The Yummiest Diners in Albuquerque

Guadalajara Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (144) • $$

"Just happened to find this place as I was going for a ride on the motorcycle.The atmosphere was pretty cool. It was weird place an order at the counter like a fast food. After doing so, they brought the food out to my table.I had the enchilada plate. The food was really good. I was just surprised at the small portions I got considering the high price I paid. They don't even offer free refills.This place was OK for a first time. But I will not go out of my way to go there again.."

Sluggers Diner

★★★★☆ 3.8 (10)

"I was in Taos for the week with some life-long residents and we were eating all the "must-haves" while there. When we were looking for a lunch spot after driving the Enchanted Circle one day, my friend's dad insisted that we drive all the way up to Sluggers for the taquitos with queso & salsa. His praise had me so convinced I was going to eat like 30 tacquitos...until I saw the menu! They have so many things to choose from! I ended up with a carne adovada burrito--it was HUGE and very good, but I wish the beans were drained a little better. My friends had a green chile chicharron burrito, a red chile chicharron burrito, a fried chicken cranberry (?) sandwich, tacquitos, ribbon fries, and sweet potato fries (served with ranch, so I basically commandeered those...bc who doesn't love sweet potato fries served with ranch!?). Everyone loved their food, and there were no leftovers, so needless to say it was a successful lunch! Especially since it was so affordable!You order by walking up to the counter inside. There's a self-serve drink machine with Coke products, tea, etc. There's nice indoor seating or AMAZING outdoor seating which was well shaded in the late afternoon. The business looks family run and everyone was so nice and attentive. It's right next to a car wash, and I think it's a converted service station...but don't let that deter you! I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Taos! (edited for spelling errors)"

Mesa Vista Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (48) • $

"If your at Ojo Caliente leave the resort and take a short walk to Mesa Vista Cafe, it is worth it. If your looking for better food and a welcoming atmosphere then the Cafe is your best bet! We went for breakfast and the portion sizes were huge and full of traditional New Mexican flavor. Plus they provide you with a bottomless cup of coffee!! Please support your local businesses and leave the spa for a wonderful breakfast or lunch at The Mesa Vista Cafe!"

The Original Owl Bar & Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (234) • $

"Now that I had tried the burger joint across the street, we had to stop here. We made it just during the lunch rush (everyone was pretty much gone by the time we left). Service was friendly and food came out quickly. The decor was a little quirky with dollar bills and notes on the walls and pictures of famous people who had eaten there. Prices were reasonable ($21 for 2 burgers and an iced tea) and the green chile cheeseburger was good, but maybe not one of the top GCC's that I've had in the state. 2024 #38"

Duran Central Pharmacy

★★★★☆ 4.2 (435) • $$

"If you haven't been to Duran's, you need to check this place out. Whether it's for grabbing a bite to eat, doing holiday shopping, or filling a prescription, these guys have it down pat. Focusing on their diner, they make excellent New Mexican food. Over the years, I've tried a lot of different dishes and have enjoyed them all. They make great leftovers, too. The wait staff knows how to deal with busy times (which is most of the time) and is kind. There's always a line to get a table, but don't worry. There's plenty to look at and buy. I love this place for kitchen supplies, kids' games, greeting cards, casual clothing, and tchotchkes. The handful of times I've come here to get my own prescription filled or go with a friend who needs to, it seems like the prices are reasonable. They are a full-service pharmacy. They offer immunizations, including those for travel."

Kap's Coffee Shop and Diner

★★★★☆ 4.4 (179) • $

"Absolutely love Kap's Coffee Shop. Delicious food, customer service, and a large menu. I love the New Mexican food. It's also an Albuquerque landmark. You can't go wrong with eating at a delicious restaurant that the regulars eat at."

The Shop

★★★★☆ 4.2 (399) • $$

"I keep chasin' that same old devil down the same old dead end highwayRidin' that storm runnin' through my veins like a shot down tail spun airplaneScared of nothin' and I'm scared to deathI can't breathe then I catch my breath...We finally cruised into Nob Hill, We settled into "The Shop" for morning grub, though they're busy, at what seemed like the "KrackODawn" we found a cozy booth, after we ordered/donated moolah..:)We shared the "Duck Hash" on a bed of red chile..grilled potatoes, sprouts first found in brussels/belgium, mushrooms, green chile (feeling a little bit like Xmas.:), garlic, cheddar and duck confit (too little quack) w. over-easy eggs on the side for the Lass. This was an exceptionally delish dish on our septuagenarian palates (still with canine teeth and molars..:) Washed down w. Orange Juice by the Lass and a CupOJoe by the Lad. A fun breafast grub for these Baby Boomers..:)Ain't no love in OklahomaJust the whistle of a long black trainYou'll know when it's comin' for yaRidin' in on the wind and rainBest, Avram L. Combs Jr."

