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When it comes to good food, Leigh-Jo Anzures doesn’t just follow the crowd, he finds the flavor worth talking about. In each issue of the Mirehaven newsletter, you’ll find his personal picks for local eats that are worth the drive, the wait, and every bite. From low-key spots to neighborhood favorites, these aren’t paid promotions, they’re real recommendations from someone who lives here and enjoys sharing what’s worth trying. If you want to stay in the loop on what to eat next, subscribe to the newsletter and never miss a mouthwatering update.
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With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, there’s no better excuse to visit Two Fools Tavern in Nob Hill. If you’ve never been, it feels like you stepped straight into a classic Irish pub, dark wood, cozy corners, and the kind of place where you settle in and stay awhile.
My go-to? The Cottage Pie. It’s hands-down my favorite in town, hearty, flavorful, and the definition of comfort food. If you’re more of a seafood fan, the fish and chips are a must. Crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, just the way it should be. And since it’s March, you can’t talk about an Irish pub without mentioning the traditional corned beef and cabbage.
Oh, and don’t forget the green beer. It’s St. Patrick’s Day season after all.
I finally checked something off my food bucket list and tried a pupusa for the first time at Yarling’s Pupuseria. I’ve been meaning to try one ever since a trip to San Francisco back in 2018… only took me 8 years to do it. If you’ve never had one, a pupusa is a thick, handmade corn tortilla stuffed with fillings like cheese, beans, or meat, then cooked until lightly crisp on the outside. Simple, hearty, and very satisfying. I really enjoyed it, though I’ll admit it could’ve used just a touch more salt (my doctor would absolutely disagree). Oh, and the Fried Corn Tamal was my favorite!
If you can’t make it over to East Asia tonight for dinner, just head down 4th Street to Lucky Wok. Finding good Chinese food can be a challenge, but I’ve discovered the perfect hole-in-the-wall spot. Two of my favorite dishes are General Tso’s Chicken and Mongolian Beef, oh and don’t forget the fried rice!
I finally made it out to Dave’s Hot Chicken. The line was not around the building like usual. I tried Dave’s #4 (slider with fries). I chose Lite Mild for the level of heat because I prefer to taste my food than wish I could remove my tongue. It’s served on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles and drizzled with Dave’s sauce. I’ll definitely go back. There’s a milkshake with my name on it.
Ever wish you could have the best of both worlds? Well, when it comes to breakfast, I try to find it. At Vic’s Vittles Country Kitchen, I had to try the three-egg omelet stuffed with a homemade pork tamale. It did not disappoint!
Have you ever had breakfast from a BBQ joint? It’s not quite what you may think. Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q offers breakfast burritos, breakfast tacos, breakfast bowls, and sausage wraps. Ingredients range from brisket, bacon, sausage, and of course potatoes and eggs. My personal favorite are the breakfast brisket tacos.
Going out to eat doesn’t have to be pricey. An old favorite spot of mine is, Hello Deli. You’ll find a range of dishes from the Santa Fe Skillet, Biscuits & Gravy to Chocolate Chip Pancakes. You’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger at this hole in the wall.
“Life is short, eat dessert first.” My sweet tooth would agree. Great donuts are hard to find. My new favorite spot for a fried cake is at Rise + Roast. From the Maple Bavarian Cream, Boston Cream to the extraordinarily large cinnamon roll, you’ll be able to easily satisfy your sugar craving. My favorite? All of the above!
Some of the best sushi that I have eaten in Albuquerque was from inside the Cottonwood Mall at Sushi Roller. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, sushi from a mall food court? The rolls are creative with some having a New Mexican twist (e.g. fried green chile). Give it a try!
Have you ever tried a poke bowl? If not, you’re missing out! It’s like eating sushi in a bowl. Poki Poki Cevicheria has some of the best options from green chile to edamame. I like to build my own with the following: White Rice, Ahi Tuna (seared), Shrimp, Crab Salad, Seaweed Salad (it’s not how it sounds…try it), Avocado, extra Poki Sauce, and Spicy Mayo. I think I know what I am having for dinner!
“The best Cuban sandwich on the planet can be found here in Albuquerque, at Havana Restaurant at 5331 Menaul Blvd NE. I’ve tried Cuban sandwiches from Scottsdale to South Miami, but none compare to the one at Havana. Oh, and get an order of yuca fries. You’ll thank me later.”
“Try a New Mexican spin on the French Dip at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen. Beef prime rib strips served on Pueblo fry bread, topped with roasted green chile, grilled onions, with red chile au jus for dipping. I personally recommend choosing the sweet potato fries as your side.”
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