Ardovino's Desert Crossing: Slice Of New Mexico History

Tucked away in the foothills of Mount Cristo Rey and close to the United States-Mexico border is a restaurant that occupies a building with quite a history. If you want to learn a little-known slice of New Mexico history, you should visit Ardovino’s Desert Crossing. It started as a homestead that was built in the early 1900s and you can learn more about it here.

Ardovino's Desert Crossing is an excellent gourmet restaurant located in the border town of Sunland Park. Starting as a homestead and a ranch in the early 1900s, it has transformed many times over the decades.

This windmill along with a water tower are the most iconic structures on the grounds of Ardovino's. They were built in 1909 to provide water to the surrounding ranch. I find it fascinating that there's so much history at this one restaurant in New Mexico.

During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed another building on the property. It became known as the Barn (now Sunset Hall) and it's said that it was used as a Border Patrol outpost.

In 1948, a man by the name of Frank Ardovino (aka "Uncle Frank") purchased the property. He opened Ardovino's Roadside Inn in 1949 in the ranch house, adding a kitchen and transforming the living quarters of the home into a dining room. The restaurant was upscale and people came here from all over to dine on Italian cuisine.

Ardovino's Roadside Inn closed its doors in 1973 after Uncle Frank passed away. In 1997, it was reopened by Robert Ardovino as Ardovino's Desert Crossing.

Aside from the history, you can come to Ardovino's for delectable Italian cuisine. The restaurant is open for weekend brunches as well as dinner on Thursdays through Saturdays.

This hidden gem of a historic restaurant offers a full-service venue for events and weddings as well as The Mecca Lounge and Restaurant. And just like Uncle Frank's restaurant, Ardovino's Desert Crossing serves fine cuisine using only the best ingredients.

Have you ever been to Ardovino’s Desert Crossing? What other slices of New Mexico history do you find fascinating? Let us know in the comments! For more information on the restaurant including a menu, visit the Ardovino’s Desert Crossing website and give the Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Facebook page a follow.

If you have a lot of pride in New Mexico, check out the selection of apparel and accessories on the Wear Your Roots website. You’ll love the New Mexico designs!

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1 Ardovinos Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063, USA

A Little-Known Slice Of New Mexico History Can Be Found At This Restaurant

Melissa Mahoney

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