Las Cruces: Where Food Bites Back

Spice up your daily cuisine routine and head to Las Cruces, New Mexico to heat up your taste buds and try the best Mexican food your tongue will ever savor.

There are great debates concerning the best Mexican comida, but the L.C. cannot be beat in terms of mom and pop restaurants offering foods from below the border, above the border.

Out-of-towners should resist the disgraceful temptation of Taco Bell and hunt around for those hard-to-find, holes in the wall. Atmosphere might be lacking, décor a bit lackluster, but the better Mexican restaurants often come in ugly, brown packages. They can't all be Casa Bonita.

Green chili, sometimes red, is the way of the world in the land of enchantment. If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the state. But if you are willing to experience the explosive tang, order up some smothered enchiladas to knock your socks off.

If you want the green chili “whole enchilada” without the actual enchilada, try a chili relleno. It’s deep-fried goodness wrapped around a cheese-stuffed green chili. Chances are if you’re dining in Cruces, the chili is locally grown, most likely from Hatch, 20 minutes north of the city.

Seeking something crunchy opposed to the typical soggy serve-up? Flautas are the way to roll. A corn tortilla formed into a cylinder shape, flautas can be full of chicken, beef, or cheese.

So as for where to get the aforementioned tasty chow in Las Cruces, check out my top ten Mexican joints in the area. It has taken years for me to craft this list into perfection, so take note of my sincerity when I say, these places will rock your world.

1. Cha-Chi's. 2460 South Locust Street.
The attentive staff, cheap food, and delicious entrees will keep you craving this place days after.

2. Andele’s. 2184 South Highway 28.
A salsa bar is definitely as cool as it sounds and a quaint patio in the back makes Andele’s on the edge of Mesilla a great stop. Don’t let the dirt parking lot deter you.

3. LJ’s/ Mi Rinconcito. 1605 South Solano Drive.
For years my generation has been calling this restaurant LJ’s and for the life of me, I have no idea why, but nevertheless, the $4 student special is the cheapest lunch deal in town. Chips, salsa, drink, taco, and a smothered burrito are your best bet.

4. Chilitos. 405 South Valley Drive.
Two locales, one worth frequenting. With a hint of garlic, their salsa is by far the best in the city.

5. Twisters. 800 South Telshor Blvd.
It looks tacky, fast-foody, and empty, but for take away, Twisters offers a great selection for parties. The $50 green chili chicken party enchiladas are a staple at Harben family events, without fail.

6. La Posta. 2410 Calle De San Albino.
This Mesilla restaurant right off the square has fish in aquariums and birds in cages, not to mention gigantic plates of food for dinner. About $10 per plate for the combo meals, La Posta has the size, taste, and atmosphere all on its side.

7. El Sombrero. 363 South Espina Street.
Talk about cheap and delicious, El Sombrero is good for lunch or dinner, especially if you sit on the enclosed patio.

8. Roberto’s. 908 East Amador Avenue.
This place used to be higher up in the rankings, but has subsequently dropped due to poorer service and failing multiple health inspections, but it still ranks at numero 8 because of history and loyalty.

9. Bravo’s Café. 3205 South Main Street.
Three words: chili relleno burritos. Only reason to go and get it take-away.

10. Ranchway Barbeque. 604 North Valley Drive.
It’s on this list as a favor to my brother, because it ranks in his thanks to the brisket inserted in the flautas. Worth a try.

I've met a great deal of opposition and have encountered ragin'-cajun debates about the above list. So, put in your two pesos if you don't agree; leave a comment with your picks.

This blog can also be found on: tasteofenchantment.blogspot.com