2 Best Restaurants in Aztec, Northwestern New Mexico

There's a blue '50s-era car suspended high on a signpost outside; inside, the vintage-car photos, art-deco tables, red-vinyl booths, and super friendly staff give this decades-old place the feel of an old-time malt shop. Many of the American and New Mexican dishes, like the Mustang Melt (a burger with grilled onions and melted Swiss on rye with Thousand Island dressing), are named for classic cars. Only order a shake if you've really got an appetite or someone to share it with; chocolate is the local favorite.

When just the thought of one more plate of heavy food in hot weather makes you want to cry, forestall a meltdown by coming here. Quiches, soups, frittatas, and delicious sandwiches will set you straight, as will their excellent coffee. The Bistro Special is a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich with mixed greens, tomato, sprouts, and a homemade Italian feta dressing. Also worthwhile is the Ultimate, a croissant with thin-sliced turkey, avocado, greens, red onion, crispy bacon, provolone, and creamy avocado dressing. Fresh pastries and desserts are available daily. And there's free Wi-Fi.