Flying Star Cafe
8000 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87122
Flying Star Cafe Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
8000 Paseo Del Norte NE
Albuquerque, NM, 87122 - Phone (505) 923-4211
- Website https://www.flyingstarcafe.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 9:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Minny R.
Trendy and a feel-good ambiance. Just a delightful cafe. The aesthetics are wonderful, from the colors on the walls, interior decorations, the pretty bakery items on display, and even the presentation of food itself. If you're the type of person who doesn't mind spending five bucks for a drink at ("Fivebucks") Starbucks, then you really ought to come to the Flying Star. It's that much better in my opinion. Everything is pricey though. It's not for the financial faint-of-heart.
(4)Jen C.
Stopped in for a light lunch and the Yelp pictures of the key lime pie is what sold us on Flying Star. Casual dining, look at the menu board then order from the counter. Huge dining room and good sized patio seating available. The service was amazing, friendly, helpful, and they helped us figure out how to order. (we didn't realize it was counter ordering at first) The BLT on a pretzel roll was great, fantastic crispy bacon, and the roll was amazing. We had a side of onion rings that were good, but I'll try the sweet potato fries next time. The bakery was really spectacular though. Something for everyone and all freshly made onsite. The pie was divine, but I gotta go back for the mammoth chocolate eclair and try those amazing looking scones. It's good to know the patio is dog friendly it would be a great place to have a mid morning snack or late breakfast. I will be back for sure!!!
(4)Junior B.
I've always enjoyed the atmosphere and really off the wall foods with big desserts. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Tonight I'm alone and it's always a good place to hang out with or without someone. The wifi is always fast and dependable. For dinner i am having pasta Florentine with bacon (yummy) black olives cherry tomatoes and artichoke. Pasta is a light mac n cheese with mushrooms. Sounds good because it is. Great place just to hang and kill the time. Coffee is always fresh Five stars if you get a manager to talk to the guest LETS EAT!!
(4)Dave D.
Clean, fast and friendly service. A little smaller than the other Flying Stars, but comfortable. We noticed that the magazines had been pulled from the shelves and asked why, turns out they weren't profitable so they're going to an online deal.
(4)Lacey B.
The Pro's: 1. Fresh food 2. Friendly service 3. Frequent Flier reward card that definitely pays off 4. Large menu selection 5. Many desserts to choose from 6. Good atmosphere, great magazines, and nice decor. 7. Red Stuff (a delicious beverage which can be easily made at home) 8. The outdoor seating area is really nice. The Con's: 1. The price - service and food like this? It will cost ya. 2. Seating arrangments - this location seems to have more open seating and it can be noisy. 3. Parking - it can be a pain trying to find a parking space. 4. I like the layout of the Flying Star in Bernallilo better! 5. The cost of the Red Stuff 6. Crowded, this place is like a zoo at peak dinner hours. Side note: I tried the tuna sandwich recently. It was a supreme disappointment. It tasted old and a funky sweet taste to it. I was gaging it down. So, needless to say, stay away from the tuna.
(4)Scott E.
Flying Star- a place I want to love, but just can't. The food is good. My wife had the Garden Harvest and absolutely loved it! The desserts are awesome, BUT, the prices are simply outrageous. $12 for a burger that is fine but no better than a number of places in Albuquerque? I mean, really, $11 for a veggie burger? $4 for a lemonade and you can't get even one refill? Unless those lemons were mixed with the sweet tears of a Greek goddess, it just ain't worth it. It's a fun place to meet a friend for a cup of coffee and a sweet, but bring the bank if you want dinner.
(3)Shirley F.
At the Menaul location. Latte is fair. Took way too long to make it. Bathrooms are disgusting!
(2)Maree I.
Not awesome! Food is mediocre, service is subpar, prices are high, and it is not the cleanest. I will not choose to eat here again. I've given this restaurant too many chances. The grove is much better.
(1)Teresa T.
This place never ceases to amaze me. Their authentic New Mexican cuisine mixed with fine cuisine that you would see at $40 a plate restaurants combine to make fantastic food! Their pies and dessert are among the best I've ever tasted. I crave their fruit tarts on a weekly basis, but as I don't live in Albuquerque anymore I no longer can acquire on a weekly basis. My bank account appreciates me though as a meal here can get pretty pricey quickly with the side of deliciousness here and a slice of sweet awesomeness there, etc.
(5)Yashar I.
So. Damn. Expensive. That aside, there is plenty of seating here which is nice. The internet is pretty slow if you're bringing a laptop. They really need to upgrade their speed at this location. As the only cafe that I have found open until 10:30 on a weekday, this would be such a great stop if it weren't for the outlandish prices.
(2)Laura W.
Damn, do I miss Flying Star. I lived walking distance from this location for about 1.5 years and husband and I made the walk pretty regularly for breakfast at all times of day. The dog-friendly patio was a big plus for us as we could bring our pup with no problems. While back in town to help my mother move house, I made a point of us swinging back by again so I could get my fix which is what reminded me to write this (long overdue) review. As stated, we went for breakfast. I had lunch and dinner a few times there, but those meals were always mediocre. Breakfast dishes are where this place shines. Big fat burritos and omelets, Huevos Rancheros, the Southwest Bennie, breakfast sandwiches, all delicious. Their breakfast fruit cocktail thing (yogurt, fresh & dried fruit, nuts, etc) is like desert for breakfast. SO good. Some of their seasonal stuff is spectacular as well. They try to source locally as much as possible, which I love. Friendly employees, delicious baked goods, lots of seating at this location. Good coffee. Oh, FS, I miss you!
(4)Brian M.
This is the greatest place to eat. Something for everyone in the family. Great service,friendly staff and even the bathroom are clean. I am here 3 times a week. see you soon.
(5)Howie K.
Flying Star review installment number three. If you want to know what I think of the food, refer to my reviews of the North Valley and downtown locations. In short, I'm a fan. There's something on the menu for every palate, the ingredients are locally-sourced, what's not to like. The prices, maybe. Check the menu listings before you visit. As far as this particular location goes, it makes the most of comparatively limited space with an open circular dining layout, booths along the walls, and some good spots to plug in if your devices need juice. Regarding my experiences at various locations, this one seems to have the customer service part nailed better than the rest, including the occasionally aggressive up-sell. And I don't blame them. Considering the assortment of coffees and pastries this place offers, they have plenty to brag about. Like most of the better businesses in Albuquerque, public opinion can vary wildly depending on a person's particular taste. Some people get turned off by the yuppie-clean look of the facility; I think it's perfect for business. The chile isn't aggressive, but you can't deny the earthy authenticity of it. And considering these locations are packed morning through night, the popularity among locals is evident in spades. Oh, and check out the patio at this place during the spring and fall. It's easy to love.
(4)William C.
Yet again. I am a glutton for punishment. Perhaps I am too hopeful. Perhaps they have a great marketing ploy. Maybe I am too picky. I might be crazy. Now, this is yet a new review of this location and I so want it to be great because..... 1. They have great locations. 2. The stores are cool and I enjoy the open layout along with the relaxed style. However, again, completely underwhelmed and overcharged. 2 people for lunch and about $30.00 later I was contemplating asking the APD motorcycle policeman if he happened to see where my money went. Here are the specs: Counter person, pleasant, but not necessarily caring. Mostly robotic actually, not like Hal in a Space Odyssey, but more like Atari pong/2dimemsional. I ordered (against my better judgement so I take some culpability) the 1/2 sandwich and soup combo and picked the tomato bisque. I was reluctant, but I do enjoy tomato soup when prepared fresh. I was though, concerned with the whole bisque thing as occasionally, the bisque will break, and instead of a creamy, homogenous, light almost drinkable souffle, one can end up with the undistributed parts (mostly the vegetable puree and the fat which should be cream but in this case was butter, and lots of it coagulated in tiny little bubbles that eventually formed a slick on the top of the bisque. The sandwich was a 1/2 turkey on wheat. That is obviously fail safe, and it was a 1/2 turkey sandwich, in all of its glory or lack thereof. So again, on leaving the establishment, I remind myself of the open architecture, the quirky relaxed style, the overpriced ramekin of butter and tomato bisque, and the turkey slice on a 1/2 slice of wheat bread, and feel, underwhelmed, uninspired, and unsatisfied. Again.
