The Best Cheap Eats in Albuquerque

by The OpenTable Team

Updated October 01, 2021

Located in the heart of New Mexico, Albuquerque offers countless activities, events, and attractions. Visitors can stroll along Central Avenue, check out the world-famous Route 66, take a hot air balloon ride in the open skies and visit the Sandia Mountains... not to mention fantastic attractions like Petroglyph National Park and the Sandia Peak Tramway. The expansive scenery, abundant open space and constant sunshine every day make it a magical place to visit. Foodies come to Albuquerque from far and wide to try everything from pizza and tacos to fine dining and hearty comfort food. If you’re in the mood for a great meal that won’t break the bank, check out our Tastemaker List of where to find the best cheap eats in Albuquerque. Book a table today!

Brixens

4.6

4.6 (157)

$30 and under

Burgers

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Brixens is the place to go for delicious eats that are easy on your wallet. It’s a locally-owned, family restaurant on Central Ave and is one of the most popular downtown dining spots in town. . The menu focuses on delightful comfort food with a signature New Mexican twist. In addition to great prices, they can modify almost all menu items to be Vegetarian, Vegan, or Gluten-Free. Chefs make all the food from scratch and with love and the laid-back ambiance is warm and inviting. Check out their happy hour where share plates are 20% off, including salt and pepper wings, nachos and quesadillas.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 11, 2020

This was the best place I have ever dinned in at! I have been to a lot of places and I have never had a restaurant that had everything look exactly like the photo as well as excellent taste. I’m not one to open up and try new things but I went 4 days in a row and I everything I tried was beyond amazing. The management is extremely nice and the waiters were super nice! I am from out of state and I would drive back there just to eat here. Seriously #1 restaurant! Should consider making one in Texas!

M'tucci's Moderno Italian - Rio Rancho

4.6

4.6 (981)

$30 and under

Italian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

For a super cheap and tasty pizza in Albuquerque, head to M’tucci’s Moderno restaurant on Wellspring Ave in Rio Rancho. This popular Italian eatery has some of the best cheap eats in Albuquerque! They pay special attention to their guests and offer exceptional hospitality and fantastic food. It’s likely you’ll find a crowd of regulars here enjoying affordable dishes like Charcuterie boards, heaping bowls of pasta and their classic pizzas. Try one of their artisan pies, like the Truffle and Goat Cheese.

Top review

Brent

Dined 3 days ago

Service and food were both excellent! We will be back!

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Popular dish

Pesto Ravioli

M'tucci's Italian - Albuquerque

4.4

4.4 (1186)

$30 and under

Italian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Located on Winter Haven Road, this restaurant is the original M’tucci’s Moderno Italian. They opened a second outpost, but come check out the spot that made them so popular to begin with. It’s a lively restaurant focused mostly on deliciously affordable pizza pies. The atmosphere is welcoming and you can gather, eat, talk, laugh and enjoy cheap eats and drinks. In addition to their pizza pies, they have a full bar with a very interesting wine selection and moderately priced cocktails. Plus, they stay open late so you can keep the evening going with a round of dessert and some after-dinner drinks.

Top review

Christopher

Dined 1 day ago

ANother very satisfying visit to Mtucci. Hanger steak is very good every time. Wine selection is well thought out and always has what we want. Conversation is pleasant at this location as even a full house does not drown out our voices.

Indigo Crow

4.8

4.8 (2536)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Indigo Crow is an upscale Contemporary American restaurant. Located in the Village of Corrales, it is a cozy and casual place for friends and family to gather for brunch and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. Locals say it’s the epitome of “Corrales cool.” It features a rustic, charming and Southwestern vibe with cozy fireplaces, a charming romantic patio and live music. Try cheap eats like the chipotle clams or beef skewers for starters and grilled salmon or the beef filet for dinner.

Top review

Karl

Dined 5 days ago

Indigo Crow is back! Food was again outstanding and the service impeccable. Thank you to Sean and his co-workers, and a heartfelt "compliment al Cuoco!"

