September 13, 2023

Albuquerque's Alluring Brunch Scene: Unforgettable Spots to Savor the Weekend

Discover the top brunch spots in Albuquerque, where traditional New Mexican cuisine meets inventive dishes, as we guide you through the must-try eateries that define the city's weekend food scene.

Richard Gargan
Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
New Mexico
Albuquerque's Alluring Brunch Scene: Unforgettable Spots to Savor the Weekend
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

Welcome to the vibrant culinary scene of Albuquerque, where the rich heritage of New Mexican cuisine meets the creativity of contemporary food culture. In this city, brunch is a beloved weekend ritual, and we have compiled a list of the best brunch spots that you simply cannot miss. From local favorites serving up traditional Southwestern dishes, to trendy cafes offering innovative twists on classic brunch staples, our roundup showcases the diversity and flair of Albuquerque's brunch scene. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!

The Shop Breakfast and Lunch

2933 Monte Vista Blvd NE, Albuquerque

(505) 433-2795

Reviewed by:

The Shop Breakfast and Lunch in Albuquerque is a gem of a place with ample parking and a friendly staff. The customers and staff alike are quick to recommend dishes, as every item is amazing. The Eggs Benny and Lemon Cornmeal Pancakes are highly recommended. The food is simply delicious and has a great variety including gluten-free waffles and homemade biscuits. Despite the long line and wait, every bite is worth it. The staff is efficient and nice. If you're in Albuquerque, be sure to visit The Shop Breakfast and Lunch.

Vic's Daily Cafe

3600 Osuna Rd NE #105, Albuquerque

(505) 341-9710

Reviewed by:

Vic's Daily Cafe is an outstanding breakfast diner in Albuquerque. It may have a long wait on weekends due to its popularity, but it is worth it. One should try their vaquero chicken-fried steak plate, which is made from tenderized in-house cube steak. The biscuits are handmade, the coffee is of great quality, and the wait staff is excellent. While the chicken fried steak was not up to the expectations of a Texan, the French toast and strudel were good. The portions are large and flavorful, and the chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes are a must-try. The service may be inattentive, but it is very friendly. Overall, Vic's Daily Cafe is an awesome home cooking place that deserves a visit.

cafe lush

700 Tijeras Ave NW, Albuquerque

(505) 508-0164

Reviewed by:

Cafe Lush in Albuquerque is a must-visit for delicious food and exceptional service. The kale salad and French toast are highly recommended, and the staff are accommodating to dietary restrictions. The atmosphere is welcoming with indoor and outdoor seating options. Weekend brunch features a different menu, adding to the excitement. Overall, Cafe Lush is a great find and a fantastic dining experience.

Jimmy's Cafe On Jefferson

7007 Jefferson St NE, Albuquerque

(505) 341-2546

Reviewed by:

Jimmy's Cafe on Jefferson is a wonderful spot for brunch or lunch. The food is delicious and fresh, with good variety and affordable prices. The service is attentive and friendly, with servers like Hondo who go out of their way to make sure customers are happy. The environment is cute, with vintage pictures on the walls. While busy, it's definitely worth stopping by.

Central Grill and Coffee House

2056 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque

(505) 554-1424

Reviewed by:

Central Grill and Coffee House is a fantastic brunch spot in Albuquerque with delicious food and great coffee. The friendly staff and clean restaurant make for a positive experience. Despite being busy during the International Balloon Fiesta, the service was excellent and the pancakes and flavored lattes are a must-try. However, the croque madame and breakfast tacos were disappointing with stale bread and soggy tacos. Overall, Central Grill and Coffee House is still highly recommended for breakfast/brunch.

The Grove Cafe & Market

600 Central Ave SE STE A, Albuquerque

(505) 248-9800

Reviewed by:

The Grove Cafe & Market is a fantastic brunch spot with great food and drinks, friendly and professional staff, and a bright and happy atmosphere. The fancy breakfast sandwich and cute latte art are personal favorites, and the mostly white space with edible flowers on the pancakes adds to the aesthetic appeal. While it may be a bit pricey, it's definitely worth it for the high quality ingredients and delicious food. The only downside is a slow-moving line during peak hours, but overall, highly recommended for a delicious and enjoyable brunch experience.

Sunnyside Up Breakfast and Lunch Cafe

6909 Menaul Blvd NE Suite A, Albuquerque

(505) 888-3447

Reviewed by:

Sunnyside Up Breakfast and Lunch Cafe in Albuquerque is a must-visit for anyone looking for exquisite food and exceptional service. The open concept restaurant has some of the friendliest wait staff, and the Parisian Benedict with croissant and avocado is a must-try dish. The French toast and biscuits and gravy are also perfect, and the loaded ranch potatoes and smashed avocado are highly recommended. Despite a slight disappointment in a visit where the food quality had changed, the overall experience was still great with their nice atmosphere, kind staff, and awesome drinks.

Slate Street Cafe

515 Slate Ave NW, Albuquerque

(505) 243-2210

Reviewed by:

Slate Street Cafe is a great place to go for brunch in Albuquerque. The champagne tasting night was particularly enjoyable, with delicious scallop appetizers and fried chicken being standout dishes. Though the desserts were a little disappointing, the overall experience was great and the reviewer plans to return in the future. However, not all reviewers had the same experience, with one finding the food bland, while another loved their brunch and highly recommends the mimosa bucket. The outdoor seating is particularly lovely, though it can get crowded and loud. Overall, Slate Street Cafe is a great option for brunch in Albuquerque.

Weck's

3913 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque

(505) 881-0019

Reviewed by:

Weck's in Albuquerque is a great spot for brunch with delicious food and large portions. The French toast and green chili bacon pancakes are amazing, and the staff is excellent. The chain is unpretentious with a friendly atmosphere, but be prepared for a wait as it's always busy. While some dishes may not hit the mark, the waffles are a must-try. Overall, it's a favorite location with fast service and options for picky eaters.

The Daily Grind

4360 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque

(505) 883-8310

Reviewed by:

The Daily Grind in Albuquerque is a fantastic cafe for brunch. The staff, especially Michaela, is friendly and attentive, and the patio is pet-friendly. The food is delicious, especially the French Toast BLT, and the service is excellent. The only critique is that the Pear Essentials could use a bit of dijon mustard. Overall, highly recommend this cute little cafe for a great dining experience.

The Farmacy

3718 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque

(505) 227-0330

Reviewed by:

The Farmacy in Albuquerque is a must-visit brunch spot with amazing food quality and unique menu options, according to a recent review. Despite a slight wait time and confusion with party size, the ambiance and outdoor seating were enjoyable. The French Underground waffle with blueberries, raspberries, and Brie cheese was a standout dish, although the bacon was a bit too peppery. The Bellini mimosa lacked peach flavor but was decent. The quiche portion size was a bit small, but overall, the reviewer recommends The Farmacy and looks forward to trying more waffle options. The service from Brian was excellent, and parking was plentiful.

Range Cafe Rio Grande

1050 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque

(505) 508-2640

Reviewed by:

The Range Cafe Rio Grande in Albuquerque is a must-visit for brunch. The biscuits and pecan rolls are light and delicious, and the gravy and eggs are cooked to perfection. The portions are generous, and the service is top-notch. Jennifer and Jeff were friendly and attentive, going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. The chicken fried steak, breakfast burrito, shrimp and grits, and enchiladas con calabazitas are all highly recommended. The only minor issue was with the rice being too dry. Overall, this is an excellent restaurant with great food, atmosphere, and service.

Range Cafe Downtown

320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque

(505) 243-1440

Reviewed by:

The Range Cafe Downtown in Albuquerque is a must-try for brunch. The atmosphere is great and the service is excellent. The food is worth the extra dollar or two, with the Biscuits and Gravy and Lobo Club being extremely delicious. Don't miss out on indulging in the chocolate coconut cream pie or apple pie with green hatch chiles. Even if you miss your reservation, they will still accommodate you with friendly and attentive service. Be sure to check out this eatery when in Albuquerque.

