Great good and service. The place is casual. Inside and patio dining options. I've been looking for a spicy chile and found it here. The red sauce has amazing flavor and complimented all the foods. The salsa with the chips is spicy as well. Not over the top spicy on anything, just a good bite and wonderful flavor. Service was fast and friendly. read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Lately I have been revisiting restaurants that I considered to be worth another look even though they are not among my favorites. El Sombrero Patio Cafe is one of them. Today I stopped in for lunch and by noon the El Sombrero was doing a brisk business. As I stated in an earlier review this restaurant when busy can be claustrophobic as the tables are really close to each other. The ambiance is ok...it does have kind of a festive atmosphere in a casual way. For those looking for a nice patio dining experience you will NOT find it here: the patio is nothing to speak of. The food is essentially New Mex cuisine and I have always found its quality to be a mixed bag. The service, on the other hand, I have always found to be pretty good...the staff is personable and efficient. And, so it was today. My two favorite meals at El Sombrero are their stuffed sopapilla plate and their fajitas caliente. Today I ordered the stuffed sopapilla plate which came with two sopapillas stuffed with green chile, some refried beans for a smooth texture and creamy flavor, lettuce, tomato, and two kinds of shredded cheese. In previous years they served it smothered; this time around the sopapillas were not smothered. Maybe they are trying to keep the cost down this way? They never offered me the option. The waiter brought a dish of two types of chips and a little bowl of red salsa to the table. The salsa was spicy and very tasty. It was one of your better salsas. Rate it an "A." The chips were also very good...light, crispy, and a bit salty. Rate the chips a "B+." Within ten minutes the plate of sopapillas was on my table. The sopapillas were fried nicely and had a good flavor. The green chile con carne was good but not among the best. Overall, rate the stuffed sopapillas a "B+." While the price was a little bit high the amount of food was generous. The meal was quite filling. All in all, today's dining experience was quite agreeable. Rate the experience today FOUR STARS...meaning good or well above average. I would rank the El Sombrero Patio Cafe in the top fifteen among Mexican food restaurants around town. That is top 20%. While I have my favorites here, not all the food is top drawer. Like with most restaurants it depends upon what you order. Much of my 2018 review remains accurate. For additional details see below. read more

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Upon arrival, I was greeted by staff and asked where I'd like to sit. I chose the "outdoor", Inclosed patio which was a little warm, but not bad. It being taco Tuesday, I went ahead and ordered the folded tacos with ground beef which came with beans and Mexican rice on the side. After my meal, I had a sopapilla dusted with cinnamon and sugar, I was expecting a little more homemade and fluffier, but tasted ok. To say the least, the food was good and flavorful. Nothing was overbearing in spices. My waitress was nice and attentive. I'd definitely come back and try something else next time. read more

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My husband and I have lunch here at least every other month or try to. I recommend El Sombrero for those of you who like Mexican food. The service is awesome, the staff are amazing and kudos to all the cooks for their hard work and dedication to the customers. Their food is and let's not forget their desserts.. you get what you pay for. Seating is great with an option sit in the patio. Great atmosphere and their hosts are amazing. Very busy at lunch, but you get your food hot!! Thank you Teriza for an amazing host!!! read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - Green chile rellenos were very tasty and delicious!! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

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I visited on the 4th of July 2025 and arrived about an hour before their advertised closing time. I was planning to have an appetizer and a drink, thinking I would be out before they closed. I made it to the host station and I was told by a manager(I'm assuming) they weren't busy and were closing early. He didn't seem to be in a very good mood so I started to walk away immediately. Before I could make out the door, some other customers stormed past me and commented about the early closing, they sounded a lot more disappointed than me. I can't see myself ever going back. read more

Went here on 11-10-2025 for a lunch date with my partner & I. Our waitress who appears to be expecting, was outstanding with her service. Every time she came to our table, she had a smile on her face making sure we were accommodated properly. The food was delicious as per usual & we will continue to come here! Thank you to our waitress!! read more

