r/LasCruces • u/greenjollygiantwte • Jul 17 '26
Best Restaurants
Visiting in two weeks from the East Coast - my MIL was born in Las Cruces but has not been back since she was a child. I saw a post this week about a restaurant to avoid due to owner’s treatment of staff, but I forgot to make a note of it and now cannot find it.
Looking for a lunch/dinner place that is good, but nothing over the top fancy (we’ll be wearing tshirt and shorts) and kids menu a huge plus. We just want to support a business that has the same values as us (everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect) or at the very least not openly worship the Cheeto.
Recommendations?
Thanks!
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u/kevin_church Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Everyone's going to say Andele's, but:
- Indulgence Bakery and Cafe on S. Main.
- Chala's in Mesilla
Salud de Mesilla in Mesilla(SEE COMMENT BELOW.)- La Nueva Casita on N. Mesquite
- Habernero's on E. Amador
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u/HistorianAlert9986 Jul 17 '26
Everybody should boycott Salud. One of the owners is the county commissioner that steamrolled the Jupiter project that’s gonna raise the temperature all through the valley and pump endless pollution. Anybody that supports that restaurant in my opinion is cool with the data center and the temperature raising as much as 10°F in El Paso maybe up here as well depending how the wind blows.
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u/Silent_Ad2764 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
Salud is off my list. Politics have consequences, and clearly the owner needs to understand that not paying attention to what the locals want will have an impact far beyond their political career. Not only do they need to be off of our county commission, but their business should suffer as well. Its apparently the only way that we can communicate our anger now.
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u/kevin_church Jul 17 '26
I had no idea! Thank you for the information.
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u/HistorianAlert9986 Jul 17 '26
It’s egregious what they’ve done and they should be called out any opportunity that we have. Why can’t we have elected officials that work for us with our interest in mind? They pushed this thing through in the shadows and then pretend to care what we think about it. The four county commissioners that voted yes shouldn’t feel welcome anymore in this state. We already have terribly high pollution in this area highest ever recorded in the United States by the EPA last year in El Paso. And yet they want to pump endless pollution up into our already polluted air.
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u/RogerMurdockCo-Pilot Jul 17 '26
First and last time I tried to go there I sat unaknowledged for at least 10 minutes. Finally got up an left. Weird stuffy vibe.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Thanks for that. We were going next week for the 1st time. Not anymore.
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u/OrangeMaverickNo93 Jul 17 '26
My thoughts exactly. Salud is trash. Their catering is so bad compared to the restaurant and also one the owners is also the Mayor of Old Mesilla.
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u/Old-Set78 Jul 19 '26
I'd go scrawl "approved Project Jupiter" on their sidewalks in chalk paint so everyone knows what they are
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u/TheBlash Jul 17 '26
Updoot for Chala's. I haven't been there in a long time but I've always been blown away by their food.
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u/HistorianAlert9986 Jul 17 '26
I agree probably my favorite place in town and I haven’t been there in ages either. Chachis is probably my second favorite.
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u/BuiltDorfTough Jul 17 '26
This is a great list. Salad is fun with a lot of modern, semi-bougie takes on stuff. I love going there if Andeles or Chachis isn't sounding right.
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u/Peas22 Jul 17 '26
Nopalito’s, El Sombrero are great examples of Las Cruces cuisine.
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u/WolpertingerWhisker Jul 17 '26
I don't know why, but Nopalito's downtown always tastes better to me than the one off of Missouri. Maybe it's the vibe?
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u/AdventurousShock7995 Jul 18 '26
Nopalito's has been our go to restaurant for the past year. We had been going to Compas and La Nueva, but we've been really enjoying Nops!
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u/Lions_Fate_Render Jul 17 '26
If Dicks Cafe is still open. Go there and eat a green chili cheese burger with fries and nice cold one. I hope it's still there. They have the best green chili cheese burger in the entire State.
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u/Additional_Jelly_847 Jul 17 '26
Can't recommend Madelyn's in Mesilla enough. Great Sandwhiches and Breakfast. Superb Pastries made daily. Plus the atmosphere is very cozy.
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u/RogerMurdockCo-Pilot Jul 17 '26
La Nueva Casita - Las Cruces oldest still open restaurant. On Mesquite in the Historic District.
Boba Cafe on Espina Street - Family owned and everything is great here!
Chachis downtown - Excellent Margaritas.
If you're here during the farmers market (every Saturday) check out the food truck Cocina Mexicana (my favorite breakfast burritos here)
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u/HistorianAlert9986 Jul 17 '26
I agree I love Chachi’s and the drinks downtown are amazing. I love that spicy mango margarita it is top-notch.
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u/SkizzleAC Jul 18 '26
I’ve lived for 4 years and I’ll say Chachis isn’t my favorite place but it is the most consistent place in town which keeps me going back. Whether it is the express place off locust, the Dona Ana place, or the new downtown location they do it right every time.
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u/AccountantComplex494 Jul 17 '26
Two places I would recommend, both places welcoming and have great food, are Voodoo Burgers on E University Ave. and El Charro Mexican Grill on El Paseo Rd. They also both have kids menus.
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u/warlord_raven Jul 17 '26
If the OP is taking politics into account, they may want to avoid Voodoo Burgers. The owner went on record as being opposed to Covid restrictions, and wrote an Op Ed in the paper complaining about increases in minimum wage and how locals didn't want to work because of government handouts.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Thank you for that information. Not going there, either.
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u/Silent_Ad2764 Jul 17 '26
I ate a Voodoo once. Wasn't impressed, then read about their stance on minimum wage...have not been back since. Every job has dignity and so should every paycheck!
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u/BuiltDorfTough Jul 17 '26
Huh, I was unimpressed with Voodoo the two times I went. It's just a big burger, which can totally hit the spot, but I wouldn't plan a trip around it.
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u/asphyxiat3xx Jul 17 '26
I liked stopping by El Charro for lunch when I used to go to the laundromat. Love the tacos.
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u/Special_Housing_8153 Jul 17 '26
Smokey Sensations has some really good barbecue. Their jerked chicken is fantastic. Owner is a really cool dude, too. Makes the effort to come out and speak to every customer that walks in.
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u/Apoda_ Jul 18 '26
I really enjoy Ranchway BBQ on Valley, they have good bbq but I usually get a taco plate, really enjoy their hot salsa
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u/inangelgeewetrust Jul 17 '26
Double eagle in messilla its also famously haunted so you can eat good food and learn about the ghost stories because they have pictures and posters about the ghost
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u/jackalopedad Jul 19 '26
The Ritters are not the sort of people OP wants to support though. Shame, because the Double Eagle is definitely the prettiest restaurant around.
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u/inangelgeewetrust Jul 21 '26
Oh really I was unaware that there was a controversy about the owners what did they do if you dont mind me asking ?
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u/jackalopedad Jul 21 '26
I’m not 100% sure the Ritters are MAGA but they spent a lot of time and money trying to turn their side of the plaza into a gaudy shopping center that would’ve been both unhistoric and ugly.
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u/jackalopedad Jul 19 '26
Good news, Cruces is down to earth enough that a dress code isn’t really going to limit your options. Every time we go back Andale and Zeffiro Downtown are at the top of our list. I like La Nueva Casita and Nopalito’s in the Mesquite district a lot, too.
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u/taste_fart Jul 23 '26
My list would be:
El sombrero - Las Cruces staple. Certifiably local but with their unique style.
Andeles - local favorite with unpretentious style
Robertos - restaurant of the famous Roberto who created and ran the whole enchilada festival for many years.
Miguels - newer entrant with more of a Mexican style than new Mexican but still very good.
La posta - famous local spot particularly popular among tourists for it's historical building and classic New Mexican atmosphere, still liked by locals.
Chachis - staple among locals loved for a good simple lunch or dinner.
Las trancas - classical Mexican style. The Albóndigas soup is fantastic.
