La Cueva Cafe
135 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM, 87571
La Cueva Cafe Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Taos for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Taos for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Taos for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
135 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
Taos, NM, 87571 - Phone (575) 758-7001
- Website https://www.lacuevacafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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David F.
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN REVIEW: This is by far the best place I have found in Taos for those seeking Vegan or Vegetarian New Mexican food. I lived in Taos for 3 years, have now lived in Los Angeles for about 3 years, and come back to Taos often. This restaurant compares with or beats any vegan Mexican food in Los Angeles, including the much more expensive Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. Oddly, La Cueva does not advertise anywere about doing vegan or vegetarian. But, ask the server or one of the family members that run the restaurant, and they can do it. I've had the vegan fajitas with mole sauce and the vegan burrito with red and green chile. Both are absolutely delicious. And, they can make much more. But, the vegan fajita with mole sauce and gluten free tortilla wraps steals my heart each time I go there! So, if you're vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free and seeking some seriously great New Mexican food while living or visiting Taos, be sure to check out this unassuming gem in town!
(5)Justin B.
Know that this place is not a New Mexican restaurant, it's a decent Mexican restaurant that is also very overrated. The service is very friendly and it's at a reasonable price point, but if you are looking for quality New Mexican, this isn't it. They add way too much corn starch to their green and red chile, which is really a ghastly thing to do. The green was the worse of the two - it was gloppy and insipid. Heat was sorely lacking. No posole, only rice. That said, their beans are clearly not canned and are very flavorful and had a nice creamy consistency. Their guac was also fresh and well balanced -- the chile relleno was well also quite well prepared. Their chile, though -- inexcusable.
(3)Shalayne C.
Went here while we were in Taos and I was super excited to have several vegetarian options! I got a veggie chimichanga because, well quite frankly I've never seen them anywhere else. Can't really go wrong with deep fried anything so of course this was yummy. My husband got a platter and said most of it was just okay but he really liked the beef taco a lot. We also got the chocolate chili cake which wasn't really my style , but my husband loved it. I think you either enjoy that combination or you don't and I just don't. To each their own of course. Service was great. We sat on the patio which was nice, especially since the weather was perfect. Parking was a bit of an issue, but I'd imagine parking in Taos is always a bit of an issue.
(4)Libby T.
First night in Taos and we were looking for something low-key. Our bartender suggested La Cueva and we were so glad he did! It was a very small dining space - two rooms which you need to go outside to get between. Even so, and on a weekend, we were seated quickly. The food was awesome. I dream of it still! And could basically drink the red chile, it was so delicious. I want to go back!
(4)Nathan G.
La Cueva is a great newer addition to Taos. It is steady in my rotation of Mante's and Guad. Chips, salsa and guac = amazing. I had the chili relleno, so good. The server recommend that we try the key lime pie and it is legit!
(5)Ashley E.
This tiny hole in the wall is definitely worth a visit. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Taos. They don't have a taco salad on the menu, but they made one for me to order anyway! Great service, delicious food with gluten free chile, and great music playing to boot. I saw a gentleman eating what looked like some awesome ceviche, so I'll definitely have to try that next time! It is tiny, and an older establishment, but they've got cute outdoor seating, a small area inside and really, really good food! Don't pass this place by!
(5)Blaize S.
I enjoyed the food here. I recommend sitting on the patio, as the dining room is HOT if it's hot out. There's not much parking here, so plan to park on the street on the side of the restaurant and walk a little ways.
(4)John C.
My wife and I decided to get takeout after a long day. The Taco plate is one of the best. I could not recall the last time I had taco's this good. For those of you from LA, they are better than Tito's and that is saying something.
(5)Brian R.
A weird little place. The wait staff is efficient although a little brusque. The summer eating on the patio is quite nice. The food is above average New Mexico cuisine,not Mexican. NM differs in the local chiles and prep methods used that are very different from the food across the border. The dessert, a chocolate cake with a little red chile earns, chef another star. Some menus that look less crappy and a little more positive attention from the waiters and it is a five star New Mexican restaurant.
(4)PJ M.
Tiny...only a few tables, but beyond delicious!! There's no bad option, but save room for the chili-chocolate cake. Spicy chili, moist delicious chocolate cake...totally the best part.
(5)Susana R.
Arrived mid afternoon 3:30ish for an early dinner. I was promptly served, and all the staff were friendly, competent and attentive. I had the seafood enchiladas enchipotladas and O.M.G! The salmon, shrimp and crab were cooked just right and the sauce to die for! Beans and rice were homemade and not overtaking the plate. Tasty and filling without being too much or too heavy. I'm a La Cueva fan!
(5)Stephen E.
La Cueva is a great Taos local spot. We sat outside in awesome early spring weather. Very small inside area -- glad it wasn't raining. My son and I shared the special - it was a steak fajita with bits of bacon. It was plenty of food for two big guys. The salsa was fantastic. Too spicy for my daughter but bold flavor and truly not too spicy. The kids loved it and said they want to come back-- that's high praise. Overall, very good food on a great day sitting outside in the sun after a long winter! The food was good.
(4)JAMIE C.
The rating is accurate. Ambiance it doesn't have, but if it's great food you want at a reasonable price you won't be disappointed. About five tables inside, another ten or so on the back patio. We both had the chili rellenos and they were absolutely great!
(4)Joe H.
It's as good as everyone says. Very good lunch. The best guacamole, red- and green- chile we've had in quite a while.
(4)Mr M.
La Cueva is one of the top New Mexican food spots in Taos, IMHO. It is tiny, seating maybe 16 in the dining room, with a large patio that will accommodate many more. I love the patio, but you may want to avoid it after dusk if you tend to attract flying critters that bite like I do. I had the combination dinner- Chili Relleno with green chili, an enchilada with red chili, taco, rice and beans. At $9, one of the best values in town. The Hatch chili was a bit tough, needed a knife to cut it. That is kind of unusual. Wife had chicken enchiladas en mole sauce, rice and beans. This is some of the best mole you will ever eat. I always regret not ordering it, but since I always let her order before me, and I insist on not ordering the same thing, the result is me with the combo platter. If you are not familiar, there are many types of Mole, this is Mole Poblano- which is more common north of the border. No alcohol is being served here. I also recommend trying them for breakfast although I think they open at 10am.
(4)Pete M.
Tiny little restaurant with great food. Wait staff was fantastic. I had the chili rellenos with red and green chili and loved them. My dad had the tamales which I tasted. Now I have to go back again because those were amazing too. It's charming and delicious.
(5)Dave E.
Great food, great service and great atmosphere. If you are looking for a reasonably priced place to eat with great food, this is the place. Homemade guacamole, chips and salsa this good would be hard to beat. Beef tacos (shredded, not ground) are fantastic as well as the fish tacos. Outside patio is rustic and shaded. They don't serve alcohol so you may want to grab a drink up the street then head down here for some delicious viddles.
(5)Lucy H.
An authentic New Mexican gem located right on the corner of Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Quesnel. It's easy to miss if you drive too fast but the downtown traffic might help to keep you on track! This restaurant serves one of the best chile rellanos - muy delicioso. We ordered the tortilla soup which came recommended by our waiter. The soup was robust with New Mexican chile flare. To get the whole experience, I ordered the combination plate that comes with a chicken enchilada (no blue corn tortilla available), a crunchy taco with cochinita pivil in place of beef, and one chile rellano. Everything on my plate was vibrant and tasty. Again, the chile rellano was one of the best I've ever had; it had a light batter that was not greasy in the slightest, gooey melted cheese, and a bit of heat from the pepper. In New Mexican fashion, I ordered my combination plate dressed in green and red chile aka "Christmas Style". This restaurant is small and quaint inside and outside. It's an old, free standing, pueblo-style building with a courtyard for outside dining. Inside the building, there are only three small tables available. One last thing - They DO NOT serve alcohol here. No margaritas or beer to go with your meal.
(5)Raul B.
Good place with local food! The place is kind of strange/crappy from the outside, but definitely is cool in the inside. We had there the two specialities the waiter suggested us. One of them (the mole plate) was excellent! Highly recommended!!! The other one (a kind of beef burrito), just ok (the beef was a bit chewy). Overall, great experience, affordable prices (although not super cheap) and great service. Nice option in Taos! PS. My guess is that this place is better during the summer: they have a nice patio
(3)Don F.
I just returned from 3 months in Cozumel Mexico, and IMHO this place is great. After hiking in Taos ski valley, we were ready for some good food. We shared veggie enchiladas with green sauce, and the veggie combination plate, Christmas, which we were told in New Mexico is Red and Green sauce, which has a taco, enchilada, and relleno, with beans and rice. Food was just what we wanted. Our server Alfredo suggested the Maragarita Key lime pie. Another winner. I would recommend this to anyone in Taos.
(4)Keith B.
Great Back Patio Maybe the inside looks like a cave, but we never went in there. The back patio is charming and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Service was great. Our waiter really knew the menu and was wonderfully accommodating. We had the trout and the garlic shrimp. Both came with a wonderful little salad and delicious roasted vegetables and rice. Everything was really, really good. The only negative is that they don't serve any liquor. Prices are quite reasonable. I would definitely return.
(4)Micah R.
Not the most appealing to the eye, but food is very well priced. The food was tasty, but it didn't stand out to me in any outstanding way. The wait staff is decent not the friendliest but then again not in any way rude. Stop by if in need for good food and a cheap price!
(4)Dylan E.
Great Mexican food. A must try when in Taos. Had the mole fajitas and combination plate. Both excellent.
(5)Chris C.
I thought this place was mediocre. We had the combination plate, chimichanga and steak. The steak was tough, chili Relleno was greasy. But the guacamole and salsa was the best I've had.
(2)Steven B.
Two of the best meals I've had, period. I'm originally from Santa Fe and love Mexican and New Mexican food. Stopping through Taos, my girlfriend and I happened upon La Cueva. She got ceviche, which I thought would be a bad choice at a random restaurant in New Mexico. It was great. I had a combo plate that was great as well. Our second trip we got tamales and they were they best I have ever had, ever. Really good food.
(5)Quy H.
The food at La Cueva Cafe is really good. Everyone in my family really enjoyed the food. We ordered the shrimp tacos, beef enchilada, and seafood enchilada. They were really good. Our server was friendly.
(5)Courtney S.
Found this on Yelp and was not disappointed. Cute little place with more seating around back. Alas no beer or margaritas but the quality of food -- must try the shrimp tacos -- made up for that as did the authentic favors and portions. Not touristy. Just good Nee Mexican food!
(3)Michelle M.
I am so glad I used Yelp to find a place to each lunch in Taos. We would have passed right by this restaurant based on its looks from the road. I grew up in Southern California, live in San Diego, lived in Southern Arizona, and have traveled in Baja. The lunch I had here was by far one of the best Mexican meals I have ever had. We started with chips, salsa, and guacamole. The guacamole was the best I have ever had served by a restaurant. I had a combo of chicken enchilada, pork tamale, and beef taco. I chose to have both red and green sauce. The tamale was so good, the masa was light and flavorful...not super dense like so many tamales I have had. My husband had chipotle shrimp tacos and our son had beef tacos. We all declared it an excellent meal. A bit on the pricey side...they charge for chips and salsa (unlike most SoCal Mexican restaurants) and we had two orders.
(5)Merinda C.
We were going through Taos and stopped for lunch. Food was pretty good but nachos were soggy when they arrived like they had been sitting. From start to finish was over two hours and we had to go find the waiter to get the check. Good food but very slow service.
(3)John O.
I was looking for something to eat late in Taos -- and stumbled on La Cueva Cafe at 8:45 PM (most restaurants close at 9 pm in Taos). La Cueva is tiny tiny tiny -- but what it lacks in space it makes up for it in soul. Since it was late, I wanted something really simple -- so I ordered the Tortilla Soup. A stomach full of New Mexican enchiladas is a little heavy come bedtime! The Tortilla soup was one of the best soup dishes I have ever had. I could eat this soup every single day and be happy. It had a rich smokey flavor to it -- obviously New Mexico chiles are used in the recipe. It's enough for two people and definitely a meal for one person -- it set me back $5. I'm looking forward to returning to Taos and coming back to La Cueva. Thanks to Yelp for helping me find this very small joint in Taos.
(5)Christian H.
First, the chips, salsa, & guacamole (fyi, proper pronunciation is "walk-a-mole-eh") for only $6 is actually a great deal....esp when you see the rest of the menu is between 5-10 bucks. Why does it have two "$" listed? this place is basically all $8-9 for everything! For a family of four, we walked out for less than $40, incl a 20% tip! How's that for Taos on the cheep-cheep! Food was solid (perhaps not spectacular), but any place with bomb chips & guacamole gets an auto 5 stars in my book. Salsa wasn't too bad either. Walking distance from the plaza, nice outdoor patio for use on non-rainy nights/days, and they take Amex! woohoo!
(5)Sarah N.
A little gem in Taos! We got there 30 minutes before they closed on Sunday night and hoped the staff wouldn't be too upset by our late arrival. It was just the opposite - they were very welcoming and didn't appear put off throughout the night. The restaurant is right off the main road at an intersection, and at that hour we were able to find easy parking. Walking distance to the touristy section of Taos. The interior is tiny, but they had a nice outdoor patio. Being that we had been outside all day, we chose to remain indoors and sit by the window. We started with chips, salsa, and guacamole. The chips were delicious - not overly salty with a very fresh texture. The guacamole was also fresh and not bland or too smooth. The salsa was a little on the watery side that night, but it was flavorful. This was probably the best chicken chimichanga I've ever had. It wasn't ridiculously large, but it was definitely not small either. Perfectly crispy on the outside, and hot and gooey on the inside with juicy shredded chicken. I chose to smother it with both red and green chile, and I'm glad I did. I'm not a refried beans kind of gal, but whatever they did to their beans, it had good seasoning with none of that pasty blandness you'd find at other cheap Mexican restaurants. And rather than being dry like at other establishments, the rice was moist and sat well on the palate. My only complaint is that they didn't refill our waters often enough. In fact, a table right next to us got refills without having to ask, while we had to raise our hands to get more water. Other than that, I highly recommend checking out La Cueva!
(4)Cami S.
This review is specifically for the waiter named Horacio. We would give ZERO star if we could. If you are a party of 5 or more, know that there is mandatory gratuity of 20% which we didn't know until the payment. The service was horrible and he did not deserve 20% tip at all. When he brought food to our table, he did not say anything, and stuck out the plates of food between our heads. He could have said "excuse me" to let us know that he is behind us. When we asked where the restroom is, he just pointed with silence without explanation with words. He never came to ask us how our food was ( he did to other tables). We were very upset from the beginning how we were treated and we wanted to leave as soon as we finish eating because it was unpleasant. He really did not care about us dining but others. We felt like he looked down on us because we were foreigners or he just didn't care because he knew because he is regardless getting 20% of tip.
(1)Sally R.
We love this place, great Mexican food, good as it gets. Lovely patio, reserve your piece of key lime pie when you get there, Mom makes it and it goes fast! I know, key lime pie in a Mexican Restaurant ?
(5)S. K.
Food was excellent! The chicken mole enchiladas were off the hook No beer or wine but great place and friendly. Sit outside
(4)Bonnie C.
