Best Places to Eat in Ruidoso, New Mexico
In New Mexico, the flavors are as delicious as the sky is big and blue. Visitors can try our native chiles – red, green, roasted, smothered – all grown in New Mexico state.
Restaurants and farmers markets offer tasty salsas, veggies, fruits, nuts and other New Mexico flavors straight from nearby orchards, ranches and farms. There are also local coffee houses, refreshing microbrews, fresh meats, homemade baked goods and many other foods and drinks to taste and enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Search our delicious selection of restaurants, cafes and coffeehouses and cozy breakfast nooks. And for after sunset, check out these ideas for Ruidoso nightlife.
DISCOVER RUIDOSO FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
Experience Ruidoso's Food Truck Center on Mechem Drive for some of the tastiest bites in town. Dive into 440 Smokehouse BBQ, relish Toss'd Pizza, or savor Flash Jack's burgers and shakes, plus delicious coffee and more! Enjoy indoor seating, arcade games, and a fire pit for s'mores. Whether you're a foodie or seeking fun, there's something for everyone here.
Join the Texas Club in Ruidoso for "Texas Club After Hours" every Saturday from June 1 through July. Enjoy live music from special guests, exclusive drink specials, and a new tapas menu. The event runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at 212 Metz Dr., Ruidoso, NM. Bring friends or a partner for a lively, social night out. Check the Texas Club website for the full list of performers and updates.
Discover the winners of Ruidoso's Vegan Chef Challenge Southwest and enjoy an array of innovative vegan dishes. Visit Downshift Brewing Company, Corazon Restaurant, and Casitas Café to savor the culinary creativity that won them top honors. This event highlighted Ruidoso's vibrant culinary scene and the growing appreciation for vegan cuisine. Come taste the best of plant-based dining in Ruidoso!
The Village Buttery in Ruidoso is up for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Pie Shop. You have the chance to vote daily until the polls close on Monday, June 10th at 11:59 am EDT. This nomination is a great opportunity to put one of our beloved local spots in the national spotlight. Let’s rally behind Ruidoso—vote now and spread the word! Cast Your Vote ➡️
We're thrilled to announce that El Camino Nuev0, nestled in the heart of Ruidoso, has been recognized by Best Things New Mexico as one of the "7 Best Places for Margaritas in New Mexico"! Read more at besthingsnm.com >>
Searching for a great place to grab dessert in Ruidoso? Look no further. Here are some of the top spots to get your fix of sweet treats.
Autumn in southern New Mexico brings ripe apples to regional orchards, and Ruidoso eateries shine with apple pies and sweet indulgences, some with a spicy twist. Try a slice of Hatch green chile apple pie or chipotle caramel apple for a taste of the Land of Enchantment. Explore our guide to Ruidoso's fall flavors for a memorable autumn experience.
While you're in Ruidoso, check out these indie coffeehouses offering outdoor patios, welcoming interiors with cozy chairs in quiet corners, ample outlets and free WiFi, delicious pastries, baked goods and light meals—perfect for an afternoon or morning pick-me-up.
If you love to discover a place food-first, a great way to get started is with a visit to these Best of Ruidoso People's Choice Awards winners!
Quench your thirst for New Mexico craft beers and wines at these local hangouts
Whether you're hungry for a green chile cheeseburger, a burrito smothered in house-made chile sauce, or a piece of buttermilk pie, there's a restaurant for you in Ruidoso.
Green-chile or old-school, craft or classic, you can never go wrong with a burger. Here are ten of the best Ruidoso burger hotspots for when you get a craving.
“If I could paint a picture of a small-town bar on a Sunday afternoon where the whiskey pours, the axes fly, and the band plays on, it would be Ruidoso’s Win Place & Show.” — THE BITE
With 10 bowling lanes, 4 pool tables, dartboards, arcade games, a restaurant, and a lounge for parties and events, the Ruidoso Bowling Center is a fun, year-round, family-friendly entertainment destination where everybody gets to play.
Check out these Ruidoso restaurants serving delicious Mexican cuisine.
From patios to fireplaces and cozy corners to curl up and chat, here are some delicious Ruidoso breakfast spots for the most important meal of the day.
