Trains are an increasingly popular way to travel sustainably, granting access to the Southwest’s scenic beauty without the distraction of driving. Immersion in local communities and human connection are hallmarks of rail travel.
Train aficionados have two ways to travel to and from Albuquerque – the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, which stops in the city several times a day along a 90-mile route from Belen to Santa Fe, and the Amtrak Southwest Chief, which connects Albuquerque to Los Angeles and Chicago with daily service in both directions.
The Alvarado Transportation Center in downtown Albuquerque is one of three stations in the city for the Rail Runner and the city’s only stop for the Southwest Chief. Whether you’re departing, arriving or just passing through during a rail journey, spend some time in downtown Albuquerque for a bite, sip and stroll.
Rise and Grind
After a long train ride, you might want a little pick-me-up, WiFi and a convivial atmosphere.
Zendo Espresso Bar & Art Gallery is a woman-owned cafe known for their unique espresso concoctions, artisanal pastries and striking local artworks. Zendo shares an enclosed patio with Sidetrack Brewing Company, which turns into an energetic dance floor and gathering place on weekends.
Photo courtesy of Zendo.
Taking it “low and slow” like Albuquerque’s lowriders? The Brew Coffee Bar is a spacious farm-to-cup cafe specializing in “slow” coffee – single origin roasts and a wide variety of tea lattes.
Photo courtesy of The Brew.
A bit further into the heart of Downtown is Humble Coffee Downtown in 505 Central, situated right on historic Route 66. 505 Central’s patio is primed for people-watching and sipping your morning brew. During your visit, check out the mural painted by local artist Lynette Haozous, “Cultural Crossroads” for Route 66 Remixed, which transforms 505’s patio into a time-traveling desert portal.
Photo courtesy of Humble Coffee.
Little Bear at Civic Plaza is a bright and airy café tucked away in The Clyde Hotel, near the Albuquerque Convention Center and Civic Plaza. Try their signature Little Bear Latte for a woodsy take on a classic espresso drink, made with a specialty cedar-vanilla syrup.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
For gifts to bring home, look no further than Flyby Provisions – a woman-owned small business committed to supporting New Mexico’s entrepreneurs and artisans, with lavender botanicals from Los Poblanos, tastes of New Mexico and their signature biscochito gift box.
Flyby Provisions' biscochito box. Photo courtesy of Flyby Provisions.
If traveling from May to October, immerse yourself in Albuquerque’s rail heritage and vibrant community at the Rail Yards Market. If you’re a holiday traveler, you’re in luck: the Rail Yards Market hosts an annual holiday market for two weekends in December.
The Albuquerque Rail Yards.
The Bloom Stone, located between Zendo and Flyby Provisions, is a bohemian boutique curated to soothe. Teeming plants, glittering crystals and stones, art, jewelry and a select apothecary of botanicals line the shelves at The Bloom Stone.
Walk Through History
Who said “nothing gold can stay”? Directly down the street from the Alvarado Transportation Center is the historic stretch of Gold – not quite lined with yellow bricks, but with plenty of cozy corners and mom-and-pop businesses. This quiet district in Downtown is home to some of the last remaining Victorian commercial structures from the railroad era, such as Gold Avenue’s Hope Building (c. 1894) and Pacific Building (c. 1914). Humble in construction and character, the architecture of east Barelas provides a look into a century past.
Occidental Life Building. Photo courtesy of Jim See.
Among the brick facades is a surprisingly ornate, porcelain white landmark: the Occidental Life Building, a unique Venetian Gothic Revival-style structure that was built as an insurance company in 1917. While the interior was gutted by a fire in 1933, the exterior walls remain original, with their signature apses and quatrefoils.
History buffs shouldn’t miss the Wheels Museum for an in-depth view of Albuquerque’s transportation history, from railroad to the Mother Road.
International Flavors Abound
Downtown Albuquerque is known for its diverse dining fare. The following recommendations are within a short walking distance from the Alvarado Transportation Center:
At Tucanos Brazilian Grill, savor fresh meats and vegetables grilled to perfection over an open flame, Brazilian-style. Box lunches are available if you’re crunched for time. Silver Street Market is another great option for a quick meal during those short layovers, offering grocery store staples, baked goods and deli sandwiches.
Photo courtesy of Tucanos Brazilian Grill.
Gold Avenue’s Victorian business district houses restaurants with vibrant, distinctive flavors. Vegan, vegetarian and Halal options are a-plenty at Moroccan-inspired restaurant Yalla! Shawarma.
Photo courtesy of Yalla! Shawarma.
Explore a new palate at Afghan Kebab House, the dream of a mother-son duo serving plates prepared with pride. The Hussaini family also sell jewelry in their restaurant made by the matriarch and Afghan women, and all proceeds from jewelry sales are sent to their families in Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy of Afghan Kebab House on Facebook.
Transport yourself to France in the romantic blue bistro on the corner of Gold Avenue and 3rd Street. Opened by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard in 2015, Le Troquet Bistro specializes in authentic French cuisine–oysters, escargot, quiche and creamy, filling soups. Bon appetit!
In a pinch? 505 Central Food Hall has options galore, available at an efficient speed. Tikka spice tenders, steaming bowls of ramen, green chile smashburgers and more can be found in this expansive Downtown eatery.
Moonwalk Bar inside 505 Central Food Hall.
Cheers! Bon voyage!
Cap off your Albuquerque adventure with a local brew at Sidetrack Brewing Company. Seven barrels of locally-crafted beer, a 1940s property and a cozy atmosphere – what else do you need to fill your cup?
Photo courtesy of Sidetrack Brewing on X.
Spending the Night?
Check out some places to stay in downtown Albuquerque.
