I can't believe how much I loved it .... and other Albuquerque, NM Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Chicago Beef

AS OF OCTOBER 2007 THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED, BUT I'M LEAVING THIS TIP US CUZ I LIKE IT :) THANKS ALBUQ_RAY FOR LETTING ME KNOW THIS GEM IS NO MORE ... SNIFF, SNIFF

My Dad has a gift ..... well he has many gifts actually. But the gift I experienced this week is his ability to find out of the way eateries that tickle the palate. He indicated he wanted to go to lunch this week, so I climbed in his car and waited to see where we'd end up. After a bit of a drive into the South Valley, we pulled into a parking lot. I looked at the sign, looked at dad, then said, "we drove down here for HOT DOGS???" He smiled and said, "YESSSS. Oh Boy!"

I like my hot dogs. But have never before said I LOVE my hotdogs! Chicago Beef is a small place in the South Valley (just across from the library there) that has only been open for about 6 months. I've never been to Chicago, so can't comment on similarities. BUT the food is amazing :)

Yes, they are dogs .... there is also sausage, bratwurst, and similar items. Where most places have salad bars, this place has a condiment bar filled with all sorts of wonderful things to add to your purchase: relishes, grilled onions, mushrooms, sauces, and more. The folks there were friendly and helpful to this neophyte, and helped me make condiment selections as I found it overwhelming but wanted to try new things that day.

Favorite Dish: At Dad's insistence, I ordered as he did: the Beef Sausage Dog with cheese. First off, it's a wonderful sausage covered by beef slices then covered with melted cheese. Not that fake cheese sauce, but real cheese melted under the broiler. With a side au jus to cover this dish with I was awestruck at the size. I asked for a fork and knife as I knew that I wasn't able to put this thing into my mouth without breaking it up a bit.

Dad also insisted I try the veggie relish ..... OMG! It was wonderful! A teeny bit spicey, a teeny bit sweet, a teeny bit sour ... it was perfect ;)

I almost forgot! Order the onion rings! Delicious and enough for two to share :)

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Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505) 452-2333
Address: 3905 Isleta Blvd SW
Directions: South on Isleta from Rio Bravo ... on the right side across from the Library branch there :)
Website: http://www.geocities.com/chicago.beef/index

Restaurant Name: Mediterranean Cafe

I love Greek food, and have been dreaming of heading to Morroco. This was a shorter trip as it's just a few blocks from my home :) I've been driving past this little unassuming place for months ... and today was the day I finally took the time to pull over and give it a try.

All I can say is ....... WHY did I WAIT so darn long????? This place has wonderful food :)

This particular little gen is hidden right on San Mateo, about 2 blocks north of Copper in a converted house. There is a mural, wonderful tin window fixtures, and simple tables. The mint tea was sooooo tastey on a cool day.

They are open for a few hours for lunch, and for dinner every day but Sunday and Monday. Wednesday nights will provide you with traditional guitar music, and weekend nights (Fri/Sat) will entertain you during the meal with BellyDancers.

I can't wait to go back ... take some pictures ..... and enjoy another wonderful taste treat from the chef :)

Favorite Dish: I had the Tangine Lamb ... I am not used to fruit and meat dishes ... but am sooo very glad I took a chance to try something different!

The lamb was flavorful and covered with cooked raisins, apricots, sesame seeds and more. The saffron rice was tender and a perfect addition to the sweetness of the maindish. The veggies were a smaller serving than I expected, but were actually perfect ... I had another meal or two left over by the time I was full!!

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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505-255-5244
Address: 513 San Mateo NE
Directions: On the west side of the street ...... about 1/5 blocks north of Copper.

Restaurant Name: Orchid Thai Cuisine

I have been going to this restaurant since they opened a couple of years ago. They took time to redo the interior, and had local Thai Buddhist monks help by painting murals. They have a donation box for the local Wat, or Thai Buddhist temple by the register.

Their menu is practically a book! Page after page of choices ... when I can't make up my mind, I just ask my server for ideas. They will ask me a couple of questions, and end up bringing me a wonderful meal.

