"Better Call Saul" Filming Locations - Season 3

Links to 28 different "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" posts can be found on the sidebar of the Marc Valdez Weblog desktop website.  Choose the link that works best for you.  

This post focuses on Season 3 filming locations for "Better Call Saul" (updated on March 28, 2025).

Let me know if you have any problems or questions (E-Mail address: valdezmarc56@gmail.com).

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To avoid unnecessary friction, I have redacted the addresses of all single-family homes in these books. (These addresses are still available at Marc Valdez Weblog, however.)  The pictures in the print editions are black-and-white, in order to keep costs down. 

"A Guidebook To 'Breaking Bad' Filming Locations: Including 'Better Call Saul' - Albuquerque as Physical Setting and Indispensable Character" (Sixth Edition)

Purchase book at the link.                                                                                                                   This book outlines thirty-three circuits that the avid fan can travel in order to visit up to 679 different filming locations for "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" in the Albuquerque area.  Some background is provided for each site, including other movies that might have also used the site for filming.

"‘Breaking Bad’ Signs and Symbols: Reading Meaning into Sets, Props, and Filming Locations” (Second Edition)

Purchase book at the link.                                                                                                        “‘Breaking Bad’ Signs and Symbols,” aims to understand some of the symbolism embedded in the backgrounds of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” in order to decode messages and stories Vince Gilligan and crew have hidden there.                                                                                                    A series of tables are used to isolate how certain (particularly architectural) features are used: Gentle Arches, Tin Ceilings, Five-Pointed Stars, Octagons, etc. Daylighting innovations that were either pioneered or promoted in Chicago are examined: Glass Block Windows, Luxfer Prismatic Tile Windows, and Plate Glass Windows.

Certain symbols advance the plot: foreshadowing symbols like Pueblo Deco Arches, or danger symbols like bell shapes and stagger symbols. Other features, like Glass Block Windows or Parallel Beams in the Ceiling, tell stories about the legacies and corruptions of modernity, particularly those best-displayed at Chicago’s “Century of Progress” (1933-34). 

In addition, a number of scenes in the show are modeled after Early Surrealist artworks. The traces of various artists can be tracked in both shows, including: Comte de Lautréamont, Giorgio De Chirico, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, René Magritte, Toyen, Yves Tanguy, Remedios Varo, Paul Klee, and in particular, Salvador Dalí.

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Here's an update to a video I first made in February regarding the uses of architecture and symbolism in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul."

Albuquerque's architecture itself is telling plot-supporting stories and influencing the filming-location-selection process. It is possible to “read” the background of scenes and catch subtle revelations, even years in advance of the plot. Puzzling location-selection decisions can finally be understood.

One such story is a cautionary tale about the excesses and corruptions of modern life, as refracted through the history of the City of Chicago, particularly its “Century of Progress.” In their different ways, both Walter White and Saul Goodman are perfect children of Chicago’s “Century of Progress.” As it happens, Albuquerque received many of its architectural features straight from Chicago, so the city can serve as an effective showcase of Chicago’s influence on America and the world.

Another story concerns window technology. The television shows recapitulate the recent history of how glass windows were modified to introduce more sunlight into the recesses of large buildings, and reciprocally, once electrical lighting technology improved, how large buildings became beacons and lanterns in the night. The City of Chicago had an out-sized role in this process. Private worlds were rendered less private, turning even inner life into a kind of theatrical performance, with all the attendant temptations and dangers. Among these widespread window innovations in Albuquerque, and useful as Chicago callbacks, are Glass Block Windows and Luxfer Prismatic Tile Windows. Even plate glass windows have their place.

The creative teams also use Albuquerque’s Pueblo Deco architecture, particularly archways and ceilings, as foreshadowing elements. Traditional church architecture, such as clerestory windows, are also used, as are other Christian symbols.

Understanding the crystalline labyrinth of Vince Gilligan’s Albuquerque deepens one’s appreciation for the real city: the Aged Sapphire of the Southwest!






"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 10, 'Lantern'

I knew that such an important figure as Chuck McGill couldn't leave "Better Call Saul" without abstract Pueblo Deco arches foreshadowing his demise. The moment comes when Howard announces Chuck’s retirement in the lobby of HHM. The light fixtures on the lobby wall form stylized Pueblo Deco arches ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 10, ‘Lantern’).

"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'

I loved the statuette of Edgar Degas' "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years" on Lydia's desk.

