Some (graduate student) friends are getting married in Indiana, then moving to Albequerque, NM a few months later. They’ve not registered for any gifts, and what with the move, my wife and I figure it’s not much of a present to give them more stuff to pack and haul. I was thinking of a gift certificate for a nice restaurant in Albequerque. Can any natives (or anyone knowledgable) give me advice on a suitable place?
For that matter, does anyone have any other suggestions? We’re certainly open to other things…
Well, it used to be that the place you’d go would be the Rancher’s Club. However, I have read reviews that say that while the food is still good the interior needs an overhaul. There’s also the High Finance on top of Sandia Crest. Though I don’t think either one takes or issues gift certificates.
Personally, I’d just give them cash.
If you have your heart set on giving them a restaurant certificate, there are a number of fine choices. I assume you’re looking for “fine dining” rather than a bargain, and along those lines, my favorites are The Prairie Star (which is actually in Bernalillo, which is a short drive northwest of Albuquerque), an exceptionally fine restaurant with breathtaking views and prices to match, the Gruet Steakhouse, which is located in an historic old fire station (loads of atmosphere) and features local wines, Yanni’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill (I couldn’t find a website, but their number is 505-268-9250), which has a wonderful variety of Greek and Italian food, and Scalo (Northern Italian cuisine), and the Artichoke Cafe. All of these are on the pricey side for Albuquerque ($15 and up per entree, and the Prairie Star is more).
If you’re looking for something specifically New Mexican, one of my favorites is El Patio (505-268-4245) or, more for the atmosphere than the food (the food is fine, but it’s a little more tourist-oriented than I like), El Pinto. These are far less expensive than the above.
The Alibi, Albuquerque’s free paper, has a fairly comprehensive restaurant guide if you’d like to look around for a few more. I’d be happy to give my opinion on any place I’ve been to (and I eat out a lot) if you see one that catches your eye.
Yanni’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is very good. I’ve never been to the Gruet Steakhouse, but I’ll be going the next time I’m in town. It looks great, and if it’s anything like their champagne I won’t be dissapointed. Thanks for the heads up on that, InternetLegend.
Thanks, all. I’ll have to sift through the places – you’ve given me a bunch to check into, which is much appreciated. 