Gone But Not Forgotten

To visit a restaurant review, simply click on the alphabetical character below that matches the first character of the restaurant in which you are interested then click on the "More" link. To "jump" back to the top of the page, please use the "up" arrow directly below the last restaurant reviewed for a specific alphabetical character.  

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Adam's American Burger Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	A scintillating January 2003 entrant into Albuquerque's fast food milieu, Adam's beckoned for a return to a simpler time--when burgers were char broiled, potatoes and onions were peeled instead of extricated from a hermetically sealed bag, and shakes were made with real ice cream.	Burgers
Aling Titay's Lutong Bahay 7638 Louisiana, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	New Mexico's only Filipino restaurant (at the time) would probably have been the state's best Filipino restaurant even without default.  Aside from some of the very best lumpia (Philippine egg rolls) I've ever had, it featured wonderfully refreshing melon and mango beverages.	Filipino
Al Vincenzo's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria 1435 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Al Vincenzo's was indeed an anachronism because it captured you before the door with wafting emanations that bid you welcome and which had a Pavlovian effect on your taste buds.  Vincenzo's was equally adept at pasta dishes and pizza.  More...	Italian
Alejandro's 5809 Juan Tabo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	This restaurant which specialized in "anglosized" New Mexican food failed in three locations, including one in Rio Rancho.  Ironically, it had pretty steady business in its initial location in a north Wyoming shopping center and probably should not have expanded.	New Mexico
Ambrozia 108 Rio Grande, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	The word ambrosia literally means "sweet smelling or delicious", an appropriate description of the wonderful meals proffered at Ambrozia.  Über chef Sam Ethridge crafts culinary creations truly fit for the gods of Mount Olympus and us mere mortals of the Sandias.   more...	Fine Dining
Andre West 9401 Coors at Irving Albuquerque, NM	Andre Diddy was long regarded as of Albuquerque's preeminent celebrity chefs.  In Andre West, he lived up to his reputation for being a highly creative, albeit eccentric chef.  Alas, he wasn't as great a business man as he was a chef and couldn't sustain his otherwise excellent restaurant.	Fine Dining
Antonio's 5024 4th Street, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	With a name like Antonio's, you'd think New Mexican food would be the sole featured fare, but this north 4th restaurant was even more well known for its barbecue. The barbecue sauces were, unfortunately, wasted on mediocre meat.	Barbecue
Arel's 6209 Pedmont Plaza Albuquerque, NM	We knew this restaurant wouldn't last when we sent back a rare (raw might be more like it) entree and our haughty hostess's' condescending response was, "We're French; we eat it like that."   Our response (and seemingly that of many) was "We're Americans who didn't particularly like this restaurant."	French
Assets Grill 6910 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Assets Grill was once considered one of Albuquerque's premier restaurants, but it never deviated from the formula that brought it success and other restaurants caught up and surpassed it.  Despite inconsistency, it remained home to some of the very best appetizers in the city.	American
Aunt Babe's 2215 Broadway, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	In concept (but certainly not in execution), Aunt Babe's reminded us of the soul food restaurants with which we are so familiar from having lived in the Deep South for more than eight years.  Alas, those reminders were very short lived.  more...	Soul
Aussie Cantina 6132 4th, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Conceptually, the Aussie Cantina should have done well and in fact did pack the crowds during their few weeks of operation.  This restaurant was an entertaining, if not authentic, dining experience that closed within a year of opening.	Australian
Asia Restaurant 4200 Wyoming, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Although from a small village in South Vietnam, the proprietor worked for years in a Chinese restaurant, hence a menu offering both Vietnamese and Chinese food.  It goes without saying that the Vietnamese food is oh so much better.  more...	Asian
Austin’s Steakhouse 5210 San Mateo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	We loved the honey sweetened biscuits and salted peanuts at this western themed restaurant.  The steak was maybe not as good as you'd grill at home, but it was relatively inexpensive.  Sandwiches were good, but not memorable.  The pork ribs meaty and tender.	Steak