Plaza Cafe Southside

★★★★☆ 4.2 (525) • $$

"The food and service are always tops! Great green chili cheese burger! And the owners work here in this established local Santa Fe restaurant!"

The Range Café

★★★★☆ 3.5 (291) • $$

"Frequent diner here, we are there a few times a month at least. We have grown to love the staff, they take care of us every time! Ask for Deja or Mimi, they have our drinks for us before we even order, now that's service! Some highlights on the menu would be the blue corn pancake with pine nuts, the range roundup, the green chile Mac n cheese, or the breakfast burrito. There have been times where we have had to wait a little longer but they are usually very busy! Love this location with all my ! SUPPORT LOCAL!"

Longbow Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (13)

"Delicious dinner eats! Friendly staff. I have picked up to go orders a few evenings after work here and they were just awesome!"

Damacios Bar & Tapas

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (66) • $$

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Damacios Bar and Tapas in Albuquerque, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish! The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting ambience. The rustic decor combined with contemporary touches created a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely brunch.The service was exceptional--attentive without being intrusive. My server was knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations, making me feel welcomed and valued as a guest.For my appetizer, I ordered the Crispy Chicken and Waffle Bites, which were a delightful combination of flavors. The house-battered chicken was perfectly crispy, and the waffle bites, served with bacon, were drizzled with their signature house-made red chile honey, adding a unique twist that elevated the dish to another level.For my entree, I chose the Classic French Toast, and it did not disappoint! The French toast was fluffy and perfectly cooked, served with rich maple syrup, butter, and a generous helping of mixed berries topped with whipped cream. Each bite was a delicious treat that left me wanting more.To top it all off, the coffee was excellent--rich and aromatic, it complemented my meal perfectly. Damacios Bar and Tapas truly exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to return to explore more of their fantastic menu. If you're in Albuquerque, make sure to stop by for a brunch experience you won't forget!"

Daves Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (25) • $

"when we were driving back to Denver after visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, we decided to stop in Las Vegas to grab some lunch. immediately, this restaurant looked very welcoming from the outside. Upon entering the establishment, we were greeted warmly. it was bright and sunny, and very clean. our waitress was super friendly, and when the food came out, it was hot and delicious. I would highly recommend this 50s themed restaurant. we have lots of relatives in Denver and New Mexico. Who frequently makes this trip, we've already referred to several family members."

The Council Room

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (50) • $$

"The service was really good. The waitress I had was nice and attentive. The food was good but I was expecting more of a steakhouse. They have Mexican food, drinks, some American food, and breakfast served in the morning. Not a bad place to visit, I ordered the steak with mashed potatoes and a Cesar salad. For desert I ordered the empanadas, didn't really care for the empanadas. I think I'm just used to having traditional Mexican homemade empanadas."

Denny's

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (55)

"Went to this location first and we were immediately seated and given menus and our drinks were brought promptly. The food was good, the service excellent and it's generally like most Denny's I've been in. Would go again"

The Owl Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (682) • $$

"Overrated due to being on breaking bad. Food prices were high. Drink prices outrageous. 5 dollars for a pop! Burgers and sandwiches and quesadillas, empanadas etc were around 20 dollars each. Food was mediocre. I got a reuben sandwich which was fine. Came with tortillachips. I thought was supposed to come with fries. Others like their more traditional new mexican food of quesadilla and enchiladas. Gave us asmall dish for free of beans no big deal. 2 people split a milkshake. They put in2 glasses. They sell lots of souvenirs including t-shirts.Pies and cakes looked great. They had table juke boxes."

Colfax Tavern & Diner at Cold Beer NM

★★★★★ 4.5 (31) • $

"Service was warm and excellent on a cold winter day! We enjoyed brews on tap and green chili burgers with fries.The incredible views and wild life spotting on the road was spectacular.We'll be back!"

Hurricane's Restaurant & Drive-In

★★★★☆ 4 (114) • $

"Still my favorite place to get a burger in ABQ. I love the Hurricane Cheeseburger with curly fries and ranch. The service is friendly and timely. Staff shortages have been tough at times and they are currently closed on Mondays. The current hours are 6am to 3pm. The club sandwich is also very delicious. Kids love the milkshakes."