(1)Charles R.
Great place! It's an easy location to get to, and has wonderful food. There are options for everyone, including great salads, wonderful burgers, amazing breakfasts, and tasty desserts. While it can be quite crowded at peak meal times, there usually is room on the patio. The wait staff is friendly and service is amazing. Whenever I'm in Albuquerque, I try to stop off at least once.
(5)Andrew T.
Flying star- fresh food, local, and great tasting. The only downside is it is a little bit pricey for the amount of food. For that I flyovers it four stars. Went there for breakfast with a friend. I had the southwest Benny which you must try. Its a fresh English muffin open faced with two green chile turkey patties, two eggs, and an awesome cheesey green chile sauce. Great take on eggs Benedict. A little expensive but worth it. Pair it with some unlimited coffee and you have some energy for the day. My breakfast mate had fresh squeezed OJ and the green chile roll with cream cheese. All in all great morning.
(4)Angela M.
Had breakfast there was sick for days. It took me a few months before I decided to eat there again and it's only because I work close by . Ordered carry out had their Athena salad and they forgot avacado. Officially done with flying star.
(1)Tofu D.
I enjoy all the Flying Stars, and I enjoy this location as well, since I now live in the north side of ABQ. They have a nice layout, and it's perfect for people who need to "plug in," as there are outlets near every table. Everyone is online when I get here, so seating can be limited. Service is great, and they always have a lot of counter help, but like many Flying Stars, their pricing is crazy high. But, the food is great. I had a soup today, because I was hungry and rode my bike in, in the colder weather. I pretty much just dumped it down my throat, because it was delicious and my spoon muscles were too slow for the consumption rate I wanted. They also just updated their desserts, so you should definitely try something new, as they use great ingredients and their bakers and cook staff are great at what they do. I'm a regular here and I don't plan on regular-ing around whenever there's a Flying Star around.
(5)Wes T.
This is a unique spin on the cafe model. You order cafeteria-style, and then they bring it out to you. There's not real waiter service in the classic sense. They just bring it out to you, and then float off. Kind of nice in that respect, since you don't have to tip 'em. Yep, I'm a cheap skate like that. Food's not bad. Daily specials. Green chile on everything, if you want. Beer, wine, which is nice. There's a weird thing going on here with magazines and other periodicals. Like, there's a bunch of these on the wall, like as if you were in a Borders, so it's a kind of bookstore/cafe thing going on.
(3)Nicole O.
I don't get it! Too much money for the food here. I don't think I have ever really enjoyed or remembered a dish I liked. I order something different everytime. My friends love it and suggest it all the time and have a frequent card. I only like that dogs are allowed on the patio.lol
(3)Candice M.
Expensive for what you get, and not a fan of the new menu changes. The only reason we still go is for the outside dining. It really is a beautiful patio but we definitely don't go as often as we use to since the menu change.
(3)Joshua W.
just paid $14 for a breakfast omelette and coffee. Their omelette was incredibly small with hardly anything in it. Not worth it one bit. NEVER EATING BREAKFAST HERE AGAIN. On another note, their cobb salad is pretty good.
(1)Jamie R.
Of all the Flying Stars in town, this is my favorite for getting work done, either on my own or with meetings. The large windows let in lots of natural light, there are multiple areas with power for charing devices, and free wifi. And while it can be loud when it's really busy, the background noise is usually tolerable. The staff are very friendly, and if you're going to be a here for a while and want a drink before ordering food, they'll let you do so and then pay all at once when placing the main order. Talk about service! My favorite drink is a pot of Jasmine tea, and that pairs well with green chile turkey sausage or a morning sundae of yogurt, fruit and nuts. Or for lunch one of their fresh salads has always been a good choice. A lot of people reference the prices but as Ken F says, you get what you pay for, and frequenting a place that promotes other local businesses is worth it. Plus if you use the free points card they offer, you get $5 free for every $50 and that helps too.
(4)R P.
Best quality breakfast I've had thus far in ABQ. Food was delicious and the view is great. Staff was not very attentive.
(5)Al S.
This place has a great menu and friendly staff. The food is fresh and of high quality. The prices are a bit on the high side and sometimes I've had to ask to have my food warmed up because it's been cold, but all-in-all I like it. I seem to always come back. The pastry here is the best I've had pretty much anywhere. The ambiance is warm and fun. The people who work here seem to like their job. The parking can be rough around major meal times. Some of my favorites include the Mac & Cheese w/broccoli - the Vegetarian omelette - and any pastry. Did I mention the pastry? :)
(4)Rand R.
Consistent, reliable, high quality, but pretty darn pricey. A great place to enjoy a meal, dessert, get some work done, or just pass time.
(3)Ashley E.
Meh...they upped the price of their burgers but did nothing to make them more exciting. $12 for a chicken burger with coleslaw is ridiculous. It was pretty blah, sad to say. It's nice to know where your food comes from, but BOY OH BOY do you pay the price.
(3)Damacio U.
Food is always consistent, and customer service is tops.
(3)Richard S.
One of my favorites in ABQ! The food is always original, fresh and delicious most of it is actually healthy stuff too. Oh if we only had one I Scottsdale. Meanwhile when in ABQ I recommend that you visit and enjoy
(4)Korrie B.
The bird burger and sweet potato fries were excellent! Only regret is that I didn't try any treats.
(4)Kore W.
Today was the last time I will go to Flying Star! Every time I walk in and get a certain counter person, with a dead front tooth, I know a couple of things: 1. My order will be wrong 2. I will have to correct her several times 3. I will feel ripped off 4. I will regret tipping As usual today she messed up my Huevos. Plus my sons pancakes were RAW in the middle. While trying to correct the mistake the bus person was very rude and I heard the cooks yelling about it. Oh and to top it off the manager was very rude when I told him how crappy our service was. It seems he sets the tone of failure for the entire staff. I don't know why I have continued to go there as it always is something. Today however, I am saying NO MORE FLYING STAR!!!!!!!
(1)T G.
Just paid $90 for 4 entrées and a child meal ... two sodas. I could pay this for a full service restaurant ... not a fast casual concept such as Flying Star. The food is 'meh for the price.
(2)Michelle I.
The Paseo location always seems to be busy, but the service is quick and efficient. Hubby brought home a fresh fruit tart one day and I ate at least five servings worth in one sitting because it was SO good. Not only did it taste great, but it looked really pretty. My kids like the breakfast and hot cocoa, but I cannot speak to that because I was home enjoying some peace and quiet while their grandparents treated them.
(4)Ashley B.
Great food, great desserts, and great atmosphere! The portions are huge, though, so make sure you're hungry!
(5)Steve M.
Wow, so this was a really happy/lucky find on our drive home from Arizona. The food was really good, and so was the service. We were able to sit on the patio with our dog, and this was great. Really nice place!
(4)Nicki K.
Food is always good but I do feel that it is a bit over priced...
(4)Jessica F.
Love the feel and atmosphere of this place. It's almost always busy with customers, but it doesn't really feel all that busy. When you're ordering you have to stand in this line while looking at all the desserts, sandwiches, breads, and everything else that you may or may not want. =) Free wifi and good coffee. Try the fish and chips, any the burgers, and definitely try the rhubarb-strawberry pie!! This pie is one of my favorites to this day, and I haven't been able to find anything close to it here in LA..
(5)Melissa K.
One of my favorite Flying Stars, especially for those up in the Northern burbs of ABQ. The location is good, parking is great, and those high ceilings, big glass windows, and a crackling fireplace make for a great spot to sit, sip and munch, or get into a full course meal. I'm addicted to their coffee and cheese danishes (seriously. those things are like crack.) I brought a group of newbies here this weekend, and we had a great breakfast. I went with the Huevos Rancheros (since I was visiting ABQ for the first time in 4 years, I tried to ingest as much green chile as possible. Yum.) They were pretty good. The potatoes were done just perfectly, and my easy eggs were just as runny and messy as I like it! We shared an order of Blueberry pancakes which turned out to be too big and fluffy for us, after all the eggs, beans and potatoes, so maybe this would be better as a standalone, than an add on. I really wish they would expand nationally. I live in Atlanta now, and I could use this experience once or twice a week.
