Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chala's Wood Fire Grill

    4.3 (408 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:30 pm

    Chala's Wood Fire Grill Photos

    CHALA'S WOOD FIRE GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Chala's Wood Fire Grill

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Ground beef tacos

    Once we sat down, we were given a bowl of chips and salsa. While enjoying those, we ordered our tacos and burritos. We liked that everything was not oversalted so that we could actually taste the food itself. I appreciate the portions for the price as well and felt we got a good value. The service was pleasant. The only thing I didn't like was that after we ordered, we noticed that other people had other foods on their tables... and it occurred to us that there was another menu, maybe a bar menu that we were never offered. Not purposely, but I really wasn't interested in tacos and burritos but would have really liked the nachos or other items on there, so it was a missed opportunity to get something I really wanted and had a more enjoyable experience.

    I'm sitting with all of my friends on the patio!
    Jessica P.

    Pretty sure the foodgasm made people feel uncomfortable! The sausage sandwich is, by far, the best thing I've put in my mouth, in a very long time! The fries are crispy and damn near perfect!!! Service is freaking ON POINT! I'm so happy my fellow Yelp peeps pointed me in this direction! Everyone has been so kind and amazing. I swear every single person here has stopped to chat and just been so freaking nice! I love when flying solo, people make time to chat! This is a must !

    Ricardo M.

    On Sunday, my wife and I were going to an indie movie at the historic Fountain Theater in Mesilla invited by a friend of ours. We decided to meet our friend for lunch before the movie. My wife chose Chala's where she had been to with some friends. Mesilla is a beautiful NM historic village located next to Las Cruces with several restaurants that cater to visitors. Chala's is a hidden gem where locals go. The place is small and on a Sunday for brunch, we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated which we understood. As we sat we told the server that we were in a hurry because we were going to a movie at 2. Her name was Lorena who quickly took our order and she mentioned that she was going to make sure that it came fast. The place is simple with a small well stocked bar with a dining patio up front but we chose inside due to the hot weather. The prices are reasonable. No loud music so it was a perfect spot to enjoy a conversation with our friend. Our friend ordered the enchiladas and my wife the same topped with an egg as the menu stated. I ordered the Blueberry Crème Pancakes that were epic! When we have friends from out of town we usually take them to Mesilla, so now for me we have local restaurant to take them.

    Tres leches cake
    Cindy C.

    Chala's was recommended by our hotel staff so we decided to try it. We ordered their pork chop special. It was very thick-cut bone in pork chop, very juicy and delicious. It came with potatoes and vegetables. Their steak fajita was really tasty too. Very juicy cut of steak with all the fixings; perfect with flour tortilla. Save room for dessert because their tres leches cake was really tasty and it was big enough to share between the two of us and then have leftover. Enjoy! Highly highly recommend!! We will be back when we're back in town.

    Found this inside my burrito!!  Not food. Halloween was yesterday...is it a melted Halloween thing?!!
    Kelly K.

    Hard to rate when you find something in your food that shouldn't be there! Stepping inside I was put off by the strong smell of cleaner like Lysol. Place was clean but I'd rather not smell such a strong chemical smell in a restaurant. I stayed because the reviews are high. I got a burrito with chorizo, chile and potato and it was very tasty. I was planning to come again but then found something inside my burrito that isn't food! See photo. Yesterday was Halloween and it looks like something from Halloween that melted. Ugh! Coffee was not good. Service was good.

    Cha* corn boats

    Service was quick but was allocated to outdoors because I had my dog. Too hot for her in the car, too cold for me in the patio. Salsa was chili hot but carne wasn't. It was too cold to enjoy my meal or people watch. Won't be eating here again

    Their burger, I don't know the name of it on the menu.  It is a monster and amazing good!

