Church Street Cafe in Albuquerque, New Mexico
I always say trust the locals when looking for a great place to eat. Thus far they haven’t failed me. While walking around Old Town Albuquerque, I walked into a store. After I was done looking around I spoke to one of the owners, who just happened to be from my hometown of Queens, New York! When I asked him for a recommendation of where to eat, he suggested a place that was 2 minutes away from his store, Church Street Cafe.
Upon walking up, it looked like a quaint little restaurant. Once inside, we were handed a pager to wait for a table to open. It was actually much bigger than it let on as we were seated. I liked looking around at all the Southwestern decor. We had the most amazing waiter. The best service hands down! He had so much patience and no problems explaining to us what everything was, what to order with what, and tending to us making sure we had everything we needed. We even got to know him a bit.
There was so much to choose from on the menu which had Southwestern food. I wasn’t sure what to choose, but I knew red and green chili was coming with it. Especially the green chili because that is what they are known for in Albuquerque. While I checked out the menu I ordered a San Felipe Lemon Tea which was their version of 1/2 lemonade, 1/2 iced tea (Arnold Palmer.) It tasted good till I got an after taste. So I didn’t make the best choice ordering that.
After a conversation with the waiter about what to order I finally decided on a Beef Burrito. The meal came with side choices, I went with rice and beans. My friend ordered Carne Adovada al Horno with squash and beans as a side. We asked for the red and green chili to be on the side just in case. While we waited we were brought an unlimited amount of chips and salsa.
Our food finally came and we were in awe at the amount on the plate. I knew right away there was no way I would finish it all. The food was amazing!!! I loved it and I wish I had some right now. I tried the Carne Adovada al Horno. My main reason for not ordering it was I was told it was spicy. At first I didn’t feel it, then it smacked me in the face. It was good, but me and spicy food don’t do well. I also tried my food with the chili. My friend and I were both glad we asked for it on the side! Spicy!
Carne dish ©2015 HollyDayz 
My Beef Burrito with beans and rice and a bit of salad ©2015 HollyDayz 
Red and Green Chili ©2015 HollyDayz
After dinner we had sopapillias and honey which we opted to have as dessert, since it came with the meal. It is a fried pastry that reminded me of a beignet sans the powdered sugar. I put some honey across and took a bite. It was very delicious. My friend was too full so she told me to finish them off! I happily did.
When it was all said and done we both had food to go. It was enough to make another meal. The food was delicious and the service delightful. I would highly recommend Church Street Cafe and I hope to get back soon!
Have you ever been to the Church Street Cafe? Would you have dipped your food in the chili or had it put on top of your food?
See more fun in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
bohemiantravelers1
Oh you are killing me with all that yumminess in photos. I agree as well about the eating where locals suggest. I always say in a neighborhood if a restaurant is empty then no way am I going in. If it is full of locals that’s my spot!
Holly Dayz
The food was so good. Locals know best.
Paula McInerney
I totally agree, ask the locals and they know. You will rarely get a bad meal. I will have chili in, on and everywhere on any meal…and that includes sweets and desserts.
Holly Dayz
Yes, locals usually know the good spots. Oh your brave, I couldn’t do it lol.
Dave from Daves Travel Pages
That looks like my sort of place for a meal!
Holly Dayz
I think you would enjoy the food, it was so good.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
Oh my goodness that burrito looks so good! I wouldn’t have been able to resist the unlimited chips and salsa and then I would have been kicking myself when I saw the burrito! The world is so small, too. So funny how you met someone from Queens. My husband is from Middle Village. What about you?
Holly Dayz
It was very good. It was hard to resist the unlimited chips. We didn’t even realize they were unlimited. Then we saw the size of the food. Oh awesome! I am from East Elmhurst.
Traveling Rockhopper
That’s funny! Church cafe 🙂 When I saw first pictures I thought “an interesting place”, but then food came “wow”! looks all great!
Holly Dayz
Yea, who would have known what hidden yumminess was inside!
jen
I haven’t had a good burrito is so long….I’m quite jealous!
Holly Dayz
I believe that was the best one I have had.
Kathrin
Now I want a Burrito. Mouthwatering!
Holly Dayz
Get one!
John
You’re making me hungry! That burrito looks soooo good! Next time I’m in Albuquerque, I’ll definitely have to stop on into Church Street Cafe!
Holly Dayz
It was soooooo good!! You have to stop in there, you won’t be sorry.
mappingmegan
So glad you enjoyed your experience – I’ve always found that asking locals for advice on where to eat is the best move. I usually make a beeline for the hotel concierge when we’re in a new town because they always have the best recommendations 🙂
Holly Dayz
Thank you, I really did. I love when I get great recommendations from locals.
travelwith2ofus
Love the decor. That’s a lot of food. What are the prices like though?
Holly Dayz
It was a lot of food, great prices. I believe it was around $12-$15 for all of that.
Antoinette Cain
Great review with wonderful pictures. This makes me wish that I would be in Albuquerque sometime soon. The sopapillas look especially yummy.
Holly Dayz
Thank you. They were very yummy!
Shawana
That looks yummy!!!! New Mexico is on my list of places to visit. Love the decor of the cafe!
Holly Dayz
It is a great place. I have to go back and see more.
Chasing Joy
Smart move asking the locals. The dessert pastry looks good.
Holly Dayz
They typically know best.
Kita Bryant
Oohhh Mexican….Love me some good authentic food right from the people who know how to cook it best.
Holly Dayz
The food was delicious.
Tanay
Omg this looks amazing!!! I have SERIOUS food envy.
Holly Dayz
You must go one day soon then!
Bree
I am becoming obsessed with this kind of cuisine!!! And that looks so good. I have never had sopapillias (or beignets for that matter) – this is on my list of things to try now!
Holly Dayz
Both are very delicious. You gotta try both.
Valerie Robinson
Your food posts are SLAYING me! That looks soon delicious!
Holly Dayz
It was soooo delicious.
Julian
I’m with you…when it comes to experiencing the best local food, the locals know the deal! I think New Mexico is one of the few states I haven’t visited, but at least now I’ll know where to eat.
Holly Dayz
Locals have great recommendations. Yes and I know where to go back to.
Frugal Flirty N Fab
Food looks amazing and I love the quaint style of the restaurant!!
Holly Dayz
It was nice and the service was great.
bernettastyle
I’ve never been to Mexico! But I love some Mexican food!! This looks great! Yum!
Holly Dayz
Well you gotta experience New Mexico. It is nice.
Vashti@veepeejay.com
I’ve never been to New Mexico but I agree that the locals always know the best spots. That was indeed a lot of food.
Holly Dayz
The food size was massive. Easily 2 meals.
Tyra
This looks great! I am glad you got some of the NM green chili; it is so darn delicious! That burrito looks so tasty.
Holly Dayz
It is, but I didn’t even need it.
Jonna
I look forward to your posts. Eating at all these places that I’ll probably never get to go to. I fell like I’m still getting some of the experience.
Holly Dayz
Aww thank you. I am sure you will get to these places sooner or later.
LaVonndra Johnson
Love the decor . . . . and as a southern girl, I love a good Arnold Palmer.
Holly Dayz
I do too, but that one wasn’t that good.