The graceful, yet relaxing, atmosphere of Twister's embraces you as you walk in and gaze upon the massive fireplace. A comfortable lounge is located in the back where you can enjoy the company of good friends over an after dinner drink. This classic grill offers a wide range of menu options including burgers, sandwiches, Italian and New Mexican specials, steaks and more American favorites. The local favorite is the Twister Burrito, which comes in four sizes. Bring your appetite.

Chef du Jour is a small but elegant cafe that offers a nice selection of wonderfully prepared food. You can choose to dine inside or al fresco depending on your mood and the weather. The menu changes weekly, offering you selections such as a Salad du Jour, Soup du Jour, Green Corn Tamales and veggie burgers. If you call ahead, they will gladly let you know what this week's selection is. All of the condiments used here are homemade from the ketchup to the mango salsa.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Vortex Theater, a small, community-run venue provided for volunteers who still have their day jobs, but live for the theater after hours. The group stages year-round productions of dramatic plays in a small, comfortable theater located across the street from the University of New Mexico. If you want to act, direct, build sets, scenery and props, or just enjoy a well-done live performance, the theater is a non-profit organization that offers something for everyone who wants to get involved in theater. The theater's tag line: "The Vortex, get sucked in."

Improvisational music means one thing its "Jazz". And this non-profit organization brings this unique art form to more than 25,000 New Mexicans every year. With at least 40 concerts on their performance schedule last year, the group plays salsa, blues, jazz and Latin jazz to the obvious delight of its audiences. They also invite respected names in the jazz world to come to Albuquerque and perform. The highlight of the season is the annual Concert Under the Stars, staged at the Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden. This is a volunteer member organization. Office hours vary. Call for availability.

Knotty pine paneling and cowboy prints add to the rustic atmosphere. Try the Cajun T-bone Steak, Teriyaki Top Sirloin, Grilled Prawns or one of their chicken entrees. Come with an appetite, as the servings are hearty, but save room for some of their chocolate fudge cake with ice cream and hot fudge sauce. The full service bar stocks an impressive number of imported and domestic beers and wines. If you prefer a cocktail try one of the signature drinks like the Square Cow Cooler or Golden Margarita.

Don't let the name fool you. There is not a single mention of soup on this restaurant's menu. What it does specialize in, is breakfast any way you want it, a little, or a lot. The menu offers staples like biscuits and gravy, eggs cooked anyway imaginable and pancakes or French toast. Order the Gonzo, a pile of home fries, bacon and green chile covered with cheese and an egg, a popular favorite or a Blackberry Crepe stuffed with sweetened creme cheese-and you definitely would return for some more!

Burgers, sandwiches and steaks dominate the menu at this restaurant, and the bar offers over 20 beers on tap. Chef Steve Gallegos has taken traditional dishes and added a dash of Southwestern flavor. His Clam Chowder, would be great even without the addition of green chilli. But the chilli gives it a unique tang that fills a void nobody realized was there. The menu is a mix of sandwiches, traditional Mexican dishes and desserts. Sandwiches range from less than USD5 for a standard club, to less than USD7 a Grilled Chicken, Chile and Cheese on Wheat.

Recognized as one the best Italian restaurants in the city, this upscale restaurant Trombino's Bistro Italiano offers a huge selection of dishes for a wide range of prices. The menu offers traditional Italian meals including seafood specialties and variety of delicious pasta dishes. At the upper end of the scale is the veal parmigiana for about USD14. Lobster and other seafood is also on the menu at the current market price. The bar is stocked with just about every domestic and imported beer you can name.

This neighborhood gathering place is just behind Charlie's Front Door. Although this is a bar, your senses say you are someplace a little different. The wafting aroma of Mexican food drifts among the smoke and laughter, and plates of tempting, cheese-smothered fare zoom by on their way to an eager, hungry customer. Charlie's carnitas were recently voted Albuquerque's best and they are available as a meal all to themselves or with a bowl of red or green chile.

In the late 1920s, when the main street of Albuquerque was the place to be seen, Lindy's was built. Then Route 66 was established and this hometown diner became the place for locals and tourists alike. Breakfast consists of all the normal choices like pancakes, eggs and omelets. The breakfast burrito, smothered in green chile and melted cheese, seems to be a favorite. Lunch and dinner choices are just as varied with fresh sandwiches, burgers and diner favorites like meatloaf. The pie case is always full of fresh pies.