We continue with the exploration of breakfast places and this time we chose Duran Central Pharmacy. Don't let the name trick you as it tricked us for a while. This is a pharmacy/store/diner with a very good local vibe. The pharmacy has a bit of everything, from books, jewelry, and toys, to clothing, decor, and kitchen stuff. And when we thought there was no space for a diner, we found where the magic takes place just around the corner, where we were welcomed and seated. People were friendly, kitchen staff were getting stuff out quickly, and our server was ok. Efficiency was a clear target for everyone and our food was on our table in no time. For food, our friends ordered the breakfast burritos (with red only and a Christmas version), , the hubs ordered the carne adobada, and I ordered the tamal plate with red and green, just like I like I like it . Everyone was pleased with their choices. The burritos were big and tasty. The carne adobada had a lot of deliciously marinated pork and the steamed potatoes were quite a good addition. The tortilla with butter was simple yet delicious, with a firm and thick tortilla. The tamal plate was almost perfect. The red and green sauces were amazing, but I was slightly partial to the spicier green chile sauce. The masa on the tamales was firm and good. If there was one change I would make, it would be for the tamales to have more filling. Overall, we had a good experience at a very unique place! Stop by the store to get some local products or useful things for your home. read more

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This is a nice giftshop, pharmacy and restaurant. The giftshop has lots of cute , well curated items from candles to chocolates, books, jewelry and more. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and is cozy and welcoming. I hope I can visit again soon. read more

Came on a Friday when they had their stuffed sopapilla special. It was basically a thick bread with toppings on it. I personally wasn't a fan of the sopapilla bread, it had a bit of a sour taste that didn't sit right with me, so I didn't finish it. My husband, on the other hand, really liked it. The toppings were simple, just beans and green and red chile, tasty, but nothing too exciting. We also ordered a flour tortilla with butter (recommended by a friend), and that was really good! I actually enjoyed that more than the sopapilla. We had dinner reservations later, so we just stopped by for a small bite. The attached pharmacy was cool, it reminded me of a New Mexican mom-and-pop version of CVS and looked like a fun spot to pick up local gifts. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Friday special 2 sopapillas - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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I like the food here but I can't give more than three. Service is slow, you will wait a long time for a seat. I think the food is really good and I really enjoyed the store side. So many odd end things you never find anywhere else. I do recommend coming here. You will enjoy the experience read more

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What a great spot for lunch! We found out about Duran's from a friend & decided to try it today. Parking was easy & I was greeted right away by the staff member near the front door. He gave me directions to go straight to the back, then left to the red gate to get my name in the seating list. I did that & was given a pager. We shopped during the 15-30- minute time estimate. This is a store jam packed with gift ideas, clothing, games, & kitchen gadgets plus more. After 15 minutes, our table was ready. We ordered stuffed sopapillas & a combination plate. My husband said that the tamale was one of the best he's ever eaten. Everything tasted great & was really fresh. Based on other recommendations, we had to try the homemade tortillas. What a huge tortilla! Delicious!! Warm & a bit crispy! 100% delicious! read more

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What a beautiful day here in central New Mexico. And what better way to spend it than to go (again) to one of our absolute favorites - Duran's Pharmacy Restaurant. We sat at the counter, of course, seven of us. That way, we got to see the incredibly efficient waitstaff and kitchen staff create our food. The red chile was not very hot today - only used three napkins for my nose and two for my hands and mouth (the record is 4 and 3). Great food in a wonderful atmosphere - our wives refer to this as a shopping trip and not a food extravaganza. Come join the boys from the VA Creative Writing Group, as we indulge in absolutely first-rate New Mexican cuisine right on Central Avenue. Just click the YouTube link below and see why we keep coming back. https://youtu.be/IcwEmD-qSOU?si=__VO38l0CHksWSlZ read more

During my recent visit to Albuquerque, my daughter and I decided on having breakfast at Duran Central Pharmacy. Yeah, the name through me off too... but let's just say this lil spot is a gem . Its a small mom & pop kinda place, with good service and good food. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Chicken fried steak and eggs! - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Absolutely worth the hype! I had tried coming my last trip to ABQ and was disappointed they were not open on weekend evenings. Came by for lunch mid-week. While it was busy, the line moved quickly and we got to browse the pharmacy next door. The butter tortilla is absolutely delicious! Ask about the specials- and yes, you must order Christmas chili. We sat at the bar next to a local; he said he'd be coming here for 30 years. I believe it- this place is soooo yummy and prices are very reasonable. read more

