Lunch stop suggestions between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

We will be arriving in Alburquerque at approximately 1:30 and need to pick up our rental car then be on our way to Santa Fe - we aren%26#39;t in a hurry but I%26#39;d like to head out on the road since I%26#39;m not familar with the area at all.

Could you all suggest a place to stop for lunch along the way - perhaps some place with a view - We are looking forward to trying lots of new types of food on our short adventure.

I plan on taking Route 25 up.

On our way back down to Albuquerque I plan on taking the Turquoise trail on a Sunday afternoon - would appreciate any suggestions for lunch along this route also.

Thanks as always for those that take the time to help those of us who dont%26#39; know the area out. Much appreciated.

Lunch stop suggestions between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

Once you leave the Albuquerque metro area, that%26#39;s about it for lunch stops along the way. My vote is pull off in Bernalillo and stop at either The Range or Flying Star. Both local chains, variety of food choices and it will give you a chance to explore Bernalillo ( which won%26#39;t take more than about 5 minutes )

Lunch stop suggestions between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?

Add my vote for The Range if you really want to blow out of ABQ ASAP after landing. Its a classic and stays open throughout the day unlike many of the places in Santa Fe which close between 3ish and 5ish to prep for dinner.

By the time you get in, pick up your luggage, car, etc. and make the 1 drive north, you%26#39;d be cutting it pretty close on catching any of the places that do the above close down.

You may as well even pick a place in ABQ and then have a leisurely drive of it up north with a full stomach.

For all the ink the Turquoise Trail receives, there are very few dining, shopping, or traveler amenities along it except for in the town of Madrid. Its a pretty drive and worth taking, but not much else to offer.

I could wholeheartedly recommend a late breakfast, brunchy or lunch type meal at the San Marcos Cafe which is on the Turquoise Trail/hwy 14 just a few miles into it as you leave Santa Fe heading south. Very good food.

Maybe consider having lunch at Gardunos inside the airport prior to getting you car. That way you don%26#39;t have to worry about finding a place in an unfamiliar city... on an empty stomach!!! Then you can drive up to Santa Fe and plan on a dinner near your hotel.

As TimToad mentioned.. there really is not that much on the Turquoise Trail. A couple of places maybe in Madrid to eat.

I%26#39;ll make it three votes for ';The Range'; restaurant in downtown (Snicker) Bernalillo. Not fancy, but good food, and great ';people watching.'; Unfortunately, the only view will be of the parking lot across the street.

It might help a bit to have directions. Proceed north on I-25. Take the first of two exits for Bernalillo. Drive west about a mile to the traffic light at the main street. Turn right...1/2 block to the Range on the left, parking is on the right.

Coming back on the Turquoise Trail (NM-14), save your appetite until the little community of Cedar Crest, about 5 miles north of I-40. Here are it%26#39;s handful of restaurants. All are good.

tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g46973-Cedar_Cre…

Burger Boy has great green chile cheeseburgers if you%26#39;d care to try one...the staff of life for New Mexicans.

You can see much of the Turquoise Trail, and Madrid (Mad-rid) in Tim Allen%26#39;s recent movie, ';Wild Hogs'; with John Travolta. Not that great a movie IMHO, but great NM scenery, should you care to rent it! ;-)

Thanks for quick responses everyone.

How about some suggestions of where to get picnic food in Santa Fe and Albuquerque?

I plan on packing my soft sided picnic cooler in my suitcase so we always have drinks with us so perhaps we can find some place to have a picnic on the Turquoise Trail and during our daily touring.

Trader Joe%26#39;s in both locations.

Whole Foods in both locations.

Each has premade salads, sandwiches, etc. that are a cut above the usual grocery store selections.

Picnicing on the Turquoise Trail.

When you are coming south from Santa Fe (if you are not eating at a restaurant, and have your own food)...turn off NM-14 just before Sandia Park, and take the National Scenic Highway into the forest to the west. In less than two miles, you%26#39;ll come around a curve, and there will be a side road to the left for Sulpher Canyon Picnic Area, and La Cienega Canyon. Turn off the highway, and immediately turn left again for La Cienega Canyon (if the gate is open), there are many picnic tables up and down the canyon to choose from amongst the tall pines. (If you go straight after turning off the Scenic Highway (which leads up to the ski area, and Sandia Crest) you go directly into Sulpher Canyon...not nearly as nice as La Cienega though. Probably not for you, but the Scenic Highway is an alternative to the top of the Sandias, for those not wishing to take the tramway.

I%26#39;m not from Santa Fe, but I would guess you%26#39;d find a Supermarket along Cerrillos Road, as you leave Santa Fe. The two largest chains here are Albertsons, and Smiths.

Hoping to take the tramway - how is the restaurant at the bottom? Thought we would eat dinner there then head up to see the sunset if the tram runs that late. Just checked sunsets around 7 ish.

Hopeing to catch those great color changes of the sky. Nothing like a great sunrise and/or sunset. They have such a calming effect.

Looking forward to exploring your area of the country for our 5 short days.

Thanks again for all your suggestions.

It%26#39;s called Sandiago%26#39;s and I think it%26#39;s pretty good. If the weather is nice, the patio seating gives you an amazing view of ABQ. When we went, I had the fish tacos and was not disappointed.

I%26#39;m a definite non-fan of High Finance, at the top. I thought it was incredibly overpriced and the food was...bleh.