These days, grocery stores are going trendy by offering hot bars and cafes right in the store. It's not a new thing, however. Born of necessity and entrepreneurial spirit, general stores in New Mexico have been serving food since at least the 1800s. Below, we offer a few of our favorite grocery store and cafe combos.
1. Bode's General Merchandise (Abiquiu)
Bode's General Merchandise has been serving folks in northern New Mexico since 1893. Back then, named Grants Mercantile, the location was a general store, stagecoach stop, post office, and jail. Today the store is still multipurpose, selling groceries, wine and spirits, outdoor gear and gas. Eating here is one of those experiences you can only have in New Mexico. The kitchen is on the state's Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, but those in the know fancy the breakfast burritos. Bode's is at 21196 US Highway 84, in Abiquiú.
2. Cactus Jack's (Silver City)
Cactus Jacks sells gluten-free and organic grocery items. Following suit, the in-store cafe is also totally gluten-free. The proprietor ensures that giving up gluten doesn't mean giving up taste. Stop in for smoothies, grilled sandwiches, and cookies. The star here is the pizza, with gluten-free fans saying they are happy they can eat (good) pizza again. Cactus Jacks is next to Smokey Joe's West, the organic tobacco store. Find them at 1307 N Pope Street, Silver City.
3. Michael's MiniMart (Velarde)
If you have traveled between Española and Taos, maybe you have filled-up at Micheal’s MiniMart. This family-run one-stop shop has just about anything you could need: groceries, gas, beer, wine, and snacks. There is also "Your Favorite’s From Alice," a cafe-deli where fans come back again and again for the breakfast burritos and burgers. Look for Michael's MiniMArt at 1410 New Mexico 68, in Velarde.
4. Model Pharmacy (Albuquerque)
Model is a real pharmacy but it is unlike the modern ones you might be used to. The shelves at Model are devoted to shaving supplies, fancy soaps, cards, candies, and perfume. Nestled beside the notions, there is a lunch counter that serves retro-era sandwiches (like egg salad, Pb&J, and BLTs), soup, and salad plates. The main attraction, though, is the soda fountain. Try one of the old-fashioned treats like an egg cream, rickey, or a real float made with ice cream, syrup and cold soda water. Model Pharmacy is in the Nob Hill area of Albuquerque at 3636 Monte Vista Boulevard, Northeast.
5. Queen Store and RV (Queen)
This grocery store cafe is at an RV park in Queen, a tiny town located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. This family-style restaurant serves up American food and is known for its giant burgers and delicious pies. Find them at 3670 Queens Highway, in Queen.
6. Rodeo Grocery and Cafe (Rodeo)
This small grocery store and full-service cafe is a landmark in Rodeo, New Mexico's westernmost town. They serve breakfast and lunch, with food service ending at 3 p.m. The menu includes Mexican and American dishes like brisket and burgers, plus daily specials. Find the grocery and cafe at 195 US Highway 80, in Rodeo.
7. Chavira's Market & Taqueria (Las Cruces)
Chavira's is a family-owned business that started as a produce and grocery store. In 2003, they added a meat market and began making their own brand of tortillas. They also added a Taqueria that has made a name for itself with Mexican treats like tacos, tortas, burritos, and gorditas. Tipsters say they have the best barbacoa in town. Chavira's is located in an East Mesa strip mall, (anchored by a car-parts store), at 5702 Bataan Memorial East, C3, in Las Cruces.
8. Five and Dime General Store (Santa Fe)
The Five and Dime is right on the Santa Fe Plaza. Every year it serves more than 300,000 customers, selling everything from light bulbs to tourist trinkets. The snack bar in back serves a mishmash of snacks – hot dogs and burritos – but the real attraction here is the Frito pie. Local legend says that back in the 1960s when the location was a Woolworth's, the iconic New Mexican treat was created here. Find the Five and Dime at 58 East San Francisco Street, Santa Fe.
Have you tried any of these grocery store cafes? what did you think? Know of other store-restaurant duo that folks should try? Talk to us in the comments.
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