Updating my review of this amazing spot for moles just to add some more photos and details. Many moles later, this place is still my very favorite place for moles. They are simply magic here both in terms of flavor complexity and texture. Their texture here is truly the best. I literally was licking the plate at the end of each of these. I tried all four of their moles as plates and also as a sampler on four different occasions and all are very complex, rich, creamy and satisfying. -Mole Poblano. "A not so sweet ajillo pepper mole sauce with traditional ingredients and a touch of Oaxaca chocolate." This was the first we tried here and what brought us back for more. -Mancha Manteles mole: This mole is described on their menu as: "Sweet pineapple, red apples, fried plantain and a wonderful choice of spices make this mole a great and unique experience". This mole like their other ones came out piping hot, creamy, thick, complex and delicious. -Mole Negro: Chichilo pepper and tomatillo mole sauce with a smoky taste and a hint of ash. -Mole Verde o Pipian. Toasted pumpkin seeds and tomatillo mole sauce with a hint of hoja santa (root beer plant) My husband and I get their enmoladas stuffed with vegetables and get double serving of the black beans (rice has chicken stock so we avoid it to keep the meal vegan/ vegetarian). The plates are always piping hot and soooo yummy. When they have all four moles available they offer a sampler as well. We did this on our last visit and it was fun to revisit the 4 moles we had their side by side and compare them. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I really love the ambiance out on the peaceful patio and there's cover form the sun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite! My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite! read more

See all

Welcomed by Óscar the owner with a handshake and greeted by Server Raúl with chips and a delightful salsa. Paisano Cafe will require multiple visits to experience all of the variety they offer. I startedQueso Fundido w/ Chorizo and the Enmoladas stuffed with queso & Pollo served with choice of 4 different Mole sauces: Poblano, Negro, Verde, or Mancha Manteles. Being my first time I went with traditional Negro for comparison purposes. Everything was fantastic and I look forward to being back to Paisano Cafe in Las Cruces. read more

Paisano Cafe - Chips & salsa, Queso Fundido w/ Chorizo, Enmoladas stuffed with queso & Pollo served with choice of 4 different Mole sauces - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

My husband, dog and me went to Paisano Cafe for the first time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat in the patio area which is dog friendly. The patio is very peaceful, but could use some fans or misters. It also has beautiful views of the Organ mountains.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was great. Friendly waiter. I ordered the shrimp fettuccine with tequila-lime sauce. Everything tasted fresh. The sauce was creamy, but had no flavor of lime or tequila. It also lacked salt. My husband ordered the vegan poblano pepper. The pepper was not well steamed. It was stuffed with vegetables, but it needed a side of rice. It didn't come with anything. We also got the mole sampler which came witha few tortilla chips. The tomatillo pepian was a little spicy. All lacked a little flavor and salt. I ordered a chicken breast for my dog. It was a little rubbery and dryish when I cut it. But my doggy ate it anyway. read more

See all

I love mole. When we asked at our hotel where we could find it, the concierge spent some time searching. She called us with Paisano cafe. This was a terrific find. It's listed as a hidden gem and that is the truth. When we arrived, they had run out of mole and were making a fresh batch. It was worth the wait. And the appetizer empanadas were terrific. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service was great, the food delicious, and the atmosphere very pleasant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

We went here for dinner while we were driving through New Mexico. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is so attractive and comfortable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have seating both inside and outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everyone who works there is so kind and helpful. We had chips and salsa and I had chicken tacos, which were so good. Our server went out of her way to accommodate us and make sure we were happy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They are dog friendly, and my beautiful cocker spaniel laid under the table while we ate outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

See all

We love this restaurant! We've been coming here over the years and they never disappoint. The food is creative, unique and delicious. The flavor profile is more complex than many other restaurants in the area which we appreciate. Brunch today was the Placera, eggs over red enchiladas with veggies and amazing smoky black beans. Salsas and mole made in house. I also love the tuna steak with sweet potato coconut mash. Also the Chiles enogadas is a specialty. Nice owners, great service. read more

Paisano Cafe - Eggs "Placera" - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful day sitting outside have wine and lunch at one of my favorite places, fantastic food, awesome service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]].thank you Zack, food is made when ordered not sitting around, fresh ingredients great menu even for Vegan read more

See all

This was such a great find ! Yummmmy! The in house mole choices here will blow your mind. My pablano vegano was so good after one bite I lost all restaurant etiquette and started plowing away at my dish . Then realized I didn't get a picture of the stuffing , it was that good . Service was wonderful. read more

See all

While the food was good and had great mole options, the service was glacially slow. Spent most of the meal waiting just to order and waited so long to get the bill that I had to get up and pay at the counter. What a shame, it really ruined the meal. read more