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Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1149)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro is a local favorite in Albuquerque and one of the signature restaurants in town for cheap eats that taste great and are easy on the wallet. The restaurant offers an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere where diners can enjoy a quick bite of food and great service. Located in a three-level building in Historic Nob Hill the eatery features an open, urban ambiance with dining on the main level and loft mezzanine. Their shared plates are super affordable and delicious, like the Crispy Duck Confit Eggrolls.

Top review

larryvip

Dined 3 days ago

We really love this place. The people, the vibe, and the food and drink

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Experience

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Zinc

Seasons 52 - Albuquerque

4.8

4.8 (2310)

$31 to $50

American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a trendy grill and wine bar with upscale food at prices that won’t scare you away! Diners can enjoy the seasonally changing menu, featuring fresh ingredients in creative dishes. They use local produce, carefully sourced meats and pristine seafood and make sure everything is always fresh, never frozen. One of the best ways to save money here is to come during happy hour! They feature small plates for $5, such as the Kona-Crusted Lamb, Seared Handline Ahi Tuna, Ginger Sesame Skewers and more.

Top review

Pamvip

Dined 5 days ago

Great food Great service Sunny our server was wonderful

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Popular dish

Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Wood-Grilled Tenderloin Salad

Blades' Bistro

4.8

4.8 (1814)

$30 and under

International

Placitas

About the restaurant

Blades’ Bistro, located in the oasis of Placitas, features innovative international cuisine in a casual, country setting. They pride themselves on their laid-back atmosphere with neighborhood vibes and welcoming staff. Expect a warm greeting and delicious food that changes with the season. Standout menu items on the dinner menu include super affordable appetizers like Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Bistro Truffle Fries and Deep Fried Calamari.

Top review

Fairfieldvip

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

If you want a great meal - with plenty of good options on the menu - and a nice experience, drive up to Placitas and visit Blades. We live here and enjoy the convenience. Always consistent service and food with a good wine and cocktail selection. We were celebrating the start of a new business and this was the perfect place for it. The people are friendly and will remember your name. The place has a very comfortable feel. Not too big. Busy enough - because it is that good. My wife had the brie special appetizer which made her night. Never a bad choice to dine here.

El Pinto

4.5

4.5 (7348)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Founded in 1962, El Pinto began as just a one-room restaurant with only a handful of tables. The eatery now seats over 1,200 guests in five patios, three indoor dining rooms, and a cantina! It occupies twelve acres of land and includes a large facility to manufacture their signature sauces. It is the quintessential spot for healthy and fresh New Mexican cuisine - and you can find great deals on the menu! Their Nachos, Guacamole, Burgers and Tacos are all very inexpensive.

Top review

Henry

Dined 3 days ago

Had the huevos rancheros; parents ate the green chile burger and the combo plate #3. Food was good, Bella was a great server.

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Popular dish

Famous Red Chile Ribs

Farm & Table

4.5

4.5 (3139)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Farm & Table is a casually elegant Contemporary American restaurant located in Albuquerque’s gorgeous North Valley. The menu focuses on seasonal dishes created from scratch with ingredients sourced from local farmers or directly from their on-site farm, Sol Harvest. Dishes change depending on what is available in the growing season. You can always count on fresh, delicious offerings, however, and menu options include Cheap eats like Farm Fries, Grilled Artichoke hearts and a Farmer’s Salad.

Top review

KimberlyH

Dined on Jan 3, 2020

Everything was exceptional. Our server Paul was very attentive. Always well cared for with James and Max as well. Wonderful outing. Thank you all.

Trombino's Bistro Italiano

4.5

4.5 (1377)

$31 to $50

Italian

Academy West

About the restaurant

For delicious cheap Italian eats in Albuquerque, make sure to check out Trombino’s Bistro Italiano! It’s a longstanding favorite among locals and visitors alike and has a great central location. The restaurant feels like an old Italian neighborhood and features an authentic Trattoria setting. It’s perfect for gathering with friends, family or for a business dinner that won’t break the bank. The menu is extensive and filled with cheap eats, including soups, salads, garlic bread and classic pasta dishes.