Degas' relationship with ballet seems twisted, his subjects look tortured, and his work still surprises. Wikipedia states:

Certain critics were shocked by the piece, and the dancer was compared to a monkey and an Aztec. One critic, Paul Mantz, called her the "flower of precocious depravity," with a face "marked by the hateful promise of every vice" and "bearing the signs of a profoundly heinous character."

Patches of light on the ceiling from outside lights shining through open doors are like representational skylights; Immediately afterwards, real skylights at Coronado Center!

"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip'

Albuquerque architecture features few clerestory windows outside of churches, but in "Better Call Saul" episode 'Slip' we had a very-pretty example, with the Triangle Grocery in Cedar Crest, 17 miles from Chuck's house, on the eastern flank of the Sandia Mountains.

Another good example of clerestory windows comes from 'Crawl Space' in "Breaking Bad" - the Mexican field hospital. The context of both uses is healing (I like how Chuck rolls his eyes at 'orange oranges.' Chuck's hip - he's seen "The Godfather.")

The Mexican field hospital, 'six miles from Texas,' is housed within the Schwartzmann Slaughterhouse, severely-damaged in an explosion in 1966, and abandoned in the 1980s.

Nacho executes his plan:




"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'

I was pleased they finally used two buildings that have been waiting for years and years for the BrBa/BCS creative team to arrive: 1.) The Furniture Store at Daskalos Center (all that glass block: 5343 Menaul Blvd. NE), and 2.) The Santa Rosa Insurance Group, hosted at Aperture Center, right across the street from "Q" Studios (they've filmed all around it for years).

The Aperture Center was designed by famous NM architect, Antoine Predock. In 1979, I took a beginning modern dance class at UNM from his lovely wife, Jennifer Predock-Linnell. She is still active today. For example, this performance video. At 5:00, they show that the visuals for her dance piece were displayed outdoors (visible even from the Frontier Restaurant) at the UNM School of Architecture, also designed by Antoine Predock. Jennifer has connections there!:




Plus this piece at White Sands:




"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 5, 'Chicanery'

Superb episode (despite the lack of many new locations)!

I didn't like last week's episode, and feared the writers' minds had gone completely to mush in the southwestern sun, but I feel much better now. If Chuck had kept his cool, he would have remembered that current makes him uncomfortable, not capacitance, and a battery just by itself should be harmless to him. I love Chuck, no matter what. My hero!

Here's an excellent interview with Gordon Smith, writer of episode 'Chicanery.'

The Carpenter's Union Building hosted Kim's disclosure to Mesa Verde.

The walk across the street was from the Police Department to the old Albuquerque City Hall, at 400 Marquette Avenue NW. Kim's apartment was likely on set. Hearing Room 253 appears to have been in the Bernalillo County Courthouse Annex building. I loved the division of the ceiling tiles into four strips each. I'm still puzzled by the stairwells: don't know exactly where they are.

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"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito'

I was just annoyed with the episode. Wasted opportunities. Sigh. Maybe next week will be better.

I felt 'Sabrosito' jumped the shark. The last thing Hector should have done at Los Pollos is make a public exhibition, especially after the DEA raided his shop. Mexican drug lords like drama, but the situation was far too risky for even the most flamboyant drug lord. Gus' pep speech was absurdly hollow. The script writers pandered to the BrBa fans by having the conversation at Don Eladio's track Salud so closely. They could have done something new, something imaginative instead. But no....

And apart from the interview room, no new sites.

Basically a face plant of an episode.

Let me explain.

A true Mexican drug lord response would have been for Hector to kidnap Gus, yell at him for a time, then release him.

I've been trying to follow what's been going on in Mexico lately in regard to the lives of Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar and Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, sons of El Chapo Guzmán, heretofore head of the Sinaloa Cartel and the world's greatest drug lord, now living in a U.S. jail.

In August, 2016, in news that went around the world, Jesús was kidnapped from La Leche Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, and held for a week. He was held by Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which is a considerable surprise, since Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa Cartels are frequent allies. Apparently this kidnapping was a negotiating tactic. Either just business as usual, or Jalisco New Generation got angry for some reason - maybe not that different than Hector getting mad at his ally and rival Gus. So, Jalisco New Generation kidnapped Jesús, probably to yell at him for a time. Maybe a touch of torture. Just to let him know who's boss.

