These 7 Longest-Standing Restaurants In New Mexico Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades
By Monica Spencer|Published November 08, 2019
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
New Mexico is no stranger to being recognized for its impressive history. Oldest standing house in the country? Check. Oldest church? We have that too. The oldest continuously-inhabited community in the U.S.? It’s right here in the Land of Enchantment. And when it comes to food, New Mexico is home to some wonderfully established and delicious restaurants that have served their communities for decades. How many of these restaurants have you had the opportunity to dine in?
Serving hungry patrons since 1905, this restaurant takes the cake for oldest restaurant in Santa Fe and one of - if not the - oldest in the state! Plaza Cafe has been run by the same family over the decades, bridging the gap between hearty New Mexican dishes and heart-healthy Greek eats, so you can bet there is plenty of love going into each of the meals they serve.
Website: Plaza Cafe Address: 54 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: (505) 982-1664
If you are hoping to find a restaurant that comes close to your grandma’s tamale recipe, you have to stop by this humble restaurant in Albuquerque. El Modelo has been serving ABQ since 1929 and you can bet they have their tamale game down. This restaurant's started as a tortilla shop operated by the Garcia family’s matriarch before transforming into a full-fledged restaurant.
Website: El Model Address: 1715 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 242-1843
Sitting in the heart of Albuquerque, this restaurant opened its doors in 1931 in the centuries-old building and hasn’t looked back since. You’ll have the opportunity to dine on some delicious New Mexican cuisine and finish your meal with steaming sopaipillas.
Address: 206 San Felipe St .NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 247-2204
Once a station for the Butterfield Stagecoach Line, this building was converted into a restaurant in 1939 and has been operated by the same family ever since. You’ll find all kinds of wonderfully flavorful and filling New Mexican dishes here, but be sure to wash it down with a refreshing margarita.
Website: La Posta de Mesill Address: 2410 Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046
Phone: (575) 524-3524
There’s no experience quite like walking through the doors of an enduring neighborhood diner where the employees know exactly what you love. That’s the same feeling you’ll get at Earl’s, which serves traditional diner fare alongside enticing Southwestern cuisine.
Sitting at the same location for more than 70 years, The Pantry is absolute heaven for those with a hefty appetite. Stop here for a hearty breakfast of stuffed French toast or indulge in a smothered tortilla burger. Either way, you’re sure to leave here satisfied.
Website: The Pantry Address: 1820 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 986-0022
Pete’s is the oldest restaurant in Valencia County, where it opened its doors to hungry patrons in 1949. The restaurant moved from its tiny cafe on First Street to its current location in the 1960s but it has continued to serve the same flavorsome New Mexican meals made from scratch.
Are there any other well-established restaurants you would add to this list? We would love to hear your contributions! Feel free to leave it in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
