The Best Cheap Eats in Albuquerque

Located in the heart of New Mexico, Albuquerque offers countless activities, events, and attractions. Visitors can stroll along Central Avenue, check out the world-famous Route 66, take a hot air balloon ride in the open skies and visit the Sandia Mountains... not to mention fantastic attractions like Petroglyph National Park and the Sandia Peak Tramway. The expansive scenery, abundant open space and constant sunshine every day make it a magical place to visit. Foodies come to Albuquerque from far and wide to try everything from pizza and tacos to fine dining and hearty comfort food. If you’re in the mood for a great meal that won’t break the bank, check out our Tastemaker List of where to find the best cheap eats in Albuquerque. Book a table today!

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Brixens, MÁS Tapas y Vino, M'tucci's Moderno Italian - Rio Rancho…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Burgers, Tapas / Small Plates, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Albuquerque…

Brixens

$$$$

Burgers

Albuquerque

4.6

157 reviews

Brixens is the place to go for delicious eats that are easy on your wallet. It’s a locally-owned, family restaurant on Central Ave and is one of the most popular downtown dining spots in town. . The menu focuses on delightful comfort food with a signature New Mexican twist. In addition to great prices, they can modify almost all menu items to be Vegetarian, Vegan, or Gluten-Free. Chefs make all the food from scratch and with love and the laid-back ambiance is warm and inviting. Check out their happy hour where share plates are 20% off, including salt and pepper wings, nachos and quesadillas.

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MÁS Tapas y Vino

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Albuquerque

4.5

1212 reviews

MAS Tapas y Vino on Second Street, located in the stylish Hotel Andaluz, offers fresh reinventions of traditional Spanish cuisine. Their menu features contemporary American Tapas and Spanish cooking with an emphasis on organic, fresh and locally-sourced foods as well as high-quality ingredients. Enjoy their small plates with a group - they are best shared communally and without any pretense or formality. Super affordable dishes include Papas Bravas, Broccolini, Hummus, Empanadas and more!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

M'tucci's Moderno Italian - Rio Rancho

$$$$

Italian

Albuquerque

4.7

757 reviews

For a super cheap and tasty pizza in Albuquerque, head to M’tucci’s Moderno restaurant on Wellspring Ave in Rio Rancho. This popular Italian eatery has some of the best cheap eats in Albuquerque! They pay special attention to their guests and offer exceptional hospitality and fantastic food. It’s likely you’ll find a crowd of regulars here enjoying affordable dishes like Charcuterie boards, heaping bowls of pasta and their classic pizzas. Try one of their artisan pies, like the Truffle and Goat Cheese.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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M'tucci's Italian - Albuquerque

$$$$

Italian

Albuquerque

4.6

1001 reviews

Located on Winter Haven Road, this restaurant is the original M’tucci’s Moderno Italian. They opened a second outpost, but come check out the spot that made them so popular to begin with. It’s a lively restaurant focused mostly on deliciously affordable pizza pies. The atmosphere is welcoming and you can gather, eat, talk, laugh and enjoy cheap eats and drinks. In addition to their pizza pies, they have a full bar with a very interesting wine selection and moderately priced cocktails. Plus, they stay open late so you can keep the evening going with a round of dessert and some after-dinner drinks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Indigo Crow

$$$$

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

4.6

2031 reviews

Indigo Crow is an upscale Contemporary American restaurant. Located in the Village of Corrales, it is a cozy and casual place for friends and family to gather for brunch and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. Locals say it’s the epitome of “Corrales cool.” It features a rustic, charming and Southwestern vibe with cozy fireplaces, a charming romantic patio and live music. Try cheap eats like the chipotle clams or beef skewers for starters and grilled salmon or the beef filet for dinner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

$$$$

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

4.5

978 reviews

Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro is a local favorite in Albuquerque and one of the signature restaurants in town for cheap eats that taste great and are easy on the wallet. The restaurant offers an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere where diners can enjoy a quick bite of food and great service. Located in a three-level building in Historic Nob Hill the eatery features an open, urban ambiance with dining on the main level and loft mezzanine. Their shared plates are super affordable and delicious, like the Crispy Duck Confit Eggrolls.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Seasons 52 - Albuquerque

