Monaco Market has unmistakable "bodega" soul, and has somehow managed to bottle the feeling of…read morestepping into another country--several countries, in fact--without ever leaving the city limits. It proudly carries what can only be described as the United Nations of snacks. These are the treats your trendy teenagers have been "Tik-Tok-ing" into viral fame--the kind with packaging that compels them to snap that selfie and send it out into the ether in a nanosecond. The shelves read like a passport: confections from Lebanon, Dubai, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond. Exotic chocolates that make domestic candy seem shy by comparison. Chips in flavors you didn't know were legal. And then there's the drink selection--a kaleidoscope of juices, sodas, and energy drinks adorned with beloved anime characters and designs that blur the line between beverage and collectible. It's less of a cooler and more of a museum exhibit, except here you're encouraged--no, expected--to participate. The true heart of the place, however, is the gentleman behind the counter. His zeal is palpable. He's not merely ringing up purchases; he's hosting an adventure. His warmth and enthusiasm make you feel less like a customer and more like a co-conspirator in discovering something wonderful. Human connection at it's finest. Yes, the prices lean toward the premium side, but that feels less like indulgence and more like reality--importing the world isn't cheap, and tariffs are no respecter of snack-based diplomacy. What you're really paying for is access: access to flavors, cultures, and moments that would otherwise require a boarding pass. And Monaco Market doesn't stop at snacks. It's also a treasure chest of viral odds and ends--shirts, gifts, toys, and knick-knacks that feel handpicked for people who appreciate the joy of novelty. Every shelf feels intentional, like a curated rebellion against the ordinary. And rumor has it a ramen bar is on the horizon, promising a quick nosh for those who want something warm to accompany their global snack pilgrimage. Bottom line: Monaco Market is pure FUN. It's a place where curiosity is rewarded, where novelty is celebrated, and where you're reminded that sometimes the smallest treats carry the biggest sense of wonder. Albuquerque is lucky to have it--and I suspect many of us will be back, if only to prove to our teenagers that we, too, know what's cool... eventually.

This place is interesting. Everything is clean and well organized. Things are kind of pricey, I'm…read moresure some of these things are hard to find and are expensive because of that but still, you're going to want to have something in mind when you come here. I wanted to try the Chinese Red Bull in the little gold cans, they had them. $7 each lol, but where else are you going to get Chinese red bull. So you just have to know what you want I guess.

Today I finally made it to The Mousehole! Such a cute little location and they were very friendly…read more I got handed a sample as soon as I walked in of a goat cheese that made me reconsider my stance on goat cheese (not usually for me) and some nice guava spread. I wanted to try their "P Brie and J" sandwich and it wound up being both delicious enough and to bring half home for later - and they handed me another sample when I asked for a to go box! That one was from Denmark and reminded me of some of the kinds my grandparents had on their cheese board.

This place is so cute. A little cheese shop on the corner of broadway. The people here are very…read morenice and very helpful when it comes to the cheese. My friends and I tried the signature board and let's just say the board ended up empty. The sandwich was also delicious. They have a good selection of cheeses to try and I'd recommend trying the OG Krystal so yummy Seating is a bit limited inside but it's worth to come try this place out.

Currently there are few items left in the market. The halal chicken breasts are out of inventory ;…read morethere are only chicken thighs. The medjool dates are now from Pakistan and the increased prices reflect the delivery costs. I spoke with vendor and explained the last time I asked for pistachio cookies , I received walnut cookies. I'm scared of ordering more because of this. He explained to me that he is sure he must have explained they were out and only had walnuts. So I'm apparently unable to explain that I do not like walnuts and surely I thought to ignore his update. Absolutely done with this dishonesty.

SO Grateful for this store! Casa Blanca and Bombay Spice are my 2 go to international stores to…read morevisit! If I can't find something at Bombay it's typically always at Casa Blanca. I have yet to visit Talin, but I was told I must visit there next.

Great experience. Big variety of chile and gifts to send to friends. They let me taste the freeze…read moredried chile and even gave me some water. I was short on time and they were very efficient and helpful. I will be back.

Great place! Has frozen roasted chillies straight from…read moreHatch and much more! I'm a trucker and live in Casa Grande, AZ. My route use to take me through Hatch but, no longer. I looked everywhere in Albuquerque for what I use to buy in Hatch and only could find company packaged ones at super markets, not the real deal. Look no further, they have them! They are also extremely nice, knowledgeable, and keep their store very clean.

Wonderful farm market, which actually serves more as the huge butcher's meat market. Fresh produce…read morewill stock shelves and they do sell the New Mexico's famous Ness Farms pinto beans. These beans are triple clean, and very tasty. I bought a 25 pound bag to take back to Oklahoma. Friendly customer service.

First of all, the smell when you walk in is quite unpleasant…read more Second, I would expect a butcher to be able to give me a five pound piece of pork belly. First, I got a 12 pound chunk. Then I ended up with 6 pounds. I'm going to look for a better butcher here in town.

Wow! So glad to have a local kava bar. The kava was excellent. Very smooth, without the bitter…read moretaste I get when I make it at home. Such a great vibe here. The proprietor, Mandy was incredibly friendly, and chatted with us for a good long while. And they have kava growlers! Prices are totally reasonable, and there's a good community feel to the price. Really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back!

From the owner: We are a sober bar...With everything that is going on in the world, it is important for us to find…read moreour tribe. As adults, it can feel impossible to find a place to connect with others that is not centered around alcohol. Pureland Kava is that place. Pureland Kava offers safe, natural alternatives to alcohol that offer significant mood-boosting effects and enhance social interaction. These include traditional kava & kratom tea as well as a variety of canned botanical beverages.

Back in late November 2025, I was in Albuquerque, NM, fulfilling my loved ones' Christmas shopping…read morelist wishes. Before leaving town, I headed to the Eastside for Chocolate Cartel. The name certainly intrigued me, but their slogan did too: no fluff . no flair . the best cacao . I was in! While I didn't experience any "fluff," I thought that their chocolates actually did have some flair. They do have items for those bougie friends. Lol. I ordered a sample 6-pack truffle box ($19) that my daughters and I split together: Bee Pollen, Lavender Vanilla, Flowers of Italy, Green Chile & Salt, Pistachio in White, and Peppermint. I really should have gotten a bigger box after seeing how excited my girls were about this. Next time... I also enjoyed a discounted (due to it being broken) green chile and salt chocolate bar. They outsource other niceties: air fresheners, candles, and gelato. I wish I had stomach space for the gelato, but next time! Very nice, helpful service on the 26th. Overall, it is chocolate done maybe a bit simple yet exceedingly well.

I think the Cartel needs a more current review, so I am adding mine…read more I have been buying my specialty chocolate here since they opened the Albuquerque store in 2009. I have tried almost all the other local chocolatiers, and while they are all good, I keep coming back to the Cartel. Nuff said.