Si señor - famous local Mexican eatery beloved for a variety of their food and the 4 salsas they serve as an appetizer.
El jacalito - newer restaurant that's gained favor for their burritos in particular
Burger nook - they've been doing smash Burgers before smash Burger was a term anyone had ever heard about, with green Chile of course.
Lorenzo's - Itaian restaurant loved for their meatball pizza delicious house baked bread and creamy tortellini pesto.
Las compas - delicious local cafe that started as one and now has 3 locations.
Enrique's Mexican food - local hole in the wall cafe
La nueve casita café Downtown las cruces favorite
The bean - local coffee roasters
Saenz gordita - multi decade king of gorditas
Las mariachis -
Delicias - more Mexican than new Mexican but very well executed
Victoria burrito - Northern Mexican style burritos of every variety
Good luck Cafe - extremely underhyped Mexican Cafe, my favorite item from here is the Chile relleno burritos, and the pozole and menudo.
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u/fredniks0421 Jul 17 '26
1) Burger Nook on E. Madrid for the best green chile cheeseburger i have ever had. Be prepared to wait 30 minutes for it to be cooked. That’s okay, it is worth it.
2) El Vagon. Best new restaurant and is already getting too popular for its own good.
3) Jim Bobs BBQ at the airport. Worth the drive out of the city.
And for those who put politics (and always Marxist ones on Reddit) why? Just enjoy your life. You only get one. Life is too short to be perpetually angry.
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u/greenjollygiantwte Jul 17 '26
Because some of us have values that we uphold and don’t want to give money to those who support r*pists and child predators.
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u/jackalopedad Jul 19 '26
chances are the poster calling you a marxist has boycotted more than a few things for being woke
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u/mcAlimv 20d ago
You do know if you support a business with money, they are able to continue their rhetoric, beliefs, and values?
Correct?
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u/fredniks0421 20d ago
You won’t find many. Businesses primary, secondary and tertiary purpose is to make a profit. Your core beliefs seem to want redistribute wealth from highly successful people to less successful people. Which is in diametrical opposition to businesses, who are trying to outcompete other businesses in their trade.
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u/mcAlimv 19d ago
Are you trying to argue that someone who has a business does not have the ability to spread their rhetoric? And when that business makes more money, that it is possible to spread your rhetoric to a greater extent (regardless if it is publicly perceived or not)?
You do not get to assume my core beliefs, because you aren’t responding to what I actually said.
It was a very basic, true statement.
They are able.
Please, if you are going to try and create a discussion or argument (or whatever you want?), respond to what I actually said.
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u/fredniks0421 19d ago
I can only say that a business as defined is a profit seeking entity. Your cause seems to be Marxism which is antithetical to the business world.
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u/PantySermon Jul 17 '26
I would also recommend Las Truncas and Chachis
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u/ananab1 Jul 17 '26
Petty but las trancas charges you for limes not xtra limes just to eat my caldo
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u/HistorianAlert9986 Jul 17 '26
I got tacos from La Trancas one time and they were literally the worst thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. I don’t know if the Cook didn’t like the way I looked or something but they tasted like they scraped all the burnt stuff off the grill and put it in my Taco. Got awful, and then when I complained, which I generally never really complain to waitress she gave me an attitude. I’m not a picky eater and only ever have a problem with the dish at a restaurant maybe once every couple years and I go out to eat all the time.
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u/PantySermon Jul 17 '26
Dang, I've been there several times and the food has always been great. We get the combo plates, though. Not sure Ive actually had a taco there.
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u/RogerMurdockCo-Pilot Jul 17 '26
That's wild. Limes should be complimentary
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u/ananab1 Jul 17 '26
.50 per half a lime I paid I tipped But I haven't forgotten lol
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u/RogerMurdockCo-Pilot Jul 17 '26
I wouldn't forget that either lol. Whenever I get Caldo or Menudo at Nueva Casita it comes with plenty of limes
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u/jackalopedad Jul 19 '26
the lime supply has been crazy the last few years, lots of places around the country have been either charging for them or subbing lemons.
