The Great Debate: New Mexico’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In Albuquerque, just a short drive from the Sandia Mountains’ eastern foothills, The Frontier Barbeque has earned a loyal following for its distinctive take on Southwestern BBQ. Nestled in the city’s historic Nob Hill district, this spot stands out by blending traditional smoky ribs and brisket with hints of local chile-infused sauces, showcasing New Mexico’s signature ingredient. Visitors can savor slow-cooked meats that bear the mark of mesquite wood, providing a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor unique to the region. The lively patio, framed by adobe-style architecture, becomes especially inviting in the cooler months when the crisp air carries the scent of grilling smoke. Early evening is ideal for those who want to catch the vibrant street life after dinner.
Heading north toward Santa Fe, the art-filled plaza district is home to the beloved Second Street Brewery. While known for its craft beers, this establishment has made a name for itself with artisan-style pizzas that marry classic Italian techniques with New Mexican flair. Using locally sourced, hand-pulled mozzarella and a fiery red or green chile sauce base, their pies offer an unforgettable twist on a familiar favorite. The wood-fired oven lends a blistered, smoky crust that contrasts beautifully with fresh, house-pickled jalapeños or roasted Hatch chiles. The open-air courtyard is a perfect place to enjoy this culinary fusion, especially during the spring when Santa Fe’s famous bloom colors the city with bursts of purple and green.
Down in Las Cruces, about 45 minutes south of White Sands National Park, the Mesilla Valley is gaining attention for its surprising seafood offerings. At a cozy, unpretentious spot called Sea Native, the focus is on fresh, sustainably sourced fish prepared with nods to New Mexico’s rich agricultural heritage. Their grilled trout, often caught from local streams or brought in from nearby waters, is paired with prickly pear salsa and blue corn tortillas, celebrating indigenous ingredients. This combination highlights how desert flavors can enhance seafood rather than compete with it. Evening visits just before dusk provide a serene setting, where diners can watch the sun sink behind the Organ Mountains, turning the sky into a canvas of pink and orange.
Over in the small town of Raton, just a two-hour drive north of Santa Fe near the Colorado border, the Old Pass Café offers a distinct take on BBQ that reflects its mountain surroundings. Known for its hearty, smoked bison brisket and elk sausages, this eatery brings a wild game element rarely found in New Mexico’s barbecue scene. The smoky flavors are complemented by a homemade blackberry barbecue sauce that draws on the local fruit harvests from nearby forests. Diners can enjoy the rustic ambiance, complete with mountain lodge décor, which feels especially comforting during the chilly fall months when the nearby Fishers Peak Trail beckons hikers seeking scenic views at 9,633 feet.
Santa Fe’s Railyard District is also a hotspot for pizza lovers, particularly at Upper Crust Pizzeria, where the emphasis is on organic, wood-fired pies with an artisanal touch. Located just a few blocks from the New Mexico Museum of Art, this pizzeria celebrates the state’s agricultural bounty by topping pizzas with ingredients like roasted green chiles, piñon-smoked mozzarella, and locally foraged mushrooms. The crust strikes a perfect balance between chewy and crispy, firing up in a stone oven that adds a slightly charred complexity. Whether visiting in the vibrant summer months or the quieter winter season, sitting near the large windows lets you watch the lively market vendors outside while savoring each bite.
In Carlsbad, about a 30-minute drive from the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one can find a surprising seafood gem in the form of Sea Breeze Café. This casual establishment specializes in Gulf Coast-style dishes, bringing a coastal feel to the high desert. Their signature shrimp and crab enchiladas, infused with a spicy green chile cream sauce, blend flavors from the sea with New Mexico’s culinary traditions. The atmosphere is bright and airy, contrasting with the stark desert landscape just outside town. Visiting in the cooler months provides a warm culinary refuge after exploring the vast underground formations of Carlsbad Caverns, making for a perfect day of adventure and indulgence.
Finally, near the historic mining town of Madrid, an hour’s drive southeast of Santa Fe, the Mine Shaft Tavern offers a barbecue experience rooted in local history and hearty flavors. This former coal mining town turned artist enclave hosts the tavern with a menu featuring smoky pulled pork sandwiches and ribs glazed with a New Mexican red chile sauce. What sets this place apart is its integration into the town’s rugged past and its lively weekend live music scene, where an eclectic mix of folk and blues complements the rustic barbecue fare. Visiting during the fall harvest season is particularly special; the cooling air and vibrant changing leaves create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.