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Best Business & Service
Belen Art League Gallery and Gifts
Best art gallery
509 Becker Ave., Belen
505-861-0217
The Belen Art League was established in 1956 by Mary Lewis, who wanted to learn to paint. She got a few friends together and started the group. For nearly 50 years, the artists would meet in each other’s homes, collaborating and creating art, which was shown at art shows and in local businesses.
In 2003, the city of Belen started leasing the current space, which has been transformed into a gallery and art studio, from a former senior center and gas company.
The volunteers who run the art league have donated their time and talent to teach art to the community, create murals at different locations in and around the city, including the Veterans Memorial, Belen Public Library and other locations, and other community events.
“It enhances the reason why people want to live here,” said Jo’l Moore, a past and future president of BAL. “Art and culture are a big deal when people are thinking about relocating.”
“It’s a great honor,” said BAL member Mary Ann Black of being named Best Art Gallery, “because there are other fantastic galleries in the county. We want to thank our patrons and members for voting for us.”
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The Shop Automotive
Best Auto Shop
100 Damon St., Rio Communities
505-916-0181
Eugene Wroten, a certified mechanic, opened The Shop Automotive in September 2018. Wroten and the other three mechanics work on both foreign and domestic vehicles as well as diesel. They’re able to do “any and all repairs” from simple oil change to replacing motors.
“We can do anything that needs repair and, we also can do auto body work,” Wroten said.
With a loyal customer base, Wroten said if you want a job done right, The Shop Automotive is the place to take your vehicle.
“We take on a lot of jobs that others can’t figure out,” he said. “A lot of shops are sending work our way.”
Wroten said not only does he have a great customer base, but his mechanics are top notch.
“I pride myself in keeping the best of the best — hire the best, and we all take a lot of pride in what we do,” he said. “It means a lot to get the problem fixed the first time, and keep our customers aware how to take care of their vehicles. That’s how we earn the trust of our customers.”
Wroten said being named Best Auto Shop is a “great achievement,” saying he’s grateful to the people who recognize and voted for the business.
“I believe in old-school ways — treating our customers right.”
Manny’s Fine Pastries
Best Bakery
515 Main St., NE, Los Lunas
505-865-7082
Email: mannysfinepastries@yahoo.com
Manny’s Fine Pastries has been a family run business in Los Lunas for 28 years.
Betty Jean Villa, daughter of Manny, the original owner, calls Manny’s a “vintage,” bakery.
“Everything, we make from scratch,” Villa said. “That’s what’s doing it.”
Villa says the most popular items are fritters and empanadas.
Mario’s Barbershop
Best Barber Shop
2210 Sun Ranch Village Loop, Los Lunas
505-550-9473
It is a team effort at Mario’s Barbershop, which was voted Best Barber Shop.
“I have such strong people behind me,” said Mario Sandoval, owner. “All of us are from the community. We grew up here.”
Once a customer sits down, “We do it all. We do shaving, designs. We’re an all-around barbershop. It’s really fun.”
Smokal Smoke Local Dispensary
Best Cannabis Dispensary
212 Becker Ave., Belen
505-319-6748
A native Belen and Valencia County cannabis dispensary, Smokal Smoke Local Dispensary focuses on its customers wellness needs. Whether you are looking for some relief from pain, lack of sleep or need something to just help take a load off, Smokal understands and has the natural products you need.
From CBD to THC, the dispensary offers a variety of edibles and concentrated vapes as well as cannabis flower and more.
“We are a bit different than most dispensaries. Although we strive to be on the cutting edge with the latest selection and new products every day for our recreational clients, our medical patients get special, discreet treatment from our amazing staff,” said Jay Peters, owner. “Smokal is proud of our Smokal Locals Community for treating us as kindly as we treat them.”
Champion Xpress
Best Car Wash
250 Main St., NE, Los Lunas
833-808-2876
Value-added benefits separate Champion Xpress from the competition, said Brandon Anderson, site leader.
“We do the extra here,” Anderson said. “We dry their windshield, prep their car.”