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Good reliable spot for traditional New Mexican food! Good service, wide menu, no aggravating music or noise. Generous portions. Great for a small group... maybe six or fewer. read more

Durans is one of the most consistent restaurants I have ever been to, and my visit this weekend was no different! I went on a Saturday morning which is a historically busy time for them, and we sat at the counter which I had never done before. Durans has an old school diner ambiance, tucked in a very cute drug store filled with amazing gifts, clothes and games. I love the bottomless coffee and my boyfriend thinks they have the best red chile in town (and he's a red chile man). Our server Laura was so awesome. She was kind and attentive and you could tell she knew all of the regulars, I even overheard her stating a customers order she had memorized! What amazing service. Overall you can't go wrong with Durans- they do have a limited menu but it is some of the most quality New Mexican food around. read more

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The service was Top Notch! Our food came out hot. The chilé was fantastic. My date had the Chicken, blue corn tacos. About 4 ounces of shredded chicken in each shell. I had the Carne Adovada (additional price) burrito which you can tell, was cooked overnight. You can get it handheld too. Lots of customers however, the wait was two minutes for two of us. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Buttered homemade tortilla, tacos and burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Service was fantastic. Was not super impressed with the blue corn tortillas used in the breakfast enchiladas on the hidden menu as they were not tender and instead a bit tough in consistency. Flour tortillas looked great visually though! Red and green chiles were great. Milkshake was great though and is passing by again would return just for that and the wonderful service! 3.5 stars read more

My favorite Albuquerque Breakfast! Best frito pie in town and amazing owners. 10/10 experience every time I would highly recommend to tourists and locals alike. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

So good! Totally worth the wait!! The line can be long on weekends but spend some time in the pharmacy/gift shop while you wait. The service here is excellent and the food is handmade, authentic, tasty, and just damn good. I had the combo plate "Christmas style" (1 taco, 1 enchilada, and 1 tamale). The table ordered the adovada and the burger in a tortilla. Everything was so good. We left full with some leftovers. When you're in the ABQ come check out Duran's! You will not be disappointed. read more

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My second time here, first time on patio . They have a new beautiful mural there! The food is really good and what I would call old school New Mexican, not fancy but good. I had the Carne Adovada plate. Great and came with a flour tortilla bigger than the size of a normal dinner plate. Also great gift shop. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Carne adovada plate and guacamole with chips - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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If you haven't been to Duran's, you need to check this place out. Whether it's for grabbing a bite to eat, doing holiday shopping, or filling a prescription, these guys have it down pat. Focusing on their diner, they make excellent New Mexican food. Over the years, I've tried a lot of different dishes and have enjoyed them all. They make great leftovers, too. The wait staff knows how to deal with busy times (which is most of the time) and is kind. There's always a line to get a table, but don't worry. There's plenty to look at and buy. I love this place for kitchen supplies, kids' games, greeting cards, casual clothing, and tchotchkes. The handful of times I've come here to get my own prescription filled or go with a friend who needs to, it seems like the prices are reasonable. They are a full-service pharmacy. They offer immunizations, including those for travel. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Blue Corn Enchilada Plate - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Durans is an Albuquerque institution. Tucked in the back of a pharmacy is a dineresque little place that puts out some of the best New Mexican fare around, especially breakfasts. On this visit I went for my go to favorite here, Huevos Rancheros, eggs over easy, smothered in green with a side of their famous sausage patties served with fresh lemon wedges. Yup, lemon wedges. Trust me, if you haven't tried them you need to. Their fresh homemade tortillas are the size of a small pizza and delicious. Durans is the real deal. I'll be back, frequently. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Sausage with lemon wedges - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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We visited Duran's Central Pharmacy on a Sunday around 1 PM and were pleasantly surprised with just a 30-minute wait. The time flew by as we browsed their charming and unique store/pharmacy. They carry such a fun and thoughtful variety of items--perfect for gift shopping. I can definitely see myself coming back just for that! Once seated we were quickly greeted by friendly and pleasant staff. I ordered the carne adovada with red chile, served with steamed potatoes and beans. The red chile had such a rich, flavorful kick, and the pork was fall-apart tender--absolutely delicious. My husband went with the Frito pie after spotting someone nearby enjoying it, and he wasn't disappointed. I was so into my own plate that I completely forgot to ask for a bite of his! Overall, Duran's is a great local spot with warm service, fantastic food, and a store that's full of charm and surprises. A true New Mexico gem--definitely worth the visit. read more

