This eatery may look like a set in search of a script, but it's the real deal: folks come from all over the city to sup in the longtime New Mexican--style chile parlor in a historic Route 66 neighborhood south of Downtown. You may notice looks of quiet contentment on the faces of its many dedicated diners as they dive into their bowls of Barelas's potent red chile. It's nothing fancy here, just the comfort of familiarity and the very pleasant option of seating on their shaded patio.

The Barelas neighborhood is one of the oldest communities in Albuquerque, and in many ways, it is the city’s Latin heart. It’s home to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, as well as the revered Barelas Coffee House, a restaurant opened in 1978 by longtime resident Michael Gonzales. Try classic dishes like huevos rancheros, enchiladas, and the very popular menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made here with tripe and red chile paste (and with the reputed power to cure hangovers).

For New Mexican, I recommend Los Cuates, Sadie's, El Pinto (nice atmosphere),Barelas Coffee House (if you are REAL daring and want the REAL thing).

EAT. No trip to Barelas is complete without a stop at the Barelas Coffee House, established in 1978 by Mike Gonzales, for a classic New Mexican breakfast. A red chile enchilada on the patio is a midday must at La Mexicana Tortilla Co. Before heading home, grab a few tacos and tamales to go at El Modelo Mexican Foods, a local favorite since 1929, or head across the river to El Paisa Taqueria, a cash-only Mexican-style taco stand known for their lengua and al pastor.

The Best New Mexican Restaurant in Albuquerque, according to our readers, and the place to get the Best Posole, too. You'd better get to Barelas early on Saturday morning if you don't want to have to wait in line for a table. This homey New Mexican joint is popular and though it's much bigger inside than you can tell from the street, regulars pack the place tighter than a tamale.

BREAKFAST & LUNCHLocated at 1502 4th Street SW in downtown Albuquerque (aka the South Valley), Barelas Coffee Shop is a perennial favorite. They have been in business for over 25 years, serving traditional New Mexican comfort food. It has an old-school coffee shop ambiance, which is appropriate since the Barelas neighborhood is the oldest neighborhood in Albuquerque.

Established more than four decades ago, this community treasure is the perfect place to get your day started. You’ll find the coffee house downtown in the Barelas neighborhood, but plan to be fairly early … they have a lot of regulars and parking is limited. It’ll be a scrumptious start to a fantastic day, but avoid their green sauce if you don’t eat pork.

Barelas Coffee House is more than a restaurant; it’s an institution. A place where mornings start with huevos rancheros that could warm the coldest of hearts and a green chile stew that’s the very definition of comfort food. It’s the kind of place where locals gather, sharing stories over plates of Mexican and New Mexican classics.

The Barelas Coffee House was founded on February 14, 1978 by brothers James and Michael Gonzales. Soon after the restaurant's opening, they were joined in the business by their sister Benita Villanueva. The Barelas Coffee House was named after the Barelas neighborhood community where it is located.

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (155 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)– Category: Mexican, Southwestern– Price: $– Address: 1502 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-4319– Read more on Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (163 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern- Address: 1502 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-4319- Read more on Tripadvisor

Now rejuvenated, the corridor today is home to popular shops and restaurants like the Red Ball Café and Barelas Coffee House. The district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Are you looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a truly authentic New Mexican breakfast in Albuquerque?. Then make Barelas Coffee House top of your list because this place comes highly recommended.

Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm Sat 7:30am-2:30pm Closed Sun (hours can change without notice). Meals Served: Breakfast • Lunch. Nearby Theater: Century 14 Downtown ( See Film Times)