Albuquerque is a large city filled with amazing places to dine. According to University of New Mexico junior Evan Anaya, these five restaurants around Albuquerque are unmissable when considering a place to grab a bite with friends, on a date or alone. His suggestions might provide you with your next restful break from studying.
Naruto Ramen
Naruto Ramen is a restaurant that serves an array of Japanese-style ramen in an upscale environment with bar-style seating options and a nice menu variety to choose from.
“I love noodles, and Naruto is right across campus and so good,” Anaya said.
Naruto is located on Central Avenue across from the Communication and Journalism building. The location is very convenient for people who can’t drive or don’t want to commute too far off campus for a bite to eat.
Saggio’s
Saggio’s is an Italian restaurant located off Yale Boulevard across the street from the UNM Bookstore. The scenery is fascinating, according to Anaya — the inside is decorated with pop culture-themed paintings, with some on the ceiling. There’s even a fountain near the cashier station.
“Their food is really good, and who doesn't like pizza?” Anaya said. “They sell by the slice.”
Pizza is a nice go-to meal when you don’t know what to eat, and buying it by the slice is helpful when you don’t want too much food. The location is also convenient, located right across the street from campus.
Blake’s Lotaburger
The Blake’s Lotaburger website will tell you that its chain of restaurants is a New Mexico tradition. A fast food restaurant, Lotaburger serves burgers, chicken and breakfast burritos, among many other things.
There is a Lotaburger location located right here on campus in the Student Union Building, perfect for getting a quick meal before, after or in-between classes, according to Anaya.
Chick-fil-A
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Chick-fil-A is a great choice for people who love chicken. It's fast and easy to get to. Alongside Lotaburger, it can be found in the Student Union Building.
“(Chick-fil-A is) fast and delicious for between classes,” Anaya said.
Grassburger
Unfortunately, this option is not as close to campus as the others, but they still serve amazing food if you’re in the mood for healthier alternatives to fast food, according to Anaya.
“Grassburger has some of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten in Albuquerque,” Anaya said.
As the name implies, all the cows that Grassburger recieve their meat from are grass fed. They also provide gluten-free, vegan and allergy-friendly meals, according to their website.
Located on the corner of Juan Tabo and Montgomery Boulevard, Grassburger is a quick 15-minute drive from campus for those looking to get a little space from the University by enjoying a good meal.
Albuquerque is a great place for dining, with local and chain options across the whole city; next time you’re in the mood for a meal, make sure to check out one of the options Anaya recommended.
Alizay Chavez is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. They can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @ChavezAlizay