Penny's Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (92) • $

"Today was the day when I rode my motorcycle 200 miles round trip for a chocolate malt and a patty melt. Totally worth it. Cute little train car turned into a diner. Yes, it has AC. Very clean, impeccable service and the food was delicious. Affordable too."

Lindy's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (138) • $

"Join Tom Neiman and some of the guys from the VA Creative Writing Group as they visit Lindy's Diner, right in the heart of "new town" Albuquerque along old Route 66. It offers great food, excellent service, and an interesting setting with lots of history. It opened first in 1929 as the Coney Island Cafe, featuring hot dogs (what else?). The menu expanded in the 1960s when the ownership changed. Owners Steve and Dawn Vatoseow have this New Mexico favorite up for sale. Just click on the following YouTube video link and see our latest report. https://youtu.be/Z2J6305SPpg?si=S0pthhEcJoHyoVwd"

The New Baking Company

★★★★☆ 3.8 (56) • $$

"I used to come here when it was the Santa Fe baking co- and that I would give 5 stars alone in their organic Mexican coffee that was soooo good. While a lot of the business has remained close enough, I don't love the food or coffee quite as much. The crowd is great and filled with locals and visitors alike, probably taking up a much needed brunch spot that Tecolote used to provide. I went for the vegan breakfast bowl today and the last time I was here- and while I remember it being mostly the same , I don't remember all these potatoes. That's a LOT of potatoes guys, maybe some more greens and beans would have been a better choice!"

Western View Diner & Steakhouse

★★★★☆ 4.1 (89) • $$

"Welcome to our first review in September. Join the boys from the VA Creative Writing Group as we venture to the far western section of Albuquerque and enjoy a meal at the Western View Diner & Steakhouse. Great food with fast service and an exciting atmosphere awaits you. Join Tom Neiman, Dan Wetmore, Mike Hibner, Paul Gonzales, and Jim Tritten when you click on the following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/_W6TG9r_-F0?si=Jt6GyGn8H3qz-DmP"

Midtown Bistro

★★★★☆ 3.7 (146) • $$

"My wife and I loved everything about Midtown Bistro. This was our first time there, and we went with a group of nine (Santa Fe Foodies). The food and service were first-rate. The Calamari is very nice, and two great sauces accompany this lovely appetizer: chipotle aioli and habanero pineapple sauces.I had the delicious crab cakes, and my wife had the Salad Nicoise, which had superb rare Ahi Tuna. Both dishes came with fresh and lovely greens. Excellent! Our service was top-notch (thank you, Eli). The restaurant has a lovely interior. I would love to come back and dine on the patio, which wasn't opened today. We will certainly return and highly recommend Midtown Bistro."

Stone Face Tavern

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (164) • $$

"Celebrated my son's birthday there.I ordered their Pastrami sandwich with fries. Very disappointing. It tasted like a homemade sandwich with ingredients bought from a grocery store. The French fries tasted like store-bought fries that were simply heated and served. Zero flavor.Food prices are reasonable considering today's inflation.On a positive note, their customer service was excellent! Our server was attentive, kind, pleasant and checked in on us frequently. A vast improvement from previous visits. Kudos to their management for the improvement.Some have labeled this place as a biker-bar or even a dive bar. Management has cleaned that perception up a bit. I used to see Harley's parked out front. A bit of a turnoff. The interior is a bit dark until your eyes adjust. Plenty of seating. Ambiance is decent with classic rock music in the background. TV's are plentiful. Good crowd.It's not my favorite restaurant or tavern but it's decent."

Black Mesa Travel Center

★★★★☆ 3.6 (13)

"Decent food decent prices better than I expected at a travel center. For me it was nothing amazing but it's a great place to stop for a quick bite that isn't expensive and better than fast food. Service was also good the staff was friendly and you can seat yourself. The green chile was hotter than the red but I did enjoy both. Until I try more on the menu and test consistency I will update my review."

Tumbleweeds Diner

★★★★★ 4.8 (24)

"Excellent food and service! It was so good, we stopped at Tumbleweeds twice, to and from our trip to the Gila National Forest. I believe anything on their menu is worth trying! We had their burgers and spicy chicken sandwich. Wow! We ate every bit of our food! Ordered green chile mac and cheese to go because we had to try more of their menu. Definitely worth the stop, or the detour! Can't forget their cute decor, I loved it! Owners were very friendly."

