The Most Fun Restaurants in Albuquerque

In the heart of the Southwest desert, Albuquerque has grown into one of America's coolest cities mixing a remarkable history with vibrant cultural attractions and astonishing vistas. The most fun restaurants in Albuquerque deliver a fascinating and creative mix of styles, from traditional Native American to Contemporary American flavors. But where are the city's savviest, most hard-to-please diners heading out to dine when they're looking for a meal out in Albuquerque? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from the city's most-in-the-know diners to put together this list of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. The list includes options for all tastes - from local neighborhood Mexican and Southwest places to upscale downtown fusion restaurants. Grab a table tonight and enjoy dinner in Albuquerque!

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated November 14, 2019

Restaurants:	Ten 3, Blades' Bistro, Prairie Star Restaurant & Winebar…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	American, International, Contemporary American…
Neighborhoods:	Albuquerque, Placitas, Santa Ana Pueblo…

Ten 3

$$$$

American

Albuquerque

4.7

1101 reviews

Ten 3 is an "elevated" dining experience. That means both literally and figuratively. Ten 3 is at the top of Albuquerque's Sandia Peak. To get to the Ten 3 spot, diners will need to take the Sandia Peak Tramway to visit. It's worth the trip. The restaurant features jaw-dropping views of the city and its surroundings alongside dinner. Try favorites like Wild King salmon, mole-braised short rib, and Yukon gold potato tomato tart. For drinks, try the refreshing "Jigback" with mint, cucumber, and Lillet Blanc. Beer selections include local La Cumbre "Elevated" IPA and the La Cumbre "Malpais" stout.

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

1562 reviews

Blades' Bistro is one of the most stylish restaurants in Albuquerque. This fun spot is a colorful and lively place with a creative menu and plenty of excellent drink options. The appetizer menu includes favorites like deep-fried calamari with sriracha aioli and smoked Asian-style baby back ribs. The Blades' "Bistro Favorites" range from beef tenderloin with sauteed mushroom to boeuf Bourguignon in red wine, garlic, and onions. Dessert is another highlight at Blades. Don't miss the chocolate decadence trio. This features chili lime chocolate pot's du creme with a hand-crafted truffle.

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

Prairie Star Restaurant & Winebar

$$$$

Contemporary American

Santa Ana Pueblo

4.6

1837 reviews

This classic New Mexico restaurant offers fine dining on the grounds of the Santa Ana Golf Club. Stop in to experience one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. The wine bar and patio features 32 different wines by the glass and half glass along with a bar and dinner menu. Try one of the small plates like New Mexico green chile cast iron cornbread or steamed Mediterranean black mussels with julienned vegetables. For entrees, try the bacon-wrapped pheasant with a marsala-apple pan sauce or three-cheese Chile Relleno.

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

Vernon's Speakeasy

$$$$

Steak

Albuquerque

4.7

4458 reviews

This underground favorite at the Village Shops at Los Ranchos is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. It's an engaging speakeasy-style spot with a New Mexico-driven menu and creative cocktails. Start with the baked brie, duck confit tacos, or blue crab cakes. Entrees include hatch red chile pork tenderloin, stuffed quail with dried cranberry stuffing, or tequila lime chicken with bell pepper Israeli couscous. The "Vernon's Classic" menu includes favorites like a black and blue New York strip and a dry-aged ribeye. On the seafood menu, highlights are shrimp scampi with Argentinian pink shrimp and salmon bruschetta.

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

MÁS Tapas y Vino

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Albuquerque

4.5

1198 reviews

Albuquerque's Hotel Andaluz is the location for this upscale local favorite for tapas and wine. It's an excellent spot for a date night or just a night out with friends. Go for some of the restaurant's signature tapas. Try the salt and pepper octopus with Chinese long beans and fried chickpeas. Bruschetta comes with manchego-mushroom crema and a fried egg. For a "Lighter Side" dinner, try the New Mexico spiced duck fat fried oysters with hatch green chile spread. Lobster bao buns feature champagne cream and tarragon salad. Don't miss the classic paella, with shrimp chicken, mussels, chorizo, and saffron rice. Get a selection from the extensive MAS wine list to go along with dinner.

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

4.7

981 reviews

This longtime favorite is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. M'tucci's is full of classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, five pork bolognese, and braised wild boar ragu. For dinner, try the chicken Milanese with spicy house marinara or the chicken piccata with caper-white wine sauce and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. For pizzas, go for the meatball and spicy bacon with fresh mozzarella and house-roasted red pepper. The "Genovese" pie features basil pesto and Italian sun-dried tomato.

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

Experiences available

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Indigo Crow

$$$$

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

4.6

1998 reviews

This multi-level hot spot is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. It's a colorful and lively place with an extensive Mezcal collection and micro-brewed beer. Appetizers include Mexican street corn, duck fat truffle fries, and avocado CBD toast. For local entrees, try the ancho-glazed shrimp with fresh corn grits or the Molcajete Verde seafood stew. Indigo Crow also boasts a selection of beers from Cave Creek Beer Company. Try the BSM Blonde Ale, New England-style Creeker IPA, or the Local Honey Wheat.

