As the heart of the city, Downtown Albuquerque is a must see for visitors and locals alike. Downtown is part of a key intersection to the original 1926 route, now 4th Street.

ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL •

ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL •

Celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road.

Downtown Albuquerque
route 66

Downtown Albuquerque was first established in the 1880s with the addition of the railroad to the new village. “New Town” grew (distinguishing itself from “Old Town”, a few miles away) and investment into buildings, transit, and infrastructure along Railroad Ave. quickly turned “New Town” into a central hub for the area. In 1912 Railroad Ave. was re-named Central Ave., as we know it today. Over the next couple decades, Downtown continued to grow and in 1926, Central Ave. intersected the first Route 66 route, going in a north-south alignment long what is 4th Street today. In 1937, U.S. 66 was realigned along Central Avenue, creating the one and only "crossroads" of Route 66 in the entire nation. Centering the heart of the city, Downtown’s history intersects with Route 66 and it’s culture to this day. Take in a mix of old and new, as you explore the neighborhood and enjoy a one of a kind place.

NM MainStreet RT66 Passports
RT66 Centennial Resources

Images courtesy of ABQ Museum, gift of Nancy Tucker.

NM Mainstreet route 66 centennial passport

The NMMS Route 66 Centennial Passport program is a fun way to celebrate 100 years of Route 66 as part of your adventure along the Mother Road. Pick up your NM MainStreet Route 66 Centennial rack card and sticker at participating businesses — collect stickers from all ten districts for a keepsake of this historic celebration. The program will run January-December 2026, during the Rt 66 Centennial.

Passports and stickers can be found at participating businesses within each NM MainStreet district. To learn more about each district and which businesses to stop at, head to the NM MainStreet website linked below.

NMMS RT66 Passports

downtown Albuquerque Route 66 passport businesses

Stop by any of these 3 businesses to collect your Downtown ABQ passport sticker!

Lindy’s Diner

Lindy’s Diner is the longest running diner on New Mexico Route 66 (and possibly the entire route!). Founded in 1929 and passed down through the same family, Lindy’s Diner celebrates 97 years this year. Enjoy classic diner options for breakfast and lunch, as well as a space that feels like Route 66.

HOURS:

  • M-Sat: 8am - 4pm

  • Sunday: 8am - 3:30pm

WEBSITE

Ex Novo Downtown

A more recent business to Downtown, Ex Novo Brewing Co. transformed a former Firestone Tire and Auto Shop into a multi-venue café, coffee shop, restaurant and bar. Firestone had been a Route 66 staple since 1930 and Ex Novo honors that history with images throughout the space. With Sammy’s Café, Ex Novo Restaurant/Bar and The Bitter Nun Bar – you can check them out any time of day.

HOURS:

  • EX Novo: Sun - W: 11:30am - 9pm
    TH - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm

  • Sammy’s Cafe: Daily 8am - 2:30pm

  • The Bitter Nun: TH - Sat: 4pm - 12am
    Sun: 4pm -10am

WEBSITE

Arepas el pana

Arepas el Pana: Located in the center of Downtown’s Central Ave. (Route 66), this Venezuelan restaurant opened in 2024 and is leading the way in diversifying Downtown and Route 66 cuisine. While diners are found all over Route 66, have you tried an arepa or empanada while road tripping? It’s worth the visit!

HOURS:

  • M/T: 9am - 4pm

  • W: Closed

  • TH: 9am - 4pm

  • F/Sat: 9am - 8pm

  • Sun: 9am - 4:30pm

WEBSITE

Route 66 Centennial resources