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Super friendly service and great food in a pharmacy and gift shop. First time in ABQ, and first meal arriving with perfect tourist shopping after lunch. Learned about ABQ from lady working in the gift shop, didn't get her name but she is very sweet and gave me a little history of the area being a local. I regret not ordering a plato that comes with tortillas. Need to try their famous tortillas by itself next time! Will be back! read more

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This is a beautiful location rich with New Mexico culture that is a must visit! The restaurant is located in the pharmacy and it does get very busy. We did wait for about 45 minutes before getting a table, but spent the time browsing the store and checking out all the unique souvenirs and products. Our group decided to share a few dishes as the portions are quite large. The food came out hot and fresh, and I appreciated the warm and soft tortilla that came with our meal. The carne adovada plate is a must try as the green chile provides a nice heat factor to the meal. However, the potatoes are not as layered with flavor or seasoning. The blue corn taco is delicious and blends well with the chicken and cheese combination. Overall, the staff and service were amazing and friendly! I highly recommend checking it out and getting some trinkets before walking out. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - 1 Hand-Rolled Flour Tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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So I must say the food was delicious, pretty reasonable you know about 16 bucks per person the service was outstanding our server was wonderful I didn't get her name but she was great she brought us a warm homemade flour tortilla that we ate with our beans which were delicious and it hit the spot but we were so full when we left.My son got the taco plate and got three tacos and beans the beans were outstanding I got the cheese enchilada pork tamale and a taco. The taco has ground beef snd the flavor was delicious, the cheese enchilada was delicious and the green chili sauce on top was wonderful she brought me a side of the red chili but I didn't care for that, we came down here for a couple days and we sure enjoyed that meal when we come back to town we will definitely go here again and again service was outstanding. read more

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Mediocre food every time I have visited, not very good service, and sometimes the restaurant is freezing cold. I do not recommend for food. Super sweet gift shop though, and wonderful pharmacists. read more

We have been enjoying Duran's for years (we work at a nearby business). Food is always wonderful and service is perfect. Unfortunately, when we went to enjoy lunch today, we were met with hostility and rudeness by the person that was seating the guests. We were trying to explain that our fourth person was not going to show up, but apparently she did not believe what we were saying and snapped at several of us. Including a very aggressive, shoving of the table buzzer back to us, and when I handed it back to her, she said goodbye in a very snarky tone. Furthermore, when we called to talk to management about the issue the same person answered the phone and said, "If you want to complain, I'll have to put you on hold" and immediately put us on hold. We are so disappointed. The servers should know that they lost an income today due to the nature of their hostess. We love to support local businesses whenever possible, however, we will think twice before going back to Duran's for lunch. Update: Duran's reached out regarding our experience and went above and beyond to make things right. This is the Duran's we're proud to give our business to! Thank you! read more

What a cute little place to eat. It has a little shop attached where you can get some cute little souvenirs. They have handmade jewelry as well as local made lotions. I also saw some roasted nuts and candies. They also have an attached restaurant that smells great as you walk in. It's set up like an old school pharmacy which I suppose is where they get the name from. It is my last day in New Mexico so of course I got the stuffed sopapilla Christmas style. The chile wasn't hot but had good flavor. It was enough to bring home for a late night snack. Everything was great and the employees were all very nice and friendly. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Wednesdays & Fridays Only Stuffed Sopaipillas - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I had the wednesday's lunch special stuffed sopaipillas with red chili. it was good. I had good service. The waiter was nice. Was my first time eating there. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - wednesdays lunch special stuffed sopaipillas with red chili. - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The store is cute and has unique but overpriced gifts. The restaurant has the most flavorless and overpriced food I've had in Abq. No salt, no spices, dry meat, doughy tortillas. Go somewhere else for food. read more

