Many restaurants in the Land of Enchantment offer both New Mexican and Mexican dishes on their menus. Although these cuisines utilize a lot of the same ingredients, they’re not the same. This list is specifically devoted to places where you can find delicious Mexican food. So, next time you’re craving tableside guacamole, unique tacos, or fabulous fajitas, head to these 12 New Mexico restaurants:
1. Habanero Fresh Mex, 600 E Amador Avenue, Las Cruces
Habanero’s makes Mexican food healthier by preparing all their dishes with vegetable oil. Diners receive a complimentary serving of welcome soup, which does indeed make you feel welcome. The pollo asado lunch special is scrumptious and definitely don’t miss the potato tacos.
2. Taqueria Mexico, 415 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque
You can’t go wrong with the seafood at this Mexican joint, from the shrimp cocktail to ceviche or fish tacos. In fact, any kind of taco is a good option here. This restaurant is tiny and always packed. If you don’t want to wait for one of the limited tables, you can order to go from the walkup window out front.
3. El Camino Real, 900 W Pine Street, Deming
El Camino Real is one of those hole in the wall restaurants that delivers food far beyond your expectations. You’ll be tempted to stuff yourself with the house made chips, but leave room for heuvos rancheros or gorditas.
4. Guadalajara Grill, 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos or 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos
This locals’ favorite makes amazing fajitas. It's also worth ordering the tacos – try the shrimp or carnitas ones. Expect a friendly welcome and great service at either location.
5. Rizo’s Mexican Restaurant, 1480 N White Sands Boulevard, Alamogordo
Load up on mini street tacos, which come in eight different flavors (the al pastor is delicious). Rizo’s offers generous portions and good value for money. You can get five mini street tacos for $7!
6. Posa’s, 3538 Zafarano Drive, Santa Fe
One word: tamales. Posa’s has been producing handmade tamales since 1955. All of them include green chile, paired with pork, chicken, cheese, and vegetables respectively. Try your tamales with eggs on top for a New Mexican twist.
7. El Gallo Pinto, 901 N Hudson Street, Silver City
The folk at this family owned and run restaurant are extremely friendly and make you feel right at home. Try the breakfast tamales or the tacos al pastor.
8. Los Cerritos, 2103 N Main Street, Roswell
If you’re a fan of guacamole made tableside, you’ll love this homey Mexican restaurant. The margaritas always hit the spot and, on Taco Tuesdays (between 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), dining at Los Cerritos is a total steal.
9. Taqueria Jalisco, 217 W 7th Street, Clovis
Taqueria Jalisco is popular with locals, and for good reason. There isn’t a miss on this menu and the horchata is divine.
10. Ramona’s Café, 944-998 E. Motel Drive, Lordsburg
In this tiny Lordsburg restaurant, you’ll find flavorful Mexican food that is sure to please. Popular dishes include the huevos rancheros, chicken enchiladas, and chimichangas.
11. Mucho Gusto, 839 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe
You'll mostly encounter locals at Mucho Gusto, presumably because no one else could find this restaurant, which is hidden behind a row of buildings! The ingredients here always taste very fresh and the menu contains dishes that are less common in Mexican restaurants here, like lamb tacos and enchiladas suizas. Diners rave about the stuffed chicken breast, also known as The Bomb (pictured).
12. El Patron Café and Catering, 1103 S Solano Drive, Las Cruces
El Patron is another place that’s a little tricky to find, but worth the trouble. The brisket here is legendary, especially the brisket nachos. Many of the dishes are made using old family recipes and the service here is excellent too.
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