Flying Tortilla Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.9 (174) • $$

"I was so hungry I forgot to take photos! So sorry. But know that all four of us cleaned our plates. Chicken enchilada with green chile, ground beef enchiladas with red chile, carne asada plate and the brisket plate all had just the right amount of heat. The staff were helpful and very attentive. As luck would have it, we came on Thursday night, the night a Mariachi band performed. They were amazing. We had a delicious dinner AND a wonderful show."

Oasis Restaurant & Motel

★★★★☆ 3.5 (107) • $

"We stopped in Raton on our drive back from Denver. We found the Oasis Restaurant. It's a nice local restaurant with a diner feel. No website or frills. Just real comfort food at a reasonable price. I got the special BBQ burger and my daughter got the special Philly cheesesteak. Both were good, flavorful and simple. Fries were fresh cut. It's clear that they make everything in house. Even the veggies were crisp!The server was nice and fast. The server checked in on us often no matter how busy it got. They have excellent customer service. If you want good Mexican or American comfort food, stop by. You know it's full of locals. They also had cherry and apple pie."

Chili Hills Restaurant Edgewood

★★★★☆ 3.7 (194) • $

"It was a great small town diner! I had the breakfast enchiladas, with red and green chili sauce, with 2 eggs on top and some hash browns. It fit the spot exactly what I was looking for! And it wasn't too expensive, although they did charge extra for using credit card. Some cops were having breakfast and that's always a good sign. Definitely a good stop if you're looking for home town New Mexican cooking!"

Pantry Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"Home cooked NM food!Started out with creamy queso & hearty salsa. Both were top notch. Guac was solid but the queso and salsa stood out. Salsa is thick with a roasted flavor. I would have been sold on just this.However the combo plate with chili relleno, chicken enchilada and brisket taco were exceptional! Smothered in green/red chili sauce that was so rich. Everything was screaming in flavor. Some of the best Mexican food I've had."

Alpine Grill

★★★★☆ 3.5 (67) • $$

"Food was great and service (Tylee) was excellent! But they have the strangest thing I've ever seen - not even sure it's legal. The "restrooms" are down a hall that opens up where the swinging door to the kitchen is on the right. On the left, right in the hall, are the two bathroom sinks! That was pretty surprising but then I looked for the door into the restroom itself and there are none! Right there in the hall, across from the kitchen door where all the staff walks around, are the stall doors to the toilets! God forbid you should pass gas or worse! I was too shocked to take pictures and can't find any on the internet, so take my word for it and go see for yourself! On the way out they have a sign that says "If we offended you, say something. We love a good laugh!" LOL"

The Yesterday's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.3 (154) • $

"Wow, cruising thru town and was hungry and noticed they had a patio (which was dog friendly) and stopped in for lunch. We both had variations of a Philly cheesesteak; mine traditional and his with hatch chilis and au jus, both with fries. Fries were crispy, nothing fancy fries. The sandwiches were very tasty. The meat was cooked perfectly with a crust. The peppers and onions on both were cooked well. Both were great but I would choose the hatch au jus variation if I had to do it over. Yummy! The people were very friendly. Nice clean happy patio."

The Range Café

★★★★☆ 4.3 (758) • $$

"So, I 've been here maybe 3 times since my original review, and always mid-week around 4 pm. Today, however, I came at 5:30 on a Friday with 5 friends. We were meeting to eat and then enjoy a band in the Lizard Lounge room within the cafe. Well, we could not get into the Lounge because all of the tables were reserved. Please know that apparently you have to book a reservation for the lounge 2 days in advance for a band night. We were seated near the entrance and got served by a new waiter - he was quite nice and accommodating. We ate and hoped to hear the band. Our bills came and we paid them and then sat for about 15 minutes to listen to the INCREDIBLY LOUD BAND PLAYING IN THE LOUNGE AT THE BACK OF THE PLACE. YES I AM SCREAMING TO DEMONSTRATE HOW LOUD THE BAND WAS AND THAT WE WERE ACTUALLY HAPPY NOT TO BE IN THE LOUNGE. Also, want to say that while our meals are usually pretty yummy tonight they were just ok. All sic of us felt a little let down. The special nachos were not great, the meatloaf - not good, the other entrees were ok. I guess it can be hit or miss here. We will come again but will refrain for being there when bands play."