New equipment has also been added to the Los Lunas location. Anderson says fleet arrangements with law enforcement and local agencies “creates a tie that we’ve maintained and enjoy with the community.”
Peralta’s Playhouse
Best Child Care
90 Molina Road, Peralta
505-869-4939
More than 120 children, school age and younger, are enrolled in Peralta’s Playhouse.
“We just provide a high-quality childcare environment for the kids,” said Shawna Eskeets, director. “The staff is always welcoming.
“We have activities all the time. We cater to the family.”
Kathy Armijo is the owner of Peralta’s Play House, who was voted Best Child Care in Valencia County.
Carved Yucca Coffee Co. Espresso Bar
Best customer service
Best place to get a cup of coffee
610 N. Main St., Belen
Upcoming store front: 213 S. Main St., Belen
Instagram: @carvedyuccacoffeeco
Cameron Montaño, owner of Carved Yucca Coffee Co. Espresso Bar, is thrilled to have been recognized by the community for Best Place to Get a Cup of Coffee and Best Customer Service.
“We’re proud to call Belen our home — a community rich in heart, resilience and creativity. Our journey is driven by a deep love for hosting, a passion for authentic espresso, and a commitment to growth and innovation that uplifts our local business landscape. Winning is an honor, but our greatest reward is sharing this experience with the vibrant people who inspire us every day,” said Montaño.
Carved Yucca’s mobile espresso bar has been regularly parked at 610 N. Main St. in Belen since March 2024, but Montaño is excited to announce he will soon be opening up a store front location in Belen by early 2025.
To see the menu and hours, visit their Instagram page @carvedyuccacoffeeco.
Starlight Cinema
Best Entertainment Venue
2226 Sun Ranch Village Road, Los Lunas
505-866-9066
Starlight Cinema 8 general manager Gary Jacobson said he’s “extremely gratified by the community’s choice” to vote the Los Lunas theatre as Best Entertainment Venue.
“We are extremely happy to work in this community. It’s a beautiful community, and I have to say personally I’ve worked in multiple areas in different parts of the country, and I have said multiple times before that Valencia County is the nicest community I’ve ever worked in,” Jacobson said.
Nusenda Credit Union
Best Financial Institution
320 Main St., NE, Los Lunas
505-889-7755
Nusenda members have access to many financial products and solutions, plus easy ways to support the communities and causes they care about. The credit union offers checking and savings accounts, mobile and internet banking, money management resources and more.
“This recognition from our community is a tremendous honor for us,” said Judy Sandoval, Los Lunas office manager. “Being trusted as our members’ financial institution is incredibly rewarding. Our greatest satisfaction comes from making a meaningful difference in our members’ financial well-being and helping them achieve their goals.”
Davis Floral
Best Floral Shop
214 S. Main St., Belen
505-864-8722
Dale and Teresa Davis continues the family tradition of excellence his mother started in Belen in 1945. The family-owned and operated business is committed to offering the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt.
Davis Floral specializes in a large inventory of fresh flowers, tropicals, plants, contemporary and traditional arrangements, high-style floral arrangements and more.
“It means a lot. In todays economy, its rough for any little business,” Davis said. “For the public to recognize us and tell us we’re doing a good job warms my heart.”
Lonchera La Morada
Best Food Truck
Various locations
806-240-4998
Facebook: Lonchera La Morada
From tacos to tortas to burritos and their signature birria pizza, La Morada and it’s distinctive purple paint job brings some spicy joy to the local food truck scene.
“I am overjoyed to have achieved my childhood aspiration of running a food truck business,” said owner Priscilla Navarrete Tarango. “I’m driven by my passion. I am deeply grateful to my customers, whose love for my cooking brings me immense happiness.”
Noblin Funeral Service
Best Funeral Home
418 W. Reinken Ave., Belen
505-864-4448
221-D Main St. SE, Los Lunas
505-866-9992
Noblin Funeral Service offers a full line of services to families, including funeral and memorial services, burials and cremations, custom engraving on cremation urns and memorial keepsakes. Noblin will also assist families with making pre-arrangements for services and can provide military funeral honors to veterans.
