late dinner in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or point in between

[Geoff]

Greetings from Washington DC. I'm headed to Santa Fe in late September, scheduled to land at ABQ at 8:40 on a Thursday night. Was hoping to eat at Pasqual's in Santa Fe, but by the time we get up there (unless we land early and just make unbelievable time getting a car and driving north) they won't be taking new tables. So, now I'm beginning to think about a good dinner in Santa Fe if I don't get there, say, until 10:00 or so. Alternatively, could pop somewhere in ABQ before driving north. Casual, Mexican or New Mexican would be my preference. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[Passadumkeg]

We just made the reservations for one of our kids for Xmas. He arrives into the Sunport at 11 pm. We are considering the Frontier or one of the Casinos for one of the $9.95 New York strip steaks.
I'm at a loss for further options.

[jjdot]

Taco truck!
What night of the week? The truck on 4th in Barelas could work for you...

[Passadumkeg]

Good to know about the taco truck. Our daughter is in Austin and I use the Taco Journalism blog when we go there.
Brian, unfortunastely arrives on a Sunday night. As a college student, at U. Maine, he'll enjoy the Frontier and so will we.
Ate at Istanbul last night. Still have garlic breath; good chow, though.
Carpe chow!
Keg

[finlero]

Yeah, I love a lot of things about living in Northern New Mexico, but I'm afraid the late night dining scene isn't one of them. That said, when I have a late flight into ABQ, I enjoy stopping at either the Frontier or Taco Cabana; the former is open 'til 1, the latter 24/7.

Frontier is a local institution near UNM, serving significantly better-than-average American- and NM-style fast food; I almost invariably get a breakfast burrito on one of their homemade tortillas, but the sweet rolls and the burgers and fries aren't bad either.

Taco Cabana is a semi-national chain, but over time, the branches here have become so different from their siblings (entirely for the better) that they now have their own website, www.tacocabanaabq.com. The chiles rellenos are great, as are any of the soft tacos (I prefer the fajita ones, the wife likes the breakfast ones), served on their homemade flour tortillas. Also terrific is their addition to the salsa bar, a huge vat of warm green chile. The location on San Mateo is right off the highway.

Homemade tortillas are actually a surprising rarity here, and the fact that both of the above make them is a huge plus.

[Geoff]

Thanks for this, very helpful, will keep your post with me. We'll see how our timing goes!

[DebitNM]

I've not tried Taco Cabana, but their locations may be a bit tricky for someone not familiar with ABQ; especially after a long flight and a night time arrival.

Stick with Frontier, easy to get to from airport and easy to get back to I25 for trip to Santa Fe.
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If you are renting a car:
When you exit the Transportation Center [all onsite rental cars are there], don't get onto I 25. You want to stay on University Blvd. Head north on University for a few miles and then make a right turn on Central. That will take you past the Univ of New Mexico.

Directly across the street from main entrance of UNM is along time favorite -
The Frontier[corner of Cornell] It has New Mexican food [the BEST tortillas in the world, made fresh as you watch] and some non-NM things too.
Frontier - new mexican, across from Univ. of NM
[phone]
2400 Central Ave SE

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Frontier Restaurant
2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

[Geoff]

Very helpful advice, thanks!

[finlero]

FWIW, I actually think the TC on San Mateo is really easy to find:

I-25 N to San Mateo, turn right, it's a block up on the left, and visible from the highway.

[jjdot]

I second Frontier. They are so efficient and there is always a place to sit--nobody wants a hassle when they get off a plane--and the menu has enough choices for everyone. I was there for a breakfast meeting yesterday and the red was tasting particularly good--gave me a head rush.

[GroovinGourmet]

I'll third Frontier. Besides being convenient and open 24 hours with good food, it is something that every 'hound should experience at least once in their life. I was lucky to have traveled NM on business for 7 years. Pretty much visited the Frontier every time I was in town. The tortilla soup with shredded chicken is the bomb, especially when you pump it up with a spoonful of the warm chile salsa they offer.

[Geoff]

Thanks again for the rec and for driving directions - looks very straightforward. Will almost certainly do this, and will report back. I welcome any comments re favorites from the menu.

[Geoff]

Frontier was outstanding - we arrived there approximately 9:30, and it was hopping. Short, easy drive from the airport. Truly delicious green chili stew, and a lovely chicken enchilada with red. Thanks again for the rec, this was a great way to start our visit.

[Milt]

Last month, I ate at Frontier twice. Arriving in Albuquerque at the airport and on my return trip to fly back home. I had the green chile stew on my arrival and a breakfast burrito on my return. Both were very enjoyable. I am glad that I finally was able to experience Frontier Restaurant.

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Frontier Restaurant
2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

[fyfas]

Two things...

While there are after 10 p.m. options in Santa Fe, the better places are indeed wrapping things up by that hour.

Secondly, note that Cafe Pasqual's at night is NOT the same as Pasqual's for breakfast or lunch. Dinner is a "fine dining", white tablecloth sort of thing. Entrees often have a subtle, Pan Asian influence; very good but don't race to get there for a sandwich or or a casual meal.

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Cafe Pasqual's
121 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501