
Restaurants in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico limited to Cash only sales
Albuquerque - Downtown

Dog House Drive In
Cuisine: American
The flashing neon dachsund beckons to hot dog mecca, where we indulge in not just the hot dogs but also essentials like tater tots and Frito pie. Get your dogs to go and race home to enjoy them with a few brews. Or go inside the Dog House, find a seat at the tiny counter and nurse one of their damn fine milkshakes.
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Albuquerque - Fairgrounds
Helen’s Bakery
You could miss the decayed pink, green and purple cross that adorns Helen’s Bakery just north of Lomas in the blink of an eye but there you’ll find rows of Mexican pastries, cookies and rolls tucked away inside glass cases or cooling on a big metal rack up front. If you don’t speak Spanish, here’s how it all works: Walk up to the register, grab a pair of tongs and a cafeteria tray and load up on sweet treats. A little café serves savory Mexican snacks like tacos and chicharrones by the pound. As for meals, try the menudo.
Albuquerque - Midtown

Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen
Cuisine: New Mexican
Proud and loyal patrons of this neighborhood New Mexican spot swear by the meaty red chile, especially when poured all over the stacked blue corn enchiladas. If you’re in a reasonably secure relationship, you’ll order yours with onions and a fried egg on top. Open for weekday lunch and dinner. Cash only!
Full review: It’s paved with sauce and sustainability ()
Albuquerque - Northeast Heights
The Burrito Lady
Cuisine: New Mexican
If you overlook the Styrofoam plates, The Burrito Lady’s Santa Rosa-style cooking is about as homemade as it gets. There are fresh grilled tacos, tamales year-round, stacked enchiladas and, of course, the burritos—about 20 different varieties, served plain, smothered in chile and cheese, or with fluffy Spanish rice and refried beans. Both the red and green chile are delicious, so go ahead and order Christmas. Cash only!
Albuquerque - Old Town

Little Red Hamburger Hut
Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm (hours can change without notice)
Little Red Hamburger Hut has the best burgers around. Called a Little Red, a meaty, perfectly grilled all-beef patty is topped with lettuce, onion and thick, piquant red chile, then bundled in a pillowy white bun. The bun soaks up the sauce and clings to the meat, bringing all the flavors together. Burgers are served either on a bun or tortilla and can be ordered small, medium or large. Cheese and chile (in either color) never cost extra, and satisfaction is always guaranteed. Cash only!
Full review: A rose by any other name ()