“We are deeply honored to be voted Best Funeral Home in Valencia County for 2024,” said owner Robert Noblin. “At Noblin Funeral Service, we remain committed to providing compassionate care, exceptional service, and a legacy of trust to our community. Thank you for placing your confidence in us once again.”
Hair Innovations
Best Hair Salon
403 Main St., Belen
505-864-4337
Ronnie Torres, who has co-owned Hair Innovations with Barbara Torres for 39 years, is grateful for their customers and the staff. The salon opened in 1986, and has been in operation at the same location ever since. The salon has eight stylists and a nail technician, and offers everything from cuts, perms and color, to manicured nails.
Torres said the stylists and the customers make Hair Innovations a great salon.
“When people get along and know what they’re doing, customers feel it’s a great place to be and feel we’re knowledgeable,” Torres said. “We appreciate their continued support and glad we can still be there for them.”
RAKS Building Supply
Best Hardware/Lumber Store
108 Carson Drive, Los Lunas
505-865-1100
An experienced management team and many younger employees is a combination for success at RAKS Building Supply in Los Lunas, according to Kenneth Trujillo, co-owner. Richie Tabet, co-owner/president, has called the staff, “like family.”
“It means a lot to us because we’ve been around for 39 years,” Tabet said of being voted Best Hardware/Lumber Store. “We’ve been involved with the community for a long time, and we credit a lot of it to our long-time employees and the good customers who have been with us.”
RAKS, which is located in Los Lunas, Albuquerque, Socorro and Edgewood, provides a variety of products and services, including wood floor and roof truss design and manufacturing, same or next day delivery, window packages, lumber, sheet rock and drywall, fencing, paint and plumbing.
Tabet said RAKS prides itself on its one-on-one customer service as well as being competitively priced with their competitors.
In July, US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, acquired RAKS Building Supply. Tabet, who along with Kenny and Bobby Trujillo, continue to lead RAKS’ day-to-day operations.
“Our employees have a lot to do with it,” Tabet said. “Customers have someone to wait on them and answer their questions.”
Livingston Hearing Aid Center
Best Hearing Center
835 Main St. NE, #102, Los Lunas
505-565-7285
Livingston Hearing Aid Center is a family-owned business which has served the hearing impaired for more than 70 years. It has more than 105 locations throughout New Mexico — including in Los Lunas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Arizona.
“We are honored to have received the Valencia County vote. We are confident in our expertise and we take great pride in enriching the lives of our patients through better hearing,” said Pasqual Armijo, state licensed hearing instrument specialist at the Los Lunas office.
“Pasqual and I make a great team and it’s our joy to serve you better than anyone! Thank you for your vote Valencia County,” said Linda DeCosta, practice care coordinator.
High Desert Industrial Supply
Best Locally-Owned Business
830 N. Main St., Belen
505-864-4703
High Desert Industrial Supply offers an eclectic array of goods, including welding supplies, groceries, including frozen meat. There is also a deli counter, where they sell Frito pies, enchilada, chile dogs and breakfast burritos. The store also offers fresh meat and cheeses, as well as local and New Mexico-made products.
“We are incredibly happy and excited to have been voted for the third time in a row as Best Locally-owned Business in Valencia County,” said HDI owner Michael Vallejos. “We are proud to serve all our customers in the county. You customers are who keep us going; we cannot do this without you all. Thank you, Valencia County, for your continued support. We are humbled and honored by your vote.”
State Employee Credit Union
Best Mortgage Lender
280 Emilio Lopez Road, Los Lunas
505-983-7328
A not-for-profit financial institution, State Employee Credit Union offers a complete line of loans, including home mortgages, auto loans, personal and secured loans and home equity loans. SECU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in seven counties, including Valencia, Santa Fe, San Miguel, Sandoval, Rio Arriba, Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties.
Any state, city or county employee — as well as contracted employees and vendors of those entities — are also eligible for membership.
