Eating Out in Albuquerque

There are a plethora of great restaurants in town. Some of the best and trendiest can be found along Central Ave, near UNM. Graze is a concept restaurant where appetizer-sized portions are served to stimulate sharing of different foods amongst a group of people eating together. The Flying Star is a fantastic place just up the street with a twisted southwestern New York deli feel to it. They have a huge variety of foods, and anyone can find something to their taste. Kelly's Outdoor Grill is a hangout for college kids and bikers alike on warmer nights. Known more for their cheap beer than food, it's a good place to go and watch people.

Further to the east on Central just before the Nob Hill Arch is Orchid Thai. If you're into Thai food, this is the place to be. Their menu is practically a book, and there are more good dishes here than you can imagine. If Orchid doesn't do it for you, further east on Central (around Central and Alvarado) is Bangkok Thai, which has a less bulky menu, but equally fantastic food.

If you are looking for New Mexican food, there's a little-known restaurant at San Mateo and Gibson called Cervantes. Some of the best red chile in town. Los Cuates at Lomas and Jefferson and Menaul and Eubank, has a large variety of new mexican fare for reasonable prices.

A quick note about New Mexican food; it is NOT Mexican food. You'll notice a few differences, namely chile. New Mexicans love their chile, both red and green. Green is typically spicier, while red has more flavor to it. So when you're ordering your food, make sure to specify red, green, or "Christmas" for both!