There’s no question here that in New Mexico, green chile is king. The humble though fiery pepper dominates the state’s regional cuisine and even manages to find its way into unusual places. If you’re looking for a place to taste dishes that highlight green chile and learn more about the pepper, then you won’t want to miss out on the aptly named Las Cruces Walk of Flame green chile trail.
This trail is home to 13 restaurants that feature green chile in exceptionally unique ways: desserts, massive servings, drinks, and more. Here’s a look at just a few of the dishes you’ll find on the trail.
World’s Largest Green Chile Cheeseburger at Double Eagle Restaurant
Double Eagle Restaurant/Facebook If there’s anyway you’re going to eat green chile in New Mexico, a classic green chile cheeseburger is the way to go. For a meal that’s a little more extreme, you’ll want to try the gargantuan burger offered at Double Eagle Restaurant. Featuring a 24-ounce burger patty plus enough green chile and cheese to match, you’ll want to arrive with an empty belly. Address: 2355 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM Phone: 575-523-6700
Chile ‘Rita at La Posta de Mesilla Retaurant
La Posta de Mesilla Restaurant/Facebook Few drinks perfectly compliment any Mexican cuisine like an icy margarita. Kick that up a few notches with a chile margarita, like the one offered at the historic La Posta de Mesilla restaurant. The combination of chile and blackberry sauce creates a unique flavor profile for an alluring drink. Address: 2410 Calle de San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046 Phone: 575-524-3524
Green Chile Lasagna or Chicken Alfredo at Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant
Lorenzos Italian Restaurants of Las Cruces/Facebook Green chile is typically associated with Mexican-style food but it also goes surprisingly well with the spices in Italian cuisine. Try the meat lasagna, chicken alfredo, or the sausage soup with flaming hints of green chile. Address: 1753 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001 Phone: 575-521-3505
Green Chile Sundae at Caliche’s Frozen Custard
Caliche’s Frozen Custard/Facebook Not all ice creams and custards will cool you down! The green chile sundae offered at Caliche’s Frozen Custard is one peppery dessert that will leave you sweating. The dessert features a standard vanilla custard topped with a luscious green chile marmalade. You don’t want to miss this! Address: 131 N Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces, NM 88011 Phone: 575-521-1161
Visit the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University
The Chile Pepper Institute/Facebook Want to learn more about chile? You can stop by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University. The research center and gift shop are found in Gerald Thomas Hall on the university campus and the institute also has a garden open seasonally. Address: 945 College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003 Phone: 575-646-3028
When chile season rolls around (typically August through September), don’t forget to buy some extra fresh chile! If you want it roasted, the trail has some suggestions for places to get a massive batch roasted just right.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
You can participate in the Las Cruces Walk of Flame green chile trail any time of year. You can find a listing with all the featured locations on the Las Cruces tourism site. Roasting events take place in late summer and early fall (typically August through September). The teaching garden at NMSU’s Chile Pepper Institute is open June through October.
Double Eagle Restaurant/Facebook
If there’s anyway you’re going to eat green chile in New Mexico, a classic green chile cheeseburger is the way to go. For a meal that’s a little more extreme, you’ll want to try the gargantuan burger offered at Double Eagle Restaurant. Featuring a 24-ounce burger patty plus enough green chile and cheese to match, you’ll want to arrive with an empty belly. Address: 2355 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM Phone: 575-523-6700
La Posta de Mesilla Restaurant/Facebook
Few drinks perfectly compliment any Mexican cuisine like an icy margarita. Kick that up a few notches with a chile margarita, like the one offered at the historic La Posta de Mesilla restaurant. The combination of chile and blackberry sauce creates a unique flavor profile for an alluring drink. Address: 2410 Calle de San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046 Phone: 575-524-3524
Lorenzos Italian Restaurants of Las Cruces/Facebook
Green chile is typically associated with Mexican-style food but it also goes surprisingly well with the spices in Italian cuisine. Try the meat lasagna, chicken alfredo, or the sausage soup with flaming hints of green chile. Address: 1753 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001 Phone: 575-521-3505
Caliche’s Frozen Custard/Facebook
Not all ice creams and custards will cool you down! The green chile sundae offered at Caliche’s Frozen Custard is one peppery dessert that will leave you sweating. The dessert features a standard vanilla custard topped with a luscious green chile marmalade. You don’t want to miss this! Address: 131 N Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces, NM 88011 Phone: 575-521-1161
The Chile Pepper Institute/Facebook
Want to learn more about chile? You can stop by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University. The research center and gift shop are found in Gerald Thomas Hall on the university campus and the institute also has a garden open seasonally. Address: 945 College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003 Phone: 575-646-3028
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Walk of Flame website: lascrucesvb.org Chile Pepper Institute: cpi.nmsu.edu
If you have a hankering for some green chile now, don’t fret! Check out a few of our favorite spots to grab a green chile cheeseburger anywhere in the state. Read more in These 12 Green Chile Cheeseburger Joints In New Mexico Will Make Your Taste Buds Explode.
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Address: Calle De Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM 88005, USAAddress: Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88005, USAAddress: 1753 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USAAddress: 131 Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USAAddress: 945 College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
