Several Albuquerque restaurants have been featured on Guy Fieri's Food Network show, "Diners, Dive-ins and Dives." Fieri has discovered, as many locals have, that the real mettle of a restaurant isn't necessarily the way it's decorated, but more the way the food tastes. The restaurants are listed alphabetically, and each links to the Food Network video of Fieri's visit.
Looking for a diner experience in Albuquerque that hasn't yet been profiled by Food Network? Try these local hangouts for an Albuquerque-style diner experience:
Duran Central Pharmacy
Itsa Italian Ice
Lindy's Restaurant
Route 66 Malt Shop
1. Cecilia's Cafe
230 6th SWAlbuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-7070
Cecilia's cafe is tucked away on a corner of 6th and Silver downtown. Locals love it, heading there for breakfast burritos or lunch specials that change daily. The atmosphere is homey and basic, and the food just like Grandma used to make.
Known for: Sopaipilla burgers, red or green chile chicken soup.
Find Cecilia's at Food Network.
2. Monte Carlo Steakhouse
3916 Central SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105
(505) 836-9886
You'd never know a restaurant was inside the Monte Carlo, which has a liquor store in front, and a restaurant around the side. A family restaurant that's cooked up home dishes for decades, the decor is classic steakhouse. The food is so good and has such a following, some dishes sell out early.
Known for: Pork kabobs, steaks, Greek chicken.
3. Sophia's Place
6313 4th Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-3935
Sophia's Place is unobtrusively situated along a commercial strip of Fourth Street in Albuquerque's north valley. It offers a no-frills atmosphere and lots of surprises, as chef Dennis Apodaca cooks up whatever is seasonal and fresh.
Known for: Duck enchiladas, many flavored pancakes with house made honey butter, and scallop tacos.
See the video on Sophia's Place.
4. Standard Diner
Photo © Aileen O'Catherine
320 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-1440
This restaurant along historic Route 66 was once a car dealership and is now home to a local favorite in east downtown's Huning Highland neighborhood. The diner serves up classic diner fare with unusual and flavorful twists.
Known for: Country drummies, finer loaf (meatloaf) and the bulldog burger with green chile and cheese.
Watch the video: The Standard Diner.
