Best Of Burque 2011:
Basically, we’d all just like to have $500 to flitter away. Your methods of doing so range from the practical ( Costco ) to the tech savvy ( the Apple Store ) to the cultural ( art ) to the frivolous ( casinos ). And some of you think it would be fun to buy guns . Let’s all just keep our distance from those guys.
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Bookstore
4022 Rio Grande NW344-8139 bkwrks.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Bookworks brings in famous authors and good books to a pretty part of the North Valley. That’s a winning combination if we ever heard one.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Page One Bookstore3) Alamosa Books
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Used Books
11018 Montgomery NE294-2026 page1book.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
While this place carries a steady supply of new works, you love it most for the pre-read selection. Pick up a realistic-fiction Richard Yates novel, then slide over to mystery for some Jim Thompson.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Bird Song Used Books3) Tie: The Book Stop, Title Wave Books
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Magazine Selection
Nob Hill: 3416 Central NE • 255-4501Downtown: 723 Silver SW • 244-8099North Valley: 4026 Rio Grande NW • 344-6714Uptown: 8001 Menaul NE • 293-6911Northeast Heights: 4501 Juan Tabo NE • 275-8311Corrales: 10700 Corrales Road • 938-4717Bernalillo: 200 South Camino del Pueblo • 404-2100 flyingstarcafe.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Ah, the simple pleasure of lemonade, a Buddha bowl with tofu and brown rice, and a copy of Elle Decoration UK —or whatever your special interest and dietary restriction/indulgence may be. It’s easy to be periodically inspired at Flying Star Café.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Page One Bookstore3) Newsland
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Vintage Apparel
3005 Central NE262-0098 buffaloexchange.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
It’s not that Buffalo Exchange always has the best vintage selection—but when you do find that perfect, navy blue, ’40s-era dress with white daisy appliqué, it costs scores less than its actual value, allowing you to purchase the five other items you also want.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Off Broadway3) Revolver
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Men's Apparel
3503 Central NE255-4212 myspace.com/toadroad505
Best Of Burque 2011:
Locating sharp menswear in Albuquerque ain’t easy, but Toad Road helps fill the void. The Nob Hill shop not only carries higher-end fashion for men and women, it also sells the creations of local designers.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Free Radicals3) Lobo Men’s Shop
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Women's Apparel
300 Yale SE254-3764 freeradicalshq.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Stifled refinement, be damned. Free Radicals caters to lady punkers, goths, rockabilly chicks and horror enthusiasts. Whether you’re trying to impersonate Bettie Page or find a locally crafted hair bow with a skull on it, look no further.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Elsa Ross3) Tie: Moni V’s, Tres Boutique
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Designer
Best Of Burque 2011:
Catch her custom corsets if you can. Koeninger’s output is prolific, but she’s in high demand. Some are architectural, some are classic and others are inspired by morbid muses. All clutch female figures in their fetching grasps.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Tie: Nikki Zabicki, Teresa Romero (Designer’s Lounge)3) Sajetta Cuff (Blazing Thimbles)
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Thrift Store
3900 Menaul NE872-0647 thrifttown.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Centrally located and loaded with good stuff, Thrift Town is where deal-hunters shop—and it even has a good used-book section.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Savers3) Buffalo Exchange
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Toy Store
Best Of Burque 2011:
The emphasis is on constructive, educational toys, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun. From craft kits to puzzles to musical toys to kites, Out of the Blue crams its shelves with playthings for babies, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens. Not to mention the parents who indulge them.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Beeps3) Astro-Zombies
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Shop For Parents
4800 Cutler NE, Suite 4A884-63339231 Coors NW922-8857 othermothers.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Parenthood may be life’s richest pleasure, but there’s an emphasis on the “rich.” It’s pricey growing a little person into a big person. So a secondhand store for baby clothes? Now that’s a fantastic idea.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Self Serve Sexuality Resource Center3) Baby Bear
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Antiques Store
4001 Central NE268-0188 morningsideantiques.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Dimery and his helpful staff are eager to open any case, letting you peer inside. You’ll most certainly learn something interesting and historical just by stopping in.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Antiques & Things3) Tie: Antique Co-op, Antique Specialty Mall
Best Of Burque 2011: Best New Furniture
7601 Montgomery NE275-2121 tema-usa.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Despite the proliferation of Southwest design here in New Mexico, Albuquerqueans tell us they like their furniture contemporary and vaguely Danish. Brushed-aluminum bar stools, blonde-wood bed frames and geometric area rugs fill the homes of our readers thanks to TEMA’s huge showroom.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) American Home3) The A Store