(4)Brittany A.
Quality food in a casual setting. You might feel like its going to be just "chain food" when you order at the register, but its so much better. I had the breakfast hash (sweet potatoes, quinoa, onion and peppers, with an egg on top) - delicious and not oversized. The baked goods looked great, but i didn't have any. breakfast is served all day. it seems to be a big hangout for students to get together and "study".
(4)Carl P.
There seems to me like there is a big hype in Albuquerque about how good Flying Star is, but I've never been impressed. The food is pretty pricey, and the staff always finds a way to demonstrate their incompetence or laziness. Flying Star gets by on being trendy, but the quality and value just aren't up to par.
(2)JoAnna G.
Gotta love Flying Star! Great place to drink coffee and study or grab a bite to eat. Delicious burgers (seriously!!), heavenly desserts, and fantastic coffee! Oh yeah the mac and cheese is crazy good and I'm sure I haven't been disappointed yet about anything I've ordered. Love the paseo and downtown locations best, although all of them have a pretty great vibe to them.
(5)Molly M.
Great ambience. Salad was a little too oily but the ingredients were fresh and unique. The homemade BBQ chips were delicious and their baked goods are fantastic.
(4)Jennifer L.
I have been holding off my review for flying star because sometimes I have a love-hate relationship with this place.... I have had many great experiences here.. It was my first local Albuquerque joint I went to when moving here so it is somewhat of a sentimental place.. It is a great place to have a good meal if you are alone and want to eat out but don't feel like people are gonna stare at you for being by yourself. Here are some of my favorite things about flying star: -the huevos rancheros -The rise and shine breakfast sandwich -Mac and cheese with green chile -Thai steak salad (before they changed up the recipe) -the ugly muffin (before they changed up the recipe) -you can order alcohol -the veggie burger Here are some things I don't like: -$$ overpriced -stop trying to up-sell me desserts and drinks at the register!! -why did u have to change the ugly muffin to a dry lump? -why did u have to get rid of the wheat noodles in the Thai steak salad? -why is there no more acapulco salad? And why was it $12? Well I still end up coming back here for the ease and atmosphere but I'm always torn with my feelings about this place... ::sigh::
(3)Carl P.
The food is consistent across all locations, regardless of Santa Fe or Abq...and this is a good thing. Service is kinda sketchy...at this particular location, they were out of coffee behind the counter, so the guy handed me my cup and said, "you can fill this up at the free refill station"...um, ok...and what, pray tell, is this tip container on the counter for? tip containers are a growing concern of mine among restaurants in the U.S. - not sure how it works elsewhere in the world, but places like this really make me laugh. if you're not paid a waiter/waitress salary (ie, pennies) and actually make minimum wage, how is it that you get tips? especially if you are only doing the bare minimum to get by at your job... i'm all about tipping when the service is, well, above par. after all, isn't that what tipping is supposed to be about? not because you feel you deserve a tip, but because you've earned it...
(2)Nicole T.
Something has happened here over the past year. Prices have increased, portions have decreased and when I order a salad it's mostly lettuce with very little of the described ingredients. This may explain why their locations don't seem as busy as they used to be.
(3)Paul G.
For some reason my aunt was obsessed with this place and wanted to eat every meal here. This place was super trendy (i think there is a lack of places like this in new Mexico) which is why I think it has such high marks. I think people are forgetting why they came here in the first place... the food? The baked goods looked delicious but I did not indulge in any of them. The french toast that I had was no better than any other french toast. My glass of orange juice was some of the best orange juice i have ever had. I spent 10 bucks on two glasses, this place ain't cheap.
(3)Tiffany W.
Some of the best salads in town, and most other menu items are pretty good as well. Most of the menu is a bit overpriced for what it is, but not terrible. The Mac and cheese is curiously good. I generally find the desserts disappointing. They look very pretty but do not taste as good as they look.
(4)J S.
When walking through the door at a non-rush hour, perhaps FS Paseo should consider handing out flare guns to patrons entering in order to help facilitate a greeting from staff and the service and attention that customers at such an upscale, well-appointed, and expensive joint deserve. This is now the second time I've entered the same FS location with virtually no customers around, and it's though you need to wave a fuchsia flag around too get any attention or even a delaying (and sometimes understandable) "welcome, we'll be right with you!" So why only two stars? It's not like the food is bad...I mean, that's why people like me keep coming back. But when it comes to lots of the food that they serve (pretty much all the pastries in the counters), it's all made offsite so it's not like this location deserves the credit for the handiwork of bakers across town. And the place is beautiful, but again, the architecture and interior design wasn't done by anyone here. No...restaurants are customer-service oriented businesses, and decent and often offsite-made food aside, I judge them largely on how they treat their customers. Bottom line: for the price you pay for overpriced food that is generally only decent, and for million-dollar decor and architecture, you'd at least expect to be greeted upon arrival (as you generally are at many of the other Flying Star locations), and see smiles on the faces of staff when interacting with customers. Then again, perhaps the "Stellar" benefits that Flying Stars' job postings at the front door promise aren't that stellar after all.
(2)Karla B.
My first favorite Flying Star was the one on Paseo del Norte. At the time, living alone in Albuquerque, I made it my mission to make this the place that everybody knows my name. Most of the staff did. Food is good, a little too expensive, but really, free reading material (wall of every magazine imaginable to man) and the view of the Sandias is priceless. I moved away from Albuquerque and then came back to live near the one on Central Ave. I was a frequent drinker and diner. Different, but same, vibe. Now, moved away again and think longingly of my days hanging at the Flying Star.
(4)John H.
Well, if you like Flying Paycheck you might want to stop reading. Once a great thing, the prices have climbed, the portions are still too small. The service is solid, the environment is great, a must dine place for those in their 30s to 60s who want to feel groovy. And the food is good (though, with tons of butter, salt, and sugar, most things can taste good). And Flying does do good things for the community...wait a second...you're doing good things for the community. At 9 dollars for a lemonade and a refill, that's YOU doing good things. And this is what we tell ourselves on the rare occasion that we still find ourselves in Flying Paycheck.
(2)Ken F.
When I first came to Albuquerque this was one of my favorite places. This location is great with plenty of tables to eat, hangout, or work/study. The food is always great including the desserts and pastries. I especially like some of their entrees with red and green chile. They also have specials so you don't get bored of the regular menu. The only downside are the prices. For ABQ they are a little high but also the quality and service for me at least has always been been high. You are getting what you pay for.
(4)emely j.
As the events of the weekend wrapped, I knew I had one last place to hit. I had researched using my good friend Yelp, and knew it was right up my alley. The Flying Star Café is a native Albuquerque place and has several locations. I had the Greek Goddess salad and of course, still left room for dessert. The choice of dessert was by far the hardest decision of the day. The display case was the kind of thing I think about as I fall asleep at night. Read slowly and in a whispering voice. Cakes, pies, cookies, bread pudding, éclairs, muffins, this place had it all and baked fresh. I was lucky enough to try two things from the Flying star: a coconut custard cake and a strawberry rhubarb slice of pie. I could have gone a la mode, but that would just have been gluttonous! Seriously, delicious stuff. If I had to say which was better, I would say the strawberry rhubarb because it was special in that it was sweet but not syrupy and the crust was perfection. It was the kind of dessert you hope someone doesn't finish so you can devour it (not that that happened or anything). It was a great meal, great hot air balloon experience, and great company.
(5)Jack L.
The food is good, just not $$$$ good. However, if I needed a place to go sit for a couple of hours with a coffee and my computer, this is where I'd pick.
(3)Robert S.