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Baciu's Bread & Wine 2740 Wyoming NE Albuquerque, NM	Having spent eight years catering to some of America's brightest luminaries (Ronald Reagan, Janet Jackson, Al Pacino, Sly Stallone, etc) at the world famous Jason's in Los Angeles, California, the Bacius knew how to treat their guests--like members of the family.  More...	Fine Dining
Baca's Mexican Restaurant 3311 Central, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Baca's Mexican Restaurant occupied one of the nicest venues on Central Avenue's Nob Hill district.  For more than 40 years, it fed generations of Albuquerque diners before closing in 1995.  It's surprising how many people still call Baca's their all-time favorite restaurant in Albuquerque.	New Mexican
Bada Bing 1716 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	When he first launched his pizzeria in 2001, Dave Poyer franchised from Moe's a popular Los Lunas restaurant whose motto is "New York style pizza with an attitude."   He later struck out on his own with Bada Bing and with a new motto "New York Pizza--Get it!."  I wish we still could.	Pizza
Bavarian Lager Cellar 7120 Wyoming, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	This large microbrewery and restaurant in Northeast Heights saw early success, but didn't sustain its crowds.  As a microbrewery, it was fairly typical, but as a restaurant it lacked the Bavarian pub charm and homey feel so prevalent in great German restaurants.	German
Bavarian Sausage House 1303 San Mateo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Despite the name, this deli was all Chicago--from its unpretentious ambience to the aromatic introduction which greeted your entry to the accent on the proprietor's voice.  This deli proffered high quality deli cheeses, meats and condiments.  After nearly 30 years in business, it closed in mid-2001.	Sandwich
Beijing Palace 1551 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	To paraphrase an old saying, "never judge a Chinese restaurant by its buffet!"  The Beijing Palace's unremarkable buffet had me thinking this was just another in a long list of terrible Albuquerque Chinese restaurants.  Instead, it turned out to be one of the best restaurants in the city.  More...	Chinese
Big John's BBQ 6724 Central Blvd, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Nothing is quite as tantalizing as the scent of aromatic smoke, a lesson Dennis Johns learned from his uncle in Austin.  He also learned that nothing imbues meats with a smoky flavor as well as oak, a resin free hard wood.  Smokiness is indeed what sets apart the brisket at Big John's.  More...	Barbecue
Big Mama's B-B-Q 8922 Central, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Bingo hall style tables and folding chairs were your accommodations and paper plates and plastic dinnerware were your dining accoutrements.  Big Mama's had no pretensions about being fancy.  It let its wonderful barbecue and soul food do all the talking.  more...	Barbecue
The Black Dog 9605 Snow Heights, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	The Black Dog was a throwback to 60s Asbury Heights with pizza on sourdough bread prepared by hippie types.  Although the pizza was good, the service was very slow and seating on grade school type tables and folding chairs added little to the experience.	Pizza
The Blue Dragon 1517 Girard, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	In truth, the Blue Dragon is a coffee house in the style of New Orleans or San Francisco more so than it is a Cajun restaurant, but it serves better Cajun food than anyone else in Albuquerque, including the best muffaletta in town.  more...	Cajun
Bombay Grill 3600 NM Highway 528, NW Albuquerque, NM	The unmistakably pungent aroma of exotic spices wafts through the air and remains with you long after you've finished your meal at the Bombay Grill.  Rich Indian foods brimming with flavor make this one of the city's very best Indian restaurants.  more...	Indian
Bosque Bull 1127 Alameda, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	This Alameda treasure offered some of the most unconventional burgers in New Mexico and that's no bull!  You could, for example, have a buffalo burger, an ostrich burger or a black angus burger.  All three were excellent, particularly if ameliorated by cheddar cheese and green chile.	Burgers
Branding Iron Bar-B-Q 7419 Menaul, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	This tiny hole-in-the-wall featured very good chopped meat and chopped pork sandwiches as well as some of the best ham and baked beans around.  The atmosphere was very nondescript, its location nestled within a small strip mall, but the quality of the food certainly belied its size and facade.	Barbecue
Bubbe's Kitchen 7120 Wyoming, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	An authentic New York kosher style deli and restaurant in the northeast heights, this one lasted just about a year.  We liked Buffe's Kitchen even more for their decadent desserts, the best of which were Taos Cow ice cream and a rich, creamy pastry called the Aztec.	Kosher