I caught this place early in the morning, so I was the only customer. Server seemed indifferent as he straightened tables. After a minute or so, he just told to sit anywhere. Ok. I sat a few minutes before he brought me a menu. I had to ask for coffee as he turned to leave. Hmmmmm. Anyway, I ordered an Mexican omelette with Chorizo, but the Chorizo was but a sprinkling. Thankfully, the rest of the food was decent--flavorful and generously portioned. I'm glad I stopped, but I'll not likely visit again. First impressions carry significant weight for me. My perceived indifference on the part of the server left me feeling like I intruded on something more important than providing welcoming service.
(4)Armand M.
I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food but this place was 100% great all around on everything they served us. Fajitas were great as was the Tempanquinea (yeah I spelled that wrong). I would love to be back here weekly if it wasn't so far from home.
(5)J J.
Food was exceptional. Had the beef burrito with christmas sauce (green and red). It was the most flavorful burrito I can ever remember ordering. Wait service sucked because we showed up 15 before closing.
(4)Celia G.
The food was pretty good. They had a gluten free menu which is hard to find. Quick service and inexpensive.
(3)Marilyn B.
Great inventive food Wow Best Chilli Relleno And mole sauce ever OMG Tortilla soup very flavorful Great for my friend who is gluten free
(5)Sunshine W.
After being severely disappointed by the seafood around these parts, I was so skeptical of their selection, but my waiter suggested I try their Red Trout. I decided to give it one more shot and WOW it was AMAZING. I highly recommend everyone trying the Red Trout, I was SO surprised. They say Orlando's is the best NM restaurant in Taos...but I think it's La Cueva. The vegetables are SO fresh and the flavors are PERFECTLY balanced. It's not common for me to finish my plate when I go out to eat, but I cannot help it at La Cueva! In fact, I had to order an additional side of rice last time! The meals are so light but at the same time enough to be grounding. La Cueva is so small and quaint it's hard for the waiters not to heed to your every word! I love the care and attention of the staff. Yet at the same time there is a sense of privacy and intimacy the place offers for you and your guests. I love that they always ask for dessert - which I will try to spare room for one of these days!! Parking is limited on the street but if you keep your eyes open something will open up!
(5)Jacob C.
Had the good fortune to stop in to this place during our trip to Taos. We had planned on going to a nearby restaurant, but they were already closed at 6pm...There's a nice-looking patio, but it was raining a bit so we had to sit inside. The main part of the restaurant looked pretty crowded, but, lucky us, they have a back room away from everyone else - it was like having a restaurant all to ourselves. That might not appeal to everyone, but it suited us just fine. Service was prompt and friendly. We started out with chips/salsa/guac, which were great, but the salsa in particular stood out. It was dark, robust and had just the right amount of heat. Looking at their menu and prices, you might not expect much. Surely, this food was too cheap to be any good! Wrong. I had the "Mexican Ceviche", which was awesome - just perfectly cooked in lime with all the right fixings, more chips and chipotle mayo. Considering this dish cost about half as much here as at the Peruvian restaurant in my neighborhood, I wasn't expecting much, but it might just be the best ceviche I've eaten. My girlfriend had vegetarian tacos, which were also pretty good. This place is a gem. I'd definitely eat here again if in Taos.
(5)Holli D.
Wonderful meal of chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. It was totally worth the wait and absence of alcohol. Excellent service too despite the sudden crowd. If weather permits, eat outside.
(5)Benjamin P.
Really delicious food. The space was tiny (4 tables) but I think they had tables in another building nearby as waitstaff kept leaving with drinks and plates out the front door. The smoothies are delicious, fresh, and all fruit - no nasty additions. The food was fantastic. I had a combo platter because I couldn't decide and the taco, enchilada, and chile relleno were all great. Don't let the outside of this place scare you off - it's a gem.
(5)Jordana G.
Torn between 3 or 4 stars.This place is more Mexican than New Mexican. Killer salsa, all roasty and rich. Very good guac. Both red and green chile were just OK, not great. Rellenos were good and enchilada good, but neither was stellar. Beans and rice were quite good with pico on top. Mexican chocolate cake was really delicious, rich with cinnamon and red chile, served with vanilla ice cream. Nice patio, a tad slow for the entrees to come out and were not very hot, although the guac and drinks came out fast. No liquor license.
(4)Nicole S.
After eating two amazing (new) Mexican meals in Santa Fe, this place only comes up to the "almost average" level. The guacamole was very good but our entrees were quite lacking in flavor. There are better places than this in Taos. If you must go, because of the amazing yelp reviews, then by all means, go. Experience the charm of this tiny restaurant with a big heart. The food isn't bad. It's just highly overrated.
(2)Jenna J.
This place is a gem! Very good service and excellent food at a decent price. I started off with the chips, salsa & guacamole and polished off the entire basket by myself. For lunch I had the chicken mole enchiladas and they were absolutely delicious. I splurged on the key lime pie for dessert and it was the best that I have ever had. Nice outdoor patio too!!
(5)Claire G.
I decided to visit this restaurant because is was rated 1 in Taos. Being that I have eaten New Mexican food all around I was disappointed. Well the food was satisfactory it was not amazing. The guacamole was great, the service was good, the chili did not have much flavor. Also be aware there is no alcohol served here. If I returned to Taos I would not visit this restaurant again.
(3)Alayna D.
The best New Mexican food that I have had. The restaurant itself is very small, but the waitstaff was attentive and helpful. I ordered soup (but of course sampled everyone else's dishes as well). It was a creamy cheese and corn soup and it was to die for. They also have smoothies here. I ordered one with mango and watermelon. Very fresh and delicious. This should be on everyone's list of places to eat while in Taos. Amazing!
(5)Mike Z.
This is a true taste of New Mexico. It doesn't look like much from the outside. We had two different fish dishes. Both were excellent. Service was a bit slow, but it was a busy holiday weekend.
(5)Linda G.
Wow this is a tiny little gem that is spectacular! The food is delicious service is great! It's a small place with such big character!!! We had an awesome meal for a reasonable price! The food is flavorful and superb and dessert is amazing!
(5)Jennifer H.
This was our last meal in Taos and we were not disappointed. We sat on the patio for lunch and it was just beautiful, surrounded by lots of blooming flowers and fruit trees. We started with guacamole, and it we all really liked it. For entrees, we had the shrimp enchiladas and the shrimp tacos. Both were delicious and a great price! My daughter had the kids chicken strips and she said liked them too, it appeared to be real breast meat. As Texans, we are pretty picky about our Mexican food, and this was good. I don't know if it is "authentic" New Mexican, but we liked it and will definitely come back next time we are in Taos.
(4)Katie F.
Lovely little cafe, delicious food and attentive, personable staff. Would definitely recommend, only downfall is no margaritas. :)
(4)Jennifer R.
We love this place and stop every time we're in Taos. In fact, we drive through Taos for this and for the antique shop in the square. The mole is delicious, and although the seating area is small, it's quaint and we've never had trouble getting seated. They also have great salsa and guacamole. Don't pass it up!
(5)Garon B.
Excellent food, wonderful service, kind people. Love to support this place and great alternative for food delivery to pizza!
(4)Rachael Jewell S.
Ate lunch on drive to Santa Fe expectations were high and was just ok. Mole was traditional but we wished green chile had more flavor and spice. Enjoyed the outdoor seating on beautiful day.
(3)Karen F.
Everything was amazing Best chili relleno ever. Must have the sauce Christmas style.
(5)Brian T.
I really like the chips and guacamole. The salsa is lower on acidity (tomatoes) than what I typically have, and it's great! There are lots of chiles in it as well. I had the combination plate and it was fantastic. The chile relleno was delicious and the right texture. The beef is shredded beef and chicken is shredded chicken. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that 95% of the menu is gluten free (the chimichanga is the exception) They have a small indoor dining area but we chose to have lunch in their small backyard patio. The lemonade is homeade; I had an Arnold Palmer with it. It wasn't overly sweet (I love it).
(5)Ralph B.
A friend and I ate at La Cueva Cafe once. The Sopa de Rajas Poblanas was good, although the chiles and onions were cut way too long to manage with a spoon. Those ingredients need to be cut much shorter. The Chicken Mole Enchiladas were good, but too light on chocolate, for my friend's and my tastes. The Chicken Tacos were kinda boring. They needed a sauce. They were served with a hot sauce, but I didn't care for it. We had Flan Naranjas. We could not detect any flavor of orange. The flan itself seemed rather ordinary, although the sauce around it was quite good. Presentation of the flan was outstanding. Service was good. I'm torn between three stars and four, but I'm feeling generous so it's four.
(4)Joe C.
Small Mexican place in Taos. The food was ok and the flies were even better.
(2)Connor N.
Great food, great service, good atmosphere. Very hole-in-the-wall, but the food was awesome, very very small, but still felt like no one was able to hear my conversation. I would call it cozy rather than too small. Got the beef enchiladas. Only critique is the portion sizes are a bit small (keeping in mind I am an 18 year old male) Otherwise, very good.
(4)Wayne E.
If this is La Cueva, I want to be a Caveman. Seriously, the raves about this place are justified. We had the mole. We had the relleno. We had some house made Guacamole. Did I mention we don't even like Guacamole...but it was delicious. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Definitely will return to La Cueva.....and bring my inner Caveman.
(5)Mr B.
Down and dirty Mexican with some New Mexican options and all fresh ingredients. Patio outside dining is casual but quality of food is superb compared to the environment and the authentic in-house made sauces, salsa, guacamole, and mole sauces are amazing! I'd say the high volume of customers is related to the food and location but really I think the casual atmosphere is a pull as well. Only downside is that walking here is best as parking is not the easiest.
(5)Heather T.
The food was okay. Dinner was on a cute patio but the tables were dirty. Next time, I would skip right to the Mexican Chocolate Cake. It was terrific!
(3)Michelle W.
This place was AWFUL! I thought, "wow, 208 reviews & being 4 1/2 stars this place should be legit!" NOT AT ALL! Very disappointed! Service was horrible! Very rude! Never served the ladies first! Oh & not for the average white person that doesn't do spicy! There were no alternatives to the sauces so it was a bland dinner. I could also cook better cheese enchiladas & I CAN'T COOK!!! Do not waste your money!!!
(1)Angie W.
This is a small place on the main street outside of Taos plaza but walkable from our hotel. We had an early dinner and sat at the patio which is okay. The décor is casual and more like a fast food place. We didn't get much attention from the waiter and no refill of water during our entire meal. It started to get chilly after 7pm and the patio isn't equipped with any patio heat lamp which is needed in Taos. Looks like chips and salsa are not complimentary in New Mexico. We ordered (2) dishes from the menu and (2) specials. Was a bit surprised to find that the (2) specials turned out to be $16 each. We got 4 shrimps on one of the special. The other one is a steak which is mediocre. We asked for medium and it turned out fully cooked. The dishes don't' justify the price at all. The other dishes are okay but nothing memorable and we felt a bit ripped off.
(3)Adam C.
I had the enchilada NM with "Christmas Sauce". Had I tried this as my first restaurant specializing in NM cuisine, I would have given it 4 stars. Unfortunately, during my 3 day trip to the area, I went to an insanely good place in Santa Fe, and La Cueva wasn't as good. I did enjoy the enchiladas. They were very well prepared, but the red and green sauces weren't as tasty as the place I had been previously. The ambiance of this place was pretty special however. There were literally four tables in a tiny room, with a maximum seated capacity of 12. It was very unique. They do have an outdoor seating area that looks like it could be pretty cool during warmer months. If I were a local, I would definitely try it again.
(3)Alice C.
Road Trip Notable Nosh # 4 (see Lists) Super friendly service and very delicious food, in a cheerful atmosphere. My husband worked as a teenager at the nearby Scout Ranch, and we came through Taos to relive some old memories. We felt lucky in that this was the only dog-friendly establishment on our entire route. Our two pooches also got to dine al fresco and the waiter even brought out water for our parched companions. We got nachos with salsa and guac, corn soup, fish tacos and mole chicken. Portions were very large, and we were saddened not to have room for desert. The guac was very fresh, although the salsa would have benefited from more fresh cilantro. The corn soup was creamy and had a nice cheesy flavor. The fish tacos were some of the best I have ever had. The fish was so fresh, tender and flaky and the tortillas had a homemade texture. The mole was scrumptious, with a deep smoky flavor. I am never one to eat the sauce remaining on a plate, but I couldn't resist one or two forkfuls on this occasion. Highly recommended!
(4)Anna D.
Wow!!!!! Amazing food that is also gluten free! A must stop for anyone who loves Mexican/SW food.
(5)Nash G.
We're from Texas and eat Mexican food with ridiculous regularity. Even still, this is the best Mexican food I've ever had, ever. The chips, salsa, and guacamole (especially) were perfect. The main entrance only has 3 tables in it. Fear not! There's a detached building where they have any more. The highlight of the meal was then green chile rellenos. Ho. Ly. Crap. The food was 30 stars, but the service was very, very slow, so 4 stars it is.
(4)Sarah K.
Probably the tiniest restaurant I've ever been in, with four 2-tops and one 4-top, for a total of seating 12 people max at one time. But this place is very cute! It's got a decorative fireplace, trinkets all around, and Mexican music at a soft, pleasant level in the background. Due to the limited seating, a lot of people came in for to-go/pick-up orders The staff is friendly and courteous, the bathroom is clean, and food is good. Again, like the other New Mexican places I've tried, I have trouble distinguishing what makes it unique to regular Mexican cuisine. I got enchiladas, a veggie and a shredded chicken, which comes with rice and beans and a little lettuce tomato mini salad. The veggie enchilada had zucchini, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes (different). The chicken wasn't as shredded as I'd prefer and it didn't have any seasoning/flavor. The beans were tasty. Bottom line: I have nothing particularly bad to say about this place, but I also didn't find anything particularly exceptional.
(3)Ryan C.
The food here is awesome - absolutely fantastic. Very fresh. No typical refried beans, etc. I loved the place until I received my check. I paid in cash the tab was 11 plus a little change. I handed over a $20 and received back 8 dollars. I paid in cash so they could skip credit card fees; here if you pay in cash expect a surcharge. They rounded up. The money would have been received anyways via a tip. The fact they just took the money on their own strikes me as dishonest. I'm very disappointed as in 4 dinners in Taos their food was the best. But this was basically theft.
(2)Jennifer M.
Great food! My daughter and I shared the Plato combinado and it was awesome! Really good guac and salsa too!
(5)Lanaye D.
The food was delicious. enjoyed the outdoor seating. The meal was a little slower for our party of 11.
(5)Jeremy H.
This is our first time in NM. We are from Southern California and like to brag about how good we have it with the Mexican food but after eating at La Cueva Cafe we were blown away with how good the food was. I actually had to close my eyes while eating the Mole Chicken Fajitas. Also shed a tear or two while eating the Frito Pie. So many flavors, so many sauces, its paradise for foodies. Everything about this place was perfect EXCEPT no alcohol. I would have loved to wash down the fabulous Chile Relleno with an icy cold margarita or a local NM beer. Alas I had to settle for an Arnold Palmer.
(5)Nikki H.
This place is fantastic!!! My favorite food in Taos. Everything is delicious! The staff is is friendly and helpful. Love the NM cheese enchiladas and fresh guacamole. Love the fresh fruit smoothies also. The desserts were amazing!! Highly recommend!!! You won't regret it.
(5)Rachel S.
We live here in Taos, and this is our favorite New Mexican restaurant. The food is consistently good, with fast, friendly service.
(5)Sheila M.
Came for anniversary dinner. Excellent food. We both had enchiladas. Great flavor great service! We will recommend to all.
(5)Misty P.