We arrived at 11am hoping the lunch menu was being served only to find we were too early. Our goal was mole. The breakfast menu had 2 eggs with mole and black beans. The plate had 2 varieties of mole smothering eggs cooked to order. As usual, we were happy campers. Our waitress was really patient regarding the precise instructions of how we wanted our eggs cooked and we asked her to thank the cook for delivering as ordered. read more

The food was ok, but nothing spectacular and portions were smaller than most places. Service was ok. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We went early and it wasn't busy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place, while clean, looks like it needs some sprucing up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I was just in this beautiful Cafe, with my fiancé. We were celebrating our 14th anniversary. I was blown away by the green chile potato soup! The service was on point. There was an issue with our meal that was addressed immediately. Hats off to the staff and owner for addressing it immediately. We will be back as soon as possible! read more

Paisano Cafe was an okay choice for us after camping several days. I craved some leafy greens and my husband craved pasta. The Strawberry Salad was satisfying mostly because it was fresh, however the pears were hard, not ripe, there wasn't enough goat cheese, and the spinach was not baby spinach, thus huge leaves needed to be cut. My husband enjoyed the pasta dish. We were just traveling through so we won't return. read more

What a horrible experience we had while just trying to get something for dinner. We walked in and there was plenty of space, and a server told us to sit anywhere we liked. After a few minutes a different server came by with menus and came back after about a minute asking if we knew what we wanted. I wanted tacos but apparently they don't serve those in the evening, which was not indicated anywhere on the menu, and were really one of the only things which were gluten free. We waited over 40 minutes and never got our food so we left and got something else from a nearby food truck. The servers seemed distant and didn't pay much attention to us at all. read more

Menu selection (dinner) is quite extensive, food is imaginative and flavors are excellent. Maybe some of the best meals in Las Cruces. [[HIGHLIGHT]]However, the restaurant itself is beginning to show it's age, and the interior needs to be refreshed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Furnishing are adequate, but booth cushions are wearing thin, and some are torn.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Some fresh paint throughout would do wonders for this great little restaurant. read more

A hidden gem for sure. A little bit of a challenge to find but worth the effort. We were traveling through New Mexico and had a planned stay in Las Cruces. This restaurant is a must. The ambiance is okay the food makes up for it. Authentic, traditional food that is seasoned and cooked well. We enjoyed the Tampiqueña, skirt steak with guacamole and rice and beans. Cooked perfectly, and the Chiles en Nogada, which at first blush could come off as too sweet but contrary to the ingredients it was lovely. You will miss out on an opportunity for a wonderful meal if you do not give them a try. read more

Paisano Cafe - Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

See all

The wait staff were very attentive and made sure we understood what we were ordering. I found the food to be gourmet Mexican with very stylish food. We started with a three cheese and chorizo dip with toasted tortilla wedges. It was very good and not spicy. Then we had stuffed poblanos with meat and nuts with a cream sauce. They were huge and were perfect for sharing. Definitely not Tex-Mex so it was good to try something different. read more

Paisano Cafe - Chiles en Nogala - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

See all

This has to be the best place in town. We basically did a tour de Las Cruces, trying as many restaurants and local places as possible, and Paisano absolutely wins. As far as I know it's the only place to go all dressed up. Everything here is superb. The negro mole is absolute perfection, very deep flavor, can taste the chocolate. The green chili here is probably the best I've ever had in my life. The fish with green sauce is very fresh tasting and delicious. Even the kids meals are exceptional - enormous portions and well cooked. And the bathrooms- clean and *real* toilet paper. Great service. The only strange thing is why the Italian/new Mexican/Parisian theme? Confusing menu and decor, very odd. read more

The first time I ate here I had the enchiladas and was very happy with my meal, the service, etc. going back a second time months later it just didn't seem as good. Not sure why. The food was ok. My hubby tried ordering different things off the menu and they kept telling him that they didn't serve those dishes for lunch. We went through this with a few dishes. We suggested they have a separate lunch and diner menu or at least re-do the menus stating what is available for lunch and dinner. Not sure we'll be back. No glaring problems but also nothing exciting to write home about. It had so much potential! read more

We had lunch here. It wasn't real busy but the service was slow. I ordered pasta and added chicken. That's all I got! No salad no bread just a bowl of pasta with some chicken. It was just ok, a little bland. For $16 you can get a full rounded meal elsewhere. Too many restaurants charge for every little thing you may want in your meal. How bout provide a balanced well rounded plate for the price you charge? read more

