If there’s one thing New Mexico does exceptionally well, it’s food. I love the idea of trying new places, but in the busyness of motherhood, it’s easy to rotate between one or two reliable favorites and call it a day. While there is comfort in familiarity, I’ve found that switching things up can bring a little spark of novelty and joy to an otherwise typical weekend.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and Yelp reviews in search of the perfect hidden gem, only to end up ordering Dion’s for the fourth time this month. Now you can look no further. I’ve rounded up five family-friendly, off-the-beaten-path restaurants that are well worth the trip!
Red Rock Deli
When you think of delicious food in Albuquerque, Eastern European classics do not necessarily come to mind. However, this little deli/restaurant/specialty grocery store does not disappoint. You can stop by the counter, order a traditional Polish sausage, some borscht, or homemade perogies and sit amongst the Russian and Eastern European grocery staples. Their Ukrainian stuffed cabbage has been featured on Food Network and got the stamp of approval from Guy Fieri. Like any good deli, you can come back again and again and find something new and incredible each time
Must try menu item: Russian Roulette, the chef’s selection of six different homemade perogies.
El Paisa
I’m not sure if a restaurant that made Business Insider’s 47 Best Tacos In America list counts as off-the-beaten-path, but this one is too good to leave out! (I am also not sure why they listed the top 47 and not 50 best tacos, but that is a question for another time.) El Paisa is a cash-only spot in the South Valley that will delight your entire family on a budget. You can order a variety of tacos, burritos, and gorditas to share with your kids. If you have an adventurous eater, they may like trying the lengua (beef tongue) tacos. You can wash it all down with some authentic agua frescas or Mexican Cokes.
Must try menu item: Hundreds of Yelp reviews don’t lie. You can’t leave without trying the al pastor tacos.
Roots Farm Cafe
Since having my daughter, I have come to appreciate the beauty of a delicious breakfast or lunch. When you’ve been up before sunrise, 9 a.m. can feel like midday. We love strapping her in the car and taking the drive, or should I say, getting off the beaten path, and visiting Roots Farm Cafe in Tijeras. What better way to reenergize than with a delicious cup of coffee and a beautiful view? You and your brood can choose to sit inside near the fireplace or outside on their front porch. Either location is kid-friendly and cozy. They offer delicious specialty drinks and a breakfast and lunch menu with lots of options for kids.
Must try menu item: Fancy Toast with goat cheese, pesto, and red peppers. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is. This. Is. Amazing.
Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen
The best place to grab a comforting meal is probably your grandma’s house. But the next best place is Abuelita’s in Bernalillo. This unassuming breakfast and lunch spot serves homemade New Mexican staples just like your grandma would. Well, my grandma is not New Mexican, so I can actually say they have her beat on these dishes! Just don’t tell her I said that. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. In addition to the authentic New Mexican food, one of my favorite parts about eating here is looking around at the photos of all the abuelitas that cover the walls. This would be the perfect stop to fuel up for a day trip to Los Golondrinas or the Jemez Mountains.
Must try menu item: Green Chile Stew. It’s spicy, but it’s worth it!
Pie Town Pie Co.
For our last location, I am taking you WAY off the beaten path. I mean several hours, a literal dirt road, and a whole lot of nothing but blue sky type of off-the-beaten-path. Trust me, the adventure to get here is worth it! Pie Town Pie Co., in none other than Pie Town, New Mexico, is our last hidden gem. Located a little over 2.5 hours southwest of Albuquerque, this charming pie shop is serving scratch-made pies and delicious savory treats. Inside, you will find National Geographic pictures of Pie Town’s history lining the walls. If it is a nice day, you can take your pie outside, sit on their giant porch, and watch as cars with license plates from all over stop inside to grab a slice.
Pro Tip: Their menu changes daily. Facebook is the best place to see their daily offerings. If you have a pie you LOVE, you can call ahead, and the owner just may make it especially for you.
Want to try an oldie but a goodie restaurant in ABQ? These are your best bet.