Yelp reviews answer the question: Where do locals in Ruidoso go to eat? Discover the Top 10 Ruidoso restaurants according to Yelp reviews.
What's a Ruidoso vacation without ice cream and sweets? Satisfy your cravings at these Midtown candy shops for some delicious treats!
This upscale food court features a collection of fast-casual dining options, including New Mexico’s first Wahlburgers and the acclaimed Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill franchise. Learn more >>
Home to their own brand of chile-infused New Mexico wines, and a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, and gourmet foods, Noisy Water Winery has a new location across the street in Midtown. With enhanced space for retail, VIP events, and tasting experiences, a visit to Noisy Water Winery is better than ever.
Discover some of Ruidoso's favorite patio bars, al fresco terraces, and outdoor restaurants to make the most of your Ruidoso vacation.
Nestled in Ruidoso’s downtown, Midtown is the village hub for dining, arts, and shopping. Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.
Searching for your next meal? Enjoy a vibrant Ruidoso foodie scene with restaurants and bars open at 100% capacity and plenty of outdoor dining options available.
August 31 is National Eat Outside Day. So, pack up a lunch, head over to the park, and commune with nature while you eat your meal under the open sky with these ideas for ways to enjoy the holiday in Ruidoso.
Whether you love spicy flavors or have a sweet tooth, Ruidoso has the perfect meal for you. Pack your stretchy pants and get ready for an exciting journey through flavor. Your taste buds will be thanking us in no time!
Lincoln County is ranch country and Ruidoso is a hotspot of steakhouses. Longtime visitors swear by the consistently tasty cuts of steak often paired with an extensive wine list and fresh seafood.
Foodie-favorite Island Noodles opened in May 2021 in the Midtown A-Frame plaza to bring its addictively delicious noodle stirfry to Ruidoso. The fast-casual franchise offers Hawaiian-style soba noodles for takeaway with 12 vegetables. It can be ordered vegan or with teriyaki chicken.
As we look forward to better times ahead, we’re celebrating Ruidoso restaurants that have gone above and beyond to help the community. From delivery services to hospital fundraisers, read on for our roundup of just a few of the big-hearted restaurants making life better in Ruidoso, now and always.
Where do locals in Ruidoso go to eat when they want to get out of town? Discover the Top 5 Lincoln County restaurants according to Yelp reviews.
FOOD & DRINK EVENTS
Join Noisy Water Winery in Midtown Ruidoso on Thursday, November 14th, at 6 p.m. for a hands-on charcuterie board workshop. Enjoy a glass of wine, expert instruction, and take home your personalized creation. Perfect for impressing guests this holiday season! Reserve your spot today for an evening of culinary elegance and creativity.
Join Downshift Brewing Company Riverside for an evening of art and craft beer on October 20, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.! Led by Bridge to Art, a local studio and gallery, each $40 ticket includes a painting class with supplies and a complimentary drink. Tickets are limited, so secure yours quickly at Eventbrite >>.
Algodones Distillery invites whiskey lovers to its shop for the return of the popular “Meet the Distiller” event! Celebrate the launch of larger bottles of Nina Baby Blue Corn Bourbon and Maiz Single Barrel Whiskey. Guests can enjoy tastings, meet the distiller, and enter raffles for exclusive distillery swag. This event is free and open to the public—perfect for whiskey enthusiasts!
Party on the Mountain is back at Ski Apache! Join Ski Apache as they kick off the 2024-25 Winter Season with a day of food, fun, and entertainment. Enjoy gondola rides (weather permitting), live music, and more. Plus, don’t miss the last chance to get the best price on your season passes! Learn More »
After enjoying the Festival of Lights Parade in Midtown, head over to Wingfield Park for a free Festival of Lights After Party. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., there will be food, drinks, winter activities for the kids, ice skating, and more. Be sure to join the fun!
Ruidoso is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. Wine, dine and dance the night away with a New Year's Eve celebration. Check out our summary of Ruidoso New Year events with options for every budget.
Whether you're planning Thanksgiving for two or a family, the whole meal — from turkey to sides to pie — can be found at Ruidoso restaurants. Here’s a helpful list of Ruidoso restaurant Thanksgiving menus and prepared meals. Make your reservation today!