Loved our dishes, combination plate and salmon with veggies and rice. Great sauces, great flavors. Order the yummy chips, salsa, guacamole.
(5)Liz L.
Super tiny place but awesome food! No liquor license keeps your drink options limited to soda, lemonade, or water... But the meal itself was amazing. We started with the Frito Pie, then had the mole enchiladas and chile rellenos- perfect!! The best rellenos I have ever had (get them "Christmas style" to experience both the red and green sauce.) We finished up with the Mexican chocolate cake - not to be missed!! They've got some kind of secret spice that will keep me coming back whenever I'm in Taos.
(5)Jeannine O.
Went on 6/24/12, but this never posted. A great place so I wanted to still post. Mexican chocolate cake finished off a great meal! Shrimp enchiladas were a winner!
(4)Rada Y.
Rare for me to slap five *s on any restaurant. Yes, I'm a picky b*Tch! Especially over an enchilada. Now, I'm telling you...if I just walked by this place and peeked in the window, I probably wouldn't bother. It's a tiny, glow in the dark neon dive. But I have a keen sense of smell and I caught a whiff of the chili & like a siren's song, it drew me in. Mind you this was about high noon and with 12 seats (no, not tables, seats) we were lucky to find a spot to sit down. While the walls are neon yellow, everything's immaculate & quaint in its simplicity. The waiter was professional and polite & my enchilada was one of the best I've ever had...and I cut my baby teeth on roasted chili. My friend raved about the shredded beef tacos & never offered me a bite. (I wasn't sharing the enchilada either.)
(5)Kerry M.
Fresh, friendly and no fuss. The front dining room is so tiny that we were afraid we wouldn't get in, but then we we're led around the back, through a cute patio and into dining room number 2! No pretention, just great food. Chicken burrito with tons of fresh all white meat and shrimp tacos with wonderful chipotle sauce. Delightful! No alcohol is only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. Margaritas are good with chips and guac!
(4)Chris A.
Yep, that good. Great little courtyard right off the main drag that made it seem like we were in someone's backyard. The food was great - got the combination plate, which was a perfect amount of food. La Cueva Cafe doesn't have a liquor license though, so you'll have to go elsewhere for margaritas.
(5)Diana D.
I'm not sure what the big deal is about this place. Maybe because I was raised with a Mexican momma do I have high expectations when I read such positive yelp reviews about a Mexican restaurant. I'll just list the pros and cons in a straight forward way: The place is tiny, cute and has character. The waiter was aloof. It was slow when we were in there and we had to ask for the check. The salsa was very good, but the guacamole was so average--it was fresh but it was basically just smashed avocado with a hint of tomato and onion (really good guacamole needs some love). The shrimp enchiladas were pretty good but smothered (!) in a sauce that drowned out the other subtle flavors that should have been there. The Spanish rice needed fresh sautéed onions and ? ...It was just rice with a red tomato tint. I don't know. It was just okay overall. Edible for sure, just not amazing.
(3)Ashley W.
My friends and I were driving from Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico last week and chanced upon this utterly delicious cafe. Honest to goodness, I am a taco NUT!!! These were some of the best beef tacos I have ever had in my life. I very rarely eat dessert but the four of us shared a truly amazing slice of key lime pie with tequila-infused whipped cream. OMG. The service on the back deck was excellent. The Arnold Palmer was refreshing and delicious, too! I wish I could go back right now -- but it's a long way from San Francisco Bay. I shall return. 6.20.15 Returned today. I think it's even better than I remembered. Dang, this is GREAT Mexican food. We'll be back. Since I was here last I got married to the most wonderful man and we moved to Oregon. Thank goodness, he loves this place as much as I do!!!
(5)Tracy W.
Don't judge a book by its cover or a good hole in the wall by its shell. The place has a nice local vibe and the food is worth the stop. Tortilla soup and enchiladas were a hit. If you want something local this is it.
(4)Kandi S.
This is a hidden gem of a restaurant. It's tiny and unpretentious and the food and service is terrific. My friend and. We're looking for a light bite for lunch and found La Cueva on Yelp. We started with their homemade chips and salsa and guacamole. Delicious. The chips were super light and crispy and the guacamole was fresh and chunky. We then shared the chile relano special and it was indeed very special. The beef filled chile included apple, pear and raisin. The dish was topped with a delicious ba
(5)Randy L.
Oh my, 1st time CO natives, now living in Corrales, NM, to visit Taos - La Cueva Cafe is a MUST stop & enjoy. Perfect 16 seating eatery - great service, excellent food & all wirh perfect ambiance - we WILL return. :) b
(5)Ryan S.
Stopped here on my way through Taos after seeing the good reviews. Delicious and authentic New Mexican food. The shrimp enchiladas were excellent. You'll be ready for a nap afterwards because you won't be able to stop eating.
(5)Aaron A.
Great Mexican food!!! I'm from Texas so this was 100x better than tex mex. I had the seafood enchiladas and tortilla soup. Both extremely fresh, the seafood enchiladas had a red cream sauce on it. They said they make the soup when you order it. It had a quarter of an avocado on the soup. I tasted my wife's fajitas, extremely flavorful. chips and salsa are extra but chines with guacamole, also made fresh. This is my first time giving a Mexican food place 5 stars. Small quaint place. Don't worry when you walk in and see seating for 8... they have other rooms out back.
(5)Jeanette W.
A interesting mix of New Mexican and Mexican food- we had the chicken mole enchiladas, veggie tacos and the combo platter. The mole sauce was wonderful, and a treat as homemade mole sauce is hard to come by in NM. They are great with the kids and the patio is nice in the summer. I appreciate a place to go that is gluten free- so that is also a plus.
(3)Liam D.
Came here with my dad and sister after arriving in Taos. Looked here on yelp for ideas on dinner and so glad I came. Great food, nice wait staff and be sure to save room for the chocolate cake!
(5)Jessa J.
Went here for lunch on a sat. Guac had good flavor and the shrimp cream sauce was great. The rest was underwhelming... the chicken mole and rellenos were not 4.5 star worthy by any means.
(3)Angela H.
I am not normally a big fan of Mexican food but this was incredible. The specials are so good! All 4 of us loved what we ordered. Highly recommended
(5)Shando S.
Wow, am I glad we decided to try La Cueva! I'd have to say hands down best mexican food I've ever had! My girlfriend and I did some Yelp browsing and chose this restaurant based on the ratings. The place is small, but cozey. It has an old-timey southwestern style decor which is to be expected for the area. We started out with Chips with Salsa & Guacamole. The Salsa was not too spicy and had a nice subtle smokey chipotle flavor. The guacamole was bright, delicious and tasted very fresh. (My only suggestion for the whole meal would be more garlic in the guacamole). I ordered the Chicken Chimi w/ green sauce, and my girlfriend got the Chicken Mole Enchiladas. The chicken in both dishes was out of this world, shredded prime cuts of white meat. Both the chimi and enchiladas were cooked to perfection. The sauce was to die for in both dishes. The green sauce was light in color, with just the right amount of spice, and not like none I've had before. The mole sauce was sweet and savory. We shared the chocolate chipotle cake w/ ice cream for dessert. There was just the perfect smokey undertone in the aftertaste. The cake was warm and moist, and was presented beautifully with a sweet red and brown chocolate drizzle accompanied by a cocoa/cinnamon powder sprinkle. The service was stellar and the entire meal with shared appetizer, dessert, 2 beverages, and 2 main dishes cost a total of thirty some dollars. I'd call that very reasonable when comparing to anywhere else on the Taos main strip. Ohhh man I'm having flashbacks. You're going to want to go ahead and choose La Cueva Cafe.
(5)Lauren L.
We found La Cueva via Yelp, and it was only steps from our lovely B&B, La Dona Luz. When our innkeeper Paco recommended La Cueva as well, we knew we had to try it. The interior boasts boxes of GF flour everywhere, and indeed, they will make the chile relleno (and other items) gluten-free for you! Exciting! The place is tiny... Maybe four or five tables? So you might try it at off times or order take-out just in case. If you do get a table, it's very cozy, especially in winter, when we visited, where we could look outside at all of the snow and ice and feel warm and contented inside the adobe building. We were definitely the only tourists in the place, but it was a winter weeknight. My BF and I both ordered the combination plate so that we could try as many things as possible. At La Cueva, this included a beef (hard shell) taco, a chile relleno, and a chicken enchilada (if I remember correctly, these were the house recommendations, but you can change the meats around if you'd like). The plate came with rice and beans and your choice of chiles; we ordered it Christmas. Everything was delicious, but I especially enjoyed the taco, and if I remember correctly my BF enjoyed the chile relleno. Although we were absolute newcomers to New Mexican cuisine, this place felt authentic to us -- and it certainly set a high standard for what would follow. We hope to come back and try more dishes some day soon!
(5)Craig S.
What do you get when you cross a ski trip to Taos with a bunch of tech savvy guys? Yelpers. So take that combo and it leads you right to La Cueva Cafe! We stopped in on a Friday evening to see the same tiny place everyone else has mentioned. What we didn't expect was to be led right back out the door, up the path and into another building. So don't be afraid of the lack of seating, they do have an overflow dining area! We ended up in the other building by ourselves, however the quality service continued as both the server and someone whom appeared to be one of the chefs returned often. As for the food, there's really not much more to say that hasn't already been said. We started with the Chips, Salsa, and Guacamole. All were incredibly fresh and tasty, not to mention a very good value. I personally went with the chicken chimi with the christmas sauce (mixture of red and green chile sauces). This too was seasoned perfectly and very fresh. We shared the well reviewed key lime pie for dessert. Tangy, full of lime zest, and simply wonderful. There's something to be said for smaller family run businesses like La Cueva Cafe. And that something is, "Perfecto"!
(5)April T.
Service: 5 stars, food: 3.5 stars We were a little disappointed given it had nearly 5 stars rating. We both had specials and it was good but not amazing. The service was fantastic and the back deck is very cute.
(4)Ricardo F.
Please try the tiger shrimp!!!. The place is small and may not be the nicest looking restaurant in town. However, the food is great. The down part is that they don't sell any alcoholic beverages.
(4)Brigitte B.
While this is a tiny and very simple place to eat, they do have a fairly large and cool patio in the summer. However, in the winter, you can sit inside as long as you can grab a seat - the food is worth a wait. Very reasonably priced, I love all of their soups, but especially the chicken tortilla variety and pair that with a BLT. Have had everything on the menu and I'm never disappointed. Try to go there outside of the rush dining hours... and do eat dessert! The key lime pie is simply amazing.
(5)Rick L.
As a New Yorker, I thought I knew good restaurants. Imagine my surprise when some of the best Mexican food ever came from this modest restaurant in Taos. Don't miss the key lime pie.
(5)Kelly L.
Rather small dining area but great service and delicious food. The guacamole was pretty good and I really enjoyed my chipotle shrimp tacos. Reasonably priced and they advertise a gluten free menu. Would go back. :)
(5)RB W.
Great lunch spot on the plaza. From the mole fajitas, to the rellenos and the enchiladas, you really can't go wrong. Homemade salsa and guacamole is also excellent. The service is also above average. Overall, a place I will continue to frequent.
(5)Marcy J.
Nothing to write home about. They really don't serve New Mexican cuisine, it's very much like Tex Mex. My husband asked for red chili and got chipotle. The chicken in the burrito and enchiladas is shredded breast, no seasoning and very dry. I prefer dark meat or a mixture to give it flavor and moisture. The burrito has no beans inside just chicken breast. They charge for chips and salsa. The guacamole is very good, chunky and flavorful. They do not serve alcohol not even beer, which is kind of a bummer for a Mexican restaurant. The place is small but we weren't uncomfortable at all. It seemed clean and I didn't mind sitting by their deep freezer and shelves full of groceries. I wish I'd have tried Orlando's, I heard it's great after we already ate here and we were leaving town.
(2)Amy D.
Mwah. Combo plate with red and green chilie. The smoothies my kids got looked great too.
(4)Willanne W.
Disappointing in many ways. Let me count them: 1. Chile rellenos: green chile sauce had no recognizable chile in it, tasted like chicken soup and was super runny. The rellenos were more mexican style than New Mexican. White Mexican cheese was used inside the rellenos. Oh, and the pinto beans were blah. 2. Gnarly little plastic cups for the water .. tasted funky and looked pathetic. 3. Waiter was pleasant and efficient. 4. Restaurant has a pleasant environment and some outdoor seating. Can't recommend it as I didn't care for the food at all. Sorry!
(1)Cat M.
I've eaten a lot of Mexican food in my life, and crammed as much New Mexican food into my face as I could during my week in the land of enchantment, so when I say that La Cueva Cafe was the best (New) Mexican food I've ever had I want you to know that means something. We didn't order anything out of the ordinary -- guacamole, spinach enchiladas, chile rellenos, etc. Standard fare. But you could taste that it was all prepared to order, from scratch, with love and careful thought toward spices. The presentation was gorgeous and unexpected for a hole in the wall family place. La Cueva executes a familiar menu with so much passion that it's like tasting those dishes for the first time.
(5)Dan M.
I don't think I've tasted better Mexican food. Key lime pie was good too, as described.
(5)A S.
Best posole in town!
(5)Brenna C.
I can't recommend this place enough. We stopped in Taos during a cross-country drive and I can say without any reservations that this was the single best meal we had the entire three week trip. (And there were some darn good meals.) Unimpressive looking from the outside, the restaurant offers a small back patio that is very pleasant. The service was also efficient and friendly, but really, La Cueva is all about the food. We ordered a wide variety of dishes and not a single one was less than delicious. The tamale special was amazing, the chile verde got two thumbs up from our resident chile verde fan, and my fish was unexpected, but completely amazing. This is elevated, unfussy food at great prices. Don't miss the interesting and refreshing homemade lemonade, and the chunky guacamole. I may have to drive back through New Mexico just to eat here again.
(5)Neil M.
Fantastic food and a very friendly staff. Everyone in Taos reccomended this place to me, even the parking attendant. It is small and the seating is tight. The salsa is remarkable and the entrees delicious and plentiful. They had quite a nice selection of desserts but I had no room for them. Sounded great
(4)Ron G.
This place has at best 6 tables and a small kitchen. So know in advance it is a small space and nothing fancy. The menu is short but manages to fit in kids items. And best of all the food is amazingly good. Can highly recommend the guacamole as well as the mole version of their fajitas (a sometimes available special). I would steer you away from the ceviche fish tacos unless you *really* love a LOT of lime. We'd happily return here any time.
(5)Dan M.
Tiny restaurant. Excellent food. Great service. The civiche was top notch. All of our entrees were incredible. The chimichanga dessert was amazing.
(5)Laura M.
Well sorry to say it was not so good. Chili Rellenos were average. The waiter seemed to be bothered by my request for no onions. Seems everything has them. Love them but I am allergic. Nice patio staff was otherwise friendly.
(2)Laura J.
We were told " hole in the wall" and " local favorite". However I think the secret is out! La Cueva is a Taos hit!! We have been going to taos for 20 years and this was a great find( and we have eaten all over taos)! The service was wonderful. We started on the patio but as it got cooler they quickly moved us into the tiny, albeit quirky , and very busy dining room. The poblano mole with carnitas was fabulous - tender and so flavorful I want the sauce bottled!! The combination platter was just the right balance of favors and food! Prices were great! The only thing missing-- and really with all the flavors not really needed--would be a good cerveza or margarita!! This will definitely be one of our regular stops on future visits! Awesome!
