Albuquerque and Sante Fe, NM

[rthomas]

Any recommendations for Albuquerque and Sante Fe, New Mexico?

I'm going to a meeting in Albuquerque then my family will meet me for a long weekend in Sante Fe.

In Sante Fe, we are staying on the square at La Fonda. We have two teenage kids so any recommendations for moderately priced New Mexican restaurants would be appreciated.

[blazindw]

Albuquerque's got a few casinos just outside of town. Also, there are trails in the Sandia Mountains as well that I hear have beautiful views. Finally, in downtown Albuquerque they have a small strip with lots of bars and restaurants that I would recommend. Also, when you're in a restaurant, be prepared to answer the following question: "Red or Green (chili)?" New Mexican food has a lot of either on its food, and it's quite delicious.

[Indoor66]

Also, when you're in a restaurant, be prepared to answer the following question: "Red or Green (chili)?"

ALWAYS take the Green chili!

[ohioguy2]

ALWAYS take the Green chili!

Nope, go Christmas.

We enjoyed Santa Fe--too many good eateries to mention. We actually liked Taos better--smaller, easier access to hiking. Doc Watson's in Taos makes great food and even better drinks.

[rthomas]

Nope, go Christmas.

We enjoyed Santa Fe--too many good eateries to mention. We actually liked Taos better--smaller, easier access to hiking. Doc Watson's in Taos makes great food and even better drinks.

I think we'll go up to Taos on a day trip. So thanks!

[hurleyfor3]

Albuquerque's got a few casinos just outside of town.

The two I recommend are the Route 66 Casino west of town (great decor) and the Santa Ana Casino to the north (best payouts on craps I've ever seen, including free buy and lay on the 4 and 10). The one just south of the airport kind of sucks. The one at the north end of town (Sandia?) is better but gets crowded.

The Pecos and lower Sangre de Cristo mountains offer some of the best hiking in the country, but most of the good stuff involves a full day commitment. Wheeler Peak is 14 miles I think, Santa Fe Baldy is 17-18 miles. I did Jicarita Peak a few years back; didn't see another person all day but it was 19 miles. From Albuquerque you can drive up to the Sandia Mountains from the backside and walk around a good bit without a lot of elevation gain required.

[budwom]

You'll like La Fonda.
Take the old high road from Santa Fe to Taos...beautiful.
While we very much enjoyed the beautiful scenery in the area, we found both towns to be congested tourist enclaves of the highest order. We were very disappointed...but some people don't mind that kind of place.
Stay out of the mid-day sun.

[85devil]

I live in Albuquerque. There are many wonderful restaurants with great food in SF. They can be expensive though. Some less expensive places in SF with good food are Guadelupe Cafe, Cafe Pasquales, the rooftop cafe at the Coyote Cafe. Casa Sena is a fun place where the wait staff sing Broadway show tunes and eventually bring your food.

If you go to Taos, definitely take the high road. It takes a little longer but the views are spectacular.

[ohioguy2]

I live in Albuquerque. There are many wonderful restaurants with great food in SF. They can be expensive though. Some less expensive places in SF with good food are Guadeloupe Cafe, Cafe Pasquales, the rooftop cafe at the Coyote Cafe. Casa Sena is a fun place where the wait staff sing Broadway show tunes and eventually bring your food.

If you go to Taos, definitely take the high road. It takes a little longer but the views are spectacular.

Very good suggestions. The Coyote Cafe was very good--food and drinks. The high road to Taos was beautiful. The Guadeloupe had a long wait when we were there, but the tequila made it an easy one.:p

[CMARTZ]

Speaking of New Mexico, do any of you know where the send-off party/alumni meet at the end of the summer will be held?

I live in Albuquerque and I'll be sophomore at Duke this year. I was the only entering freshman at the event last year but I know of at least 2 kids in 2013 who I am sure would benefit from the chance to talk to a bunch of alumni :)

In response to the original question, I would recommend Sadie's Restaurant in downtown Albuquerque. Also, a google search for "Albuquerque old town" will come up with information on a nice little area that hasn't been tainted by the likes of the Wal-Marts and Burger Kings of the world. Enjoy your stay!

