When you’ve been on the road for hours (or days, even), nothing quite beats eating a home-cooked meal to refuel after a long drive. The next best thing? Finding a little mom and pop restaurant that serves mouthwatering meals in a cozy environment. So, get ready to relax and enjoy a tasty plate of food at these New Mexico mom and pop restaurants.
1. Del’s Restaurant, Tucumcari
Look for the cow and you’ll find this wonderful restaurant that has been serving tasty American and Mexican meals since 1956. Owned by a pair of sisters who bought the restaurant from their mother, the restaurant feels a bit like home when you step through the doors. Address: 1202 East Historic Route 66, Tucumcari
2. Watson’s BBQ, Tucumcari
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem, even if it is located a little ways from the original highway. The restaurant is tucked away inside a ranch supply store and serves mouthwatering pulled pork worth stopping for. Address: 502 South Lake Street, Tucumcari
3. Tomasita’s Restaurant, Santa Fe
The original 1926 course of Route 66 passed through Santa Fe, which is why we’re featuring it on this list. If you’re craving some northern New Mexican dishes, you’re going to love eating at Tomasita’s which has been family-owned for more than 40 years. Address: 500 South Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe
4. Dog House Drive In, Albuquerque
You might recognize this little restaurant from a certain popular TV show based in Albuquerque. This tiny restaurant has been serving some massive hot dogs for more than 50 years, featuring a fast food menu that includes chili cheese dogs, frito pie, chili fries, and more. Just keep in mind this is a cash only establishment, so make sure you arrive with ones or fives in hand! Address: 1216 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
5. Loyola’s Family Restaurant, Albuquerque
Consistently voted as one of the best places to get a breakfast burrito or posole, this humble restaurant has been serving mouthwatering food by the same family for more than 30 years. Address: 4500 Central SE, Albuquerque
6. Mary & Tito’s, Albuquerque
All it takes is one meal here to determine why Mary & Tito’s is an award-winning restaurant and why their red chile is so good! The humble restaurant also features portraits of their family members and loyal customers over the years, so dining here feels a little bit like home. Address: 2711 4th Street NW, Albuquerque
7. Jerry’s Cafe, Gallup
Another Route 66 stop for some delicious New Mexican food, Jerry’s is a local favorite you’ll want to visit again and again. The restaurant is small and usually quite busy but you’ll still feel like you’re dining at home when you order a stuffed sopapilla or flat (stacked) enchiladas. Address: 406 West Coal Avenue, Gallup
Looking for more home-cooked meals around the state? Read some of our suggestions in 14 Mom And Pop Restaurants In New Mexico That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.
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