That place can't be in a library..can it? A restaurant in a library?? It's true! It is in the same building as the down town library and separated by an arbitrary pane of glass. I was in search of a good French dip. I found one. I think it was a little pricey for the size, but it was very good. I added on cheese and green Chile ($1 each). I loved the fact that it came with a side and a cookie. I ordered a homemade iced tea, too. The au jus really made this sandwich come together, as every au jus should. The pasta salad accompaniment was light and delicious. The cookie was soft and chewy. It was just a good meal all around. read more

Al's Big Dipper - a piece of meat and cheese sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I have eaten here before. That was before I became a Yelp reviewer and I returned today July 8, 2025. There is plenty of on street parking nearby, at a very low fee. There is nice natural light, comfortable seating. The menu is sandwiches and other comfort foods. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. I had a tuna sandwich that was superb, served on sourdough bread with a side of chips. Prices are very reasonable. I'm adding a star to my rating for a specific reason. This business is adjacent to the downtown public library and I am encouraging people to continue to support public libraries. Put an hour's time on your meter have lunch here and enjoy the library. read more

See all

Popular little sandwich shop at the entrance to the library. Lots of hot and cold options plus soups and salads. We all enjoyed our meal. Walking distance to a few hotels and the convention center. read more

Al's Big Dipper - Fast Food Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Soup: amazing! Sandwich: slightly different than posted description Cookie: welcome bonus! Al's is located at the library. I had the roast beef caprese sandwich. The description mentioned toasted focaccia bread and pesto aioli. My sandwich was not toasted. The sauce looked like plain mayo - nothing pesto discernible. That said, it was yummy. My tomato soup was amazing! read more

This little place is right next to the downtown library and super convenient. The atmosphere is welcoming with friendly service to match. The menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, and soft drinks isn't exhaustive but there are plenty of appetizing choices for very reasonable prices. It's a perfect spot for a quick lunch. read more

Al's Big Dipper - Salami & mozz sandwich with a side of pasta salad and a cookie - Fast Food Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

A large selection of salads and sandwiches all of which look delicious. We both had the Southwest Chop Salad with a nicely spiced "Southwest Ranch" dressing and they were substantial and delicious. Two thumbs up! read more

Ordered the French dip with green chile and cheese added, so delicious! 12.95 includes a side and a cookie. Everything is homemade and you can taste quality. Bread is thin and not overwhelming the sandwich. Good amount of meat, green Chile has the perfect spice! The service was amazing, the woman at the register was very welcoming and yo eat, thank you, makes a huge difference at a small business. read more

So this is a tiny place (drove by it twice before I found it) that was well worth the effort. I had a cup of the Italian sausage soup that had me wishing I had gotten a bowl. They had other menu items (sandwiches and salads) that looked great. I'll have to try one of those next time, because I will be back. read more

THE GOAT! Addicted to the CC's Chicken Special and always reliable when I get food for my office.

Best soup & sandwiches ever! Located in the Downtown Public Library in the front atrium.

Food is decent. But when a customer and an employee are both liable for a mistake you shouldn't take it out on the customer. That is just bad business. read more

Great food, good price. Can't go wrong with any order. This is a great lunch spot. Friendly staff, excellent service and a free cookie.

Had the Wild Suze and it was fantastic. Fresh veggies and really good turkey. The people working there were very friendly too. If you're heading to the library around lunch time, I recommend you check this place out! read more

The food was amazing and the service was wonderful. The Hot SandwichMexico Roast BeefPasta Salad

This place is Absolutely Fabulous! Best soup and sandwich spot in downtown Albuquerque. Best part for me is going to library to get a new book and then starting to read it over lunch here. Delicious sandwiches and soups. Book and library lovers, you cannot go wrong eating here. I recommend the French Dip roast beef and stuffed pepper soup. read more

Easy downtown location if you work near. It is actually in the same building as the library downtown! Cute little deli serving up lunch, making it quick and easy with an inviting staff every time. If you are into something fresh and interesting, try the lavender lemonade. As I am reviewing for the vegans out there: There aren't many choices but the staff are so knowledgeable and they seem have a few vegan options and or can make some dishes vegan. I ordered their vegan curry soup and a salad with just the veggies. I asked what vegan dressing they had and they mentioned the balsamic vinaigrette. Then the manager said - well hold on, it has honey. Wow I was blown away because few know that honey is not what some vegans eat. So knowledgeable! The veggie wrap can be made vegan ! read more

