Guide Book

Experience a few of our favorite places in Albuquerque/Santa Fe Area

Coffee & Tea

New Mexico Tea Company
Loose-leaf tea purveyor with custom New Mexico blends as well as other teas. 

O'Bean's Coffee
Our favorite coffee place in the foothills area - O'Bean's! Quirky with lots of VW art (they started as a coffee VW truck), this coffee shop delivers great coffee, local donuts and scones, indoor and outdoor seating, and fabulous service. You can ride your bike up the Tramway path to them, take a long walk, or drive a few minutes.

Food Shopping

Albuquerque Farmers Markets
We recommend our markets when in season for produce, art, local handmade products, and fun. Support our local producers and take home special memories and gifts.

La Montañita Food Co-Op
Fresh local produce and products - a little pricier than the big chain stores, but high quality and a focus on local. You don't have to be a co-op member to shop. 

Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery store chain with focus on local, organic, natural foods. The Central Ave SE location is a few minutes' drive from the house. 

Albquerque has a range of large chain stores, including Whole Foods, Albertsons, Smith's, Trader Joes, and Target.

Local Artists & Craftsman

Kei & Molly Textiles
Gorgeous and unique screen products from hand towels and dish towels to bags and wearables! Kei & Molly is a social business creating meaningful jobs for immigrants and refugees in our community. 

Restaurants 

Canteen Taproom
417 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
This is a great place less than 5 minutes away.  They have great locally brewed beer and a good selection of sandwiches and snacks.  They have a great outdoor patio where you can bring your dog.  It is a 15 min. walk or a 5 min. drive.

Cocina Azul
One of our favorite New Mexican restaurants - generous portions of some of the best New Mexican dishes. Both red and green chile are spicy. Favorite dishes include the posole, the enchiladas, the brisket relleno, and fry bread. They also have good burgers (with chile if you want), salads, and incredible chicken fried steak if some people don't want New Mexican. Several locations - we favor the one downtown but all good.   

Einstein Bros Bagels 
13170 Central Ave SE Ste A, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123
National bakery chain with a local twist. They make really great green chile bagels to pick up and have at the house for breakfast or a snack! It is about a 10 min drive, or a 20 min. walk. 

Golden Pride East
Golden Pride is an institution in ABQ - good fried chicken, fast and inexpensive breakfast burritos, and most importantly, fabulous housemade tortillas you can pick up by the dozen and take back to the house for your own creations. It's a dive and we love it. 

10721 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Farina Alto offers fresh, creative fare in a warm setting designed to spark a conversation. Exceptional food has the power to bring people together and we created Farina Alto with that in mind. We celebrate fresh, local ingredients and value our connection to the Albuquerque community. Join the Farina Alto family; gather over a glass of wine, a good story and a phenomenal plate of food. Come in and explore our menu of artisan pizzas, unique wines, handmade bread, and gourmet meats cured in-house.
Level 5 - Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge 
2000 Bellamah Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 
On the top floor of Hotel Chaco experience a refined, chic, contemporary atmosphere at Level 5. Enjoy Albuquerque nightlife with magnificent panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains, downtown skyline and historic Old Town accompanied by creative culinary options.

Ten 3
30 Tramway Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Note:  You need to buy Tram passes to get to the restaurant. You may purchase them at the Tram station at the bottom of the mountain. Please allow at least 45 minutes before your reservation to ride the Tram up to the restaurant. TEN 3 offers two very special and unique dining options. Fine Dining is available for dinner by reservation and our Casual Dining is seated as first come, first served, lunch and dinner.  America’s most breathtaking new dining experience — TEN 3 — 10,300 feet above sea level at the top of Sandia Peak.

Tako Ten 
12501 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
A Tako shop where every Tako has a story Come Celebrate the taste of Life with each and every Bite!! Located next to Boxing Bear Brewery where you can order tacos and enjoy the outdoor patio which is dog friendly at Boxing Bear Brewery.  

Tablao Flamenco De Albuquerque 
(Reservations for the prefix meal and performance are required before you arrive at the performance, please plan accordingly)
Hotel Albuquerque @ Old Town
800 Rio Grande Boulevard Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Through a unique partnership based on cultural preservation, Heritage Hotels and Resorts and the nonprofit National Institute of Flamenco have joined efforts to create Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque.  At Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque, the passion and energy of flamenco come alive as you experience flamenco in its most intimate, powerful setting in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque. Featuring a world-class line-up of artists, the Tablao Flamenco presents a dynamic schedule of performances, featuring premier artists from Spain and the United States. Tablao Flamenco delivers an unforgettable experience for the senses. Friday and Saturday dinner shows feature electrifying performances accompanied by an exclusive meal created by Hotel Albuquerque's Chef Richard Padilla. Visiting us on a Sunday? Enjoy our regionally inspired fine wines and spirits. Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque guests receive free valet parking.