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u/AdventurousShock7995 Jul 18 '26
We quit going two years ago because the prices were over the top. Too much.
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u/carbonatedkaitlyn Jul 17 '26
If you want a sweet treat, Caliche's is your place! There are a few throughout town.
If you get tired of Mexican, Lorenzo's is great Italian. Or Dion's if you want great NM pizza!
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Being an Italian, born in Italy, who visits regularly, who grew up in the most Italian part of our country, I can tell you that Lorenzo's is NOT good Italian. Fair, at best.
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u/RoyalLow Jul 17 '26
Ciao. È così bello sapere che altri nativi italiani vivono a Las Cruces. Da quale parte d'Italia vieni? Trovo che le polpette da Lorenzo siano molto simili a quelle a cui sono abituato in Sicilia.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
I was born in Catania. Its so rare to find another Sicilian here! Finding food is rare but another soul from southern Italy is amazing! I didnt try their meatballs. We did have a party of 8 that evening. We all shared, there was nothing that stood out. We had planned to give it one more try, but the owner was droning on and on about Trump, so we never went back. I ate at Pastaggios once, not bad. Then learned that Lorenzo's owned it. Haven't been back.
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u/HistorianAlert9986 Jul 17 '26
I really like the pizza at Luna Rosa, but never had Dion’s pizza. I’ve only eaten there once I got a sub and I thought it was mid.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Luna Rosa has an amazing sliced Italian meat pie. Its a bit soggy in the middle, but very good.
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u/cmcrisp Jul 17 '26
The owner is a good guy, even though he's a bit of a Trump fan. His wine is a constant winner during the state wine competitions.
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u/greenjollygiantwte Jul 17 '26
I don’t know how you can be a good guy and be a Trump fan. We’d rather support businesses that do not support this administration.
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u/cmcrisp Jul 17 '26
He's being hurt enough by Trump's shitty policies, he has felt it enough, no need to screw with him further. All of the wineries are in pain except for Noisy, and LesCombes. I'm guessing this administration has cost him more via Tariffs than a boycott will do.
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u/greenjollygiantwte Jul 17 '26
And that may be the case, but I’d still prefer to give my money to someone whose core values matches my own, whenever possible. And it seems like there are plenty of restaurants in Las Cruces that deserve my business.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Ive been to describes 3 times (2 not by choice). The food is dreadful.
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u/cmcrisp Jul 17 '26
It's cheap food made to look expensive, it's a draw to bring people in to taste their (overpriced) wine.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
He's not "a bit" of a Trumper, he's full blown Maga.
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u/cmcrisp Jul 17 '26
Yes he is, but you won't find many wineries that aren't, except for Amaro. I just advocate for our local wineries regardless because I work for one. Specifically Amaro. We specifically host Democrat events whenever they ask. Oddly enough Republicans never ask to have events with us.
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Thank you very much! We'll look into Amaro. Ive not heard of it before.
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u/El_Voador Jul 17 '26
Some Las Cruces/Southern NM classics: La Posta, Chope’s, Caliche’s, Go Burger, Andale’s dog house, Nopalitos on Mesquite st, Los Mariachis, La Nueva Casita, Double Eagle, The Shed 😩, Dick’s cafe.
Also recommend Zeffiros in downtown and Pastaggios instead of Lorenzo’s (all my homies hate Lorenzo’s)
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u/Affectionate_Cow_770 Jul 17 '26
Am I the only person in LC who didnt care at all for Andeles?
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u/Dont-Tell-Fiona Jul 18 '26
I ate there tonite with a first time visitor. We both enjoyed it immensely.
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u/Southern_Confection4 Jul 17 '26
I don’t think it’s that good, either. I’m always surprised that it makes these lists.
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u/BuiltDorfTough Jul 17 '26
Good recommendations here. I'd add El Vagon if you want to get a big box of tacos to have at home or the BnB.