The Top List of Best Brunches - Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM
Dining out in Albuquerque or Santa Fe can be a cultural event, an elegant repast or simply a great meal for the whole family by Jim Phillips & Caren Calvin
We all know that it isn't only elephants that never forget, so in order to avert disaster and remain in good standing, plan ahead. With the helpful guide provided below, you will find the best brunches in these parts to treat that someone special in your life on a special occasion, and to make their day one to remember. Dining out in Albuquerque or Santa Fe can be a cultural event, an elegant repast or simply a great meal for the whole family; you decide which it will be by choosing the restaurant that fits the bill for you and your special person. Celebrate the most important people in the world on their very special day.
Java Joe’s in downtown Albuquerque has it all. You can choose from home made baked goods or tempting brunch items from their unique menu. Unforgettable items include blueberry granola pancakes or the Americano sandwich, a BLT with a creamy layer of egg salad. The coffee is fresh roasted on site and every meal is prepared by hand as you order. Combine all of that with the generous service, the live entertainment on the weekends and the ever-changing original local art on the walls and you have a truly New Mexico experience on your hands.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $10 - $15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Hours: Mon: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, Tue-Sat: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sun: 8:30 am - 2:00pm
Gold Street Caffe is the place to hang out and eat away the previous night’s activities. With an open air patio, a brunch menu that serves classic delights and a location that is just a block away from the Albuquerque downtown movie theater, it’s a great place to start off a lazy Sunday; just sipping coffee, buttering a bagel and waiting to amble over to catch an early matinee.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE FRENCH PASTRY SHOP AT LA FONDA 100 East San Francisco St, La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 983-6697
Hours: Mon-Sun: 6:30 am - 5:00 pm
A day of shopping or museum hopping in Santa Fe needs to begin with a first-rate meal. And The French Pastry Shop at La Fonda is the perfect place. Located just off of Santa Fe’s main plaza in the historic La Fonda Hotel, The French Pastry Shop offers wonderful selections from their bakery as well as a full French country menu of crepes, sandwiches and soups. A particular favorite is the salami sandwich, piled high with paper thin salami and cheese and served on a home made baguette. Perfect with a French onion soup starter and an Orangina.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PRAIRIE STAR 255 Prairie Star Road, Bernalillo, NM 87004 (505) 867-3327
Escape the traffic and hassle for a while and relax at the Prairie Star Restaurant located at the peaceful and laid-back Santa Ana Golf Club. The restaurant is housed in a former mansion, and features fine Southwestern-style entrees from Chef Johnny Gabaldon. While you're away from the city, enjoy the fresh air with a refreshing stroll, perhaps at nearby Coronado State Monument or along the tree-lined Bosque. The quality of the cuisine is unsurpassed except maybe by the setting.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15-$25; Cost per person for the buffet: $25.00
Holiday Schedule: Closed New Year's Day, July 4th, and Christmas Day
A landmark and a favorite fine dining spot, nestled in the cozy community of Corrales, the Rancho de Corrales is such a treat that some guests never leave-the Rancho boasts some "friendly ghosts." Featuring New Mexican cuisine and an elegant setting, you and your honoree may choose to dine fireside or on the beautiful enclosed patio, depending on the weather. Co-owner and chef, Chris Romero, will prepare a sumptuous Sunday Brunch with a selection of breakfast foods and all your favorite New Mexican dishes. Later you will probably want to check out some of the specialty shops nearby to work off those delicious calories.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $12-$18; Cost per person for the buffet = $11.95 for adults and $4.75 for children
Holiday Schedule: Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
For the seafood lover in your family, Pelican's specialties include fresh fish and lobster, as well as top quality steak and prime rib for the landlubber. The nautical look provides an atmosphere that virtually smells of sea air; so if you've had a longing for fresh seafood, here's your chance to satisfy it.
Estimated cost per person: $15-$20
Holiday Schedule: Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
LA FONDA DEL BOSQUE 1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 247-9480
Hours:
Tues-Sat: 7:30 am - 3:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Touted as a cultural dining experience, La Fonda del Bosque is located in the New Mexico Hispanic Culture Center. Specializing in cuisine from Latin cultures from around the world, La Fonda is both unique and unpretentious. The buffet includes a salad bar, pastries and a variety of entrees, as well as made-to-order omelets and waffles. Imported and domestic beers and fine wines are also available. I'm sure you will want to tour the Cultural Center after brunch, a pleasure the whole family will enjoy.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15-$20; Cost per person for buffet = $12.95
Mon-Fri - Lunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm, Dinner from 5:00 Daily Mon-Fri - Happy Hour: 4:00pm - 6:30pm & 9:00pm-10:00pm Mon-Thur - Rooftop Cantina: 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Fri-Sat from 4:00pm and Sunday from 5:00pm
Located on the San Felipe Plaza in Old Town, Season's is the place to go to experience fine dining in the heart of the city. You won't find a finer bistro than Season's. Make it a late lunch if you fancy a trip to the Rooftop Patio and Bar, which opens at 4 PM.
Estimated cost per person: $20-40
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
FUEGO RESTAURANT In La Posada Resort and Spa, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 986-0000
Inside a historic house reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, Fuego's leather furniture and European styling add to an atmosphere of elegance. Chef Svoboda's menu of Latin and Southwestern dishes are prepared using European rotisserie cooking style.
Estimated cost per person: $20-40
Holiday Schedule: Open year round
THE ANASAZI RESTAURANT 113 Washington Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-988-3236
Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Sunday Brunch until 2:30
Located just off the Plaza in Santa Fe is The Anasazi, well known for its progressive Southwestern specialties. Named for the ancient inhabitants, its sophisticated atmosphere is designed to reflect the rich heritage that makes New Mexico enchanting.
Estimated cost per person: $20-40; Brunch menu $19.00
The Top List of Best Brunches - Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM