City: Albuquerque, NM

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (505) 843-7577

Description: A real local gem serving authentic New Mexican cooking, Barelas Coffee House opened in the historic Barelas neighborhood in 1978, and the cheery front-of-house staff has been here for at least a decade, some of the cooks for much longer. Patrons are a sociable mix of neighborhood residents, Downtown professionals, and politicos. President Clinton ate here—before he was president—as did John McCain. The inside is extensive and family-friendly, and specialties include huevos rancheros, chicharrones, menudo, posole, and peppy red chile. Portions are large, and no alcohol is served. There are no reservations, and despite lines in peak times, the wait for a table is usually not long. Large groups are advised to send someone ahead, and they’ll set up a special table or area for you. Barelas Coffee House is open for breakfast and lunch only and closed on Sunday. It’s just down the road from the National Hispanic Cultural Center and makes a good stop for breakfast en route to see the center’s terrific art museum.