Albuquerque Essentials

By Tamara Shope, FrontDoor.com | Published: 9/16/2009

Kelly's Brew Pub is one of Albuquerque's favorite hot spots, serving more than 20 in-house brews. Tamara Shope

Food and Drink Essentials: Best Places to ...

BUY GROCERIES

Sunflower Market
10701 Corrales Road N.W. #2, (505) 890-7900
5112 Lomas Blvd. N.E., (505) 268-5127
6300A San Mateo Blvd. N.E. (505) 821-7000
Sunflower Markets began humbly. The idea was to offer organic and whole foods at low prices. Produce prices are almost unbeatable, and every store offers locally grown foods. Though there are now three stores in town, Sunflower is still the kind of place where it's best to grab groceries midweek; attempting to navigate a cart through this store on a weekend is not advised.

EAT ETHNIC FOOD

Pars Cuisine
4320 The 25 Way Suite 100 N.E., (505) 345-5156
Pars offers not only terrific Persian and Mediterranean cuisine utilizing local growers and businesses but also a full dining experience. Whether seated at a table or on the floor Middle Eastern-style, diners can experience live entertainment every night of the week. Belly dancers are featured on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and live music is featured other nights of the week.

GRAB A BEER

Kelly's Brew Pub
3222 Central Ave. SE, (505) 262-2739
Kelly's is one of the best people-watching spots in Albuquerque, perfect for a Sunday afternoon pint on the patio. The patio's also dog-friendly, which helps ensure a laid-back atmosphere.

Turtle Mountain Brewing Co.
905 36th Place S.E., Rio Rancho, (505) 994-9497
Turtle Mountain is as famous for its food as its brews. The menu features some of the best wood-fired pizza in the area, including the Adam Bomb (green chile, pinons, pepperoni, sausage and spinach). Turtle Mountain also features a monthly pairing dinner, highlighting its house brews -- particularly enjoyable for the beer-curious crowd.

SATISFY LATE-NIGHT HUNGER

Frontier Restaurant
2400 Central Ave. SE, (505) 266-0550
Eating a Frontier burrito is the local equivalent to getting a stamp on one's passport. If you're visiting friends or family, odds are you've eaten here at some point. The college crowd loves it for its location across the street from the University of New Mexico and wallet-friendly prices, and everyone else just loves the tortillas and plate-sized cinnamon rolls.

ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE

The Grove Cafe & Market
600 Central Ave. S.E., Ste. A, (505) 248-9800
Though the Grove has been open just under two years, owners Jason and Lauren Greene have earned a loyal following by providing a delicious alternative to the coffeehouse chains. The coffee is grand and, the baristas ensure, beautiful too.

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