The service was great! The food was terrible. The corn tortillas in the enchiladas were not cooked so they were tough. The beans & rice weren't done. The flautas were absolutely horrible. It used to be our favorite place in Las Cruces to eat Mexican food. Not anymore and we will never go back. read more

We were brought here by our Las Cruces friends before our Las Cruces guided tour. I attempted to compare apples to apples by ordering the same thing I would compare to Mexican restaurants in Southern California. I was swiftly corrected by our server when she told me "this is New Mexican" cuisine. I told her our Mexican is considered "Baja Mexican". The shredded beef tacos were smaller than what I was used to, but they did give me three. They tasted exactly as they do back home. Perhaps I would have appreciated something else with maybe a sauce of some sort. It really was nothing special to us. I guess we were really expecting more. Even the beans and rice tasted neutral. Not our kind of Mexican cuisine. Dicks read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - A highway roadrunner - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

We had lunch here today. The server was sweet and the menu had plenty of options. All of us ended up getting tacos, ground beef or shredded. They were so good! The only thing I didn't care for was if you want beans, extra. Rice? Extra. More chips? Extra. That's lame just include it with the meal you're charging enough already read more

Felipe was quick and courteous. Flautas and gorditas, with queso fundido topped with al pastor was on point and delicious. Will I ever return? Si señor! read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - Classic margaritas always good choice - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

I'm honest, I'm not a fan. There are way too many places in EP to get Mexican food and this one is okay but not my favorite. There isn't anything I can rave about here. read more

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What could be said that hasn't already been said? This restaurant is wonderful and is a bedrock of our community. If it's cool enough for your taste I suggest the patio. read more

Such a cozy spot. The service was Amazing! My fish tacos did need some sort of sauce though. read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - I had the Friday special, fish tacos with elote corn. It was good but the tacos could have used some sort of a sauce. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

Monday 7pm I've never met an enchilada I liked... until I met El Sombrero Patio Cafe's green chile enchilada! Mexican food I like consist only of Chipotle and Del Taco (and specifically the jacked up BRC!) so I figured I wouldn't like anything as authentic as El Sombrero, but when in New Mexico you've got to eat some green chile. I ordered a chile relleno and green chile enchilada ($23.99 before tip) to-go and was told my order would be ready in 15 minutes. 15 minutes later I was parked in one of two designated to-go parking spots but no call yet :( About 8-10 minutes later a nice server came by to confirm my order and I received my food a few minutes later. The parking lot can be unpleasant! First, because it was kind of dark and all these monster sized cars are parked around me I had to do an amateur three point turn, then you have randoms asking if they can wash your windows. I sketch out easily and the surroundings didn't help. When I got back to the hotel, I got dug into the green chile enchilada and didn't stop inhaling the food until I was about 80% done with the dish and felt bloated. Then I turned my attention to the chile relleno, which was perfect in every sense of the word. If I had to choose between the dishes, the relleno would be the clear winner. If you like cheese, you will love this plate! If you like good Mexican food, you will love this place! read more

I had a large pick up order and called in ahead of time; they were quick and made everything correctly. Usually restaurants don't get every little detail, but these guys did! Every. Single. Detail. I believe the person who helped me over the phone and in person was Carl. Carl was awesome! He made sure everything was there, and even helped me bring my order to my car. He did all this with a smile. Everything was packaged nice, and it made me less anxious about getting the food back to the office. I really appreciate places like this. The food was also delicious!! Thank you! read more

It is a very expensive restaurant.I went there To order a side Order of rice and a side order of beans at 3.50 for each one and only got a large spoof of rice and bean I will never go back there again read more

