As far as hidden gems go, Las Vegas, New Mexico, is home to plenty, and this incredible cafe is a perfect example. This historic town is about an hour away from Santa Fe, and deserves so much more attention! The cafe and bakery has become a northern New Mexico institution, and once you taste its freshly made tortillas and bakery, you'll be a fan for life. Get ready to see fresh tortillas being made in front of you for your meal, and then fill up on a large portion of New Mexico favorites before indulging in a huge dessert at Charlie's Bakery and Cafe.
Welcome to Charlie's Bakery and Cafe, also known as Charlie's Spic & Span, right on Douglas Avenue in Las Vegas, NM. This spot has been a true New Mexico institution since 1950, and is still going strong.
This cafe and bakery is a destination in itself, though it brings about all of the charm Las Vegas, New Mexico has to offer. Once you slide into an old school vinyl booth, you'll be feeling right at home.
It's a funky, colorful space - certainly not what one would expect!
Charlie's is well-known for many things, but their breakfast stands out above the rest. Breakfast is served all day here, and you're sure to find red and green chile smothered on your favorite dishes.
Of course, the tortillas that come with breakfast are the main event. Here at Charlie's, tortillas come fresh off the belt, offering an experience you simply cannot find elsewhere.
Don't forget to take a pack home!
If you happen to find yourself at Charlie's around lunch time, you won't want to pass up their stuffed sopapillas. Other favorites are the chile relleno, tamales, and enchiladas. Everything you order is homemade, and the portions are huge.
The Mexican fare is fantastic!
But even the traditional American dishes are stellar - and piled high to boot.
And yes...you need to stock up on baked goods while you're here!
Dessert at Charlie's is worth waiting for. Their cream puffs are astronomical, and their bakery case is always overflowing with cinnamon buns and other scrumptious treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For the best tortillas in New Mexico, Charlie's in Las Vegas is tough to beat! There's no other restaurant where you can see fresh tortillas made right in front of you, and you'll be addicted to them in no time. Don't fret, you can always come back for more.
Charlie's Bakery and Cafe is arguably one of the best cafes in Las Vegas, and certainly one of the most popular restaurants in New Mexico. It's not hard to see why once you've tasted their New Mexican dishes and sweet treats!
For more information about Charlie's Spic and Span Bakery, give it a follow on Facebook to see the latest creations and sneak peeks of what's in that delicious bakery case!
Have you dined at Charlie's Bakery and Cafe while in Las Vegas? What did you order? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments!
If you're looking for another amazing experience in Las Vegas, NM, set some time aside to check out the (literally) hundreds of historic buildings here. You can also check out some hidden gems as well - like Las Vegas' Temple of Light.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/nm-historic-buildings/
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