    Oh ye gods and little fishes, do I recommend this place! I used to live in Las Cruces, and there were only two or three places we'd go for Mexican food. One closed (turned out it moved, but we haven't been to their new location), dropping our preferred places to two. Then my wife learned of Chala's and we tried it. Proverbial love at first bite. Excellent chips and salsa, then our food arrived. And it just got better from there. The salsa is perhaps a bit on the hot side for some tastes. I'm not going to talk about specific dishes, as everything we've had there was simply excellent. I will mention their burger, photo attached, which was amazing. I did speak with the owner/mother of the chef, we had a great conversation about how the restaurant operates and how everything is made fresh - including baking the burger buns in-house! Great food, we're semi-regulars - only semi as we live 90 minutes away. Do expect your food to take a little bit of time coming out, this is not a fast service restaurant.

    Grill
    Sean R.

    Real mid. The food was kinda gross though it was a reasonable price for the plate. Service was fantastic from the waitress, ambience was mid, the woman sitting across from me looked like my mother so I took away a star for that. Got sat next to kids that wouldn't stop screaming. Don't suggest this place I'm not coming back. Taco boys is so much better.

    Menu 1
    Jordana G.

    Awesome service, good drinks and tasty (if unspectacular) food. Very clean and well run. Nice spot for a meal.

    Kitchen from the entrance
    Melissa C.

    We were in Las Cruces for the night and chose at Chala's for dinner. It took a minute or two to be greeted, but once we sat down, our server was attentive. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, but it was too hot for outdoor this time. The exterior windows all have iron bars across them, and the interior has wood accents throughout. The kitchen is visible through multiple interior windows, which is something I appreciate. Chala's offers a nice serving of chips and salsa while you peruse the menu. The chips were cold, but the salsa had a nice (spice) heat to it. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito with green chile queso, and my partner ordered vegetable tacos. My burrito was amply sized and filled with refried beans and cheese. It would have been bland without the chile queso and salsa. While still warm, it likely stood a few minutes before being delivered to the table. My partner enjoyed his vegetable soft shell tacos, but did not eat his beans (warm, not hot). Overall, our experience was ok. If we try it again when we're next in town, we'll try other menu items.

    Beer Menu
    Brittany C.

    A Mesilla hidden gem, Genuinely top notch spot Class & casual Prices too low to Believe it's true, cocktails for $6, full tap. The food was phenom Came w/ chips & salsa, Choices are A la cart-a Decor was tasteful, Modern & minimalist, Staff was attentive.

    strawberry margarita
    Jade W.

    This place was a local find while in town. Very homey feel inside with cute flowers decorating the table. Our server was well versed on all the menu options and informed us on the specials. I got a strawberry marg which was good but a bit sweet for me. We also got the mimosa flight which was great and refreshing. The loaded fries were great for an appetizer (we got a half order). The cuban sandwich was smokey with a great depth of flavor from the mustard. My hubby got the pork chop with grilled kale which was insane. So tender and juicy and smokey at the same time. Also took some tres leches to go, the salted caramel combination was fabulous.

    The pork chop dinner special

    See all

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    28 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rose C.
    47
    115
    284

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Frankie T.

    Frankie T.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Didn't the like flavors or the food. Not our style. Bland. The chips and salsa were good but we personally won't go back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 3
    Love this 12
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ernie P.
    145
    21
    24

    7 months ago

    Excellent food, & awesome customer service! Pancakes are a must! Sarah is super! Can't wait to go back!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Food and service was great, I love the Sunday brunch and they have the best steel cut oatmeal!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jade W.
    0
    19
    27

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Good food excellent service and the ambience is super comfortable, friendly and warm.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Frankie T.

    Frankie T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Victor A.
    8
    210
    58

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Frankie T.

    Frankie T.

    Awww thanks for choosing us for dinner tonight?

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - Chala's Wood Fire Grill

    You might also consider

    Hacienda de Mesilla - Guacamole

    Hacienda de Mesilla

    4.3(236 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    This restaurant has a massive attitude problem. Particularly with the short brunette bartender. The…read morenasty and rude behavior I experienced on Saturday (2/28) was completely uncalled for. We waited 10 minutes at the bar before we were finally asked what drinks we wanted. All for this lady to be nasty toward us the entire night. We wanted a refill on water, we had to ask. We wanted another cocktail, we had to ask. This is not how you work with customers. She should be removed. Finally, we are FETCH shoppers and asked for an itemized receipt and the bartender had a few feelings about it. The entire reason we went there was to get the FETCH points and she was not happy about that request. The manager also failed to get an actual itemized receipt it was missing key information for the FETCH app redeem. Not worth a visit.

