Shark Reef Cafe
2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87101
Shark Reef Cafe Menu
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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.
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Address :
2601 Central Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM, 87101 - Phone (505) 848-7182
- Website https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/aquarium/shops-restaurants-amenities/shark-reef-cafe
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast, Brunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Touristy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Burgers
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Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
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Ashley M.
Let me start off by saying my expectations for the food were not that high. My husband, mother-in-law (mil) and I were going to the botanic gardens and needed something quick and cheap to eat. I had heard about the amazing view of the aquarium so we decided to give it a shot. We started off ordering a bacon burger, green chili burger, and my mil ordered the tuna melt after asking the waitress if it was any good. The food took a fairly long time (perhaps 20 minutes) to arrive at the table. We were there around 2 pm and were only one of a handful of tables so this wait seemed a bit long. The fish tank distracts you though so it is easy to forget about the time. When we received our food, the burgers were very well done and about as tasty as you can expect from what is essentially park food. My mil, who had ordered the tuna melt though, took one bite and didn't like it. Luckily the waitress was easy enough to call back to the table and she apologized and offered to bring her something else. She ordered a green chili burger because mine was so good. This is when things started to go downhill. The replacement burger took 45 minutes. I'm serious, we timed it. After 15 minutes or so the waitress came over and told us the burger would "be right out" and stated that the burgers take the longest to cook of everything on the menu. We enjoyed the view for a few more minutes but when my husband and I had finished eating, it had been 30 minutes and still no sign of the burger, my mil told the waitress to forget about it because we wanted to get out and see the park. The waitress again told us it would be "right out" and insisted that she wait for it. Finally, after an astounding 45 minutes, she received the much anticipated burger. It was cold. She tried to eat it but was just annoyed at that point and completely unimpressed. When the check came, my husband (who has been in the restaurant industry for 10+ years everywhere from pizza delivery to fine dining) said that he would speak to the manager about the long wait time. We all agreed that waiting for 45 minutes to get a cold burger was not something that you should have to pay for. So we asked for the manager. If I had even the slightest idea of what this guy was like, I would have video taped this encounter on my phone. When he came out (the manager) he was already upset. He asked what was wrong and my husband politely told him that he didn't think we should have to pay for a burger that took the better part of an hour and was cold. The manager then told us that burgers take a very long time and that since they are cooked from raw meat they need at least "20 t0 30 minutes to cook". I have never in my life cooked a burger that took that long. Just sayin. My mil stepped in at that point and said okay fine, we'll pay for the burger. She was irritated but still very polite (those of you with mother-in-laws know that I would not say she was being polite unless it was the absolute truth!) The manager then got VERY ANGRY VERY QUICKLY. I'm going to try to quote him the best I can here... He said "I will not be spoken to like this. Get out of my restaurant!" He was yelling and waving his arms. Since nobody had at that point raised their voices we were very startled and got out as quickly as we could. My mil tipped the waitress cash on the way out (I mean it wasn't her fault) So we didn't pay for the burger at all... or the whole meal. I was just shocked that somebody, especially the manager, would have such a harsh reaction. I have rarely ever had a serious problem in a restaurant in the past but those occasions have always ended with a gracious apology and a good feeling that I will probably revisit the establishment. Not this time. Next time I want to eat at the Biopark (we're members) I will either bring my food or go to the zoo and eat there. Yikes!
(1)Sheryce B.
Had a horrible experience with my boyfriend here. Shortly after receiving our food (which was sub par) I needed a refill on my soda and a side of sauce, I had to flag someone down for both of these. Our waiter did not check on us a single time! I watched as he brought out orders for other tables and walk away without even a glance around the dinning room to see if anyone was trying to make eye contact. We even had to finally grab him to get our check. I will never eat here again.
(1)Elizabeth B.
OK, as other reviewers have said, you don't come here for fine dining. But we thought the fabulous views of the sharks and other finny beasties that we could watch through the large glass wall made it a unique place to eat. And the two-year-old in our group loved that aspect of it. For her, Mac and Cheese was a good choice, and our sandwiches and salads were nothing special but were perfectly adequate. Our waiter was both prompt and friendly, so we don't join in dissing the service here. All in all, we thought the plusses outweighed the minuses and we'd recommend it for a unique setting for family dining.
(3)Valerie M.
The food is decent. Chile is somewhat tasty, but mild as can be. Some portions are large, like the reef pile. Which was a plate loaded with hash browns, bacon, ham, sausage, 2 eggs and chile. The huevos rancheros, however,uch smaller portion for about a buck more. Strawberries and cream french toast was pretty good. But the strawberry syrup had that "just came out of a can" flavor. The view is amazing. Watch all manners of sea life while waiting for your food. Which is a good thing cuz the wait for anything was outrageous. The service was so bad I can only help but think he was new and not trained. Didn't know the menu, couldn't remember anything, and just flustered. So I'm assuming not his fault, but still a bit frustrating. It was a fun way to spend the morning. But for a $3 iced tea that took about 10 minutes to get a refill, I'll pass next.time on food and just look at the fishies.