Bugsy's Subs 9708 Candelaria, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	This nice family run cafe specialized in subs with a selection that surpassed (over 20 different sandwiches) that of the corporate sandwich kings.  Bugsy's also served breakfast entrees all day long, including an intriguing enchilada pie.  This was a restaurant you'd want in your neighborhood.	Sandwich
The Burrito Company Corrales Center Albuquerque, NM	Albuquerque's Burrito Company closed down in 1998 while the Santa Fe venue continues to thrive.  This was yet another nondescript New Mexican restaurant with tepid (no piquant bite) chile and smallish portions.   Despite its name, burritos weren't memorable.	New Mexican
Butcher & Fisherman Steak, Seafood & Lobster House 3000 San Pedro, N.E Albuquerque, NM	After the xenophobia that followed tension between America and France, this restaurant changed its name and even translated its French entrees into English.  Still, it served a wonderful classically French menu that even a xenophobe might like...if they tried it.  More...	French
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Cafe Bodega 4243 Montgomgery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Café Bodega is the type of restaurant in which you would dine with a close friend or family--a relaxing ambience, impeccable service and entrees which captivated all 10,000 of your taste buds will do that for you.  This one is direly missed!  More...	Fine Dining
Cafe Broadway 606 Broadway, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Cafe Broadway was once renown for excellent Spanish food, serving perfect paella, luscious lamb and terrific tapas while a classical guitarist performed musical magic.  The exclusivity of serving only Spanish food left when this bistro began offering Chinese and Mexican entrees as well.	Spanish
Cafe Del Sol 7923 Menaul, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Breakfast and lunch were the sole meals offered at this small, artsy restaurant which offered a huge breakfast burrito swimming in thick chile as well as American favorites.  It may not even have been open for a full year, but its absence was noticed by a faithful fan base.	American
Cafe Milagro 1001 Corrales, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	This trendy coffee bar and restaurant is a great place to go for breakfast, hot drinks, grilled panini sandwiches and hot or cold sandwiches.  You can have a pretty good meal or beverage while hooked up to the internet via Cafe Milagro's WiFi connections.  more...	American
Cafe O 8216 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Cafe O's inspiring menu also offers several freshly prepared hand-rolled spring rolls served chilled and served three per order.  These spring rolls are the antithesis of fried Chinese egg rolls which have become blasé and boring.  more...	Asian
Cafe Spoleto 2813 San Mateo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	More than perhaps any other restaurant which has closed down over the past several years, I regret not having re-visited this restaurant.  It made a huge impression on me during our one and only visit.  My taste buds can still remember Spoleto's heavenly lamb chops.	Fine Dining
California Witches 7202 Menaul, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	California Witches, "where you can taste California" is the brainchild of two Korean born California transplants who happen to like witches.  They practice culinary magic in the preparation of surprisingly good and diverse cuisine.  more...	Asian
Capo's Hideaway 8938 Fourth Street, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Capo should hide away--far away--if the meals we had there are an example of his best efforts.  Capo's Hideaway is actually one in a family of five (including one in Red River) restaurants, all of which incorporate Capo into the restaurant's name.	Italian
Carmen's Chicago Style Pizza Montgomery & Tramway, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Carmen's pizza was not quite Chicago style, but it did beat many of its Duke City competitors, at least in terms of pie thickness.  Thanks to sparse patronage, Carmen's was forced to offer a buffet before ultimately closing.  We miss Carmen's ranch dressing most of all.	Pizza
Cau Garden 5555 Zuni, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	In Vietnam the Cau tree represents honor and pride.  As such it was only fitting that the chefs of this May, 2003 entrant into the Albuquerque dining scene take pride in preparing a sumptuous soiree for the senses with each entree.  Pride wasn't enough to save a great restaurant.	Vietnamese
Cheesecake in Paradise 1706 4th N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Entrepreneurial Vanessa Mills pursued her dreams and shared her 200+ creamy concoctions with the world, albeit in a less than desirable location further cursed by the Big I construction project which closed off access routes to her tiny restaurant.  Her cheesecakes were masterpieces of deliciousness.	Cheesecake
