Just like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta itself, Albuquerque’s New Mexico delicacies is colourful and adventurous. From easy dishes which were loved for hundreds of years to Southwest fusion tastes which have created their very own style, New Mexico’s distinct culinary legacy is understood all through the world. After an early morning of watching the best ballooning present of earth, you will be hungry and impressed to get pleasure from an genuine New Mexican meal. Fortuitously, there are a number of nice eating places that match that invoice close to the Balloon Fiesta grounds. This checklist is 10 of our favorites that will not disappoint. Chile is the muse for many of New Mexico’s traditional dishes. Technically a fruit, this pepper has been cultivated into a number of varieties to range warmth and dimension. Inexperienced and crimson chile are created from the identical peppers; greens are youthful and reds are absolutely ripe. Inexperienced chile tends to be meatier; crimson chiles are dried, often in colourful ristras, then crushed right into a powder to make the sauce. Which one is hotter? That varies year-to-year, relying on how a lot water and solar the crops obtained, and different elements. The primary distinction is in texture; crimson tends to have a smokier taste. chile dish shouldn’t set your mouth on fireplace; it’ll have a zipper, however most significantly it’s best to be capable to savor its taste.
Photo courtesy of visitcorrales.com
Perea’s Tijuana Bar and Restaurant first opened in 1936, and continues to be housed within the 300 yr previous torreon (sod, versus adobe) constructing. The Perea household prepares their conventional New Mexico recipes that embody inexperienced chile rooster casserole, stacked enchiladas, posole, home made tortillas and tamales. The bar, named within the Thirties when Tijuana was thought of unique and upscale, has high shelf tequila and is understood for its beneficiant margaritas served in a tall glass and on the rocks. Costs are very cheap � $8 to $10 for an enormous plate � however convey money as they do not settle for bank cards. Additionally, the restaurant is just open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and closed Sundays. The one night that the bar is open is Monday nights, relying on enterprise. It is a little bit quirky, however an excellent style of genuine New Mexico delicacies.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: This actually is a style of New Mexico made by the Perea household in charming Corrales, six miles from the Balloon Subject.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Order an egg on high of your stacked enchiladas for a real New Mexico dish.
Learn extra about Perea’s Tijuana Restaurant and Bar →
Picture courtesy of Sandiago’s Mexican Grill on the Tram
Sandiago’s carne adovada taco platter could be purpose sufficient to go to, however the view overlooking the town lights and sundown from the Sandia foothills is the scene stealer. The menu is strong New Mexico fare with good chile, and Sandiago’s prides itself on its number of outsized, connoisseur margaritas. Company can watch the Sandia Tram arrive and depart from the mountain crest, and the western going through patio gives sweeping sundown and metropolis mild views, in addition to firework views throughout Balloon Fiesta. The Blood Orange Margarita is a Sandiago’s favourite, and take a look at the fish or carne adovada tacos. Environment is brilliant and extra Latin American than New Mexican, however the chile is certainly Land of Enchantment.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: The views of the Balloon Fiesta fireworks present are spectacular from this location.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Greatest sundown and metropolis views in Albuquerque. The surface patio gives one of the best view in heat climate. Make a reservation to guarantee a view desk.
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The Flying Star Cafe is an off-the-cuff, but hip and stylish place to go to learn your morning paper, take pleasure in a wonderful breakfast and folks watch. You will see locals on the breakfast bar, browsing away, and the neighborhood of us out on the patio having fun with the gorgeous climate in the summertime. The meals right here is all domestically sourced when potential. Inside, playfully painted partitions and ceilings (together with clouds) greet prospects on this pleasant cafe, serving pastries and breakfast all day. Signature dishes embody Eggs Florentine, Spanish Frittata, Breakfast Hash and the Rise and Shine Sandwich. New Mexican breakfasts are provided, as are the extra conventional eggs, flapjacks and their unimaginable french toast that may make you lick the platter clear. Now with eight places in Albuquerque and one in Santa Fe, Flying Star is pet pleasant, providing what they name a “petio.”
