One of the most enjoyable parts of being a Realtor is working with people who are relocating to Las Cruces, and helping them get to know our great community.
Last week I was pleased to finally meet a couple after several months of long distance planning for their first visit to Las Cruces. They just got to town and needed a restaurant recommendation. Many great places raced through my mind, but I narrowed it down to three.
La Posta de Mesilla
La Posta de Mesilla has great tasting Mexican food, but there are lots of excellent Mexican restaurants in Las Cruces and the surrounding areas. (See Chopes below). La Posta's location in the Historic Mesilla Plaza and its circa 1840 building combine with good food to make this a must-visit restaurant. You can sense the Southwest history when you sit in La Posta. Sam and Roy Bean operated a passenger and freight service from here, and after the Civil War, La Posta was an important stop for the Butterfield Stage. The plaza in Mesilla is full of history and culture. A stroll around the plaza before or after dinner to take in the historical markers and visit the shops is thoroughly enjoyable. La Posta's food combined with its location make it a great place for people relocating to Las Cruces as well as for locals. La Posta de Mesilla is an event, not just dinner.
Double Eagle
I could not put La Posta on this list and leave off Double Eagle. Double Eagle is an upscale dining experience featuring classic aged steaks, chicken and seafood, and New Mexican cuisine. Reservations are recommended. It has excellent food and renowned service, but like La Posta, the history that surrounds it makes it more than dinner. Double Eagle is also located in the Mesilla Plaza. The Double Eagle building has many antiques from the post-Civil Period. Make sure you stroll through the bar to admire the magnificent décor and artwork. Request seating in the Maximilian Room, where you can gaze at a solid gold, hand-gilded ceiling, huge French baccarat chandeliers, each containing more than 1000 hand-cut crystals, and ornate gold-leaf mirrors. At Double Eagle you get excellent food in a historic building, an elegant atmosphere...and ghosts! There are many stories about the ghosts in Double Eagle. Ask your server next time you are there.
Chopes
Some of our clients relocating to Las Cruces want to experience local dining traditions, not just the popular restaurants that tourists go to. In these situations I send them to Chopes. Chopes has excellent Mexican food. Located in La Mesa, the scenic 25 minute drive to Chopes takes you through the valley where you are surrounded by pecan orchards. When you get there, don't doubt this choice because of the simple appearance. Remember, this isn't about a fancy experience. Chopes is about really great food (especially the chile rellenos) and local tradition.
What's your favorite place to eat around Las Cruces?