We went in recently and it was definitely an off day. It pains me to write this review because I love(d) Duran's. The food was so good, but that's where it ended. So many things went wrong starting with our server who made us feel like we were bothering her. We were served our food about 25 mins after we sat down and ate at a normal pace, but apparently not fast enough. A little over an hour after we were seated, 40ish minutes after we got our food, the hostess came and dropped off our check. We weren't ready to leave (we were still grazing!), so we ignored it. Our server never came back for drink refills or to see if we wanted anything else. The hostess came around about 15 minutes later and asked if we were ready to checkout because "we have a long waitlist and need the table." Rude. No offer for boxes, no offer for refills, no acknowledgement that we may want to order an empanada for dessert, just the bum's rush. I asked for a refill and I was offered a to go cup and a seat at the counter. There were numerous seats open at the counter and it was unclear why the long waitlist couldn't be seated there. I said I wanted a water refill and to see the menu, and our server promptly returned and said, "I heard you want to order more," in a tone that definitely communicated she was annoyed. I told her I would like another water and requested the empanada flavors. She walked away and never returned. The hostess returned and offered us seats at the counter so she could have the table. Meanwhile, there were plenty of empty tables that needed to be bussed, yet we were being pressured to give up our table. We politely declined. The cook came over next and said, "We have people to feed so we're asking you to leave, I can get you boxes and to go cups before you pay the bill." When I explained I had just asked about the empanada flavors and was waiting for the server to come back with that info and the water refill I ordered, he wordlessly left and returned with water in hand and said he thought the empanadas were sold out. He asked the absentee server and she said she didn't know. The hostess later told us they only order them once a week on Thursdays and we went in on a Wednesday. Having potentially week-old empanadas is wild, but so is the fact that neither the server nor the cook knew if they had any. We headed to the register to pay and as I was taking photos of the many empty seats, the hostess made a snarky remark about taking pictures. I paid the bill, asked for the manager's name and went to get her. The hostess quickly changed her tone and was very apologetic and tried to validate my feelings. I spoke with the manager who was very nice and empathetic. She acknowledged the cook's bad attitude and said he used to be a manager and still likes to act like he's in charge. Despite being empathetic and apologetic, the manager offered no remedy besides talking to them later. My friend explained that we are regulars and I travel from the east coast to eat at this restaurant. We both expressed how we love the food, but not the service. The manager saw the pictures of the empty tables and empty counter stools and mentioned there is a 90 minute table limit, but the sign saying that is hidden by the register being a tip jar. Even so, we were being ushered out less than 90 minutes after being there when we still had food on our plates and we were actively eating. I'm beyond disappointed. This was one of my top 5 restaurants in ABQ and now my opinion has been soured. I'm not sure I will be back. read more

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I don't know how I've never been here, but I just haven't had the chance. We came with some friends and we had a short wait to get a table. We took some time browsing around, which was fun looking at all of the stuff they have, plus the actual pharmacy. We had brunch,h which was plentiful. The one thing that made us a little sad is that they do not have bacon strips for sides, as the kids all wanted some bacon strips, but instead have crumbled bacon. read more

Wow, who could know that a pharmacy would have such great food and service. BTW, the pharmacy is also actually kind of a cool store with a wide variety of items. The food was some of the best that we have had on our trip. Everything was delicious. Well made. Fresh. Flavorful. Just great. Service was friendly and attentive. Just a great dining experience. Note, it does kind of feel like dining in an old soda hall. Definitely nothing fancy. Almost a reason in itself for going to Albuquerque, and don't worry if you have to wait, browsing the pharmacy can easily consume 30 minutes. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Paul's combination...Oh so good! - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

So, the food here is yummy, the green salsa is delicious as are the enchiladas and most of all ... their bowl of chile.. OMG NOMNOMx1000 If you're from out of town, be sure to take home a couple of jars of their red and green chile - you won't regret it NOMNOM Oh wait!!! Be sure to try their handmade flour tortillas, too - oink oink yummy nomnom read more

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Such a lovely place never fails to impress! So much selection and so many unique finds. Prices are somewhat higher than competitors but they have unique items. Friendly and welcoming service. read more