(5)Dub T.
A gem of a find! After a long hard day of driving, and several days of very mediocre meals on the road, we did not expect much from this place - and boy were we glad to be wrong! The food almost brought a tear to my husband's eye as "the best Mexican food I've ever had"! And he wasn't wrong. He had Chimichangas, and I had a mixed platter of taco and enchilada (as I couldn't decide). Everything tasted great, was served super quick and represented extraordinarily good value. The pretty little restaurant itself, particularly the back patio, helped round out the experience for us and leave us with very pleasant memories of New Mexico.
(5)brendan j.
Great food, great service, and the staff was great with the kids. nice patio to eat outdoors. food was the typical southwestern/tex-mex but it was very fresh and very good. had the combo plate which i liked and my wife had the fajitas with mole sauce - also very good. one note, as of early june they still didn't have a liquor license so it's byob.
(4)Sharon G.
While we all love our northern New Mexican cuisine, those of us raised in places like Texas miss authentic Mexican food as well. This is it! Best chicken mole outside of Mexico. Only real, hand loaded fabulous nachos I've found in the whole state. Their flan will knock your socks off. Great family run service; very tiny place, so make reservations, and enjoy!
(5)Kathy P.
The smallest kitchens create the most delectable dishes and La Cueva is a perfect example of churning out tantalizing meals that make your taste buds smile! 5 stars for ceviche, guacamole, and mole chicken fajitas. Pass on the corn chowder (too bland, not enough corn) and corn tortillas (too thin and served cold). Lemonada & tea both refreshing. 5 stars for smiling friendly service also!
(5)AVID C.
When it was Rellenos, I loved it and I still do! Same chef....now he is the owner. I had one veggie and one chicken enchilada with green chile sauce. Awesome, heavenly. Loved the mixed veggies. Lunch buddy had the tacos which he said were fine. Beans, not refried, on the side along with excellent Spanish rice. No room for dessert, but the flan looks good. As others say, the place doesn't look like much on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts!
(5)Ralph T.
This is truly a hole in the wall in Taos. This small restaurnt is located near the town square. Service was good the food GREAT. Four of us had guacomole, tacos, encaladas, rice, beans and chips. All were awsome. If you're in Taos stop by you won't be dissapointed. Same as Rellenos Cafe-Just changed the name
(4)Melanie B.
Wonderful, fresh, well-prepared food. Friendly staff. The mole enchilada (something that is hard to find in southern New Mexico) was excellent. The fish tacos with the chipotle mayo were outstanding. Prices are absolutely reasonable for the quality and portion size. La Cueva is a small, non-assuming space but the atmosphere is warm, intimate and welcoming. The staff are so helpful and customer service oriented. The salsa is roasted red pepper salsa - does not taste canned, tasted fresh, although I never asked, Do not miss eating here when visiting beautiful Taos!
(4)Sandy N.
I've eaten here before and the food was decent athough they always seem to be short of something. Decided to try again but this time i was told that an item on the menu was not available because the "chef" was too busy to cook it. If so, why have it on the menu? Will likely not go back because they seem to cook what they want when they want, regardless of what it says on the menu. The hassle of parking does not make this worth it.
(2)Benjamin Y.
Believe the yelpers - great dinner for quite cheap. The whole place is the size of your mother in law's walkin closet. Be prepared to overhear the neighbors' conversation about their zany/quirky experiences studying abroad. The mole and guac are winners. I'd eat here all the time if I were lucky enough to be a local!
(5)angela n.
Great food. Great location and decor. Don't let the front dissuade you from trying this place. Very good prices. No beer though. But such good food and fresh flavors. The enchiladas, tacos, chili rellanos, rice, beans, guacamole were fantastic. Everything seemed so freshly made. Oh, we bought the flan for dessert. It looked so delicious but we were so stuffed. We are bringing it home for later! The service was great too. We would definitely come back!
(5)Gwendolyn B.
Great food. The pulled pork special was to die for. And good tortilla soup too.
(5)Ben K.
Easily the best place I've eaten in Taos (where I've been several times over the past few years, living in Santa Fe). The shrimp enchiladas (in a delicious and rich creamy chipotle sauce) were fantastic, as was my fruit smoothie. My girlfriend's fish tacos were also a cut above. Quick, pleasant service (we had a charming Peruvian waiter) and really reasonable prices for the area. Highly recommended.
(5)David H.
Great, had the carnitas with green mole sauce. The pork broke apart when i pressed it with the fork, then it was game time. The people i was with had the enchiladas and the chili relleno. Relleno was a little soggy, but the brisket taco was fantastic. They make great sauces, so err on the saucy side when choosing. 4 stars for no liquor liscense yet. Otherwise 5.
(4)Cecilia S.
Great hole in the wall. Easy to miss if you're not paying attention. I had the taco and enchiladas. Taco was delicious as was the enchiladas with the green sauce. They even have gluten free options. Only complaint, they do not serve beer, or any alcohol. A bummer when you can't wah a good Mexican meal down with a nice cold beer.
(4)Jeff R.
Yes. Everything everybody has said so far has been right on the money. The carnitas are delicious and the molé is to die for. Plus my wife had a garlic salmon dish, which wasn't mentioned, that was so good I would eat it and I don't eat fish. The key lime pie is also out of this world. FYI, the carnitas, fajitas and pie are daily specials that are not on the menu. The next time I'm in Taos, I'm coming back. **They don't have a liquor license so there's NO alcohol allowed on the premises.**
(5)Emily M.
Never would have gone here if not for Yelp. What a gem of a place. The patio is lovely in nice weather. I just really appreciated the attention to detail of the food -- from the homemade mint/lemonade, which was so refreshing, to the New Mexican spin on chicken tortilla soup (sopa de tortilla), to the attention devoted even to the nachos appetizer with roasted jalapenos (a new, wonderful flavor for me) and slow-cooked pork. Our service was great, everyone's food was delicious, down to the details.
(5)Guy S.
My experience at La Cueva was nothing short of spectacular. My group was in Taos for a few days, and I turned to Yelp when I was in charge of picking a dinner spot. My family and friends ordered almost everything on the menu, and multiple people said that it was the best Mexican food they had ever had. We started with chips and salsa, and the salsa had a wonderful smoky flavor and great consistency. The server was unbelievably friendly, helpful, and attentive. He did everything with a smile on his face and was happy to accommodate a large (and sometimes unruly) group. I had a taste of chipotle shrimp taco, the fish taco, and chile relleno, and they were all great. The tacos had a wonderful and bright salsa and a chipotle sauce with a mild kick. The chile relleno had nice spice and a wonderful texture, and you could taste the chile through the other flavors, which is a great plus. Both were served in great-tasting corn tortillas with a great crunch. One of my companions had a special chile relleno served with a rich almond sauce, and it was unlike anything I've ever tasted. My Dad ate every morsel of his chicken mole enchiladas, and his friend devoured beef burritos. La Cueva also has delightful deserts that I didn't notice on the menu at first glance. The Mexican chocolate cake was perfectly moist and had a great spice note (cinnamon, etc). The can't-miss desert is the mango cream chimichanga: the sweetness of the mango, the slight tang of the cream, the crunchy shell...it was delightful. On top of all this, the most expensive entree at La Cueva is $13.95. I don't claim to be an expert on Mexican (or New Mexican) food, but I would eat at La Cueva again and again. Great service, good value, and delightful flavors. I can't recommend it enough.
(5)Andrea K.
Good place for an inexpensive breakfast of tasty food and friendly service. I had the huevos rancheros and hubs had the huevos con enchiladas. Both were very good and only $6.50. Their red chile was terrific. No alcohol so no morning mimosas but definitely keeps the tab down!
(4)Les S.
Awesome! Great rellenos! Tacos really good. Service great! Food prices even better. Asked for extra onions on our plate and they grilled them for us - yum. Ate here twice
(5)Michael S.
I can see that everyone else had a similar experience to mine! Please do not let the exterior deter you, for it is small and nice on the inside, and there is a back patio that we ate on, which was nice! We had guac and salsa first, which was homemade, fresh, and delicious. Then we had one of the specials that day, mole chicken fajitas, which was soooo yummy. We were also one of the only ones there, it is not crowded, the service was PERFECT, and I wish this place was 2 blocks from my house...
(5)Jonathan Y.
Really good food prepared and served by really friendly people in an unpretentious pleasant atmosphere at really good prices. What more could one ask for? Last time here I had red trout in a mojo de ajo sauce, very tasty, not overly creamy. My wife enjoyed her shrimp in a chipotle sauce, but most accolades were saved on her side for the key lime pie, made by the owners of course.The mango cream chimichanga, on my side, was wicked too, the perfect balance of dry and wet, pretty masterful. Reading the descriptions of the food might lead one to expect something a bit chi chi (is that how one spells it?) but that is not what La Cueva is about. Check it out for sure, just look in and you will know if it is for yout. No alcohol. Patio is larger than inside, very cozy.
(5)Shamwow G.
When you think of New Mexico food you think of chilies, right? I've been on a few road trips around the state of chilies we call New Mexico, being that I'm a texan I've had my fair share of tex mex as well. Typically tex mex is mild and the primary chillies used are usually chipotle jalapeño chilies and just plain jalapeños. When I first stepped into La Cueva it was a small dive type place made up of two separate rooms which are separated outside, therefore making it more complicated for the servers to cater to the various tables. I found that my water glass was empty too often and I had been forgotten by my waiter. The food tasted like regular tex mex rather than New Mexican food, which doesn't make sense because there were New Mexican chilies hanging from the walls! I ordered a green chili chicken burrito, the burrito was bland, had no green chilies inside of it, and was basically a bunch of chicken inside of a tortilla. After pouring some chipotle salsa (that was claimed to be red chili salsa) on the burrito it was ok. The tortilla was store bought which was disappointing since I was in one of the highest rated restaurants in Taos. As a summary the service was ok, the food was not New Mexican but rather tex mex. If you are looking for a good "New Mexican" restaurant try Marias' in Santa Fe
(3)T R.
Great breakfast. Full of flavor and I would go back for the heuvos rancheros alone--but other things to try. Also want to try dinner and the mole sauce. Nice service.
(5)Andrew P.
This restaurant shows that you can't necessarily trust Yelp when it comes to something as unique as New Mexican cuisine in such a tourist-centric town as Taos. This food is New Mexican In Name Only--in fact, as I had the misfortune to discover thanks to these sorely misguided Yelp reviews, this is cheap, average to below-average Mexican food covered with very poor, bland imitations of New Mexican red and green chile sauce. For merely 2-3$ more per plate, go to Orlando's and discover what real, good New Mexican food tastes like. Take it from a former local to northern NM.
(1)Barbara T.
Why 5 stars? Well here is the thing; when a restaurant with only seating for 12 people and stays in business winter and summer I am impressed. But this little hole in the wall restaurant goes one or two better. It is full of quirky personality, serves great food and the service was sensational. We loved it. It is not easy to find because it is a ways from the trendy shopping. But obviously locals love it. retireinstyleblog.com
(5)P G.
Do it, go, enjoy the freshness of the food. Stop on the way in. You will not be sorry. A hole in the wall with passionate good cooking.
(5)Michelle L.
I have been coming to Taos my whole life, almost every year, as I have family here. This time I tried La Cueva and was not disappointed. I love New Mexican food and was very pleased with the quality of the food. I had the chicken mole enchiladas (which I'm not sure is New Mexican) but at any rate it was delicious. The chicken was all shredded white meat and the mole sauce was rich and satisfying. I will come here again which is more than I can say for most of the restaurants in the area!! Also, it's a small place and nothing fancy. Just good home style cooking!
(5)Denise N.
Scratching head...why the hype. Tasted like pretty much every other Mexican taqueria I've ate at. The patrons around us were oozing over the food as if had been delivered by Huitzilopochtli himself. Seemed pretty standard fare to me, though. But on a more positive note - the bathroom was super cute :)
(3)Sharon B.
Found this place on Food Network so on our trip to Taos, we just had to try it and we were not disappointed. Small little place with nice outdoor patio dining. Staff was excellent and food was delicious!
(4)Brittany M.
I hate to be a downer on this 4+ star establishment, but I was thoroughly unimpressed with every single part of the meal. Chips and salsa must be purchased and they are ok at best. My green chili sauce was the least flavorful of any I had in NM. Mole was so-so. I can go on and on. As a Texan, it could be easy to assume that I'm partial to TexMex, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I thoroughly enjoy the differences of New Mexican food. I've had Mexican food that was 10 times better for 1/3 of the price. In short, find somewhere else to eat.
(1)Jimbo S.
Tiny tiny dining room. The chipotle cream sauce seafood enchiladas were superb. The shrimp tacos were excellent. The service was excellent. The parking was scarce being so close to "downtown" but we lucked out. The chips needed salt, but that I can do myself!
(5)L G.
Tiny. No liquor license. Very authentic. Exceptional food.
(4)Simon W.
Highly rated on yelp. On arrival I was dubious: it didn't look anything special. However the food is exceptional. Exceptionally good that is. Very friendly service. And actually, once you get over the fact the you are eating in a tiny boho type place it is actually very, very cosy. This place is a gem. (And I am hard to please).
(5)Jack F.
If you looking for charm, great food, impeccable service this is your place!!! We loved it and will be back. They do have the best Key Lime Pie I have ever tasted.
(5)Jason P.
After many visits to Taos recently I finally visited La Cueva. Because it was Presidents day weekend they had their special Chile Relleno's on the menu. Weeping Jesus on the cross, BEST RELLENO'S EVER. Add to that, my girlfriend had the mole chicken enchiladas, which are on the menu all the time, and I was in heaven. Jose explained to us that the recipes came from his family up through Mexico and they make mole the long traditional way, as well as the nogada sauce for the rellenos. Many items have been checked off my bucket list so far; find the best chile relleno in the world. Check.
(5)Dick G.
We came here for lunch and then returned the following day for dinner. About the lunch, which is what brought us back, it was the best Mexican/NM food I've ever eaten. The chile relleno was unsurpassable and the chicken enchilada was a close second. What made the lunch particularly enjoyable were the explanations of the food preparations provided by our waiter, Jose. The next time I am near Taos, I will certainly eat there again.
(4)Dorothy F.
A year ago I would have given La Cueva Cafe 5 stars! We were disappointed in the food this trip. It seemed lackluster and was not even hot when it was served. Our waiter seemed disinterested......maybe he was mirroring the attitude of the kitchen staff.....Have they lost their chef?
(3)Zigurd M.
Mante's was closed so we asked Yelp. La Cueva came up with good reviews, and we saw it driving through town, so off we went. We were early for dinner and the only patrons at the time, so service we highly attentive. The ingredients were fresh and the cooking was perfect. The refried beans had texture, the lettuce and pico de gallo were crisp and refreshing, and the fajita-style meat was fresh, tender, and plentiful - not smothered in peppers and onions. They have some items that are not on other local menus, like meat dishes with mole sauce. It's a tiny place, and the dining room is plain, but food is as good as the best in town. Too cold for the patio, but that may be the way to go when it is open.
(4)Andrew J.
