6 UNM students share their favorite Duke City bargain spots

When it comes to living on a tight budget, college students are experts. They know where to find free activities, cheap eats, and bargain-basement deals, and how to have fun with friends without spending too much cash. We interviewed 6 University of New Mexico (UNM) students and got the lowdown on their favorite spots, from restaurants and thrift stores to museums and hiking trails—along with places to take a visiting parent (especially if they pay).

Where he eats:

Tomasita’s features authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine for an affordable price. As a former employee, I know the food quality is top-tier and so is the service. Try the signature sopaipillas and honey butter.

I live near DG’s Deli (pictured), and their sandwiches always hit the spot. My go-to pick is the Green Chile Philly. Bandido Hideout is across the street from campus and has tons of cheap options. Their menu has a wide assortment of Mexican dishes. I love the Super Burrito.

Where he shops:

El Super is a Mexican supermarket with a huge variety of options that most grocery stores don’t have. From the deli to the produce, everything is fresh and makes for delicious meals. Smith’s is a chain of small grocery stores (with gas stations, too) across Albuquerque, so there’s always a convenient location. Regular shoppers can use their Smith’s number for deals on groceries and gas.

Where he goes:

New Mexico has many spots with little to no light pollution, which makes for great stargazing, especially on a moonless night. Places like Chaco Canyon, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, and the Gila Wilderness have some incredible nighttime views.

The Albuquerque Indoor Track & Field facility is a world-class venue inside the downtown convention center. There are opportunities each winter to use it, but you can also watch elite athletes compete in races there nearly every weekend.

Where he'd take his parents: 

UNM’s home court, called The Pit, is one of the top basketball facilities in the nation. The energy in the arena is always incredibly high. It’s great to join the crowd in cheering on the Lobos. Adult tickets, $10 and up.

Where she eats:

Sawmill Market is an old lumber warehouse-turned-food hall. There are 27 merchants selling everything from plant-based “tuna” to wood-fired pizza. I like the stuffed French toast from the Mercantile Café. In Nob Hill, the mouthwatering food at Limonata Café is always so warm and fresh. The interior resembles a small-town café, so it reminds me of home. I’m a fan of the waffles.

Where she shops:

Buffalo Exchange is a secondhand clothing and accessory store, perfect for all your thrifting needs. It’s my go-to when I need something new. They’ll also buy your old clothes, which helps keep my closet fresh. As an artist who lives on campus, I appreciate Artisan ABQ for supplies. I can find just what I need for my next project, and it always feels affordable.

Where she goes:

My favorite thing to do when I have downtime is to throw pottery at the Arts & Craft Studio in UNM’s Student Union Building. I’ve met so many cool people while working on a project. Memberships start at $40 per semester.

When I need to motivate myself to study, I head to Little Bear Coffee. The shop has excellent coffee and delicious cinnamon rolls, and its long hours are perfect for college students.

Where she'd take her parents:

Something I love doing when my mom visits is to take the tram up to Sandia Peak and visit the restaurant there, Ten 3. My mom and I enjoy the experience of eating and looking over all of Albuquerque. Restaurant closed Tuesdays.

Where he eats:

Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery has the best-tasting baklava in Albuquerque, but my favorite thing there is the chicken shawarma meal. For Italian, Saggio’s is right across from campus on Central Avenue and the meals are filling. It’s the perfect spot to dine with friends after class. Don’t miss the meat lasagna.

Where he shops:

As a geology major, my local pick is Mama’s Minerals (pictured). It has so many minerals to choose from, with different colors, textures, and sizes. My favorite is vanadinite for its deep-red color and hexagonal shape. Desert Bird Mercantile sells a range of decorative furniture, home accessories, and artsy textiles.

Where he goes:

You get beautiful views from the Sandia Peak Tramway as you ride up the Sandia Mountains. It’s a popular activity and lines can get long, so try to arrive early. Adults, $29. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is a great place to learn about the many wonders of nature, such as dinosaurs, volcanoes, and ancient fish. Adults, $8.

Where he'd take his parents:

Topgolf is a fun and competitive activity. The golf balls include technology that traces their path, speed, and accuracy. You can compete with friends and family by hitting giant targets on the driving range. Hourly rates start at $30.

