Have you ever looked at a menu and wondered if there’s anything you can eat besides a side salad? If you are trying to eat high-protein, low-carb, or keto, you’re probably familiar with that feeling. For years, going out to eat felt more stressful than enjoyable when I was eating intentionally. Half of the time, I would order something plain and “safe” and then spend the rest of the meal looking longingly at the other plates at the table.
However, many local restaurants make it surprisingly easy to stick to your nutrition goals without sacrificing flavor, convenience, and fun. Albuquerque has local restaurants featuring low-carb options to fit every budget, situation, and vibe.
Holy Burger
If you are looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal, look no further than Holy Burger. Their menu includes plenty of salads, chicken, and, of course, burgers that pack in the protein and flavor. If you are looking to cut down on the carbs, you can order any burger or sandwich without a bun. If you really want to up the protein, you can add an additional burger patty for a small fee.
Monroe’s
This place is an Albuquerque staple for a reason! You have probably tried their incredible enchiladas or combination plates, but did you know they have an entire low-carb menu? It has options such as chicken breast strips, hamburger steak, and several fan favorites, such as the carne adovada burrito, served with a low-carb tortilla. This menu also includes the net carbs of each dish for anyone tracking their macros.
Pack Your Maxx
Looking to hit your macros? Pack Your Maxx makes macro-friendly eating easy with prepared meals available for pickup or delivery. The menu features classic comfort foods alongside New Mexican staples like red chile enchiladas. Each meal lists the protein, fat, and carb count to allow you to select options tailored to your needs.
Stripes Burrito Co.
If convenience is a priority on your low-carb journey, Albuquerque is chock full of options. While burritos may not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of low-carb options, Stripes Burrito Co. makes it easy to turn any burrito into a bowl. Simply visit one of their nine locations or order online and skip the tortilla or papitas. If you really want to pack in the protein, try their meat lovers’ burrito! Stripes donates a portion of each dollar earned to our local Albuquerque Veterans Affairs hospital, meaning you can enjoy your food and feel good about the cause!
Fusion Tacos
Much like burritos, tacos are not often top of mind for low-carb options. However, Fusion Tacos is changing the game with their cheese shells. Stop into any of their three ABQ locations and order your favorite taco keto-style. If a cheese shell is not your jam, you can order a low-carb tortilla or taco bowl to keep the meal lower carb without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Salad Chick
Another on-the-go option is Chicken Salad Chick. Their menu includes several varieties of chicken salad that can all be served as a scoop. You can ditch the crackers for a low-carb, high-protein lunch. This franchise made its way to ABQ in 2024, and its owner has been dedicated to serving our community ever since. They were on the list of businesses that offered assistance to families during the SNAP benefit interruption last year.
La Finca Bowls
Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply paying closer attention to your protein and nutrient intake, having the ability to customize your meal makes eating out so much easier. Customized, nutritious meals are at the heart of La Finca Bowls. Dedicated to using local NM ingredients and sustainability, La Finca Bowls is the perfect place to support local while meeting your dietary needs. Their build-your-own bowl menu allows you to select a base of rice, lentils, or greens and add protein, veggies, and other toppings. If you’d rather leave the decision making to the experts, they also offer a variety of thoughtfully crafted house bowls.
Poki Poki
Fresh fish is one of the best ways to get a high-protein, flavorful meal. Poki Poki makes it easy to enjoy delicious fish in the land of enchantment. This Asian Latin American Fusion eatery offers customizable poke bowls centered around fresh fish which can be paired with greens and a selection of toppings and sauces. Whether you keep it simple or load it up, it’s a flavorful option that will ensure you hit your protein goals.
Vic’s Daily Cafe
Personally, my favorite meal to have out is breakfast. Albuquerque has no shortage of excellent breakfast and lunch cafes. Vic’s Daily Cafe is no exception. While everything on their menu is delicious, their omelet selection offers something for everyone. From veggie-packed vegetarian omelets to their “el gordo” which includes ham, bacon, sausage, and veggies smothered in chile and cheese, you will be sure to find something to satisfy your high-protein, low-carb needs.
If you want additional brunch suggestions, check out this ABQ Mom article.
Vinaigrette
When I first moved to NM, I was told I had to check out Vinaigrette. I will admit that I was somewhat skeptical about a restaurant focused almost entirely on salads. However, I gave it a try, and after that one visit, I was hooked! Their menu is extensive and has something to offer for any dietary needs. You can pair your salad with any of their protein add-ons or take it up a notch with goat cheese medallions and extra veggies. My personal favorite is the Omega with chicken.
Duke City BBQ
If salad isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with your protein goals at a restaurant focused on its meat! Duke City BBQ is renowned for its smoked meats. From brisket to spareribs to sausage, and even a bacon-wrapped jalapeno stuffed with pulled pork and cream cheese, you are sure to hit your protein goals! They have three locations to stop by and also cater events of all sizes.
Mario’s Pizza
Mario’s Pizza is the perfect option if you are craving Italian but want something high protein and lower carb. Their “Low Carb Combo” offers grilled chicken, meatballs, and a sausage link covered in their delicious homemade sauce and cheese. This yummy plate of protein comes with a side of sautéed veggies and a soup or salad.
Seared Bistro
Sometimes you want something a bit more upscale without sacrificing your nutrition. Seared Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious steak, short rib, chicken breast, or any of their delicious seafood options. From appetizers to entrees, there are a myriad of high-protein, low-carb options to choose from. The white tablecloths and attentive service create an inviting dining experience, but the overall vibe remains welcoming and relaxed rather than overly formal or intimidating.
ABQ Sweet Spot
Even those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle deserve an occasional sweet treat. Fortunately, ABQ Sweet Spot offers a keto menu that makes it possible to satisfy a craving without straying too far from your goals. Their selection includes sugar-free cheesecake, cookies, low-carb bagels, and even green chile cornbread. Each item includes its net carb count, allowing you to choose the treat that best fits your needs.