Chianti's 5210 San Mateo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	In the years since our return to Albuquerque, this restaurant has the singular distinction of being my very least favorite...or at least of serving the very worse food we've had.  Despite the food's shortcomings, the service was unfailingly attentive.	Italian
Chicago Beef 3905 Isleta Blvd, S.W. Albuquerque, NM	Ask any Chicago transplant to list the five things they miss most about the Windy City and it's a good bet the list will include Italian beef sandwiches, a staple in Chicago.  Chicago Beef brings Italian beef sandwiches to the Duke City.  more...	Sandwich
The Chihuahua Buffet 5411 Osuna, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Ay Chihuahua!  Generally I expect that maybe two or three items on a buffet might stand out and that's pretty much what we found at The Chihuahua Buffet.  Despite a profuse buffet offering, this restaurant closed within a year of opening.	Mexican
China Gate 3600 NM State Highway 528 Albuquerque, NM	What is it about Chinese restaurants that most of them are unable to serve cuisine that sets them apart and distinguishes them from other bad Chinese restaurants.  Despite not offering a buffet, China Gate's cuisine was nearly of buffet quality...and that's not good.	Chinese
Christina’s Restaurant 515-A Wyoming, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Christina's was an absolutely wonderful restaurant with terribly inconvenient hours, especially if you have to drive from the west side.  The flat enchiladas Nortenas with an egg on top were just like they serve in northern New Mexico.   This was a top five New Mexican restaurant.	New Mexican
Congress Rotisserie 5800 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	If "con" is the opposite of "pro" then Congress must be the opposite of progress.  I don't know why an establishment would name itself after a governmental institution with a just barely in double-digits approval rating.  Albuquerque apparently didn't approve of this Rotisserie.	Chicken
Copper Creek Steakhouse 4605 San Mateo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	This cliché Western themed steak place had a somewhat better than average ambience and provided good service and reasonably priced food of good quality, but it wasn't a dining destination of any frequency.  Their red chile ranch dressing is much missed.	Steak
Country Vittles Cafe 4801 Central, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Country Vittles featured home cooking that included some of the best chicken-fried steak outside of Texas (albeit with Nebraska style white gravy replete with sausage and bacon bits).  You can still get their delicious, calorie-laden meals at their new location in Moriarty.	American
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Dagmar's Delectables 3000 San Pedro Drive, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Delectable, diet devastating, delicious...Dagmar Schulze Mondragon has been serving terrific Teutonic treats for more than a decade, in the process surmounting tremendous personal and business challenges that might fell a lesser person.  more...	German
Damon's Fine Cuisine 1435 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque,	Damon's Fine Cuisine earned acclaim from the Albuquerque Tribune's outstanding restaurant critic Carrie Seidman as one of the five best restaurants to launch in Albuquerque in 2005.  Impeccable service and an intriguing menu are just some of the reasons.  more...	Fine Dining
Deli Mart West 10131 Coors, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	The lingering aroma of fine deli meats and cheeses is so familiar and enticing it will send your olfactory senses into overdrive trying to ingest them all.  The Deli Mart's well-stocked shelves offered culinary treasures to please chefs of all skill levels.  more...	Sandwich
Doc & Mz. V's Diner 3905 Isleta, S.W. Albuquerque, NM	Dr. Thomas Strain, a respected family practitioner, might not prescribe the quintessential Southern diet of fried chicken, fried catfish, barbecue ribs, etc., but his South Valley restaurant dished up the aforementioned Southern staples deliciously and inexpensively, too.  More...	American
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El Pollo Bueno 2318 Central, S.W  Albuquerque, NM	Admittedly the proprietors of this Old Town area restaurant were not Brazilian, but like me they had a great appreciation for the confluence of distinctive tastes from emerging cultures.  Broiled chicken, Brazilian beef and sensational salsas were the specialty.	Brazilian
El Pollo Rey 5500 San Mateo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	The best rotisserie chicken in town, its marquee didn't come down for years after this restaurant closed.  The King Chicken was situated in a high traffic location yet business wasn't good enough to sustain it.  This ubiquitous Southwest hain is still thriving in Texas and Arizona.	Chicken