(3)Huang B.
Shark reef is a great place of you have kids! They will stay entertained by the big aquariums that surround the dining area. It's like getting food and aquarium in one go! Now let's talk food and service. The portions are fair sized and the menu is fair priced. Vegetables and eggs come fresh from the botanical garden daily! Sounds great right? This is a great place if you can get the past the horrendously slow service. The service is quite kind but it comes extremely slow. It always seems that there are extra staff standing around, staring at their cell phones and talking. It will take some time for you to get your food (which is okay because you can sit and stare at the tank). However, you will also wait for your ticket too. Great place, good food but slow and inattentive service.
(4)Rachael H.
We had our wedding reception here after getting married at The Botanic Gardens and all of our guests were very impressed with the ambiance and the food. It was a little bit difficult to get a call back from the wedding coordinators to plan out the reception in the beginning of my planning. However, as the time got closer to our wedding day, we got much better customer service. Over all I would highly recommend this place. The one downside is that the place is fairly small. If I had to do it all over again, I would make a seating chart for guests because there is such limited space (depending on your wedding size.)
(4)Vin S.
I give the Shark Reef Cafe four stars based on the ambiance and the service. The food would only warrant two and a half stars, however. Our server Natalie was friendly and very attentive. It was recird hot outside on the day I was there, and a cold beer sounded fantastic. Natalie told me a bit about their local microbrew offerings from Marble Brewery, so I ordered a Marble Red Ale. Turns out it was a good choice. Very refreshing! The bottle was $6.00, which is a bit high, but I went for it anyway. My friend ordered the fish and chips, which came with just two small pieces of fish and some potato chips. Most folks think "fish and chips" means fish and fries, or fish and potato wedges. Fish and potato chips doesn't work, particularly for $11.00! My companion complained a little bit, and Natalie didn't hesitate to bring him out a side order of fries. No charge. That was nice! The best part of dining here is watching the fish and sea turtles in the big saltwater aquarium. Very cool! There are also lots of smaller tanks along the walls, so nearly every seat has a great view. Try to sit near the big tank if possible for the best show.
(4)Howie K.
Three stars with caveats. If you're debating your dining options, especially with the family, eat at Shark Reef Cafe. It's terrific. I'm thinking of Tim's Place, here. Like Timmy's, Shark Reef offers some really basic dining fare, but this is pared with a cool view of the oceanic tank. I'm really proud to note that this diner is fairly priced and the food is solid, perhaps artistically smart, honestly. Most major metropolitan attractions of the aquarium/zoo/science museum sort know that they have you once you buy a ticket. You're there with the kiddos, you've decided to spend the day, and you're going to be a victim of the pricing structure as soon as your bratty, under-slept toddler says "I'm hungry!" A recent visit to the Museum of Natural History in NY confirmed that you'll be buying slop for that tummy at an outrageous price. Not here. The Shark Reef cafe offers a great selection of eats at a fair price, and your worries about keeping the brat occupied are solved with the great views of sea turtles and nurse sharks. Service was spot-on and exceptionally friendly, with plenty of child options. The plates were surprisingly well presented. My chicken salad was boring and perfect. Try to find something like this at any civic locale around the country. You won't.
(3)Joan Y.
I love this place. If you enjoy going to aquariums and eating - this is the place for you. Not only do you NOT have to buy a ticket to see the fish. All you have to do is order a meal, sit and watch in awe. I've been here a couple of times and this past time I ordered their fish and chips (I know bad form). However, SUPER delicious! The service is always on point. I never have to worry about needing or asking for things. During the lunch time it's great for daytime snacks/meals and meetings. However, once the sun goes down this place changes to a very nice plate to go out and dress up at. It's a very romantic setting and the head chef/manager is outstanding! I highly recommend going and checking it out. For a night date/drinks after work or just a place to relax and watch the fish keep on swimming!
(4)Patrick M.
Nice setting with the aquarium fish swimming around, our waitress was nice and competent. Unfortunately the Fish & Chips were mediocre & overpriced! When in town by all means visit the adjoining aquarium & botanical garden but skip the Shark Reef Cafe!
(2)Sara P.
I was recently invited to an event at the Shark Reef Cafe where it was rented out just for our group. As a venue for a special event, it was very cool. You have the amazing view of the big tank and smaller tanks of various fish. The coordinators of our event arranged for a taco bar with fish or beef tacos and all the fixin's.... except cheese. Odd but ok. The small selection of wine, beer, tea or lemonade was served by a great waiter/bartender. The guys removing the plates were silent, invisible and very courteous, just how you want dirty plates removed at a classy event. Coming to an event here made me think this might be a place to hold an event myself. Good experience.
(4)Jenn W.
