Duran’s Central Pharmacy founded in 1942 is on historic Rt. 66.  The family-owned and operated store has everything from drugs to gifts to a New Mexican Diner.  The soda fountain in the place was converted into a diner in the late 1960s and is famous for its red and green chile as well as its many house-made items.  Very popular, we lined up with many on Sat. morning to get the first round of seats at the small restaurant within the pharmacy.  It looked like they also had a patio for outdoor seating.  A tile floor, lower lighting, metal tables and no music set the atmosphere.  There are low stools at the counter if you choose not to sit at a table.  It felt like a place you’d eat regularly if you lived in town.  You should go by and grab a plate of New Mexican food when you’re in town.

Set-up

Food

Duran’s style Huevos Rancheros was 2 eggs, steamed potatoes, beans, cheese and red or green chile.  It came with a rolled flour tortilla.  My husband had eggs over-easy and both chiles.  Both chiles were well flavored and spicy, but not too much.  They stayed separate so you could try either with the perfectly cooked eggs.  He really liked the soft steamed potatoes as they also blended in easily with all without any oil flavor that hash browns will often get. It came with a large thick buttered tortilla that was great.

The Enchilada Plate was 3 stacked cheese enchiladas with green or red chile, garnish and a side of beans.  You could add meats, eggs or blue corn for an upcharge.  I wanted the simple cheese enchiladas Christmas style.  I’m just sorry it didn’t come with tortilla but my husband’s was big enough to share. They were topped with some lettuce and tomato that blended in with the plate as did the beans.  A nice amount of cheese was in the enchiladas as well as sprinkled on top.  It was a good plate of food.