See all

I needed a coffee fix and saw this cute little corner shop on the side of the library and thought, perfect! I can sip some coffee and read a book for a minute. I ordered an Iced Mocha Latte. The wait was a little long, but I figured it was ok since they seem primarily a sandwich shop. If I hadn't already eaten, I would totally have gotten one of their JoJo's Jive. Looking at the menu was fun and everything sounded so delicious! The first try at my drink came out hot, so I had to send it back. When they fixed my beverage, really quickly too! I took my first sip. I can imagine why they are known for sandwiches because this drink tasted like watered down chocolate milk with a hint of a very bitter coffee aftertaste. Also, noticed they gave some other woman Coffee when she ordered Tea. Maybe today just wasn't the day for this shop. I think I will come back for a nice sandwich next time! read more

About, if not the best Sandos, Salads and Soups for downtown lunchtime eaters. Friendly staff, creative flavors and reasonable prices.

This place is so underrated, I hadn't even heard of it until some of my coworkers mentioned it as an option for lunch. We all agreed to give it a shot! My first impression of that place was that it was incredible cozy! The restaurant is attached to the public library downtown, and is situated in a large glass atrium. I can imagine studying here, or doing work during a rainy day. It's the perfect big city vibe in a not so big city. The restaurant has sandwiches hot and cold, as well as beverages. I ordered a hot sandwich that had mozzarella, salami, and spinach and it was delicious! It was huge, but it was the right portion for a healthier lunch. The sandwiches also come with chips, and I ordered a latte for my drink which was perfect for that midday energy boost. Overall, the ambiance is what takes the cake and it strikes me as the type of place that I would love to hang out in! Definitely a well kept secret and the perfect place to study, although I'm not sure how late the place is open! read more

Did you know you can check out upto 50 items at the Albuquerque Library? Finally after my recent visit to the downtown branch to overload my poor canvas book bag...I lugged all my borrowed books over to Al's Big Dipper...thankfully it was not far...a few steps really..just across the vestibule. I did actually leave behind some books for you to check out too. I LOVE that Al's moved into the Downtown Library adjacent cafe space. I never did find myself just a few blocks over to the old location. The meal I had here recently was super tasty, affordable and quick. I have been on a CUBANO kick lately and ABD (Al's Big Dipper) did not disappoint. The little sunny cafe is very convenient to downtown dwellers and library goers. I expect much of the business is done carry-out to downtown workers...but, I encourage you to take a few minutes to utilize the library and find a book...order lunch and read for a bit. Back to my cubano...it arrived quickly and perfectly cooked. Warm layers of ham and roasted pork on a nice bread with pickles and mustard. Maybe next time I will order it with green chile. The side salad and homemade cookie rounded out a very nice lunch! I intend to be a regular...just need to find all those books scattered around my house and finish reading them befor I start getting the auto-calls..."a patron at this number has upto 50 overdue items".... TIP: It appears that ABD posts over on FB menu items of the day... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Als-Big-Dipper/136161439764927?sk=wall TIP: As for the book I was reading while scarfing down my ABD Cubano...Highly recommended! "A Garlic Testament" by Stanley Crawford http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/garden/secrets-of-a-garlic-grower.html?_r=0 read more

Al's Big Dipper - This pic is from the ABD website...but the horses are great! Does yelp have a survey question for horse parking? - Fast Food Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

This was my first time here and I loved it!! If I was walking downtown I don't think I would have ever noticed this little hole in the wall. Nestled right next to the library, I could easily see myself checking out a book and sitting there reading over lunch. The restaurant - like all places downtown at lunch - got busy around 12 with different employees on their lunch break. Seating it limited, so make sure you try to beat the crowd or know you might need to take it to go. I got the Crunch sandwich with Turkey and a side salad. Both items were delicious! The side salad was a great sized serving with amazing balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It was sweet with the perfect amount of tartness. The Crunch sandwich came on perfectly toasted sourdough that melted in my mouth. I finally realized why it's called the crunch - there's jalapeño chips inside! I've actually been craving the sandwich since then, so I will definitely have to go back with some co-workers. read more

Sometimes I'm in the mood for a tuna sandwich. I decided to try one at Al's Big Dipper. Tuna is hard, cause some places don't make it right. I personally don't like celery and I hate when they put it in tuna. Instead of celery, Al's has apples in their tuna. Yes, apples. I didn't notice that until I got the sandwich, and I was surprised (is this common?! I've never seen it). And I was even more surprised when I tried it! The tuna is definitely my fav! I like it without avocado (yes, I'm picky). It comes with a side, I usually get the fruit. And it comes with a delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie! I've been back several times, tried some other sandwiches, they're all good, but the tuna is my fav. read more

Kinda pricey 8.50 for a turkey Sandwich in a croissant with pasta Salad and a cookie. 3.25 for a small Glass of lemonade all was very Delicious just a bit overpriced Nice place to sit and visit over lunch. read more

