Every time I visit Tucumcari, I eat at Dells, which is very good. But this time I'm trying something different. I decided to try La Cita. I'm glad I did! I visited on a Monday evening, around 5pm. That's usually the time us old folks eat. I had no issue getting a table. Promptly seated, I ordered a beer and my dinner. The menu is a good mix, something for everyone. I ordered the Chili Rellenos. Of course I ordered that. Hey, when in Rome..... My meal was served quick and hot. Waiting a minute to cool was definitely in the cards. No problem, I had my beer, salsa and chips to occupy me while the steam settled. After a bit, I dug in. First fork was the rice. Oh, was that rice ever good! The only problem was that there wasn't enough. I suggest that you order a side of that glorious grain. Fantastic! The refried beans, well, were ok, but just ok. The Hatch greenies, as you'd expect, were outstanding and very flavorful. I ordered them Christmas style, with green and red sauce. Both of those condiments were tasty, but of the two, the green sauce stood out. Boy did it ever. I'll be dreaming of that sauce later tonight. Hopefully my girlfriend doesn't pop into the picture.....OR, maybe she should! LoL, now that would be a dream! Don't worry about parking, as there is more than ample. You can park in the front, the back, either side, and if you're driving a big rig, pulling a trailer, or driving a tank, they've got you covered. Across the street is special parking for those vehicles. More parking outside than tables inside. Pay La Cita a visit for a romantic dinner, or as I did, by yourself....my dream trend may have helped with that. Hey, I may be old, but certainly not dead! Quick Tip: I parked in the back, and when leaving, I took the dirt alley. It was a fun adventure. I'd suggest that you do it during daylight hours though. You never know who you'll run into, or for that matter, over! Let's hope it isn't Skinny Pete or Badger. read more

La Cita - Sorry, I didn't wait for the entree. My mind was someplace else. Can you guess? - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

My girlfriend and I were very excited to try this place during our short stay in Tucumcari in hopes of some good, authentic Mexican food. Based off of the other Yelp reviews, I had high hopes, but unfortunately, we were let down by this place. We ordered online and ordered multiple different dishes in order to try them out. Here are the dishes that I got: Brisket Burrito: The meat was dried out and tasted several days old and reheated. The burrito also didn't seem to have the pan fried potatoes that were supposed to be in it. Tacos al Carbon: From the first bite I knew I wasn't going to eat these; the steak tasted weird, with a weird texture, and seemed old. Enchilladas: I got them with beef & green sauce; the beef had a decent flavor and texture. Stuffed Sopapilla: The sopapilla itself had a good comfort food type of taste and texture. I got it with beef & green sauce. The beef had a decent flavor and texture. As for the sides--the Mexican rice just tasted like salt, and the beans were bland and flavorless. If you're looking for fresh, yummy Mexican food--don't waste your money on this place. I have no idea how it has so many good Yelp reviews. read more

For a small town this place is a vibe! Fresh food and friendly service. Always a treat when in town. read more

La Cita - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

The tacos for sure, especially with the homemade taco shells, remind me of my mom's. The green chili sauce was a tad spicy for ME, I'm not a consumer of spicy. But it was good because I finished it all. The chili relleno was tender and cheesy, tamal was good. The only thing I would have changed is easy on the ice in the margarita, because I probably had 4 sips from straw and it was gone (way to much crushed ice). The place is big, plenty of seating, clean and smelled good ( like it should) . Service was quick and food was hot. Im coming back for tacos. read more

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Great service, good food. Told what I could order that was dairy free. Took sopas back to hotel with me. Yum

Had high expectations about this one based on reviews. Got the combination dinner, which was very reasonably priced. But my enchilada, tamale and chili relleno just all kind of ran together, and none of it was that great. Partner had chicken fajitas and said they were good. IMO the Mexican food is much better at Del's. read more

We were on our way back to ABQ after a long road trip and we were pretty hungry. This was a Sunday but we were too early for the brunch buffet which was fine because the food was outstanding. We had tamales and Chile Relleno and both were great. Excelllent place to stop if you're getting famished. read more

In a struggling town La Cita's is a Mexican style restaurant with a good menu, and good food at a decent price. Friendly service and hot food is a welcome relief on a long trip, or just your hungry for something special. A welcome atmosphere and comfortable seats. read more

La Cita - Beef Enchiladas - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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I hadn't had carne adovado since my Gramdma and Auntie were alive. My mom always wanted to make it but was afraid she wouldn't so it right. When I saw it on menu, I knew I had to try it and it did not disappoint!!!! It was spicy, but not painfully so. I got a good runny nose which always tells me it was perfectly spiced. The meat (pork) was tender and beautifully cooked. I live in Colorado so I can't just pop in any time I want. I sure do wish the restaurant was closer to me. The staff were very attentive and gracious. It is a friendly family oriented restaurant. read more

Lovely find in Tucumcari- delicious and flavorful food. We got the combo plate and the carne adovada burrito. I opted for the red and green sauce .. both about the same in spice (I would say middle of mild- medium). The chile relleno was my favorite and the burrito was equally good. Ended the meal with a sopapilla (light fluffy fried dough... with as much honey to your heart's content) . Indoor and outdoor seating. Service is friendly but busy and so a little slow when it comes to refills and checking on the table. read more

