The Frontier Restaurant is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico on the historic Route 66 highway. As one of the first continuous paved highways to link east and west United States, Route 66 has been like a mirror held up to the nation. The institutions that popped up along the Route represent small town America in which nothing is generic, and in 1971, the Frontier Restaurant joined the ranks of other staple establishments along the Route. Owners, Larry and Dorothy Rainosek, pride themselves on their homemade, New Mexican-style dishes with fresh tortillas and green chile stew.

The Restaurant honors western iconography through the display of John Wayne photos and paintings as well as Navajo rugs that hang from the walls and ceilings. Yet, one of the most important features of the Frontier is their close relationship with the University of New Mexico, situated just across the street from the restaurant. During the past fifteen years, the owners have donated money to the university and provided many students with scholarships. For students, the Frontier is not simply a place to eat, or spend time with friends; it is an Albuquerque institution. After contemplating the reason for the Frontier's popularity, one writer explained that it has nothing to do with the food, the prices, or the location. The Frontier Restaurant is popular because of its history.