The area surrounding The University of New Mexico is filled with not-so-hidden gems. Visitors will find everything from local restaurants to unique boutiques and from walls adorned with eye-catching murals to coffee that will satisfy even the most pretentious of coffee snobs.
Nob Hill is a walkable neighborhood just east of UNM and is the perfect place to spend a day with friends or family, with no shortage of options for food and activities.
Here are a few spots to hit in the University area that can make up the perfect day:
Hidden Coffee Shop: Michael Thomas Coffee
Photo Credit: Kyler Kinzie
Tucked away just off Central Avenue, a 15-minute walk from campus, Michael Thomas Coffee Roasters is an excellent way to kick off your day in the historic Nob Hill district. This family-owned and operated spot offers an extensive drink menu, light food options such as Bristol Doughnuts and a charming-without-being-pretentious ambiance. Oh, and if you sit on the back patio, you might get a visit from an adorable feline friend!
Mid-Morning Boutique/Curated Shopping: & Stuff Retail Collective
Photo Credit: Kyler Kinzie
Located next to Little Bear Coffee (another staple on your ABQ coffee shop bucket list), & Stuff Retail Collective is home to the products of over 20 local vendors. The shop is full of whimsy infused with southwest edge and trendy bits and bobs. It is truly a “something for everyone” store with plenty of books, plants and handmade and curated apparel ready for you to both dilly and dally through.
Contender for Best Albuquerque Thrift Spot: Vintage Vault
Photo Credit: Kyler Kinzie
Wanna get thrifty? Just a bit further down Central Avenue, you’ll find Vintage Vault, an award-winning secondhand store filled with all kinds of tchotchkes for you to spend many hours browsing through. You can explore 6,600 square feet of one-of-a-kind collectibles, fashion pieces (hello vintage Lobo gear), furnishings and more.
Lunch at a Board Game Library: Empire Board Game Library
Photo Credit: Kyler Kinzie
A few doors down from Vintage Vault is Empire Board Game Library, where you can choose from over 850 games. It’s hard to put a price on the fun that ensues, but the hourly rate is a mere $4/hour per person, making it an affordable way to end friendships over stacking five +2 cards in UNO. In addition to the numerous games, Empire offers a menu full of delicious sandwiches, snacks and drinks, because no game night is complete without a bite to eat.
