Guide to a Day in the UNM Area 

The area surrounding The University of New Mexico is filled with not-so-hidden gems. From local restaurants to unique boutiques, from walls adorned with eye-catching murals, to coffee that will satisfy even the snobbiest of coffee snobs.  

Nob Hill is a walkable neighborhood just down the road from UNM and is the perfect place to spend a day with friends or family, with no shortage of options for food and activities.   

Here are a few spots to hit in the university area that make up a perfect day in Albuquerque: 

Hidden Coffee Shop: Michael Thomas Coffee

Tucked away just off Central Avenue, a 15-minute walk from campus, Michael Thomas Coffee Roasters is an excellent way to kick off your day in the historic Nob Hill district. This family-owned and operated spot offers an extensive drink menu, light food options such as Bristol Doughnuts, and a charming-without-being-pretentious ambiance. Oh, and if you sit on the back patio, you might get a visit from an adorable feline friend!

Mid-Morning Boutique/Curated Shopping: & Stuff Retail Collective

Located next to Little Bear Coffee (another staple on your ABQ coffee shop bucket list), And Stuff Retail Collective is home to the products of over 20 local vendors. The shop is full of whimsy infused with southwestern edge and trendy bits and bobs. They are truly a “something for everyone” store with plenty of books, plants, and handmade and curated apparel ready for you to both dilly and dally through.

Contender for Best Albuquerque Thrift Spot: Vintage Vault

Wanna get thrifty? Just a bit further down Central Ave, you’ll find Vintage Vault, an award-winning second-hand store filled with all kinds of tchotchkes for you to spend hours browsing through. You can explore 6,600 square feet of one-of-a-kind collectibles, fashion pieces (hello vintage Lobo gear), furnishings, and more.

Lunch at a Board Game Library: Empire Board Game Library

A few doors down from Vintage Vault is Empire Board Game Library, where you have over 850 board and card games to choose from. It’s hard to put a price on “fun,” except here, where the hourly rate is a mere $4/hour per person. It’s an affordable way to end friendships by stacking five +2 cards in UNO. On top of the numerous games, Empire has a menu full of delicious sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, because no game night is complete without a bite to eat.

Things to Do in Albuquerque: Nob Hill and The University of New Mexico Area