Albuquerque - American Southwest - page 246

246

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Kids

Flying Star Cafe (p. 248) With a huge selection, a relaxed atmosphere, and
a number of locations, the whole family can enjoy this place.
Sadie's (p. 246) Kids like the quesadillas, tacos, and sopaipillas drizzled with
honey; parents like the casual atmosphere, where kid noise isn't scorned.

finished with either black peppercorn-brandy cream sauce or Roquefort-brandy cream
sauce) or the saumon au champagne (filet of salmon with a white-wine and cream sauce).
Both are served with vegetables cooked just enough to leave them crisp and tasty. For
dessert, don't leave without having a crêpe aux fraises (strawberry crepe). To accompany
your meal, choose from a carefully planned beer and wine menu.
400 San Felipe C2. & 505/242-1251. www.lacrepemichel.com. Main courses $6-$24. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Tues-Sun 11:30am-2pm; Tues-Sat 6-9pm.

Inexpensive
Sadie's Kids NEW MEXICAN Many New Mexicans lament the lost days when
this restaurant was in a bowling alley. It's true that you can no longer hear the pins fall,
and the main dining room is a little too big and the atmosphere a little too bright, but
something is still drawing crowds: It's the food—simply some of the best in New Mexico,
with tasty sauces and large portions. I recommend the enchilada, either chicken or beef.
The stuffed sopaipilla dinner is also delicious and is one of the signature dishes. All meals
come with chips and salsa, beans, and sopaipillas. There's a full bar, with excellent mar-
garitas (and TV screens for you sports lovers). A casual atmosphere where kids can be
themselves makes this a nice spot for families.
6230 Fourth St. NW. & 505/345-5339. Main courses $8-$17. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 11am-10pm;
Sun 10am-9pm.
DOWNTOWN
Expensive
Artichoke Cafe CONTINENTAL An art gallery as well as a restaurant, this
popular spot has modern paintings and sculptures, offering bursts of color set against
calm earth tones, a hint at the innovative dining experience offered here. Set in three
rooms, this is a nice romantic place. The service is friendly and efficient. At lunch, a
number of gourmet sandwiches top the menu, along with salads. One of my favorites is
the grilled Greek lamb salad, with tomatoes, capers, feta, and grilled eggplant. At dinner,
you might start with roasted garlic with Montrachet goat cheese, and then move on to
the housemade pumpkin ravioli with hazelnut-sage butter sauce, or sea scallops wrapped
in proscuitto served with green beans and small potatoes. A carefully selected beer and
wine ( Wine Spectator award-winning) list accompanies the menu. Recently the Artichoke
has opened a wine bar on the premises, a fun, cozy spot.
424 Central Ave. SE. & 505/243-0200. www.artichokecafe.com. Reservations recommended. Main
courses $9-$15 lunch, $18-$31 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm; Mon 5:30-9pm;
Tues-Sat 5:30-10pm; Sun 5-9 pm.

9