Discover the Best Fast Food in New Mexico: A Mouth-Watering Guide

When it comes to fast food, New Mexico has a delightful array of options that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From iconic burgers and fries to spicy tacos and crispy fried chicken, the Land of Enchantment has something for everyone.

🍔 Best Burgers in New Mexico

If you’re in the mood for a juicy, mouth-watering burger, New Mexico has a variety of options that won’t disappoint. Some of the best places to grab a burger include:

1. Blake’s Lotaburger

A New Mexico institution, Blake’s Lotaburger has been serving up delicious burgers since 1952. With locations throughout the state, this fast food chain is known for its perfectly cooked patties, fresh toppings, and addictive green chile sauce.

2. The Shake Foundation

This Santa Fe spot is famous for its grass-fed beef burgers and hand-cut fries. The menu is small, but each item is made with high-quality ingredients and prepared with care.

3. Lottawatta Creek

If you’re in Albuquerque, swing by Lottawatta Creek for a delicious burger and a side of homemade potato chips. With unique toppings like peanut butter and bacon, this spot is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

🌮 Best Tacos in New Mexico

New Mexico is also home to some of the best tacos in the Southwest. Whether you prefer yours smothered in green chile or topped with fresh pico de gallo, you’re sure to find a taco that hits the spot. Some of our favorites include:

1. El Parasol

This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious New Mexican cuisine since 1958. The tacos here are simple but flavorful, with your choice of meat, cheese, and fresh toppings.

2. Tako Ten

If you’re looking for something a little more inventive, check out Tako Ten in Santa Fe. Here, you’ll find unique tacos like the Korean BBQ beef or the tempura shrimp with avocado mayo.

3. Taqueria Mexico

For classic street tacos that won’t break the bank, head to Taqueria Mexico in Albuquerque. The tacos here are small but packed with flavor, and the salsa bar is not to be missed.

🍗 Best Fried Chicken in New Mexico

There’s nothing quite like crispy, juicy fried chicken. Luckily, New Mexico has some fantastic options for this comfort food classic. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Golden Crown Panaderia

This Albuquerque bakery is known for its fresh-baked bread and delicious pastries, but the fried chicken is not to be overlooked. Crispy and flavorful, this chicken is worth the trip.

2. The Tractor Brewing Company

If you’re in Los Lunas, stop by the Tractor Brewing Company for a pint of locally brewed beer and a plate of their famous fried chicken. The chicken is brined in beer before it’s fried, giving it an extra layer of flavor.

3. Pollo Campero

This international chain has locations throughout New Mexico, and for good reason. The fried chicken here is crispy and flavorful, with a variety of dipping sauces to choose from.

🌯 Best Burritos in New Mexico

When it comes to fast food, burritos are the ultimate comfort food. Here are a few places in New Mexico that know how to make a killer burrito:

1. Frontier Restaurant

This Albuquerque institution has been serving up delicious New Mexican cuisine since 1971. The breakfast burritos here are legendary, with your choice of bacon, sausage, or carne adovada.

2. La Choza

If you’re in Santa Fe, don’t miss La Choza’s famous green chile burrito. Packed with tender chunks of pork and smothered in spicy green chile sauce, it’s a New Mexico classic.

3. El Zarape

This Taos spot is known for its giant, delicious burritos stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, and cheese. Be sure to ask for extra green chile sauce!

FAQs

1. What is the most popular fast food restaurant in New Mexico?

Blake’s Lotaburger is by far the most popular fast food restaurant in New Mexico, with locations throughout the state and a cult following of devoted fans.

2. What is the spiciest fast food in New Mexico?

If you’re looking for heat, try the green chile cheeseburger at Blake’s Lotaburger or the green chile chicken at Pollo Campero.

3. Is New Mexican fast food healthy?

Like most fast food, New Mexican cuisine can be high in calories and fat. However, many restaurants offer healthier options like grilled chicken or vegetarian burritos.

4. Is it always necessary to add green chile to fast food in New Mexico?

While green chile is a beloved New Mexican ingredient, it’s not necessary to add it to everything. However, if you’re a spice lover, you won’t regret trying it!

5. What is the spiciest taco in New Mexico?

For a spicy taco, try the carne adovada tacos at Frontier Restaurant or the shrimp diablo tacos at Tako Ten.

6. What is the difference between New Mexican and Mexican cuisine?

New Mexican cuisine is similar to Mexican cuisine but has a few key differences, including the use of green chile and the incorporation of Native American ingredients like blue corn and piñon nuts.

7. Can I find vegetarian or vegan fast food in New Mexico?

Yes! Many New Mexican restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options, including burritos stuffed with beans, rice, and veggies and tacos filled with grilled mushrooms or tofu.

Conclusion

From juicy burgers to spicy tacos and crispy fried chicken, New Mexico has some of the best fast food in the Southwest. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to try some of these iconic dishes and discover why New Mexican cuisine is so beloved.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, hit the road, and prepare to indulge in some of the best fast food in the Land of Enchantment.

Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, menu items, and restaurant locations may vary over time.