While the outside of the building might not look like much, the moment you step into the courtyard you're welcomed by a warm and inviting ambiance. The service was excellent--quick, friendly, and attentive. The staff checked in often to be sure we had everything we needed, which was refreshing since so many of the long-time favorite restaurants in Taos NM are struggling to find good staff right now it's nice to see that La Cueva clearly has that part figured out.The food came out hot, fresh, and full of flavor--I honestly have no recommendations for improvement, it was spot on! Sometimes there can be a short wait to get seated, but if you have a few extra minutes, it's absolutely worth it. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Friendly service but flavors of food and freshness of ingredients were of elementary school lunchroom quality. Some dishes were very, very poorly flavored, as if someone with no prior cooking experience was "playing kitchen." My young daughter asked if a dish was spicy. The waiter assured her it was not and it was honestly an eight out of 10 spicy friend adult. And they only have wine margaritas, which I begrudgingly ordered and it's given me one of my most unforgettable memories of one of the worst margaritas I've ever had in my life. Plus the food took 30 minutes to come out for three people. There were six groups that came after we did and were served before we were.. an all around incredibly subpar experience two out of 10, hence the one out of five stars read more

In two prior visits to Santa Fe, we didn't have any spare time for daytrips, but this fall we used the city as a base for a few of them. One was to Taos because, well, it seems that everyone says that you need to visit Taos if you're in northern New Mexico. The approach to and setting of Taos is stunningly beautiful, but the central part of town sure wasn't in October 2023. There was quite a bit of construction on both the main highway and in the plaza, and the traffic was horrible for a weekday in autumn. To say the least, we were quite disappointed by what we saw in the center of town. (The rest of the day--Taos Pueblo, the Rio Grande Gorge and bridge, etc.--was pretty great.) But the modest La Cueva was a surprisingly good find. Just a block off the plaza, it featured a basic Mexican lunch menu, but for very reasonable prices, the food was plated beautifully and was remarkably fresh-tasting. The menu at lunchtime was quite limited, and and a chicken enchilada plate isn't exactly exciting, but this was easily better than I expected. The wife had frito pie, which neither of us had ever tried. That was excellent. The little outdoor seating area in back was very pleasant in October, given that a line of crawling vehicle traffic was only a few dozen yards away, and the service couldn't have been much friendlier. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Chicken enchiladas w/red chile (from lunch menu) - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Tacos were bland. One beef and one chicken. I was surprised to find the total bill for lunch for 3 over 100 dollars with tip and tax. Basically $110. Two of us got the special. I guess I did not think their fajita special would be $24 for one. I should have asked. A good amount of meat but the sides to go with it were small. So 3 lunches, an order of guacamole and chips, a beer and a soda for $110. Also a fee for using a credit card. The service was good, but I would not recommend this place. read more

Holy guacamole, that's some good mole (and I'm not even a mole girl)! This place is so nice, I ate there twice (and I broke my rule...I ordered the same dish 2x)! But let's be honest here, there are a few hurdles, that made my two visits less than convenient. Parking is tough (and now even more so with the construction). The interior of the actual restaurant is tiny, and a tad cramped (BUT in their defense they have a spacious patio and additional room in the nearby building), and the service my first visit was pretty...meh. But really and truly, none of this mattered once the chicken mole enchiladas and that bomb rice blessed my lips! If you're deciding to or to not visit this restaurant, know that all of the hurdles are worth it. The food is delicious, portion sizes appropriate, and my meal, dispute it's appearance was not too heavy (and certainly did not slow down my shopping in the plaza next door)! read more

La Cueva Cafe - Chicken mole enchiladas double rice - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

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Such a historic little spot! Don't be deceived by the small space because they have seating on the patio. The food is beyond delicious. We had the fresh guacamole, seafood enchiladas, and nachos. Incredible! read more

Amazing food! Got the beef burrito and a couple margaritas. The beef was amazing I was soo full but could have kept eating more

Great food. Excellent service. It's a cute little local hole the wall with good food. We loved the combo platter. Not to mention the salsa. Delicious. Not fancy but good food. read more