ALERT ALERT - They do not have a liquor license.... Jus sayn! I don't know about you but when I'm chowin down on some Mexican grub I want a cervasa or margarita. So I was definitely disappointed when he told us that, but in their defense they did tell us as soon as we sat down. Moving on, I went here on a recent trip to Taos and my friends and I did enjoy it. The staff was attentive, the patio out back was quite, cute and nice. The food was good too. Things seemed more homemade than most Mexican places so that was a welcome change. I had the mole chicken and I thought they were great, with a nice balance of spice and chocolate. I didn't leave a drop on my plate. My friend order the same thing but wasn't as impressed as I was, but this isn't her post so there. My wife ordered a combination plate and really enjoyed it. It had some fresh cheese stuffed chile rellenos that were done well with the right amount of breading and cheese. We finished the meal with some slices of cake that were also well prepared and delicious. In short, I'd recommend this place while in Taos.
(4)Lovemydog B.
We stumbled into this place super hungry and left completely happy. The food is amazing. We sat on the patio and sat for a long time! It's small but yummy. I would suggest sitting on the patio- not only is it small but super adorable! Enjoy
(5)Julia M.
Tacos were very tasty, burrito only had meat in it so that was odd, enchiladas was good. So the family thought it was good, a-ok
(3)Todd H.
We are regulars to Santa Fe and Taos and this very small and improbable restaurant (no alcohol, located in a former corner gas station maybe?) caught our eye on Yelp and we are certainly glad it did. The food is fresh, enticing, and delicious. You can tell that a talented chef who loves food is in charge in the closet size kitchen. We enjoyed the Guacamole and Salsa (very smoky - nice), the Chicken Mole Enchilada, Asada Steak, and chocolate cake. The folks are friendly as well. We will return!
(5)Erin B.
Excellent! The red chili was exactly what I was hoping for & the rice, beans, guac & salsa were excellent as well. Yum!!
(5)Food C.
We were sooo disappointed. We went there because of the Yelp reviews, and it makes me think twice about following these reviews. The waiter was very friendly and very nice. We got to sit outside, which is nice, but the food---very disappointing. We had the mole which was fine, but a little too sweet. Since we had such wonderful chile sauces in Santa Fe, we wanted to try theirs, so I ordered enchiladas with both red and green chile sauces. TERRIBLE! In Santa Fe you could see chilies and onions, etc. The sauces here were just like canned sauces--no different from canned enchilada sauce--just like a thickened liquid. Will not return.
(3)Marcia K.
This restaurant is just a hole in the wall on. Busy corner just before the plaza in Taos. The inside is tiny but very cheerful and colorful. Jose was out waiter and very helpful with recommendations. My husband and I had the shrimp and seafood enchiladas which were fabulous. Friends with us had a burrito and, believe it or not, fish and chips. We were all very happy with out choices. Would come back here for lunch if back in Taos!
(5)Jaclyn B.
Best fish tacos I have ever had. If you are in Taos it is a must try. Super cute small place. Delicious food!
(5)Jess P.
Guess I'm used to quick paced city dining, so service seemed very hectic and not very efficient. BUT the wait is worth it. Sooo delicious.
(4)Dirk R.
Great place to get some simple cozy food. The cafe is really, really intimate. When I say intimate the dinning area seats 12 and is only about 12' x 15'. Too bad they don't open for breakfast until 10 am or we would have gone back. Our food was fantastic and the chile had great flavor and just the right amount of heat. This is an unpretentious cafe that serves great food. If you want a lot of bling then don't go. It was simple and very relaxing.
(5)A T.
Excellent food, great service. Thank you for doing what you do. It is not easy running a restaurant and it is even more difficult to operate one that produces good food consistently. Our dinner at your restaurant was better than we expected and we hope to return in the future.
(5)Megan F.
I was pretty disappointed with my trip to La Cueva. The old man and I arrived in Taos as part of an off-season road trip and like the rest of our trip - based where we'd eat on Yelp reviews. Unfortunately, this was the only instance in which the Yelpers let us down. The food was not bad, but it was just OK. The guacamole was delicious but the carne asada and the salsa were bland. We were further disappointed when the waiter treated us in a condescending manner because he didn't think we knew how to speak Spanish. Truth is, I am fluent, but hard of hearing. When I asked him to repeat the name of a dish, he said "Oh, you don't even know what that means, do you?" in a very condescending tone. I had expected a lot more from this place based on the reviews.
(2)Brie S.
Gluten free! Almost everything on the brreakfast menu including the green and red chiles. I had huevos rancheros here and loved them. It's very hard for me to find good gluten free mexican (or any other) food. I loved the patio.
(5)Nick O.
Two of us had dinner here. We were unfamiliar with the place and all of Taos. I did some online searching around and saw that La Cueva reviewed well so we tried it. As we pull up to the front of the restaurant I was disappointed at the outside appearance, it looked sort of run down. Then we proceed inside to take our seat and I actually had thoughts of leaving, again just because of appearance. It's not dirty looking, it is clean even. It's just not even the slightest bit fancy or modern looking. But they have the best food ever. I am glad I decided to stay. I would go back many times, but I'm from California. The plate presentation was very good too. Services were good and quick. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
(4)Peter B.
Excellent! Very authentic!
(5)Ciely H.
Here's the "spot" - La Cueva. Hmmm, what does that mean? I'll have to look that up. The food is lovely. A yummy treat was their Salmon Enchilada with Chipotle cream sauce. Oh yeah baby! That's what I'm talkin' about. It's rumored the Chefs' previous experience was at another very popular local restaurant, and it shows. they know what they're doing. The ingredients are fresh and tasty. The price is quite reasonable. The Owners are charming and it's a "gluten free" zone. Love this one! One of the little local gems of Taos you'll be sure to remember.
(4)Steve K.
Blah. Bland green chile sauce thickened with flour that wasn't even close to spicy or authentic. Beans WERE good. Rest was just ok. Iced tea tasted like it was from a mix and really weak. Not awful but not even close to memorable. I went here because of the rave reviews on yelp and can only conclude they are fake. No way the place I just ate at could legitimately garner that level of praise. Giving it one star to let other yelpers know they should not trust those reviews.
(1)javier b.
Came in from out of town after reading reviews about this place when it was called Rellenos. Great little place, the name is appropriate for a tiny dining room, but with cleverly set up outside patio too. Had the shrimp enchiladas plate, it was awesome, with a cheesy sauce and cajun style shrimp inside. We chatted with the owner, he explained he took over and had to change the name because previous owner took the old name with him, but La Cueva kept the same menu. This is our first time visiting Taos, and this was the first restaurant we picked. We were very happy with service, food, neatness and clever set up of the cafe.
(5)Nathan B.
Everything was awesome! It's been such a long time since I've had real good Mexican food! It's a cool little place that doesn't seat very many, but when you eat the food...... Mmmmmmm good!
(5)Jennifer I.
We took a chance on this cafe. At first look it seemed a little down trodden, but we were very pleasantly surprised; the staff was friendly and the food was made quickly and deliciously! The space while "snug" made for a cozy atmosphere. We highly recommend this little gem if you come through Taos.
(4)Jennie M.
La Cueva was my first (and best) dining experience in New Mexico and I almost missed it. The outside of the building is not that impressive so we almost passed it by, but just around back is nice patio with quite a few tables, so that sucked us in. As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted by a friendly straight-shooting waitress who told us the specials as well as her likes and dislikes as she showed us our table. (She's not a fan of mole, apparently). I ordered a sampler plate which had chile relleno, a taco and an enchilada and my friend ordered the veggie enchiladas. Both of us ordered the green chile sauce. Our food came quickly and I dove into my first chile relleno. Holy balls was their chile relleno amazing! The sauce, the melty cheese, the beans, the rice! I was tempted to lick my plate clean but refrained...My friend with the veggie enchilada also devoured her meal as well (and she's known to be a bird-like eater, one of those people who might bring only lettuce and tofu for lunch), and she noted her veggies were cooked 'to perfection'. I should note that I had another chile relleno meal at a 'famous' Taos establishment and thought La Cueva's won hands down. As others noted, when I was there they did not have a liquor license but I hadn't planned on ordered any so it didn't bother me.
(5)Bill R.
wow!! we accidentally came upon this place as we were looking for somewhere that was too far to drive and we were tired...What a gem...we had the shrimp tacos in a creamy chipotle sauce, and the tortilla soup...both were unbelievable.. The place is tiny and looks like a dive, but don't be misguided. it was phenomenal!!-- everything is home made--had the flan for desert-- perfect-- You have to go here...
(5)Paolo G.
Tiny place, excellent food! Had the Rellenos and a special dessert "pastela de tres leches" that was out of this world. Not for large parties and no alcohol, but if you want great, tasty food this is an excellent place!
(5)J S.
a great place! they have great food with a really great price point and they have tons of gluten free! when i asked about gluten free they asked if i was a celiac and then said "we will take care of you" and they did (they understand very well about cross contamination). their mexican food is far better than their new mexican food. (i really liked their rellenos- but i do agree with past customer review that there is little green chile in the chile. so their style is not new mexican, but it was very tasty). loved it!
(5)Joseph M.
very good dinner; my wife (the foodie") said all flavors were very well balanced.
(4)Katie B.
The waitor was nice but didn't have eye contact and seemed awkward. I got the Tacos and they didn't meet my taste expectations. However my mom and brother said it was the "best they have ever had, 5 stars for sure" and my dad said "4 starts, could be better". Afterwards we all ordered the Mexican Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream. The ice cream was good but there was something distasteful about the cake.
(3)C.J. W.
I've lived in Southern California all my life and had to go to Taos to have the best Mexican food - EVER! 5 Stars! I'd consider moving to Taos, just to eat here. Everything was perfect - there wasn't one thing that I'd change. Salsa, perfect, had a bit of a bite to it. Guacamole, tasted like avocado, not like lemon, perfect. The tortilla chips were thin and different, wonderful. Then there was the chile relleno.....the cheese was exceptional - I don't know what kind of cheese it was, but it was great, not like most mexican restaurants that use monterey jack - the chiles must have been roasted or something - tasted incredible. We had a hard time finding the restaurant because we didn't know the name had changed AND the owner doesn't bother to put the address number on the building. It was hard driving around the narrow streets in heavy traffic trying to find it. Finally, we pulled over and I called and found out the name had changed. When my husband asked why they didn't put an address number on the building, the host said "No one in Taos does!" Other than that - it was wonderful. Had a combo plate that included beef taco, shredded beef not ground, chicken enchilada, chile relleno and rice and beans - again exceptional - the beans were not mashed and refried, they were whole and very flavorful. I'll never be able to eat mexican food anywhere else again after this.......maybe someday years from now, I'll venture out and eat it again, probably just to be disappointed, as I'll never forget La Cueva.
(5)Misha U.
I have friends that exclusively eat at La Cueva for every meal when they are in town. While it isn't my absolute favorite restaurant in town, is is quite good, and they do have a nice outdoor seating area.
(4)Lynda Y.
Had a delicious meal. Very charming and cozy atmosphere. We were able to get a table but you may want to make reservations or risk waiting. I had the enchiladas nm and my husband had a special shrimp dish. Both were fantastic. Definitely recommend.
(5)Jaimie G.
Completely charming place with the added bonus of being dog-friendly. We sat on the patio and the waitress brought our golden retriever a bowl of ice water with our menus. Great New Mexico style fajitas, enough for two and the most tart, juicy fresh homemade lemonade completed our lunch with friendly service. Perfection!
(5)Carol M.
A rather surly male waiter--failed to tell us the specials--but took the time to tell all around us. Not impressed. He really could have cared less that we were dining. The outside of this establishment leaves a lot to be desired. It is run down, out of the way, and on a difficult traffic corner...not a plus. The entrance to the outside dining area is made of narrow railroad ties and a rickety fence that you must utilize to enter or exit. The food was delicious, however, do not expect to have a beer or any other adult beverage. I would say that the physical area was a definite issue and is one reason my review is low...however, I am really over surly servers.
(2)Tosha C.
I loves this place. The food was fantastic and very well priced. I had shrimp enchiladas and they were the best I've ever had. My only complaint was that it was a gorgeous spring day sitting on the patio and I really wanted a margarita with my lunch but they don't serve alcohol!
(4)Kai H.
La Cueva, you are a culinary oasis! We ate the cerviche, the fajitas, the quesadillas, and more. We secretly think the kitchen has some Colombian edge to the cooking?... The food was delicioso and we are going back for the mango dessert that we could not order, because we were so gluttonously happy this time. However, hasta pronto La Cueva.
(5)Jim R.
Stopped here after reading all the great reviews on yelp and as always, Yelpers did not disappoint. Excellent fresh colorful food served by a small but exceedingly friendly staff. Our group enjoyed the enchiladas, chimichanga, and yummy tortilla soup. Their home made lemonade with a hint of mint was a hit too. Quite fast and very reasonably priced. Lunch for 4 with chips and lemonade about 10 per person. They've got a nice patio and about 3 parking spaces out front. Keep a sharp eye out, we drove past it twice before we found it.
(5)Trisha O.
Cozy and delicious! Gluten free burritos are hard to find and they can do them.... And do them well!
(5)Corey H.
Best food in Taos. The ingredients are super fresh tasting, and the food came out nice and hot. I could eat here every day. The staff is very nice as well.
(5)Wes L.
This place isn't too bad. I've had better, but for being from out of town, I was well taken care of. I ordered the beef chimicanga and it was not lacking in the beef department. I couldn't believe how much beef was in thay deep fried delicious burrito. No alcohol :/
(4)Leonardo I.
Seriously people. Don't be turned away by the smallness of the dining room (there were only four tables in the front hall). This little gem has some of the best Mexican food I've ever had, and I live in Los Angeles! We each ordered the Plato Combinado which came with a chili relleno, chicken enchilada, shredded beef taco and rice and beans. Everything was fresh, favorable, and superb. I mean more than superb, scrumptious. Although they did not offer beer or wine (or margaritas, gasp!) the service and fare made up for it. We grabbed cocktails afterwards. We also ordered the chipotle chocolate cake for dessert and that was amazing. It was a Wednesday night so we didn't have to wait to be seated, but I imagine weekends might be a lot busier. Don't pass this place up.
(5)L. L.
From Colorado.....no stranger to good Mexican food......this was Great Mexican food. Guacamole was chunky...awesome......Salsa had chipotle in it ...awesome again. Had frijitas with mole sauce....delicious....others had seafood enchiladas and chile relleno plate....Christmas ...very tasty. Service was very good....small eclectic New Mexican restaurant in Taos...very enjoyable and delicious dinner....and very affordable....will be back.
(5)Courtney K.
Our expectations for La Cueva were high given the reviews and the general quality of Southwest/Mexican cuisine in the area. While the dinner we had wasn't bad, it didn't knock our socks off. I had the shrimp enchiladas and my husband had steak fajitas. Good guacamole to start our meal. Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't bad at all. It just won't stand out as a meal I'd remember.
(3)Elliot G.
Really good New Mexican fare in a quaint corner location just a couple blocks from the plaza. Enjoyed the creamy green Chile (unique compared to the stewed chile you usually see when you get green) on top of a crispy chimichanga with spicy spanish rice and pinto beans (not refried, and very fresh). Friendly service and reasonable prices. I'd recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice as the dining area is only 4 or 5 tables.
(5)Amy M.
Delicious! It was so good we ate here both days we were in Taos. The restaurant is small holding a max of 12 spread among 6 or so tables. Our first visit in my husband and I split the shrimp enchiladas and chicken mole enchiladas. For an app we got the chips and guac. Everything was delicious and both plates were spotless when we were done with our meal. The next day we both ordered the shrimp enchiladas and again our plates were basically licked clean. This restaurant set the bar for how we rated food the rest of our time in New Mexico. No one else has lived up to these delicious meals. Best part is they are wheat and gluten free! No bellyaches for me!
