4 Best Restaurants in Southeastern New Mexico, New Mexico

You'll catch a whiff of Big Daddy's tasty food as you turn off U.S. 82 into Cloudcroft. There's something for everyone at this homey joint, where the staff seems to know darned near everyone by first name. Don't expect anything fancy—just solid American favorites like burgers and barbecue, and some Mexican staples, too, like enchiladas and huevos rancheros. Though the menu leans heavily on meat, these folks happily accommodate vegetarian requests.

Rural restaurants in southern New Mexico have a long-standing rivalry over who makes the best green-chile hamburgers in the region. Many fans will tell you that the winner is right here—and many will tell you this is the best one found anywhere. Besides cooking awesome burgers and killer homemade fries, this bar and grill has a wacky hunting-lodge decor full of animal heads, snakeskins, and painted cow skulls. The massive antique wooden bar is the centerpiece of the establishment.

A long-time local favorite for lunch (they're only open from 10:30 until 2:30), the Buttery serves savory soups, creative sandwiches, daily-changing quiches, and delectable desserts. Soups, like the tomato basil or the chunky cream of broccoli, are main-course worthy—add a fresh salad and a slice of buttermilk pie, and you're good to go. If you can find a table, eat on the patio in warm weather.

This bustling restaurant is on the short list of locals and visitors in the know for tasty, and big, breakfasts and early lunches (they close at 1). Aside from fluffy waffles and pancakes (which can come loaded with all sorts of toppings), they serve very good Mexican breakfasts and lunches—the chile verde plate for breakfast is great, as are the chicken enchiladas for lunch. Standard American fare, like eggs and bacon, and sandwiches round out the menu.