When a restaurant looks nondescript or unappealing from the outside, it’s tempting to just go somewhere else. However, in the case of these restaurants, that would be a mistake because you’d miss out on a great dining experience. So ignore questionable exteriors, and wait to pass judgment until you’ve sampled the food at the 10 best hole in the wall restaurants in New Mexico.
- Cowboy Café, Roswell
Yelp/Jenny K.
Yelp/Jeannie P.
Although this café doesn’t look all that promising from the outside, it’s known for breakfast, especially for heavenly biscuits and gravy. Visit this page for more information.
- Horseman’s Haven Café, Santa Fe
Yelp/Rebel Y.
Flickr/Steve Terrell When you think of great restaurant locations, “behind a gas station” probably doesn’t spring to mind. Don’t let that deceive you. Horseman’s Haven is a bustling local fave. Whether you opt for carne adovada or enchiladas, be warned that the chile here packs a serious punch. Visit this page for more information.
- Monte Carlo Steakhouse, Albuquerque
Yelp/Stu T.
Yelp/Roberta G. If you’re searching for the Monte Carlo Steakhouse and instead wind up at a liquor store, you’d probably glare at your map app and head elsewhere. However, the restaurant is actually located on the back side of the liquor store. The setup looks like such a dive that the Monte Carlo has actually been featured on the show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Once you’re tucking in to one of the best steak dinners in Albuquerque, you’ll be glad you braved the questionable location. Visit this page for more information.
- Elisa’s House of Pies and Restaurant, Deming
Yelp/Avery H.
Yelp/Alexis T. Elisa’s is tucked into an alley, but the restaurant’s fried catfish and fried chicken dishes make this a side street worth exploring. Don’t forget to try the millionaire pie. Visit this page for more information.
- Bodega Burger Co & Lounge, Socorro
Yelp/Kandi K.
Yelp/Randy B. This place looks like it’s part dive bar, part hotel restaurant. But appearances don’t matter when you dish up burgers this good. Try the green egg and ham burger or the vegetarian black bean burger. Visit this page for more information.
- The Dog House Drive In, Albuquerque
Yelp/Erin S.
Used as a filming location for “Breaking Bad,” the Dog House does have a certain bail bonds vibe. But, with the first bite of your chili dog, you’ll forget all about ambience. Visit this page for more information.
- The Steak House Café, Tatum
Yelp/Clayton I.
Yelp/Kellie O.
For down home food cooked right, refuel with some steak fingers, chased with a slice of pie. Bring your appetite; servings are massive.
- Chili Works, Los Alamos
Yelp/Tamaki I.
Yelp/Idan S. If you like to customize, this build-your-own burrito restaurant is the place for you. Whether you want carne adovada or chorizo inside, the result is delicious, messy, and technically portable.
- Laguna Burger, New Laguna, Rio Puerco, Albuquerque
Yelp/Deborah M.
Yelp/Fionagh R. Laguna Burger is attached to a gas station. From a foodie perspective, that usually doesn’t bode well. But, the laguna burger makes a pitstop here totally worthwhile - as do the race cars attached to the blades of the ceiling fan! There are two other Laguna locations you can experience in New Mexico, as well. Visit this page for more information.
- El Sombrero Patio Café, Las Cruces
Yelp/Michael y.
Yelp/Taylor S. You’d never guess from a glance at the exterior that this restaurant serves outstanding salsa, shredded beef tacos, and green chile cheeseburgers. Visit this page for more information.
What is your favorite out of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Mexico? Here are some more hidden gem restaurants in the Land of Enchantment.
Yelp/Jenny K.
Yelp/Jeannie P.
Although this café doesn’t look all that promising from the outside, it’s known for breakfast, especially for heavenly biscuits and gravy. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Rebel Y.
Flickr/Steve Terrell
When you think of great restaurant locations, “behind a gas station” probably doesn’t spring to mind. Don’t let that deceive you. Horseman’s Haven is a bustling local fave. Whether you opt for carne adovada or enchiladas, be warned that the chile here packs a serious punch. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Stu T.
Yelp/Roberta G.
If you’re searching for the Monte Carlo Steakhouse and instead wind up at a liquor store, you’d probably glare at your map app and head elsewhere. However, the restaurant is actually located on the back side of the liquor store. The setup looks like such a dive that the Monte Carlo has actually been featured on the show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Once you’re tucking in to one of the best steak dinners in Albuquerque, you’ll be glad you braved the questionable location. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Avery H.
Yelp/Alexis T.
Elisa’s is tucked into an alley, but the restaurant’s fried catfish and fried chicken dishes make this a side street worth exploring. Don’t forget to try the millionaire pie. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Kandi K.
Yelp/Randy B.
This place looks like it’s part dive bar, part hotel restaurant. But appearances don’t matter when you dish up burgers this good. Try the green egg and ham burger or the vegetarian black bean burger. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Erin S.
Used as a filming location for “Breaking Bad,” the Dog House does have a certain bail bonds vibe. But, with the first bite of your chili dog, you’ll forget all about ambience. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Clayton I.
Yelp/Kellie O.
For down home food cooked right, refuel with some steak fingers, chased with a slice of pie. Bring your appetite; servings are massive.
Yelp/Tamaki I.
Yelp/Idan S.
If you like to customize, this build-your-own burrito restaurant is the place for you. Whether you want carne adovada or chorizo inside, the result is delicious, messy, and technically portable.
Yelp/Deborah M.
Yelp/Fionagh R.
Laguna Burger is attached to a gas station. From a foodie perspective, that usually doesn’t bode well. But, the laguna burger makes a pitstop here totally worthwhile - as do the race cars attached to the blades of the ceiling fan! There are two other Laguna locations you can experience in New Mexico, as well. Visit this page for more information.
Yelp/Michael y.
Yelp/Taylor S.
You’d never guess from a glance at the exterior that this restaurant serves outstanding salsa, shredded beef tacos, and green chile cheeseburgers. Visit this page for more information.
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Address: Cowboy Cafe, 1120 E 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201, USAAddress: 4354 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USAAddress: 3916 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, USAAddress: Elisa’s House of Pies and Restaurant, 208 1/2 S Silver Ave, Deming, NM 88030, USAAddress: 606 N California St, Socorro, NM 87801, USAAddress: 1216 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USAAddress: 1 E Broadway St, Tatum, NM 88267, USAAddress: 1743 Trinity Dr, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USAAddress: Rte 66, New Laguna, NM 87038, USAAddress: 363 S Espina St, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants In New Mexico May 16, 2020 Leah What are the best restaurants in New Mexico? When deciding where to eat in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with some of the top-rated and most loved restaurants in the state. An essential stop would definitely be Mary & Tito’s Cafe in Albuquerque, which has been featured on many top-ranking lists and has all the best New Mexico dishes. If you’d like to try something that serves more than just New Mexican food, check out Macalicious in Santa Fe. It’s a gourmet mac and cheese restaurant that is out-of-this-world good. Looking for a classic diner-type place for American fare? Chat An’ Chew is the retro eatery in Shiprock that is easy to miss, but worth stopping for. They have yummy burgers and fries and an adorable look. Where can I find the best takeout in New Mexico? If you’re on the go but still want to have great food, these restaurants in New Mexico are miles better than fast food but can be enjoyed from wherever you are. California Pastrami is one of the top-rated takeout restaurants in Albuquerque, with two locations creating incredible sandwiches for either carry-out or delivery. You can’t go wrong with pizza when it comes to delivered food, and Upper Crust Pizza in Santa Fe is the perfect option. Not only do they have scrumptious pizzas, but they also serve calzones, sandwiches, and salads. You can pick them up there or have them delivered right to your door for a filling - and delicious - meal. What are the friendliest neighborhood restaurants in New Mexico? The best local restaurants in New Mexico are well-loved in their neighborhoods. Irma’s Mexican Restaurant in Deming will make you feel right at home with friendly service and all the local favorite dishes - tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and the like. Jerry’s Cafe, located in Gallup, is always full of regulars that can’t get enough of the down-to-earth atmosphere and incredible food. They serve awesome breakfast sopaipillas at a fast pace. Another potential new-favorite-restaurant spot is the unique Charlie’s Spic & Span in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It is both a bakery and an eatery, with fresh donuts, cream puffs, and even fresh, homemade tortillas to go with their perfect menu items. The nostalgic design just adds to the friendly feel of the place.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants In New Mexico