$$$$

American

Albuquerque

4.8

1697 reviews

Seasons 52 is a trendy grill and wine bar with upscale food at prices that won’t scare you away! Diners can enjoy the seasonally changing menu, featuring fresh ingredients in creative dishes. They use local produce, carefully sourced meats and pristine seafood and make sure everything is always fresh, never frozen. One of the best ways to save money here is to come during happy hour! They feature small plates for $5, such as the Kona-Crusted Lamb, Seared Handline Ahi Tuna, Ginger Sesame Skewers and more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Blades' Bistro

$$$$

International

Placitas

4.7

1587 reviews

Blades’ Bistro, located in the oasis of Placitas, features innovative international cuisine in a casual, country setting. They pride themselves on their laid-back atmosphere with neighborhood vibes and welcoming staff. Expect a warm greeting and delicious food that changes with the season. Standout menu items on the dinner menu include super affordable appetizers like Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Bistro Truffle Fries and Deep Fried Calamari.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

El Pinto

$$$$

Mexican / Southwestern

Albuquerque

4.5

5995 reviews

Founded in 1962, El Pinto began as just a one-room restaurant with only a handful of tables. The eatery now seats over 1,200 guests in five patios, three indoor dining rooms, and a cantina! It occupies twelve acres of land and includes a large facility to manufacture their signature sauces. It is the quintessential spot for healthy and fresh New Mexican cuisine - and you can find great deals on the menu! Their Nachos, Guacamole, Burgers and Tacos are all very inexpensive.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Farm & Table

$$$$

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

4.5

3195 reviews

Farm & Table is a casually elegant Contemporary American restaurant located in Albuquerque’s gorgeous North Valley. The menu focuses on seasonal dishes created from scratch with ingredients sourced from local farmers or directly from their on-site farm, Sol Harvest. Dishes change depending on what is available in the growing season. You can always count on fresh, delicious offerings, however, and menu options include Cheap eats like Farm Fries, Grilled Artichoke hearts and a Farmer’s Salad.

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Trombino's Bistro Italiano

$$$$

Italian

Albuquerque

4.4

1341 reviews

For delicious cheap Italian eats in Albuquerque, make sure to check out Trombino’s Bistro Italiano! It’s a longstanding favorite among locals and visitors alike and has a great central location. The restaurant feels like an old Italian neighborhood and features an authentic Trattoria setting. It’s perfect for gathering with friends, family or for a business dinner that won’t break the bank. The menu is extensive and filled with cheap eats, including soups, salads, garlic bread and classic pasta dishes.

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - Albuquerque

$$$$

Steakhouse

Albuquerque

4.7

1519 reviews

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, conveniently located just north of I-40 on Louisiana Blvd, is a national steakhouse chain. Guests come here for a consistently amazing dining experience every time. It serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA prime beef as well as delicious, fresh seafood. They take care to masterfully prepare every steak by broiling meat in their trademark 1800 degree oven. Steaks are also served on heated plates so they are sizzling when they arrive! The restaurant is originally from New Orleans, so expect some unique and flavorful Cajun and Creole stylings as well.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Vernon's Speakeasy

$$$$

Steak

Albuquerque

4.7

4521 reviews

Vernon’s Speakeasy hides behind a secret door in Los Ranchos Liquors and is one of the most secluded and secretive spots in town! It is the epitome of what a speakeasy strives to be - make sure you get the secret password before you enter. The vibe here is cozy and warm and it makes for a great place to cuddle up on a date or have a quiet meal with a small group of friends. Their menu changes regularly, but you can find cheap eats like Lobster Bisque, Tomato Bruschetta, salads and sides.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Bravo Italian Kitchen - Albuquerque - Uptown