Favorite Dish: I love their Pad Thai - flavorful and filling... and each soup I have had the priviledge of ordering has been heavenly. I have to say my favorite thing every summer is the mango and sticky rice dessert . OMG! I have been known to just show up for that alone!

The orchids that decorate each plate has been cleaned appropriately as to be edible! I would never have known if AlbuqRay hadn't told me :)

Oh, and the Thai iced tea is a must!!!!!

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Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505-265-4047
Address: 4300 Central Avenue. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Directions: On the south side of Central (old Rt 66), about 1 block west of Washington :)
Website: http://www.orchidthaicuisine.com/

Restaurant Name: Pueblo Harvest Cafe & Bakery

I've heard about this place for years, and having Beee in town for a day of local wandering finally got me motivated to TRY it! OMG! WHY did I wait so long!!!

Located inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, this quiet little eatery has menu choices that cover most of our favorite local dishes ... from Mutton Stew, Green Chile Stew, Blue Corn Pancakes and MORE! There are dishes served that are usually only found during the holiday season - this is one place you can get bisquichitos year round!

I should also mention that being inside the Cultural Center, you can begin our end your meal with a tour of TWO different museums, and the entire complex to boot! So come spend a few hours playing ... okay?

Favorite Dish: I got the Chaco Combo with green chile on the side ... a taco, enchilada and tamale that were quite good! Beee got the Tiwa Taco - which is known regionally as an Indian Taco ... Fry Bread filled with all the usual taco bits (meat, lettuce, tomato, etc). I shared my green chile sauce and I saw Beee's face light up with happiness as she munched away. Of course, sending her to the airport with a few bisquichitos didn't hurt either :)

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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505-724-3510
Address: 2401 12th st NW, Albuquerque NM
Directions: Just a couple of blocks north of I-40 on 12th. Inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Complex

Restaurant Name: Casa de Benavidez

As you wander various tips on Albuquerque, you've probably already been educated on the difference between Mexican, and New Mexican food .... so I won't repeat it here :)

I will tell you, for a slice of the Terrirtory of New Mexico ..... go to Casa de Benavidez. The location is in the north valley - within the city limits but with all the feel of a country drive. The building is a traditional territorial style home converted to a wonderful restaurant with a pleasant outdoor dining area that even has a waterfall ....

The menu includes a variety of traditional New Mexico foods, prepared fresh in the kitchen for each order.

Favorite Dish: I can't narrow this down to one single dish. Everything I've sampled was worth the visit .. last time I shared an order of fajitas w/ a friend ..... by the time we had our sopapillas we were stuffed!

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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: Dining Room # 505-898-3311
Address: 8032 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
Directions: It's on north 4th, just south of Paseo Del Norte
Website: http://www.casadebenavidez.com/
Other Contact: Carry-Out # (505) 897-7493

Restaurant Name: Cesar's

If you've been reading some of the local's pages, you already know that New Mexican and Mexican food are completely different. Since I grew up in southern California, I LOOOOVE that style of Mexican food - my own comfort food - Yummmmmm.

Cesar's isn't the cheapest in town, but it is the best! They have Carne Asada and shredded beef in the style I remember as a teenager - oh, I can't even begin to describe it! If you want a change, get this, they have they best Gyros in town! No joke!!!

This place used to be called Losbetos, but there was a smiliarly named place in town with a horrid reputation recently ... so the owner of THIS establishment decided he needed to completely separate his name from THAT reputation. So same food, same staff, just a new name.

Favorite Dish: I alternate between Carne Asada Nachos, Greek chicken platter, Gyros, shredded beed burrito and the machaca breakfast burrito ....

And you can't leave without one of their juices ..... my favorite is the Sandia (watermelon), and if I'm craving something sweeter the horchata ...... though I've been told the banana drink is also a bit of heaven ......

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Directions: 5300 Lomas NE - On the corner of San Mateo and Lomas :)

Restaurant Name: El Taco Tote

El Taco Tote is a family franchise from Cuidad Juarez in Mexico. No it's not New Mexican cuisine, but it IS Mexican and deliecious!