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Comic Book Store
Eric Williams ericwphoto.com
3100 Central SE232-7800 astrozombies.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Searching for something? The good people at Astro-Zombies will help you dig through the stacks. In fact, an Alibi staffer’s family just went there to look for comic art done by her grandpa in the ’60s. The staff got all excited and dug up compilations that included grampy’s old, rare comics. The store even serves as a meeting spot with swap meets and signings.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Noble Collectibles3) Tie: Comic Warehouse, Tall Tales
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Sexy Shop
3904B Central SE265-5815 selfservetoys.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
You’ve got nothing but love for this epicenter of sex education and sensory delights. Co-owners Matie Fricker and Molly Adler’s sex-positive revolution is mid-swing (emphasis on the “swing”), and we’re all enjoying the ride. It’s service that leaves you with a smile.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Castle Megastore3) Seductions
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Shoe Store
Best Of Burque 2011:
What’s better than great shoes? Great, affordable shoes. ABQ’s two locations of Shoes on a Shoestring keep N.M. feet well covered in boots, sandals, athletic shoes, Mary Janes, sling backs and these totally hot cork wedges from Bronx.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Dillard’s3) Terra Firma
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Bicycle Shop
3407 Central NE265-5170 www.bikecoop.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
This is the real deal, and the 505 knows it. If your velocipede is serviced here, it’ll get done right. The shop carries a broad range of bicycles and accessories, not just the trendy stuff. The staffers are amiable, but most importantly, they heart bikes.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Two Wheel Drive3) Tie: Fat Tire Cycles, Fixed & Free
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Skate/Snow Shop
P.O. Box 379, Cedar Crest, N.M. 87008(800) 469-6699 www.nmia.com/~scs
Best Of Burque 2011:
If you’re gonna call yourself Skate City Supply, you’d better be well-stocked with skateboards, roller skates, figure skates, in-line skates and hockey skates. This place does you one better and throws in snowboards, scooters, protective gear and clothing to boot.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) The BZ3) 4D’s Board Shop
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Smoke Shop
Best Of Burque 2011:
With several locations that serve the smoker about town, The Zone is without a doubt the best-known head shop in Albuquerque. And there’s plenty in there aside from pipes—incense, clothes, knives, art, you name it.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Monte’s Pueblo Pipe Shop3) Mike’s
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Music Equipment Store
9310 Coors NW292-0341 grandmas.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Grandma’s is a huge, cavernous place. Packed with gear for all tastes, it’s not uncommon to go in looking for a wah-wah pedal and leave with a full DJ setup.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Music Go Round3) Grumpy’s Guitars
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Record Store
7602 Menaul NE296-3685
Best Of Burque 2011:
Among the last true indie record stores in town, Charley’s has CDs, vinyl and even tapes. While you’re there, check out the vintage clothes.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Natural Sound3) Tie: Hastings, Mecca
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Computer Help
3625 Wyoming NE332-7777 sandiacomputer.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Staring down that spinning wheel of death again? More of our readers turn to Sandia Computers when they’re at the end of their technical rope. Sure, Sandia sells made-to-order desktops and laptops, but it’s the company’s tech support, consulting, data transfer and repair that keeps us calling them in a panic to ask what the hell a “registry/configuration error” is.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Computer Corner3) Adobe Computers
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Pet Shop
Best Of Burque 2011:
This is the perennial winner for its great staff, huge chew-bone selection and spiked collars for your Chihuahua. And the aquarium rooms in the back are awesome.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Long Leash on Life3) Pet Vet Market
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Veterinary Clinic
4340 Coal SE265-4939 aztecanimalclinic.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Your pets can’t tell you what’s wrong with them, so it’s important to have a vet you trust that can help you figure your furry family members out. Aztec, with its cheery layout and mega-friendly staff, has been earning this highest honor for years.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Northview Animal Hospital3) Blue Cross Animal Clinic
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Sporting Goods Store
1550 Mercantile NE247-1191 rei.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
New Mexico is one of the best states in the Union for venturing outdoors. We’ve got warm weather, varied terrain and plenty of public lands. Is it any wonder that REI is the go-to co-op for camping, hiking, climbing, cycling and all that other fresh air stuff? We’ll have to take our readers’ opinion on this one, though. We haven’t been away from our desks in years.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Charlie’s Sporting Goods3) Sport Systems
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Gym
Multiple locations defined.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