Life for Los Hermanos Guzmán has been tough the past year. They were ambushed by their father's ally Dámaso López in February, and barely survived, probably only because they were in the heavily-armed company of one of Mexico's most-powerful drug lords, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.

Dámaso López was arrested just the other day. So, the brothers Guzmán are doing better these days, not because they are necessarily terribly-bright, but because they have powerful allies.

For me, life is all about geography. The reason I'm interested in the lives of Los Hermanos Guzmán is that I took a cruise to Mexico in 2010. Among the pictures I took then was a picture of La Leche!

Kidnapping is the Mexican way, even if you don't want to hurt the victim, but just make them squirm.

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"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 3, 'Sunk Costs'

Just overwhelmed by the glass block!

We've seen glass block on one side of Jimmy, then on two sides (Chicago hospital lobby), and now on three sides. There will come a time when Jimmy is completely surrounded by glass block.

Looks like Tijeras Arroyo for the Mexican desert scenes, but with a staggering amount of prep work (those telephone lines don't exist in reality) and digital reworking after-the-fact (to get rid of the offroader abuse over the years). Amazing!


"Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness'

I was delighted by watching the background in episode 'Witness'. This episode had at least four of the symbolic background elements I discussed in my Albuquerque talk last February, "Streamline Moderne and Jimmy McGill": 1.) Howard parking in front of the Charles Lembke House, the Streamline Moderne house at 312 Laguna Blvd. SW; 2.) The octagonal symmetry of the sunburst on the wind chime; 3.) The glass block on the house located across the street from Los Pollos Hermanos (north side) and garage (south side), roughly 1851 Lakeview Rd. SW and 4.) The "Word Search" puzzle - a Cartesian grid used as a prop in the context of a question, "Hey, you take care of that matter?"

Mike pursues his gas cap on a rainy night.

1.) Going up the hill into Rio Rancho (35.213959°, -106.662802°).
2.) Coming down the hill from Rio Rancho (essentially the same place as going uphill).
3.) Empty parking lots, near Intel in Rio Rancho: (35.221531°, -106.661532°)
4.) On the curve on Coors Bypass NW, across from Cottonwood Mall (35.194995°, -106.657669°)
5.) 55 mph. Tennyson & Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE.
6.) Overpass (15 ft. 0 in.). Tennyson & Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE.
7.) Rail yards.
8.) Where Coors Blvd. NW crosses Calabacillas Arroyo.

Regarding the Word Search, at first I thought the key word was "Columbia". In 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia was brought down by a chunk of foam which struck the wing at the speed of sound. NASA had become inured to the risks of flying foam chunks. So I was thinking here it meant a small risk, that under the right circumstances could be fatal. What risk, we don't know yet.

Then I noticed, over on the right, "Rapollo". Here is discussion about a 'Wall of Light'.

Rapollo is a perfect name! Apollo is the label of space-age plausible deniability, the disguise they built into the Word Search.

Hell yeah (5:15-5:40):

Los Pollos Hermanos Promotional Ad



Los Pollos promo.

New Season 3 Filming Locations



Northeast Heights (E. of Wyoming, W. of Juan Tabo, S. of Osuna)

Mesa Verde offices, One Executive Center, 8500 Menaul Blvd. NE, at Menaul Blvd. & Lester Dr. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel'; episode 7, 'Expenses'; Season 4, episode 3, ‘Something Beautiful’). In "Better Call Saul," they use the southwest corner of the building, not the northeast side, as in "Breaking Bad".

This building was also the IRS Tax Offices ("Breaking Bad", Season 4, episode 9, 'Bug'), where Skyler demonstrates her command of Quicken.

Interior (image from the Internet).

What Is He Thinking Today?

Exterior, One Executive Center.

Lobby, One Executive Center.

Lobby, One Executive Center.

Detail of stagger symbol, Lobby, One Executive Center.

Lobby, One Executive Center.

Albuquerque Auto Outlet, 1400 Wyoming Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness').

Upper Northeast Heights (E. of Juan Tabo, S. of Osuna)

(no new locations offered with this update)


Northeast Heights (N. Of Osuna)

Albuquerque Fire Station Twenty, 7520 Corona Ave. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito'). Gus makes a presentation.

Fire Station Twenty, south side.

Chair Yoga, North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Ave. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern').

Chair Yoga, North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Ave. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern').

Mike pursues his gas cap on a rainy night.

Paseo del Norte underpass, on Tennyson.

Segments (5) and (6): above and under the overpass (15 ft. 0 in.). Tennyson & Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE.