(5)Barbara T.
Great prices, good food, especially the freshly made guacamole. The batter on the chile relleno was a little more breading-like than egg batter-like, but very cheesy and with great red and green sauce. The restaurant occupies much of a former motel, which gives it a bit of a funky vibe, with seating inside or on the patio. Good service, central location.
(4)Jesse O.
Food was decent, tortilla soup was as bland as I've ever had But gets knocked a star for a mandatory 20% gratuity (for a table of five, and someone was stuck on the end) and another star for a 5.95 charge for chips and salsa. Service was very very slow and would take them five minutes to get anything since we were in one of the buildings not connected to the restaurant.
(2)juan m.
This place is definitely a must go to spot while visiting Taos. The food is amazing, the staff is great and they have clean bathrooms. We ordered the chips and guac with salsa to start off and everything was freshly made, tastes delicious. My wife had the tortilla soup which she claims was some of the best she's had and I had the chipotle shrimp tacos and they blew my mind. Definitely give this place a visit. Happy Holidays!
(5)Pat G.
Small hole in the wall recommended by a parking lot attendant. Not much on the outside but a lovely patio out back and delicious Mexican food. The guacamole was freshly made and the Mexican chocolate cake divine.
(5)Erin B.
Great little lunch spot in Taos to sit outside and enjoy fresh Mexican food. We had the chips and salsa and guacamole - yum! I had the fish tacos and they were great. My friend had the green chili chicken enchiladas - equally great!!
(5)Mimi K.
One word sums up my last experience at la cueva....bland.
(1)Kendall A.
Oddly, when we asked around in Taos for a place to eat, we were steered away from this place. Unfortunately, we listened when it came to dinner and ended up eating bland, tasteless food elsewhere. I am quite certain we would have truly enjoyed ourselves here. The following morning we decided to give this place a try anyway and had a truly delightful, absolutely delicious breakfast! The staff were amazingly kind and funny - we had a great conversation with two of them, and they went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and at home. The patio was lovely, and we enjoyed the atmosphere before and during our meal. The food was spectacular - I ordered a breakfast and my husband ordered a lunch entree (it was sortof in between). They were both absolutely wonderful, and the guacamole we had while waiting was one of the best I have ever had in my life! All in all, I would strongly recommend La Cueva Cafe - based on what we saw in Taos, it's definitely the place to eat!
(5)Lynn R.
Great corn poblano soup and decent nachos. Small place with outdoor seating. We were very pleased with our meal and service. We did see another couple waiting long enough after they were seated that they had to go find the waiter. Very good food.
(5)Kat M.
So glad we tried this place. Don't be fooled by the ex-gas station type building and make-shift patio! Try the chicken mole dish and the chile releno....best I've EVER had, really not kidding. And the staff is excellent. Sit outside and enjoy the food and atmosphere. The only complaint (which really isn't meant as one is they don't have a liquor license. Just get in there and check it out! Ciao!
(4)Mark R.
Nice, quaint place with decent food. We ordered the fish tacos, asada steak with chile relleno, fajitas, and chicken strips for kids. The fish tacos were above average. All else was average. The Mexican chocolate cake was good but the desert Chimichanga was off. The smoothies were watery but a good value for the size. The wait staff was competent but could be more pleasant.
(4)Thomas K.
This was given as a recommendation from a local. The food was edible but nothing really to write home about. The restaurant appeared to be multiple Adobe buildings and each room was a separate dining area. We got to sit across a court yard towards the back. There is no alcohol served so you'll need to drink up before you go.
(3)Robert F.
The FIsh Tacos were great! We also had the Chile Rellenos and the Enchiladas, both delicious. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.
(4)Mark W.
Fantastic service, excellent food. Went here on a whim while overnighting on our way to somewhere else. Very happy we did, the atmosphere was pleasant and the food was very good.
(5)Whitney H.
We decided to try something new and I'm so glad that we did. There are a few things that others might find problematic; the parking is tricky but that's normal for Taos. The space inside the restaurant itself is small and a little cramped but I'm able to overlook those details because the food was so good. I had chicken fajitas and was pleasantly surprised. The chicken was marinated in spices that packed a punch, the peppers were delicious and the rice and beans were great. Everything tasted fresh and it felt like I was being served a homemade meal in the kitchen of a friend, the service was just that friendly. We will definitely visit again, I'm anxious to try out their breakfast menu.
(5)Josh R.
My wife and I live in Taos and really enjoy going to La Cueva. The food is delicious and at a very affordable price. We usually get the chips, salsa, and guacamole (which is always very good). Sure, they charge for chips and salsa, but that is the case for most places in Northern New Mexico. The entrees are portioned well, and I always end up eating all of the beans and rice (which I do not normally find myself doing at other places). Our favorite dishes are the fish tacos, enchiladas, and the chimichanga.
(5)Sandy S.
Chile relleno, fajitas, taco, Frito Pie. All excellent. Tiny dining rm so we ate outside. Friendly fast service. We are from Tucson and are pretty critical of Mexican food as we have some of the best. Best food of our trip. Thanks
(5)Harry K.
Possibly the Best Fish Tacos Ever! Run don't walk to this small but rocking delicious restaurant in Taos, NM. Fresh delicious ingredients & unbelievable food! I did the spicy shrimp tacos & my wife loved her shrimp enchiladas. We are headed back mañana!
(5)Hans F.
Great hole in the wall. Total of 3 parking spaces, but the food is worth it!! No reservations, but they have a large room in a separate building for large parties. Chile Rellenos are wonderful along with guacamole, salsa, and everything else!!
(5)Marina V.
Good food! We tried the mole, chile relleno, tri tip skillet with bell peppers & onions and frito pies. The best were frito pies and the skillet. This place is mexican but still has New Mexico taste. If you are looking for legit mexican only some of their plates will like that. The desserts are amazing! We tired the mexican chocolate, flan and key lime ;). Out door patio is nice. This place is Definitely worth a try!
(4)David L.
Absolutely great. Best Chile Relleno we've had. Best chimichanga we've had. Great red and green salsa. And then, to top it off, incredible desserts: Mexican chocolate cake and key lime pie. We'd go back to Taos just to eat here. Very reasonable too with good service. Only fault is that they don't serve beer.
(5)Cyndy L.
The food here was quite good overall but not entirely consistent. Appetizers were excellent - fresh chips, tasty guacamole, nice creamy corn soup. My son also really enjoyed the Caesar salad with salmon. Main courses were okay but not great. Friendly service. Tiny space but warm.
(4)Courtney G.
We just moved to Taos and this was the restaurant we are at on our first night here. Absolutely wonderful. I had the chili rellenno and hubby had the fish tacos. We split each because we couldn't decide which was better. Started with the delicious homemade guacamole. We will definitely be eating here often.
(5)Will S.
Ahhhhh thanks to the food gods for total redemption after our Mexican food debacle in Carlsbad. This place was the polar opposite to that- superb service with a smile and en Espanol no less!! My mole enchiladas were incredible as were my wife's veggie tacos (made to order no less). Our guacamole and salsa were outstanding and fresh, again we were thanking the food gods!!!! Everything was excellent including their beautiful outdoor seating terrace. I just wish we could have returned to try their other menu items. Outstanding place!!!
(5)Aaron Z.
Good yes, very good probably, 5 star ..nope sorry. Coming from a place with lots of Mexican food to a place know for it's specialty Mexican food, there is definitely better, in NM and in Taos, we won't mention names, but just ask around. We very much enjoyed the combinada plata... chille relleno & asada taco. side of beans with a cheese enchilada. The green chili sauce was good as was the smoky red. The chicken chimichanga was really bland with nothing going on with the meat inside the deep fried crust, until you pour which ever chilli you prefer. No liquor license, so that definitely put a damper on the experience. They are working on it. And what is up with the charging for chips and salsa? Some establishment has to break that habit. In SF don't think that has happened once, unless you are getting guac.or some other add on.At some point, I'd like to return when they serve beer and try more dishes and the key lime pie.
(4)James D.
Kicking around Taos and our preferred haunt was closed. Who knew they only served breakfast and lunch. Help from Yelp! Enter, La Cueva. We started with guacamole and salsa. The guacamole was outstanding, clearly made from scratch. With a group of five, we had the opportunity to try a few main plates. The chili relleno was perfect. The beans tasted like homemade that were cooked all day. The beef chimichanga was a touch over cooked but was still outstanding. If it hadn't been a tad burnt? Perfection! Chicken tacos were alright, not the best we'd had. Time for dessert. We shared a key lime pie, the house specialty, and it was a solid choice. The winner? Mexican chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Light, fluffy, with a touch of cinnamon. Wow. Them we got the bill. And it was totally reasonable. Great value for excellent food in a land of overpriced high end Mexican food.
(5)Tavo G.
Hole in the wall kinda of feeling but well worth the stop. Started off with the chips and guacamole. Next my wife and I had the Sopa de Rajas Poblanas and Tortilla Soup which were legit. Wow. Also we both had the Plato Combinado which was also delicioso. And of course the service was excellent. Coming back for sure.
(5)Joe S.
Authentic New Mexican. Tiny place. Excellent food and service. The poblano pepper and corn soup is hearty and warm on a cold day. Enchiladas and chile rellenos are superb. Key lime pie for dresser if you have any room.
(5)Kristen W.
Chili rellenos are some of the best I have ever had in Taos....and I have tried a lot!! A tiny and authentic New Mexican/ Mexican eatery. They have a number of shrimp dishes, chimichangas and my favorite, the rellenos. The ceiling is about 7 foot high and the door only about 6 feet high.There are about six tables which seat 2 to four people. They can pull a couple together otherwise it is outdoor seating. :-) Charming and delicious describe this place!
(4)Lisa S.
What a wonderful little cafe. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp enchilada lunch, along with a tasty mango strawberry orange smoothie. When I arrived, I had to wait a few minutes to be seated and get a beverage as they were just finishing a lunch rush. Once seated, the server was very helpful and attentive.
(4)Chelsea S.
The most delicious food ever! Fish and Chips are one of my favorites. Smoothies are the best. Never disappoints!
(5)Joanne H.
Perfect quaint little place. Chicken Enchiladas with green chile sauce and beef burrito with red chile sauce were extraordinary! Staff was very polite and service was quick. Price was very reasonable for what you get. Highly recommended.
(5)Jennie G.
Delicious! Had shrimp tacos and seafood enchiladas-- best enchiladas we have ever had. Sat outside with lots of space. Yummy smoothies too and great service.
(4)Neil Q.
No gluten, no wheat. Seemingly less guilt. Mexican food that isnt ridiculously greasy or slathered in butter or cheese? Im in. Food was different but a pleasant surprise. Ordered chimichanga, chicken taco, and an chicken enchilada. The chimicanga wasnt super crispy but lightly fried rather. I was expecting it to be stuffed with meat and filler like many other places, but it was almost entirely stuffed with shredded beef. Awesome. Chicken taco was shredded all white meat. Good too. The enchilada was different than what im used to. Not so much cheese, more meat and sauce. Pleasantly different.
(4)michael k.
Great service, extremely polite and knowledgeable
(4)Stephanie K.
This was an awesome find on our way through Taos. The location is a bit strange but don't be put off. The food was excellent. We recommend ordering the nachos as a starter.
(4)Jason K.
I read the race reviews here, but just didn't get it. this place was just OK. Not great, just OK. They had a weird enchilada mole where the flavor of the mole was just destroyed by the heat. Fish tacos were average. Too bad.
(3)Joe M.
Great gem. If you have just 1 casual meal in Taos this is it. You won't be disappointed. The ingredients were fresh and everything was well prepared. The service is relaxed (I mean that in a good way) but well done and polite. Nice patio. Not to be missed.
(5)D A.
Teeny place, nice patio. No margaritas, but food was worth doing without.
(4)Roger H.
Now known as La Cueva, this adorable little place is fabulously delicious. The owner served us himself and was amazingly attentive. EAT HERE, you will leave wishing you could have more. The mole sauce with carnitas plate is amazing. Try the desert! We practically inhaled the mango chimichanga. It was so good we returned a couple nights later and had the fajita plate. It was made with a unique sauce and was f***** good.
(5)Alex G.
Great find. The chipotle sauce crab enchilada is one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. Jose was very nice. Delicioso.
(5)Alexei K.
Chile rellenos and enchiladas were truly amazing. Service was prompt and professional. Key lime pie did not disappoint. Definitely coming back next time we are in Taos.
(5)M T.
The food was excellent! Thankful for Yelp reviews getting us there. It's just across the street from the Taos Plaza. (Walking distance). We recommend the taco, enchilada, relleno plate. You won't regret it. My husband and I were well pleased. Best meal we've had during this trip to New Mexico.
(5)Jeremy G.
Authentic Mexican food. Small, intimate dining area and prompt, attentive service by the chef himself makes for an enjoyable meal. Coupled with affordable prices and delicious, tasty entrees this place is a real gem. I was especially thrilled with the flavor of the homemade salsa and fresh guacamole. The only disappointment: the restaurant's lack of a liquor license.
(4)Lisa T.
Had the red trout with garlic which far exceeded my expectations in surprising flavor. Even the veggies were uniquely delicious.
(5)Jesse Lynn D.
I'm so disappointed that anyone was disappointed! My beau and I stopped in here, based off of Yelp recommendations; on our drive back to Texas - the food was amazing! Nothing we ate was a disappointment, so much so that we talked about wanted more for several days thereafter. Not only was the food outstanding, including dessert; but the wait service was impecable. The place held true to its "hole-in-the-wall" description, but I could not have been happier with the results. Check out the Mango dessert, when in season; and the seafood enchiladas - also, this is a great place to people watch :)
(5)Eric T.
We chose this place after checking the reviews on Yelp, so we came with high expectations. We were still blown away. The ingredients, preparation, and presentation were all exceptional. We started with the fish ceviche, which was tangy and tasted very fresh, and came with sliced avocado, chipotle mayo, and fresh tortilla chips. All but one in our party ordered the chicken enchiladas with red sauce, and the remaining person ordered the chile relleno. All were excellent. The chicken was moist and delicious, and the red sauce had a spicy, complex flavor. We finished with the key lime pie, which had a generous graham cracker crust, little flecks of lime zest, and a tequila sauce. Incredible! The quality of the food far exceeded the price (about $8 for an order of enchiladas with Spanish rice and pinto beans). The patio in a little courtyard was close to a busy intersection, but it felt somewhat secluded. The restaurant itself is small and could easily be mistaken for a little greasy hole-in-the-wall, but make no mistake: the food and service are top notch.
(5)Maggie Y.
I love how this new mexican restaurant posts clearly on their window a big sign that says gluten free! Makes it so easy to stop in somewhere. Plus the food is fantastic! I usually wouldn't have ceviche in New Mexico, but the server recommended it and it was delicious! We had green chili enchiladas w/ an egg on top, and flan for desert. Everything was great. We love NM food and it's great to have a place w/ a GF green chili in Taos!
(4)Amy S.
We went here based on it's rating here on Yelp. The rating was spot on. Don't be fooled by the outward appearance. Go on through to the back patio and enjoy. We had 5 star service in a very relaxed atmosphere. The food was fabulous. I loved the guacamole. It has a citrus/cilantro flavor. I usually prefer garlic, but I loved this version just as much. The chile rellenos with green chile were very good. The key lime pie is amazing.
(4)Kimberley C.
