When it comes to garnering attention, mid-sized cities are the middle child of the family. Larger cities steal the limelight while small towns are praised for their quaintness and charm. So, we thought it was time to show some love to places in New Mexico with between 10,000 and 50,000 residents. Specifically, we want to highlight their restaurants and steer you toward some of the culinary gems that these New Mexico cities have to offer.
1. Los Cerritos, 2103 N Main Street, Roswell
Los Cerritos dishes up homemade Mexican food that'll fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. Popular dishes include the enchiladas with red sauce and also the tacos - Taco Tuesday runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
2. Sumo Grill & Sushi, 3030 E Main Street, Farmington
When you think of dining in Farmington, sushi probably isn't the first food that springs to mind. However, New Mexican influences blend smoothly with Japanese cuisine in the New Mexico roll, a combination of salmon, avocado, cucumber, and crab, topped with green chile and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The Lobo roll, which includes shrimp tempura, is also a fun treat for sushi lovers who have ties to UNM.
3. Servicio Azteca, 109 S Maple Street, Clovis
The food at this Mexican restaurant is super fresh because it comes from the attached market. This breakfast and lunch joint lets you customize your meal at the salsa bar. Service is usually efficient so you can squeeze in a meal even when you're tight on time.
4. Thai Kitchen, 205 W Sanger Street, Hobbs
Control freaks rejoice! At Thai Kitchen you can select your desired spice level on a scale of zero to ten, ensuring that your garlic chicken is as mild or chile-crammed as you'd like.
5. Coal Street Pub, 303 W Coal Avenue, Gallup
Coal Street Pub sets itself apart by offering organic salad greens, hormone free chicken, and wild caught salmon – not your average pub fare. This establishment exceeds expectations when it comes to beer. There are 52 beers available, so that’s one for each week of the year. This cozy hangout also draws a crowd for its varied live music performances.
6. Rizo’s Mexican Restaurant, 1480 N White Sands Boulevard, Alamogordo
Three words: mini street tacos. Whether you order carne asada or al pastor, you'll be smiling after the first bite. Portions here are generous but the combo platters probably offer the best bang for your buck. Try to save room for a slice of tres leches cake or some flan.
7. Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, 1 Ardovino Drive,
Sunland Park
Enjoy gorgeous views of Mount Cristo Rey while dining in this family-run establishment. Overall, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing leans towards Italian fine dining. However, the brunch menu is little quirkier, with everything from ancient grain pancakes and crepes to posole and biscuits and gravy.
The restaurant prides itself on using grass fed meat and free range eggs.
8. Green House Bistro & Bakery, 5 Thomas Road,
Los Lunas
Some of the ingredients incorporated in Green House Bistro & Bakery’s dishes come from the on site garden. You can’t get much more farm-to-table than that! The restaurant excels at soups, salads, and sandwiches – the Cuban is to die for.
9. El Camino Real,
900 W Pine Street, Deming
This family owned and operated restaurant delivers delicious Mexican food at reasonable prices. The vibe at this locals’ hangout is casual and comfy. Don’t miss out on the gorditas, stuffed sopaipillas, and chile rellenos.
10. Hillcrest Restaurant,
1106 Grand Avenue,
Las Vegas
The menu at Hillcrest Restaurant swings from seafood to barbecue but the restaurant's best dish is the burnt tacos.
11. Adobe Rose Restaurant
1614 N 13th Street,
Artesia
The family behind the Adobe Rose Restaurant believes in sourcing as many ingredients from New Mexico as possible. As a result, the menus for the relaxed lunches and fine dining dinners here are seasonal. If it’s available, sample the homemade honey ricotta cheese and the Dr. Pepper lamb shank.
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