Frontier

Mexican restaurant · Albuquerque

Frontier

Mexican restaurant · Albuquerque

4

2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

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Frontier by Justin De La Rosa
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Highlights

Homestyle Southwestern fare, famous cinnamon rolls, breakfast burritos  

Featured in Eater
Featured in The New Yorker
Featured on Bon Appetit

2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 Get directions

frontierrestaurant.com

$10–20 · Menu

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2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 Get directions

+1 505 266 0550
frontierrestaurant.com
FrontierRestaurant1971
𝕏
@FrontierABQ

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 10, 2025

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@eater

The 25 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico | Eater

"As an institution of college grub with a knack for New Mexican breakfast, Frontier is known for its sprawling dining rooms bustling with hungry students trying to ease into the day after a long night and professors fueling up for lectures at the nearby University of New Mexico. Sure, Frontier isn’t especially nuanced, but locals and tourists line up every day to dig into heavy-hitting breakfast burritos and the famous rolls generously dusted with cinnamon sugar and glistening in butter. Vibe check: If you’re on the go, call ahead to pick up your order at the walk-up window to forego the unpredictable lines." - Justin De La Rosa

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-albuquerque-new-mexico
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@bonappetit

Where to Eat in Albuquerque | Bon Appétit

"A more-than-50-year-old institution across from the University of New Mexico that has preserved much of its old-school charm; tortillas are still made in-house on full view, and its famous breakfast burrito—tortilla wrapped around ground beef, green chile and beans, smothered with green chile stew and shredded cheddar—is a local favorite." - ByEric See

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/albuquerque-new-mexico-restaurant-travel-guide
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@newyorker

Hatch Chilies and Southwestern Hygge at Ursula | The New Yorker

"In the parking lot of Frontier Restaurant, a beloved cafeteria where I did as the locals do and smeared honey on warm flour tortillas." - Hannah Goldfield

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/11/30/hatch-chilies-and-southwestern-hygge-at-ursula
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@eater

A Chile Road Trip on the I-25 from Las Cruces to Denver | Eater

"A legendary, late-night university-area diner famous for massive cinnamon rolls and two large vats of complimentary red and green chiles; patrons dunk cinnamon-roll pieces into the chiles for an unexpectedly delicious sweet-and-spicy bite." - Gustavo Arellano

https://www.eater.com/2019/1/23/18182665/best-new-mexico-chile-restaurants-interstate-25
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Wind Napol

Google
Took my father in law back to this place. He told me he used to go often in 70s. And oh man the flavor of the famous green chili stew has not changed. The price are so incredible inexpensive. Service is great. And the line go thru really quickly. They have a self serve salsa, (hot and cold) really good. They house made tortilla really fresh. We ended up going back in the evening just for a couple bowls of green chili stew.

Guillermo Perez

Google
After years of having heard of Frontier, we made it there and it did not disappoint. The only word of caution deals with the parking situation. There are spots but they are through an alley. We were able to navigate into a space even with our Ram truck. Now onto the meal and service. There is plenty of seating and you line up to place your order. It moves impressively fast. You’ll receive a number and find your seat. Once your number is called, the amazing experience begins! The food is delicious and they have piping hot and spicy chile to serve yourself as an added bonus to your meal. We ordered cinnamon rolls and they were soooo good. We will visit again next time we are in town.

Boater Girl

Google
This place was recommended by everyone I know who has been there although I don't think I was warned you order at the counter. We ordered several items to try new to us things. If you like green chiles, this would be an inexpensive way to try several things with that. Loved the Carne Adovada Burrito. Simple and inexpensive. Parking was around but awkward. Plenty of tables to choose from inside. Very much a large, western fast food place.

Vipila Bathvar

Google
We recently dined at this restaurant and ordered a variety of items, including veg burritos, tacos, chips and salsa, and a sweet roll. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious! The flavors were spot-on, and the portions were generous. The veg burritos were packed with fresh ingredients, and the tacos were full of tasty fillings. The chips and salsa were a perfect appetizer, and the sweet roll was a great way to finish the meal. Overall, everything was so good, and I’d highly recommend this place for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

HÜSEYİN ÇAYLAK

Google
The price is cheap, but unfortunately, the quality matches. The beef in both the tacos and enchiladas tasted processed and low-quality—like something from a fast food place. I was hoping for better flavor and freshness. Definitely not impressed.

Nysa Tiwari

Google
We ordered a bean burrito, chicken enchiladas and their well-known and favorite cinnamon rolls. The food was warm and flavorful, and the diner atmosphere made it feel like you were in the 70s, with families walking in and out and people all over only added to the experience of eating there. Their menu is structured around an all-day breakfast/brunch and can be eaten throughout the day. Their long operating hours make it easier than ever to eat but the cleaning constantly when rush is slow can be a little disturbing. They offer free parking around the block that made parking hassle-free in the downtown area that allowed you to get to your food faster but the parking is only for 45 minutes. Service is fast as you walk in and order, seat yourself and your token number is displayed indicating the arrival of your food so the 45 minutes are quite sufficient if you’re a small group.

Brian Farmer

Google
Good food, especially the Cinnamon roll. The service was great and super friendly. When visiting you should eat here. Especially the green chili stew. I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Indrajeet Kumar

Google
Very nice place with vegetarian options. The ambiance is pretty cool and plenty of seating. Their fresh orange juice was yummy.
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Melissa G.

Yelp
When locals call Frontier a New Mexico staple, you better believe them and see for yourself! Located across the street from the University of New Mexico Main Campus, this hole in the wall hit the spot! My friend and I stopped in on a Monday morning, and there was a steady stream of customers. Counter service was quick, and we were in and out with our order in no time. My friend recommended ordering the breakfast burrito, which locals rave about, and I ordered mine with carne adovada and green chiles. We also ordered a sweet roll, which can be easily shared. The breakfast burrito was fully loaded; the meat was better than others I've had before. The sweet roll was not overly sweet, and I loved the cream cheese icing that seeped into the pastry. My only regret is ending my trip with Frontier rather than kicking it off here!
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Mike P.

Yelp
An Albuquerque legend! If you visit Albuquerque, this is a must not miss place and experience. Across the street from campus it has a good vibe with people from all walks of life. Students grabbing a cheap breakfast, tourists checking it out, and regulars that love it. Don't be deterred if there is a long line, it moves fast. Big menu with lots of options. Food is at a great price. I really enjoyed the veggie burrito for dinner one night and the breakfast burrito the next morning. They have the softest tortillas ever, so fresh!! Layout is pretty well organized. Drink station in the middle of one dining room which is next to the cold and hot salsa bar. You should try the salsa from the warm kettles, it's great! Famous for their sweet rolls, you can have them set up after you finish your meal so it's like a nice warm and soft desert. It literally melts in your mouth! Loads of parking in the back over several lots. Security is on hand to escort homeless out of the restaurant if they are not actively eating, but you will likely find a hobo here having a meal since it's good and affordable. The staff are super nice people, they seem to enjoy working here and making you feel at home too.
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Nayely G.

Yelp
We come from Texas, this is a great turists live. I loved it because it was full. People were regulars, and first timers like us. Everyone is happy enjoying themselves. They give free hot salsa local and picante soup.
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Robbie S.

Yelp
Whenever you visit a place you always search for a restaurant that has the following: A. Good pictures. B. Great reviews. C. Types of cuisine. What drew me here was the plethora of reviews that this place has online and the cult following that it seems to have in Albuquerque. My wife wanted the burrito because we were really desiring some New Mexican food, the cashier recommended the fiesta chicken, anytime I see posole on the menu it has to be tried, and I wanted to know all of the hype surrounding the sweet roll. My conclusion : nothing disappointed. Everything was great! The burrito was so unique and had a flavor profile with the green Chile that I had not yet experienced in a burrito. The posole is mild yet has a familiar flavor. The fiesta chicken was definitely a great call and the menu description does not give it justice. And lastly, the sweet roll, THAT'S WHERE IT'S AT! Just imagine a Hawaiians sweet roll in the form of a cinnamon roll, but without the overwhelming cream cheese frosting. Definitely glad we visit here and, yeah, it's definitely not a place for ambience, or a place if you want great food presentation, but that doesn't matter! Good food fuels the body, and a happy body produces a happy life! Give it a try!
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HoyMay P.

Yelp
I am back at Bashas recycling more plastic bags. I got a few bananas and checked out the produce area. Shared parking lot.
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Tyler D.

Yelp
Frontier Restaurant is an Albuquerque institution, and for good reason. Located right across from UNM, it's been serving up fast, affordable, and delicious food for decades. Whether you're craving classic New Mexican flavors or just need a quick bite at any hour (it's open 24/7), Frontier never disappoints. The soft taco plate is my go to as they make all the tortillas fresh and the cinnamon rolls are legendary. From late-night study sessions to nostalgic visits years later, this place holds a special spot in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. If you're in Albuquerque, Frontier is a must-visit if you're looking for a cheap quality quick bite.
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Ania K.

Yelp
Going strong since 1971! Casual. Simple. Perfect. This place truly has something for everyone. Serving Southwestern and American dishes. Get in line and don't be surprised if it's long because pretty much everyone comes here. The lines do move very quickly since this business is a well oiled machine. Love a simple and classic American breakfast with some over medium eggs, crispy bacon & hash browns, and buttered toast for my strawberry jelly. And who doesn't love a rich hot chocolate with a fluffy marshmallow? If you have a sweet tooth the famous sweet roll is also a must. Grab it after you eat so you can enjoy it straight out of the oven. It just dissolves in your mouth. I've been to Albuquerque about a dozen times and I stop here every single time. Appreciate the colorful decor in each room too. Thank you to the staff for being warm and thank you to everyone in the kitchen who makes my breakfast exactly how I request it. I appreciate you all so much and see you next time.
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Jess D.

Yelp
Frontier is a staple breakfast place close to UNM with a huge seating area, fast counter service, and solid food choices. It's a great place to get breakfast with a group. The cinnamon rolls are delicious! I had the 2 egg breakfast plate with scrambled eggs and it was a good breakfast with the perfect amount of food.
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Brian E.

Yelp
Came in from out of town and stopped at a coffee shop. Asked where we should go for a good breakfast. We were told to go to Frontier Restaurant. Came, host was super friendly, explained the menu options and answered questions. This has fast casual style dining where you order from a host and pick your food up at the counter. We had Carne Adovada and the Sausage Breakfast Burritos. Ordered a sweet roll to go. Excellent food and service. Restaurant has a great throw back feel to it. There is ample seating in plenty of different areas.
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Christine Margot Marie P.

Yelp
The food was delicious! It was authentic and flavorful. I could not eat the cinnamon bun, but I hear it is so good. It smelled amazing! The restaurant could have used some renovating and/or cleaning, but nonetheless it didn't take away from our time there. The service was quick but could have been friendlier. They did accommodate my gluten-free diet and went out of their way to ask the chef questions on my behalf. Overall very positive experience!
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Jin K.

Yelp
Californian visiting here ! Felt almost like a college cafeteria. Space is big. Highly recommend for those who want something quick. Portions were also huge. Food was little more expensive than the other restaurants I've been to in this area. We sat right across from the university of NM ! Parking was a little bit of a pain since the spaces are limited / timed / tight but we got lucky.
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Claude B.

Yelp
Frontier was on my list of places to try in ABQ because of its history. We had late breakfast here on a Saturday, and while the place was packed, the relatively long line moved quickly. We had enough time to read the overhead menu before ordering and the cashier was pleasant and patient. I had a traditional NM breakfast of scrambled eggs, carne adovada, hash brown, flour tortilla and coffee. Their sticky buns are delicious. Don't for forget to order some for dessert or to-go. We then walked it off by touring the campus of the University of New Mexico across the street. There's street parking and a public lot a half a block away. We paid $3.73 for 2 hours using the Premium Park app.
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Miss K.

Yelp
Casual, large menu and really good food. We both had a breakfast burrito with bacon. I expected a small portion because of the price, but it was just right. We shared the signature cinnamon roll. Order at the counter then wait for your number to be called. They have a system that works great. Didn't take long to get our food. Nothing amazing, but consistent and delicious. This is a large place so there's a lot of seating.
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Clara C.

Yelp
This place is a local favorite. I can tell because people of all ages were lined up on a Sunday afternoon. When I entered the restaurant, I was overwhelmed by the long line. But it actually went by quickly! There was a sign on the ceiling that said the wait time at that point was only seven minutes. They had menus available, so I highly recommend knowing what you want to order before you get to the counter. Food - a popular item is the breakfast plate, but we opted to try the breakfast burrito and green chile cheeseburger. It would be a crime not to try their version of a cinnamon roll! I saw people buying packs of it to take home. The breakfast burrito was great but too many hash browns for my liking. The cheeseburger was great also - you can definitely taste the spicy kick. The sweet roll was not as sweet as I expected. What I thought was sugar glaze on top was actually BUTTER! It was saltier than I wanted. I can see why almost everyone gets an order of it though. Parking - they have a lot behind the restaurant that is free for 45 minutes. There is also a shared lot across the street that is free for 45 minutes. There was plenty of parking in both lots despite the long line and the amount of patrons dining inside. After you order and pay, you can wait by the pick-up window until they call your number. Hopefully by the time you get your food you can find an open table. They have like three to four dining rooms. The fountain soda machines and condiments are near the lines in the main room. You also need to pick up your own utensils and napkins here. The bathrooms are in the second dining room.
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Daniel A.