Eurasia Bistro & Sushi Bar 10721 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Eurasia was situated near some of the city's most expensive real estate (Tanoan and High Desert to name but two) and some of us needed to scrimp and save to dine there, but while your wallet wwas lighter as a result, you were certain of an excellent meal.  more...	Japanese
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Fajitaville 11225 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	One of the best ways to start off at meal at Fajitaville was with a salsa sampler--apple jicama,  salsa fresca, green chili tomatillo, charred tomato chipotle, pineapple and mango--then use these savory concoctions on inspired sirloin fajitas or sirloin quesadillas.	Mexican
The Falls Steakhouse 3771 NM Highway 528 Albuquerque, NM	Launched in November 2006, the Falls Steakhouse is one of the most opulent restaurants in the city, but it's not just a haven for the well-heeled.  Even if you can't afford the luxurious Kobe beef, you can still have a high-quality, reasonably priced lunch.  more...	Steak
Fil-Am Fast Food Mart 600 Louisiana, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Want to know the secret to a happy life.  That secret is posted for all to see at the Fil-Am Fast Food Mart.  Who wouldn't be happy dining at the Duke City's sole Filipino restaurant.  After all, Filipinos absolutely eat with the gusto of a people who live to eat.  more...	Filipino
Fu Shou House 1414 Valencia, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	This small hole in the wall featured big tastes and was heavily patronized by Kirtland AFB airmen, many of whom served tours of duty in Korea.  Offering both Chinese and Korean entrees, this house served some of the best bulgogi and kimchy in the state.	Korean
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Garbanzo's 10131 Coors, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Garbanzo's was once a contender for the best carbonara in town.  Salad, soup and bread were part of every meal.   Alas, the Cottonwood Mall and burgeoning west side apparently had no place for a family-owned hole in the wall no matter how good the food was.	Italian
Graze by Jennifer James 3128 Central, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Graze specialized in tapas, little plates that can also form an entire meal when several are ordered together.  Albuquerque marveled at how such small plates harnessed such tremendous flavor combinations.  That was the talent of Jennifer James.  more...	Fine Dining
Gruet Grille 4243 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Although expected to be a more casual restaurant than the Gruet Steakhouse, its high-end, fine-dining sibling, the Gruet Grille's menu is replete with high-end comfort foods and seafood at greater prices than you'd expect to pay at a conventional bistro. more...	Seafood
The Gulf Coast Eatery 5809 Juan Tabo, N.E Albuquerque, NM	In the Gulf Coast Eatery, we found a restaurant that was better than even some Cajun restaurants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where we lived for nearly eight years.  From appetizers to dessert to live jazz, everything was first rate.	Cajun
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Harrigans Chophouse Grill 4800 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	In 2000, Harrigans added "Chophouse Grill" to their appellation.  It may have meant Harrigans was making a statement that it should not be considered in the same vein as Chili's, Applebee's and others of that ilk.  The name change wasn't enough to draw a customer base to keep the restaurant open.	Steak
Have Your Cake Bakery & Cafe 10420 4th Street, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	A graduate of the French Culinary Institute of New York, Kathy Medero launched her bakery and cafe in one of Albuquerque's most restaurant deprived areas--the far, far North Valley.  It's so good a visit from anywhere in the city is warranted.  more...	American
Hawaiian Restaurant 7102 Central, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Chinese, Hawaiian, Thai, and Japanese--155 items in all--under one roof and most of them delicious.  That's what this Asian restaurant delivered.  It's unlikely that their karaoke nights contribute to the demise of a restaurant in a "cursed" location where several other restaurants have failed.	Asian
Howley's Place 521 Central Avenue, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Bill and Tia Howley captured the hearts and appetites of Albuquerque diners with their own innovative stamp of culinary creations and won over loyal patrons with their genuine, homespun friendliness.  You can't account for a bad location, however.  more...	American
Humphrey's Cafe 3624 Central, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Formerly owned by celebrity chef Jim White, the menu still bore his name long after his departure.  Humphrey's offered Italian and New Mexican cuisine, gourmet subs, fresh fish and pizza.  This Nob Hill restaurant was hit and miss with its cuisine, but when good, it was very, very good.	American
