The Timeless New Mexico Restaurant Everyone Needs To Visit At Least Once

If you’ve ever spent time in Albuquerque, you’ve seen Frontier Restaurant. It’s impossible to miss the red and yellow barn that occupies a corner on Central, across from the UNM campus. This Duke City institution has fed thousands of students and locals, along with Adam Richman, when he shot an episode of "Man v. Food" here.

Frontier opened its doors in 1971 and has since become legendary for its burritos, the fiesta burger, chile, and cinnamon rolls.

The great eats offered at this Burque staple are hardly a secret, but the lines move at a good clip and your order arrives fast.

The restaurant is deceptively large and there’s always something to look at, whether you engage in a little people watching, or study the artwork on the walls – you can never have too many pictures of John Wayne.

Low prices. Huge portions. It’s easy to understand why students congregate here. But Frontier wouldn’t draw in so many locals without offering stellar New Mexican fare.

Tortillas are made in house, which explains the lure of the burritos. The carne adovada breakfast burrito is especially good.

If you’re searching for a chile fix, you’re in the right place. The Western hash browns are buried under cheese and green chile and you can’t beat the value and flavor of the green chile stew.

When it comes to sweet treats, Frontier is renowned for its sweet rolls. As soon as you sink your teeth into one and butter glides down your chin, you’ll understand why.

Little has changed at Frontier during the 40 plus years that it has been in business. And that timelessness is a key part of this restaurant’s funky charm.

What's your favorite memory of Frontier?

Here are some more restaurants in New Mexico that are beloved local favorites.