Lower Northeast Heights (W. of Wyoming), & Lomas Blvd. Corridor

ABQ in tune, Music Go Round, 7116 Menaul Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses').

ABQ in tune, Music Go Round, 7116 Menaul Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses').

Carpet warehouse, Raby Carpet & Tile Outlet, 2609 Rhode Island St. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy has extra air time.

Carpet warehouse, Raby Carpet & Tile Outlet, 2609 Rhode Island St. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy has extra air time.

Carpet warehouse, Raby Carpet & Tile Outlet, 2609 Rhode Island St. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy has extra air time.

Raby's Carpet.

Massage Parlor parking lot, Behind Raby's Carpet & Tile Outlet, Pennsylvania & Menaul Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy's media team improvises.

Massage Parlor parking lot, Behind Raby's Carpet & Tile Outlet, Pennsylvania & Menaul Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy's media team improvises.

Antenna Yard. Near Pennsylvania & Menaul Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy's media team improvises.

From 2012 archives. I've gotten in the habit of taking photos of anything in ABQ that looks even remotely interesting. You never know.

Antenna Yard. Near Pennsylvania & Menaul Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Jimmy's media team improvises.

TV Antenna Yard (2018).

TV Antenna Yard (2018).

TV Antenna Yard (2018).

Duke City Recliners, The Furniture Store at Daskalos Center, 5343 Menaul Blvd. NE. All that glass block! ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Selling that extra air time.

Furniture Store at Daskalos Plaza.

Furniture Store at Daskalos Plaza, with its long, long ceiling fluorescent lights.

Coronado Mall, 6600 Menaul Blvd NE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern'). Jimmy manipulates Irene, and her friends.

Coronado Mall, 6600 Menaul Blvd NE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern').

Coronado Mall, 6600 Menaul Blvd NE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern').

Daniel Wormald's House, said to be at 124 Bellingham Court, 87116. Located at 7729 Robin Ave. NE (Season 2, episode 1, 'Switch'; "Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Stolen baseball card collection, and a story that doesn't quite make sense.

Sandpiper Crossing, Sunset Pointe Apartments, 6500 Montgomery Blvd. NE (Season 1, episode 8, 'Rico'). Assisted living and out-of-state syringes.

("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern'). Jimmy manipulates Irene, and her friends.

Downtown

Police Dept., 400 Roma Ave. NW, as seen from Marquette Avenue.

The walk across the street was from the Police Department to the old Albuquerque City Hall, at 400 Marquette Avenue NW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 5, 'Chicanery').

Police Dept.

City Hall offices.

City Hall.

There are three almost co-located filming sites in the basement level of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center, 1 Civic Plaza NW (35.087733°, -106.651710°):

1.) Vincent E. Griego Council Chambers ("Breaking Bad," Season 4, episode 3, 'Open House'). Hank watches City Council proceedings on Cable TV.
2.) Hallway with soda machines ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 5, 'Chicanery'). Jimmy and Kim take a break from disbarment hearings.
3.) Stairwell ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 5, 'Chicanery'). Huell plants battery on Chuck. ("Better Call Saul," Season 4, episode 9, 'Wiedersehen'). Jimmy lashes out in frustration.


I'm thinking Jimmy also watched City Council proceedings on late-night TV too, but I can't remember what episode it was.

Hallway, basement level, Bernalillo County Treasurer's Office.

Vincent E. Griego Chambers, Bernalillo County Treasurer's Office (where Albuquerque City Council meetings are held).

Staircase, seen from basement level, Bernalillo County Treasurer's Office.

Chicanery courtroom, Bernalillo County Courtroom Annex.

Ceiling panel, Chicanery courtroom, Bernalillo County Courtroom Annex.

Terrazzo Star, Bernalillo County Annex.

KiMo Theatre ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Photo by Anna Dorfman.

Anna Dorfman, a new-ish Albuquerque resident and blogger, sends a note:

Hi Marc,

Thanks so much for your excellent coverage and analysis of the locations in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul! As a fan of both shows and a new resident of Albuquerque (via Brooklyn), it's been a great way to learn more about the city with a bit of (pop culture) guidances for help.

