Model Pharmacy in Nob Hill

If you're looking for a place to eat that has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and you aren't in the market for gourmet food, Model Pharmacy is a great place to eat. The sandwiches offer nothing fancy, but if you have kids in tow, they'll love the cheerful hanging mobiles and old fashioned lunch counter. They can twirl on the mounted stools while watching themselves in the mirror behind the counter. The staff is efficient and friendly. The milkshakes are a popular menu item, and many come for the fruit cobbler alone. Model is a special place to take the kids on a Saturday afternoon.

The Model Pharmacy in Albuquerque's Nob Hill is one of those sandwich shops that carves its distinction out not for its food, but for its atmosphere. The food at Model is average and can even be labeled overpriced if you consider $6.95 a bit much for a grilled cheese sandwich. But what the restaurant lacks in innovative food is more than made up for with its charming yesteryear pharmacy and its colorful lunch counter. It is a kid favorite place, but don't walk in expecting fast food prices.

We've been going to Model since my son was a very little guy, because the food is simple and he can sit at the lunch counter and twirl. And twirl. And twirl. The staff never tells him not to use the seat for anything but fun. They also feature milkshakes in all the flavors kids dream of, from mint chocolate chip to strawberry and Oreo. They're quite good, and large enough to drive a young one through an entire afternoon.

For adults, the treat is the fruit cobbler ($3.95). The cobbler is a mainstay and comes in flavors that change frequently, but offer favorites: cherry, blueberry, blackberry and peach. Although the cobbler is good, I make my own at home frequently enough that I don't get it here. Call me a cobbler snob.

Model offers breakfast and lunch. I've not tried their breakfasts, but their sandwiches are basic, and good. Go with a Reuben ($8.95) or something that has a little something on it, rather than overpay for something like a grilled cheese. Kids love the peanut butter and jelly ($5.95), which comes with a pickle spear and chips. I am a big fan of the applesauce that comes as a side. Soups are never vegetarian.

This is a place that calls for the special drinks offered. Try the rickey ($2.95) or the egg cream ($3.50), which doesn't involve eggs at all. My son's favorite? The root beer float dominates our visits, and at $4.25, qualifies as a very special treat for special occasions. But then, that's what a visit to this lunch counter is all about.