The Albuquerque International Sunport is human sized, with beautifully coordinated decor that honors the area's proud multi-cultural heritage. I live in Albuquerque, so I don't have occasion to kill time in the airport, but even though security in Albuquerque is efficient, I often arrive for flights early. I have heard stories, perhaps apocryphal but plausible, that flights have been delayed in Albuquerque because of the popularity of some of the restaurants among pilots and other airline personnel. Whether true or not, it is a certainty that you can have a leisurely sit-down meal at the Sunport on either side of security.

Garduņo's Chile Packing Company and Cantina operates seven large restaurants in New Mexico (with a branch in Las Vegas, Nevada). The cuisine is "New Mexican," favoring the first class (some say world's best) chiles produced in the state, sopaipillas (puffy fried bread you often eat with honey), the familiar tacos, enchiladas, tamales, burritos, chimichangas, and fajitas, and a full bar (margaritas of course, frozen or sour). The theme is a 1930's style chile packing warehouse. Condiments, salsas (which you can buy retail), and sauces tend to be hot. You'll find Garduņo's Sunport branch immediately before security. Plenty of tables, nooks, and quiet areas.

Route 66 Microbrewery reflects another branch of Albuquerque's heritage: Historic Route 66, the "Mother Road." I've always questioned how a highway that was paved as recently as 1937 could be considered "historic" but I have to admit that the Route 66 mystique (the road is Albuquerque's main street, Central Avenue) is compelling. Post-security, adjacent to the food court connecting area between the Sunport's two wings, Route 66 Microbrewery has tables and seats, a separate bar area, and a good general menu with breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, salads and other American entrees. Despite the name, they don't actually brew beer at the Microbrewery, but they do offer ten different beers on tap, including three from local breweries, and a selection of 20 bottled varieties. Busy, bustling atmosphere with TV screens.

To give a third major New Mexican heritage its due, the Sunport has no restaurants offering native American cuisine (a huge subject, of course, differing from tribe to tribe), but the airport has an excellent array of retail shops that do reflect this important theme. Leave time to browse if you can.

Black Mesa Coffee Company has three pre-security locations in the Sunport and a kiosk on the "A" Concourse; their drink and sandwich menu is as extensive as their decor is welcoming. Black Mesa offers convenient breakfast items, rollups, baked potatoes with choice of toppings, quiches, soups, salads, and a "create your own sandwich" feature. Friendly service, with some adjacent tables available.

JR's Bar-B-Que," located off the beaten path in the Sunport's "E" commuter gate area, specializes in BBQ beef sandwiches, pretzels, nachos and other quick fixes.

You cannot miss the Sunport's Food Court at the junction of main Concourses "A" and "B." Pizzeria Express offers pizza, lasagne, and salads. Step over to La Hacienda for Mexican and Southwest goodies, or try the green-chile chicken soup or deli sandwiches at the Comida Buena Gourmet Deli and Bakery. Leave room for a scoop from the Baskin Robbins ice cream stand. Once you settle down in Concourse "A," you'll still be able to get a drink at Winner's Sports Bar or a snack at Quizno's Sandwich Shop or the Black Mesa Coffee Company kiosk. Concourse "B" offers a Snack Bar and the Puerto del Sol Lounge.

It is interesting to note that Quiznos and Baskin-Robbins are the only national chains represented in the Sunport; no McDonalds or Starbucks. This is in keeping with the Sunport's function as a proud portal to a culturally unique American city. Just one caveat: the Sunport may be a great place to browse and eat, but leave time; you can't count on rain delays in Albuquerque.