Los Mariachis (Bataan)–Las Cruces, NM

Los Mariachis (Bataan)

5600 Bataan Memorial E.
Las Cruces, NM
(575) 373-0553

Los Mariachis on Bataan Memorial Hwy.

Los Mariachis on US Hwy. 70 east in Las Cruces is the third location I have tried including the now closed original restaurant in in Mesilla. Remarkably the food has seemed to be very similar in all of them, leaving features such as the hours, service, and table availability as items to check out at the two current locations.

This location seemed smaller than the other Los Mariachis while the Saturday afternoon crowd I observed created a waiting line which I just barely avoided. The people waiting seemed like regular customers who knew what to expect–no need to drive to the west side of the city when the wait here would be no more than ten to fifteen minutes. Once seated I experienced very quick service considering how busy it was.

Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa

The chips are thin, crispy and good. I rate the Salsa as among the best in Las Cruces, with a good flavor and a good spice (“good” being defined as definitely there but not so overwhelming that it numbed my tongue so that I could not taste the flavors).

Enchiladas

Enchiladas Christmas style

I think it is very common for both red and green chile to have different flavors and heat levels from year to year because of the way the crops turn out. By ordering Enchiladas Christmas Style (half red and half green) I find out which color I like best this year. At Los Mariachis to say that I like both equally is not a failure to make decisions but a testimony to the fact that over a period of years both have been very good. Ordering enchiladas is a good way to enjoy the full flavor of the chiles versus something like stuffed sopapillas where you also have the very noticeable flavors of the sopapillas and the stuffing (which are good in themselves and even better with chile, but it is a different experience than having chile be the overwhelmingly dominant element).

My recommendation though is probably the red is more consistent.

Rice and Beans
The rice here was disappointing compared to previous experiences but beans were good.

Chile Rojo

Chile rojo

The Chile Rojo had what I would guess to be a cumin flavor, but just barely. The meat was a little tough. It was very New Mexican style.

Sopapillas

Sopapilla

The Sopapillas here are the ultimate in fluffiness and flavor. It was a good way to tone down the spice level of the spicy food items.

Other Features
This restaurant serves breakfast while the other one has beer.

A Blast From the Past

The former restaurant in Mesilla

The old restaurant’s makeshift sign

The band

Stuffed sopapillas

RATING: 24

Cuisine: Mexican New Mexican
Cost: $$
Hours: Closed Sun. evening
Accessible: Yes
Smoking: No smoking
Alcohol: No
Other Location: 754 N. Motel Blvd.