San Jose - Albuquerque, NM Area Guide

The Hispanic and Native American culture of San Jose has been amalgamated and embedded over generations. In the early 1700s, after the birth of what is now Albuquerque, some of the first settlements were those along the Rio Grande in and around San Jose, and despite the continuing expansion of nearby downtown, the cohesion and character of the neighborhood remains intact. More can be learned about New Mexico history at the museums close by in Albuquerque’s Oldtown, and families can get creative with a gem and stone jewelry making class at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History for $35.

One of the great features of living in San Jose is its proximity to two of the city’s popular areas for evening entertainment. A quick bus ride north will avail you of downtown Albuquerque’s dozens of bars and restaurants, and if you don’t mind an additional five-minute ride east to Nob Hill, the variety of hip night spots and locally-owned restaurants won’t disappoint. However, people serious about Mexican food will be coming, not going. San Jose features dishes of just about every Mexican or New Mexican specialty and distinction, from the chicarrones at Chicharroneria Orozco to the carne adovada plate at the K & I Diner.

Chicharroneria Orozco has been described as a taste of little Juarez. It's famous for the fried pieces of pork called carnitas that draw hungry patrons seeking a quick crunchy treat for less than $10. Those with more intense deep-fried desires can get an entire pound of them along with homemade corn tortillas and salsa, served with complimentary corn chips and other fresh favorites such as limes and cilantro. It’s housed in an appropriately traditional adobe on the corner of Bridge and Broadway.

The K & I Diner has a reputation for New Mexican specialties served on a grand scale. The Travis is a towering pile of ground beef and French fries smothered in red or green chile that few attempt and fewer finish. The walls hold photos of those with bottomless stomachs able to devour it, and the establishment sells 1/8th portions of the massive creation for less than $10 to those unprepared to engage in gastronomic battle.

If you have a close companion you need to treat to something special, look no further than Antiquity. The menu reads like a fine dining crash-course, from filet mignon to chateaubriand, but the prices are lower than what you’d expect for quality that earns this restaurant rave reviews from even the most discerning diners. Expect to pay upwards of $100 for dinner and drinks for two, or try the meticulously prepared filet mignon for $30.

The National Hispanic Cultural Center is one of the best venues to catch live music, outside summer concerts are popular for live ethnic acts and it’s a great place to learn about the area’s activities and programs for artists and children.

Moviegoers won’t be disappointed by the ease with which they can get to downtown theatres and bars, and the Route 66 bus line just north of the neighborhood frequently runs into the early morning on weekends and holidays. Catch it west to get to Century 14 Downtown Albuquerque’s modern theatre complex and range of bars, or head east to Nob Hill’s similarly stunning array of evening entertainment where a beer costs around $5 – average for the area.

San Jose is fairly walkable at only a couple miles across, but it's also located along Broadway Boulevard, and its bus line affords fast service linked to the city’s extensive transit network for $2. Drivers will find ample parking, and Interstate 40 is accessible on Gibson closer than a mile away. The quick access to I-40 enables drivers to get anywhere in the city within minutes, and Albuquerque is Uber-friendly for those who’d like a chauffeur. If you need a taxi, it’s best to call for one, and if you’re a cyclist you’re in luck, because Albuquerque is beyond bike-able with over 400 miles of trails accessible from Broadway’s dedicated bike lane. Head west toward the river for a shady ride along Albuquerque’s Bosque trail system, or point yourself east towards the mountains and a more strenuous uphill workout.

San Jose has ready access to area parks and other free recreation. South San Jose Park between Broadway Boulevard and the Rio Grande offers residents maintained grass for soccer and other activities, and a bike path runs through the neighborhood that connects with the city’s over 400 miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths which have earned praise from urban planners and earth advocates. Dogs can scamper among the hills at Roosevelt Park while their owners jog or play Frisbee golf about two miles northeast of San Jose, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta happens every October and is not to be missed.

San Jose is surprisingly affordable in light of its proximity to the center of the city. Basic but comfortable accommodations can be had for around $450, although people who want an upper-story view will find townhouses and even luxury condos closer to downtown. Those wanting to ride Albuquerque’s extensive transit system will be all set for just $2 one way, anywhere in the city. The price of a meal is pretty reasonable because most of the area specialties are around $10 or less, with a beer costing around $5. A special meal at an upscale establishment such as Antiquity will naturally cost around $100 for two.

Shopping in San Jose can mean browsing art while enjoying espresso at Zendo’s or doing some appraising in Albuquerque’s best “secret” antique shop: Gertrude Zachary’s Secret Antiques.

Patrons at Zendo sip maple bacon latte while browsing local art, and art aficionados and baristas both feel at home in this sunlit concept hangout known for serving coffee in Mason jars. The staff here doesn’t skimp on the beans, so only order a jar of espresso if you’re prepared for full-throttle shopping.

The eclectic exterior and selection at Gertrude Zachary’s Secret Antiques pleases those with a sophisticated eye for antiques, and the collection has grown over the 50 years of Gertrude Zachary’s career as a maven of Albuquerque jewelry craft and design.

Stadium Super Market is at the center of the neighborhood, and carries fresh meat, produce and household essentials. The Downtown Grower’s Market is a perfect way to start a Saturday morning for locavores and whole foods enthusiasts, and giant breakfast burritos and fresh coffee are also on hand at this summer event that takes place at Robinson Park just west of downtown.