May 16, 2020
Leah
What are the best restaurants in New Mexico? When deciding where to eat in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with some of the top-rated and most loved restaurants in the state. An essential stop would definitely be Mary & Tito’s Cafe in Albuquerque, which has been featured on many top-ranking lists and has all the best New Mexico dishes. If you’d like to try something that serves more than just New Mexican food, check out Macalicious in Santa Fe. It’s a gourmet mac and cheese restaurant that is out-of-this-world good. Looking for a classic diner-type place for American fare? Chat An’ Chew is the retro eatery in Shiprock that is easy to miss, but worth stopping for. They have yummy burgers and fries and an adorable look. Where can I find the best takeout in New Mexico? If you’re on the go but still want to have great food, these restaurants in New Mexico are miles better than fast food but can be enjoyed from wherever you are. California Pastrami is one of the top-rated takeout restaurants in Albuquerque, with two locations creating incredible sandwiches for either carry-out or delivery. You can’t go wrong with pizza when it comes to delivered food, and Upper Crust Pizza in Santa Fe is the perfect option. Not only do they have scrumptious pizzas, but they also serve calzones, sandwiches, and salads. You can pick them up there or have them delivered right to your door for a filling - and delicious - meal. What are the friendliest neighborhood restaurants in New Mexico? The best local restaurants in New Mexico are well-loved in their neighborhoods. Irma’s Mexican Restaurant in Deming will make you feel right at home with friendly service and all the local favorite dishes - tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and the like. Jerry’s Cafe, located in Gallup, is always full of regulars that can’t get enough of the down-to-earth atmosphere and incredible food. They serve awesome breakfast sopaipillas at a fast pace. Another potential new-favorite-restaurant spot is the unique Charlie’s Spic & Span in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It is both a bakery and an eatery, with fresh donuts, cream puffs, and even fresh, homemade tortillas to go with their perfect menu items. The nostalgic design just adds to the friendly feel of the place.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When deciding where to eat in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with some of the top-rated and most loved restaurants in the state. An essential stop would definitely be Mary & Tito’s Cafe in Albuquerque, which has been featured on many top-ranking lists and has all the best New Mexico dishes. If you’d like to try something that serves more than just New Mexican food, check out Macalicious in Santa Fe. It’s a gourmet mac and cheese restaurant that is out-of-this-world good. Looking for a classic diner-type place for American fare? Chat An’ Chew is the retro eatery in Shiprock that is easy to miss, but worth stopping for. They have yummy burgers and fries and an adorable look.
Where can I find the best takeout in New Mexico?
If you’re on the go but still want to have great food, these restaurants in New Mexico are miles better than fast food but can be enjoyed from wherever you are. California Pastrami is one of the top-rated takeout restaurants in Albuquerque, with two locations creating incredible sandwiches for either carry-out or delivery. You can’t go wrong with pizza when it comes to delivered food, and Upper Crust Pizza in Santa Fe is the perfect option. Not only do they have scrumptious pizzas, but they also serve calzones, sandwiches, and salads. You can pick them up there or have them delivered right to your door for a filling - and delicious - meal.
What are the friendliest neighborhood restaurants in New Mexico?
The best local restaurants in New Mexico are well-loved in their neighborhoods. Irma’s Mexican Restaurant in Deming will make you feel right at home with friendly service and all the local favorite dishes - tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and the like. Jerry’s Cafe, located in Gallup, is always full of regulars that can’t get enough of the down-to-earth atmosphere and incredible food. They serve awesome breakfast sopaipillas at a fast pace. Another potential new-favorite-restaurant spot is the unique Charlie’s Spic & Span in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It is both a bakery and an eatery, with fresh donuts, cream puffs, and even fresh, homemade tortillas to go with their perfect menu items. The nostalgic design just adds to the friendly feel of the place.