    This restaurant is located in an inn and the decor inside and out is beautiful You arrive to…read morelighted trees and lovely statues Inside is regal with peacocks and bold decorations Service was fabulous My friends steak wasn't to her liking and the waiter and manager made sure she was satisfied and gave her a free dessert I ordered the pecan crusted salmon that melted in your mouth It was cooked perfectly on a bed of shaved brussel sprouts Excellent dining experience

    Photos
    Hacienda de Mesilla - The sports bar area

    The sports bar area

    Hacienda de Mesilla - Appetizers: Guacamole & Seared Ahi Tuna  Drinks: Michelada w/ Dos XX

    Appetizers: Guacamole & Seared Ahi Tuna Drinks: Michelada w/ Dos XX

    Hacienda de Mesilla - Red chili cauliflower. Very satisfying with the blue cheese.

    See all

    Red chili cauliflower. Very satisfying with the blue cheese.

    La Posta de Mesilla

    La Posta de Mesilla

    3.6(1k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Party of 4--we stopped in for drinks and dessert and ended up really enjoying it…read more Everyone ordered something different--margarita, wine, beer, and an old fashioned with a smoked twist--and all of them were really good. Prices were about what you'd expect, nothing crazy. The desserts were just as solid--very tasty and a great way to wrap things up. Our waitress was super nice and always nearby if we needed anything, without hovering. Overall, a great spot to swing by even if you're just going for drinks and dessert. Definitely worth it.

    I came into town to help care for my uncle while he was battling cancer. This was not his first…read morefight. It was his seventh round with a different cancer. He has beaten stage four cancer three separate times. Needless to say, his career military background and having just retired in October 2025 served him well. He has faced every diagnosis head-on like the true American soldier he is. During one of our quiet conversations, he shared something that clearly weighed on him. He was heartbroken that he never got the chance to take his wife out for their 55th wedding anniversary in December because he was in the hospital. The next day, I asked him a simple question. If you could pick one restaurant within a 100-mile radius, just one, where would you want to go once you had your strength back? Without hesitation, he said La Posta. Over the next few weeks, a lot changed. He was released from the hospital. He slowly began to regain his strength. First the cane went away, then short walks turned into longer ones, and eventually he was even driving himself from LC to EPT for doctor's appointments. When I finally asked if he felt strong enough to go to that meal we had talked about, he lit up. He started telling me stories. How his father used to bring him to La Posta. How it had remained top notch throughout the years. He went into detail about every menu item he loved. But the one thing he really wanted me to understand was the ambiance. You will get it when you are there, he told me. I called to see if they took reservations. We were not even sure they did. A young woman named Priscilla answered the phone. I explained the situation. My uncle was finally strong enough to return to his favorite restaurant, one that held a lifetime of memories, and he had missed celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary. I told her I wanted to surprise them and make the night unforgettable. I even mentioned I was planning to have flowers delivered. Priscilla did not hesitate. She immediately connected me with her manager, Teresa. I asked if we could have a larger table than one meant for three people because my uncle wanted to order everything. Honestly, I just wanted him to eat, to enjoy himself, to feel normal again. Teresa agreed without question. Then something unexpected happened. Teresa explained that Priscilla was a single mom of two who had recently started a floral business on the side and truly wanted to help make this night special. She asked if it would be okay to involve her. Of course, I said yes. I was transferred back to Priscilla and told her to go big. No expense spared. I gave her full creative freedom and an unlimited budget. Unbeknownst to me, Priscilla partnered with a friend who specialized in balloon arrangements. What she created was nothing short of breathtaking. Place cards. Multiple floral centerpieces. An ornate floral display. A large professional sign welcoming my aunt and uncle to the restaurant. She handled everything with grace, professionalism, and kindness, even as our party grew from three people to thirteen. And then the story took a turn. The day before the dinner, my uncle was rushed into emergency surgery. Suddenly, everything was uncertain. Half the family canceled to stay at the hospital. We kept Priscilla updated as events unfolded. Not once did she complain. Not once did she lose her composure. She adapted to every change with pure professionalism and empathy. She even adjusted the floral arrangements when we decided to bring flowers and food to the hospital instead. That is when I learned that the owners of La Posta had been informed of the situation. The male manager on duty, and I regret not remembering his name, passed along a message from them expressing their deepest condolences and gratitude. He also shared that they wished they could have been there to meet my uncle. There really are still good people in this world. After her shift ended at 4 p.m., Priscilla went to pick up her kids and then came back to the restaurant just to meet me. She walked me through everything she had created and explained the work behind it. When I asked how much I owed her, she paused and said she wanted to bless my family and could not accept payment. I was overwhelmed. Her work would have easily cost four to five hundred dollars. I insisted on tipping her at the very least, and she reluctantly agreed. The food that night was incredible. We had a wonderful server, and the food was amazing. We ordered extra meals to go so my cousins could bring my uncle his favorite dishes back to the hospital. It was a small way to lift his spirits during one of the darkest moments our family has faced. My uncle asked me to thank you for the food. And I want to thank everyone at La Posta for the hospitality, the compassion, and the humanity. When my uncle regains his strength and comes home again, we will return with his wife so he can finally give her the 55th wedding anniversary dinner they both deserve.