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I visited on the advice of a friend, and as someone new to town, I was looking for local candles and coasters. This place did not disappoint--I left with a bag full of candles, coasters, and a few other fun finds. The shop is full of character, almost a stimulation overload in the best way. The young gentleman at the counter was friendly, made eye contact, smiled, and thanked me for my purchase--a small gesture that meant a lot. I really enjoyed my visit and will definitely be back, especially when I have friends or family in town. read more

After a great walk with friends we went to Durans pharmacy. Great shopping so many wonderful shopping for gifts. Got a buzzer for a table for breakfast. My friends had green chili cheese burgers. I had the Chilaquiles with eggs and beans. The food was amazing ! I forget how wonderful this place is and super gift shopping. I hope all the balloon people will go for Souvenirs. It is a great Albuquerque gem. read more

Absolutely delicious! I had the Huevos Rancheros with red and green chile....so delicious, filling, and flavorful! I love the steamed potatoes! The tortillas are chubby, large, and homemade. Enjoy them with melted butter! Comfort food, home style cooking at its finest! The coffee is a nice flavorful brew, not too strong and not too light. Have fun shopping or browsing the store and get some tasty chocolates on the way out! read more

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I got the Carne Adovada platter and it was one of the more memorable meals I had in New Mexico. I got takeout and while I was waiting for my dish to prepare, I was looking at all the cute gifts around the shop. I typically don't really like spicy food, but with this dish, I start to see why people get addicted to spice. It was the first time I felt the food move through my G.I. tract and it was pretty exciting lol. The heat is very latent and it doesn't come in until a little bit later but the pork marinated and red chilies topped with green chilies is sure to make you sweat a little bit. I was really glad for the respite of potatoes and beans as everything felt pretty balanced out. The portions are pretty big so I would feel comfortable with splitting this dish with someone and still being pretty full. This was my last meal in New Mexico, and it was fun having my belly feel so warm and spicy on the flight back home. read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Carne adovada platter - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Went here this afternoon and was very pleased. My tacos were great and my wife's carne adovada was fantastic! We were seated promptly and the service was great!! read more

Delicious breakfast! Came here early to beat the crowds. Got seats at the counter right away. We got a cheese quesadilla with red sauce and a big breakfast burrito, Christmas style. Both were so good, the quesadilla is better for a smaller breakfast and obviously if your starving get the burrito. Service was fast, atmosphere is casual. There's a cute store in the front half of the cafe. read more

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Can't believe I'd never bn here before! There's a great store one has to walk thru to get to the eatery. Cute stuff, eclectic collection. A bit pricey, but what isn't nowadays? There was a 30" wait for 2 ppl. The hosts were very nice, friendly, polite, efficient as they asked if booth would be ok - and handed us the buzzer thing. We lucked out with Gavin. Such a great soul. When queried, he gave terrific recommendations-- yes, get the butter on the tortilla! Just try it My friend luvd his huevos rancheros whereas my chilaquiles was terrific but far too big a serving; I ended up taking it home. Don't get wigged out by the appearance of my eggs: I asked for them to be runny; the chef was bang-on! And yes, voted best red chile in Albuquerque! And well-deserved imo. But I actually liked the green chile as well Andrew at the gift store check out is a real sweetheart too Oh, everyone seems to think the restaurant closes at 2 pm - but they don't! They close at 7 pm usually (Wednesdays thru Saturdays), I think 4 pm Sundays thru Tuesdays. But when we left the restaurant that had been chockfull at 1330 -we didn't get seated till 1400 - at 1500, there was only one customer left in the dining area; it was wild. I've included a photo of the hours (sorry for the glare) read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - 1 Hand-Rolled Flour Tortilla: did as advised and got it buttered. So good!! - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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My coworkers took me out to eat here as part of a farewell for me since I was moving to Phoenix. I wanted to eat New Mexican food because I was moving out of state and won't have much green chile anymore. Funny enough, all 5 of us decided to get the enchilada plate. lol this was an excellent choice. It's a touristy place yet locals love it too. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Albuquerque :) the pharmacy is so fun to look around too! read more

Duran Central Pharmacy - Enchilada Plate - Mexican Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

My wife and I needed multiple vaccinations for an upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, which required an hour drive to Albuquerque. We were completely blown away. Not only are the pharmacists some of the nicest, kindest, and most upbeat people we've encountered, they made sure we had everything we needed for our trip. The level of care and friendliness was exceptional. Thank you! read more