“Being named Valencia County’s Best Mortgage Lender for 2024 is a true honor. At State ECU, we pride ourselves on personalized service, community-focused lending and making homeownership achievable for local families,” CEO Andy Ramos said. “This award reflects our dedication to supporting our community and delivering exceptional service. Thank you to our members and team for your trust and hard work. It’s because of you we continue to succeed together.”
Melloy Ford
Best New/Used Car Dealership
499 Emilio Lopez Road, NW, Los Lunas
505-866-3100
“We feel connected to the community,” said Dennis Taylor, Melloy Ford’s general manager, pointing out most of their 120-plus employees live in Valencia County.
Taylor said that the dealership is always rated high in consumer sentiment. Melloy Ford was voted Best New/Used Car Dealership in Valencia County.
“It’s always good to hear that we’re getting more things right than wrong,” he said.
Big O Tires
Best Place to Get an Oil Change
1820 Main St., NW, Los Lunas
505-565-4800
Big O Tires is known for many things, including “complete auto repair,” from mechanical to brakes. Add oil change to that list.
“It may be our attitude with our community,” that brings customers back, said Arturo Morachiz, store manager. “We are always friendly and smiling. We’ll fix it right.”
Europa Food.Farm.Festival
Best Place to Get a Sweet Treat
2105 NM-314, Los Lunas
505-328-3874
If your sweet tooth is calling, community members have voted that Europa Food.Farm.Festival in Los Lunas is the place to go. The scenic and scrumptious cafe, opened seven years ago, has evolved to include an event venue, popular for weddings, and an AirBnb.
Manager Joshua Gabaldon said he and staff are grateful for the recognition, and he recommends the gelato and caramel apple walnut pie.
La Dos Gringas
Best Restaurant
2100 Camino Del Llano, Belen
505-569-8888
Mother and daughter Janet and Desiree Montano opened La Dos Gringas in Belen in 2018 after having been in the restaurant industry for more than four decades.
Keeping authentic New Mexican food as their main focus, La Dos Gringas has been voted Best Restaurant in Valencia County. They previously won Best Nachos.
Offering dine in or take out, customers can choose from a large menu, which includes chile rellenos, carne adovada, tamales, enchiladas, stuffed sopapilla plates as well as classics such as burgers, salads and more.
“Theres been a lot of challenges over the years — including Covid, and a lot of health challenges,” Janet said. “My staff has really supported me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. They are all wonderful, dedicated and most of them have been with me since I opened.”
The owner of La Dos Gringas is also grateful to their loyal customers, who she has been able to get to know personally.
“To me, it’s such an honor,” Montano said of when she learned of being named Best Restaurant. “There are a lot of good restaurants out there, but this is the best you can get.
“We have a very nice atmosphere here. My staff treats all our customers with respect, and we have a large, eight-page menu. We have something for everyone,” she said. “In the last couple of years, we’ve been able to do a lot of catering.”
Adelante Bargain Square
Best Thrift/Consignment Store
19554 N.M. 314, Belen
505-923-4250
Adelante operates Bargain Square Thrift Store as a social enterprise, providing employment for people with disabilities. The store and its employees put out thousands of donations every day and are open seven days a week. Shoppers can find great deals on everything from clothing and housewares to furniture.
“Adelante is truly honored for Bargain Square to be recognized for so many years in a row as the best Thrift Store in Valencia County. This award reflects the incredible dedication of our team and the support of our wonderful community, and it inspires us to continue creating a positive impact through our thrift store,” Rebecca Sanford, Adelante president/CEO said. “Thank you to the donors, shoppers and team members who made this achievement possible.”
Craig Independent Tire Co.
Best Tire Shop
19236 N.M. 314, Belen
505-864-4464
Craig Independent Tire Co. was established in 1981 by John and Carolyn Craig. Their son, John and his wife, Kassandra, continue the tradition of excellent service.
Craig Tires offers a variety of services, including tires, tire repair, alignment, brake repair, suspension and more. The Craigs credit their longtime success with a commitment to the community, providing honest and trustworthy service.
“This means we’re valuable to the community and we’re truly grateful,” said Kassandra Craig. “We feel valued and respected.”
