A Taste of Las Cruces

If you have visited Las Cruces, New Mexico, you have probably seen Old Mesilla with its quaint shops and galleries, the courthouse turned souvenir shop that actually held Billy the Kid at one time, and the Rio Grande.  You may have taken in a play or watched a basketball game at New Mexico State University, but where have you eaten?  On your next visit, go where the locals go.  They have certain restaurants for certain meals and generally stick to their favorites on the menu.  When you have only a few days in the town, you want to enjoy the best of the best.

Ranchway, Nellie’s and Roberto’s are among the towns oldest restaurants and definitely favorites.  If you have only one time to eat at each, pick the Flautas at Ranchway (604 N. Valley; 523-7361)  you can get two if you want to be stuffed to the rim but one will most likely fill you.  They are made differently than most places.  You are sure to enjoy them.  The only warning I have for Ranchway is that they leave for a couple of weeks every summer and close up the restaurant completely, so you might miss the chance to visit them.  Get the sopaipilla compuesta at Nellie’s (1226 West Hadley; 505/524-9982; 505/526-6816) and the Tamales or Burritos at Roberto’s (908 E Amador Ave; (575) 523-1851).  If you want to bring flavor from the southwest home with you, be sure to visit Roberto’s, they also sell their food in bulk and package it for traveling.

The hands down favorite from every local I have talked to is at My Brothers Place (336 S Main St; (575) 523-7681), fondly shortened to Brothers by most.  Green enchiladas reign supreme here.  According to the locals, there is no better place for them in Las Cruces.  The atmosphere is considerably upscale from the others (which is not saying much) you can still dine in shorts and flip flops without offending anybody.

If you have tried all of these restaurants and are looking for something with a fancier feel that still has good food, head back to Old Mesilla and give La Posta (2401 Calle De San Albino; (575) 524-3524) a try.  It has a nice gift shop, birds in the atrium and nice decor throughout.  The food is great too.

For a fast food experience, steer clear of the standard McDonalds or Burger King and head to Blake’s or Sonic.  Be sure to order your burger with chili for a flavorful kick you just won’t get at home.  In Las Cruces, chili is code for the Hatch chili grown nearby, not beans, ground beef, and spices.

The food alone makes a trip to Las Cruces, New Mexico, worth it but when you add the quaint village of Old Mesilla and the active community it makes this city hard to pass up.