What's going on, Albuquerque?

Don't Eat There

All the suggestions for restaurants to visit suggested in this group has got me thinking about bad food in Albuquerque. You know, those places you went that were so bad you went back to- just to be sure. And sure enough, they really were awful. Now that I have a bit more free time on my hands, I'll be trying out some new places. So, who do I need to steer clear of?

My short list:

Lucky Boy on Constitution near Carlisle: I know it's dirt cheap, but dirt actually tastes better.

Mediterranean Cafe on San Mateo new Central: The owner is nice, but it seems like every ingredient comes out of a can or a foil wrapper.

Roll 'n Sushi on Central near Sierra: I haven't even given them a second chance. There's so much good Asian food on Central, why waste another meal?

Where else?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrea Lin on July 12, 2010 at 4:21pm

I've had the worst poached egg in the history of chickens at Java Joe's. But strangely.... I'd still go there. Does that make me a bad restaurant-goer?

They've got this very weirdly appealing hippie vibe, not unlike Blue Dragon.

Permalink Reply by Big White Hat on July 12, 2010 at 5:12pm

BWH feels that way about Flyimg Star ... Overpriced bland food, worst cup of Joe in town and snotty attitudes make it a place that I never go to.

The Range however has never disappointed me, yummy food always hot and fresh and served with a smile.

Permalink Reply by Kelley on August 18, 2010 at 11:17pm

I agree with your assessment of Flying Star. Their coffee is HORRIBLE. The beans taste burnt, as though they over-roast them. Yuck. I'll only go for dessert on special occasions because I don't wanna pay $20 for a meal every time I go there when I can go somewhere else I like better and get a 3 course meal +wine for that price.

Permalink Reply by Andrea Lin on August 20, 2010 at 7:23am

I think you can get a salad, a hot dog, and dessert plus a glass of sangria at Bailey's on the Beach and it would be about $20.

Permalink Reply by JMG on August 4, 2010 at 12:23pm

Slate Street Cafe was disappointing last week. Boring pita bread (either stale or cheap stuff from Smith's?) with the hummus, ordered the "special" which was veal: it was tough and chewy (the only reason you overlook your humane animal concerns to order veal is because it's NEVER tough and chewy) and too much cheese. Waitress never asked to refill our wine. Price for two for dinner was about $90 - too high. We did complain to management, so hopefully they will make adjustments, because it's a nice little place.

Permalink Reply by Kelley on August 18, 2010 at 11:13pm

Slate St's burgers are actually reallllllly good. I was pleasantly surprised, especially because I've heard not-so-good things about their pricey food before. I had been drinking at Marble and needed some food, so a friend and I decided to walk down and try it since we'd heard about it.

It was pricey, so I got the BYO burger because it was comparatively inexpensive (~$10). I got blue cheese and bacon on it. Seriously, one of the best burgers I've had in a long time, and I'm a burger snob. I won't eat fast food burgers. So - if you like burgers, don't completely write them off.

Permalink Reply by Big White Hat on August 23, 2010 at 5:01pm

What is it with the $10 burgers? Slate Street service is bad, the attitudes are elitist.

Speaking of $10 burgers, we had lunch at Turtle Mountain Brewing a week ago, had their $10 burger and it came with just tomatoes and lettuce. Nothing else, no pickles for ten bucks? UUgggg.

In other food notes, Sams Club is now serving Nathans Famous hot dogs but did away with the kraut...WTF, no kraut for a Nathans? Another shame.

Permalink Reply by Anita B on September 28, 2010 at 9:31pm

Slate Street Cafe. Every time I've been there, the service gets progressively worse. 45 minutes to get the check last time, and I still never got a refill on iced tea, despite asking repeatedly for it.

Mario's (at least the location on Juan Tabo). My husband was served something that looked like jello on top of pasta that was supposed to be chicken piccata. My eggplant parmigiana tasted like it was made from straight-canned tomato paste with no seasonings. It shouldn't have gotten that far, though; when we sat down, we asked the waitress what she recommended, and she said that she didn't eat there (that should have been a major warning).

Permalink Reply by jeff on June 7, 2011 at 9:14pm

only if you love msg.

i've only ever had great meals there - nice peeps and great quality.

better than the slop at 0.25.

Permalink Reply by once banned twice shy on June 8, 2011 at 9:07am

Agreed. While I might have had what I would call disorganized service at the Cube it has NEVER been rude. Also haven't noticed that it is extraordinarily dirty. Certainly not any dirtier than the Quarters.

Permalink Reply by Phil_0 on June 8, 2011 at 3:18pm

Not a Quarters fan either...their meat is frequently gristly and verging on jerky-like.

Permalink Reply by Jackie on June 8, 2011 at 4:31pm

I'm not intending to jump into a restaurant war, but of the two, for food, my tip of the hat would go to The Cube. Sandwiches are fine, but the sides are really, really FINE. I mean...man, I love their sides!!! Quarters is okay, but I prefer their burgers to their barbeque. Good drinks, too. I've never found either place to be dirty.