Hunan's 1218 San Pedro, S.E.  Albuquerque, NM	In the early 80s, Hunan's used to be the best Chinese restaurant in town with its San Pedro location being a Kirtland AFB favorite and a Coronado Mall location drawing in hungry shoppers by the dozens.  No Chinese restaurant in town had a better buffet.	Chinese
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Imperial Lion 601 Juan Tabo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	The adjectives bland, tasteless, and unimaginative may be too strong, but on the other hand, nothing really titillated our taste buds at this oh-so-typically mundane Chinese buffet restaurant.  Ordering from the menu was no different--a meal, but not a dining experience.	Chinese
Itsa Italian Ice 4520 Lomas, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	We sampled almost every one of their 20 or so Italian ices and they were all great with root beer being my absolute favorite.  There's probably nothing as refreshing on a hot summer day which is why I'm surprised this long established store closed in 1996.	Italian Ice
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Johnny Ray's Bar-B-Que 1601 Broadway, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Ordinarily I wouldn't return to any restaurant on whose door the previous day hung a sign which read "Closed, Out of Food" and ordinarily I wouldn't wait 85 minutes for my food order.  Luckily, there was nothing ordinary about Johnny Ray's, likely the very best barbecue restaurant ever in the Duke City.	Barbecue
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Kanome, An Asian Diner 3128 Central, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	The restaurant closed on August 17, 2002 and while the owners are still catering their wonderful Asian fusion delights, it's just not the same as partaking of Kanome's fusion of Asian dishes--primarily Chinese and Thai--with a profusion of savory tastes and huge portions.	Fusion Asian
Koury's Deli 5850 Osuna, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Koury's Deli was like a Mediterranean oasis for Northeast Heights diners in quest for Greek food.  Part Greek grocery store and part restaurant, this diminutive, strictly order at the counter deli served everything from basic gyros and Greek salads to complex phyllo pastries.	Greek
Korean Garden 6609 Fourth Street, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	The Korean Garden was one of the Duke City's very first Korean restaurants, but its big draw was an all-you-can-eat buffet that included Chinese food entrees.  I can still taste the wonderful Mandarin chicken but for the life of me don't remember anything about the Korean items.	Korean
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 3709 Ellison Road, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Jay Leno called Krispy Kreme the "Michael Jordan of donuts."  When first launched, lines snaked around the building.  Alas, the parent company which owned Albuquerque's two Krispy Kreme franchises and six more in Arizona, filed for bankruptcy in 2006 leaving a huge (donut) hole in the hearts of loyal donut fanatics.	Doughnuts
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La Casona 3311 Central, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	After a sensational opening in early 1999, this sprawling restaurant in a cursed Nob Hill location went steadily downhill--from having the most fantastic Arracheras (marinated skirt steak) with  terrific beans and rice to being a major disappointment.	Mexican
La Cuisine 3000 San Pedro, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Albuquerque's many cocinas, cafes, restaurants and bistros proffer meals ranging from simple vittles to sublime cuisine.  Count La Cuisine among the latter.  With a menu offering a wide mix of traditional French dishes done extremely well, this colorful restaurant enraptured many a diner.	French
Lagniappe 1225 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Lagniappe, the Cajun word meaning "something extra" or "something special" described some of the items we found at this restaurant in a cursed location.  The catfish was reminiscent of pond-raised Mississippi catfish with which we are very familiar from eight years in the Delta state.	Cajun
La Mesa Kitchen 4200 Wyoming NE Albuquerque, NM	La Mesa came and went quickly.  That's too bad because they served very good chile and slathered it on generously.  The salsa was almost pureed while the papitas were of perfect texture and seasoning.  La Mesa served Red Cream soda, a big bonus in my book.	New Mexican
L'Opera Cottonwood Mall Albuquerque, NM	The Cottonwood Mall has seen several restaurants open with a flourish then fail miserably.  This was one of the very first to find that a traffic-laden mall can indeed be a restaurant nightmare.  If this had been an opera, we would have left at the first act.	Italian