This is an Albuquerque based restaurant chain that started as a Double Rainbow ice cream shop and bakery on Central in the Nob Hill area. It has enjoyed great success and expanded to Flying Star Restaurants and Satellite Coffee shops. Unfortunately, they left behind the higher quality Double Rainbow ice cream they used to offer but their bakery dessert items and their combination New Mexico - California inspired menu are excellent and have remained excellent as this chain has grown. They have traditional New Mexican entrees like blue corn enchiladas that are fresh and comparable to traditional New Mexican Restaurants. They have good fries that they will prepare with chile and cheddar cheese. Their salads are creative and consistently good. They use the modified cafeteria approach to service where you order in front of a counter and drinks and some items are provided immediately and a waiter brings the items that come from the kitchen to your table later. This is a consistent and pleasant place to visit with a lot of options for any meal.
(4)Sujan P.
Over priced don't fess up to their mistakes. No matter how tasty the desserts might be. Besides, with obesity in our country, it's probably best I cut them off. I've never been back nor have my friends & family. Nothing wrong with some solidarity!
(1)Lee P.
After living in ABQ for a few months, I can say that this chain is cute, ubiquitous, and markedly overpriced. But...the coffee is delicious, the food is great, and it's everywhere...and I'd always rather go to a funky local spot than a dirty, boring national chain (Starbucks can you hear me?).
(3)Rob F.
In a city that (apologies) has a dearth of what you'd call "hip urban" style eateries, Flying Star diners set themselves apart. Wonderful decor that is both stylish and comfortable, the experience is where it's at; although the food is no slouch either. The Paseo del Norte location has high ceilings and a large picture window looking out towards the Sandia Mountains the base of which is only a couple of miles away. The menu is a wide variety of what I'd call "comfort food". Burgers, macaroni & cheese, meatloaf and the like. You can also find salads and soups. The espresso drinks are above average. What Flying Star is most known for, however, are their baked good. Pies are top of the list, and a holiday staple for residents of the 'Burke during the holidays. This is a chain that would succeed in just about any city, Albuquerque is lucky to have it to themselves.
(5)Guy H.
My 1st time here. Good food and good service
(4)Jaime Patricio M.
I have been going to Flying Star for years--ever since the advent of the uber cool Double Rainbow on Central Avenue. This location is modern, comfortable and has a plethora of baked goods; all consistent and wonderful over the years. The menu has grown increasing large; I ordered a hamburger and hoping it had Star beef; the beef did not seem to be high quality. I like ground chuck; and I like it freshly ground; this burger should be built and delivered as their desserts. There is room for improvement in this and their salads. The prices are relatively high even for Albuquerque; living in San Francisco I am very price aware when I travel; the prices here should justify more interesting things like sea salt; organic ketchup and grilled red onions. Just a little more attention would make the diner more than enthusiastic; keep them smiling and they will come back for more.
(3)B G.
The first and only coffee I was able to drink straight black.
(4)Darcy K.
This is my favorite Flying Star location. Four stars for the great atmosphere, beautiful views of the Sandia mountains from either the huge windows inside or the seating outside, free wireless and plenty of electrical outlets, the mud pie, and the Satellite coffee - try the black velvet. I only have had a few of the actual dinner/lunch items. They were just OK and mostly a waste of money. If you need to get some work or studying done, this is an absolutely great place to do it. Get some great coffee(s), open up your computer, and you are set for hours. Plenty of seating, though the place is always bustling. I only wish they stayed open past 10 PM on weeknights.
(4)Shawna B.
With the trendy art, comfy seating, upstairs magazine area and over priced coffee The Flying star is pretty "hip". It has a good vibe for studying or for meeting up with friends. The baristas are friendly and the venue is clean and spacious. They allow customers to reserve rooms for parties/dinners. My rating is lacking a star due to their prices and the fact that they time their wi-fi users.
(4)Heather F.
first off - i have to say that for albuquerque Flying Star is very trendy! they should open one in Denver or San Fran or Chicago. i totally love going there because i can hang out, surf the net, study and relax. i love the staff, they always smile and are very nice. i love that they leave you alone and let you be. the food is great. everything is very fresh and not very greasy. i like the tuna melt and the patty melt and the cowgirl cookies!! i could eat cowgirl cookies all day long. they are amazing. the food is alittle pricey but i think it is worth the freshness. Def someplace that i frequent.
(5)jin h.
Got stuck in Albuquerque (tricky spelling) when our air conditioner broke down on our la to chicago car trip. Not a lot to smile about but this place seriously made up a lot. I ordered the breakfast burrito (no meat) and it was very good. Eggs were light and fluffy. Not overcooked and cheese was distinctive and tasty as well. All their ingredients claim to be organic and the quality is noticeably above average. The iced tea was horrible though. Price was fairly high but we ended up staying several hours here while the car's belt was being detached from the failing air conditioner. Yes, that's right, we drove from NM to Chicago with no air conditioner in August (hooray)! There are electrical outlets and free wifi here. There are also comfy chairs upstairs (a little dirty but comfortable). So much frazzled nerves were soothed by this place. Just an off topic but NM was my favorite state during the drive. The place really is enchanted.
(4)Sara N.
i have now been to all of the ABQ flying stars. Have yet to have a bad experience! The sandwiches are just the right size (big enough to be a satisfying lunch but not so big i need a nap after). the sugar cookies there are the best i've ever had in my life (i dream about them when not in ABQ). the atmosphere is awesome, the staff is always friendly... i come here every time i visit new mexico. thanks!
(4)Bryan G.
I freakin love their french toast with strawberries and bananas. I would drive to Albuquerque from Colorado just for the french toast.
(4)Anita W.
Great place for hanging out, study group etc. Most of all great food, good service, it's like my private kitchen!
(4)J K.
This was my 2nd visit to Albuquerque for business. Went to the Fying Star for breakfast with the local company associate. Had the Fabulous French Toast with freshly squeezed oranged juice. It was the best breakfast I had in years. It was a young yuppy crowd like the ones you would see in the Bay Area. Would definitely go there again on my future visits.
(5)Minny R.
Trendy and a feel-good ambiance. Just a delightful cafe. The aesthetics are wonderful, from the colors on the walls, interior decorations, the pretty bakery items on display, and even the presentation of food itself. If you're the type of person who doesn't mind spending five bucks for a drink at ("Fivebucks") Starbucks, then you really ought to come to the Flying Star. It's that much better in my opinion. Everything is pricey though. It's not for the financial faint-of-heart.
(4)Larry S.
Normally, this place hasn't been too bad but they've been going down hill. Tried the Ranch Breakfast this morning and was disappointed. I ordered the eggs over medium and got one over hard and the other over easy. Guess they thought they could split the difference. The turkey sausage was undercooked and the potatoes over cooked. I might have understood all this if they were busy but they weren't. Coffee was good though!
(2)Jen C.
Stopped in for a light lunch and the Yelp pictures of the key lime pie is what sold us on Flying Star. Casual dining, look at the menu board then order from the counter. Huge dining room and good sized patio seating available. The service was amazing, friendly, helpful, and they helped us figure out how to order. (we didn't realize it was counter ordering at first) The BLT on a pretzel roll was great, fantastic crispy bacon, and the roll was amazing. We had a side of onion rings that were good, but I'll try the sweet potato fries next time. The bakery was really spectacular though. Something for everyone and all freshly made onsite. The pie was divine, but I gotta go back for the mammoth chocolate eclair and try those amazing looking scones. It's good to know the patio is dog friendly it would be a great place to have a mid morning snack or late breakfast. I will be back for sure!!!
(4)Junior B.
I've always enjoyed the atmosphere and really off the wall foods with big desserts. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Tonight I'm alone and it's always a good place to hang out with or without someone. The wifi is always fast and dependable. For dinner i am having pasta Florentine with bacon (yummy) black olives cherry tomatoes and artichoke. Pasta is a light mac n cheese with mushrooms. Sounds good because it is. Great place just to hang and kill the time. Coffee is always fresh Five stars if you get a manager to talk to the guest LETS EAT!!
(4)Laura W.