[chi]

I like Old Town Albuquerque ...

some pics ...
http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS330US330&sourceid=chrome&q=Albuquerque%20old%20town&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

[allenmurray]

I have traveled to Albuquerque a number of times. I have never had better Mexican food or New Mexican food (two different things) than at the Church Street Cafe in Old Town.

http://www.churchstreetcafe.com/

[CMARTZ]

I like Old Town Albuquerque ...

some pics ...
http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS330US330&sourceid=chrome&q=Albuquerque%20old%20town&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

Haha when I went to that page and saw the first image (the one of the gazebo) for a moment I thought you'd linked him to a page of UNC pictures :eek:

[JulesInLA]

Speaking of New Mexico, do any of you know where the send-off party/alumni meet at the end of the summer will be held?

I live in Albuquerque and I'll be sophomore at Duke this year. I was the only entering freshman at the event last year but I know of at least 2 kids in 2013 who I am sure would benefit from the chance to talk to a bunch of alumni :)


Doesn't look like there's a Send Off scheduled for Alburquerque (see link here: http://www.dukealumni.com/olc/pub/DUKE/cm_clubs/club_57.html ).

I'd suggest contacting Betty Jones in the Alumni Affairs Office. She can be reached at betty.jones@daa.duke.edu or (919) 684-3246.

Julie G.
Pres of the Duke Club of SoCal

[MulletMan]

OK... first off let's take care of the most important question. Red or green? You need to try both, and I would suggest finding a place where you can get a plate of tacos or a burrito, getting them both on the side and trying each one. First off, regardless of what anyone tells you, red is not hotter than green. It varies from batch to batch. What is true is that red is more bitter than green, and thus, not as many "gringos" seem to like it. Me, being a gringo, I like green. You need to get it on everything. Don't wimp out. And once you've tried it, keep trying it. Its different at each restaurant.

Oh... and find yourself a Dion's and get a pepperoni and green chile pizza. S'good eats!

Sadie's... good call. Be prepared to wait. Drink the Gold Margaritas. Get someone to drive you home. Enjoy the salsa, but beware... its got kick! I can't get enough.

Good BBQ at Quarters. Stiff drinks too. That's a fun place on a Friday night.

Definitely go to Old Town. Stop in and see the Candy Lady.

Hike up Sandia peak during the day, but be careful not to wander too far off trail this time of year. The bears start coming down from the top of the mountain for water... or so I learned on my first trip out there with my then girlfriend, now wife.

Re: Sandia peak... if you take the tram I would advise against eating at the restaurant up top. Since my first trip out there (6 years ago) there have been at least 3 or 4 ownership groups, and I can't say I've talked to anyone who had a good experience there.

OK... I know you said moderately priced, but I am telling you that when you're in Santa Fe, you NEED to go have dinner at Geronimo's. Seriously. Yes, it is expensive. It is also one of the top 2 or 3 meals I've eaten in my entire life. Every bite was a phenomenal experience.

Every. Single. Bite.

Do it.

Really.

I mean it.

You'll thank me.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Speaking of New Mexico, do any of you know where the send-off party/alumni meet at the end of the summer will be held?

I live in Albuquerque and I'll be sophomore at Duke this year. I was the only entering freshman at the event last year but I know of at least 2 kids in 2013 who I am sure would benefit from the chance to talk to a bunch of alumni :)

In response to the original question, I would recommend Sadie's Restaurant in downtown Albuquerque. Also, a google search for "Albuquerque old town" will come up with information on a nice little area that hasn't been tainted by the likes of the Wal-Marts and Burger Kings of the world. Enjoy your stay!
Check with Duke Alumni Affairs. Many times such events are listed on the web site. http://www.dukealumni.com/olc/pub/DUKE/alumni_directory/alumni_directory_1.html

[JulesInLA]

Just a note that the correct link for Send Off events is:
http://www.dukealumni.com/olc/pub/DUKE/cm_clubs/club_57.html

Devil in the Blue Dress -- You can find classmates on this one, but it won't help for Send Off parties:
http://www.dukealumni.com/olc/pub/DUKE/alumni_directory/alumni_directory_1.html

[rthomas]

Ate at Church Street Cafe last night and had Carne Adovada al Horno which is a pulled pork with nicely spiced red sauce. It was wonderful.

Thanks for everyone's recs.

Eating lots of chiles in Albuquerque...rt

[Indoor66]

Eating lots of chiles in Albuquerque...rt

I think I hate you! :D Enjoy God's country.

[rthomas]

Sadie's: best salsa i've had in a long time. My mouth went numb and I began slurring. Never had that before. It's a drug.

[CMARTZ]

Sadie's: best salsa i've had in a long time. My mouth went numb and I began slurring. Never had that before. It's a drug.

I'm glad you enjoyed it!