My 3 year old and 7 month old headed out to the aquarium today and decided to stop in for lunch. We were promptly seated and our waitress came pretty quickly. My 3 year old asked for crayons to draw with and the waitress told her they didn't have any however she offered her a pen from her pocket which she just loved. My little one had a cheeseburger and I had a quesadilla which were, actually, pretty good. I was amazed given that this place doesn't get the best of reviews. Of course, my 3 year old loved watching all of the fish - I wish we had been placed closer to the tank but every place has a pretty decent view so it was hard to complain. Given the pen "move" by the waitress I am giving this place 4 stars --- it is hard to find a place where the wait staff are attentive to your needs. I think she saw my daughter was itching to draw all over the big brown butcher paper on the table and she gave her a great solution. Decent food - good view -- helpful staff ---- excited kiddos means we will definitely return!
(4)Rita A.
We ate at the cafe before visiting the aquarium. We were greeted very promptly. Before being seated, I saw the huge tank and saw the giant turtle and let out a little squee of delight. I think this got us a good table with an excellent view of the tank. The waitress was attentive and we got our food quickly. We both just had burgers with the chips and they were very good. Not sure why all of the bad reviews, but my husband and I had a very enjoyable time there. If I lived in Albuquerque, I could see just going to the cafe for lunch and watching the sharks and turtles (and other fish) in the tank.
(4)Felicia K.
Waited for a few minutes before anyone noticed and sat us, and once we were seated another few minutes passed. I quickly read the reviews on Yelp and decided to escape before it was too late. Seems to be poorly managed.
(1)Enrique S.
Service can be slow and overworked/understaffed. It's the eatery next to the Aquarium so hardly anyone would think this restaurant is the reason to come down to the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. The air-conditioning feels great during a hot summer day, and one of the best things about this place is the view into the Aquarium's kelp forest. Great view!
(2)Sam A.
Let me make this clear: You are not eating here for the fine dining experience, you are eating here because it's at the tail end of the trek through the Albuquerque Aquarium, which in itself is an amazing site attraction. But the food at the Shark Reef Cafe is "eh" at best... I ordered a side salad and soup and was sort of grossed out. I think I've had better soup from a can, although looking at it in hindsight, Progresso Soup may be better. The soup in question was of the "Creamy Green Chile Chicken" variety and was "stick-to-your-bones" fare, although I think It stuck to my gut more than anything else. The salad had cheese sprinkles on it. Now I, for one, can't think of a better way to ruin a salad than avoiding blue cheese and replacing it with Kraft Cheese Sprinkles, but they do that at the Shark Reef Cafe, so let this be a warning. With that all said, the service was impressive. The view of the shark tank while we were eating was totally over the top too... I LOVED that aspect. And finally, I did take some time and ask two of the servers some more advanced questions about the fish that we were observing while we were eating and they all seemed like they were very well educated about the fish that we were viewing. One of them even gave me a quickie "sharks-for-dummies" type of spiel that impressed me quite a bit. So yea, boo to the tourist food, but a big YAY for the service and ambiance!
(3)Monica C.
On impulse, we stopped by the Shark Reef Cafe at the ABQ Aquarium the other day. Felt like watching the fish while eating. There was a sign that said to wait to be seated, but no one was up front. Other diners were seated so we knew it wasn't closed. After several minutes I finally walked towards the back and got someone's attention. He offered no apology for not being at his post. Luckily we got seated right in front of the aquarium. Decided on a breakfast item - Huevos Rancheros plus a side of sausage for an extra $2.50. My friend also opted for breakfast items - pancakes and a side of ham. Tried going to their restrooms to wash my hands and was appalled at what I found. It was early in the day, so there was no excuse for the disgusting condition of their ladies room. No toilet paper in the handi-cap stall, and the floor was sticky. Gross. Some idiot had left the changing table open, blocking one of the sinks. Didn't want to bother closing it up, but was able to gain access to the other sink. Thank goodness there was soap, which is the best thing I can say about that restroom. Went back to my table and waited for a little while to receive our food. When our dishes did arrive, it looked promising. The huevos rancheros was just OK. It was on a large flour tortilla, while I prefer corn. Can't remember if corn was offered as an option. The eggs were cooked properly and the red chile was tasty - not too hot or too mild. The side of sausage was your standard patty sausage. My friend's pancakes were fairly large and looked like it was whole wheat. She gave me a taste and they were pretty good. They're a little skimpy with the butter and syrup so you'll probably have to ask for extra. Her side of ham was pretty impressive. Two large slices that were about 3/8 inch thick. (I don't think it's listed on the menu.) We finished our meal and the total was less than $20.00, (we both had water to drink) I needed to go to the restroom again, but did NOT want to go back to the restaurant's, so I checked out the one in the little plaza thing for the Botanical Gardens and Aquarium entrance. They were surprising clean. It is quite the embarrassment for our city to be represented by this restaurant and it's shoddy facillities. I should copy this and send it to our mayor. Way to represent, Shark Reef. :[
(2)Ronda T.
I have been here many times and it is incredibly inconsistent. The last two times I have been there made me decide I will avoid it as often as possible. The last visit was a supper with Santa during the river of lights. Santa was awful and cheesy and not very good with the kids. The food was terrible. The service was mediocre.
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