Nellie's - Las Cruces, NM

The sign on the wall of the cozy cinderblock and glass brick restaurant confirms the kitchen's priorities: "A day without chile is like a day without sunshine." The red tastes of pure pod; the green is hot enough to require tongue-tamping with the kitchen's pulchritudinous sopaipillas. It is a breakfast-and-lunch eatery.

87% Approval Rating (8 votes)

Overall: Worth planning a day around

Must Eats

Green Chile (N/A)

Eggs with Chile and Meat ($7.00)

Huevos Rancheros ($6.00)

Sopaipillas (N/A)

Chips and Salsa (N/A)

Written Reviews

Michael Stern

"A passing police officer was suspicious when he spotted us loitering outside of Nellie's one morning before the cafe's 8am opening. "We're waiting to eat," we responded to his inquiry about our intentions. Good answer. He broke into a big grin and said, "Best ..." [Read More].

Logbooks

No Logbook Entries

Map & Directions

1226 W. Hadley, Las Cruces, NM
505-524-9982

Hours & Policies

Seasons:	Open Year Round
Meals Served:	Breakfast, Lunch
Operational Hours:	Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:	Yes
Alcohol Served:	No
Outdoor Seating:	No
Reservations Accepted:	No
Delivery Available:	No
Takeout Counters:	Yes

"Here's an eye-opening morning meal: sunnyside-up eggs hugged by dual servings of red chile (hot stuff) and green chile (very hot stuff). The red and green combo is known hereabouts as Christmas."
Michael Stern

"The salsa that comes with preprandial tortilla chips is complex, earthy and tongue-tingling hot."
Michael Stern

"New Mexico's favorite breadstuff: puffy sopaipillas, so hot from the fry kettle that they're a little hard to handle when you want to pick one up, tear it open and pour honey inside. Sopaipillas are great for mopping the last of the chile from a plate."
Michael Stern

"Danny and Nellie Hernandez began selling burritos from a wagon in 1962, which earned Danny the appellation of Las Cruces' Burrito Man. They opened a mobile kitchen and Nellie's restaurant soon followed. Danny has passed away; Nellie is still around; and their son Danny Ray and daughter Josie Marie now run the business."
Michael Stern

"Huevos Rancheros -- ranch-style eggs -- come with green chile, sided by refried beans and rice."
Michael Stern

"A close view of Nellie's four-alarm green chile. It is a star at both breakfast and lunch."
Michael Stern

"In what other region of the country is the local crop so imbued with personality?"
Michael Stern