First stop when returning to Ruidoso is for the Alto Biscuit and an Orange and Cranberry muffin! Delicious! Same warm atmosphere and fast, friendly service as always! Constantly amazingly! read more

Alto Cafe - Breakfast crowd - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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This was our second time visiting Alto Cafe and first time since new ownership. The food this time was great!! The service, could be better, the young man who sat us and asked us what we wanted did not know what pastries they were serving and just seemed like he did not know what was on the menu. He brought our drinks and food out very quickly though. The restaurant is still inviting and clean with plenty of seating inside, the patio and at their bar area. We ordered cappuccino, chicken fried chicken with eggs and tried the pistachio croissant. Th chicken was crispy and flavorful, the eggs were cooked to a perfect over-medium, the croissant was heated up a little too much so it was very hot but after it cooled it was flaky and buttery. Since that visit we went back a couple other times for lunch and they stayed consistent, which is really hard to find nowadays. Definitely recommend if you're in the Ruidoso area. read more

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Great all-American diner! All their food is delicious! Breakfast and lunch...can't go wrong.

Always try to eat here at least once when we're in Riudoso. Great traditional breakfast! Eggs cooked as ordered, good hash browns. I liked the sausage and the biscuits and gravy were really yummy too. My cousin ordered the chicken and waffles and said they were delicious! Try it, you'll like it. read more

Always our go to for breakfast when in Ruidoso. The huevos rancheros is delicious. It gets busy on the weekends so make sure you get there early. read more

Alto Cafe - Always our go to for breakfast when in Ruidoso. The huevos rancheros is delicious. - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

I just left Alto Cafe. This is usually my go to for breakfast. But this time let's just say it was an off day for Alto Cafe. The service was the worst it has ever been. The two young brunettes at the register around 11:50am were completely checked out. They wouldn't even acknowledge my presence as I was trying to pay. No one else was up there but them and myself. I hope the person responsible for hiring individuals and training will make sure the friendly environment that makes Alto Cafe so special doesn't go down the drain. Our waitress wasn't much better. And another problem was the overcooked small rock hard biscuits. This is not their usual. I hope the next time I visit I'm treated like an equal human being and not less than. read more

So delicious we ate breakfast 2 days in a row here. Inviting environment, quick service. Normally a morning lunch place. However Fridays they do stay open for dinner specials. Next time we will try the dinner fare. Looking forward to returning! read more

Always consistent food quality and the cozy atmosphere is welcoming...Burgers and chicken fried steak always great.

Good fresh hot traditional breakfast. Potatoes are cubed and good. Easy to find and park. Very affordable and a variety of menu choices. read more

Well, we were able to get in, get seated, and then wait over 40 minutes for our food. I'm thinking maybe breakfast is a better bet here? I ordered a grilled Turkey sandwich - with no cheese... BUT- had 2 Kraft singles slapped to it when it came out and some charred bread . When you're hungry and have already waited over 40 minutes, you just take it and go. Yeah... not the best. The ones that got the catfish said it was good- but the dessert was a box mix with some tubbed icing. SERVICE-Our waitress was sweet, and I felt bad she had to wait on the kitchen for so long. She was obviously nervous for making everyone wait, but we knew it wasn't her issue . read more

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Been here several times. Last time had fried catfish. It tasted like leftovers, kind of rubbery. Today we had sliced brisket plate and enchilada plate. The sliced brisket was very dry. Won't do that again. Enchilada plate was ok but not great. Wouldn't order it again. Restaurant is clean, service was ok. Probably won't be back. read more

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Always great. Wonderful breakfast and reasonable prices. Great service too! Wonderful pastries as well.

We were headed up to the winter park so I wanted the closest restaurant. Wow, now I know why this restaurant has been highly recommended! The food was great, better than the Log Cabin. The prices are definitely more reasonable. The service was great and the decorations are cute. I really hope this little café is able to expand and grow. read more

The service was exceptional. They seated a table of 8 quickly, kept our drinks full, and were very friendly. The food was fresh and absolutely delicious! Will definitely love to go back' read more

Good service & wonderful food. Oh the wonderful pastries. Worth the wait for a table.

Service is great! Food even more amazing. Can't beat the two egg breakfast. Definitely want to try the chocolate croissant. read more

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Great breakfast burritos here, green chile is very good. Fast service and good folks.

