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Start a Top 5 for Cheap EatsEditor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in New Mexico Nomad, Gil's Thrilling (And Filling) Blog, An Inspired Cook, Gil's Thrilling and Filling Blog, and Albuquerque Journal. Updated August 2026.
El Modelo Mexican Foods · Barelas
An Albuquerque tamale institution since 1929, reviewed by Gil's Thrilling Blog. The counter-service kitchen on 2nd Street SW is known for red-chile pork tamales, chicharrones, and carne adovada by the pound, plus breakfast burritos smothered in chile. A no-frills spot open seven days that generations of families have ordered holiday tamales from.
Lucky Boy · Northeast Heights
A longtime northeast-Albuquerque burger stand on the New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, where the green chile cheeseburger is the order. Gil's Thrilling Blog calls it one of the city's most popular versions of the dish: a griddled patty, melted cheese, and fresh-roasted green chile on a soft bun. A no-frills counter spot that leans on the chile rather than fuss.
Bristol Doughnut Company · Northeast Heights
Named for a vintage double-decker bus, Bristol moved from a food truck to a Comanche Road shop in northeast Albuquerque and draws praise from Gil's Thrilling and Filling Blog and the Albuquerque Journal. The maple bacon doughnut wins on bacon bits over strips. Also get the salted butter cake, a bomboloni, and the savory green chile Cheddar roll.