Top review

Trey

Dined 3 days ago

The food was pretty good. I had the salmon crusted Romano. It was pretty good. My girlfriend had the chicken piccata. She liked it. I tasted it and it was just okay to me. We had an apple strudel something for dessert and it was really really good.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Albuquerque

4.7

4.7 (2236)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, conveniently located just north of I-40 on Louisiana Blvd, is a national steakhouse chain. Guests come here for a consistently amazing dining experience every time. It serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA prime beef as well as delicious, fresh seafood. They take care to masterfully prepare every steak by broiling meat in their trademark 1800 degree oven. Steaks are also served on heated plates so they are sizzling when they arrive! The restaurant is originally from New Orleans, so expect some unique and flavorful Cajun and Creole stylings as well.

Top review

Nadinevip

Dined 1 day ago

As always Ruth Chris was awesome and staff great. We come again and again and will continue to do so. Please don't go away. My daughter's birthday was fantastic. Our Champagne Wine dinner was great our recent Bar Experience wonderful as well.

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4.8

4.8 (5221)

$50 and over

Steak

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Vernon’s Speakeasy hides behind a secret door in Los Ranchos Liquors and is one of the most secluded and secretive spots in town! It is the epitome of what a speakeasy strives to be - make sure you get the secret password before you enter. The vibe here is cozy and warm and it makes for a great place to cuddle up on a date or have a quiet meal with a small group of friends. Their menu changes regularly, but you can find cheap eats like Lobster Bisque, Tomato Bruschetta, salads and sides.

Top review

Robertvip

Dined 3 days ago

Always great, but this was probably our best overall experience at Vernon's. Service was top notch and steaks were great - recommend the Los Ranchos Star! Also, were seated in dining room next to members bar, and ambience was great. For dessert, highly recommend the salted caramel cheesecake!

Bravo Italian Kitchen - Albuquerque - Uptown

4.3

4.3 (874)

$30 and under

Italian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

For great cheap eats in Albuquerque and a cozy restaurant setting, head to Bravo Cucina Italiana. This Italian restaurant is in the Uptown Center off Indian School and Lousiana Road. They offer a wide array of expertly prepared Italian favorites with a modern twist, including fresh-baked pizzas, tender house-made pasta and juicy grilled steaks. You can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas but regulars love the Classic Margherita. Plus they have plenty of other affordable favorites, like the Crispy Mozz Ravioli and delicious salads.

Top review

Diana

Dined 5 days ago

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving at Bravo! Great food and service.

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Popular dish

Lasagne

Popular dish

Shrimp + Lobster Fettuccine

Savoy Bar and Grill Albuquerque

4.6

4.6 (1354)

$30 and under

Californian

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Savoy Bar and Grill, located in Montgomery Business Park, offers classic and Contemporary American and Californian food in Albuquerque. The location is sun-filled, unpretentious and relaxing. The interior features lots of light, wood and stone and an open kitchen where you can enjoy the sounds, scents and energy of the chefs. And they also have a stunning outdoor patio with firepits and a view of the Sandia Mountains! Try their tasty and inexpensive menu items, like Baked Local Goat Cheese and Crispy Calamari.

Top review

Janet

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

Excellent service. Our waiter was wonderful. The food was also delicious. In our party of four everyone was very happy with what they ordered. We haven’t been to Savoy for awhile but definitely we will be back. We went for my husband’s birthday.

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WASABI SESAME SEARED AHI TUNA

Bien Shur - Sandia Resort and Casino

4.2

4.2 (919)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Bien Shur offers one of Albuquerque’s Premier Dining experiences. The setting is casually elegant and features breathtaking mountain views from the top floor of the resort hotel. Located on Rainbow Road in the Sandia Resort and Casino, it’s the perfect place to grab cheap eats if you’re staying in the hotel or just visiting the casino. Their Happy Hour features amazingly cheap small plates, like Filet Mignon Sliders, Bien Shur Nachos and Carnitas Street Tacos. They also have great specials on draft, well drinks and select wines.