La Cita - Carne Adovada Burrito - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

This is quite good Mexican food. I got the steak fajitas to go and they were totally on point. I went there on a Sunday night and it was jammed. I was surprised there was such a crowd in a small town place. The server made me feel welcome and found a place for me to sit while I waited. Had a nice beer while I waited. read more

Food and service were great. We had the Combination plate and the stuffed Sopapilla, both with green sauce. The green sauce was delicious! The only criticism is that the food did not stay hot throughout the meal. read more

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After a long driving day this restaurant was awesome ... I got take out and they were polite fast and great flavor.

I love everything about this restaurant! The art on the walls is beautiful. The staff is very attentive and quick with your order and any other extras you may need. read more

Great stop on our roadtrip! Our server, Chris, gave excellent service. I had the potato skins with a side of ranch and they were excellent. My husband had the pozole and it was made perfectly! Be sure to ask for lime. The tamales and chile rellenos are housemade and excellent! They have a great variety on the menu of Tex-mex, authentic Mexican, and American classics. The green sauce is the best! Red is tasty too but spicy (in my opinion). Will definitely be back for roadtrips to come. read more

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We drive through, and stay in, Tucumcari approximately eight times a year. It was only during the last three trips that we heard of La Cita, and only this past trip that we tried it. OK, I'm confessing, we should have been going there from the beginning. Always before, dinner in Tucumcari was at an older, much more famous restaurant. We got a little tired of that same old thing every time so decided to drive on down First St and try La Cita. We were excited from the beginning. The place was bright, welcoming, and very cute with Route 66 fabric on the chair seats. When our server, Grace, first introduced herself, we knew we were in for something special. We ordered our drinks and began perusing the menu, which was huge and full of very interesting and unusual dishes. Ultimately, my wife ordered the Nachos (which were available with a choice of three different meats) while I ordered the Chile Relleno Burrito. Amazing! A relleno stuffed inside the huge wrapped flour tortilla with rice, beans, shredded beef, and potatoes inside. The burrito was incredibly huge and smothered with a delicious green chile sauce (in true New Mexico fashion, you got a choice of red or green chile, or both). I had a hard time choosing between the Fajita Burrito or this one, so I asked Grace to help me. She guided me to my relleno burrito, and I am most grateful. It truly was one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. And Grace - what is there to say about Grace other than she was one of the most exceptionally personable, friendly, and skilled servers I have encountered in a long time. La Cita, I'm sorry it took me so long to find you, but you are now my favorite, and go-to Tucumcari dinner spot. Be sure to keep that Fajita Burrito on the menu. I'm coming for that one next. read more

I made a mistake by stopping here for lunch.No soap in restroom tells a lot about restaurant .

Great find near our hotel. Food was excellent and service was friendly and efficient. Many people were picking up orders to go!

We were seated immediately upon entering. The waitress was very friendly and efficient. We ordered and our food came out in no time. The portions were large and the taste was delicious. You can go wrong to come here. F we lived in the area this certainly would be our go to place read more

La Cita - Tostadas - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Recommended by the folks from Carlson coffee company.. that was just down the road from La Cita. This place accommodated seven adults and a toddler promptly, efficiently and accommodating. The food was very very fresh flavorful.. our table had everything from amazing chili Rellenos, fresh fajitas, queso, burritos, and an Adrian special! I have to say the chips that they serve complementary with their salsa was the best chips and salsa I have had from a Mexican restaurant! the weight staff was super friendly and attentive. read more

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Staff were friendly, the food was good and a good portion. The prices were reasonable as well. My husband and three kids enjoyed it too!

Most excellent tamales with great rice and beans. The green sauce is most excellent. For as busy as the place was, our server did an excellent job. Nice little place on the Route 66! read more

La Cita - Tamale Dinner - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

Every thing. The margarita was horrible the fajitas was terrible the meat was tuff and tasted like leftovers from the rib place it should not taste like bad brisket. The salsa was horrible. The chips hard as a rock. Stay away read more

Another visit and did not disappoint! Delicious, quick, awesome service and clean restaurant... Continue to recommend this Sombrero laden gem read more

La Cita - Food - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

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Great meal, Pozole was perfect, cold beer, chili rellenos were yummy and the service excellent. I wouldn't expect a Mom and Pop place like this to blow me away with the margarita so didn't order one. The chips were thick but fresh and crunchy and the homemade salsa spicy and fresh! read more

Just. Fantastic. Worth. Every. Penny. That there's a restaurant in Tucumcari with food THIS good is amazing. Great flavor. Great quality. Great setting. We'll go out of our way to to stay here just for this restaurant. Thanks La Cita! read more

To find food of this quality, one usually needs to go to a bowling alley or perhaps a bus station. But if you're fond of food that comes out of a can, a box or the Costco freezer section, this is the place for you. Otherwise, save your appetite and your money. read more