I'm attaching a few photos I took on December 6, 2016. I was walking around downtown in the evening after an appointment, and I noticed the KiMo was looking even more beautiful than ever, and that for once there were no cars in front to obstruct my view! Oblivious to the police cars, film crew trucks, and road barriers (I think being a New Yorker has made me blind to a lot of things, haha), I started taking some photos with my phone—only to be stopped by a very kind officer who informed me that Better Call Saul was about to start filming and that I needed to stop taking photos. I asked whether the movie on the marquee, Bunny Lake Is Missing, was actually playing, and he laughed and said no, that's just for the set.

...Again, thanks so much for all of the hard work you put into your blog!

Kind regards,
Anna

KiMo Theatre ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Photo by Anna Dorfman.

KiMo Theatre ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Photo by Anna Dorfman.

Burt's Tiki Lounge, 515 Central Ave. NW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). A favorite site reappears at its new location.

Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry, 510 Central Ave. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Lots of neon!

Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry and Crafts.

Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry and Crafts.

(February, 2019) Closing soon? No!

Warehouse 508, 508 1st Street NW. Pryce wants Mike's help ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses').

Great murals here! I suspect there are tight links between Warehouse 508 and "Better Call Saul." The location of the basketball hoop may have shifted due to filming demands.

Warehouse 508, 508 1st Street NW. Pryce wants Mike's help ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses').

Quantum Bridge Mural.

Downtown West and Old Town

(no new locations offered with this update)


Huning Castle & ABQ Country Club

Chuck McGill's Home, 1607 San Cristobal Road SW.

Chuck walks downtown along San Cristobal Rd. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand').

San Cristobal Rd. SW, looking west ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 10, 'Lantern').

After the episode 'Lantern' aired, many people were convinced that a white house with a red tile roof seen in the distance was Jesse's house. This is false. Jesse's house is southeast from Chuck's house, not west. The white house is actually located at Laguna Blvd. and Los Alamos Ave. SW.

Where Howard parks, 312 Laguna Blvd. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness'). Look at the beautiful Streamline Moderne house in the background! That's the Charles Lembke House, a notable house in Albuquerque. Howard's back yard path is still a little murky. Possibly through the yard behind 1605 Los Alamos Ave. SW.

Charles Lembke House.

Charles Lembke House.

Barelas

Rail Yards, this time on the south side, on the Roundhouse side ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel'). Also, Mike watches the mysterious man at the Rail Yards ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness').

Huning Highlands/ Martineztown Locations

Back yard camping with Chuck & Jimmy, Former ABQ Fire Station #2, northwestern corner of the yard at 301 High St. SE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 10, 'Lantern').

Chuck reads Harry Thurston Peck’s 1896 children’s book, “The Adventures of Mabel,” to young Jimmy.

(Photo by James Gelet.)

(Montage of photos by James Gelet.)

'Lantern' back yard camping.

'Lantern' back yard camping.

University Area & Near Presbyterian Hospital

UNM Science and Technology Park, 800 Bradbury Dr. SE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). "Maybe we should catch the bus."

Madrigal Electromotive's Houston Office, Scott & Kienzle's Law Offices, 1011 Las Lomas Rd. NE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Lydia welcomes Mike to Madrigal.

The office is first shown in "Breaking Bad" (Season 5, episode 4, 'Fifty-One'). Lydia, and her mismatched shoes!

Scott Kienzle Law Offices, 1011 Las Lomas Rd. NE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall').

Encino Terrace, as seen from Scott Kienzle Law Offices.

A building of interest to the architectural community, the Encino Crescent, is in the foreground (but never shown in 'Madrigal' or 'Fall').

Nob Hill

(no new locations offered with this update)


South Valley (West of River), Southwest Albuquerque and Pajarito Mesa

Los Pollos Hermanos, Twisters, 4257 Isleta Blvd. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness'; episode 8, 'Slip').

Los Pollos Hermanos, Twisters, 4257 Isleta Blvd. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness').

The area on both sides of Lakeview Rd. SW, in the vicinity of 1851 Lakeview Rd. SW, where Mike parks to observe Los Pollos Hermanos, are notably important ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness').

The house on the north side, and the garage on the south side, both feature Streamline Moderne Glass Blocks (see "Streamline Moderne and Jimmy McGill").

Clínica Gratuita, South Valley Animal Clinic, 4021 Isleta Blvd. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 3, 'Sunk Costs'). The Mexican Doctor.

The doorbell.

The doctor's office.

El Michoacano Restaurant, 2511 Isleta Blvd. SW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Season 3 reappearance! This location is near Alberto's Tire Pros. Near the intersection of Blake Rd. & Isleta Blvd. SW.


