Taste New Mexico
No adventure in New Mexico is complete until you have experienced the food because it literally cannot be found outside of the state. The flavors are influenced from Spanish and Native American cultures and have been perfected over the course of 400 years. At the center of it all is the New Mexico chile pepper which was developed by Fabian Garcia at New Mexico State University in the early 1900’s. It is served in both red and green varieties and can be found in everything from enchiladas to ice cream. Pro tip… When ordering you will always be asked “red or green” - I recommend you try both so ask for “Christmas” which is the New Mexico term for half red, half green.
Complimenting the amazing food is a flourishing brewery scene . Every brewery you visit is a fun experience where you can sit back and relax and enjoy excellent local beverages, tasty food with a New Mexico twist, and fun times. Many breweries have added bonuses such as mountain and sunset views. I’d also like to point out that New Mexico beers are not only found at breweries but can also be found at most grocery stores too. One thing that I can guarantee is that if you like good beer, you’ll find it here!
There are TONS and TONS of EXCELLENT choices everywhere in Albuquerque and the whole state of New Mexico. In fact, Santa Fe and Albuquerque are both frequently recognized as being among the best cities for dining in the United States. If you see something you want to try or somebody gives a good recommendation for, by all means check it out!
Visit Albuquerque has some great information about eating and drinking places to check out in Albuquerque.
Quick Recommenations
If you’re limited on time and need recommendations, below are some places that can accommodate most runner nutrition plans, have a diversity of choices, and provide a genuine New Mexico experience. All have great outdoor seating if you want to enjoy fresh air with your food and beverages.
Albuquerque
Sawmill Market | This super awesome spot with about 25 different restaurants has an amazing vibe and excellent ambience. Located on a large and historic lumber company site, this carefully architected food hall is filled with details that scream vintage industrial, upscale, and New Mexico at the same time. There is cuisine from around the world that is authentic, quality, and delish. The biggest problem is deciding what to eat. The second biggest problem is deciding which of the two fabulous outdoor spaces you want to sit in or alternatively the beautiful indoor space. Do not miss Sawmill during your visit!
Tin Can Alley | This dope food hall concept is partially constructed out of container boxes with a vibrant New Mexico art theme throughout the building. The soaring ceilings let in plenty of New Mexico sunshine in making the indoor space bright and airy. The second story outdoor patios offer great views of the mountains or western side of Albuquerque depending on the side you sit on. There is a good variety of food choices ranging from pho to wood fired pizza to handmade healty smoothies and homemade ice cream. You can also enjoy a cold beer from Santa Fe Brewing Company and be sure to check out the awesome local merch from Brotique 505. Pro-tip… Tin Can place is always perfect after a Sandia foothills run!
El Pinto | I will start out by saying that New Mexican food is my favorite and there are a ton of excellent New Mexican restaurants. El Pinto is listed here because of it’s old New Mexico hacienda setting, airy indoor space, it’s huge and fabulous patios, a pretty drive to get there, a large food/margaritas selection, and the option to get mild or hot chile. Most vegetarian requests can be accommodated.
Village Pizza | Located in the beautiful Village of Corrales, the pizza joint puts you on sensory overload starting with the drive over. The traditional New Mexico architecture starts the pizza adventure. The second you walk in the delicious smell of pizza immediately hits your nose. You can eat indoors or outdoors in their quaint patio. Pro-Tip… You can order Village for delivery from Ex Novo Brewing right up the street and enjoy local Corrales beer and pizza at the same time. It’s a clutch move!
Los Poblanos | This is a fantastic spot when you want a special New Mexico farm to table experience. The culinary experience is always amazing whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll love the beautiful drive over and the setting is unbeatable - an old farm, fields of lavender, and mountain views.
Steelbender | Conveniently located near the Bosque this brewery is perfect to unwind at after a solid Rio Grande run. The outdoor patio has perfect views of the Sandia Mountains and you can watch them turn pink at sunset. The indoor vibe is always buzzing and you can sit at the bar or a table. Steelbender has great pub food, some of it with a New Mexico twist. An excellent selection of beers rounds out this awesome brewery. Def check it out!
Ex Novo | This Corrales brewery has some of the best outdoor space in the Albuquerque area. On one side are sweeping mountain views, individual fire pit seating areas, a large outdoor seating pavilion, and a large grassy field. On the original side is an awesome courtyard patio and inside is a vibrant brewery scene.
Bosque Brewing Company | The Bosque North location is the place for a cold one after running the Placitas trails. Great beers, food, and ambience await you and it’s only about 10 minutes away. They also have locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces making it easy to try their excellent beer even if you don’t run Placitas.
Santa Fe Brewing Company | Based in Santa Fe, this is one of New Mexico’s original micro breweries. Luckily for Albuquerque, they have a great location at Tin Can Alley complete with Sandia Mountain Views. It’s the perfect place to sip a cold one after a good day on the mountain trails. Order some food from one of the great spots in Tin Can, drink a craft beer, and enjoy the views of where you were running!