Hint #1: It gets PACKED at lunch. If you can go as soon as they open you can get a table right away Hint #2: Always check the special board inside the front entrance. You will rarely be disappointed. Hint #3: Bring friends who've never eaten here before...they will love it too! Ok..enchilada lovers: I really like their green enchiladas (add chicken if you want!). Not a fan of their red at all and the cheese ones are often a bit tough and rubbery. Hence 4 stars and not 5. Tacos stuffed with delish and fresh taco stuff! Chips and salsa are home made and great! The red chips are my fav...ask if you can get a few extra of those in your little bowl. Grab a beer and have some of the best Mexican food in New Mexico and the friendliest service. Their beans are fantastic. It's the only place I have found in LC that puts some jalapenos in them. Their dishes are a reasonable amount of food. It's not overwhelming with filler like huge helpings of rice. Sorry, but sometimes it seems a waste to plop that much rice on a plate just to fill the space. Note their "patio" is not outside. It's a little sunroom off the main dining area. I'd rather sit inside actually as the decor is colorful and kinda cute. read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

Very good service, comfortable dining area and fantastic food. 4 people in my group all love the food. My chicken fajitas were perfect and the chocolate sopapilas with ice cream was out of this world. 5 stars! read more

Since when is green chile sauce orange? Asked for green chile sauce on the side for my chile rellenos. When the waiter brought it, I told him I didn't want queso. He said no that's our green chile sauce. It comes with a little cheese in it. This sauce tasted like the processed nacho cheese sauce that comes in a can. $15.50 for 2 tasteless relleños and processed cheese sauce? No thank you. BRING BACK THE OLD EL SOMBRERO read more

The food is good but the owner is horrible. She is mean to her employees and talks badly about her customers. She creates a hostile work environment for her employees and this carries over to customers because when people hate their job it shows. read more

This is an excellent authentic place ! The food and service was awesome. The seating can be tight but you won't be disappointed by the food. My husband loves the rice which he said it tastes like his mom's. I recommend the crispy beef tacos and the chicken burrito. read more

We had a very long wait on a Saturday afternoon. I was hoping that meant it would be amazing. Sadly, when we did get seated they brought some very mediocre chips and salsa to our table. We ordered and it took a long time to get our food. I know that many restaurants are struggling to find help these days so am pretty forgiving for that. The food was okay- it filled us up and that is what we needed. I would not go out of my way to visit again but if it's on my path, I know I can get a decent meal. read more

Passing through and read great reviews of this place. It was busy, which was a good sign. However, we were sadly disappointed in the food and our particular server. She didn't seem that friendly from the initial seating. We ordered drinks and appetizers. One of the appetizers was the mini burritos, and we requested ground beef which was an option. When the food arrived, we noticed immediately that it wasn't ground beef. When she came back, we mentioned it to her. The waitress assured us that it WAS ground beef, even when we cut one of the burritos in half and showed her. In our option, if it was ground beef then it was pureed! Well, at least the nachos had real cheese. We finished our food, in spite of it not being ground beef. Throughout that time, the waitress never stopped by to ask us how the food was, or at any time. We finally asked a waiter serving the adjacent table to ask our waitress for the check. I am born and raised in San Diego, and lived off Mexican food. Compared, to what other Mexican restaurants offer, I wasn't impressed with this place. It was run down, which was not a big deal. However, when included into the quality of food, I cannot recommend this place. I'm sure there are finer places in Las Cruces offering Mexican food, but this place was unimpressive. read more

We ate at El Sombrero. Almost $40 for 2 entrees and 1 drink. Charged extra for refill on fountain drink. Charged extra for more chips and Salsa. And they can't be bothered to have more than Ranch dressing. Guess where your tip went. read more

The food and service here are second to none. This is my go to Mexican restaurant. Yes! Service dogs are allowed in the enclosed patio! The food has so much flavor, the chips are great and the salsa is to die for. I know what I'm talking about, I have two years experience being a New Mexican! Please! Stop by and try this place! You'll either love me or hate me! read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - Waiting bench - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

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I understand the need to raise prices however when quality is compromised thats a problem . My visit last night,chips stale,chile rellenos not cooked had to cut with knife,cheese on top came off like a piece of plastic and rice was dry. Rellenos if smothered an additional cost on top of the 14.95 price. Food was edible and yes I did tell my waiter and he said he would let the kitchen know. I will pass on future visits. read more

Fortunately the first place we went to was closed because then we made a quick switch to here for the patio and it was lovely. The food was delicious and the service was great. Highly recommend the stuffed cinnamon sugar sopaipilla. Also the green sauce is delicious. read more

Food was very good, delivered hot and fast! Porch was a little noisy from rush hour road noise, but we had our pick of where to sit, got great service from our server and an early dinner, late lunch and got to enjoy the sunshine and a nice sunset. read more

was there the other day and i was very disappointed, i overheard the owner (i believe it was) talking to her staff and it just sounded very unprofessional and very very rude. she was talking to them like dogs.... I just lost all comprehension of space and time. I was so absorbed by her brutality.... treat your staff with respect!!! every time we come to eat here we are amazed by the service we receive. the food is good, but the service provided is always top notch. read more

The fam and I ventured down south over the weekend for a quick trip and El Sombrero is a spot love so much we hit it up on the way in town and the way out of town. This spot checks all the box for me. Amazing chips and salsa- check. Authentic New Mexican food- check. Really good queso- check. Cool patio to enjoy food and drink- check. My go to dish here is the chicken fajita burrito smothered in queso. With their chips and salsa this a a top three dish for me. Basic but delicious- wifey and I both got it. I get it every time. I always say I'll try something different, but I never do...Our daughter had the kids bean burrito and she demolished it. I can also say last trip my father in-law had the green Chile cheese burger and he can eat hot Chile... let's just say he talked about that green Chile the entire trip. El sombrero has been a go to spot for is when in the LC area for the last 15 years and will continue to be when we get down that way. read more

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Green chili chicken enchiladas are my favorite. Service is always on point. If you are coming for lunch plan to get there early as it's always packed. read more

Stopped in Las Cruces for a night and wanted to find a local place to eat. We called in our order and did curbside. The manager took my order and was extremely nice and helpful in recommendations. The raspberry cheesecake bites are NOT bites...they are delectable raspberry cheesecake egg rolls dusted with powdered sugar and a raspberry dipping sauce. They are...oh my gosh, AMAZING!!!!! Definitely the best dessert I have had in a long time. There are 4 of them in an order so plenty share, or not! I won't judge. Lol My tacos were delicious. They were light and filled me up just enough, especially after a day of traveling. I liked the salsa but too spicy for me so I didn't use much. My daughter had chicken nuggets and my husband had a cheeseburger. They enjoyed their food as well. We will be back if we come through town again read more

Good food. Service is excellent. Convenient location. The food was delivered quickly. The server was very nice. They work hard to make sure you enjoy your dining experience. read more

I first ate here when I was a student at NMSU, a lifetime ago. The food is authentic and to die for. Had the green chili enchilada....beans, rice, flat tortillas, creamy sauce. It is the best Mexican food in town. The wife had a combination plate....perfection. read more

The very worst of the worst. I grew up in Las Cruces, and have been eating at all of the local restaurants serving traditional NM Mexican Food since the 1940's. I've seen it and tasted it all. This place is just god awful. I rank it as the bottom of the barrel to all others. The wait staff is pretty good, accommodating and friendly, but the actual restaurant is filthy. The tables are cheap and small. The place is a clown car without wheels. The Food? OMG! "I swear on my mothers grave, it is uneatable". Just pure garbage. Go anywhere else. Even Taco Bell beats this dive. It is the worst I have ever experienced in my 80 years of life so far. Tasteless meat, tough over cooked tortillas, chile either so tasteless or so hot you can not eat it. I remember Nellys and Chope's back in the day when they served OMG HOT chile, but it had flavor. El Sombrero, no. Just pure garbage. Dirty, Bad Food, its a 1000% NO! read more

