FOOD is one of the things I most look forward to when we travel. Whenever possible we avoid anything we can get at home and eat local. There are just so many flavors to explore! Wonder where to eat in Gallup, New Mexico? Here ate five restaurants you won’t want to miss:
1. El Rancho
El Rancho is a historic hotel on Route 66. It’s where the movie-stars stayed. It’s where anyone that’s anyone has been. I was so disappointed that I didn’t have a chance to eat here during my first trip to Gallup, but we were traveling with our very road weary family of seven, so we decided not to crash the ambiance of the place. Ha! As promised, I did visit on my most recent trip!
I absolutely loved taking a tour of El Rancho. It felt like I stepped into an old western movie. I could picture the gunfight breaking out from the second floor balcony!
Ordering at El Rancho is fun. There’s the John Wayne burger or how about a Pancho Villa taco salad? I can’t get enough New Mexican food, so I had their traditional combination plate of enchilada, taco and tamale–delicious!
2. Earl’s Family Restaurant
Earl’s is a very touristy, fun place. In front of the restaurant Navajo craftsmen can be found selling their beautiful jewelry and other Native American items.
Sellers also came around to show their products while we dined. When we were ready to eat and didn’t want to be interrupted, we just placed a sign on the table and sellers no longer stopped by.
The menu has a little of everything! There are so many options, it was hard to choose. The place was packed and clearly a favorite among both locals and tourists.
3. Genaros
Oh my goodness we loved Genaro’s. The staff was fantastic! Our every need was anticipated. They even had our table ready when we walked in because someone had seen us walking into the restaurant.
Authentic New Mexican Food! This has to be the real deal! The food was amazing beginning with the chips and salsa.
A funny family moment happened here that we probably won’t forget any time soon. We were given a straw with one end not cut open. I quickly stuck it in my husband’s drink while he was busy ordering. When the server left he grabbed his straw, which was curiously bobbing to the top of the glass instead of sinking like usual. Oh I can still picture Jason trying to drink with that straw. Ha ha. His eyes crossed and he sucked for all he was worth about three times before yanking the straw out and looking at it. Hilarious! We all roared, of course!
I ordered Mexican food that I’m familiar with and loved the New Mexico twist to them. The red and green sauces were delicious and the flavors so unique. The pozole (hominy) side came with the meal. Two thumbs up for Genaros!
4. El Metate Tamale Factory
This was my favorite food find in Gallup. Being from Mexico, I’m always skeptical when a restaurant claims to be authentic Mexican food. Y’all this place…
is so incredibly good! Their tamales were amazing, and that’s because I’m very, very picky about tamales. They HAVE to be made right. Everything from the hand made chips, the salsa, the refried beans, the rice, the chorizo con papas…every bite was delicious.
El Metate is much more of a “hole in the wall” place. The lady that took our order actually made our food, so there was a bit of a wait–totally worth it. The prices are very affordable. If I lived in Gallup, I’m pretty sure this would be my once a week place. It’s that good!
5. Jerry’s Cafe
Breakfast was catered to our conference meeting while I was in Gallup. After taking a few bites I HAD to find out who had catered the food. It was Jerry’s!! I had wanted to try it on our first trip, and hadn’t been able to. Oh. My. Goodness. I could have jumped up and down the food was so good. Enchiladas from Jerry’s are my new favorite breakfast. You have to try Jerry’s Cafe!
Where do you love to eat in Gallup, New Mexico?
We loved our family stay in Gallup when we helped with a Navajo Reservation Mission Trip. It was a blast hiking Church Rock!
My second trip was sans the family, and I went on an epic Hot Air Balloon Ride! There’s so much amazing food and great adventure in Gallup!
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