Excellent food! Cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Enjoyed ceviche, green chile chicken enchiladas and a chile relleno..... Delicious
(4)Chirag C.
This place (which recently went through a name change) was incredible. Looks can be deceiving-from the outside, it's hard to find, and upon seeing it, looks questionalbe. However, the food and service were both the best we experienced at any restaurant in Taos. The Rellenos are a must! The combo platter was filling enough for two. And our server was knowledgeable and jovial. A must visit on a trip to Taos!
(5)Marsh J.
Nice little spot - only 5 or 6 tables, but the staff were attentive and friendly. Salsa was very good, food was good. I tried the enchiladas, and the green chile sauce was great. Everything had that 'home made today' taste.
(3)Chris W.
Truly a hole in the wall, Mexican, gourmet gem. Do not leave Taos without going there. Eat shrimp in white wine (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) and ceviche... and amazing prices. WOW, just got the dessert.
(5)C J.
Wonderful service, great venue, fantastic food. Quaint sweet and reasonably priced.
(4)Dave C.
Excellent food Chips. Salsa guacamole
(5)A S.
Outstanding New Mexican cuisine for cheap. Service weak but friendly and doesn't detract from the food.
(5)Jeremy G.
The food is really good! A lot different than what you get in Oklahoma. The building is only about 500 sq feet so you have to eat outside.
(3)Geoff M.
Perhaps the 4-star rating seems a bit harsh, but, and please forgive my arrogance, I can make food this well. Now, it's 100% true I'm an awesome cook, so comparing my greatness to a restaurant is a bit unfair. But when you consider everything about this place, 4 stars is more a compliment than you might think. Because, you see, the food was excellent. No, it was not elite, but it's at least in the same zip code, and that's a very good thing, Martha. The smoothies are simply outstanding, and I ripped through the spinach/pineapple smoothie in record time (seriously, smoothies with greens r0x your cat b0x). The service is truly outstanding, and I mean like crazy good. The food is good, but I can find food on this level in Texas, and my own kitchen, with regularity. The next time I'm in Taos, I will very likely be back, and I can honestly give a restaurant no greater plug than that.
(4)Steve F.
Great hole in the wall. Good service and great food. The shrimp enchiladas were to die for. Best we have had in NM and we love the food here.
(5)Amy K.
The apex of our visit to Sante Fe area. Every bit of food we had was marvelous. Guacamole is what I compare all others to and is a don't miss item. Classic place that is overlooked but don't go anywhere else .
(5)Daniel T.
Had the fajitas with mole sauce. Excellent. The missus choice stole the prize though. Shrimp enchiladas with chipotle sauce was out of this world. Walked right by this little hole in the wall at first but glad we turned back.
(5)Julian R.
Great service and excellent food !! Would highly recommend this place.
(4)Lauren L.
We found La Cueva via Yelp, and it was only steps from our lovely B&B, La Dona Luz. When our innkeeper Paco recommended La Cueva as well, we knew we had to try it. The interior boasts boxes of GF flour everywhere, and indeed, they will make the chile relleno (and other items) gluten-free for you! Exciting! The place is tiny... Maybe four or five tables? So you might try it at off times or order take-out just in case. If you do get a table, it's very cozy, especially in winter, when we visited, where we could look outside at all of the snow and ice and feel warm and contented inside the adobe building. We were definitely the only tourists in the place, but it was a winter weeknight. My BF and I both ordered the combination plate so that we could try as many things as possible. At La Cueva, this included a beef (hard shell) taco, a chile relleno, and a chicken enchilada (if I remember correctly, these were the house recommendations, but you can change the meats around if you'd like). The plate came with rice and beans and your choice of chiles; we ordered it Christmas. Everything was delicious, but I especially enjoyed the taco, and if I remember correctly my BF enjoyed the chile relleno. Although we were absolute newcomers to New Mexican cuisine, this place felt authentic to us -- and it certainly set a high standard for what would follow. We hope to come back and try more dishes some day soon!
(5)Craig S.
What do you get when you cross a ski trip to Taos with a bunch of tech savvy guys? Yelpers. So take that combo and it leads you right to La Cueva Cafe! We stopped in on a Friday evening to see the same tiny place everyone else has mentioned. What we didn't expect was to be led right back out the door, up the path and into another building. So don't be afraid of the lack of seating, they do have an overflow dining area! We ended up in the other building by ourselves, however the quality service continued as both the server and someone whom appeared to be one of the chefs returned often. As for the food, there's really not much more to say that hasn't already been said. We started with the Chips, Salsa, and Guacamole. All were incredibly fresh and tasty, not to mention a very good value. I personally went with the chicken chimi with the christmas sauce (mixture of red and green chile sauces). This too was seasoned perfectly and very fresh. We shared the well reviewed key lime pie for dessert. Tangy, full of lime zest, and simply wonderful. There's something to be said for smaller family run businesses like La Cueva Cafe. And that something is, "Perfecto"!
(5)April T.
Service: 5 stars, food: 3.5 stars We were a little disappointed given it had nearly 5 stars rating. We both had specials and it was good but not amazing. The service was fantastic and the back deck is very cute.
(4)Ricardo F.
Please try the tiger shrimp!!!. The place is small and may not be the nicest looking restaurant in town. However, the food is great. The down part is that they don't sell any alcoholic beverages.
(4)Brigitte B.
While this is a tiny and very simple place to eat, they do have a fairly large and cool patio in the summer. However, in the winter, you can sit inside as long as you can grab a seat - the food is worth a wait. Very reasonably priced, I love all of their soups, but especially the chicken tortilla variety and pair that with a BLT. Have had everything on the menu and I'm never disappointed. Try to go there outside of the rush dining hours... and do eat dessert! The key lime pie is simply amazing.
(5)Rick L.
As a New Yorker, I thought I knew good restaurants. Imagine my surprise when some of the best Mexican food ever came from this modest restaurant in Taos. Don't miss the key lime pie.
(5)Kelly L.
Rather small dining area but great service and delicious food. The guacamole was pretty good and I really enjoyed my chipotle shrimp tacos. Reasonably priced and they advertise a gluten free menu. Would go back. :)
(5)RB W.
Great lunch spot on the plaza. From the mole fajitas, to the rellenos and the enchiladas, you really can't go wrong. Homemade salsa and guacamole is also excellent. The service is also above average. Overall, a place I will continue to frequent.
(5)Cecilia S.
Great hole in the wall. Easy to miss if you're not paying attention. I had the taco and enchiladas. Taco was delicious as was the enchiladas with the green sauce. They even have gluten free options. Only complaint, they do not serve beer, or any alcohol. A bummer when you can't wah a good Mexican meal down with a nice cold beer.
(4)Jeff R.
Yes. Everything everybody has said so far has been right on the money. The carnitas are delicious and the molé is to die for. Plus my wife had a garlic salmon dish, which wasn't mentioned, that was so good I would eat it and I don't eat fish. The key lime pie is also out of this world. FYI, the carnitas, fajitas and pie are daily specials that are not on the menu. The next time I'm in Taos, I'm coming back. **They don't have a liquor license so there's NO alcohol allowed on the premises.**
(5)Emily M.
Never would have gone here if not for Yelp. What a gem of a place. The patio is lovely in nice weather. I just really appreciated the attention to detail of the food -- from the homemade mint/lemonade, which was so refreshing, to the New Mexican spin on chicken tortilla soup (sopa de tortilla), to the attention devoted even to the nachos appetizer with roasted jalapenos (a new, wonderful flavor for me) and slow-cooked pork. Our service was great, everyone's food was delicious, down to the details.
(5)Guy S.
My experience at La Cueva was nothing short of spectacular. My group was in Taos for a few days, and I turned to Yelp when I was in charge of picking a dinner spot. My family and friends ordered almost everything on the menu, and multiple people said that it was the best Mexican food they had ever had. We started with chips and salsa, and the salsa had a wonderful smoky flavor and great consistency. The server was unbelievably friendly, helpful, and attentive. He did everything with a smile on his face and was happy to accommodate a large (and sometimes unruly) group. I had a taste of chipotle shrimp taco, the fish taco, and chile relleno, and they were all great. The tacos had a wonderful and bright salsa and a chipotle sauce with a mild kick. The chile relleno had nice spice and a wonderful texture, and you could taste the chile through the other flavors, which is a great plus. Both were served in great-tasting corn tortillas with a great crunch. One of my companions had a special chile relleno served with a rich almond sauce, and it was unlike anything I've ever tasted. My Dad ate every morsel of his chicken mole enchiladas, and his friend devoured beef burritos. La Cueva also has delightful deserts that I didn't notice on the menu at first glance. The Mexican chocolate cake was perfectly moist and had a great spice note (cinnamon, etc). The can't-miss desert is the mango cream chimichanga: the sweetness of the mango, the slight tang of the cream, the crunchy shell...it was delightful. On top of all this, the most expensive entree at La Cueva is $13.95. I don't claim to be an expert on Mexican (or New Mexican) food, but I would eat at La Cueva again and again. Great service, good value, and delightful flavors. I can't recommend it enough.
(5)Andrea K.
Good place for an inexpensive breakfast of tasty food and friendly service. I had the huevos rancheros and hubs had the huevos con enchiladas. Both were very good and only $6.50. Their red chile was terrific. No alcohol so no morning mimosas but definitely keeps the tab down!
(4)Les S.
Awesome! Great rellenos! Tacos really good. Service great! Food prices even better. Asked for extra onions on our plate and they grilled them for us - yum. Ate here twice
(5)Michael S.
I can see that everyone else had a similar experience to mine! Please do not let the exterior deter you, for it is small and nice on the inside, and there is a back patio that we ate on, which was nice! We had guac and salsa first, which was homemade, fresh, and delicious. Then we had one of the specials that day, mole chicken fajitas, which was soooo yummy. We were also one of the only ones there, it is not crowded, the service was PERFECT, and I wish this place was 2 blocks from my house...
(5)P G.
Do it, go, enjoy the freshness of the food. Stop on the way in. You will not be sorry. A hole in the wall with passionate good cooking.
(5)Jonathan Y.
Really good food prepared and served by really friendly people in an unpretentious pleasant atmosphere at really good prices. What more could one ask for? Last time here I had red trout in a mojo de ajo sauce, very tasty, not overly creamy. My wife enjoyed her shrimp in a chipotle sauce, but most accolades were saved on her side for the key lime pie, made by the owners of course.The mango cream chimichanga, on my side, was wicked too, the perfect balance of dry and wet, pretty masterful. Reading the descriptions of the food might lead one to expect something a bit chi chi (is that how one spells it?) but that is not what La Cueva is about. Check it out for sure, just look in and you will know if it is for yout. No alcohol. Patio is larger than inside, very cozy.
(5)Shamwow G.
When you think of New Mexico food you think of chilies, right? I've been on a few road trips around the state of chilies we call New Mexico, being that I'm a texan I've had my fair share of tex mex as well. Typically tex mex is mild and the primary chillies used are usually chipotle jalapeño chilies and just plain jalapeños. When I first stepped into La Cueva it was a small dive type place made up of two separate rooms which are separated outside, therefore making it more complicated for the servers to cater to the various tables. I found that my water glass was empty too often and I had been forgotten by my waiter. The food tasted like regular tex mex rather than New Mexican food, which doesn't make sense because there were New Mexican chilies hanging from the walls! I ordered a green chili chicken burrito, the burrito was bland, had no green chilies inside of it, and was basically a bunch of chicken inside of a tortilla. After pouring some chipotle salsa (that was claimed to be red chili salsa) on the burrito it was ok. The tortilla was store bought which was disappointing since I was in one of the highest rated restaurants in Taos. As a summary the service was ok, the food was not New Mexican but rather tex mex. If you are looking for a good "New Mexican" restaurant try Marias' in Santa Fe
(3)T R.
Great breakfast. Full of flavor and I would go back for the heuvos rancheros alone--but other things to try. Also want to try dinner and the mole sauce. Nice service.
(5)Andrew P.
This restaurant shows that you can't necessarily trust Yelp when it comes to something as unique as New Mexican cuisine in such a tourist-centric town as Taos. This food is New Mexican In Name Only--in fact, as I had the misfortune to discover thanks to these sorely misguided Yelp reviews, this is cheap, average to below-average Mexican food covered with very poor, bland imitations of New Mexican red and green chile sauce. For merely 2-3$ more per plate, go to Orlando's and discover what real, good New Mexican food tastes like. Take it from a former local to northern NM.
(1)Barbara T.
Why 5 stars? Well here is the thing; when a restaurant with only seating for 12 people and stays in business winter and summer I am impressed. But this little hole in the wall restaurant goes one or two better. It is full of quirky personality, serves great food and the service was sensational. We loved it. It is not easy to find because it is a ways from the trendy shopping. But obviously locals love it. retireinstyleblog.com
(5)Michelle L.
I have been coming to Taos my whole life, almost every year, as I have family here. This time I tried La Cueva and was not disappointed. I love New Mexican food and was very pleased with the quality of the food. I had the chicken mole enchiladas (which I'm not sure is New Mexican) but at any rate it was delicious. The chicken was all shredded white meat and the mole sauce was rich and satisfying. I will come here again which is more than I can say for most of the restaurants in the area!! Also, it's a small place and nothing fancy. Just good home style cooking!
(5)Denise N.
Scratching head...why the hype. Tasted like pretty much every other Mexican taqueria I've ate at. The patrons around us were oozing over the food as if had been delivered by Huitzilopochtli himself. Seemed pretty standard fare to me, though. But on a more positive note - the bathroom was super cute :)
(3)Sharon B.
Found this place on Food Network so on our trip to Taos, we just had to try it and we were not disappointed. Small little place with nice outdoor patio dining. Staff was excellent and food was delicious!
(4)Brittany M.
I hate to be a downer on this 4+ star establishment, but I was thoroughly unimpressed with every single part of the meal. Chips and salsa must be purchased and they are ok at best. My green chili sauce was the least flavorful of any I had in NM. Mole was so-so. I can go on and on. As a Texan, it could be easy to assume that I'm partial to TexMex, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I thoroughly enjoy the differences of New Mexican food. I've had Mexican food that was 10 times better for 1/3 of the price. In short, find somewhere else to eat.
(1)Jimbo S.
Tiny tiny dining room. The chipotle cream sauce seafood enchiladas were superb. The shrimp tacos were excellent. The service was excellent. The parking was scarce being so close to "downtown" but we lucked out. The chips needed salt, but that I can do myself!
(5)L G.
Tiny. No liquor license. Very authentic. Exceptional food.
(4)Simon W.
Highly rated on yelp. On arrival I was dubious: it didn't look anything special. However the food is exceptional. Exceptionally good that is. Very friendly service. And actually, once you get over the fact the you are eating in a tiny boho type place it is actually very, very cosy. This place is a gem. (And I am hard to please).
(5)Jack F.
If you looking for charm, great food, impeccable service this is your place!!! We loved it and will be back. They do have the best Key Lime Pie I have ever tasted.
(5)Jason P.
After many visits to Taos recently I finally visited La Cueva. Because it was Presidents day weekend they had their special Chile Relleno's on the menu. Weeping Jesus on the cross, BEST RELLENO'S EVER. Add to that, my girlfriend had the mole chicken enchiladas, which are on the menu all the time, and I was in heaven. Jose explained to us that the recipes came from his family up through Mexico and they make mole the long traditional way, as well as the nogada sauce for the rellenos. Many items have been checked off my bucket list so far; find the best chile relleno in the world. Check.
(5)Dick G.