Yelp
Affordable good NM food. Frozen Hotchata was a fun try, I'd buy this regularly. Enchiladas were good, needed more sauce in the end but I enjoyed them. Tortillas were excellent. Fluffy and chewy. Great fast food.
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Chelsea W.

Yelp
I just love this Albuquerque icon! I have to admit, I haven't visited in years, and I had never tried the famous sweet roll! My husband convinced me to try and I was not disappointed. Coffee was tasty too! I did not get anything else during this visit but I witnessed 100's of customers buying what I consider very inexpensive New Mexico classics. And they looked as yummy as I remember them. If you're in town, resident or tourist, come here! It's a great deal and great food. Excellent friendly counter servers and the kitchen is very well run.
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Sasha W.

Yelp
Classic diner food. The green chile stew is pretty good here, the burritos w green chile stew are delicious. Service is fast and friendly. The decor hasn't changed and is always nostalgic. Good place for breakfast.
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John D.

Yelp
Frontier Development Frontier is one of those venerable New Mexico institutions that's been in business for over fifty years (1971) and operates like such a fine Swiss clock as the processes have been ironed out to a T over the years. It's amazing the amount of food they can crank out and in such a timely manner, to boot. Located across from the University of New Mexico, they've probably been making sure everyone can afford to eat for quite some time, as their prices are insanely cheap for the amount of food one gets. Now, I'm not saying it's the best quality food, but it tastes damn good, hits the spot, and is easy on the wallet. The only real issue was navigating that abort¡on of a parking lot in the back that reminds me of where Thomas and Martha Wayne met their untimely end, but I digress. Conclusion: Tasty, fast, and easy on the wallet. I wouldn't consider it a "must-stop" location, but I will say it's definitely a good spot for people watching and getting a good taste of ABQ.
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Kelli T.

Yelp
There's plenty of parking but it's like a maze as is the interior of the restaurant. Find our way to the order counter and hang on to your receipt as it has our number. The last three digits will be displayed on the screens that are located all around. My green chili cheeseburger, onion rings and fries were delicious. I'm anxious to go back and try something else; I heard their tortillas are excellent.
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Rachel K.

Yelp
Great diner across from the University. Students were well behaved, staff was friendly, service was efficient and food was cheap. The tortillas are perfection. Get a breakfast taco or burrito. The burgers were overcooked and the nachos were okay. But we'll be back for the laid back feel and excellent tortillas. We're from Texas and this wasn't too far from I40 but also wasn't right off the highway like Texans are used to. Great laid back place! Made us want to move to New Mexico.
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Marty S.

Yelp
Once I got my head around the cafeteria style service, I was very pleased with this old-West themed diner. The breakfast menu wasn't readily visible, but the cashier was happy to provide a printed copy. My order was made just as I intended, and was cooked just right. The coffee also was good, full bodied and fresh. I'd recommend Frontier for anyone looking for a decent breakfast at a reasonable price any day.

Quinn M.

Yelp
Literally the worst...First time passing through Albuquerque and found this place on yelp. After ordering our food from a less than enthusiastic blonde lady she literally walks away and starts heating up a cinnamon roll for the cashier next to her. Doesn't say anything. No receipt with our number. We have to ask the cashier next to her on the other side if we were waiting for something or what's going on. He says he's not sure what she was doing and gives us our receipt with number. We got our food to go after twelve hours on the road to enjoy after showering and relaxing at the hotel. Smallest portions ever! Nothing like the plates that were passing us to other people of the same thing we ordered. The salad I ordered I only got because the lady sitting near the cashier had it and it looked pretty good. I guess they think they can save some money by making the portions for to go smaller. Forgot the dressing to my salad. My husband got the enchilada and taco place which was worse than Taco Bell. Everything tasted like bad hospital food, I know I work at a hospital! And actually would prefer our cafeteria. All in all the portions didn't matter I guess because the food was so bad we wouldn't want to eat more of it anyway. Don't understand the good reviews but anyone passing through looking for good food GO ANYWHERE ELSE, even Taco Bell. Your stomach would be hurting just the same anyways and I'm sure they're friendlier there.
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Nora F.

