This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Albuquerque, New Mexico—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries were open, on a daily basis they paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were just part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.

Nestled in the high desert of the Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico, boasts a vibrant food scene reflective of its rich cultural heritage and a population of approximately 560,000. The city’s cuisine is renowned for its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, with dishes like green chile stew and sopaipillas taking center stage. One must-visit spot is the acclaimed El Pinto, famous for its authentic New Mexican fare served in a charming adobe setting. The surrounding Sandia Mountains contribute not only to the area’s stunning vistas but also to local customs, as the annual harvest of green chiles celebrates the region’s agricultural bounty. Albuquerque’s culinary landscape is a delicious testament to its diverse history and geography, making it a true gastronomic gem.

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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.

Closed Down Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico

A nostalgic look back at Albuquerque’s iconic eateries—by decade and by memory.

🕰️ Pre-1970s

🧡 M. & J. Sanitary Tortilla Factory

531 2nd Street SW
Opened in the 1930s, this Downtown staple was beloved for handmade tortillas and traditional New Mexican dishes. Operated by the DeSoto family and later the Montoyas, it closed in 2004. Today, it lives on as a local art space that preserves the original name and spirit.

🍔 1970s

🐟 Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips

4711 Menaul Blvd NE
Opened in 1977, this seafood spot eventually became a Mexican restaurant.

🍕 Pizza Inn

1240 Wyoming Blvd NE
5555 Montgomery Blvd NE (now a Red Lobster)
Both were open in 1977, offering classic pizzas in a dine-in atmosphere.

🐠 Fish Net

425 Eubank Blvd NE
Opened in 1977, it now operates as a Twisters.

🍝 The Spagetto Machine

2225 Wyoming Blvd NE
Known for affordable pasta dishes, it was open by 1977.

🌊 Zuider Zee

5555 Montgomery Blvd NE
Seafood-centric, this restaurant operated in 1977 alongside Pizza Inn at the same address.

🥩 K-Bob’s Steak House

5120 Cutler Ave NE
A steakhouse classic open during the late 1970s.

🥘 1980s

🍻 Bennigan’s

2105 Louisiana Blvd NE – Opened 1980, closed 2008, later became Jason’s Deli
6321 San Mateo Blvd NE – Closed 2008, now a Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse

🍺 Chelsea Street Pub

6600 Menaul Blvd NE Suite D-1
A 1978 opening, this pub brought casual eats and live music to the Uptown area.

🍖 Gardski’s Restaurant & Bar

7517 Montgomery Blvd NE
Opened in 1985, closed in 1988, later replaced by Zebadiah’s Restaurant. The location is now a Credit Union.

🍽️ 1990s–2000s

🍷 Maria Theresa Restaurant

Old Town Albuquerque
Set inside the historic Salvador Armijo House, this fine-dining destination closed in 2004 after nearly 30 years.

☕ Flying Star Café (Downtown Location)

713 Central Ave NW
Opened in 2005, this location closed in 2015, ending a 10-year run in the iconic Southern Union Gas Company Building.

💛 Tim’s Place

8900 Central Ave SE
Known for its tagline “Breakfast, Lunch, and Hugs,” it was the only U.S. restaurant owned by a person with Down syndrome. Closed in 2015.

🌮 2010s

🐟 Mac’s Steak in the Rough (Intel Gas Station Location)

Opened in 2012, this Rio Rancho location of the Albuquerque original closed in 2023.

🧾 2020s

🐘 Elephant Bar

Albuquerque Uptown
Known for its safari décor and globally inspired dishes, it closed in April 2023, the last of its kind.

🍺 O’Niell’s Pub (Nob Hill)

A longtime Nob Hill favorite that closed in late 2024. The Northeast Heights location continues to operate.

🍕 Slice Parlor (Nob Hill)

Known for giant slices and local beer, it closed in 2024 but still runs its Montgomery location.

🔥 And don’t forget these other memorable spots:

Howard Johnson’s – Multiple former locations, including 900 Medical Arts Ave NE and 15 Hotel Cir NE
Red Lobster – Now occupies the former Pizza Inn address on Montgomery
Twisters – Now occupies the former Fish Net location
Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse – Replaced Bennigan’s on San Mateo
Zebadiah’s Restaurant – Took over Gardski’s briefly in the late ’80s
Credit Union – Current occupant of the old Gardski’s/Zebadiah’s spot

Albuquerque, New Mexico Favorite Restaurants That Vanished Over the Years. Closed Down Places. Albuquerque Restaurant History.