What's going on, Albuquerque?

Looking for information on Stuffy's Stuffed Sopapillas drive-ins

Hi all, I'm new to the site. I was born and raised in the Duke City, but moving to California. I grew up in the area around the old Albuquerque High before my family moved up near Juan Tabo and Central.

I am planning a trip back for the opening of the Balloon Fiesta and want to eat at some of my favorite places, if they are still around.

Does anyone know if the Stuffy's Stuffed Sopapillas drive-ins are still open? I use to go to one on Eubank (I think - maybe it was on Wyoming).

What about Mac's Steak In The Rough? Are they still around? Is the food still good?

I know Blake's Lotta Burgers are still open.

Thanks for any information anyone can provide.

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Comment by Masshole in Fringecrest on August 23, 2010 at 1:45pm: You better hurry and get here if yuou want to try Mac's. This was int he paper this morning: The eatery at 4515 Menaul NE will close at 10 p.m. on Sept. 4 before the 1,900-square-foot site is razed Sept. 8.
LeeAnna Fresquez, vice president of Mac's and several other companies run by the Fresquez family, said the 75- to-90-day renovation will give the eatery a modern look, with a new ordering and cash-register system, a larger kitchen, a new drive-in ordering system and modified canopies in the parking lot.

Stufy's is still around, as well, but I think they, too only have the one location left: 1107 Candelaria Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Comment by cathyray on August 23, 2010 at 5:44pm: The Stuffy's on Eubank is no more.

Comment by munecamama on August 23, 2010 at 5:50pm: There is another location on Coors and Montano. Opposite the Hastings, the building just north of the Walgreens.

I think the one on Candelaria only takes cash.

Comment by Ron Da Bomb on August 23, 2010 at 7:47pm: For the record, it's called Stufy's. Not Stuffy's. I'm just sayin. I always thought the spelling was weird, and have always pronounced it STEW-feez. I'm easily entertained.

I don't think the one on Coors and Montano is still open. I saw one in the North Valley a few months ago, but can't confirm if they are still open.

Oh, and welcome to DCF Kelly!

Comment by hettie on August 23, 2010 at 9:49pm: the original mac's diner is still open out on west central. or at least it was about 6 months ago. mmm, now I want steak and enchiladas.

Comment by vinceinburque on August 23, 2010 at 10:54pm: Stufy's on Candelaria is open. I drive passed it daily and they keep regular hours, but not open late. That location is just east of 12th Street. The plus is after you eat there you can walk down the street to Bandido's Hideout (or something like that) for an after dinner drink, assuming you like loud Mexican music and bar fights.

Mac's is open, you can still get your steak fingers and fries with a scallion :)

Lotaburger, well, you can go there but I honestly think they are living off their reputation these days and not quality. The burgers are paper thin and its just not like how you probably remember.

Comment by Tom on August 24, 2010 at 10:45am: Welcome to DCF, Kelly! Stufy's on Candelaria is still open, and still very good! Mac's has a few locations around town, but, in my opinion, the food has gone downhill. I won't eat any Mac's again. Same for Lotaburger. Their formerly good quality has disappeared, too.

Comment by vinceinburque on August 24, 2010 at 3:37pm: No, I'd skip Mac's on 63rd as well. I was having dinner with friends while the busser and waiter were joking around. The busser threw his wet towel at the waiter, the waiter dodged and it landed on my plate. They apologized and went to bring me a new order. Haven't been back since.

So Kelly - how about finding some new haunts? The old ones aren't working out well.

Comment by Kelly Ward on August 24, 2010 at 10:56pm: WOW! Thanks for all the excellent info! You guys are all as nice as I remember the people of Albuquerque to be.

I kinda figgered that quality may have gone down in some of the places, but that seems to be pretty much everywhere. Things are always better in the "good old days!"

A friend from here who was recently there suggested that I try the Artichoke Cafe. After I looked them up I found that they are 1 block from where I grew up and while their menu sounds yummy, it's basically California Cuisine. I want some GOOD Mexican food. The stuff we get out here does't compare to New Mexican Cuisine (but you all already know that!!!)

Again, thanks for all the information and advice.

@Vinceinburque: Where would you suggest for new haunts?

Comment by vinceinburque on August 25, 2010 at 11:54am: New Mexican:
Mary & Tito's, 2711 4 St. NW
El Modelo, 1715 Second St. SW
Padilla's, 1510 Girard NE

Mexican:
El Bronco, 301 Old Coors SW
El Sabor Juarez, 3527 Gibson SE

Don't forget the Frontier, 2400 Central SE

There's a couple hole in the wall places, but I can't remember the names. If I'm in those neighborhoods I'll jot them down for you.