All Defined Fitness locations have pools, great classes, and massive weight and cardio rooms. They also offer month-to-month memberships sans contracts. And those months are cheap. Hurray for affordable gyms, say our readers.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) New Mexico Sports and Wellness3) Planet Fitness
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Martial Arts School
5505 Acoma SE881-7911 jacksons.tv
Best Of Burque 2011:
Used to be a simple karate chop or a judo throw was enough for people. Nowadays, they like their martial arts mixed. In that case, it’s no wonder Jackson’s comes out on top here. Greg Jackson is world-famous, having trained such successful UFC and WEC champs as Keith Jardine right here in the 505. He won Coach of the Year at the 2010 World MMA Awards. He writes books. He produces tournaments. Frankly, we wouldn’t argue with him. Or the Alibi readers who train with him.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Chinese Shao-Lin Center3) ABQ Kickboxing & MMA
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Yoga Or Pilates Studio
520 Central SW842-1080 bhavayogastudio.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
This bright, window-walled studio is in the heart of Albuquerque’s historic business district, so it’s easy for professionals to get some yoga in before the day is done. Bhava also offers special classes for a tiny $5 fee—that’s worthy of a gold medal all on its own.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Hot Yoga Downtown3) High Desert Yoga
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Spa
1835 Candelaria NW341-3456 bettysbath.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
We’re all addicted to Betty’s signature lavender-and-lemongrass scent. Even if you only have $12 to burn, you can get 30 minutes in a hot tub all to yourself, and you can inhale that scent, primed for peace and relaxation.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Green Reed Spa at Sandia Resort & Casino3) La Bella Spa & Salon
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Massage
1835 Candelaria NW341-3456 bettysbath.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Offering relaxing soaks and restorative spa treatments, Betty’s has some of the best therapy in town. The North Valley spa’s skilled massage therapists have been helping Burque let go of it all since 2000.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Massage Envy3) Por Vida Therapeutics
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Bed And Breakfast
4803 Rio Grande NW344-9297 lospoblanos.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Among the most beautiful places in the area, Los Poblanos’ historic inn is the premier place to enjoy a staycation or take care of out-of-towners.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Tie: Adobe Nido, Casas de Suenos3) Tie: Chocolate Turtle Bed and Breakfast, Mauger Estate Bed & Breakfast
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Architecture Studio
7601 Jefferson NE, Suite 100761-9700 dpsdesign.org
Best Of Burque 2011:
With a focus on design excellence and sustainability, this award-winning firm is behind numerous notable projects, including the Sawmill Lofts and the Alvarado Transportation Center.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Rohde May Keller McNamara (RMKM) Architecture3) Mullen Heller Architecture
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Plant Nursery
501 Osuna NE345-6644 osunanursery.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Since 1980, the An family has run this cheery nursery on Osuna. Aside from a wide variety of flora, Osuna Nursery offers planting and maintenance services, diagnostics, and yes, garden gnomes.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Rehm’s Nursery3) Plants of the Southwest
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Auto Repair
Independent Volvo Service 1401 Third Street NW247-9771 www.ivs.repair.bz Jim’s Automotive 4401 Lead SE256-1531 jimsautomotive.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Trusting your mechanic is essential. For those of us who can’t tell a clutch from a carburetor, we need all the trust we can get. Our readers put their faith in these two fine mechanic shops, which promise to treat you and your alternator right.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Jeff’s Gasoline Alley3) All in the Wrist Auto Repair
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Psychic
Psychic readings, tarot, astrology and mentoring, by appointment only: 268-0160
Best Of Burque 2011:
This win should come as no surprise to Judy Delphonse … because she won last year, too. A provider of psychic readings and spiritual oils, perceptive Burqueños know to turn to Ms. Delphonse when they need to peer into the future.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Psychic Ana3) Mendy Lou
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Laundromat
1500 Girard NE268-9834
Best Of Burque 2011:
Our readers’ favorite thing about Harold’s: There’s an in-house convenience store that’s always open, which allows them to wash their drawers and have a snack simultaneously.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Wash Tub Laundromat3) Tie: Mountain Laundry, Spin Cycle
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Dry Cleaner
308 Central SE242-0771
Best Of Burque 2011:
Located right on Central at Broadway, the folks at Route 66 Cleaners will have your suit cleaned and pressed within 24 hours, fold your underthings and even iron your sheets.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Master Cleaners3) Tie: Hangers Cleaners, The Cleanery
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Boot And Shoe Repair
Eric Williams ericwphoto.com
4208 Central SE255-0481
Best Of Burque 2011:
New Mexico’s penchant for long-living cowboy boots makes this category competitive, even in 2011. (Albuquerque’s old school.) No one does it better, Alibi readers say, than Nob Hill Shoe Repair. Trust your fellow citizens, because you don’t want to mess around with shoes.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Coronado Boot & Shoe Repair3) Tie: Hoffmantown Shoe & Boot Repair, Robledo’s Boot and Shoe Repair
