The 18 Best Las Cruces Restaurants for a Southwestern Feast
Habanero’s
By Rebecca Thompson
You don’t arrive in Las Cruces, New Mexico, expecting it to be the kind of town where you’ll have a transcendent green chile experience or stumble on fine-dining in a strip mall. But then you spend a weekend here, and suddenly you’re texting friends, telling them they have to come here for the food. Las Cruces is the kind of place where a roadside taqueria will be so good you’ll spend the next five miles thinking about turning around for another. And trust me, I have. Here’s where you should eat in Las Cruces, ranked according to someone who has eaten far too much in this town.
1. The Shed
It’s impossible to talk about Las Cruces without mentioning The Shed. This tiny spot serves up some of the best New Mexican food in the state, with red and green chile sauces that taste like they were made by someone’s abuela with a Ph.D. in chiles. The stuffed sopapillas—pillowy fried dough loaded with meat and cheese—are a rite of passage. Bonus: They also have great breakfast burritos, because nobody leaves hungry here.
2. Zeffiro’s Pizzeria
Zeffiro’s is the kind of pizza place every town needs: unpretentious, affordable, and consistently good. The wood-fired pies are thin and crispy, with toppings like prosciutto and arugula that elevate it just enough.
3. Si Señor Restaurant
If you're on a quest for the quintessential Hatch chile experience, look no further than Si Señor. They source their chiles directly from Covarrubia's Farm, ensuring that unmistakable Southern New Mexico flavor in every bite. As I savored their green chile cheeseburger, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy for the locals who get to indulge in this place regularly.
4. D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
For a change of pace, I found myself at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro, where locally produced wines are paired with dishes that wouldn't be out of place in a big city gastropub. As I sipped a glass of their Cabernet Franc on the outdoor patio, listening to live music, I couldn't help but think, "Las Cruces, you've grown up nicely."
5. Andele's
If you're looking for a burrito that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about wrapped deliciousness, Andele's is your spot. Their green chile cheese sauce is the kind of condiment that should be bottled and sold nationwide. While you're there, swing by their Dog House location for chips and salsa that'll ruin you for all other chips and salsa.
6. Salud de Mesilla
Salud feels like Las Cruces’ answer to a trendy tapas bar. The menu features everything from empanadas to street corn, but the real star here is their green chile mac and cheese. Creamy, spicy, and topped with breadcrumbs, it’s the kind of dish you’ll think about for days.
7. Andele’s Dog House
This is the casual, order-at-the-counter cousin to Andele’s main restaurant. You come to Andele’s Dog House for tacos, hot dogs (of course), and nachos, but the surprise hit is the chile con queso, a molten bowl of cheese and green chile that you’ll want to put on everything. Pro tip: Order extra chips.
8. Pecan Grill and Brewery
Pecan Grill is where Las Cruces gets a little fancy. This is the kind of place where you can get a pecan-crusted salmon or a green chile-infused steak. They also brew their own beer, so make sure to order a flight to go with your meal. The vibe is laid-back but upscale enough for a date night.
9. La Nueva Casita Café
Tucked away in the Historic Mesquite District, La Nueva Casita is a time capsule of flavors that's been serving up comfort since 1957. As I stepped inside, the scent of simmering beans and fresh tortillas transported me back to my grandmother's kitchen. The enchiladas are the stuff of legend, smothered in a red chile sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. But it's their complimentary chips and salsa that had me plotting a return visit before I'd even finished my meal. Pro tip: save room for the pastel tres leches – it's a sweet ending that'll haunt your dreams.
10. La Posta de Mesilla
This historic spot has been around since 1939, and stepping inside feels like stepping into another era. Enchiladas at La Posta de Mesilla are a safe bet, but the standout here is the margaritas—some of the best in the region. La Posta is a tourist favorite, but it’s still putting out great representations of New Mexican cuisine.
11. The Bean of Mesilla
A coffee shop that also serves some of the best breakfast tacos in town. The Bean is where you go to linger over a cup of coffee and a taco stuffed with scrambled eggs and green chile. It’s low-key but unforgettable.
12. Habanero’s Fresh Mex
Tucked into a strip mall, Habanero’s might not look like much, but don’t be fooled. Their shrimp tacos are the stuff of legend, with perfectly cooked shrimp and a spicy, creamy sauce that brings it all together. This is where locals go when they want a quick, satisfying meal.
13. NM Vintage Wines
Not a restaurant in the traditional sense, but NM Vintage Wines, a tasting room for Cowbelle Wines, deserves a mention for its locally sourced charcuterie boards and surprisingly great flatbreads. Pair it with a glass of New Mexico wine, and you’ve got yourself a perfect late afternoon.
14. El Sombrero Patio Café
El Sombrero Patio Café is a longtime favorite for its traditional New Mexican dishes. Their red chile enchiladas are fiery and satisfying, and the patio seating makes it a great spot for a leisurely meal.
15. Pastaggios
Just when I thought I had Las Cruces figured out, along comes Pastaggios with its Italian-New Mexican fusion. Green chile pizza? It shouldn't work, but oh boy, does it ever. It's the kind of culinary mash-up that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner.
16. Sunset Grill
Located at the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, Sunset Grill offers more than just views. The standout here are the Cali-style fish tacos, lightly breaded and served with a crunchy slaw.
17. Chope’s Bar & Café
Chope’s is technically just outside Las Cruces in La Mesa, but worth the drive. This family-run spot is known for its enchiladas, appropriately slathered in red or green chile sauce. The vibe is casual and a little gritty—in the best way.
18. Caliche's
No culinary tour of Las Cruces is complete without a stop at one of Caliche's locations around the city for frozen custard. As I stood in line, watching locals debate their favorite flavors with the passion usually reserved for college football, I knew I was in for a treat. The green chile sundae didn't disappoint – it's a frozen desert (pun intended) oasis that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Las Cruces cuisine.
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