Where she eats:

The Flying Star Café at Rio Grande Boulevard and Dietz Place has a wonderful outdoor seating area. It’s the perfect spot to study and enjoy a good dessert. I like the vegan Double Chocolate Indulgence Cake. Cocina Azúl is one of the best restaurants for enchiladas and chips and salsa. It has a great atmosphere with friendly people. Try the green chile chicken enchiladas.

Where she shops:

Nob Hill has cool places to shop, and it’s within walking distance of campus. There are clothes, food, coffee, comic books, and so many other things. The Coronado Center is another popular spot, either to do some shopping or just get a meal at the food court and walk around.

Where she goes:

Albuquerque has the Rio Grande flowing right through it, so if you like nature, definitely take a walk along the Bosque. You can snap pretty pictures, and if you look up, you’ll sometimes spot porcupines asleep in the trees. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (pictured) is the perfect place for bird-watching, and wildlife viewing areas overlook the ponds. $3 per vehicle.

Where she'd take her parents:

The ABQ BioPark is a wonderful all-day visit if you go to all 4 of its sites: the zoo, the aquarium, the botanic garden, and Tingley Beach. The zoo has more than 300 native and exotic species, including elephants, and the garden has a butterfly pavilion. Zoo admission, $10. Aquarium/botanic garden admission, $10.

Where she eats:

Frontier Restaurant is a student favorite. It’s right across the street from main campus, and the food there is affordable. I typically order the No. 1 breakfast, which is 2 eggs with bacon, hash browns, and toast. Another great eatery is the Range Café. The meals are delicious and decently priced. Rude Boy Cookies sells cookies, ice cream, and other treats. It’s my go-to place when I want something sweet.

Where she shops:

Savers is a thrift store that has a huge collection of clothes and other items. Any time I need a new outfit, I head to Savers for the cheapest options around town. Coronado Center has many shops and restaurants ranging from affordable to high-end options. It’s a great place to go with friends, and I can always find what I need there.

Where she goes:

The Southwest Film Center in UNM’s Student Union Building is a student-run theater. Every weekend, it shows movies—new and old—free of charge for students. I also love spending an afternoon in Old Town visiting different shops, seeing work by local artists, and watching musical performances. You don’t have to spend any money to have a good time.

Where she'd take her parents:

As a film major, I love going to see a movie in IMAX. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is the best museum in Albuquerque, and it has an IMAX theater called DynaTheater. Museum admission, $8; DynaTheater ticket, $7.

Where she eats:

Duran’s New Mexico Diner is an Albuquerque classic. The restaurant is tucked in the back of an adorable pharmacy founded in 1942 (pictured). Its homemade tortillas and chile are possibly the best in the city. Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café is my favorite restaurant near campus. I love to take my carnivore friends to indoctrinate them in vegetarian food. Try the masala dosa.

Where she shops:

The Rail Yards Market is my go-to place on Sundays. It has food trucks, produce vendors, and local artists. La Montañita Food Co-op is where I buy groceries because many of their suppliers are local small businesses. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s good to support local.

Where she goes:

Bowling at Skidmore’s Holiday Bowl is a great way to spend free time with friends. It’s clean and has great food. Lane fee, $30 an hour. I also love to go hiking. At Petroglyph National Monument, the Riconada Canyon trail is an easy-to-moderate 2.2-mile trek where you can see up to 300 petroglyphs. Bring binoculars.

Where she'd take her parents:

The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History tells the story of our state’s involvement in the development of nuclear technology. Not only are the exhibits fascinating, but there’s also a 9-acre outdoor area filled with retired aircraft and a re-creation of the Trinity test tower. Adults, $15.

• Students: More than 25,000 
  
• Founded: 1889 
• Official mascot: Lobo 
• School colors: Cherry and silver 
• Famous alumni: Actress and director Penny Marshall; Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham; novelist Tony Hillerman; and Rudolfo Anaya, author of Bless Me, Ultima

AAA Explorer copy editor Paul Zieke fueled his college years with Kraft mac-and-cheese.