Yelp
The sweet rolls were amazing! This is an order at the counter then find a table type of place. Lots of variety in the menu- everything was good. The sweet rolls definitely stood out. Seems like an abq staple- it was pretty crowded when we were there around 11.
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Alani N.

Yelp
We went to this restaurant based on numerous recommendations - what we weren't prepared for is that it's more like a food hall - you order at the counter and find a seat and wait for your number to be called. There are monitors throughout the restaurant that show numbers so it's easy to know when yours is ready. This is definitely an inexpensive dining option - the food was meh. The highlight of the meal were the tortillas and cinnamon rolls - and we saw many folks purchasing the tortillas to go. My husband and I tried the frontier burrito, fiesta burger, the top chop steak, along with a cinnamon roll. My husband said the burrito and burger were ok. The top chop steak was essentially a hamburger patty which I wasn't expecting and it was VERY salty. The accompanying salad was your regular bag-o-salad variety. The beverage station was nice - you could pick from several selections and customize flavors. This isn't in the best part of town and in addition to a large unhoused presence - inside and outside - there is a large armed security presence which just made us uneasy generally. All in all - it was worth the visit for the tortillas and cinnamon roll - and if we were to come back - we'd get both to go!
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Karen D.

Yelp
Came here during a trip to ABQ for balloon fiesta. The ambiance is very casual, and it is counter service. There is a parking lot out back. I went with the large pozole, and it came with copious amounts of pork. A steal for $6. My dining parter got the 3 piece fried chicken, and they ended up giving her 4. We also tried the Frontier roll, which is like a cinnamon roll.
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Austin H.

Yelp
Definitely disappointed by what the reviews said this place was. Makes sense being across the street from a University. Food for hungover or drunk people or if you're really in to the taste of frozen burritos and rice whiter than the toilet you'll end up on after eating it. Bummed!
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Rachel M.

Yelp
Not sure why this place is so highly recommended. On our way into the building for brunch, we saw one guy running from the cops while another asked us for cash. Upon entering, the line moved quickly and the busboys make quick work of table cleanup and turnover...but the food was lackluster. Don't get the sweet roll. It was stale bread covered in butter. The green chili stew was fine but nothing to write home about nor a reason to return. My husband's mocha coffee was coffee plus hot chocolate mix, and the hash browns were mush... We like them crispy. Thanks, Frontier - now I'll know not to trust the restaurant rec of anyone I meet who recommends your establishment.
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Kennan K.

Yelp
Don't worry about any size of line, they know how to move a crowd of hungry folks. Go for the frontier burrito, filled with green chilis and pork/ground beef Cool spot on historic Route 66 :)
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renje g.

Yelp
- open late - pay first then sit down - great shakes - great horchata - parking could b better - happy and friendly staff the cashier put up with all of our annoying tourist questions - large portions - large space - I love all the John wayne memorabilia - tasty sweet roll not a good reheat value - enchiladas and mexican combo were good
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Scott K.

Yelp
An Albuquerque institution for affordable Mexican food and a great quick stop for students and anyone passing through! Service is always quick and with a smile I find here. The decor is old school cowboy New Mexican - a bit "tired" as a realtor friend used to say but it has its charm - a bit of a time warp for sure but was clean and that's the important thing! Food is reliably good! Specials make for even more affordable options to choose from. I tend to park in the back - never fails me to find an open spot or two back there!
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Leann H.

Yelp
No frills New Mexican restaurant near the University. Everything we had was good so no complaints. You walk in, order at the counter, are assigned a number, and wait for said number to be called. We went on a weekday morning to grab breakfast and the place was busy. It seems like they are always busy but that's a good thing, right? The line moved quickly. Prices are reasonable and it gave me very diner-esque vibes. If I were a student at the university I would absolutely frequent this spot. Is it a 'must'? No. Is it good? Yes. Would I go back? Absolutely.
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Jed M.