Great little shop downtown! Wonderful sandwiches and soups with friendly service. Limited seating so takeout works well for us downtown workers. Yum! read more

Thank goodness for Al's Big Dipper, the best lunch spot downtown! For people who work downtown like me, Al's is a godsend. It is the only downtown eatery I get excited about, and I frequently eat here more than once a week. Everything here is good, and the options never get old. Al's sandwiches are creative and delicious. One of my favorites is Christopher's Crunch - roast beef, havarti cheese, avocado, fresh onion, and crunchy onion crisps on toast. I also love the Big Chef Salad and Beeker's Beef sandwich. I've been impressed every time I've tried the daily special, too. Seriously, I've never had a bad meal here. I could go on and on. The coffee is also fantastic - they have strong, delicious espresso drinks. The environment is on-point as well. Located in a glass sunroom in the library building, Al's has tons of natural light and a bright, happy ambiance. There are plenty of tables to sit and enjoy your meal while looking out onto the street or into the library. Finally, the staff are super-friendly and kind. If you come here often, you will quickly become a regular and the owners will know you by name. I've been trying to bring my lunch to work more often to save money, but Al's is my personal siren song, calling my name at the lunch hour. Their delicious offerings are hard to resist. read more

Quick lunch in Downtown Albuquerque. Placed my order through Yelp/Grubhub, but my bus arrived early, so my food wasn't ready yet. The staff made sure I got my food quick. They recommended to call in orders for pick up instead. read more

Al's Big Dipper is super cute and well hidden (connected to the library downtown). They serve salads, sandwiches and breakfast. I really liked the atmosphere! The menu display is different and unique. Service was great- everyone was nice and quick to help despite the busyness of the lunch hour. I ordered the southwestern salad with chicken. It was really good!! I actually liked my salad. The sandwiches from what I saw looked delicious as well. There isn't much sitting room so be prepared if you go at a busy time. read more

Al's Big Dipper - a woman preparing food - Fast Food Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I really enjoyed my lunch. I came for soup but they were sold out. I had a half sandwich (Christopher's Crunch), pasta salad, and a cookie. It was delicious! I will be going back to try their exciting looking salads! read more

I love Al's. Too much maybe. I'm reserving the fifth star only because there are a handful of sandwiches on the menu that I think it's best to skip. That is, I can't say I've *never* been disappointed, just rarely. Don't be afraid to try the French toast sand which. I don't favor sweet breakfasts but this is actually mostly savory and you're in complete control of how sweet it is or isn't. Im having one right now and it's fantastic! read more

Downtown diner joined with the library. Light fair that is fresh and good. Lunch crowd fills it up, but on good weather days they have tables and chairs outside. Friendly and courteous staff seem eager to help. read more

Great food, friendly and helpful staff with a view into the library. Highly recommended.

What a fantastic lunch spot. Consistently fresh, delicious salads, like the Greek with fantastic dressing and lots of yummy feta. I haven't had a bad sandwich there either, there's always seating, and you get a homemade cookie with every order. Not to mention the service is fast, friendly, and they treat regulars like, well, regulars. read more

Amazing sandwiches at a decent price. They were able to take a large party of seven with no notice. Everyone loved their food. Attached to the library! Totally worth coming for lunch. :) read more

Passing through. It was all very good and tasted very fresh. If I ever find myself back in the state, I'll check it out again.

I have been here few times as I work downtown but today's meal was so good. I had the warm turkey sandwich with pepper jack cheese and green chile. The turkey was good quality & and the cheese was melted perfectly. Highly recommend! read more

This is my favorite lunch place! The special is always good. The turkey banhmi is my favorite. The wild suze, the sandwiches and salads are all so good! I eat here at least once a week! Delivery is super quick too! If you haven't tried Al's yet, you must!!!!! read more

Great sandwiches with fresh, simple ingredients. I'm not crazy about tuna, but I like their version. Just wish they were open on weekends!

Not only did Doordash and Grubhub get it wrong but half the time I order Al's is closed. When Doordash had the incorrect address, even though I have the receipt with the correct address I ordered from Grubhub, Al's couldn't figure it out so they just blew me off. read more

This place was great!!!! We were from out of town and looking for quality sandwich places and found Al's. Loved it so much we came two days in a row for lunch. Try the New Mexico Roast Beef (hot) or the Turky Banhmi (cold). Both were EXCELLENT!!! read more

Sandwiches are always good. The soups can be phenomenal. Prices are reasonable. Really friendly and generous staff and owner/managers. Glad they are in the shop next to the library. read more