The menu and decor are simple. There's a wall menu in the entrance that has pictures and descriptions. This is basically a carneceria style grill with chicken, pork, top sirloin and beef being grilled right out in the open kitchen ... then cut up into chunks for the orders. The platters come with a side of frijoles/beans, arroz/rice, corn or flour tortillas and full access to the salsa bar. The salsa bar is the BEST! Regional favorites have been added: roasted chiles, pickled onions, pico de gallo, guacamole salsa, limes, and things I couldn't identify with out the legend above the sneeze guard.

Warm tortilla chips are to the side of salsa station and next to the drink station. I have yet to try their deserts, as I leave waaaay to full to even contemplate THAT addition, but they look yummy! Another menu item I need to try are the baked potatoes that are smothered in the meat of your choice :)

Prices are moderate. I've had cheaper. I've had more expensive. But I haven't had anything this great tasting in a while!


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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505) 265-5188
Address: 4701 Central Ave NE
Directions: Between San Mateo and Washington on Central Ave ... locals will know it as the old Grandy's.

Restaurant Name: Michael Thomas Coffee House

This little coffeehouse is relatively new, and in an unusual location - a bit off the beaten path for most visitors. Right on a main street, it has the feel of a country establishment: small, cozy, and friendly. This building is part of a small retreat/compound that includes holistic healers and a small art gallery. The grounds are still being landscaped, but already include wonderful fountains and simple xeroscaping.

Now for the coffeeshop. They roast their own beans daily, and use only freetrade products. Their selection of tea is limited at present, but I expect that to change as they grow with their clientele. The shop doesn't make their own food, but brings it in from a local bakery called the Chocolate Maven. Locals KNOW the Maven's products: healthier than normal, and quite tastey! I picked up a breakfast burrito last time I was there and felt like I was biting into a bit of heavenly New Mexico :)


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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505-255-3330
Address: 1111 Carlilse And SE
Directions: Between Central and Gibson on Carlilse .... closer to Gibson actually :)
Website: www.michaelthomascoffee.com

Restaurant Name: Azuma

I love this place :) Nice atmosphere, friendly staff.

House miso soup is delivered promptly - even before I've ordered my meal sometimes ... so very nice if I've waited too long to head out for my meal. They also bring a nice cucumber and sesame salad. Chopsticks for all, if you need more traditional tableware, just ask!

You can choose to sit at the teppan grill tables and watch a wonderful show of fresh food preparation - they have skilled cooks at the tables, growing up in Japan, I'm a bit jaded on this - but they bring a smile to my face everytime!

You may chose to sit in the sushi bar - on stools or beautiful booths. Privacy or not - your choice :)

Favorite Dish: Teppan grill well prepared .... but my favorites are the 'chef special' sushis .... sushi w/ green chili, lobster, and other non-traditional ingredients ... my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

My second favorite is the hot rock beef: a very hot rock, raw beef, and the stuff to cook it yourself at the table .... the best cow I've ever had :)

Tempura batter nice and lite - but I'm not too sure I like the tempura potato (white one, not sweet one) that is part of the tempura veggies - otherwise I like all of the tempuras I've tried there.

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: San Mateo - North of Montgomery
Directions: North of the cheap Cinemart theater, west side of the street

Restaurant Name: The Range in Albuquerque [location #3]

The Range Cafe is a local restaurant up in Bernalillo, NM. The location near my house here in Albuquerque is almost as good ;) And I can tell you it's definitely better than location #2 on Wyoming here in town.

I have enjoyed everything I've ordered from here, but my favorite would have to be ...

Favorite Dish: The meatloaf - whether you order it in a sandwich, or as dinner entree - is better than Mom's!!! [so sorry mommy] It's juicy, but not greasy ..... tender ...... mouthwatering ..... yumminess. It's served w/ the veggie of the day, garlic mashed potatoes, and if you like greens .... listen carefully now ... order the side salad w/ the house rasberry vinagrette ...... that salad dressing is the main reason I go here ......... it's so addictive!

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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 505-888-1660
Address: 2200 Menaul NE
Directions: Located at Menaul Blvd. and Princeton, which is about two blocks east of University on the south side of the street.
Website: http://www.rangecafe.com/