Damn, do I miss Flying Star. I lived walking distance from this location for about 1.5 years and husband and I made the walk pretty regularly for breakfast at all times of day. The dog-friendly patio was a big plus for us as we could bring our pup with no problems. While back in town to help my mother move house, I made a point of us swinging back by again so I could get my fix which is what reminded me to write this (long overdue) review. As stated, we went for breakfast. I had lunch and dinner a few times there, but those meals were always mediocre. Breakfast dishes are where this place shines. Big fat burritos and omelets, Huevos Rancheros, the Southwest Bennie, breakfast sandwiches, all delicious. Their breakfast fruit cocktail thing (yogurt, fresh & dried fruit, nuts, etc) is like desert for breakfast. SO good. Some of their seasonal stuff is spectacular as well. They try to source locally as much as possible, which I love. Friendly employees, delicious baked goods, lots of seating at this location. Good coffee. Oh, FS, I miss you!
(4)Brian M.
This is the greatest place to eat. Something for everyone in the family. Great service,friendly staff and even the bathroom are clean. I am here 3 times a week. see you soon.
(5)Dale E.
Wow what a find. Great customer service and outstanding food. Reminds this east coaster of a combo between Panera and Noodles & Company. We came on a busy Saturday during the balloon fiesta and got our food within 20 minutes which was impressive considering the volume of people and the fact that the dishes are made to order. Ordered the Bird Burger which had outstanding taste with a little kick. Also, had the Mac & cheese with chicken and broccoli which was fantastic. The mango iced tea was great along with the Remix coffee. The coffee was the best in Albuquerque. Would highly recommend for a variety of eating options.
(4)Matt P.
I live in Arizona and have family in Kansas and Oklahoma, so Albuquerque has often been my stopping point for lunches and overnight stays on my drives between states. I discovered Flying Star once by chance, and I've been a fan of the New Mexico chain ever since. They have great food, and they put some thought and care into how they source some of their ingredients. I went to this particular location when I was in Albuquerque for Geek Bowl IX (the national competition for Geeks Who Drink). I was accompanied by a friend, and we had just arrived in Albuquerque that afternoon. Dazed from being on the road and very hungry, she and I were full of incoherent comments and stupid questions, but the person who helped us (I think her name might have been Nicole) was very patient and seemed genuinely interested in making sure we enjoyed our experience there. It was the first time my friend had been to a Flying Star, and she left a convert like me. Although I'm generally not a fan of homogeneous consumerism, if this chain ever expanded to Arizona, I would gladly become a regular.
(5)Lane V.
The Southwest Bennie is a fabulous New Mexico style start to your day. Huge for one, enough for two to share. Large, open, comfortable seating area with free wifi, good for meetings with friends, family or coworkers (or to get some work done by yourself). Lunch and Dinner sandwiches, soups and other cafe type stuff. Prices are high, but appropriate for what you get.
(5)Todd E.
Comfy environment. Pretty good food with some odd dishes. The desserts are tasty but overpriced. Now that they are in bankruptcy, they seem to have improved, but they have a ways to go.
(3)Ashley E.
Meh...they upped the price of their burgers but did nothing to make them more exciting. $12 for a chicken burger with coleslaw is ridiculous. It was pretty blah, sad to say. It's nice to know where your food comes from, but BOY OH BOY do you pay the price.
(3)Damacio U.
Food is always consistent, and customer service is tops.
(3)Richard S.
One of my favorites in ABQ! The food is always original, fresh and delicious most of it is actually healthy stuff too. Oh if we only had one I Scottsdale. Meanwhile when in ABQ I recommend that you visit and enjoy
(4)Korrie B.
The bird burger and sweet potato fries were excellent! Only regret is that I didn't try any treats.
(4)Dave D.
Clean, fast and friendly service. A little smaller than the other Flying Stars, but comfortable. We noticed that the magazines had been pulled from the shelves and asked why, turns out they weren't profitable so they're going to an online deal.
(4)John H.
Well, if you like Flying Paycheck you might want to stop reading. Once a great thing, the prices have climbed, the portions are still too small. The service is solid, the environment is great, a must dine place for those in their 30s to 60s who want to feel groovy. And the food is good (though, with tons of butter, salt, and sugar, most things can taste good). And Flying does do good things for the community...wait a second...you're doing good things for the community. At 9 dollars for a lemonade and a refill, that's YOU doing good things. And this is what we tell ourselves on the rare occasion that we still find ourselves in Flying Paycheck.
(2)Ken F.
When I first came to Albuquerque this was one of my favorite places. This location is great with plenty of tables to eat, hangout, or work/study. The food is always great including the desserts and pastries. I especially like some of their entrees with red and green chile. They also have specials so you don't get bored of the regular menu. The only downside are the prices. For ABQ they are a little high but also the quality and service for me at least has always been been high. You are getting what you pay for.
(4)Lacey B.
The Pro's: 1. Fresh food 2. Friendly service 3. Frequent Flier reward card that definitely pays off 4. Large menu selection 5. Many desserts to choose from 6. Good atmosphere, great magazines, and nice decor. 7. Red Stuff (a delicious beverage which can be easily made at home) 8. The outdoor seating area is really nice. The Con's: 1. The price - service and food like this? It will cost ya. 2. Seating arrangments - this location seems to have more open seating and it can be noisy. 3. Parking - it can be a pain trying to find a parking space. 4. I like the layout of the Flying Star in Bernallilo better! 5. The cost of the Red Stuff 6. Crowded, this place is like a zoo at peak dinner hours. Side note: I tried the tuna sandwich recently. It was a supreme disappointment. It tasted old and a funky sweet taste to it. I was gaging it down. So, needless to say, stay away from the tuna.
(4)Scott E.
Flying Star- a place I want to love, but just can't. The food is good. My wife had the Garden Harvest and absolutely loved it! The desserts are awesome, BUT, the prices are simply outrageous. $12 for a burger that is fine but no better than a number of places in Albuquerque? I mean, really, $11 for a veggie burger? $4 for a lemonade and you can't get even one refill? Unless those lemons were mixed with the sweet tears of a Greek goddess, it just ain't worth it. It's a fun place to meet a friend for a cup of coffee and a sweet, but bring the bank if you want dinner.
(3)Shirley F.
At the Menaul location. Latte is fair. Took way too long to make it. Bathrooms are disgusting!
(2)Maree I.
Not awesome! Food is mediocre, service is subpar, prices are high, and it is not the cleanest. I will not choose to eat here again. I've given this restaurant too many chances. The grove is much better.
(1)Teresa T.
This place never ceases to amaze me. Their authentic New Mexican cuisine mixed with fine cuisine that you would see at $40 a plate restaurants combine to make fantastic food! Their pies and dessert are among the best I've ever tasted. I crave their fruit tarts on a weekly basis, but as I don't live in Albuquerque anymore I no longer can acquire on a weekly basis. My bank account appreciates me though as a meal here can get pretty pricey quickly with the side of deliciousness here and a slice of sweet awesomeness there, etc.
(5)Yashar I.
So. Damn. Expensive. That aside, there is plenty of seating here which is nice. The internet is pretty slow if you're bringing a laptop. They really need to upgrade their speed at this location. As the only cafe that I have found open until 10:30 on a weekday, this would be such a great stop if it weren't for the outlandish prices.
(2)Howie K.
Flying Star review installment number three. If you want to know what I think of the food, refer to my reviews of the North Valley and downtown locations. In short, I'm a fan. There's something on the menu for every palate, the ingredients are locally-sourced, what's not to like. The prices, maybe. Check the menu listings before you visit. As far as this particular location goes, it makes the most of comparatively limited space with an open circular dining layout, booths along the walls, and some good spots to plug in if your devices need juice. Regarding my experiences at various locations, this one seems to have the customer service part nailed better than the rest, including the occasionally aggressive up-sell. And I don't blame them. Considering the assortment of coffees and pastries this place offers, they have plenty to brag about. Like most of the better businesses in Albuquerque, public opinion can vary wildly depending on a person's particular taste. Some people get turned off by the yuppie-clean look of the facility; I think it's perfect for business. The chile isn't aggressive, but you can't deny the earthy authenticity of it. And considering these locations are packed morning through night, the popularity among locals is evident in spades. Oh, and check out the patio at this place during the spring and fall. It's easy to love.