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

This upscale but welcoming spot is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. Trek out to the Nob Hill District to find some of the city's best wine and some excellent modern specialties. Start with the grilled wild game sausage and rosemary polenta fries or crispy duck confit eggrolls. Seasonal entrees include blue corn crusted winter squash Relleno and Atlantic sea scallops with tuxedo fettuccine. Along with the fine wines, try some of Zinc's excellent beers. Go for the Bosque Brewing lager or the La Cumbre "Elevated" IPA.

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

736 reviews

M'Tucci's Moderno is a sister restaurant of the Albuquerque favorite. This is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. Head in for the weekday happy hour for specials on cocktails, draft beer, and house wines. It's also an excellent spot for lunchtime favorites. Try the crispy green chile fried pork tenderloin sandwich or the Italian grilled pastrami sandwich. Pizzas come artisan-style or as a flatbread. Go for the "Affumicato," with roasted grape tomato, smoked buffalo mozzarella, and local basil.

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

Experiences available

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The Melting Pot - Albuquerque

$$$$

Fondue

Albuquerque

4.3

2199 reviews

Fondue is on the menu at The Melting Pot, one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. Head into the local outpost of this national chain for the unbeatable cheese and bread combination. There's also an excellent happy hour with deals on margaritas, draft beers, and cheese and chocolate fondues. Go for the "Best of Albuquerque" fondue option, with hatch green chile, aged, cheddar, and lager beer fondue. That comes alongside chocolate bourbon pecan fondue with caramel. Pair dinner with the Melting Pot Mule, with fresh mint, lime, and Absolut vodka.

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

High Noon

$$$$

Steakhouse

Albuquerque

4.7

775 reviews

High Noon is a classic Old West-style saloon with one of the most creative menus in town. It's the perfect New Mexico stop after a trip to the nearby Museum of Natural History and Science. The "Original Old Town Steak House" features tenderloins, strips, chicken, and seafood. For a New Mexico meal, try the blue corn enchiladas with spicy chicken or beef barbacoa. High Noon also features a buffalo burger with low-cholesterol ground American bison. Try the double chocolate torte with raspberry sauce and dark chocolate cake for dessert.

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

Takeout available

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Savoy Bar and Grill Albuquerque

$$$$

Californian

Albuquerque

4.5

1103 reviews

This fun restaurant in Albuquerque offers a taste of California wine country in New Mexico. Grab a glass of some of the excellent wine at Savoy and pair it with appetizers like crab cakes, antipasto, and baked local goat cheese. For dinner, try favorites like braised elk Osso Bucco, filet mignon, and pan-seared scallops "Oscar." For cocktails, try the Autumn mule with fresh lime juice and Gosling's ginger beer.

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

Vintage 423

$$$$

American

Albuquerque

4.3

909 reviews

An atmospheric, intimate local favorite, Vintage 423 is a stylish spot for drinks or dinner. It's an excellent spot for lunch in the heart of Albuquerque. Go for some of the selections off the sandwiches menu. Favorites include the Santa Fe prime rib with roasted green chile and pepper jack cheese. The bacon pork shoulder sandwich features jalapeno aioli, lettuce, and tomato. For dinner, try the pan-roasted duck breast with sweet potato puree and haricot verts or the double bone-in pork chop. A six-hour braised short rib includes chive mashed potatoes and whole-roasted hatch green chile.

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

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

$$$$

American

Albuquerque

4.7

1500 reviews

This laid-back Albuquerque restaurant is a spot for a relaxing meal and some live music. Stop in for some dinner or a drink after a day exploring the Old Town section of Albuquerque. Shareables like fried duck confit stuffed ravioli and sweet potato stuffed poblano pepper are perfect for appetizers. Entrees include parmesan-crusted organic chicken breast, braised lamb shank, and prime rotisserie prime rib. Pair the meal with the Sierra Nevada "Celebration Ale" or one of the local La Cumbre "Elevated IPAs." There's also the signature "A Lo Cubano" cocktail with rum and spiced syrup.

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

Experiences available

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El Pinto

$$$$

Mexican / Southwestern

Albuquerque

4.3

5916 reviews

El Pinto is one of the most fun restaurants in Albuquerque. It's also one of the most beautiful. Head out to this 4th Street hot spot for an excellent meal in a classic Southwest location surrounded by gardens. Start with the restaurant's most famous dish, the red chile ribs. These fall-off-the-bone favorites come marinated in red chile and with an optional side of slaw. Another favorite is the "Best Nachos in America" with green chile and fresh jalapenos. Grab a selection off the "New Mexico Grill" like the tomahawk pork chip or ground chile queso burger.

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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