$$$$

Italian

Albuquerque

4.3

769 reviews

For great cheap eats in Albuquerque and a cozy restaurant setting, head to Bravo Cucina Italiana. This Italian restaurant is in the Uptown Center off Indian School and Lousiana Road. They offer a wide array of expertly prepared Italian favorites with a modern twist, including fresh-baked pizzas, tender house-made pasta and juicy grilled steaks. You can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas but regulars love the Classic Margherita. Plus they have plenty of other affordable favorites, like the Crispy Mozz Ravioli and delicious salads.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Savoy Bar and Grill Albuquerque

$$$$

Californian

Albuquerque

4.7

1124 reviews

Savoy Bar and Grill, located in Montgomery Business Park, offers classic and Contemporary American and Californian food in Albuquerque. The location is sun-filled, unpretentious and relaxing. The interior features lots of light, wood and stone and an open kitchen where you can enjoy the sounds, scents and energy of the chefs. And they also have a stunning outdoor patio with firepits and a view of the Sandia Mountains! Try their tasty and inexpensive menu items, like Baked Local Goat Cheese and Crispy Calamari.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bien Shur - Sandia Resort and Casino

$$$$

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

4.2

935 reviews

Bien Shur offers one of Albuquerque’s Premier Dining experiences. The setting is casually elegant and features breathtaking mountain views from the top floor of the resort hotel. Located on Rainbow Road in the Sandia Resort and Casino, it’s the perfect place to grab cheap eats if you’re staying in the hotel or just visiting the casino. Their Happy Hour features amazingly cheap small plates, like Filet Mignon Sliders, Bien Shur Nachos and Carnitas Street Tacos. They also have great specials on draft, well drinks and select wines.

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The Cellar: Tapas, Beer, Wine

$$$$

Spanish

Albuquerque

4.5

348 reviews

The Cellar, located on Lomas Blvd in the heart of Downtown Albuquerque, is a perfect spot for cheap eats in town. Housed in a 100-year-old renovated building, the interior features antique doors from the 1800s, roughly hewn wood beams, wrought-iron stooles, lots of brick and artisan tin tiles. It’s a warm, comfortable place with lots of delicious, cheap and simple Spanish food on the menu. Super cheap tapas plates include Tiger Shrimp, Patatas Bravas, Croquetas de Pollo and more!

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Black Angus Steakhouse - Albuquerque

$$$$

Steakhouse

Albuquerque

4.4

1284 reviews

Black Angus Steakhouse, located on the Southeast corner of Wyoming and Menual, next to Walmart, is a perfect spot for an inexpensive lunch or dinner in Albuquerque. The focus is on steaks, which they age at least 21 days, fresh-cut daily and grill over an open flame. But they have plenty of seafood, Baby Back Ribs, slow-roasted Prime Rib and more. Come in for the fantastic Happy Hour - they have specials every day of the week and you can get burgers, sandwiches, and other food and drink combos for super cheap prices.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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P.F. Chang's - Albuquerque

$$$$

Chinese

Albuquerque

4.5

128 reviews

P.F. Chang’s is a unique restaurant concept that honors the 2,000-year-old Asian tradition of wok cooking. They make food from scratch every day in every one of their nationally-acclaimed restaurant. The Albuquerque outpost is the 81st location to open in the U.S. and the first in New Mexico. Here you can find a vast array of affordable, delicious Asian food. Menu items include hand-rolled sushi, Vietnamese-style soups and bowls, Chinese dim sum, noodles and rice. They feature Happy Hour from Monday to Friday where you can find extra great deals on food, cocktails, wine, beer and sake!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sandiago's Grill At The Tram - Permanently Closed

$$$$

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

4.3

422 reviews

Located at the base of the world-famous Sandia Tramway, Sandiago’s is an awesome place to get cheap eats in Albuquerque. Come enjoy the delicious food with an incredible view of the Sandia mountains! It’s a very unique dining experience, whether it’s for family dinner or a carefully planned event. The full menu is very inexpensive, with cheap options like Grilled Street Corn, Tuna Tartare, Chili Cheese Fries, Salads, Burgers, Mexican specialties and more.

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