The only thing better than a New Mexico road trip is taking a food-themed New Mexico road trip! Enchiladas are one of the most popular dishes in New Mexico, so we decided to create a drive that unites some of the best enchiladas in NM so that you can enjoy them all in one journey.

This loop covers 525 miles and has a drive time of 9 hours and 10 minutes. That might sound long but (we assume) there is a limit to the number of enchiladas you can eat in one day, so it’s meant to span several days. You’ll find plenty of attractions, gorgeous landscapes, and – of course – delicious enchiladas on this trip through northwestern New Mexico. Here is the map. What are you waiting for?

1. Sadie’s of New Mexico (Albuquerque)

Sadie's is renowned for its enchiladas and has been for decades. Choose between stacked or rolled, yellow corn or blue corn tortillas. The carne adovada enchiladas available at dinner are sublime. There are several Sadie’s locations in Duke City. This route includes the one at 6230 4th Street NW in Albuquerque, but additional restaurants can be found at 15 Hotel Circle NE and 5400 Academy Road NE, both in Albuquerque.

2. Hot Tamales (Rio Rancho)

Stick to traditional stacked enchiladas – add the fried egg – or branch out a little with the scrumptious green chile chicken enchilada casserole, which gets its kick from fire-roasted chile. This is probably one of the best places to eat in New Mexico. We think you'll be as obsessed as we are once you're done.

3. Abuelita’s (Bernalillo)

In addition to being known for its "tacopilla," the folks at Abuelita’s dish up a mean enchilada. There’s a whole section of the dinner menu devoted to rolled enchiladas – order the Enchiladas Abuelita’s if you don’t want to commit to one filling. Vegetarians don’t have to stick to cheese here; enjoy calabacita enchiladas instead. Be sure to visit the official Abuelita's Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours and specials.

4. The Shed (Santa Fe)

The Shed has been around since 1953 and, while tourists already flock here, it’s for good reason. Tuck into one of several divine blue corn enchilada plates - you'll find ones tailored to both meat lovers and vegetarians. This Mexican restaurant in NM is housed inside a hacienda that dates back to 1692 and dining here is an experience that belongs on your bucket list.

5. El Paragua Restaurant (Espanola)

You don’t stay in business for 50 years without doing something – in this case a lot of things – right. El Paragua started out as a taco stand before evolving into this beautiful restaurant. The enchilada suprema (featuring chicken and cheese) is a superb dish, filled with bold flavors. Be sure to visit the official website before visiting to ensure they have re-opened (coming soon).

6. El Bruno’s Restaurante y Cantina (Cuba)

The enchiladas de Herrera are a family recipe that’s a definite winner but, if that doesn’t appeal, there’s no shortage of choices on the extensive enchilada menu. At this restaurant, enchiladas are stacked, and you can substitute blue corn tortillas for a small charge. These are easily a contender for the best enchiladas in New Mexico!

7. Tortillas Doña María (Farmington)

The world's best homemade tortillas at Tortillas Doña María’s take the restaurant’s green chile chicken enchiladas from good to superb. Seriously, this is one amazing New Mexican restaurant that you cannot pass up, no matter what.

8. Genaro’s Café (Gallup)

The chicken enchiladas at Genaro’s are authentic and succulent. It’s hard to decide whether the red or green sauce is better here, so go for Christmas colors and do both. Genaro’s is a bit of a diamond in the rough but you won’t regret giving this restaurant a chance.

9. Kiva Café (Milan)

Located within Chaco Canyon Travel Center, Kiva Café blows away any preconceived notions about road food. When it comes to the stacked enchilada plates, there are the usual choices. However, if you’re ready to mix things up, order the enchilada burger – literally a patty with an enchilada on top. Talk about a new take on a cheeseburger! Alternatively, try the steak and enchiladas.

This unassuming New Mexico restaurant is a step well above the rest.

10. Monica’s El Portal Restaurant (Albuquerque)

Who’s in the mood for juicy chicken enchiladas buried under a mound of gooey cheese? Yeah, us too! This family-owned restaurant in New Mexico offers generous portions and a convenient Old Town location.

Where do you go when an enchilada craving hits?

We realize that this drive only covers one corner of the state, otherwise you'd be driving for weeks! However, these articles on scrumptious Mexican restaurants in NM and the best taco spots in New Mexico are more geographically comprehensive. You may also be interested in exploring New Mexico's burrito byway.

Bring your appetite!