Breaking Bad Fan Mecca: Albuquerque, NM 🎬

My road trip brought me to Albuquerque—and as a die-hard Breaking Bad fan, this city is nothing short of a sacred site! Here are all the iconic spots I checked off my list: 66 Diner A classic spot on the original Route 66! The interior has so much retro charm—think neon signs, vintage decor, and that nostalgic “road trip diner” vibe. Outside, there’s a vibrant graffiti wall that’s perfect for photos (it’s basically a must for capturing that Route 66 x Breaking Bad crossover energy).📍 Address: 1405 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque Twisters Burgers and Burritos Gus Fring—one of my favorite characters (even his final moments, where he straightens his collar before… well, you know) deserves a pilgrimage to his “Pollos Hermanos” stand-in! Fun fact: This spot doesn’t just serve fried chicken (like Gus’s fictional chain)—it’s a full-on Mexican restaurant with all the classics (burritos, tacos, you name it). Walking in feels like stepping right into the show.📍 Address: 4275 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque To’hajiilee Reservation This is where Walter White’s descent into “Heisenberg” truly kicked into high gear! Remember that intense scene: Walt, half-naked (only in his underwear), wielding a gun, ready to go down with the cops—only to realize it’s just a fire truck passing by? That “close call, rollercoaster of a life” moment was filmed here. The red, rugged hills of New Mexico feel wild and desolate here—exactly the kind of landscape that mirrors Walt’s unraveling.📍 How to get there: It’s on Indigenous land (managed by B.B Sightseeing). First drive to Canoncito School Rd, Laguna, NM, then search for “To’hajiilee Breaking Bad filming location” to narrow it down. The Breaking Bad Store Heaven for fans! This shop has every piece of merch you could want—“Blue Meth” candy, Pollos Hermanos hats, Heisenberg hoodies… you name it. Plus, there’s a tiny museum section inside, with behind-the-scenes props, crew memorabilia, and stories about how the show was filmed. I spent way too long here (no regrets) and left with a handful of souvenirs to prove it.📍 Address: 2047 S Plaza St NW, Albuquerque El Paisa Taqueria Okay, this one isn’t a Breaking Bad spot—but it’s a local gem I stumbled on, and it’s too good not to share! The place is no-frills (no fancy plates, cash-only) but the food? Chef’s kiss. Their beef tongue tacos are a must—fresh, tender, and packed with flavor. The beef cheek and pork belly tacos are also incredible. Even if you’re just in town for Breaking Bad, add this to your food list.📍 Address: 820 Bridge Blvd SW, Albuquerque🚗📸 El Pinto Restaurant Another food stop, but this one’s a classic for ABQ visitors! I came specifically for their signature red chili ribs—a New Mexican twist on BBQ that’s spicy, savory, and falls off the bone. It’s the kind of comfort food that tastes even better after a day of chasing Breaking Bad spots.📍 Address: 10500 4th St NW, Albuquerque #BreakingBad #RoadTrip #Route66 #NewMexico #MexicanFood #AlbuquerqueOldTown #FanPilgrimage #TravelDiaries