Very beautiful area first of all. Cafe is in a great location and the food was wonderful. Our server was very good. Seems like a lot of locals come by , staff seemed to know everyone. If I ever get back to ruidoso I will go back read more

The service is absolutely perfect, place is very clean. Food gets to you quick, hot and very tasty. The staff has been around a long time and this is a very enjoyable locals place. The huevos rancheros is by far the best I have ever had. if you are in the area this is the place. read more

Alto Cafe - Chicken fried steak - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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Not Great Stopped in for coffee. Coffee was lukewarm at best. Ordered a side of Mac and cheese because we weren't that hungry. For $4.95 I expected a little more than Kraft boxed. We weren't even given silverware or napkins. Won't return. Was surprised because there were a lot of good reviews. read more

We came in about 2:45 pm yesterday for a late lunch, not knowing that they close at 3 pm during the week (I hate to be one of those people, especially having worked in the food industry before). It was mostly filled with older folks at the time, and we were promptly seated. Service was quick and portions were huge. Our table got two clubs ($9, one with fries added on for $1.95), a chef salad, and a chicken fried steak. Our friend said the chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes was just okay with not a lot of seasoning. The clubs seemed to be some of the top items per reviews, and it did not disappoint. I guess it's popular at breakfast too, so next time one of those giant cinnamon rolls has my name on it. Of course, every time we drove by, this place was bumpin' 2021 #70 read more

Alto Cafe - The Club - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

My sister-in-law's dad ordered the post wedding celebratory dinner from Alto Cafe. We drove by Alto Cafe a few times during our visit to Ruidoso, NM towards mid-May 2021. There were always a bunch of cars parked on all sides of the restaurant. On our way out to the location where my brother and his new bride wanted to have photos taken and a reading of their vows, I asked if the place was any good. My other brother laughed and said "that's where dinner is being catered." I couldn't wait to eat. Focusing on my bridesmaid duties was hard. Lol. The brisket! Oh, yes make sure to get the brisket! It was so good & tender. The chicken was pretty good. The sausage was perfect. There was a plethora of sides too: BBQ beans, green beans, and potato salad. Don't forget the yummy BBQ sauce! Can't wait to be back in that area for some homestyle food that my brothers kept talking about. read more

Alto Cafe - Awesome catering for a small wedding... 5/15/21 - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

Great cinnamon roll- warm and sweet! Great coffee. Great service! Walk in, sit wherever there's a place. Servers are experienced and competent, they know what they're doing. We had omlets, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, with all the sides. Food was delivered hot and fresh. Definitely more than we could eat. One of our favorite breakfasts places in Alto/Ruidoso. read more

The cutest place!!! Little breakfast cafe. Came here twice while vacationing in the area. Such a cozy spot. They have a great menu and the perfect portion sizes. They have options for little breakfasts to big breakfasts! The pancakes are amazing. Wow. Love it. Vibes here are great. Much more crowded on a weekend. read more

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Excellent choice and recommendation from Ben the Wrangler at Grindstone Stables. He said it was good and worth the wait. Well, as usual, Ben was right on. Bonita Biscuit with sausage was fantastic just a bit on lukewarm side but tasty Alto omelet with bacon was superb and sourdough toast! Hash browns were perfect Coffee was smooth A 15-20 minute wage was no problem Very nice staff and quick too I recommend you come try it for yourself! read more

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Good food at a good price. Fast friendly service. They were thoughtful about bringing ice for us because the cranberry juice was a new bottle and was room temp. read more

We have been to this café several times over the past couple of years. Every time we go, the service is superb and the food is always great! Always a crowd which I'm happy to see. Would like to see this café stay in business for as long as possible! read more

GO!!! Yes, go to Alto's! The Friday special - fried catfish - was perfectly fried. The breading was light but crunchy. The salads are good - especially if you get their homemade ranch dressing. It was so good that I ordered some to go! The brisket is tender and beefy - just remember to get the strips and NOT the shredded brisket, which is over shredded. We got more brisket and beans to go - and had them for dinner the next night, just as good. The chili Philly cheesesteak was excellent. Loaded with tender and flavorful beef - not like the usual throw away roast beef most restaurants use for cheese steak. Finally, if possible, save room for dessert. OMG, we got a peach pie made with fresh peaches and it was so good - not too sweet, and the perfect balance of crust and peach. I almost cried when they ran out before I put in my to go order. The service is excellent. This is the kind of down home diner where most customers know the waiters and everyone is happily chowing down. The negatives - the staff and the kitchen is very busy. So most days they don't answer the phone. There are no reservations so often there is a line. But sometimes.... like a weekday lunch after 1 PM can be pretty empty. And worth the wait. read more