We were staying in Las Cruces for a few nights while visiting White Sands National Monument. After a day of sledding, hiking, and running in the dunes, this was a great place to get some local food. We turned to Yelp to get a recommendation and this place looked good to me. The building is nothing fancy, located on a corner, with a bit of parking around the back and side. This "parking lot" was overflowing, despite the late hour. I don't know if people in NM eat lunch late, or if it was the holiday, but 2pm is later than I usually go looking for lunch. We were seated immediately and given menus. On to the food! Although they took a bit to come out, the chips were warm and fresh. I'm totally OK waiting for fresh chips like that! The accompanying salsa was nice and had a good kick, so things really started out right. In my experience, if the salsa is bland or the chips are underdone, that does not bode well for your visit. Fortunately, totally not the case here. I had hoped to get the chicharrones burrito, but, sadly, they were out of the key ingredient. Instead, I ordered the fajita beef burrito, smothered in chile con queso. This is a sauce made of a blend of cheeses with hot green chiles. Holy cow! It was rich, spicy, cheesy awesomeness covering a fresh tortilla filled with tender strips of beef, peppers, and onions. I don't remember if there was anything else on the plate. There may have been beans and/or rice, but this burrito was the star of the show! There was enough spice, but not too much that it overpowered the flavors of the food. It looks like I'll have to go back for the chicharrones... read more

One of my favorite Mexican spots here in Las Cruces. Anything you order with green Chile, really hits the spot. Everything in this place is enjoyable and filling. Enchiladas and flautas are amazing. I can't complain about anything. Service has been wonderful. Ambience is great and colorful. Enjoy a michelada with your meal. But remember to call it a "red beer" , because micheladas only contain lime and salt , for the heads up, unless that's what you're into read more

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On a humid day, the salsa chips were stale. Not many humid days here, but still. The whole point of a Mexican restaurant is the chips and salsa. The chips look like they are just out of a bag - red, blue, and white. And for two people, just a tiny handful of the stale chips. Reminds me of the old joke: "The food was terrible and the portions were so small!" The salsa was all heat, no flavor. The red chile sauce was bitter. The only time I have had bitter red sauce is when it's sat overnight. My food was served cold (brought out in less than 2 minutes - I'd rather have waited and had it hot) despite the plate being hot. The cheese inside the enchis wasn't even melted. I wanted to like a place in business since 1956, but I didn't. Weak iced tea. The wait staff was nice but wasn't proactive (not refilling drinks) and the place is clean and relaxed. Cute sombrero display on the walls. Maybe I was just unlucky, but my husband's choice was also cold and bad. read more

El Sombrero Patio Cafe - Unmelted cheese inside the enchiladas - I tried to "cook" them on the hot plate, didn't really work. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Las Cruces, New Mexico

The husband wanted some spicy New Mexican food, so we headed here. Even though it was past a typical lunch hour, the restaurant was full- always a good sign. I had a shredded beef burrito which was delicious. It had just the right amount of beef, and refried beans on the side. I ordered green sauce in a separate bowl, because I know I'm a spice weenie. It was delicious, but still felt really spicy to me, so I was glad I didn't cover the burrito with it. I would daintily dip my loaded fork into the sauce, and that worked for me! Kirstie was a hard-working and efficient server. She kept our glasses full and made sure we had everything we needed. All in all this was a great place. read more

I don't enjoy trashing a restaurant in a review but this place really needs to go away even though the food is good. I got there 20 minutes before their closing time which on the door is at 7:00 pm - NOT 8:00 AS LISTED HERE. IT was not busy and when I asked for a table the person told me that they were having computer problems so they were closing early. I said we had cash to pay but he refused to seat our party. I think they had a slow day and wanted to go home early and made up the computer excuse. Closing at 7:00 is stupid for a restaurant at dinner. If they are that short on staff they need to close the business permanently and do something else. I think i'm done with this place. read more