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This place is small but mighty. I have to say the chocolate cake alone would have sold me on this place. My husband and I both ordered the combination plate with Christmas sauce. Every bite was spot on. The servers were remarkably friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this stop. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Combination plate - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a bit weird and almost all places close at 3 PM. This was one of the only options, so we were a bit curious if it was going to be busy. We ate inside since it was colder out. The interior is small and cramped, with only about four tables to eat at. The patio would have been great if it wasn't as cold as it was. There was no wait and we were seated immediately. I ordered the chicken mole enchiladas. It was mid. The chicken inside was fine, but had no flavor or seasonings. The mole also didn't taste like anything, so it was a bit odd. No salsa was provided and everything was pretty bland. We also ordered the shrimp enchiladas. Those had a bit more flavor. The rice and beans were okay. The staff was nice and service was quick. I don't think we'd return here though. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Mole chicken enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Everything was delicious. We both had the combo plate which comes with beef taco, chicken enchilada (we got green sauce), chile relleno, beans and rice. I can't tell you which was the best- they were all that good. I'm used to street tacos but this was quite different. The double corn taco was a combination of soft and crisp which was delish, but the real standout was the beef! The taco was studded quite full with a sliced brisket type beef. Fantastic!!the chicken enchilada was my hubby's fav. Again stuffed with a lot of white meat chicken which was not smothered in a sauce, but instead just tender and yummy. The green enchilada sauce and melted cheese was pretty heavenly. And then the relleno. I love them anyway, and this was large, tender, cheesy, with a light batter. Even the beans and the rice were especially tasty. What I don't like (but seems to be the thing in New Mexico), is paying for chips and salsa to start the meal. We should have passed on it anyway, but didn't...I also was not fond of my hubby's "traditional margarita made with wine". It was definitely not at all traditional tasting, instead it tasted like a sour mix, instead if from fresh limes. We didn't get desert, but from prior experience (about 6 years ago) their flan and chocolate cake were is both good, but the Key lime pie (not on menu but offered on special times of the year is OUTSTANDING. (This wasn't one of this times, evidently, or we'd have made room for pie! PS The other times we came was in early summer when sitting out back was delightful. As it's quite cold on these fall evenings, we sat inside. There isn't much heat inside- We lucked out to get a table near the portable heater/fan which we only felt when the waiter turned it towards our legs. (We were lucky. Everyone else had vests, or jackets on.) If you can handle the cold, and duck in the doorways, you must go! The staff is so friendly, the food is fantastic, and the prices are reasonable. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Outside looking in... - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

It was such a great surprise to find a delicious chili relleno in the heart of Taos. The service was amazing, and don't miss a chance to sit on their outdoor patio. Highly recommend this place. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Gluten-free chili relleno! - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Arrived at 10 when they opened, finding the reviews on Yelp making our decision to try La Cuerva Cafe. Quaint, unassuming corner café with amazing service and amazing breakfasts. At the encouragement of my son, I tried the breakfast burrito with the green chili sauce. It was an absolutely delicious combination of flavors,not too hot, not too bland. The service was amazing and our coffee never had a chance to even cool down. All the staff was very attentive and friendly and we would love to go back if we were ever in Taos again. read more

This is one of those places that has 5 stars, and that actually tastes like 5 stars! I stopped here after a brief visit to Taos, NM and wanted to get some dinner before embarking on the 4hr drive through the desert back home to Arizona. I was greeted with extremely warm customer service. The staff made you feel like family! The staff looked young and around my age group (in their 20's). They all worked as a team and in unison. I really admired this, because it is unfortunately rare to see this kind of quality service these days. It is outdoor seating, and it has a nice upbeat and soothing feel to it, with the Christmas lights strewn and the colorful tables arranged. I ordered the seafood enchiladas for my main course, and chips and salsa as my appetizer. The chips were nice and fresh, and the salsa was bold and flavorful with a nice kick of spice! I really took my time eating the chips, as they soothed the soul with each bite. The seafood enchiladas were recommend by my waitress & man oh man was she not lying! They came smothered with a chipotle sauce, a piece of grilled shrimp and grilled salmon on top! + stuffed with crab and lobster meat, in addition to a side of rice and beans! My mouth is watering just reliving the experience of this meal! So, the enchiladas were just MMM MMM GOOD!!! The chipotle sauce created a warm element, while the fresh seafood echoed elements of freshness and flavors with a mesquite grill char. The rice and beans had so much warmth in each and every bite! I have to stop myself here, as I am honestly getting hungry again. Check this place out! If I am ever in Taos again, this will be my go to! Cheers to good eats! read more

La Cueva Cafe - Seafood Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

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We are vegetarian - the server offered to sub out the regular sauces (made with chicken stock) with vegetarian mole. It was excellent on the chile relleno and cheese enchilada. Chips , salsa and guacamole were nice also. Cute low key place. read more

My husband and I came up to Toas for his work and ate at La Cueva Cafe. OMG, OMG, OMG! I had the Chile Rellenos and not only did they look like they were plated at a "fancy" restaurant, they were/are the best tasting I have ever had! I bow to the kitchen staff! Little do they know I went to the Culinary Institute of America! My husband had the battered Cod taco's and those were excellent too! The beans and rice were very tasty as well. We also ordered Flan for dessert and it too was excellent! read more

Boyfriend and I took a trip to New Mexico and stopped here because he remembered loving it when he worked in the area a couple years ago. He was not wrong in saying it's some of the best Mexican food! We sat inside to be able to order drinks and it was very charming. The music only added to the vibe. There isn't a whole lot on the menu, but what they do have has been perfected. I ordered the Enchiladas with beef and green and red sauce and devoured them within minutes. My boyfriend had the Chimichanga with chicken and green and red sauce and raved about it, too. We also ordered chips and salsa and it had the perfect kick and sweetness to it. Our server was so kind and helpful. We asked his opinion on his favorites multiple times and he was happy to tell us. Very attentive as well! Their portions were, in my opinion, the perfect size. They came with beans, pico, and rice; stuff I usually don't eat, but had to this time because it was all so good! read more

La Cueva Cafe - Beef Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Excellent! Attentive, friendly service. Food was delicious. I had the chicken enchiladas. My wife had shrimp enchiladas.

First off, the food was good and the servings were generous. Had a local beer (not draft) and that was fine, too. The patio is cute but oh. So. Dang. Hot. And while we did try to angle the sunshade to keep us covered, there was just enough breeze to keep moving it around so we were as melted as the cheese in my chile rellenos even tho it was the coolest day of our trip and it had sprinkled on and off that morning. It was a nice stop after a morning spent at the Taos Pueblo which was fascinating and highly recommend. Really enjoyed the relleno, I think I would have really loved the Huitlacoche tacos if I had gotten to taste the sauce, too. It was a bit bland without it but that's the fault of the sharing and not the restaurant. Good beans and rice, too. Not sure why there are reports of it being cash only, I paid by card (they don't split checks but I think that's totally fine). read more

La Cueva Cafe - Chile rellenos plate. Huitlacoche tacos plate - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

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- not best in terms of parking - nice staff - nice patio - large portion - enchilada is very cheesy - chimichanga is very cheesy - some of the staff speak English, some do not - inside might get kind of cramped read more

The restaurant is humble- the overflow dining is in room 103 of what was once a roadside motel - but our food was fantastic, worthy of a much fancier establishment. We had the seafood enchiladas, bathed in a cream sauce and topped with a small piece of grilled salmon. And the grilled shrimp in a garlic butter sauce. At the first bite my wife forgot her reservations about the decor. We finished with the Mexican chocolate cake, which comes warm with a scoop of ice cream and a crown of whipped cream. Service was great. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Mexican Chocolate cake - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

They really throw down on a smothered red chili chimi! Love that they have vegan options and are super accommodating for dealing ingredients out. Definitely recommend. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Smothered Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

This little corner restaurant had it all. Great outdoor courtyard feel. Authentic. The staff was friendly, on top of refills, very informative. The food was delicious. Tacos so good, fajitas wonderful and the seafood enchiladas delicious. My husband ordered off menu quesadillas and said the best he has had. read more

The best rellenos and enchiladas around. Little hole in the wall place, but worth a stop!

