La Cueva Cafe — Restaurant in Taos

La Cueva was recommended to me by our hotel. They said "you're going to go to La Cueva several times while you're here." After eating there tonight, I understand why they told me this.

This is New Mexico, and Mexican/New Mexican restaurants are within a stone's throw pretty much everywhere. But exceptional ones, ones that show a flair for simplicity, flavor, and authenticity, without pretense or outrageous prices, are more rare than you might think. La Cueva was exceptional in every regard. It's an unassuming little place, light on atmosphere but HUGE on delicious food. Our servers were on point - there when we needed them, promptly filling glasses and bringing extra napkins, etc., upon request. We started with chips, salsa, and guacamole, staples in any Mexican eatery. The house-made chips were thick and not greasy. The salsa has that smoky note that only fire roasting can bring out, and was spicy without being hot. The guac was good as well. I thought it needed salt, but that's subjective and easily cured with a few shakes. Next I had the evening's standout: Sopa De Rajas Poblanos. A corn cream soup with caramelized onions and fresh strips of poblano peppers, finished with Spanish cheese and croutons. I'll be honest - I could have eaten a gallon of this Sopa it was so fantastic. I live in south Florida and have eaten my share of tasty sopas. This one blew them ALL out the water, by a long shot. Creamy, spicy, complex with the onions, I literally couldn't shovel it in my mouth quickly enough.

Next came enchiladas de camarones for me, and fried cod tacos for my son. Both excellent. The cream sauce on the shrimp enchiladas was dense and flavorful, as if it had been reducing in a pot for hours. Highly recommended. My son's fish tacos, while simple, were perfect in that simplicity - corn tortillas, huge chunks of fresh fish, shredded romaine, and chipotle mayo. We decided on dessert, and the Mexican chocolate cake was very moist, and neither overly dense or overly sweet. A fine ending to a really enjoyable meal.

So, if you can't tell (ha ha), I really like La Cueva. It is hands down the best Mexican/New Mexican cuisine I've had, and I will be back! Give it a shot and I hope you enjoy it as...

When traveling to a "destination" city loved by so many and with such varied cuisines readily available, we rarely, if ever, dine in the same restaurant twice; however, sometimes, you're fortunate enough to run across a La Cueva Cafe. In an avant-garde town like Taos, it should come as no surprise that a quirky old converted motor motel stands out as one of (if not) the best restaurants in town and definitely one of the most stellar Mexican restaurants in northern New Mexico, and there are plenty to choose from! The parking is a subject to be aware of but ample. It involves parallel parking on the sides of a one way street and a short stretch of the legs. Seating is competitive with only a handful of tables in the main dining area, a grouping of outside dining tables (weather permitting) and a couple of converted motel rooms to which the service staff shuttles the plates of piping hot deliciousness. On two trips to Taos and four trips to La Cueva Cafe, we have never waited longer than five minutes to be seated! The "staff?" (Over the top friendly, courteous and attentive!) The "food"? I can only speak to you about the Chiles Rellenos (three trips) and the Ceviche (one trip), but if I were to speak of them, I would only say, "sell my clothes, I'm going to Heaven!" Now, my wife would say that her poblano mole chicken enchiladas were the best she has eaten outside of Mexico...I can't speak to that... she didn't offer to share! 🤨 Having said this and not really saying anything, we're planning on another one day-overnight trip to Taos in a couple of weeks, and I'm desperately looking for recommendations for a good Mexican...

La Cueva has been the best experience on our road trip so far. The staff was amazing. They brought our food and beverages out very quickly and they checked in on us and the surrounding tables frequently. They brought things such as extra napkins, drinks, and everything else out to us very quickly.

The food was amazing. The homemade chips paired very well with the smoky salsa. The sopa de rajas poblanos was absolutely delicious. We might even go back just for that. It was that good. The poblanos added lots of flavor while not being overly spicy. My dad had the shrimp enchiladas and they were perfect for him because he loves onions, peppers, and cheese. The shrimp enchiladas had all of them. The onions and peppers were very nicely grilled.

I had the beer-battered cod fish tacos and they were outstanding. The chipotle mayo paired with the crispy fish and the fresh lettuce was an amazing flavor combo. And that is coming from someone who usually asks for no mayo on pretty much everything. But I am glad I left it on this time because it made for a very tasty bite.

Finally, for dessert, we had the Mexican chocolate cake. The cake was very moist and not overly sweet. The ice cream paired very well with the cake. My dad even liked the ice cream and he doesn't like ice cream that much (I know, crazy, right!).

Overall, La Cueva is an amazing hole in the wall restaurant and I would highly recommend it.

Edit: We went back the next day and everything was just as good. The mango chimichanga was amazing. The outside was like a churro and the inside was...