Cafe 6855

6855 4th St NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque

(505) 890-9150

Reviewed by:

Cafe 6855 is a cozy and charming brunch spot located in the North Valley's 4th Street area. With a menu that offers a range of tasty and enticing dishes, visitors are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings. The restaurant has a great staff who are friendly and attentive, and the live piano player adds to the overall experience. The patio is a great place to take in some natural light while enjoying your meal. Although there was a minor issue with overpoached eggs during the brunch rush, the positive experience overall makes it a top choice for a return visit. Highly recommended!

Tia B's La Waffleria

3710 Campus Blvd NE, Albuquerque

(505) 492-2007

Reviewed by:

Tia B's La Waffleria in Albuquerque is an amazing restaurant that serves delicious and unique waffles. The blue corn waffles are a must-try and the Guadalajara with a side of bacon is highly recommended. The atmosphere, staff, and music are great, and the patio out back is gorgeous. The cherry and goat cheese waffle tastes like cheesecake, and the lavender blue corn waffle is unique and tasty. However, some reviewers have noted that the customer service can be rude and unwelcoming. Overall, Tia B's La Waffleria is a local gem that is worth trying for brunch or any meal.

XO Waffle

1909 Bellamah Ave NW S, Albuquerque

(505) 318-8803

Reviewed by:

XO Waffle offers an amazing brunch experience in Albuquerque with delicious waffles and a variety of menu options. The strawberry waffle and pumpkin waffle with fresh whipped cream are highlights, while the chicken and waffle with spicy maple syrup is a must-try. The staff is polite and the ambiance is great for getting together with friends and family. Highly recommended!

Range Cafe Wyoming

4401 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque

(505) 293-2633

Reviewed by:

Range Cafe Wyoming offers a cool and relaxed atmosphere with enjoyable artwork. The portions are large and the food, including vegan options, is great. The cocktails are also highly recommended, with homemade mixes adding a nice touch of sweet and heat. The restaurant is perfect for family dinners or for those who need a big meal after a night of partying. The chicken-fried steak is a must-try, and don't forget about the great pastries and whole pies available for purchase. Though service may have been slightly off on one occasion, overall Range Cafe Wyoming is deserving of 5-stars all around.

The Breakfast Club

640 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque

(505) 831-5918

Reviewed by:

The Breakfast Club in Albuquerque is a great little family-run restaurant that serves up a hearty breakfast. The food is well-prepared and the service is fast, with a weight staff that is tremendously caring. While the cook staff can be a little gruff and not very welcoming, they make up for it with their good cooking. The restaurant doesn't allow outside food or beverages, but that's to be expected. The prices are affordable and the parking is easy. While some customers have had mixed experiences with the staff, the food is definitely worth a try. Overall, The Breakfast Club is a solid choice for a simple, satisfying breakfast.

Mimi's Cafe

4316 The 25 Way, Albuquerque

(505) 341-0300

Reviewed by:

Mimi's Cafe in Albuquerque is a great spot for breakfast or brunch. The food, including the eggs benedict and muffins, is delightful and the waitstaff is very friendly. The French Onion soup is a standout dish. While some reviewers have had mixed experiences with the menu, the overall atmosphere is quaint and cozy. Give Mimi's a try for a satisfying meal.

Cacho's Bistro

1909 Bellamah Ave NW, Albuquerque

(505) 273-0284

Reviewed by:

Cacho's Bistro in Albuquerque is a must-visit Venezuelan restaurant in Sawmill Market. They serve delicious cachapas, tequeños, and empanadas. The Pernil Cachapa with cheese and plantains was a crowd-pleaser. The arepa with plantains and beans were also delicious. It's a great place to visit for brunch or any meal. While the price was a bit high, it's worth it for the quality of food. However, some guests noted a decrease in freshness and changes to the type of shell used in the arepas, which was disappointing. Overall, Cacho's Bistro is a great option with many menu choices to enjoy.

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