National Register Listing

Pig 'n Calf Lunch

a.k.a. Pig Stand Cafe;Univeristy Cafe

2106 Central Ave. SE., Albuquerque, NM
The Pig 'n Calf Lunch building is one of the last largely unaltered structures associated with the pre-war period of roadside dining remaining along Route 66. When it opened in May 1935, Albuquerque Progress, a monthly business magazine published by a local bank, described it as "attractively white-tiled inside and out" with "private booths and a horseshoe counter." By the late 1930s, the business was using the name "Pig Stand." However, it is not clear whether it was a part of the Pig Stand chain based in Dallas. Although predating the realignment of Route 66 along Albuquerque's Central Avenue by eighteen months, the restaurant was quick to take advantage of its location on the popular highway and gave its location as "opposite university on Route 66" in postcards published in the late 1930s. Because of this close historic association with automobile tourism along Route 66, the property is eligible under Criterion A. It is also eligible under Criterion C as a good example of the setting, location, and design of an early cafe catering primarily to motorists. of particular note are the exterior details such as the white tile with black courses and black friezes, suggesting the building as transitional from the popular Commercial Brick Style to the Moderne Style that would characterize many roadside related properties along Route 66.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture transportation
Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
New Mexico played a significant role in the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces fighting several battles in the territory. The most famous of these was the Battle of Glorieta Pass in 1862, which ended Confederate hopes of capturing the Southwest.
New Mexico random facts
Bernalillo County, located in the central part of the U.S. state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tiwa and Tanoan people, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Rio Grande.

In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.

During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.

Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

  • 1692: Bernalillo County established as part of New Spain's Santa Ana Pueblo land grant.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Bernalillo County becomes part of the Republic of Mexico.
  • 1848: Bernalillo County is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
  • 1852: Bernalillo County officially organized as a county within the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1880: Completion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line through Bernalillo County stimulates growth and development in the region.
  • 1902: The county seat is moved from Albuquerque to nearby Los Ranchos.
  • 1930: The county seat is moved back to Albuquerque due to the city's rapid growth and importance.
  • 1960s: Bernalillo County experiences significant population growth as a result of urbanization and suburban development.
  • 2000s: Bernalillo County implements various initiatives to promote economic development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.