    Photos
    La Posta de Mesilla
    La Posta de Mesilla - Flan

    Flan

    La Posta de Mesilla - Their version of a piña colada. Tasty, but very sweet.

    See all

    Their version of a piña colada. Tasty, but very sweet.

    Andele's Dog House - Pork tacos al carbon

    Andele's Dog House

    4.3(395 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    You gotta come here to believe this. This is Andele's Dog House? Thinking it had something to do…read morewith hot dogs. Not a chance. This is the ultimate in dog friendly New Mex -Mexican food. We're both indoor and outdoor seating, you have to be out of your mind not to sit out door next to the fireplace. This is New Mexico in the winter at its best. So on this trip, I was after the ultimate chili relleno. They are excellent here. I'm a Pan Fried guy. None of that baked in the oven nonsense. Of course you can get them covered in red sauce or green sauce, but the queso sauce here is really great. Sopapillas here are also simply outstanding for dessert. Go for the plain. The wait staff are delightful. Helpful efficient, and don't pester you. Bring your dog.

    First time in New Mexico and couldn't miss indulging in southwestern cuisine. Andele's dog house is…read morevery casual and affordable with a nice dog-friendly patio. Indoor space is quite small. Service is fast and friendly. My girlfriend and I ordered beers, the chile con queso, and two combination plates (one green one red). My favorite item was the chile con queso, served with warm tortillas. Grabbed some pico de gallo from the salsa bar to top the queso with and it was fabulous. Combo plates were good and hearty. I'd recommend the red one over the green - the pork tamale was the best item, followed by the enchilada. I didn't care for the flauta, which felt overcooked and dry. Overall enjoyed my experience.

    Photos
    Andele's Dog House - Patio sign

    Patio sign

    Andele's Dog House
    Andele's Dog House - Inside

    See all

    Inside

    Paisano Cafe - 3 cheese chicken with fries and wine of course

    Paisano Cafe

    4.0(210 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Updating my review of this amazing spot for moles just to add some more photos and details. Many…read moremoles 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. I really love the ambiance out on the peaceful patio and there's cover form the sun. 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!

    Welcomed by Óscar the owner with a handshake and greeted by Server Raúl with chips and a delightful…read more 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.

    Photos
    Paisano Cafe - Inside

    Inside

    Paisano Cafe - Cobb salad

    Cobb salad

    Paisano Cafe - Outside was comfortable

    See all

    Outside was comfortable

    Chala's Wood Fire Grill - mexican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...