La Roma Cucina Italiana 7600 Jefferson, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	I don't know what's worse--entrees which don't taste good or those with no taste whatsoever.  That's the dilemma we encountered during our one meal at the short-lived Journal Center Italian restaurant.  It was no surprise when this one closed shortly after an unspectacular launch.	Italian
La Veracruzana 532 Louisiana, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	La Veracruzana was tightly squeezed into a crowded multi-cultural shopping center in a neighborhood comprised primarily of Asian and Latin residents.  Featuring "the authentic taste of Southern Mexico," this tiny restaurant serves food big on flavor. more...	Mexican
Le Marmiton 5415 Academy, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Le Marmiton was my very favorite French restaurant in Albuquerque thanks largely to the best mushroom soup I’ve ever had anywhere and an excellent menu of savory French favorites.  I wore black for a week after hearing that this wonderful French cafe closed down.	French
Little Saigon 136 Juan Tabo, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	If you were on American time, you did not want to try Little Saigon; no one was in a hurry at this family oriented gem in which occidentals were scarce.  Their food, fortunately was well worth waiting for.  The curry chicken with hot chili lemon grass on steamed rice was among the best curry dishes I've had.	Vietnamese
Los Corrales 5333 4th, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Despite launching on a very busy 4th street area, Los Corrales could not survive the competition.  That's too bad because this restaurant served pretty good mariscos (Mexican seafood) and seemed to hold the promise of many a good meal.	Mexican
Lo Stivale 1435 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Our first clue that this was not the Lo Stivale of old was the absence of a waiting list at 6:30PM on a Friday evening.  This once wonderful authentic Italian institution (once my favorite Italian restaurant in New Mexico) had been relegated to a pretender of its former self before ultimately closing for good.	Italian
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M & J Sanitary Tortilla Factory 403 2nd Street, S.W. Albuquerque, NM	M&J's was once a perennial listing on Hispanic magazine's annual issue naming the best Hispanic restaurants in America.  It was also renown for having served our most corpulent president during one of his infrequent visits to the Duke City. M&J featured the cheesiest and possibly best enchiladas in town.	New Mexican
Maine-ly Lobster 6220 San Mateo Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM	Our first visit taught us that you shouldn’t order steak (barely passable) at this seafood restaurant.  Our second visit taught us we shouldn't return.  As much as I love fried clams, these were by far, the worse I've ever had, even worse than the clam tips served by some local restaurants.	Seafood
Mama Lou’s Cajun Kitchen 412 San Pedro, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	This great restaurant met its heartrending and untimely demise on December, 31st, 1998--shortly after being featured on an issue of Albuquerque Monthly magazine.  Renown for outstanding praline sundaes and pickled vegetables, it was a wonderful cure-all when we were missing Crescent City cuisine.	Cajun
Marco Pollo Charbroiled Chicken 9880 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	Marco Pollo serves some of the best char-broiled chicken we've had in a long time.  Best of all, Marco Pollo is the first instantiation of a local restaurant chain with the gloss and grandiosity of a national franchise.  It is not related to a similarly named Texas chain.  more...	Chicken
Maria Theresa's 618 Rio Grande, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	On the fringes of Old Town, this restaurant had as many detractors as proponents.  After two very mediocre meals, we counted ourselves among the latter.  An eclectic menu offered some local cuisine, but despite the restaurant's name, New Mexican food was not the featured fare.	Fine Dining
Marie Callendar's 5220 Eubank, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	With more than 130 restaurants in ten states, primarily in the Southwest and West, Marie Callendar's has been a proven success story.  A chain of casual dining restaurants, best known for freshly baked pies, it had two Duke City restaurants before closing in 2004.	American
Mariscos Vallarta 10131 Coors, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Chef Agustin Lopez learned and plied his trade in the tourist laden Puerto Vallarta area.  Two years later, his wonderful restaurant, Mariscos Vallarta became yet another restaurant casualty, a scant block or two from vastly inferior chain restaurants on the Coors Bypass.  More...	Mexican