Top review

PatriciaB

Dined on Mar 16, 2020

Service was wonderful and ambiance was beautiful because of the view. Steak was a bit tough and pretty expensive, although we were comped this meal, which we appreciated! The wine special glass of the day showed as $3.5 on the menu, however was shocked to find out it was actually $35.00 per glass as relayed by the waiter before I considered ordering it!! Nice experience overall but plan to pay more than a usual steakhouse.

Black Angus Steakhouse - Albuquerque

4.5

4.5 (1600)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Black Angus Steakhouse, located on the Southeast corner of Wyoming and Menual, next to Walmart, is a perfect spot for an inexpensive lunch or dinner in Albuquerque. The focus is on steaks, which they age at least 21 days, fresh-cut daily and grill over an open flame. But they have plenty of seafood, Baby Back Ribs, slow-roasted Prime Rib and more. Come in for the fantastic Happy Hour - they have specials every day of the week and you can get burgers, sandwiches, and other food and drink combos for super cheap prices.

Top review

John

Dined 5 days ago

We’ve been to Black Angus for Thanksgiving dinner a few times. We love it. They offer a very pleasant and plentiful dinner with turkey and the works with a wonderful pumpkin pie dessert. Couldn’t be better!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Sandwich

Popular dish

Mushroom & Bleu Filet Mignon

P.F. Chang's - Albuquerque

4.5

4.5 (169)

$30 and under

Chinese

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

P.F. Chang’s is a unique restaurant concept that honors the 2,000-year-old Asian tradition of wok cooking. They make food from scratch every day in every one of their nationally-acclaimed restaurant. The Albuquerque outpost is the 81st location to open in the U.S. and the first in New Mexico. Here you can find a vast array of affordable, delicious Asian food. Menu items include hand-rolled sushi, Vietnamese-style soups and bowls, Chinese dim sum, noodles and rice. They feature Happy Hour from Monday to Friday where you can find extra great deals on food, cocktails, wine, beer and sake!

Top review

Frank

Dined on Oct 16, 2024

Nice lunch experience. Pleasant service. Nice wine and meal.

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Experience

Lucky 8 Happy Hour (Mon - Fri, 3 - 6pm)

MÁS Tapas y Vino

4.1

4.1 (1354)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

MAS Tapas y Vino on Second Street, located in the stylish Hotel Andaluz, offers fresh reinventions of traditional Spanish cuisine. Their menu features contemporary American Tapas and Spanish cooking with an emphasis on organic, fresh and locally-sourced foods as well as high-quality ingredients. Enjoy their small plates with a group - they are best shared communally and without any pretense or formality. Super affordable dishes include Papas Bravas, Broccolini, Hummus, Empanadas and more!

Top review

Paul

Dined on Oct 13, 2024

We had a very good meal at Mas. The service was great. Only concern was that the menu was very limited. There were no chicken dishes available. I have been to other tapas restaurants around the world and they always had a lot of choices. I would go back. Just hoping there were more options to choose from.

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Popular dish

Vegetable Paella

Sandiago's Grill At The Tram - Permanently Closed

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Albuquerque

About the restaurant

Located at the base of the world-famous Sandia Tramway, Sandiago’s is an awesome place to get cheap eats in Albuquerque. Come enjoy the delicious food with an incredible view of the Sandia mountains! It’s a very unique dining experience, whether it’s for family dinner or a carefully planned event. The full menu is very inexpensive, with cheap options like Grilled Street Corn, Tuna Tartare, Chili Cheese Fries, Salads, Burgers, Mexican specialties and more.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 16, 2020

On vacation, we wanted to sit on the patio and watch the sunset. There wasn’t room on the patio which was disappointing, but overall good experience.