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: Flying Star Cafe is 4 miles from the Balloon Subject and serves a variety of domestically sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner menu objects.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: The patio with waterfall and fireplace pit is the right place to get pleasure from a cup of espresso and breakfast along with your canine.
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Taking up the north valley location of the previous Garduno’s, El Bruno’s proves to be a worthy occupant. It is a nice location amongst the tall cottonwoods and quiet nature of the neighborhood. With their authentic El Bruno’s in Cuba, NM (began in 1975), highschool sweethearts Bruno and Hazel Herrera now convey their success to NW Albuquerque, opening the 2nd El Bruno’s in March 2011. They’re fairly pleased with their custom of hauling recent inexperienced chile from Hatch, roasting and peeling it themselves, and utilizing it of their well-known recipes. Their day by day specials, affectionately named after close by New Mexico cities and villages, reminiscent of Corrales, Placitas and Los Lunas, provide up conventional New Mexican fare, reminiscent of enchiladas, relleno, burrito and even a Navajo taco.
With all that recent inexperienced chile readily available, their inexperienced chile stew needs to be unimaginable.
There are children menu objects obtainable too.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: Except for being simply 2.3 miles from the Balloon Fiesta, El Bruno’s serves a few of the finest New Mexico delicacies within the metropolis.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Attempt the El Bruno’s chimichanga, and ensure to peruse the reward store right here that gives a range of New Mexico merchandise, together with clothes.
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Photo courtesy of Farm and Table
Cherie Montoya Austin, who grew up within the North Valley of Albuquerque, the greenest and most fertile a part of the town, began Farm and Desk restaurant, an apparent end result and continuation of her values and traditions. Cooks put together seasonal menus in accordance with what the present recent crop of the day is – an idea embraced by the environmentally aware society of as we speak. Farm and Desk will get their meals from native farms and elsewhere in New Mexico – corn from the Santa Ana Pueblo, beef from Los Lunas and potatoes from Santa Fe, for instance. Native beers and wine accompany the delicious recent meals reminiscent of Cider Glazed Pork Chop and Pan Seared Duck Breast. Contemporary from the farm soups, salads and small plates space obtainable too. Open for dinner solely, Wednesday by way of Saturday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: This distinctive restaurant in an attractive north valley Albuquerque setting makes use of domestically sourced substances and crafts its menus based mostly on what’s in season.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: This subtle, rural setting is an ideal place to get pleasure from a farm-to-table meal below a New Mexico sundown. The patio is gorgeous with water options, and children will get pleasure from enjoying within the sandbox space or exploring the adjoining farm discipline with mother and father after dinner. Do not miss the boutique subsequent door, La Parada.
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This perennial Albuquerque favourite is 4.7 miles from the Albuquerque Worldwide Balloon Fiesta grounds on 4th Road (6230 4th St NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107). Household owned for half a century, Sadie’s is understood for its chile, which smothers dishes reminiscent of their specialty enchiladas that embody shredded beef brisket, carne adovada or beef brisket, chile rellenos, Sadie’s burrito, tacos and tamales. Luncheon specials are served 11 a.m. to three p.m. Mondays by way of Fridays and embody smaller parts of their large dinner plates, priced at $8. Sadie’s additionally makes and sells its branded chile beef jerky and well-known salsas, in addition to different New Mexico made merchandise reminiscent of piñon espresso.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: This long-time native favourite is lower than 5 miles from the Balloon Subject and serves up strong New Mexico fare.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Take house a number of jars of Sadie’s salsa to keep away from chile withdrawals.