Martha's High Desert Cafe 4801 Montano, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Martha's High Desert Cafe featured home cooking and ethnic cuisine featuring the best of Cuba and Haiti on a daily basis.  You could even expect to be very pleasantly surprised by such exotic offerings as foods from the African sub-continent (would you believe Ethiopian food) as well as South America.	Eurasian
Ma's Garden 412 San Pedro, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	I wouldn't go quite so far as to paraphrase Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran with "No Ma's, but we were never in a hurry to return to Cocinita magazine's Best Chinese honoree in 2000.  It was somewhat better than the stereotypical Chinese buffet restaurant, but not quite enough.	Chinese
Maximito's 606 Broadway, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	Maximito's, the reincarnation of long-defunct Tio Pepe's, had too many tempting entrees and intriguingly innovative salsas not to succeed--yet it failed.  You might attribute its closing (within months after launching) to a restaurant site that has precipitated the demise of many a restaurant.  More	Mexican
Michelle's Cafe & Wine Cellar 6205 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	This restaurant didn't often receive acclaim as one of Albuquerque's best, but it should have.  It earned Wine Spectator magazine's Restaurant Award of Excellence for 2000-2001.  It's perhaps a pity I don't like wine, but a blessing that I do love fine food and Michelle's offered some of the best in town.	European
Minato’s 10721 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	One of Albuquerque's most romantic restaurants, Minato's proffered delightful Teriyaki chicken and steak and gave you the option of communal sitting around the Tappan grill or a more intimate and private seating in which your meals are brought to your table.	Japanese
MJ's Cafe Express 10131 Coors, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	MJ's occupied the former site of a Burger King restaurant. That didn't necessarily mean MJ's let you "have it your way", but you did have many items from which to choose.  This 2002 entrant into the Duke City dining scene offered breakfast entrees, burritos, combination plates and burgers.	New Mexican
Moe's N.Y. Style Pizza 4509-B Alameda, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	I once surmised that MOE was an acronym meaning "more of everything" such as more great taste, more quality ingredients and more reasons to return.  Alas, Moe's regressed from practitioner of pizza perfection to piteous pies to out of business in Albuquerque.	Pizza
Mahogany Cafe 6219 Montgomery, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	In May, 2004, the very first soul food restaurant in the city was launched and for that we were ever so grateful.  Alas, the restaurant accommodated 64 patrons and was hard-pressed to see more than a dozen diners each night.  This was a great soul food restaurant.  More...	Soul
Moni's Place 2002 Bridge, S.W. Albuquerque, NM	Family owned and operated, this south valley restaurant wasn't difficult to find, but you had to be trying to find it.  That's one of the things that made it so good.  It didn't cater to tourist tastes and prepared New Mexican cuisine in much the same manner as your abuelita would.	New Mexican
Monte Vista Fire Station 3201 Central, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	The Monte Vista Fire Station was long considered one of Albuquerque's treasures and was once regarded as the best restaurant in the Duke City.  Set in a historic property, it provided the definitive high-class dining experience and served generally wonderful cuisine.	Fine Dining
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N’awlins Café 1400 Central, S.E. Albuquerque, NM	A Central Avenue setting with poor parking facilities may have helped precipitate this wonderful restaurant's premature demise.  We still miss the outstanding oyster and artichoke stew and the sinfully decadent Bourbon Pecan Pie.	Cajun
Neko Sushi 9421 Coors, N.W. Albuquerque, NM	Albuquerque's burgeoning northwest quadrant can always use another good sushi restaurant so the neighborhood was thrilled when Neko Sushi opened its doors in October, 2006.  Find out why Neko Sushi is truly the "cat's meow" when it comes to sushi and sashimi.  more...	Japanese
New Chinatown Restaurant 5001 Central, N.E. Albuquerque, NM	The New Chinatown Restaurant, owned and operated by the Jew family, was a long time favorite which has had an increasingly difficult time competing with the megalithic corporate Chinese restaurants who offer everything at little cost.	Chinese
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Old Town Cantina 1100 Rio Grande, NW Albuquerque, NM	The Old Town Cantina purported to have served excellent New Mexican food in Albuquerque for 25 years yet committed the cardinal sin of spelling it "chili."  (Hatch residents would die to see Hatch chili on the menu).  Poor spelling was the least of this restaurant's problems.	New Mexican
On The Border 10031 Coors, N.W. Albuquerque, NM