1815 Central, N.W.
247-4141
I have lived in the downtown area for the past three years. passing by Duran’s pharmacy on a daily basis, I had no clue that their was a restaurant in the back of the pharmacy. In a back corner of the Duran pharmacy is a charming little restaurant that has been serving New Mexican food since the 60’s. While not the ideal location for a restaurant, Duran’s pharmacy restaurant caters to the loyal neighborhood regulars and the daytime lunch pharmacy goers.
Nestled in the back of the pharmacy, are a few tables, a small covered patio, and a sit at counter. At a small grill the cooks is making fresh flour tortillas as they are ordered. I would have to say that their reputation for homemade buttered tortillas is true. The tortillas are undoubtedly the best tortillas served in town. These liberally buttered tortillas taste reminiscent of soft tortillas that your grandmother would make. Duran’s menu is small but offers daily special menu items that are only served on that day. On one occasion I had the blue corn enchiladas plate served with home-style beans and rice. The chile was very mild and the enchiladas were skimpy and unfulfilled. My wife had the combination plate which was also a disappointment. We left the restaurant unsatisfied. The prices are a little steep hovering more closer to $10 then $5 for a small plate. I would say that the trip is well worth it for the tortillas, but their is far better New Mexican food in the area.
Taste:
[rate 6]
Service:
[rate 8.5]
Ambiance:
[rate 7.5]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
6001 M Winter Haven NW (NE corner of Coors & Mantano)
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Anyone who visits the upper Westside area of Albuquerque will probably notice how much is has and continues to grow. 
There are building crews everywhere widening roads, clearing land, and building houses and businesses. However, as a resident of this area, you will also notice that businesses and restaurants are just now starting to catch-up with the population growth. In particular, there are not many restaurants you can visit here that are not mall or large-chain restaurants. This is why Spinn’s Burgers and Beer has been a welcome addition to the shopping center on the corner of Coors and Mantano. It gives more variety for Westside people who are looking for good American food and beer, outside of Chili’s and TGIFridays.
The menu at Spinn’s isn’t gigantic, they are more concerned with making what they do have right. The first thing you will notice is that the prices are pretty good for the market with burgers starting at $5, sausages at $4, and steaks at $11. On my first outing I had the Double Green Chili Cheese Burger (two 1/3 lb. USDA choice patties), ordered to a medium. First on my checklist, did they cook it right? Yes they did, it was a perfect medium with a slightly pink center throughout and juicy. All of the vegetables and condiments are located at the “Fixins Bar” much like Fudrucker’s, and it is served with a side of fries. It was a very good burger, but I think they should offer a thicker and better quality bun (it was soggy by the time I took my first bite) and better French Fries. The Fries do taste very homemade, but they taste too much like the cooking oil (very greasy) and didn’t offer any spices for unique flavor other than some salt. I also tried the Texas Chili which I felt was too heavy on cumin and not as hearty as I would like Texas chili to be (forget the spoon, give me some chips).
On my next trips to this restaurant I will try the rest of the menu that I am interested in, namely the T-bone steak and their house favorite Frank-n-Stein. They offer three sausages in this restaurant (beef, bratwurst, and polish), all steamed in beer and browned on the grill. They also have some other American favorites like Country Fried Chicken Strips & Gravy, Cornmeal battered Catfish, and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. On to the beer, they had some trouble getting a liquor license (what else would you expect in New Mexico right) and were open for a month before being able to serve beer. Now they are up-and-running and offer a large bottle beer selection at a good price ($2.95 domestic, $3.50 import). Whats next? They plan on expanding their selections and hold true to the old song “100 bottles of beer on the wall.”
The service was great because everyone there was friendly and greeted me as soon as I walked into the restaurant. The servers looked like they were having a good time and smiling. It was like they took all of the annoying parts of Red Robins service and atmosphere and still made it a fun place to hang out. The restaurant itself is decorated with American culture, neon signs, and beer bottles. It almost looks chainy, but this restaurant manages to be and feel authentic. This is a good place to try, especially to the Westside and Rio Rancho residents who are sick of deciding which mall restaurant to go to.
Taste:
[rate 7]
Service:
[rate 8]
Ambiance:
[rate 6.5]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