(4)William C.
Yet again. I am a glutton for punishment. Perhaps I am too hopeful. Perhaps they have a great marketing ploy. Maybe I am too picky. I might be crazy. Now, this is yet a new review of this location and I so want it to be great because..... 1. They have great locations. 2. The stores are cool and I enjoy the open layout along with the relaxed style. However, again, completely underwhelmed and overcharged. 2 people for lunch and about $30.00 later I was contemplating asking the APD motorcycle policeman if he happened to see where my money went. Here are the specs: Counter person, pleasant, but not necessarily caring. Mostly robotic actually, not like Hal in a Space Odyssey, but more like Atari pong/2dimemsional. I ordered (against my better judgement so I take some culpability) the 1/2 sandwich and soup combo and picked the tomato bisque. I was reluctant, but I do enjoy tomato soup when prepared fresh. I was though, concerned with the whole bisque thing as occasionally, the bisque will break, and instead of a creamy, homogenous, light almost drinkable souffle, one can end up with the undistributed parts (mostly the vegetable puree and the fat which should be cream but in this case was butter, and lots of it coagulated in tiny little bubbles that eventually formed a slick on the top of the bisque. The sandwich was a 1/2 turkey on wheat. That is obviously fail safe, and it was a 1/2 turkey sandwich, in all of its glory or lack thereof. So again, on leaving the establishment, I remind myself of the open architecture, the quirky relaxed style, the overpriced ramekin of butter and tomato bisque, and the turkey slice on a 1/2 slice of wheat bread, and feel, underwhelmed, uninspired, and unsatisfied. Again.
(1)Charles R.
Great place! It's an easy location to get to, and has wonderful food. There are options for everyone, including great salads, wonderful burgers, amazing breakfasts, and tasty desserts. While it can be quite crowded at peak meal times, there usually is room on the patio. The wait staff is friendly and service is amazing. Whenever I'm in Albuquerque, I try to stop off at least once.
(5)Andrew T.
Flying star- fresh food, local, and great tasting. The only downside is it is a little bit pricey for the amount of food. For that I flyovers it four stars. Went there for breakfast with a friend. I had the southwest Benny which you must try. Its a fresh English muffin open faced with two green chile turkey patties, two eggs, and an awesome cheesey green chile sauce. Great take on eggs Benedict. A little expensive but worth it. Pair it with some unlimited coffee and you have some energy for the day. My breakfast mate had fresh squeezed OJ and the green chile roll with cream cheese. All in all great morning.
(4)Angela M.
Had breakfast there was sick for days. It took me a few months before I decided to eat there again and it's only because I work close by . Ordered carry out had their Athena salad and they forgot avacado. Officially done with flying star.
(1)Tofu D.
I enjoy all the Flying Stars, and I enjoy this location as well, since I now live in the north side of ABQ. They have a nice layout, and it's perfect for people who need to "plug in," as there are outlets near every table. Everyone is online when I get here, so seating can be limited. Service is great, and they always have a lot of counter help, but like many Flying Stars, their pricing is crazy high. But, the food is great. I had a soup today, because I was hungry and rode my bike in, in the colder weather. I pretty much just dumped it down my throat, because it was delicious and my spoon muscles were too slow for the consumption rate I wanted. They also just updated their desserts, so you should definitely try something new, as they use great ingredients and their bakers and cook staff are great at what they do. I'm a regular here and I don't plan on regular-ing around whenever there's a Flying Star around.
(5)Wes T.
This is a unique spin on the cafe model. You order cafeteria-style, and then they bring it out to you. There's not real waiter service in the classic sense. They just bring it out to you, and then float off. Kind of nice in that respect, since you don't have to tip 'em. Yep, I'm a cheap skate like that. Food's not bad. Daily specials. Green chile on everything, if you want. Beer, wine, which is nice. There's a weird thing going on here with magazines and other periodicals. Like, there's a bunch of these on the wall, like as if you were in a Borders, so it's a kind of bookstore/cafe thing going on.
(3)Nicole O.
I don't get it! Too much money for the food here. I don't think I have ever really enjoyed or remembered a dish I liked. I order something different everytime. My friends love it and suggest it all the time and have a frequent card. I only like that dogs are allowed on the patio.lol
(3)Candice M.
Expensive for what you get, and not a fan of the new menu changes. The only reason we still go is for the outside dining. It really is a beautiful patio but we definitely don't go as often as we use to since the menu change.
(3)Joshua W.
just paid $14 for a breakfast omelette and coffee. Their omelette was incredibly small with hardly anything in it. Not worth it one bit. NEVER EATING BREAKFAST HERE AGAIN. On another note, their cobb salad is pretty good.
(1)Jamie R.
Of all the Flying Stars in town, this is my favorite for getting work done, either on my own or with meetings. The large windows let in lots of natural light, there are multiple areas with power for charing devices, and free wifi. And while it can be loud when it's really busy, the background noise is usually tolerable. The staff are very friendly, and if you're going to be a here for a while and want a drink before ordering food, they'll let you do so and then pay all at once when placing the main order. Talk about service! My favorite drink is a pot of Jasmine tea, and that pairs well with green chile turkey sausage or a morning sundae of yogurt, fruit and nuts. Or for lunch one of their fresh salads has always been a good choice. A lot of people reference the prices but as Ken F says, you get what you pay for, and frequenting a place that promotes other local businesses is worth it. Plus if you use the free points card they offer, you get $5 free for every $50 and that helps too.
(4)R P.
Best quality breakfast I've had thus far in ABQ. Food was delicious and the view is great. Staff was not very attentive.
(5)Al S.
This place has a great menu and friendly staff. The food is fresh and of high quality. The prices are a bit on the high side and sometimes I've had to ask to have my food warmed up because it's been cold, but all-in-all I like it. I seem to always come back. The pastry here is the best I've had pretty much anywhere. The ambiance is warm and fun. The people who work here seem to like their job. The parking can be rough around major meal times. Some of my favorites include the Mac & Cheese w/broccoli - the Vegetarian omelette - and any pastry. Did I mention the pastry? :)
(4)Rand R.
Consistent, reliable, high quality, but pretty darn pricey. A great place to enjoy a meal, dessert, get some work done, or just pass time.
(3)Kore W.
Today was the last time I will go to Flying Star! Every time I walk in and get a certain counter person, with a dead front tooth, I know a couple of things: 1. My order will be wrong 2. I will have to correct her several times 3. I will feel ripped off 4. I will regret tipping As usual today she messed up my Huevos. Plus my sons pancakes were RAW in the middle. While trying to correct the mistake the bus person was very rude and I heard the cooks yelling about it. Oh and to top it off the manager was very rude when I told him how crappy our service was. It seems he sets the tone of failure for the entire staff. I don't know why I have continued to go there as it always is something. Today however, I am saying NO MORE FLYING STAR!!!!!!!
(1)T G.
Just paid $90 for 4 entrées and a child meal ... two sodas. I could pay this for a full service restaurant ... not a fast casual concept such as Flying Star. The food is 'meh for the price.
(2)Michelle I.
The Paseo location always seems to be busy, but the service is quick and efficient. Hubby brought home a fresh fruit tart one day and I ate at least five servings worth in one sitting because it was SO good. Not only did it taste great, but it looked really pretty. My kids like the breakfast and hot cocoa, but I cannot speak to that because I was home enjoying some peace and quiet while their grandparents treated them.
(4)Ashley B.
Great food, great desserts, and great atmosphere! The portions are huge, though, so make sure you're hungry!
(5)Steve M.
Wow, so this was a really happy/lucky find on our drive home from Arizona. The food was really good, and so was the service. We were able to sit on the patio with our dog, and this was great. Really nice place!
(4)Nicki K.
Food is always good but I do feel that it is a bit over priced...
(4)Jessica F.
