Want to take a trip around the world without leaving the city? It’s possible, here in the cultural melting pot of the city. Every faith, color and creed live, work and play here. Countless “mom and pop” eateries will satisfy your craving for ethnic foods. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of signage from the original Route 66 along the way. Plus, you’ll find international food markets, services and shops galore, many houses of faith, and, of course, the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, a neighborhood anchor since 1938. The proximity to Kirtland Air Force Base also adds to the dynamism of the area. There is truly a whole world to discover on this undiscovered jewel of a neighborhood along Route 66.
If you’re looking for that unique treasure you didn’t know existed, there are several flea markets, including a big one at the Expo, and antique shops that dot this part of town. Everything from furniture, knickknacks, to rare collectibles, as well as antique Native American and Western art can be found here. There are many specialty grocery stores. One place not to miss is Talin Market, a large grocery store with a variety of foods from around the world. You’ll find lots of fresh produce and seafood as well as canned, dry, and frozen goods from the Caribbean to England to Vietnam. Smaller specialty markets are all around this part of town, including Mexican and Indian groceries. With a large Vietnamese population, there are plenty of restaurants nearby for a Bánh mì fix.. This feeds some of Albuquerque’s brainiest who work in the International District. Inside Kirtland Air Force base is Sandia National Labs, one of the three National Nuclear Security Administration research and development laboratories. We can’t tell you what goes on there.
