As the contenders for the title of Best Burger entered the ring, a hush fell over the crowd. Blake’s Lotaburger fainted, measuring its opponent as it would a slab of meat (get it?). Unperturbed, Five Star Burgers stood still, its eyes like stones in its head. Two hours later, the match was declared a tie. (JL)2) Holy Cow
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best French Fries
Best French Fries: Blake’s Lotaburger
It’s amazing, but some people can actually screw up a french fry. Those deep-fried spears of comforting down home potatoes can manifest in a spectrum ranging from soggy to crispy—from golden to pallid. And here’s the ugly truth of it: None of those fries are perfect … except one. Take a bow, Blake’s Lotaburger. You earned it. (JL)2) Tie: Frontier Restaurant/Holy Cow
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best Pizza
If you ever needed something to attest to the pizza mastery happening at Dion’s, just eyeball the line at the drive thru of any given location on any given evening. It’s like the friggin’ line at a Star Wars movie on opening night. There’s less costumes, though, and there’s a less palpable sense of tension. (JL)2) Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria3) Giovanni’s Pizzeria
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best Barbecue
Burqueños agree—one good thing to come from Tejas to Nueva Mexico (besides rich tourists during Balloon Fiesta) is BBQ! Y’all sure do love that special “sause,” delicious meats cooked over oak wood, especially that brisket. Whether ordering out for a party for one or stopping by for some comfort food with your best friends, locals know where to get the good stuff. (RG)2) Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque House
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best Steakhouse
The unassuming facade of the Monte Carlo Steak House is deceiving—this place is poppin’! Visitors know they can consistently count on the highly praised prime rib, burger, ground sirloin or fried veggies. It may be tough to get there currently (and for the next five years) because of ART, but voters can attest it’s worth the drive. (RG)2) Vernon’s Speakeasy3) The Cooperage
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best Seafood
ART can’t keep voters away from their favorite businesses forever! We always find a way to get to good food, whether that’s driving through a snowstorm to have some of the freshest, most delicate seafood in town (a personal experience) or trekking across the hazard that is now Central. The smiling faces and live music are just a few perks of the journey to this Cajun seafood eatery. (RG)
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best Salad
One of three locations (and we gotta say, the best location) of this salad bistro resides in Old Town, supplied with the fresh ingredients from owner Erin Wade’s 10-acre farm in Nambe, N.M. Burqueños love the range of the delicious menu that has salads that are “bright and zippy,” “savory,” “a little sweet” and “in balance.” They also have appetizers, sandwiches, soups—but let’s be real, we all know that you just want that yummy rabbit food. (RG) 2) Flying Star Cafe
Best Of Burque Restaurants 2017 Best Sandwiches
Thank goodness this award-winning gourmet sandwich shop is open seven days a week because we need their speciality hoagies every single day. The friendly faces behind the counter always make sure orders come through quick without compromising quality—this is the only time you’ll be pleased to be in a pickle. (RG)2) Bocadillos Slow Roasted Sandwich Shop