Yelp
I visited Frontier for the first time this weekend and instantly fell in love! This charming restaurant has been an Abq institution for over 60 years located right across from the UNM campus near downtown. Frontier is a casual, order at the counter establishment with greasy spoon diner and Western vibes. It may be a bit dated and worn, but aren't we all? Some of the pretentious types may turn their nose up at these types of places, but I found Frontier to be clean (especially for the volume of people visiting during the noon hour on a weekend), homey, and full of character! I was in love with the art work on the walls of the massive dining area! Literally is an art gallery as well as a restaurant! The line to order was to the entrance door, but moved quickly- around 5 minutes. The cashier was courteous, exact, and efficient. The ordering system was tried and true- very efficient. The menu is affordable... I'm talking 1999 price index. Not incredibly hungry, we both ordered the bean and cheese burrito (expecting a TBell like version) ($2.45/ea) and shared a side order of fries ($2.10). Btw, don't judge my diet- it was the holidays. The burrito used a full size, fresh homemade tortilla. Loved all of it! Compared to TBell version- it was much bigger, fresher or more natural looking beans, and better tortilla, but I missed onions in the burrito like at TBell. I would try smothering the burrito in their red or green chile next time. The fries were so fresh and crispy! A solid side! Next time, I also want to try their famous sweet roll (cinnamon roll)!
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Alejandra D.

Yelp
I have to make a stop here when I'm in town. The food is delicious, and prices and are affordable. I also bought 6 breakfast burritos (bulk) and came w/ a side of chile. I froze it all to bring on the plane. Burritos are a good size too. Their frontier burrito seemed to have gotten smaller in size. I remember it being bigger in past visits. But the flavor was delicious and the heat was good. Tons of seating inside, it's quite a large restaurant. The only downside is the parking. They have a small lot behind the restaurant but don't count on finding a spot there. Finding a spot to park is terrible. After doing a few circles around, I ended up a couple blocks down and the area is a bit sketchy. I had a homeless guy approach me for money.
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Victoria P.

Yelp
I was told I needed to eat here as it is a "Rite of Passage" upon moving to ABQ. The menu is lengthy and the prices pretty low. On a late weekend night you can catch a lot of UNM students here. It's a diner atmosphere, but it doesn't look like the diners I'm used to back home (NJ). Anyway, I could see how this is part of the ABQ culture. If you're new here or recently moved here, then you have to get the Frontier experience.
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José A.

Yelp
This place is definitely a must for those visiting Albuquerque for the first time, but also because of its location, menu, quality and service, it is a reliable restaurant where one can find consistent quality food at reasonable prices. They are great for big groups. The atmosphere is one that celebrates Albuquerque, New Mexico culture well, and makes the dinning experience fun.
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Jennifer M.

Yelp
I had several people tell me to stop here during my visit to ABQ. It's clearly been around for years with several expansions. The decor is as expected. Unfortunately the food was just okay. Ring from Texas I think New Mexican food isn't my thing. But even the cinnamon roll was lacking. Glad I tried it but wouldn't go back or send others here.
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Nancy C.

Yelp
After reading various online restaurant reviews for Albuquerque, everyone mentioned the Frontier Restaurant. It looked like old world Albuquerque and had good reviews so we had to try it. The first day we went the line was very small so we were really lucky. I had the beef enchiladas with rice which was very good. The beef was so flavorful. I couldn't believe it and absolutely loved it. My husband really enjoyed his pozole (which is a flavorful soup with pork and a corn on a cob) with homemade tortillas. After the eclipse, we couldn't get out of the University of NM garage. We decided to just go get some early lunch instead. This time, the line was all the way to the back. I grabbed a table while my husband waited in the 15 minute line that actually kept moving. I tried the taco salad. It was good but not as good as I hoped. I should have had the enchiladas again. We tried the cinnamon roll because everyone said how good it was. We thought it was just ok. It didn't knock our socks off. My husband decided to try the breakfast plate this time with eggs, bacon and toast. He really enjoyed it. We enjoyed the restaurant and the fun SW Decor. Definitely check it out for old world Albuquerque Charm.
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Lorin C.

Yelp
Wow! Huge restaurant. Sort of a mixture or Spanish college hangout and awesome food! Very fun experience!! Very quick service as well!
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C S.

Yelp
Stopped in here here on a recent visit to Albuquerque and loved everything about it. Would consider moving to Albuquerque, or enrolling in University of New Mexico which is across the street, just to be able to eat here more often. It has a nice old school charm combined with friendly staff and great selection of New Mexico classics.
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Shin M.

