Rio Rancho mixes desert beauty, Albuquerque proximity, and that unique New Mexico chile culture.
Let me tell you about the pizza spots that locals can’t get enough of in 2025.
1. Turtle Mountain Brewing Company
This Rio Rancho institution combines incredible craft beer with wood-fired pizzas that locals swear by.
Their crust has that perfect chew that comes from dough made with spent grain from their brewing process.
The “Rio Rancho Rojo” with red chile sauce instead of traditional tomato is the perfect example of New Mexican pizza innovation.
The sprawling patio with Sandia Mountain views makes this the ultimate weekend hangout.
2. Pizzeria Rio
This family-owned spot brings authentic Italian techniques to the high desert with hand-tossed pies featuring local ingredients.
The owners, transplants from back East, adapted their family recipes to include New Mexico flavors while respecting traditional methods.
The “505” featuring Hatch green chile has the perfect level of heat that keeps locals coming back.
The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes this a neighborhood favorite where the staff remembers regulars’ orders.
3. Desert Flour Bakery & Pizza
What started as an artisan bakery expanded into amazing pizza once locals tasted their incredible sourdough bread.
Their naturally leavened crust develops complex flavor through long fermentation, creating a distinctively tangy base for both traditional toppings and southwestern combinations.
The tiny space often has lines, but locals know the wait is worth it.
4. Southern Boulevard Pizza
This neighborhood joint on busy Southern serves up New York-style slices that somehow maintain perfect texture despite New Mexico’s dry climate.
The owner, a former Brooklynite, is obsessive about his water filtration system to replicate East Coast pizza.
5. Enchanted Pizza Kitchen
This uniquely New Mexican concept successfully fuses traditional pizza techniques with Native American and Hispanic flavors that define the region.
Their blue corn crust provides a distinctive base for toppings like carne adovada and roasted pueblo chiles.
The colorful space decorated with local art creates authentic connections to Rio Rancho’s cultural heritage.
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