It’s not an accident that La Guelaguetza is named for a vibrant Oaxacan folk festival—the restaurant’s interior, and its menu, capture both the essence of the old Mexican region and the spirit of celebration. Here you’ll find a creative mix of regional classics (three different, plate-licking good moles, for example) and creative fusion items like the pizzabirria—a quesadilla-like treasure stuffed with birria stewed beef and cheese and topped with guacamole, sour cream. It’s still dippable, too. Founded in 2019 by the five Salazar brothers, it took just three years before the restaurant was nominated for a James Beard Award in the “Best Chef: Southwest” category. Located near Albuquerque’s primarily Spanish-speaking South Valley, it’s hard to beat La Guelaguetza for Mexican fare in Albuquerque.
1134 Mountain Rd NW
While you’ll find thousands of versions of huevos rancheros, the dish so beloved in New Mexico and available widely across the state, the version served at The Original Cocina Azul is one of the very best. The restaurant itself is humble, with its dozen or so tables and a three seater-bar in an airy corner building near Old Town. The menu, inspired by the family recipes of owners Evelyn and Frank Barela, has something to satisfy anyone at any time—from breakfast burritos and rave-worthy pozole through to game night margaritas and green chili cheeseburgers. Cocina Azul’s flavors have become so world-renowned, in fact, that in 2022, they inspired Lay’s Potato Chips to make a flavor of chips—Chili Relleno—based on the restaurant’s recipe.
5555 Montgomery Blvd NE
Your first time at Al-quds might feel like you’re visiting a speakeasy. Step into the humble strip mall location and you’ll find yourself in a small Mediterranean grocery store. You can order prepared food at the counter, or ask to be seated in the cafe tucked behind the shelves to your left. There, images of Al-quds, the Arabic name for Jerusalem, hang above a dozen tables. You might start with a refreshing glass of iced mint tea and a healthy serving of hummus or falafel to whet your appetite, but be sure to move on to a shawarma or a mashawi (kabob). The meats are cooked to succulent perfection, served alongside healthy portions of rice, vegetables, and a creamy garlic sauce that may well bring tears of joy to your eyes. And don’t forget to grab a fresh date cookie or piece of baklava from the pastry case on your way out.