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Pest Control
5130 Second Street NW792-8380 preventivepestcontrol.com/albuquerque
Best Of Burque 2011:
Plague of locusts? Call Preventive and prepare for a holy fire to rain down on your pests, bugs and other vermin. Nothing will be spared.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) AAA Organic Pest Control3) MTA Pest Control
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Plumbing Service
5000 Edith NW761-9873 tlcplumbing.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Offering the tenderest of plumbing services, TLC is the place to call when you need a routine update or there’s water gushing from some orifice of your home.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Roto-Rooter3) Simmons Plumbing
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Cleaning Service
600 Central SE414-7887 greensweepnm.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Offering both residential cleaning and janitorial services of the eco-friendly persuasion, Green Sweep (locally owned and operated by Ms. Molly Moran) will make your space sparkle without contaminating it with toxic chemicals.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) The Maids3) The Gay Butlers
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Bail Bond Service
507 Fifth Street NW243-0249 gmadridbb.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
There may come a time when you find yourself in jail, without the five Gs you need to get out. That’s when you call the guys over at Madrid Bail Bonds. They have cash, and they’re in your corner.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Help Bail Bonds3) Tie: Pacheco Bail Bonds, Quick Bail Bonds
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Law Firm
500 Fourth Street NW848-1800 modrall.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Modrall Sperling has so many lawyers, it’s terrifying. We don’t even want to write this for fear of making a mistake and bringing down the hammer.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Rodey Law Firm3) Streubel Kochersberger Mortimer
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Tattoo Shop
10200 Corrales Road NW922-6217 startattoo.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
It’s not centrally located by any means. Still, Star’s artists and staff provide the artistic quality and no-B.S. service that have kept fans pilgrimaging to this part of town for a decade.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Tinta Cantina3) Tie: Por Vida Tattoo, Sachs Body Modification
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Tattoo Artist
10200 Corrales Road NW922-6217 startattoo.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Mr. Partain gave one Alibi staffer his first tattoo 12 years ago. When he was done he said, "It’s there for life." Not only was he not lying, he was professional and courteous.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Johnny Mac Howell (Tinta Cantina)3) Alex Werder (Star Tattoo)
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Piercing Shop
4517 Central SE255-4567 evolutionpiercing.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
These guys can help you heal a gauge that you’ve messed up, sell you jewelry that’s both beautiful and healthy, and get you pierced with no fuss. And you can bank on the shop’s standards of professionalism and cleanliness.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Sachs Body Modification3) Tinta Cantina
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Barber Shop
109 Fourth Street SW242-7735 acebarbershop505.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Being Downtown on Fourth Street gives Ace a big-city feel that’s none too common around these parts. The guys aren’t just about the hair, either—Ace does cool art shows, too.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) The Barber’s Shop3) Nano’s Barber Shop
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Hair Salon
Multiple locations298-2983 markpardo.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Your hair is something you wear every single day and worth a splurge. Well-coiffed Burqueños prefer to get their ’dos done while clocking in valuable relaxation time at one of Mark Pardo’s multiple locations.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Inspire Salon3) Heart & Soul
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Waxing
2910 San Mateo NE217-5508 brazilianwaxingboutique.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Albuquerque trusts the cosmetic care of its bits with Brazilian Waxing Boutique. Aside from servicing the nether regions, the salon’s skilled aestheticians offer waxing for almost every other area of the body, and they do brow and lash tinting.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Mark Pardo Aveda3) Inspire Salon
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Nail Salon
2906 Juan Tabo NE, B294-6366
Best Of Burque 2011:
Whether you want glittery red talons or a modest coat of glossy pale pink, New York Nails in the Northeast Heights can polish your look, finger to toe.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Happy Nails3) Galaxy Nail & Spa
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Gift Shop
3500 Central Avenue SE262-1900
Best Of Burque 2011:
So much rad stuff, it should be illegal. This place has been in the Nob Hill Shopping Center for as long as we can remember. It’s a must-see for anyone in the market for novelty items.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) Hey Jhonny3) Tie: Pennysmiths, Self Serve Sexuality Resource Center
Best Of Burque 2011: Best Flower Shop
316 Central SW 243-2266 3700 Central SE 256-3554 7600 Menaul NE 299-9528 9625 Montgomery NE 821-8555 peoplesflowers.com
Best Of Burque 2011:
Nothing says “I’m sorry for running over your dog” better than flowers. Or “I love you.” Either way. Peoples can help you say it with flowers.
Best Of Burque 2011:
2) The Flower Shop at Nob Hill3) Melba’s Floral Studio
