TK's Favorite Dist 17 Eateries

• I've been staying local in the neighborhood for most of my meals and have come up with some great gems that might be new to those who haven't ventured west of San Mateo and Central in while. If you are in the area check out:

   

  Breakfast: Ropers makes the best pancakes in town (try the green chile blue corn pinon cakes)! Bea's (both locations, the original on central is my fav) is an old staple that delivers. Copper Canyon is a Lovelace and base crowd fav, pretty good huevos.  When in doubt there is always #6 at the Golden Pride that always delivers. Perea's is another classic.

   

  Lunch: Powdrell's and JR's both bring some good bbq, Powdrell's being a little more spicy, JR's more thick and rich. The new Lil' Anita's for NM burrito and Baggins for sandwiches can't miss. Giovanni's Pizza offers, hard to find in NM, authentic NY style pizza. La Socilita and Basil Leaf are go to's for a great business lunch,Taaj Palace has an excellent buffet,  Burrito Lady has smokin hot Santa Rosa Style burritos, Chen's Chinese is also tops Chinese in this area by far. Plus, the new Dion's (for me in walking distance) always a great standby. Pizza 9 has a surprisingly good italian beef sandwich too and Pizza Castle is pretty good.  All that said, I do love some green chile teriyaki chicken bowl!   

   

  Dinner: Paul's Monterrey in is sweet throwback to the another era of smoke filled dark steakhouses, the food is still excellent with service to match, hasn't changed in 30 years and offers a truly authentic experience. Cooperage offers a slightly updated version with a massive salad bar. Cervantes offers the area's top New Mexican food and a sweet velvet lined bar!  I'm still waiting to try the new "Town House," a throw back to old days, hoping it will be as good.  El Norteno moved from Zuni but it still close by on Wyoming and Constitution has some of the best Mexican seafood in the city. Also a just outside the district, Paisano's has best pasta in town. We have a new Sadie's on Juan Tabo as well.

   

  Vietnamese: Cafe Trang and Coda Bakery (grilled pork and a ice'd coffee is tops), Que Hong (best for chicken and veggie), Cafe Du Lat (beef dishes and seafood) are my top 3 for overall menu. Get your emissions check and a spring role at Viet 2000!

   

  Grocery Shopping: Talin Market, El Mesquite and 99 Bahn cover almost anything you'd want and can't get anywhere else in NM, FruitiMex on Zuni is fun trip

   

  Dessert: La Michuacanna has more Popsicles and ice cream than you can imagine, and old school frito pie in the frito's bag! Chocolate Cartel for aztec and mayan spice 70%+ cacao and excellent Gelato

   

  Bars: EJ's Pub makes bowling fun, Caravan East is where my parents used to go on dates, Blue Jeans Lounge has the best blues in town but recently closed, the lounge at Paul's Monterray is vintage and site of many movie filmings, even though its a chain, the Applebee's near Target is always packed for games.  hit up the Sanchez taco carts budding up all over after for late night snack.  For the throw back to my middle school days there is always Roller Skate City for fam fun.