Love the feel and atmosphere of this place. It's almost always busy with customers, but it doesn't really feel all that busy. When you're ordering you have to stand in this line while looking at all the desserts, sandwiches, breads, and everything else that you may or may not want. =) Free wifi and good coffee. Try the fish and chips, any the burgers, and definitely try the rhubarb-strawberry pie!! This pie is one of my favorites to this day, and I haven't been able to find anything close to it here in LA..
(5)Melissa K.
One of my favorite Flying Stars, especially for those up in the Northern burbs of ABQ. The location is good, parking is great, and those high ceilings, big glass windows, and a crackling fireplace make for a great spot to sit, sip and munch, or get into a full course meal. I'm addicted to their coffee and cheese danishes (seriously. those things are like crack.) I brought a group of newbies here this weekend, and we had a great breakfast. I went with the Huevos Rancheros (since I was visiting ABQ for the first time in 4 years, I tried to ingest as much green chile as possible. Yum.) They were pretty good. The potatoes were done just perfectly, and my easy eggs were just as runny and messy as I like it! We shared an order of Blueberry pancakes which turned out to be too big and fluffy for us, after all the eggs, beans and potatoes, so maybe this would be better as a standalone, than an add on. I really wish they would expand nationally. I live in Atlanta now, and I could use this experience once or twice a week.
(4)Brittany A.
Quality food in a casual setting. You might feel like its going to be just "chain food" when you order at the register, but its so much better. I had the breakfast hash (sweet potatoes, quinoa, onion and peppers, with an egg on top) - delicious and not oversized. The baked goods looked great, but i didn't have any. breakfast is served all day. it seems to be a big hangout for students to get together and "study".
(4)Carl P.
There seems to me like there is a big hype in Albuquerque about how good Flying Star is, but I've never been impressed. The food is pretty pricey, and the staff always finds a way to demonstrate their incompetence or laziness. Flying Star gets by on being trendy, but the quality and value just aren't up to par.
(2)Jennifer L.
I have been holding off my review for flying star because sometimes I have a love-hate relationship with this place.... I have had many great experiences here.. It was my first local Albuquerque joint I went to when moving here so it is somewhat of a sentimental place.. It is a great place to have a good meal if you are alone and want to eat out but don't feel like people are gonna stare at you for being by yourself. Here are some of my favorite things about flying star: -the huevos rancheros -The rise and shine breakfast sandwich -Mac and cheese with green chile -Thai steak salad (before they changed up the recipe) -the ugly muffin (before they changed up the recipe) -you can order alcohol -the veggie burger Here are some things I don't like: -$$ overpriced -stop trying to up-sell me desserts and drinks at the register!! -why did u have to change the ugly muffin to a dry lump? -why did u have to get rid of the wheat noodles in the Thai steak salad? -why is there no more acapulco salad? And why was it $12? Well I still end up coming back here for the ease and atmosphere but I'm always torn with my feelings about this place... ::sigh::
(3)Carl P.
The food is consistent across all locations, regardless of Santa Fe or Abq...and this is a good thing. Service is kinda sketchy...at this particular location, they were out of coffee behind the counter, so the guy handed me my cup and said, "you can fill this up at the free refill station"...um, ok...and what, pray tell, is this tip container on the counter for? tip containers are a growing concern of mine among restaurants in the U.S. - not sure how it works elsewhere in the world, but places like this really make me laugh. if you're not paid a waiter/waitress salary (ie, pennies) and actually make minimum wage, how is it that you get tips? especially if you are only doing the bare minimum to get by at your job... i'm all about tipping when the service is, well, above par. after all, isn't that what tipping is supposed to be about? not because you feel you deserve a tip, but because you've earned it...
(2)Nicole T.
Something has happened here over the past year. Prices have increased, portions have decreased and when I order a salad it's mostly lettuce with very little of the described ingredients. This may explain why their locations don't seem as busy as they used to be.
(3)emely j.
As the events of the weekend wrapped, I knew I had one last place to hit. I had researched using my good friend Yelp, and knew it was right up my alley. The Flying Star Café is a native Albuquerque place and has several locations. I had the Greek Goddess salad and of course, still left room for dessert. The choice of dessert was by far the hardest decision of the day. The display case was the kind of thing I think about as I fall asleep at night. Read slowly and in a whispering voice. Cakes, pies, cookies, bread pudding, éclairs, muffins, this place had it all and baked fresh. I was lucky enough to try two things from the Flying star: a coconut custard cake and a strawberry rhubarb slice of pie. I could have gone a la mode, but that would just have been gluttonous! Seriously, delicious stuff. If I had to say which was better, I would say the strawberry rhubarb because it was special in that it was sweet but not syrupy and the crust was perfection. It was the kind of dessert you hope someone doesn't finish so you can devour it (not that that happened or anything). It was a great meal, great hot air balloon experience, and great company.
(5)Jack L.
The food is good, just not $$$$ good. However, if I needed a place to go sit for a couple of hours with a coffee and my computer, this is where I'd pick.
(3)Robert S.
This is an Albuquerque based restaurant chain that started as a Double Rainbow ice cream shop and bakery on Central in the Nob Hill area. It has enjoyed great success and expanded to Flying Star Restaurants and Satellite Coffee shops. Unfortunately, they left behind the higher quality Double Rainbow ice cream they used to offer but their bakery dessert items and their combination New Mexico - California inspired menu are excellent and have remained excellent as this chain has grown. They have traditional New Mexican entrees like blue corn enchiladas that are fresh and comparable to traditional New Mexican Restaurants. They have good fries that they will prepare with chile and cheddar cheese. Their salads are creative and consistently good. They use the modified cafeteria approach to service where you order in front of a counter and drinks and some items are provided immediately and a waiter brings the items that come from the kitchen to your table later. This is a consistent and pleasant place to visit with a lot of options for any meal.
(4)Sujan P.
Over priced don't fess up to their mistakes. No matter how tasty the desserts might be. Besides, with obesity in our country, it's probably best I cut them off. I've never been back nor have my friends & family. Nothing wrong with some solidarity!
(1)Lee P.
After living in ABQ for a few months, I can say that this chain is cute, ubiquitous, and markedly overpriced. But...the coffee is delicious, the food is great, and it's everywhere...and I'd always rather go to a funky local spot than a dirty, boring national chain (Starbucks can you hear me?).
(3)Rob F.
In a city that (apologies) has a dearth of what you'd call "hip urban" style eateries, Flying Star diners set themselves apart. Wonderful decor that is both stylish and comfortable, the experience is where it's at; although the food is no slouch either. The Paseo del Norte location has high ceilings and a large picture window looking out towards the Sandia Mountains the base of which is only a couple of miles away. The menu is a wide variety of what I'd call "comfort food". Burgers, macaroni & cheese, meatloaf and the like. You can also find salads and soups. The espresso drinks are above average. What Flying Star is most known for, however, are their baked good. Pies are top of the list, and a holiday staple for residents of the 'Burke during the holidays. This is a chain that would succeed in just about any city, Albuquerque is lucky to have it to themselves.
(5)Guy H.
My 1st time here. Good food and good service
(4)Heather F.
first off - i have to say that for albuquerque Flying Star is very trendy! they should open one in Denver or San Fran or Chicago. i totally love going there because i can hang out, surf the net, study and relax. i love the staff, they always smile and are very nice. i love that they leave you alone and let you be. the food is great. everything is very fresh and not very greasy. i like the tuna melt and the patty melt and the cowgirl cookies!! i could eat cowgirl cookies all day long. they are amazing. the food is alittle pricey but i think it is worth the freshness. Def someplace that i frequent.
(5)Dale E.
Wow what a find. Great customer service and outstanding food. Reminds this east coaster of a combo between Panera and Noodles & Company. We came on a busy Saturday during the balloon fiesta and got our food within 20 minutes which was impressive considering the volume of people and the fact that the dishes are made to order. Ordered the Bird Burger which had outstanding taste with a little kick. Also, had the Mac & cheese with chicken and broccoli which was fantastic. The mango iced tea was great along with the Remix coffee. The coffee was the best in Albuquerque. Would highly recommend for a variety of eating options.
(4)Larry S.
