Los Alamos: Shopping & Dining

Entrance to Village Art in Fuller Lodge

Shopping

Need shoes? A couch? A kitschy t-shirt? Well, CB FOX Department Store (1735 Central) is a family owned throwback to the full service and fully stocked department stores of days gone by. Primarily a floral shop, Bella Cosa (1743 Central) also has a selection of gifts sure to tempt the ladies. The gift shop located inside the mailing store Upex (107 Central Park Square) contains high-end offerings. Upscale cook wear and cook books are the specialties of Cook‘n Style (1631 Central), while books appealing to the brainy can be found next to the Bradbury Science museum at Otowi Station Bookstore (1350 Central). And finally, find something for Fido at Pet Pangaea (158 Central Park Square).

You can track down some artistic creations at several spots in town. The Art Center at Fuller Lodge Gallery Shop (2132 Central) features affordable local art. Los Alamos artist Yenny Cocq’s work can be found at Yenny Contemporary (800 Trinity, Condominium B). Or, if you are looking to make a little art of your own, Village Arts by Marilyn (170 Central Park Square) has all the supplies you need.

Dining

A big city menu in a small town cafe is the calling card of Central Avenue Grill (1789 Central, 505-662-2005). But don’t let the cloth tablecloths and fancy menu fool you, they still serve up their meals with a small town charm. Also, check out the Quark Bar inside with its scientific motif.

Central Avenue Grill

Comfort food served on red-white-and-blue tablecloths make 2008 New Mexico Restauranteur of the Year Hill Diner (1315 Trinity, 505-662-9745) a local favorite. Be sure to try their signature “Mile-and-a-Half-High Banana Cream Pie.”

The Coffee Booth (1631 Central, 505-662-2233) serves their own micro-roasted coffees, fresh baked pasteries, breakfast burritos, quiches, and hand-made gelatos seven days a week.

The Blue Window (813 Central, 505-662-6305) pleases the food connoisseur with eclectic choices and a lush ambience.

China Moon Chinese Buffet (121 Central Park Square, 505-662-2883) is a fresh favorite of local students.

Like its sister restaurants in Santa Fe and Espanola, the Los Alamos location of El Parasol (1903 Central, 505-661-0303) serves up authentic and fast New Mexican food.

For the last 25 years, Daylight Delights (112 Central Park Square, 505-662-2423) has helped locals start their day with donuts, burritos, and coffee.

Lemongrass & Lime (160 Central Park Square, 505-664-4221) serves Vietnamese and Thai food with ingredients imported directly from Bangkok.

You can find delicious sushi in the unlikely heart of New Mexico at Origami (182 Central Park Square, 505-661-2592).

Mediterranean food fans will want to stop at the Pyramid Café (751 Central, 505-661-1717) for their gyros and dolmas.

Bagels, soups, and salads make Ruby K’s Bagel Café (1789 Central, Suite 2, 505-662-9866) a great choice for breakfast or lunch.

The L.A. Café (723 Central, 505-662-8990) has a new location, but still serves a wide selection of diner favorites for breakfast and lunch.

Comfort food served on red-white-and –blue checkerboard tablecloths make the Hill Diner (1315 Trinity, 662-9745) a local favorite.

Looking for nightlife? Poker, karaoke, and live music can be found at the Canyon Bar and Grill (163 Central Park Square, 505-662-3333), along with a wide selection of beers.

Viola’s (1360 Trinity, 505-662-5617) serves New Mexican favorites for breakfast and lunch.

As you approach town, one of the first buildings to greet you is the Best Western Hilltop House (400 Trinity, 505-662-2441). Inside, they have a restaurant, La Vista, and a bar, the Aspen Lounge, to help satisfy your food and drink needs.