Do people claim to avoid Rio Rancho because of the desert heat, the suburban sprawl, or because they think New Mexico’s pizza scene ends in Albuquerque? Trick question, it’s all of the above, combined with something concerning chain restaurants and the assumption that great pies require a big-city address. Yes, lots of people believe Rio Rancho can’t deliver, but that’s just because they’re ordering from the wrong places.
Turtle Mountain North
$ | (505) 404-0414 | WEBSITE
People who think Rio Rancho is just another sleepy suburb miss the point entirely – what looks like quiet sprawl is actually a community that knows how to unwind after a long week. But if you head to Turtle Mountain North for dinner and grab one of their spacious booths, you’ll see plenty of happy locals digging into giant pizzas whilst merrily smiling at each other and chatting over whether the mac & cheese is worth an order (it is).
This neighbourhood spot feels like the set of an endearing family gathering and we challenge anyone to not be charmed by the friendly service, excellent beer selection, and even the relaxed privacy the seating provides despite the busy atmosphere.
Dion’s Pizza
$ | (505) 340-0555 | WEBSITE
Dion’s Pizza has been serving up slices and sandwiches in Rio Rancho for years now. That means this quick-service spot has been going strong and providing meatball sandwiches for the locals since before your anti-chain-food critic was even born. That is undeniably reliable.
Even if your idea of the perfect ‘meal’ would be a gourmet feast in the middle of Santa Fe—everything from the consistent quality of this place, to their friendly staff, to the sit-down quick food experience offering excellent toasted sandwiches and crunchy spinach salad make it the kind of place that shows off the best of Rio Rancho. You’ll find yourself willing to drive a few miles to their location on Cabezons Common just for that green chilie ranch dressing and a top-notch brownie.
It’s a satisfying choice over the usual fast-food options, with a straightforward menu that never disappoints.
The Hopper Pub and Pizzeria
$ | (505) 994-6075 | WEBSITE
The Hopper Pub and Pizzeria is a pizza joint in Rio Rancho that’s filled with locals grabbing post-work pints, sports fans glued to the game, and regulars who’ve been coming for years. Basically, it’s everything you’d expect from a neighborhood pub. But that’s irrelevant, because it serves some of the most satisfying pizza in the area. And once you realise that, halfway through a New York-style slice and a crisp lager, you’ll realise you don’t care.
Domino’s Pizza
$$ | (505) 771-2020 | WEBSITE
Okay, there are countless pizza joints scattered across Rio Rancho, each promising the perfect slice. It’s a competitive scene. That’s just the truth. But, there are actually some spots where locals can satisfy a late-night craving without the fuss. Domino’s Pizza is one of those places.
This reliable chain location has a pretty efficient service model complete with hot pizzas ready upon arrival, a no-nonsense feel, affordable special deals like the 12″ with onion and sausage, and the kind of professional staff that make you feel more like you’re getting proper service than just fast food. This place has become something of a Rio Rancho late-night institution, so be sure to call ahead for pickup – otherwise you might find yourself waiting like everyone else.
Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria
$ | (505) 892-2026 | WEBSITE
Taking your out-of-town cousin who thinks ‘New York pizza is just greasy cardboard’ to Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria might sound like a recipe for disaster. But if there’s one place to convince someone who claims to hate ‘all that cheesy nonsense’, it’s this one. Aldo’s serves some seriously satisfying pizza, be it their generously topped cheese pie or their simple dinner salad, in a fun and friendly space that feels genuinely welcoming.
It’s a restaurant that changes minds about a lot of things. Even the pizza it’s serving.
Turtle Mountain Brewing Company
$ | (505) 994-9497 | WEBSITE
When in doubt, indulge. That’s what our taste buds taught us when it came to pizza cravings and they were still unsatisfied. The same goes for those who doubt Rio Rancho. Good thing then that Turtle Mountain Brewing Company has plenty of indulgences. Be it their meatball sandwich or their chile cheese fries, their rotating beer selections or their wings with amazing hot sauce, this brewery restaurant near the roundabout isn’t so much a meal as it is a comforting experience.
If you, your friends, or your family think that they’ve tried it all, then take them here.
Pizza Hut
$ | (505) 892-1111 | WEBSITE
People who complain about chain pizza always go on about how bland and predictable everything is. What they don’t realise is that sometimes we crave exactly that. Take them to Pizza Hut and they might just understand better. It’s a reliable spot with a straightforward good times feel. The Supreme pizza with fresh veggies and savory meat is the thing to eat, but it’s the consistency (and breadsticks) that you and your soon to be satisfied friend want to soak up most.
Because when there’s a box of perfectly done Cinnabons, a pile of pizza in front of you, and another order of green chilies and sausage on its way, what’s not to like?
Davido’s Pizza & More
$ | (505) 234-6955 | WEBSITE
Davido’s Pizza & More is one of those restaurants that can change even the most stubborn person’s mind. Whether that’s about Rio Rancho, reasonably priced food, or enjoying green chile is another thing. But it could well be all three. That’s because this local pizzeria makes some of the area’s best pizzas and has the atmosphere to match.
In the day it’s a peaceful place to enjoy a giant $20 bacon cheeseburger pizza with added green chile, while at night it’s the place to be for pizzas, wings, and many bites of fresh antipasto salad with that hint of sweetness.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (505) 404-0388 | WEBSITE
There was a time when your friend would happily belt out Bon Jovi every time you suggested pizza night, but these days they groan like a tired parent at the thought of another delivery box. Take them to Papa Murphy’s, a clever take-and-bake spot in Rio Rancho. Not only does this place offer some of the freshest pizza options in town, it also serves up choices like customizable vegetarian pies, dairy-free cheese, and a selection of build-your-own creations.
If your pal’s reached the point where they have a Pinterest board dedicated to easy weeknight dinners, then bring them here to grab a ready-to-bake pizza off the rack after a quick online order. They’ll be back on board with pizza night in no time.