Normally, this place hasn't been too bad but they've been going down hill. Tried the Ranch Breakfast this morning and was disappointed. I ordered the eggs over medium and got one over hard and the other over easy. Guess they thought they could split the difference. The turkey sausage was undercooked and the potatoes over cooked. I might have understood all this if they were busy but they weren't. Coffee was good though!
(2)Matt P.
I live in Arizona and have family in Kansas and Oklahoma, so Albuquerque has often been my stopping point for lunches and overnight stays on my drives between states. I discovered Flying Star once by chance, and I've been a fan of the New Mexico chain ever since. They have great food, and they put some thought and care into how they source some of their ingredients. I went to this particular location when I was in Albuquerque for Geek Bowl IX (the national competition for Geeks Who Drink). I was accompanied by a friend, and we had just arrived in Albuquerque that afternoon. Dazed from being on the road and very hungry, she and I were full of incoherent comments and stupid questions, but the person who helped us (I think her name might have been Nicole) was very patient and seemed genuinely interested in making sure we enjoyed our experience there. It was the first time my friend had been to a Flying Star, and she left a convert like me. Although I'm generally not a fan of homogeneous consumerism, if this chain ever expanded to Arizona, I would gladly become a regular.
(5)Lane V.
The Southwest Bennie is a fabulous New Mexico style start to your day. Huge for one, enough for two to share. Large, open, comfortable seating area with free wifi, good for meetings with friends, family or coworkers (or to get some work done by yourself). Lunch and Dinner sandwiches, soups and other cafe type stuff. Prices are high, but appropriate for what you get.
(5)Todd E.
Comfy environment. Pretty good food with some odd dishes. The desserts are tasty but overpriced. Now that they are in bankruptcy, they seem to have improved, but they have a ways to go.
(3)Jaime Patricio M.
I have been going to Flying Star for years--ever since the advent of the uber cool Double Rainbow on Central Avenue. This location is modern, comfortable and has a plethora of baked goods; all consistent and wonderful over the years. The menu has grown increasing large; I ordered a hamburger and hoping it had Star beef; the beef did not seem to be high quality. I like ground chuck; and I like it freshly ground; this burger should be built and delivered as their desserts. There is room for improvement in this and their salads. The prices are relatively high even for Albuquerque; living in San Francisco I am very price aware when I travel; the prices here should justify more interesting things like sea salt; organic ketchup and grilled red onions. Just a little more attention would make the diner more than enthusiastic; keep them smiling and they will come back for more.
(3)B G.
The first and only coffee I was able to drink straight black.
(4)Darcy K.
This is my favorite Flying Star location. Four stars for the great atmosphere, beautiful views of the Sandia mountains from either the huge windows inside or the seating outside, free wireless and plenty of electrical outlets, the mud pie, and the Satellite coffee - try the black velvet. I only have had a few of the actual dinner/lunch items. They were just OK and mostly a waste of money. If you need to get some work or studying done, this is an absolutely great place to do it. Get some great coffee(s), open up your computer, and you are set for hours. Plenty of seating, though the place is always bustling. I only wish they stayed open past 10 PM on weeknights.
(4)Shawna B.
With the trendy art, comfy seating, upstairs magazine area and over priced coffee The Flying star is pretty "hip". It has a good vibe for studying or for meeting up with friends. The baristas are friendly and the venue is clean and spacious. They allow customers to reserve rooms for parties/dinners. My rating is lacking a star due to their prices and the fact that they time their wi-fi users.
(4)JoAnna G.
Gotta love Flying Star! Great place to drink coffee and study or grab a bite to eat. Delicious burgers (seriously!!), heavenly desserts, and fantastic coffee! Oh yeah the mac and cheese is crazy good and I'm sure I haven't been disappointed yet about anything I've ordered. Love the paseo and downtown locations best, although all of them have a pretty great vibe to them.
(5)Molly M.
Great ambience. Salad was a little too oily but the ingredients were fresh and unique. The homemade BBQ chips were delicious and their baked goods are fantastic.
(4)jin h.
Got stuck in Albuquerque (tricky spelling) when our air conditioner broke down on our la to chicago car trip. Not a lot to smile about but this place seriously made up a lot. I ordered the breakfast burrito (no meat) and it was very good. Eggs were light and fluffy. Not overcooked and cheese was distinctive and tasty as well. All their ingredients claim to be organic and the quality is noticeably above average. The iced tea was horrible though. Price was fairly high but we ended up staying several hours here while the car's belt was being detached from the failing air conditioner. Yes, that's right, we drove from NM to Chicago with no air conditioner in August (hooray)! There are electrical outlets and free wifi here. There are also comfy chairs upstairs (a little dirty but comfortable). So much frazzled nerves were soothed by this place. Just an off topic but NM was my favorite state during the drive. The place really is enchanted.
(4)Sara N.
i have now been to all of the ABQ flying stars. Have yet to have a bad experience! The sandwiches are just the right size (big enough to be a satisfying lunch but not so big i need a nap after). the sugar cookies there are the best i've ever had in my life (i dream about them when not in ABQ). the atmosphere is awesome, the staff is always friendly... i come here every time i visit new mexico. thanks!
(4)Bryan G.
I freakin love their french toast with strawberries and bananas. I would drive to Albuquerque from Colorado just for the french toast.
(4)Anita W.
Great place for hanging out, study group etc. Most of all great food, good service, it's like my private kitchen!
(4)J K.
This was my 2nd visit to Albuquerque for business. Went to the Fying Star for breakfast with the local company associate. Had the Fabulous French Toast with freshly squeezed oranged juice. It was the best breakfast I had in years. It was a young yuppy crowd like the ones you would see in the Bay Area. Would definitely go there again on my future visits.
(5)Paul G.
For some reason my aunt was obsessed with this place and wanted to eat every meal here. This place was super trendy (i think there is a lack of places like this in new Mexico) which is why I think it has such high marks. I think people are forgetting why they came here in the first place... the food? The baked goods looked delicious but I did not indulge in any of them. The french toast that I had was no better than any other french toast. My glass of orange juice was some of the best orange juice i have ever had. I spent 10 bucks on two glasses, this place ain't cheap.
(3)Tiffany W.
Some of the best salads in town, and most other menu items are pretty good as well. Most of the menu is a bit overpriced for what it is, but not terrible. The Mac and cheese is curiously good. I generally find the desserts disappointing. They look very pretty but do not taste as good as they look.
(4)J S.
When walking through the door at a non-rush hour, perhaps FS Paseo should consider handing out flare guns to patrons entering in order to help facilitate a greeting from staff and the service and attention that customers at such an upscale, well-appointed, and expensive joint deserve. This is now the second time I've entered the same FS location with virtually no customers around, and it's though you need to wave a fuchsia flag around too get any attention or even a delaying (and sometimes understandable) "welcome, we'll be right with you!" So why only two stars? It's not like the food is bad...I mean, that's why people like me keep coming back. But when it comes to lots of the food that they serve (pretty much all the pastries in the counters), it's all made offsite so it's not like this location deserves the credit for the handiwork of bakers across town. And the place is beautiful, but again, the architecture and interior design wasn't done by anyone here. No...restaurants are customer-service oriented businesses, and decent and often offsite-made food aside, I judge them largely on how they treat their customers. Bottom line: for the price you pay for overpriced food that is generally only decent, and for million-dollar decor and architecture, you'd at least expect to be greeted upon arrival (as you generally are at many of the other Flying Star locations), and see smiles on the faces of staff when interacting with customers. Then again, perhaps the "Stellar" benefits that Flying Stars' job postings at the front door promise aren't that stellar after all.
(2)Karla B.
My first favorite Flying Star was the one on Paseo del Norte. At the time, living alone in Albuquerque, I made it my mission to make this the place that everybody knows my name. Most of the staff did. Food is good, a little too expensive, but really, free reading material (wall of every magazine imaginable to man) and the view of the Sandias is priceless. I moved away from Albuquerque and then came back to live near the one on Central Ave. I was a frequent drinker and diner. Different, but same, vibe. Now, moved away again and think longingly of my days hanging at the Flying Star.
(4)