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Photo courtesy of Casa de Benevidez restaurant
Round 50 years in the past, the Benevidez couple, Paul and Rita, began their dream of working a restaurant. Initially in a smaller house named El Mexicano, they moved to their current location in a 100 yr previous home and have not appeared again. The backyard and waterfall within the again make this a really peaceable and nice escape. Convey your urge for food, as menu objects embody such favorites as stuffed sopaipillas, a la carte burritos and flour tacos, all served with crimson or inexperienced chile, after all. Ample salads served in a fried flour tortilla bowl will fill you, as will their alternative of burgers, together with their Very Well-known Sopaipilla Burger, the meat patty accompanied by refried beans, cheese, lettuce and tomato, and housed in between two sopaipillas. Cautious, for dessert you may be simply enticed by the fried ice cream, flan or natillas, a Spanish custard like dish.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: For half a century this household owned New Mexican restaurant has been a neighborhood favourite 2.7 miles from the Balloon Subject.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Go for an outside patio desk close to the water and cute little bridge…nice atmosphere on the market and in again patio bar/eating room.
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Picture courtesy of Regina Raber
Indigo Crow is the epitome of “Corrales cool.” Rustic, charming and Southwestern relaxed can describe this restaurant in an previous adobe, serving delicious up to date American delicacies with a style of the Southwest added to some dishes. Select to dine within the cozy inside with fireplaces within the cooler months or al fresco on the charming romantic patio, having fun with reside music when you dine. In a tiny separate room from the restaurant, is its inviting little bar. Attempt the chipotle clams or beef skewers for starters. Dinner picks vary from the filet with its fireplace roasted inexperienced chile and gorgonzola cream sauce, to the grilled salmon with crimson chile puree, served with vegetable risotto stuffed poblano, with crispy blue corn strips. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch. Wines and specialty drinks served.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: Six miles from the Balloon Subject in charming Corrales, Indigo Crow gives connoisseur meals in a comfortable adobe with patio.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Ask in regards to the pre fixe wine dinners, and revel in a patio desk throughout heat climate.
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Picture courtesy of Libby McMillan
Dine in Southwestern magnificence on the ninth flooring of the Sandia Resort and On line casino on the Bien Shur Restaurant, with unimaginable views of the Sandia Mountains. Bien Shur gives an attractive eating room and high notch service, open Tuesday by way of Saturday for dinner.
Take into account having fun with a drink and a Southwest Tequila Shrimp Cocktail on the rooftop patio to start, with lovely views of the swimming pool, golf course and mountains.
White tablecloths and an unlimited fire greet you within the inviting eating room. Entrees embody a big number of steaks and chops to select from and a choice of sauces. Different attractive entrees embody Mexican White Shrimp, Duck Tamales and Chimayo Chile and Pinon Crusted Salmon, to call a number of mouth-watering objects.
After dinner get pleasure from dancing and reside music within the rooftop lounge.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: From its nine-story perch benefit from the Balloon Glow and fireworks from the Balloon Subject within the evenings throughout Fiesta.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Bien Shur creates fabulous buffets on holidays, reminiscent of Thanksgiving and Mom’s Day. They’re additionally obtainable for Christmas events and different occasions.
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El Pinto has lengthy been a neighborhood favourite and the place to take out of city company to deal with them to New Mexican atmosphere and taste. Owned as we speak by the “Salsa Twins” Jim and John Thomas, whose mother and father opened El Pinto in 1962, El Pinto can sit 1,200, but the numerous cozy rooms and plush expansive patio make the expertise really feel way more intimate. Open for lunch and dinner, menu objects embody conventional plates reminiscent of stuff sopaipillas, chile rellenos, tamale and enchilada plates, inexperienced chile cheeseburgers and chile con carne. Cannot determine? Beneficiant mixture plates are the best way to go, then. The lounge prides itself on its assortment of high shelve tequilas, and El Pinto is know for its margaritas. Particular occasions and reside music are sometimes scheduled on the patio (verify the web site) and you’ll take house a jar of El Pinto’s well-known salsa, which is made with chiles roasted on web site.
Beneficial for Eating places close to Balloon Fiesta as a result of: At 3.3 miles from the Balloon Museum, this restaurant gives conventional New Mexican delicacies in an attractive ambiance.
Steve’s knowledgeable tip: Past the nice meals, El Pinto has the biggest and one of the lovely patios in New Mexico.
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