Savoy Bar & Grill 
10601 Montgomery Blvd. Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Classic and contemporary California Wine Country in the Northeast Heights: Welcome to Savoy, a sun-filled, unpretentious but sophisticated, wine-friendly restaurant!

Tomasitas (authentic New Mexican Cuisine)
4949 Pan American Freeway NE , Albuquerque, NM 87109
Proudly serving classic Northern New Mexican food and margaritas for over 50 years, Tomasita’s is regularly considered the best New Mexican Restaurant by locals and national media. Locally owned and operated, over the years Tomasita’s has stayed true to our traditional recipes and we take pride in our locally-sourced quality ingredients, friendly fast service and great margaritas including our original Swirl!

Sawmill Market 
1909 Bellamah Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Located in a former lumber warehouse in Albuquerque’s thriving Sawmill District, this is New Mexico’s first artisanal food hall and boasts over 25 merchants serving everything from tapas and tacos to smoothies and churros, making for a culinary experience that celebrates the diversity of New Mexican culture.

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill 
2031 Mountain Road Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Seasons Grill Old Town has established a straightforward, American-style of cooking highlighted by the best and freshest ingredients, paired with great wine and great service. Combined with a casually elegant dining room that buzzes with the excitement of an open exhibition kitchen, Seasons has created a truly memorable dining experience.

Wine & Beer Explorations

Casa Rondeña Winery
Situated in the Rio Grande Bosque area, the winery brings a bit of Spain to our town and is a fun trip for wine tasting and wandering the grounds - they have a pond, lots of cottonwoods, and gorgeous grounds. They don't have a cafe so bring along snacks or even a picnic basket to enjoy a meal outside with the wine.

New Mexico History & Cultural Explorations

Albuquerque Museum
Favorite museum - highlights the city's heritage as well as exhibits on the art, culture, and history of the Southwest and fabulous temporary exhibits.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
We love the Cultural Center - learn about the long and rich history of the Pueblos of New Mexico and their place today in our community. Visit the cafe for amazing food!

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Perfect for families, particularly those with younger children - explore the geological history of the Southwest here. In addition to some lovely-walk through exhibits, the museum has an IMAX with a rotating set of shows.

Turquoise Museum
If you love turquoise and want to learn more about the turquoise mines and art in New Mexico, visit the museum. It is privately owned and showcases turquoise from around the world in addition to New Mexico. They have interactive exhibits and provide tours. Check their hours in advance.

Recreational Activities 

ABQ BioPark
ABQ BioPark is three places in one - the Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and the Aquarium. Great to explore any or all. You can get combo tickets. Check the schedule of activities for evening events - particularly at the aquarium.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Balloons! October is the month and it is magical. If you are coming for the fiesta, look at catching one of the sunset and sunrise glows. Stay there late at least one night for fireworks, nighttime music performances, and drone shows. We recommend using the park and ride options to get there and back.

Explora
Explora is a children's museum and science center in one. While small, it features many interactive, hands-on displays and activities. Kids at heart of all ages enjoy the museum - we do!

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm
Working farm, restaurant, inn, community events, and more - we live Los Poblanos. Take time to explore the area surrounding the farm (also known as Los Poblanos) when you go. A great place to pick up handmade farm gifts. Check their calendar for special activities.

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
The nation's only congressionally chartered museum and an affiliate of the Smithsonian, the museum provides a fascinating history of the Atomic Age from early research to today and encourages active discussion and reactions to nuclear topics.

Sandia Peak Tramway
Sandia Peak Tramway is a must-visit for everyone. Ride up and enjoy the amazing views and/or to get to Sandia Peak Ski in winter. Sandia Peak Tramway site is a great place to start on some of the trails. Dogs aren't allowed on the tram but you can take them on the trails.

Our Favorite Venues

Albuquerque Little Theater
Our local theater is amazing. If you can plan ahead, grab tickets to any show they have going while you are here. Historical theater with great productions supported by the community.

Isotopes Park
Even if you don't love baseball, the Isotopes games are a great way to spend time with friends and enjoy fun food, fireworks, gorgeous weather, and baseball. The venue is also home to concerts and other community celebrations and events.