I am a pretty picky person when it comes to quality food and this place exceeded my expectations. Ate here while travelling through town and was charmed by its decor, impressed by the service and delighted by the food. Some of best Mexican I have had. You can tell the quality right of the bat with the chips and salsa you get served and wow, the salsa was delicious and had the kick I love. My whole family loved the food. The green sauce was amazing. So happy we found this place for our meal. Restaurant has a very charming vibe. read more

Service was excellent - friendly and fast. Got the picadillo burrito and sopapillas. Sopapillas were good. The chili verde on the burrito was bland and the chicken was in large cubes as were the potatoes. Not exactly what I was expecting for picadillo - should have been smaller cubes in my experience. read more

La Cita - Picadillo burrito with chicken and green sauce - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

This place is all mid century ambience the food is neither bad or good . It is uninspired. The service outstanding ample parking. read more

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My son, grandson, and I took a short road trip to Tucumcari during a school break. We were only there for one night and weren't ready to eat dinner until relatively late. It seems that most restaurants in town close by 7:30 PM. La Cita looked like the only locally owned, non-chain option, so that's where we went, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant is bright, cheery, very clean, and full of local art. We ordered the Steak Ranchero, Adrian's Special, and the Tamale dinner, all of which were delicious and well-presented. The steak was cooked exactly medium-rare, and the steak bites in Adrian's Special were smoky and slightly charred and oh, so tasty! The pico was really fresh and picante, which was exactly what I wanted. The sides weren't afterthoughts, either, as you can see in the photos. My son and I had margaritas, which appeared to be pre-made, which is fine in a place without a bar, and the three of us splurged and shared the special dessert; a deep-fried cheesecake-filled tortilla with strawberries, which we all enjoyed. The place was moderately busy when we arrived and it took a few minutes to be seated, but the staff acknowledged us and we never felt ignored. The service was prompt, attentive, and very friendly. If and when we return to Tucumcari, I will definitely lobby for another visit to La Cita. read more

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Friendly staff. Amazing margaritas! We got the combination plate with red and green sauce and it was delish read more

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Good food and quick and friendly service! My husband had the combination platter and loved it. I had chicken quesadillas which were stuffed with tender chicken (I chose shredded chicken) and melted cheese--mild flavor-- you can up the hotness by adding pico de gallo or salsa. read more

What a great authentic Mexican restaurant. The place had great ambiance. The waitress Allison was awesome. She answered the questions we had. We would definitely come back. My husband even ordered a dish to go for tomorrow night read more

La Cita - American Near Me - Tucumcari, New Mexico

A year later and this place is still awesome. Kids chicken nuggets , beef enchiladas, chicken enchiladas , cheese enchiladas . Do not hesitate! read more

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What a great locally owned restaurant! Right off of I 40 in Tucumcari NM. This place was hopping on a Tuesday afternoon. We stopped to late breakfast/early lunch and just beat the crowd of locals coming here for regular lunch (always a good sign). The servers were polite and working hard to get around to all the tables. Food came out quickly and was just what we wanted -- ranch breakfast, chorizo burrito and huevos rancheros. read more

This was such a cute spot on Historic Route 66! Our server was friendly and attentive, the food was so good with impressive portions for the size, and the chips and salsa were some of the best I've ever had. I'm celiac and felt safe getting the fajitas with corn tortillas. If you need lunch in the Tucumcari area, stop here!! read more

Delicious food, friendly service, and a very comfortable dining room. So happy this place is going strong since it started in 1940, definitely recommend for anyone passing through. Menu offers a great variety. read more

Ordered a dozen tacos to go. Six beef and six chicken. The tacos were not very good. The crispy shells were not crispy at all and tasted either stale or not cook right. Mushy and gross. The texture and flavor of the meats were not good either. The place was busy but will not be back and cannot recommend. Waste of money and food in trash. One positive note... the employees were nice and welcoming. read more

First off, I have to say I'm surprised by some of the negative reviews--I can't help but think people might be confusing La Cita with another restaurant. Our experience here was absolutely fantastic! While traveling, we stayed at the Desert Inn (see my review), where the desk clerk recommended La Cita. We decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad we did--the food was amazing! The atmosphere was simple and tasteful, without being overdecorated or flashy. The restaurant was packed, and the staff was hustling to keep up, but despite how busy it was, our server, Allison, gave us excellent attention and made sure we were well taken care of. Following Allison's recommendations, we ordered dishes that did not disappoint. My wife had the Camarones a la Diabla, a grilled shrimp dish that was tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. She also tried a cup of pozole, which struck the perfect balance of heat and flavor. I chose the Combination Plate, which included a cheese enchilada, tamale, chile relleno, taco, rice, beans, and a sopapilla with honey. You also get a choice of red or green sauce--I went with green. While none of the individual items were the absolute best I've ever had (I was raised by a Mexican mother and grandmother who were phenomenal cooks), the combination of flavors on the plate was outstanding and incredibly satisfying. I wholeheartedly recommend La Cita. If Allison is your server, you're in for a top-notch dining experience! read more