Breaking Blog: A Self-Guided Tour in Albuquerque

"Breaking Bad" is not just a show about drug trade and crime; it's a character-driven exploration of the human condition and the consequences of one's choices. It's a thrilling, emotional, and thought-provoking experience that has impacted television history. What if I told you, you could experience this show in person!

The Sets

The critically acclaimed television series created by Vince Gilligan, was primarily set and filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The show's setting in Albuquerque played a significant role in establishing its unique atmosphere and visual style. Many iconic locations were used throughout the series, and some of them have become popular tourist attractions for fans of the show.

From the Breaking Bad sets, we only got to visit Walter White's house, Los Pollos Hermanos, and the Lavandería Brillante laundromat, since this was an unplanned day trip. We were staying in Santa Rosa at the time, which was 2 hours away from Albuquerque. The reason we were in Albuquerque that day was to take me (Nayeli) to get tested for the flu because I had been really sick days prior. The nearest emergency room was in Albuquerque, so we had to drive there. Thankfully I didn't have the flu, so we decided to find something to do in Albuquerque that way we didn't waste a day of our trip. Sofia had the awesome idea of visiting the Breaking Bad sets because we were both really obsessed with that show. Our first stop was Los Pollos Hermanos, where we decided to have lunch.

Los Pollos Hermanos on the show is actually a restaurant called Twisters. To our disappointment, they didn't sell ANY chicken. Sofia was disappointed because, "Since when do vegans eat chicken?"

They did, however, have Mexican food and we decided to eat the Twister Burritos, which was pretty good.

The restaurant had really cool props where you can take pictures and feel as if you were a part of the TV show. Outside of the restaurant, they had a merch truck where they sold shirts, hats, and Los Pollos Hermanos buckets. Don't worry, they don't sell crystal meth, we asked.

They even had two cars that were actually used in Breaking Bad and it's prequel, Better Call Saul!

We also went to Walter White's house, but unfortunately, it was all fenced up and honestly did not look that great. The owner apparently, sits outside in a lawn chair all day waiting to call the police on anyone that tries to get close to her house.

When we tried taking a picture in front of the house, she started yelling at us to leave. I get she wants her privacy but if I were her, I would have used this opportunity to make money and charge people to take pictures inside, but oh well, to each their own.

We also stopped at the Lavandería Brillante laundromat, which is where they had the meth lab in the show. In real life, it is actually a uniform and linen office.

Here are some more "Breaking Bad" sets and locations you can visit:

1. Walter White's House: The residence of Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) and his family is one of the most recognizable locations from the show. The real house is located at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane.
2. Saul Goodman's Law Office: The office of the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk) is located at 9809 Candelaria Rd NE. In real life, it's actually an Indian restaurant called "The Crossroads."
3. Los Pollos Hermanos: The fast-food restaurant chain owned by the character Gus Fring (played by Giancarlo Esposito) is a pivotal location in the show. The actual location used for the exterior shots is a Twisters restaurant at 4257 Isleta Blvd SW.
4. Lavandería Brillante laundromat: The laundromat that Gus owned, which was actually an undercover meth lab where Walter and Pinkman cooked. The actual location is a uniform and linen office located at 1615 Candelaria Rd NE.
5. Car Wash: The A1A Car Wash, where Walter White and his business partner Saul launder money, is a real car wash called Octopus Car Wash, located at 9516 Snow Heights Circle NE.
6. Jesse Pinkman's House: Jesse Pinkman's (played by Aaron Paul) house is at 9809 Margo Street SW. Like Walter White's house, it also attracted many fans of the show.
7. Tuco's Headquarters: The hideout of Tuco Salamanca (played by Raymond Cruz) is located at 17 Cielo Drive SE.
8. Crossroads Motel: The Crossroads Motel, where several characters stay during the series, is a real motel located at 1001 Central Ave NE.
9. Desert Scenes: Many desert scenes were filmed in the surrounding areas of Albuquerque, showcasing the stunning New Mexico landscape.

The popularity of "Breaking Bad" has led to guided tours of the show's filming locations, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of the series and visit the iconic spots they saw on their screens. Additionally, the spin-off prequel series "Better Call Saul!" also features several locations in Albuquerque.

"Better Call Saul," follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk. Many of the locations used in "Breaking Bad" are also featured in "Better Call Saul," creating strong continuity between the two series.

We visited the Law Office of Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM), which is actually a Pan American Building. We decided to have a quick photoshoot here.

We also went to Chuck McGill's House which thankfully didn't have any fences, crazy tape, or an enraged home owner blocking it off.

Here are some more "Better Call Saul" sets and locations in Albuquerque:

1. Saul Goodman's Law Office: After Jimmy adopts the alias 'Saul Goodman' he relocates his law in a strip mall at 9809 Candelaria Rd NE, Suite 1. The same location was used as Saul Goodman's office in "Breaking Bad."
2. Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM): The main location of Jimmy and Chuck's sibling feud with the law takes place in HHM. The location is at Pan American Building, Sun Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
3. El Michoacáno: The restaurant where Hector Salamanca, and later Nacho Varga, conducts business throughout the series is actually a local Mexican restaurant called El Moreno at 2511 Isleta Blvd SW.
4. J&M Nail Salon: This nail salon is where Jimmy's temporary law office and residence in the back of the building is. The location is at 9809 Candelaria Rd NE, Suite 2.
5. Loyola's: A local restaurant that serves as a frequent meeting place for Mike Ehrmantraut and other key characters of BCS! It is located at 4500 Central Ave SE.
6. Chuck McGill's House: The house of Jimmy's older brother Chuck McGill, played by Michael McKean, is located at 215 Grant Ave NE.
7. University of New Mexico (UNM): Several scenes in "Better Call Saul" were filmed on the campus of UNM, which serves as the location for the law school where Jimmy attends.
8. Sandpiper Crossing: The Sandpiper Crossing assisted living facility, a significant plot location in the series, is filmed at the Towne Park Assisted Living facility at 4421 Irving Blvd NW.

Similar to "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul!" has also drawn tourists and fans to Albuquerque who wish to explore the filming locations and immerse themselves in the world of the show. Many of these locations are accessible to the public, but it's essential to be respectful and mindful of any posted restrictions or private property boundaries.

This was definitely a fun spontaneous day trip. If you are a "Breaking Bad" or "Better Call Saul!" fan, we definitely recommend going to these locations.

If you have not seen these shows yet..."Stay out of my territory!" - Walter White

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