Carniceria San Juan de Los Lagos in Carlsbad, NM has to be some of the best Mexican food I've ever…read morehad! I usually have a rule when traveling that I don't visit the same restaurant more than once, but this place was the exception. I came back three times in two days. Yes, it was that good. Sadly, the third time I came back, they were closed. The food tasted very authentic and absolutely worth the visit. I noticed some reviews mentioned communication issues or that the staff may not speak much English. I had a little bit of that struggle too, but honestly, that's how you know you might be in the right place for truly authentic Mexican food. I also felt like it was partly my fault for not doing enough research before ordering. But we figured it out, and the food was more than worth it. One small suggestion: it would be helpful if the menu had a little more English explanation, pictures, or item numbers to make ordering easier for both customers and staff. Overall, this is the kind of true hidden gem you hope to find in a small town. I would definitely take a detour to come back here whenever I'm in the area again.

Carnicería San Juan de los Lagos - Worth the Detour, Even Years Later…read more Some places stay with you. So much so that five years later, on a completely different road trip, you find yourself checking the map and thinking... "we're kind of close." Back in 2021, while exploring nearby national parks, we stumbled across Carnicería San Juan de los Lagos and loved it. This time, on our way to White Sands National Park, we made a small detour to see if it still held up. First surprise... I barely recognized the area. What used to feel like the middle of nowhere has filled in. Suburban life has arrived. Growth happened. But the place? Still there. Still good. Inside, it keeps that same warm, easy charm. Cute wood, farm-style Mexican decor, nothing fancy, just welcoming. The space has grown too, now clearly divided into restaurant, carnicería, and panadería, which means more reasons to linger. And the smell when you walk in? That alone could convince you to stay. Service was just as we remembered, sweet, friendly, and genuine. The kind that makes you feel like a regular even if you've been gone for five years. We went with pozole and shrimp tacos, and both delivered. Flavorful, comforting, exactly what we were hoping for. It's always a bit of a gamble revisiting a place you loved years ago. This one paid off. Still a favorite. Still worth the stop.

El Charro keeping it humble and absolutely delivering. Not fancy (nothing in this town really is )…read morebut daaaaauuum... that bean burrito was one of the best I've had in a long time. The burritos do run a little on the smaller side, but they're packed with flavor and definitely hit the spot. The salsa bar actually brings the heattttt spicy spicy, not just "I promise it's hot" spicy and the guac has legit flavor. Best part? You finish your meal and casually wander next door because it's connected to an ice cream and fruiteria situation. Dinner + dessert without even leaving the building. Say less.

I was recommended El Charro in Carlsbad, NM by some locals, and I'm so glad I listened…read more I'm a big fan of quesabirria and have been on a little quesabirria journey, and this has to be one of the top two best quesabirria tacos I've ever had. The taco was crispy and filled with delicious meat, and the consommé was rich and flavorful. If I hadn't been on the road, I probably would have ordered another one. The portion was generous, and the price was fair too. The service was quick, and the overall dining environment was bright and clean. Definitely a great local recommendation and a spot I'd happily come back to.

Everything went great! From the chips and spicy delicious salsa to the birria tacos to my friends 3…read moreenchiladas and even the refried beans were exceptional! Would definitely go back! Friendly and pleasant staff and comfortable booths for many great spot close to RV park.

Food: The chips and salsa are very good. Salsa has a good kick, but it's addicting…read more The chicken tacos weren't bad, meat was a bit bland, but it did come with a lot of meat Crispy taco had an interesting taste. Couldn't tell if it was the meat, or the shell Service: not bad. Friendly staff, just a busy night, & didn't get to see her much Ambiance: a bit loud. Crowded, & music was up a bit, making people talk louder haha Prices are a bit high, but for the portion sizes, it's not bad. About $15 and up per plate

Oh my god! The food is AMAZING. And the portions are huge. Try the fired ice cream! You will not be…read moredisappointed

Premade shells and beans I think. Was just ok. Nothing fresh or special. Had the combination, taco…read more, chili relleno enchilada beans rice.

This place is a gem in Carlsbad. Started out with some complimentary warm chips and salsa…read more The food was exceptional and the prices reasonable for the quality. Service friendly and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. The spouse had the CAMARONES A LA PLANCHA looking for a non-fried seafood and not disappointed. Plenty of sides with salad, rice and mashed potatoes. I had the A LA DIABLA, the sauce was so flavorful and generous amount of chicken was able to take leftovers of a grilled chicken sandwich and about 1/2 the pasta. It will not go to waste

Skip this place. Food was horrible at new location in the old long John silver location. Salmon was…read moreso overcooked it was like shoe leather!!! Coconut shrimp was also over cooked and thick doughy batter. And steaks. Cooked way past medium rare to well done, absolutely no pink. Ceviche was ok. But more like salsa than ceviche. Overall for $150 not including tip for 4 people for lunch was severely disappointed. Won't be going back. Service was not much better.

Food was delicious. We had torta asado, burrito de chicken fajita and the carnitas plate. Food…read morewas hot, taste was great, home cooked flavor. Their salsa verse was best I've tasted. Would highly recommend.

Amazing food!! Loved the spice level. Service was great and the ambiance was nice. We had…read moreenchiladas, burgers, and tacos.

*** outstanding tamales in Southeastern New Mexico ***…read more I popped into Fernando's Tamales in Carlsbad, NM hoping to take home at least two dozen in my cooler. Just before 11 AM I learned that they were completely out of red pork. I could have waited a half hour for a batch, but I didn't. I already had obligations to which I was en route. So I settled for a half dozen green chile cheese and a half dozen chicken with green chile ($26). They were delicious - even reheated! Make sure to get change if you pay cash. I handed a young lady $40 and she closed the drawer and started to walk off. Lol. RATING BREAKDOWN Food: 5 | Service: 3 | Ambiance: 4 | Price: 4

Nice spot for breakfast. Had horchata, hot chocolate and tamale. Come early because they run outread more

Hello, I take my time to testing the food. Food it's good. Real Mexican flavors. Great parking and…read morethe services was very good. The guy there super friendly and great services. Prices average. The only bad :waiting time, 1 hr for food to go. Very busy. Today Wednesday 8pm. If you hungry go with time. I order: Arrachera, Enchiladas, Tacos y Albondigas. Total around $97 with tips. Ambience loud as every other busy restaurant.

This little Mexican spot came recommended by a friend of a friend, and we stopped here for dinner…read moreafter visiting the caverns. We called ahead and warned them about our larger group, but they are definitely equipped for large groups. They had a good variety and the cocktails were strong. I got the sangria which was filled with fruits as well as the shrimp fajitas. Everything was very good. Their guac was spectacular.

My husband and I shared: - Steak Quesadilla…read more- Chicharron en Verde Burrito - Barbacoa Torta - Carnitas Taco Plate My favorite thing was definitely the burrito. I also enjoyed the torta. I thought the tacos were a bit dry and the quesadilla was a bit plain, but it wasn't bad.

7$ for this little ass burrito. I asked for Avocado and it…read morebarely has any. Its like they dabbed it here and there i even tipped them before i got it. On top of that broooo! look at these salsa baggies.. they look like theyre dealing drugs or something but most definitely thats a big sign that they are very cheap. Aside from that, the place looked nice and well invested in. So for that- 2.3 of 10

Not authentic mexican food by any means. Two stars because my husband said the margaritas were…read moredecent. Our waitress was great. She seemed very over sat in her area and kept apologizing for the wait. Could have ate better for half the price at Taco Bell. Overall review, highly disappointed!

Made a yelp account just to leave this review. Ordered a beer off the menu, didn't have it. Ordered…read morean entree and a side. After a long wait, the food for the rest of my party came out, then I waited longer. Eventually the server asked me what I ordered, then later told me they gave it to the wrong table. When I finally got my entree everyone at my table was done eating. All that wait for a bland taco with dry meat and a wet tortilla. Never got my side.