Yelp
Tiny parking lot in the back where you can park for like 45 minutes max apparently or else it's $5/hr after? Not sure how it's enforced. You might have to spend time finding parking if that tiny lot is full since this is across from the university. This place is BUSY. There are 3 huge dining areas. The line goes quickly, as they have a lot of people taking orders. There's a variety of food on the menu. Reasonably priced for sure. Grilled cheese for $3? Sounds like a deal. Unlimited self serve coffee was nice too. I got the Wednesday special which was 2 carne adovobo (sp? braised shredded pork) which were not bad. But they didn't come with a plate or any sauce, and weren't very filling. The fries that came with weren't bad though. I do see why this place is popular. Prices seem good.
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Karen C.

Yelp
A coworker suggested this place so I stopped in for lunch while in town. This is right across from the university so it had a steady crowd. You order at the counter then find a seat. You watch the screens around the place for your number to pop up. You then go to the counter to pick up your meal. I had the MEXICAN COMBO: chicken green chile enchilada, ground beef taco, rice, beans and flour tortilla. This was really good but very spicy. I really liked the green chile sauce flavor other than it being almost too spicy for me. Loved the taco. Rice and beans were good too. They give you some honey so I dipped my flour tortilla in it. Overall a casual fun spot with good food. Lots of parking around the building. Easy process to order and get your food. And its a big place so plenty of seating.

David S.

Yelp
This food is so mediocre. Chicken enchiladas: lame gringo version of enchiladas. French fries: not bad; very crispy. Nachos: TERRIBLE. They melted cheddar cheese on terrible tortilla chips and added scallions or something. No guac; no sour cream; no beans; just a lame version you might find in a school cafeteria. Coffee: not very good, but drinkable. Sweet buns (cinnamon bun): very good. I think this is famous because it's close to a college and affordable. So disappointed.
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Michelle S.

Yelp
Great experience near the University of New Mexico! I ate dinner here while staying nearby before an early flight out of Albuquerque. The staff was super friendly. My burger and fries were delicious. It has an old school atmosphere. Glad I went :)
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Scott S.

Yelp
We went here a few times during our trip to Albuquerque. It's right across from the college campus, and eating here brought back memories of staying out late and having a good meal with friends while in school. There is a lot to choose from, and everything we tried was pretty good. This place was very busy each time we went, and as a result it's pretty loud inside. If you're in the area it's worth stopping in.
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Jesus C.

Yelp
Great NM classics and super tasty green chile to boot! Carne Adovada anything is highly recommended and their burgers are a greasy, but in the best way possible! Add gc to your burger and you'll be lovin' life!! Cheers!!
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Marty S.

Yelp
I've been coming to the Frontier since the 1970s. Excellent location, right across the street from UNM. Excellent and widely varied menu options. Mexican food is what is to be expected in NM. Wonderful. It's rare for a place to stay in business this long, but they keep providing excellent food, service and atmosphere so why not another 50 years? You won't regret a trip to the Frontier.
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Carli O.

Yelp
I had such high hopes for this place, and yet I left feeling a bit disappointed. I ordered the Frontier burrito. I figured that a dish named after the restaurant had to be good. Unfortunately, it fell short. The overall flavor was lacking. The green chili was not the spice and flavor I was looking for. Come on, we're in New Mexico. High expectations for a green chili burrito. The tortilla on the side was dry and crumbly. The horchata was great and was the best part of the meal. The service was fast. You order at the counter. The staff were friendly.
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Shahan A.

Yelp
I know this place is supposed to be an abq staple, but I honestly... don't see the hype. I also got takeout, so maybe that was the problem? Chicken nachos were soft and bland, hash browns weren't even fried, just regular ol' potato, and the cinnamon roll was great, but def not house-made, prob microwaved. Apple cider was good tho.
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Britni M.

Yelp
We came here because of the yelp reviews but didn't have the best experience. The food was good and the portions were generous. When trying new places one of my favorite things to do is ask what they recommend. The guy literally said "oh, I don't know". I said well what's your favorite on an enchilada, red or green? He said "I don't know I haven't had them and don't eat it." I let the rest of my family order as I went back to help to see what people suggested. I ordered the enchilada Christmas style. He then told me the sauces would be mixed, I asked if they could do green on one side, red on the other and he said no they are mixed (that's not what others posted on here). He had no clue, they camp out separate. It was good food but the person who took our order was not a good experience.