Fried catfish special. Amazing portions, extremely delicious. Friendly staff, country atmosphere. Highly recommend. read more

Alto Cafe - Catfish platter special. Under $13. Generous portions. Came w/ coleslaw and dessert! An amazing deal & some of the best fried catfish! - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

This place is busy. Expect a wait to be seated and perhaps one for your food. But the wait is worth it! The menu board can show a lot of "sold out" but you'll find something to your liking. I have been craving fried catfish for months. Finding good catfish in the desert is difficult. The steak place in Cruces, where I live, offers a little 8 ounce filet for like $16. Here I got a plateful of catfish like it should be served for around $12. Yay me! This as good a local mom and pop place you'll find any where. Go whenever they are open and eat! read more

Amazing place! Great food. Wonderful service. I will return here during my next visit.

Always great service and the food is fantastic! We make it a point to go there 3-4 times when we are vacationing in Ruidoso. Can personally attest that the club sandwich, turkey patty melt and catfish plate are superb. Many restaurants in Ruidoso have trouble finding and keeping staff. It does not appear that Alto Cafe has this problem as we continue to see the same friendly faces working there. You can't go wrong here give them a try you will not be disappointed. read more

We went for dinner per their websites open times. They were closed. Need to update hours. read more

Great food, great service! I've never had a bad experience at the Alto Cafe!! The catfish was exceptional, and I grew up in Mississippi where catfish was a staple... it was as good as any in the Deep South!! Wife had the chicken fried chicken and she loved it. Will be back soon and often. read more

This place seems to stay pretty busy, especially for breakfast on a Sunday. The parking lot was packed! Service was great. Food was your typical cafe with a little twist. I had the Bonita Biscuit with sausage, which is basically a sausage, egg, and cheese omelette folded inside a biscuit with gravy on top. My husband ordered the hand breaded steak fingers; he said they had good flavor. There's a reason the parking lot is full. Breakfast or lunch, I saw some oatmeal on the menu, but this place is offering stick-to-your-ribs grub. Our total meal and drinks for two was $19, so the value is great! read more

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Delicious food, great and friendly service, and even though it is always packed (rightfully so-it's worth it), the food is hot, wait staff is friendly, and it is kid friendly! read more

So actually happened upon this place by chance. We were wanting to eat at log cabin. However it appears they are closed on Wednesday's. So we choose here and I am soooo glad we did. Both my boys got pancakes. Which were nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I got the Bonita biscuit with bacon. I have been on a biscuits and gravy kick lately and this absolutely hit the spot. The eggs were fresh, biscuit was fluffy, gravy was very tasty. 10/10 would recommend then when your finished take a nice drive up the mountain for some scenic views. read more

Alto Cafe - Complete country breakfast - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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This place is great. Very cozy with an attentive staff that cares about what they're bringing out. I'm pretty sure this place is a favorite among locals and visitors. I'm looking forward to returning soon! read more

What a GREAT restaurant! We ate here twice on our 4 day trip to Ruidoso. I had the chopped brisket BBQ sandwich with homemade potato salad and my girlfriend had the breakfast burrito. Both were really good and all that we hoped it would be. Today I had the chicken fried steak dinner and she had the chopped brisket dinner and, once again, another 5 star dining experience! As a connoisseur of chicken fried steak, I give this two thumbs way up! But special note: They close at 3:00 except on Friday & Sat and close at 9:09 on those days. read more

Alto Cafe - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

Yum! Get their Brisketo entry. Huge burrito that will easily fill you up. Their verde sauce is extra to be smothered, and it's well worth it. Chips and salsa are good appetizers to hold you over until your baby burrito is served. Not much of a beer menu, but the food is so delicious you forget about it. Stay safe Alto Cafe as this forest fire continues. read more

Alto Cafe - Brisketito was so damn delicious! - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico