It is no secret amongst those who know me that I am an avid (possibly obsessed) fan of the famous "Breaking Bad" series. Each and every aspect of the show, from the clever inclusion of various symbolic elements to the basic color schemes, works collectively to establish a brilliant and utterly captivating story. Rarely have I seen television shows that I would regard as much more than passively entertaining. "Breaking Bad," however, shattered the barriers of the cookie-cutter television we often witness as an artistically and intelligently formulated series.
Like many devoted fans, I decided to take a road trip to the unique setting of Albuquerque, in which "Breaking Bad" took place. Unlike other shows, "Breaking Bad" utilized numerous actual locations to film the series. So, I prepared a meticulously thought-out list including location, significance, and address; and thus, the tour ensued.
1. Casa Tranquila
Casa Tranquila is the fictional nursing home which housed Hector Salamanca, the former drug runner who aided Walter in the epic, explosive death of Gustavo Fring.
Location: Medical Resort at Fiesta Park: 8820 Horizon Blvd
2. Hank and Marie’s house
A location in which many pivotal plot developments occurred, including the violent confrontation between Hank and Walter after Hank has discovered that the man he has been chasing is his own brother-in-law. The Schrader house is located in a gorgeous neighborhood alongside the Sandia Mountains. However, this is an actual residence, so please be respectful of their privacy.
Location: 4901 Cumbre del Sur Ct
Consider stopping at the nearby Embudito trail within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, accessed by taking a right out of Cumbre del Sur Ct and following Trailhead Rd NE to the end of the road. This is a great place to stop and take a few pictures of the gorgeous Sandia Mountains.
3. The White Residence
Quite possibly the most important location of all, the White residence serves as a canvas for many pivotal scenes. Funny moments, such as the pizza being thrown onto the roof by Walter, thrilling moments, including the murderous twins waiting for Walter in his own bedroom as he showers, and heartbreaking moments, such as the violent climax between Walter and Skyler resulting in a stolen baby and the destruction of a father-son relationship, have all occurred here.
Again, please be considerate of the people who actually live here. They frequently sit in the garage to monitor those who drive by to view the house. Also, do not throw pizzas on the roof. That is not OK.
Location: 3828 Piermont Dr NE
4. The Car Wash
We will never forget the immensely satisfying moment between Bogdan, the incredibly irritating owner, and employee Walter White during the first episode. Additionally, this is the same place that Skyler and Walter later purchased as a way to launder the large sum of cash brought in by Walter’s meth manufacturing practices.
“F*** you, Bogdan. And your eyebrows!”
Location: 9516 Snow Heights Circle Northeast
5. Lavandería Brillante
The laundry became a recurrent setting for the Breaking Bad series as the cover for Gustavo Fring’s super lab, where Jessie and Walter once worked and fought until they burned it to the ground. Interestingly, this location serves a laundry in real life.
Location: 1613 Candelaria Rd NE
6. Jesse and Jane’s Duplex
Located near the university, the temporary residence of Jesse and his late girlfriend Jane served as a spot for a significant story arc in Jesse’s development as a character. Most notably, this is the place where Jesse both found and lost love through Jane’s tragic death. When I visited, this place was up for rent. So, if you have always dreamed of living in a filming location, now is your chance.
Location: 323 Terrace St SE
7. The Crystal Palace
Named the Crossroads Motel in real life, the Crystal Palace was an infamous location riddled with prostitutes, most notably Wendy, and drug use. It looked pretty sketchy in real life as well. Proceed with caution.
Location: 1001 Central Ave NE
8. Jesse’s Home
Jesse’s first and last home, from which he was evicted by his own parents until he later bought it back, was a prevalent setting throughout the "Breaking Bad" series. This is the location where Jesse and Walter became partners, cooked meth, committed murder, violently fought, and changed significantly as characters. Like many others, this is an\actual place of residence, so please respect the privacy of those who live within the home.
Location: 322 16th St SW
9. Los Pollos Hermanos
There is no better way to end a Bad tour with one of the most prominent Bad locations: Los Pollos Hermanos. A Twisters in real life, the fictional fast food chain functioned as an ingenious cover of Gustavo Fring’s successful meth business. Inside of the restaurant are many mementos of the successful "Breaking Bad" series so you can reminisce while eating a burrito. On an unrelated note, there is a strange farm next door to the restaurant housing an ostrich that seems to greet customers through the fence.
Location: 4275 Isleta Blvd SW