The owner/chef of this restaurant refused service to my party because I have a service dog. I tried to explain the state law regarding service animals and restaurants, but the owner continued to refuse us service, stating "I have my own rules!" I told him he is acting illegally but he doesn't care. He is not being ADA compliant. Members in my party who have come here before and spend a lot of money will no longer come to this restaurant to eat again. We will make sure to spread the word to others. The owner's attitude and ignorance was inexcusable! read more

This restaurant has a large selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of the ingredients are fresh, delicious and amazingly tasteful. The presentation is lovely. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seating is comfortable and staff are friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

What happened to this cafe? They were famous for their French fries. Today they were lukewarm and tasteless. My hamburger was dripping grease. Used to be a go to place for company. Never again! Had to apologize to my guest for such a poor choice I made for lunch.. read more

We stayed overnight in the area and searched for a well-rated restaurant that offered vegetarian breakfast options. Paisano's was at the top of the list, and it did not disappoint. We arrived a few minutes after they opened and asked to be seated on the patio. It's shaded in the morning, and there is a nice view of the Organ Mountains. I ordered the eggs divorciados, and my partner ordered the Mesilla Benedict with the meat replaced by a side of rosemary potatoes. Our food arrived promptly and smelled delicious! The green mole on my divorciados had a non-biting heat that was enjoyable, and the poblano mole had just a hint of sweetness with a touch of heat. Both were fantastic with the richness of the egg. In fact, we used some of my partner's rosemary potatoes to consume every last drop of that mole. My partner enjoyed the seasoning of the green chile hollandaise l, and the eggs were poached perfectly with card taken to fully drain them before serving. The rosemary potatoes were tasty with and without the mole. Our friendly server was attentive without being overbearing...a positive experience all around! We will be back to Paisano's the next time we come through town. read more

Don't go here if you're LGBT+. The owner/cook and a waiter mocked our table, laughed and pointed at us, paying customers. Perhaps if you spent more time doing your actual job and being welcoming to people, your business would be busier and you wouldn't have free time to mock your paying customers. Do better, and practice your egg making cause they were overcooked, girl. read more

Had the steak variety plate. Meat wasn't anything special, but the sauces made up for it. Drinks were great, and the vibe was also great for a date nite. Service was as I expected, not absent but also not all up in your grill. Would recommend and plan to return. Spot in Mesilla is also nice for an evening walk after dinner if you're inclined. read more

I thought the mole and the tomatillo salsa were both excellent here. Portion sizes were good without being overwhelming and prices were excellent. Everything fresh and service was quick and really helpful. Nice space, with plenty of parking. read more

Paisano Cafe - Mole - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

This is an amazing restaurant. Their sauces are the best on the mexican food. The pecan crusted chicken salad is the only salad I will order in a restaurant. The service is always great. Go there! read more

Food: no breakfast during the week to bad. The lunch menu is large but the food lacks any seasoning. The mayonnaise packets on the table came out completely yellow, looked like it had been there for years. Service: Good and our server was very friendly. Ambiance: looked like a cafeteria setup and completely dirty. We arrived at 1000 so first customers in the restaurant and the floor had crumbs and broken chips all under the tables, all window sills had crumbs and dirt. Curtains were dirty and stained, from the looks of it they hadn't been cleaned in years. We ordered sparkling wine / champagne and it came in a dirty, water stained, scratched plastic champagne flute. Too bad the server is getting another job she was the best thing about this establishment. Don't waste your time or money! read more

See all

My husband and I had the best meal we have eaten in Las Cruces at Paisano Cafe. The restaurant is quiet and tucked away from the Main Street in Mesilla. The wait staff was so friendly and they have very tasty Margaritas! Our meal was so delicious that I knew they had an amazing (from Mexico) chef on staff. We are so eager to try the rest of the menu now. My Pecan Encrusted Salmon was cooked to perfection and so moist I couldn't believe it and the coconut pecan rice was amazing! Even the salads and vegetables were amazing - no kidding! I promise you will not leave disappointed. Give this place a try if you are a foodie like I am!!! read more

See all

We have been going here for many years, but the last few times weren't as good, but we recently decided to give it another try. We were very disappointed. The fish ordered was very dry. In the past, the rice would arrive looking like it had been out of a mold which was very nice this time it looked like someone just threw it on the plate with a spoon. The steak tacos were just three tortillas with some meat on them no garnish no beans no rice nothing with them. Another dish ordered we specifically asked: Does it come with black beans and we were told yes but then it came with no beans and when we asked The server said oh I can get you some but then the manager (we assume) was nearby and I said oh no that doesn't come with black beans not offering to make the customer happy. Another dish was listed as paying one dollar for vegetables to go with it which were ordered, but they didn't arrive then when we told the server again the manager person was nearby and said no it would have to be 3.50 if you want vegetables - it wasn't the money it was just the Situation. Do not have something on your menu if you're not going to honor it. The server also did not seem to be well trained never came to check on us once the food was there to see if everything was all right neglected to fill Waters. It was so disappointing and we will not be returning. read more

DELICIOUS. It was nice and quiet despite being busy. The waitress had a little bit of an attitude but we didn't mind. Will be back for the food alone. read more

Paisano Cafe - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

See all

We have been regulars at Paisano since we moved here three years ago. They are one of the few places in the area that have decent seafood. The wife gets the same swordfish dish everytime we come. I like to try different dishes and am rarely disappointed. It always felt like a special, fancier place than our other regular haunts in Mesilla. But since the pandemic, not so much. The cilantro lime dressing is still to die for, the Paisano shrimp is still a fav, the chef still does the best sauces in town, the wine list is still decently priced with nice selections by the glass and the patio still has a lovely view of the Organ Mountains. But... The last couple times we have dined here we've been disappointed by the service. My wife actually bussed our table last weekend because she was tired of waiting for someone to come and take away our dishes. Things have come out sporadically from the kitchen. We usually dote on the service here. Hmmmm... They have been out of a lot of menu items and had only two choices from the dessert menu on our last trip. I get it that the pandemic has disrupted the food chain but it's disappointing to have to take your 3rd or 4th choice from the menu. Please for the love of God reprint your menu and get a clean copy in the binders. It;'s embarrassing to have them look as soiled and torn as they are. This is a great gem of a restaurant who needs to get its feet back under it. read more

Barely found this hidden gem, literally because its in the back of what look like an abandoned shopping plaza. French toast - Amazes!!!!! Its battered croissants so its a lot lighter then most french toast and the flakiness pared with the fruit and pecans...omg...my mouth is watering. Grilled chicken with mole poblano. I was going back and forth between the negro and poblano and im so glad i got the poblano. The poblano had a nice kick to it and i was literally cleaning my plate to get every last bit Chiles en Nogada - this is dish that made me tey so hard to find this place. Stuffed chiles with a goat cheese sauce. The dish did not disappoint. The sauce on top was like nothing i have tried in LA. I would have liked more cheese inside but who am i to mess with tradition. This place is a little hard to find but keep looking!!! I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was slow even though there was only like 2 other small parties inside. read more

See all

My first time at Paisano. Food is ok, service terrible, MANAGEMENT WORSE! Three of us for lunch, we ordered an appetizer and 3 entrees. The appetizer (queso fundido) was ok. Two entrees came out, the 3rd entree never served despite our repeated requests. Lunch was over when it finally arrived. The server set it on the table and asked if we needed a "to go" box. I asked for it to be removed from our tab because we weren't told there was going to be a delay, and we weren't provided the opportunity to order something else. She said there was nothing she could do but offer her apology. I asked for the manager and was told she was not on site. I asked the server to call the manager and let her know about our request. The server returned to say she would have to pay for the entree herself because the manager said no. I didn't allow the server to pay for the entree. I paid the ENTIRE tab in full AND left a gratuity. I was not looking for a free entree. I was looking for accountability and good customer service. Poor service, POOR LEADERSHIP!!!! read more

Paisano Cafe - The pasta arrived when lunch was over. The manager was going to make the server pay for it. Poor service, POOR LEADERSHIP! - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

Took some friends to the cafe and we all had salads. Wow, we were pleasantly surprised. The salads were all delicious, very large and great tasting. Looking forward to a return trip. read more

Amazing breakfast! I had the Tres Marias, pictured. My husband had the eggs Benedict which I tasted. Probably the best I've ever had. Will be back for dinner soon. read more

Paisano Cafe - *Tres Marias. - Italian Near Me - Mesilla, New Mexico

Looking for a different menu of Mexican food? Look no further. Original dishes, 4 kinds of mole, all good. The waiter was attentive and offered good suggestions. We've been here twice. read more

I wouldnt call the restaurant traditional Italian or Mexican. There is a large variety of foods. From Pasta to Enchiladas, salads and sandwiches to steaks and shrimp. We have eaten there three times in the last couple of months. All of the food we have has been delicious. The patio is beautiful and the wait staff have all been very friendly. We will return and bring friends. read more

Very good dinner here with my wife. The Caper Tequila Shrimp Fettucine my wife ordered was excellent. We could taste the capers and the tequila playing together very nicely with the shrimp. My wife thought the Gewurztraminer (wine) went perfectly with the meal, but the one they offer is a bit sweet for me. I got enmoladas with chicken and mole poblano. Absolutely wonderful, slightly sweet and the right amount of richness. Definitely get that. Service was good, store very clean. We sat outside, where it was nice and romantic. It was also a very good value, at about $40 with tip. Go there. read more