San Jose Neighborhood and South Valley (East of River)

Delta Power Co. LLC, 725 Electric Ave. SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness'). Mike watches a gas cap rendezvous in the darkness.

A "Breaking Bad" location! Mexican Meth Lab (Season 4, episode 10, 'Salud'). The old building has since been removed and replaced by this empty lot next to the electrical equipment.

Five J's Auto Parts, 5404 Broadway Blvd SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel').

Amusing Muscle Man poses at the lobby door of Five J's.

The Veterinarian is at Rio Bravo Veterinary Hospital, 240 Rio Bravo Blvd. SE (Season 1, episode 6, 'Five-O'). Protection rackets and rabies shots. Also (Season 1, episode 8, 'Rico') and (Season 2, episode 3, 'Amarillo'). Amusing lobby scene (Season 3, episode 5, 'Chicanery'). Jimmy makes demands (Season 4, episode 3, 'Something Beautiful').

Glass Block Windows in the lobby at Rio Bravo Veterinary Hospital.

The Veterinarians and staff here were so welcoming and helpful!

Rio Bravo Veterinary Hospital ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 5, 'Chicanery').

Screencap, Rio Bravo Veterinary Hospital (Season 2, episode 3, 'Amarillo').

Gus' Chicken Farm, Cal-Maine Foods, 9615 Broadway Blvd. SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Gus' all-important distribution center (now closed).

Gus and Hector Salamanca meet in the building just west of the intersection of William St. & Southern Ave. SE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Looking east. Patches of light through open doors are like representational skylights. In the scene immediately afterwards, real skylights are seen at Coronado Center!

Battered building where Gus, Nacho, and Tio rendevous.

Vargas' Family Home, 2010 Walter St. SE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Nacho's dad is honest and proud.

Southeast Heights

Juan Tabo Hills Bridge, Juan Tabo Blvd. SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip').

Juan Tabo Hills Bridge, Juan Tabo Blvd. SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip').

Juan Tabo Hills Bridge, Juan Tabo Blvd. SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip').

Under the Juan Tabo Hills Bridge ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip').

Allen's Automotive, 12115 Central Ave. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip').

El Griego Guiñador, Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé, 6500 Zuni Road SE (Season 2, episode 6, 'Bali Ha'i'; episode 7, 'Inflatable'; episode 8, 'Fifi'; episode 9, 'Nailed'; Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito').

Stunning mural of Paquimé, largest ruin at Casas Grandes, Chihuahua.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Paletería Michoacana de Paquimé.

Koenig's Metalmorphosis, 6505 Zuni Rd. SE (Season 2, episode 7, 'Inflatable'; episode 8, 'Fifi'; episode 9, 'Nailed'; Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito'). Mike observes El Griego Guiñador.

I'm very pleased "Better Call Saul" is using Koenig's Metal Yard, across from El Griego Guiñador. It's the most-interesting looking metal yard in all of Albuquerque.

Koenig's Metalmorphosis.

Bingo Pavilion, Ballut Abyad Shrine, 6600 Zuni Rd. SE ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Jimmy manipulates the balls to alter the game, in order to manipulate Irene in the lobby.

First shown in Season 1 of "Better Call Saul" (Season 1, episode 7, 'Bingo'). Need a will? Call McGill! Later, Jimmy melts down (Season 1, episode 10, 'Marco'). Seen in the background (Season 2, episode 2, 'Cobbler').

Potentate Tom LaGuardia kindly showed me around the facility.

The ballroom.

The ballroom.

Near "Q" Studios

Mexican Road Junction, Ira Sprecker Road & Los Picaros Rd. SE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 3, 'Sunk Costs'). Vast amount of site preparation & digital reworking of the images!

Santa Rosa Insurance Group, Aperture Center, UNM's Mesa del Sol facility, University Blvd. & Stryker Rd. SE. ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Jimmy sabotages Chuck.

The Aperture Center was designed by famous NM architect, Antoine Predock. In 1979, I took a beginning modern dance class at UNM from his lovely wife, Jennifer Predock-Linnell. She is still active today.

The Aperture Center returns ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Mike waits for Lydia in the Madrigal Lobby here.

UNM's Aperture Center.

UNM's Aperture Center.

UNM's Aperture Center.

Oil Patch ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Site of corral in BrBa's 'Full Measure' (34.970349°, -106.622158°) Good use of CGI! Here are two photo assemblages made by Superfan Adam Ramirez of the corral and vicinity:

Corral - August, 2022.

Corral - Andrea Nowak stages Kim's scene 

Corral - Andrea Nowak stages Kim's scene.

Kim's auto accident on the curve on Bobby Foster Road ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'; episode 10, 'Lantern').

Near the camera view of the Elm Tree from Breaking Bad's episode 'Bit By a Dead Bee.' A tight cluster of filming locations there.

( 34.989141°, -106.645636°)

A bland-looking photo of the spot from December 28, 2011.

Kim's Accident Scene, February 22, 2022.

Kim's accident scene - August, 2022.

"Q" Studios

Chuck's House Interior,Studio (Season 1, episode 1, 'Uno'). ID'ed as "Q" Studios in a Facebook post.


I-25 Corridor, North

Springer Industrial Center, 1415 Broadway Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Albuquerque Parks Department.

Springer Industrial Center, 1415 Broadway Blvd. NE ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Albuquerque Parks Department.

Springer Industrial Center, 1415 Broadway Blvd. NE. Are the warehouse scenes here ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand')? Albuquerque Parks Department ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses')

Springer Industrial Center, 1415 Broadway Blvd.

Gus's Laundry ("Lavanderia Brillante": exterior disguise of the Superlab), Delta Uniform and Linen, 1613 Candelaria Rd. NE. The site is located across from the Ambassador Inn (with a "Signs" sign nearby).

Reappears! ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand').

North Valley

Stacey's self-help group, Grace United Methodist Church, 420 San Lorenzo Ave. NW ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 6, 'Off Brand'). Interesting window.

("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses') Making a sidewalk.

("Better Call Saul", Season 4, episode 4, 'Talk') Mike talks.

Grace United Methodist Church, San Lorenzo NW.

Grace United Methodist Church, San Lorenzo NW.

Round arches, Grace United Methodist Church, San Lorenzo NW.

Round arches, Grace United Methodist Church, San Lorenzo NW.

Round arches, Grace United Methodist Church, San Lorenzo NW.

(February 21, 2022) Reminds one of Italian painter's Giorgio de Chirico's "The Anxious Journey."

Gabaldon Run Access, Gabaldon Pl. NW, Paseo del Bosque bike trail, I-40 and the Rio Grande, east side of river ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Jimmy's community service.

Gabaldon Run Access, Gabaldon Pl. NW, Paseo del Bosque bike trail, I-40 and the Rio Grande, east side of river ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Jimmy's community service.

Gabaldon Run Access, Gabaldon Pl. NW, Paseo del Bosque bike trail, I-40 and the Rio Grande, east side of river ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses'). Jimmy's community service.

Under the I-40 Bridge over the Rio Grande River.

Northwest Albuquerque

The Cinnabon at Cottonwood Shopping Center ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel').

Mike pursues his gas cap on a rainy night - going up the hill into Rio Rancho (35.213959°, -106.662802°).

Mike pursues his gas cap on a rainy night.

1.) Going up the hill into Rio Rancho (35.213959°, -106.662802°).
2.) Coming down the hill from Rio Rancho (essentially the same place as going uphill).
3.) Empty parking lots, near Intel in Rio Rancho: (35.221531°, -106.661532°)
4.) On the curve on Coors Bypass NW, across from Cottonwood Mall (35.194995°, -106.657669°)
5.) 55 mph. Tennyson & Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE.
6.) Overpass (15 ft. 0 in.). Tennyson & Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE.
7.) Rail yards.
8.) Where Coors Blvd. NW crosses Calabacillas Arroyo.

Rio Rancho

Mike pursues his gas cap on a rainy night.

3.) Empty parking lots, near Intel in Rio Rancho: (35.221531°, -106.661532°)


Corrales

(no new locations offered with this update)


West Mesa (except Pajarito Mesa)

Kim and Jimmy's new office, (formerly DiNicola Insurance Agency, now Realty One), 6311 Montaño Rd. NW. Mirror-imaged building with a copper ceiling ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel').

North Valley Fit, R. R. Ortiz Agency, 6312 Montaño Rd NW # D ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 3, 'Sunk Costs'). Convenient place for Kim to shower.

Mike flees down desert road, West of Double Eagle Airport and Shooting Range (35.131313°, -106.871107°). Beautiful helicopter shot, and beautiful Mesa Prieta in distance ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel').

Mike stops to examine car for bugs, West of Double Eagle Airport (35.133206°, -106.869943°). No sign of radio transmitter ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel').

Shooting Range Access Rd. Mike hunts for his gas cap, and meets Gus ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 2, 'Witness', and episode 3, 'Sunk Costs').

BCDC Jail, Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter, 7446 Jim McDowell Rd. (35.153079°, -106.817114°).
(Season 3, episode 3, 'Sunk Costs'). Jimmy gets booked.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter. Formerly-operative electrical panel to remotely-control access to doors.

Westside Jail/Girl Scout Camp/Albuquerque Homeless Shelter.

Kim's fateful drive, Coors Blvd. NW ("Better Call Saul," Season 3, episode 9, 'Fall'). Kim starts her drive southbound on Coors Blvd. NW, just south of I-40. She continues her drive southbound on Coors Blvd. NW, just north of I-40. Then, whoa, she's on Bobby Foster Rd. SE.

Sandia And Manzano Mountains

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, 12165 NM Highway 14, Cedar Crest, NM, 87008 ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 8, 'Slip').

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, Cedar Crest, NM.

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, Cedar Crest, NM.

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, Cedar Crest, NM.

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, Cedar Crest, NM.

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, Cedar Crest, NM.

Triangle Grocery and Meat Market, Cedar Crest, NM.

Refrigerators, neon, and clerestory windows at the Triangle Market in Cedar Crest. Photo by Ron Leonard.

Beautiful windows at the Triangle Market in Cedar Crest. Photo by Ron Leonard.

Mural at the Triangle Market in Cedar Crest. Photo by Ron Leonard.

To'hajiilee

(no new locations offered in this update)


Zia Pueblo, San Ysidro, and Cabezon

"Don't" ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 1, 'Mabel'). Mike parks near (35.506735°, -106.815202°)


Santa Ana Pueblo & Algodones

Power Plant, Public Service Co. of NM, 1500 Pan American Central Highway, Algodones, NM 87001 ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 7, 'Expenses').

Bernalillo and Placitas

Hacienda de Placitas ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito').

The swimming pool at La Hacienda de Placitas ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito').

The swimming pool at La Hacienda de Placitas ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito').

The swimming pool at La Hacienda de Placitas ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito').

The juniper/piñon studded hillside behind La Hacienda de Placitas ("Better Call Saul", Season 3, episode 4, 'Sabrosito').

Santa Fe & Lamy

(no new locations offered with this update)


Near Los Lunas and Belen

(no new locations offered with this update)


More Distant Locations

(no new locations offered with this update)

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"The Man With Icy Eyes"

This is the house behind Jesse Pinkman's house. This house is at 314 16th St. SW. This house is where the murder occurs in the 1971 movie, "The Man With Icy Eyes."

An unusual piece of Italian film noir, "The Man With Icy Eyes," was filmed in Albuquerque in 1971. The movie stars Victor Buono and the beautiful Barbara Bouchet. The film shows many BrBa and BCS filming sites back in the days when neon signs still dominated Central Ave. For example, at the start of the film, the first victim dies here. The framed shooter then flees in a panic, and tries to run behind Chuck's House. The Courthouse is familiar too.

It's amusing how the needs of Hollywood film crews don't change much. They all look for a settled, wealthy, professional or upper-class neighborhood. In Albuquerque, that means they gravitate to the same suite of 20 or 30 homes, decade in and decade out.

I'm amused by the Italian-accented Spanish accents. I was intrigued when a witness suddenly gets a stroke and sits mute in a wheelchair (1:03:30). I wonder if this film influenced the development of Hector Salamanca's character?

There are many personal touchstones: sitting in a sidewalk cafe on a frigid day (a stone's throw from where my mom started working in 1972), a glimpse of Lerners Shops (where I worked in 1974), and a wrestling poster featuring my childhood idol, Ricky Romero. Plus, the bad guys share my name.

The offices of a long-defunct newspaper, the Albuquerque News, were used for the Albuquerque Sentinel. When I was in high school, the father of a friend was a reporter there. We sometimes got advance info about the movements of politicians from him. No one seems to remember that newspaper anymore, even though it wasn't that long ago. Google was useless. The building is now gone. I had to query a website of Albuquerque antiquarians ("Albuquerque Memories") to find even one soul who remembered where that place formerly was.

Interesting blog post at The Mansion of Madness.