A Secret Door Will Take You To An Underground Restaurant In New Mexico That Was Built In The 1920s

Have you ever heard of the Carlsbad Caverns lunchroom before? Like the hidden hideaways of the speakeasy from the days of prohibition, this Carlsbad Caverns restaurant is an exciting adventure just getting to it. Part of the fun is the secret that lies underground away from the public eye. You've never eaten in a restaurant like this before! Located deep under the New Mexico ground lies the underground lunchroom at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A dining experience and location so unique, you'll have to see it to believe it.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a famous national park in Southern New Mexico. There are more than 100 caves in the park filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

This is said by many to be the best cave in the country. After exploring this underground labyrinth myself, it is tough to argue that claim. The cave has some of the most interesting formations we have ever seen; we spent several hours taking in all there is to see in this amazing cave.

After exploring all of the nooks and crannies of these caves, you will find the underground lunchroom. The underground lunchroom is built cleverly within the cave walls and deep in the underbelly of the national park. This shouldn't be confused with the dining option above ground where you can order food at the visitors center. The underground lunchroom is entirely different and offers an experience unlike anywhere else.

The Underground Lunchroom has a long and storied history here. In the 1950s, this lunchroom served over one million lunches to hungry visitors every year. At that time, there was a full kitchen and visitors could smoke cigars in the cave, but concerns about bringing smoke and food into the caves led to a change in the environment.

However, even though the 1950s are long gone, you can still enjoy your lunch in one of the world's most exciting places. About 750 feet below the hot New Mexico desert, you can enjoy a quick bite to eat.

After exploring the cave for such a long time, it was strange to round the corner and see a gift shop and food being sold so far underground. It was certainly unexpected but a fun and welcoming sight in Carlsbad Caverns.

The tables here are all lit by lanterns, which keeps the lighting low and lets you admire the surrounding cave as you enjoy your snack. Just look at these Carlsbad Caverns underground lunch room photos; doesn't this seem like a great way to end your cave exploration adventure?

There are also plenty of souvenirs available in the underground lunchroom, one of the most popular being a postcard that reads "Mailed from 750 feet below ground."

This is truly a unique dining experience that you won't soon forget. Who can say they have eaten in an underground cave before? To learn more about the Carlsbad Caverns lunchroom and more, visit the official Carlsbad Caverns National Park website, and be sure to let us know what your favorite part was in the comments below. If you still want to learn more about this natural wonder then make sure to check out some of these fun facts about Carlsbad Caverns. After you go, commemorate your new favorite national park with this Carlsbad Cavern shirt.

Have you ever heard of Bisti Badlands before? This is another breathtaking spot in New Mexico; check it out by watching this OnlyInYourState video: