Top Recommendations for Restaurants in Albuquerque for Date Night

Overview

This article provides recommendations for romantic restaurants in Albuquerque perfect for date night. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot or a nicer place to celebrate, we’ve picked restaurants with great food and atmosphere to enjoy your special evening together.

Ambiance

Paulette’s

Located in Old Town, Paulette’s has cozy booths and dim lighting that make for an intimate dining experience. With romantic music playing softly, you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself.

Artichoke Cafe

This downtown eatery has a cool, creative vibe with art decorating the walls. Sit outside on their patio if the weather is nice, or snuggle up inside at a table by the window. Either way it feels like a date!

The Range Cafe

Live music on the weekends adds to the lively yet relaxing atmosphere. Candlelit tables, a large courtyard, plus friendly servers make it easy to spend hours here chatting and enjoying your meal.

Cuisine

Jambo Cafe

Jambo offers creative New Mexican dishes with an African flair. Try the masala dosa, a large rice pancake filled with spicy potatoes. Or go for favorites like chile rellenos with interesting global twists. There’s lots to share and discover on their menu.

Five Star Burgers

This gastropub has yummy options beyond burgers like fish tacos, mac and cheese, and wood-fired pizzas. Build your own burger by choosing different cheeses, toppings and sauces. They have fun flavors to try like peanut butter or spicy chipotle. Wash it all down with a milkshake!

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

Seasons rotates between different meats roasted on a spit each day like pork, chicken or beef. Then pick 2 sides like mashed potatoes, veggies or corn on the cob to complete your plate. It’s a filling and tasty traditional way to dine.

Atmosphere

The Range Cafe

With live music on the weekends, The Range Cafe is super fun. Dance in the courtyard if you want or just sit back and enjoy listening to the band. Server friends are always around to chat with too.

Artichoke Cafe

Artichoke feels laidback during the day but can get lively in the evenings too. Lots of people like to eat on their big patio outside when it’s nice. Sometimes local artists display their paintings inside too.

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

In their outdoor courtyard you’ll see families, couples and groups of friends. It’s a low-key place where you can relax. String lights make it nice night or day. Staff will make sure your glasses stay filled with your drink of choice!

Cost

These date night spots won’t break the bank!

Paulette’s

Paulette’s is nicer so mains are around $15-20 but portions are big. Try their $10 tortilla soup and chips to share for a filling starter. Taco Tuesdays offer $2 tacos.

Five Star Burgers

Burgers range from $8-12 so you can get a meal and shake for under $15. Mondays mean half price shakes! Their happy hour from 3-6pm has $1 off and free chips with queso too.

Jambo Cafe

Daily lunch specials are only $10 and come with sides. On Wednesdays kids eat free with purchase of adult meal, so bring the whole family! Don’t forget to try their inexpensive bean and cheese pupusas.

Reservations

Some restaurants get really busy, so plan ahead if you can.

Paulette’s

It’s small inside so weekends book up fast. Put your name on the list when you arrive or reserve 2-3 weeks in advance online.

Artichoke Cafe

They take reservations but also do walk-ins. Go before 6pm or after 9pm for shorter waits.

Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

Call at least 2 days ahead for prime times like Friday or Saturday. Their patio is first come, first served.

Five Star Burgers

Reservations aren’t taken but it’s quick service. Mondays-Thursdays are less crowded before 5pm or after 8pm.

The Range Cafe

Arrive before 6pm to beat dinner rush. No reservations, just put your name on the list at the door. Drinks and snacks while you wait!

Conclusion

We covered lots of great options whether you want something casual or nicer for your date night. The most important thing is picking a place where you both feel comfortable. These restaurants all have delicious food in relaxing atmospheres where you can focus on each other. Don’t forget to save room for dessert too! No matter which spot you choose, I’m sure you’ll make great memories together. Have fun and enjoy your special evening out.