Delightful service in a very small restaurant. During better weather they have a nice patio to expand their seating. We went twice during our short stay. The chili relleno was delicious read more

Great patio that allows dogs! The food was amazing and the service as well. I had the shrimp tacos we shared the nachos with chicken and my hubby had the burrito with the Christmas sauce a thing here. He loved it! Too bad you can't have a real Margarita but you can have a wine one! read more

Service was fast and food was hot, fresh and delicious! Hit La Cueva after a full day on the slopes. I was recommended this on the ski lift and was happy I listened. Keep in mind that seating/parking is VERY limited. (Hence a prime hole in the wall location). Seating is literally for ten people max. They do have outdoor seating. Their salsa is absolutely the best. I wish they sold jars of it to take home with. read more

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What a cool, quaint space. There are only a few tables inside. The patio would definitely be the place to be in the warmer months. Food was good, quite good. If you are looking for a simple, comfy taqueria close to Old Town, this is a great choice. read more

My wife and I enjoyed lunch here while visiting Taos. Had the chicken mole enchiladas, paired with chips/salsa/guacamole and a Corono. Delicious. GF/DF options (ask for corn-based items and no cheese, sour cream, etc.). Great outdoor patio with umbrellaed tables. Nice staff too. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Restaurant front - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

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Food quality : 9.5 Service : 10.0 Ambiance: 9.0 Inside and outside seating. Worth the visit! read more

I had the fajitas. My wife had the enchiladas and my son had the frito pie. Everything was awesome. And the ambience is cool. It's a very small room, like a hole in the wall, but not in a bad way imho. read more

La Cueva is appropriately named...we sat in a little "cave" dining area at the front of the establishment housing just 4 tables and our table for 4 became a community table since there were only 2 of us. But we didn't mind! The service here was fast and the food was really good. We ordered chips and salsa (not complimentary here but it is a resort town and prices were fair), beef chimichanga and shrimp enchiladas in chipotle crema. The enchiladas were the star dish, the velvety sauce was chock full of flavor and complimented the shrimp very well! Soft drinks, a few beers and an agave wine margarita were also available. I understand there are more seating areas, including a patio. Since we visited in the winter and had just been snowshoeing, we were happy with the warm, cozy room we were seated in. The service could be friendlier but I get the impression they seat a lot of folks in a day and run like a well oiled machine! I would definitely come back. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Beef chimichanga with rice, beans and salad - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

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We hade mole chicken enchilada, which was extremely tender, shredded chicken and plenty of it. Best if ever had in NM. Husband had seafood enchiladas and equally as good. Service was excellent. Def go if you are in town. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Seafood enchilada, and a Texan who's enjoying it immensely. - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

A small, quiet cafe off the Plaza offers traditional Mexican fare at reasonable prices. This is by no means a fancy restaurant! A little hole in the wall that serves excellent food. The interior is very small and seats about 10 people at most. There is an exterior seating area that is available in nicer weather. We were pleasantly greeted, and immediately seated for a mid afternoon snack. We enjoyed the tortilla soup and the chili relleno. We also had an order of chips and guacamole. The guacamole was very fresh, the soup was one of the best I've ever had ranwas very good Check out this place if you're looking for good food, good service, and a very simple building. read more

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Very busy for lunch. Indoor seating and outdoor shaded seating (dog friendly). Service top-notch and food very good. Limited parking on site. read more

Excellent food and service! The best chili relleno I have had and the service was great and helpful in ordering. The agave wine margarita was surprisingly good! Needed another but had to drive read more

La Cueva Cafe - Chile Relleno, Chicken mole enchilada and beef taco - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

This was a solid meal in Taos, but don't think I'd recommend it or come back. Tons of outdoor seating in the back patio and a solid enchilada mole and beans, but pretty forgettable. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Fast, friendly, and amazing tastes. Some of the best enchiladas I've had in Taos. Outdoor patio seating with plenty of shade. read more

La Cueva Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

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This place is a hidden gem, I really enjoyed the enchiladas!! My wife had the rellenos and honestly both of them were amazing!! The service was kinda spotty here in there but overall they got it together as a team! The ambience was also nice very friendly and music music !! That's something I grew up with and it feels refreshing that they made it a point to play it! read more

La Cueva Cafe - Rellenos - Mexican Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

It was jam packed on a Tuesday afternoon! We had to stop by after seeing good Yelp reviews and seeing a long line made us think that it must be good. Our waitress was still patient and attentive despite this! I'm used to restaurants giving out chips and salsa for for free, so I was going to skip it when I saw it wasn't free here, but then I overheard a bunch of ladies next to us saying how good the chips and salsa were, so we ordered it - AND WOW. I don't know what they did with it, but it was SO delicious. I kept asking my fiance "What do you think they did with the salsa to make it this good?" as if he'd magically know the answer. The chips were nice and crunchy as well. Not a single moment of stale disappointment. My entree was a chimichanga which was good, but pales in comparison to the chips and salsa. read more

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