ABQ Reviews: Church Street Cafe- A Haunted and Lovely Place

Church Street Cafe is a gem of a restaurant, nestled along a back alley in Old Town Albuquerque. It would be easy to overlook it if you weren’t looking for it, but once inside, there’s no mistaking it is a unique building.

Church Street Cafe is located inside Casa de Ruiz (House of Ruiz, for those unfamiliar with Spanish), which is the oldest residence in Albuquerque, and one of the oldest structures in New Mexico. Built some time in the first decade of the 1700s, Casa de Ruiz was passed from generation to generation of the Ruiz family, until the death of the last Ruiz, Rufina, 91 years old, in 1991.

Some say that the building is haunted by the spirit of Rufina’s mother, Sara, who was known in the community as a curandera, or witch healer. When the contractors arrived to renovate the old home, they were greeted by her anger, screaming for them to get out of her home. To this day, some say they can see her floating around the restaurant, wearing a long black mourning dress, sometimes causing a little mischief in the kitchen and cantina.

While we didn’t encounter any ghostly activity during our visit to Church Street Cafe, we did experience some good food. The menu is based in local cuisine, heavy on New Mexican favorites like burritos, enchiladas, everything served with the option of the state’s beloved chile. They also offer American classics like burgers and a Philly cheesesteak. And the input of Navajo items on the menu, like Indian fry bread, makes the menu delightfully varied, and with plenty of vegetarian options, even large parties won't be disappointed with their options.

Even more delightful than the menu though, was the decor. Colorful, regional, and cozy, the dining room was a place that made it easy to enjoy yourself. It featured a large kiva style fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and the booths were adorned with fluffy pillows. The tables were each a unique mosaic, and beautiful candelabras hung from the ceiling. Casa de Ruiz is truly a beautiful building. The back patio was filled with flowers, and had a gently flowing fountain. Occasionally, they invite local musicians to their patio, to seranade the guests.

We’ve been spending a lot of time in Old Town lately, where it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the magic and aesthetic of a life lived many years ago, preserved within an urban center. If you should ever get the chance to visit our interesting and eclectic city, I would recommend you stop by Church Street Cafe, if not for the food, at least for the chance to stand inside an antiquated and unique building.