The Range

The Range takes up an entire block of the small city of Bernalillo and it occupies an equally large place in the psyches of the local residents. When you have a longing for down-home food, funky surroundings and friendly service, The Range is the place. It is always packed for Mother’s and Father’s Day. Friends arrange to meet here for a “business” lunch and it is where we head when we want a hearty breakfast which we don’t want to cook ourselves.

Huevos con queso is a New Mexican riff on eggs Benedict with two perfectly poached eggs and Canadian bacon atop a toasted English muffin, covered with creamy, spicy chile con queso. The dish is rounded out by the addition of pinto beans and Range fries. This breakfast will stick to your ribs (and hips and wherever else great Roadfood likes to lodge). I will happily consume these calories any time. The stuffed Range toast includes three grilled slices of cinnamon raisin bread dipped in an egg batter and stuffed with strawberries and bananas, then topped with apple-peach butter, whipped cream and maple syrup. If you like to eat dessert first, this is the dish for you.

The Range quesadilla is another winner. Artichoke hearts, roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, green chile strips and white cheddar are grilled on a flour tortilla and topped with sour cream and quacamole. Listed as an appetizer, it can certainly make a meal. At lunch or dinner, try The Rio Grande Gorge: a beef patty served open-faced on a flour tortilla, smothered with green chile, cheddar cheese and grilled onions. The burger is served with Range fries con queso and black beans.

Bernalillo is located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. I would recommend that you stop here to take in a colorful, taste-filled, well-respected local spot.

Note: There is a second Range Café in Albuquerque at 10019 Coors Blvd., NW. (505-835-5495)