Oh, so moist and chocolate!
Happy Eating to You
New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, offers a diverse variety of world-class cuisine. I suggest veering off Interstate 25 and 40 and stepping outside your comfort zone to discover a restaurant or two that the locals enjoy.