We came here for lunch and then returned the following day for dinner. About the lunch, which is what brought us back, it was the best Mexican/NM food I've ever eaten. The chile relleno was unsurpassable and the chicken enchilada was a close second. What made the lunch particularly enjoyable were the explanations of the food preparations provided by our waiter, Jose. The next time I am near Taos, I will certainly eat there again.
(4)Dorothy F.
A year ago I would have given La Cueva Cafe 5 stars! We were disappointed in the food this trip. It seemed lackluster and was not even hot when it was served. Our waiter seemed disinterested......maybe he was mirroring the attitude of the kitchen staff.....Have they lost their chef?
(3)Zigurd M.
Mante's was closed so we asked Yelp. La Cueva came up with good reviews, and we saw it driving through town, so off we went. We were early for dinner and the only patrons at the time, so service we highly attentive. The ingredients were fresh and the cooking was perfect. The refried beans had texture, the lettuce and pico de gallo were crisp and refreshing, and the fajita-style meat was fresh, tender, and plentiful - not smothered in peppers and onions. They have some items that are not on other local menus, like meat dishes with mole sauce. It's a tiny place, and the dining room is plain, but food is as good as the best in town. Too cold for the patio, but that may be the way to go when it is open.
(4)Andrew J.
ALERT ALERT - They do not have a liquor license.... Jus sayn! I don't know about you but when I'm chowin down on some Mexican grub I want a cervasa or margarita. So I was definitely disappointed when he told us that, but in their defense they did tell us as soon as we sat down. Moving on, I went here on a recent trip to Taos and my friends and I did enjoy it. The staff was attentive, the patio out back was quite, cute and nice. The food was good too. Things seemed more homemade than most Mexican places so that was a welcome change. I had the mole chicken and I thought they were great, with a nice balance of spice and chocolate. I didn't leave a drop on my plate. My friend order the same thing but wasn't as impressed as I was, but this isn't her post so there. My wife ordered a combination plate and really enjoyed it. It had some fresh cheese stuffed chile rellenos that were done well with the right amount of breading and cheese. We finished the meal with some slices of cake that were also well prepared and delicious. In short, I'd recommend this place while in Taos.
(4)Joe C.
Small Mexican place in Taos. The food was ok and the flies were even better.
(2)Lovemydog B.
We stumbled into this place super hungry and left completely happy. The food is amazing. We sat on the patio and sat for a long time! It's small but yummy. I would suggest sitting on the patio- not only is it small but super adorable! Enjoy
(5)Lynda Y.
Had a delicious meal. Very charming and cozy atmosphere. We were able to get a table but you may want to make reservations or risk waiting. I had the enchiladas nm and my husband had a special shrimp dish. Both were fantastic. Definitely recommend.
(5)Jaimie G.
Completely charming place with the added bonus of being dog-friendly. We sat on the patio and the waitress brought our golden retriever a bowl of ice water with our menus. Great New Mexico style fajitas, enough for two and the most tart, juicy fresh homemade lemonade completed our lunch with friendly service. Perfection!
(5)Carol M.
A rather surly male waiter--failed to tell us the specials--but took the time to tell all around us. Not impressed. He really could have cared less that we were dining. The outside of this establishment leaves a lot to be desired. It is run down, out of the way, and on a difficult traffic corner...not a plus. The entrance to the outside dining area is made of narrow railroad ties and a rickety fence that you must utilize to enter or exit. The food was delicious, however, do not expect to have a beer or any other adult beverage. I would say that the physical area was a definite issue and is one reason my review is low...however, I am really over surly servers.
(2)Tosha C.
I loves this place. The food was fantastic and very well priced. I had shrimp enchiladas and they were the best I've ever had. My only complaint was that it was a gorgeous spring day sitting on the patio and I really wanted a margarita with my lunch but they don't serve alcohol!
(4)Nathan B.
Everything was awesome! It's been such a long time since I've had real good Mexican food! It's a cool little place that doesn't seat very many, but when you eat the food...... Mmmmmmm good!
(5)Jim R.
Stopped here after reading all the great reviews on yelp and as always, Yelpers did not disappoint. Excellent fresh colorful food served by a small but exceedingly friendly staff. Our group enjoyed the enchiladas, chimichanga, and yummy tortilla soup. Their home made lemonade with a hint of mint was a hit too. Quite fast and very reasonably priced. Lunch for 4 with chips and lemonade about 10 per person. They've got a nice patio and about 3 parking spaces out front. Keep a sharp eye out, we drove past it twice before we found it.
(5)Trisha O.
Cozy and delicious! Gluten free burritos are hard to find and they can do them.... And do them well!
(5)Corey H.
Best food in Taos. The ingredients are super fresh tasting, and the food came out nice and hot. I could eat here every day. The staff is very nice as well.
(5)Wes L.
This place isn't too bad. I've had better, but for being from out of town, I was well taken care of. I ordered the beef chimicanga and it was not lacking in the beef department. I couldn't believe how much beef was in thay deep fried delicious burrito. No alcohol :/
(4)Leonardo I.
Seriously people. Don't be turned away by the smallness of the dining room (there were only four tables in the front hall). This little gem has some of the best Mexican food I've ever had, and I live in Los Angeles! We each ordered the Plato Combinado which came with a chili relleno, chicken enchilada, shredded beef taco and rice and beans. Everything was fresh, favorable, and superb. I mean more than superb, scrumptious. Although they did not offer beer or wine (or margaritas, gasp!) the service and fare made up for it. We grabbed cocktails afterwards. We also ordered the chipotle chocolate cake for dessert and that was amazing. It was a Wednesday night so we didn't have to wait to be seated, but I imagine weekends might be a lot busier. Don't pass this place up.
(5)L. L.
From Colorado.....no stranger to good Mexican food......this was Great Mexican food. Guacamole was chunky...awesome......Salsa had chipotle in it ...awesome again. Had frijitas with mole sauce....delicious....others had seafood enchiladas and chile relleno plate....Christmas ...very tasty. Service was very good....small eclectic New Mexican restaurant in Taos...very enjoyable and delicious dinner....and very affordable....will be back.
(5)Courtney K.
Our expectations for La Cueva were high given the reviews and the general quality of Southwest/Mexican cuisine in the area. While the dinner we had wasn't bad, it didn't knock our socks off. I had the shrimp enchiladas and my husband had steak fajitas. Good guacamole to start our meal. Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't bad at all. It just won't stand out as a meal I'd remember.
(3)Elliot G.
Really good New Mexican fare in a quaint corner location just a couple blocks from the plaza. Enjoyed the creamy green Chile (unique compared to the stewed chile you usually see when you get green) on top of a crispy chimichanga with spicy spanish rice and pinto beans (not refried, and very fresh). Friendly service and reasonable prices. I'd recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice as the dining area is only 4 or 5 tables.
(5)Amy M.
Delicious! It was so good we ate here both days we were in Taos. The restaurant is small holding a max of 12 spread among 6 or so tables. Our first visit in my husband and I split the shrimp enchiladas and chicken mole enchiladas. For an app we got the chips and guac. Everything was delicious and both plates were spotless when we were done with our meal. The next day we both ordered the shrimp enchiladas and again our plates were basically licked clean. This restaurant set the bar for how we rated food the rest of our time in New Mexico. No one else has lived up to these delicious meals. Best part is they are wheat and gluten free! No bellyaches for me!
(5)Barbara T.
Great prices, good food, especially the freshly made guacamole. The batter on the chile relleno was a little more breading-like than egg batter-like, but very cheesy and with great red and green sauce. The restaurant occupies much of a former motel, which gives it a bit of a funky vibe, with seating inside or on the patio. Good service, central location.
(4)Jesse O.
Food was decent, tortilla soup was as bland as I've ever had But gets knocked a star for a mandatory 20% gratuity (for a table of five, and someone was stuck on the end) and another star for a 5.95 charge for chips and salsa. Service was very very slow and would take them five minutes to get anything since we were in one of the buildings not connected to the restaurant.
(2)juan m.
This place is definitely a must go to spot while visiting Taos. The food is amazing, the staff is great and they have clean bathrooms. We ordered the chips and guac with salsa to start off and everything was freshly made, tastes delicious. My wife had the tortilla soup which she claims was some of the best she's had and I had the chipotle shrimp tacos and they blew my mind. Definitely give this place a visit. Happy Holidays!
(5)Pat G.
Small hole in the wall recommended by a parking lot attendant. Not much on the outside but a lovely patio out back and delicious Mexican food. The guacamole was freshly made and the Mexican chocolate cake divine.
(5)Erin B.
Great little lunch spot in Taos to sit outside and enjoy fresh Mexican food. We had the chips and salsa and guacamole - yum! I had the fish tacos and they were great. My friend had the green chili chicken enchiladas - equally great!!
(5)Mimi K.
One word sums up my last experience at la cueva....bland.
(1)Kendall A.
Oddly, when we asked around in Taos for a place to eat, we were steered away from this place. Unfortunately, we listened when it came to dinner and ended up eating bland, tasteless food elsewhere. I am quite certain we would have truly enjoyed ourselves here. The following morning we decided to give this place a try anyway and had a truly delightful, absolutely delicious breakfast! The staff were amazingly kind and funny - we had a great conversation with two of them, and they went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and at home. The patio was lovely, and we enjoyed the atmosphere before and during our meal. The food was spectacular - I ordered a breakfast and my husband ordered a lunch entree (it was sortof in between). They were both absolutely wonderful, and the guacamole we had while waiting was one of the best I have ever had in my life! All in all, I would strongly recommend La Cueva Cafe - based on what we saw in Taos, it's definitely the place to eat!
(5)Lynn R.
Great corn poblano soup and decent nachos. Small place with outdoor seating. We were very pleased with our meal and service. We did see another couple waiting long enough after they were seated that they had to go find the waiter. Very good food.
(5)Kat M.
So glad we tried this place. Don't be fooled by the ex-gas station type building and make-shift patio! Try the chicken mole dish and the chile releno....best I've EVER had, really not kidding. And the staff is excellent. Sit outside and enjoy the food and atmosphere. The only complaint (which really isn't meant as one is they don't have a liquor license. Just get in there and check it out! Ciao!
(4)Mark R.
Nice, quaint place with decent food. We ordered the fish tacos, asada steak with chile relleno, fajitas, and chicken strips for kids. The fish tacos were above average. All else was average. The Mexican chocolate cake was good but the desert Chimichanga was off. The smoothies were watery but a good value for the size. The wait staff was competent but could be more pleasant.
(4)Thomas K.
This was given as a recommendation from a local. The food was edible but nothing really to write home about. The restaurant appeared to be multiple Adobe buildings and each room was a separate dining area. We got to sit across a court yard towards the back. There is no alcohol served so you'll need to drink up before you go.
(3)Robert F.
The FIsh Tacos were great! We also had the Chile Rellenos and the Enchiladas, both delicious. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.
(4)Mark W.
Fantastic service, excellent food. Went here on a whim while overnighting on our way to somewhere else. Very happy we did, the atmosphere was pleasant and the food was very good.
(5)Whitney H.
We decided to try something new and I'm so glad that we did. There are a few things that others might find problematic; the parking is tricky but that's normal for Taos. The space inside the restaurant itself is small and a little cramped but I'm able to overlook those details because the food was so good. I had chicken fajitas and was pleasantly surprised. The chicken was marinated in spices that packed a punch, the peppers were delicious and the rice and beans were great. Everything tasted fresh and it felt like I was being served a homemade meal in the kitchen of a friend, the service was just that friendly. We will definitely visit again, I'm anxious to try out their breakfast menu.
(5)Josh R.
My wife and I live in Taos and really enjoy going to La Cueva. The food is delicious and at a very affordable price. We usually get the chips, salsa, and guacamole (which is always very good). Sure, they charge for chips and salsa, but that is the case for most places in Northern New Mexico. The entrees are portioned well, and I always end up eating all of the beans and rice (which I do not normally find myself doing at other places). Our favorite dishes are the fish tacos, enchiladas, and the chimichanga.
(5)Sandy S.
Chile relleno, fajitas, taco, Frito Pie. All excellent. Tiny dining rm so we ate outside. Friendly fast service. We are from Tucson and are pretty critical of Mexican food as we have some of the best. Best food of our trip. Thanks
(5)Harry K.
Possibly the Best Fish Tacos Ever! Run don't walk to this small but rocking delicious restaurant in Taos, NM. Fresh delicious ingredients & unbelievable food! I did the spicy shrimp tacos & my wife loved her shrimp enchiladas. We are headed back mañana!
(5)Hans F.
Great hole in the wall. Total of 3 parking spaces, but the food is worth it!! No reservations, but they have a large room in a separate building for large parties. Chile Rellenos are wonderful along with guacamole, salsa, and everything else!!
(5)Marina V.
Good food! We tried the mole, chile relleno, tri tip skillet with bell peppers & onions and frito pies. The best were frito pies and the skillet. This place is mexican but still has New Mexico taste. If you are looking for legit mexican only some of their plates will like that. The desserts are amazing! We tired the mexican chocolate, flan and key lime ;). Out door patio is nice. This place is Definitely worth a try!
(4)David L.
Absolutely great. Best Chile Relleno we've had. Best chimichanga we've had. Great red and green salsa. And then, to top it off, incredible desserts: Mexican chocolate cake and key lime pie. We'd go back to Taos just to eat here. Very reasonable too with good service. Only fault is that they don't serve beer.
(5)Cyndy L.
The food here was quite good overall but not entirely consistent. Appetizers were excellent - fresh chips, tasty guacamole, nice creamy corn soup. My son also really enjoyed the Caesar salad with salmon. Main courses were okay but not great. Friendly service. Tiny space but warm.
(4)Courtney G.
We just moved to Taos and this was the restaurant we are at on our first night here. Absolutely wonderful. I had the chili rellenno and hubby had the fish tacos. We split each because we couldn't decide which was better. Started with the delicious homemade guacamole. We will definitely be eating here often.
(5)Will S.
Ahhhhh thanks to the food gods for total redemption after our Mexican food debacle in Carlsbad. This place was the polar opposite to that- superb service with a smile and en Espanol no less!! My mole enchiladas were incredible as were my wife's veggie tacos (made to order no less). Our guacamole and salsa were outstanding and fresh, again we were thanking the food gods!!!! Everything was excellent including their beautiful outdoor seating terrace. I just wish we could have returned to try their other menu items. Outstanding place!!!
(5)Aaron Z.
Good yes, very good probably, 5 star ..nope sorry. Coming from a place with lots of Mexican food to a place know for it's specialty Mexican food, there is definitely better, in NM and in Taos, we won't mention names, but just ask around. We very much enjoyed the combinada plata... chille relleno & asada taco. side of beans with a cheese enchilada. The green chili sauce was good as was the smoky red. The chicken chimichanga was really bland with nothing going on with the meat inside the deep fried crust, until you pour which ever chilli you prefer. No liquor license, so that definitely put a damper on the experience. They are working on it. And what is up with the charging for chips and salsa? Some establishment has to break that habit. In SF don't think that has happened once, unless you are getting guac.or some other add on.At some point, I'd like to return when they serve beer and try more dishes and the key lime pie.
(4)James D.
Kicking around Taos and our preferred haunt was closed. Who knew they only served breakfast and lunch. Help from Yelp! Enter, La Cueva. We started with guacamole and salsa. The guacamole was outstanding, clearly made from scratch. With a group of five, we had the opportunity to try a few main plates. The chili relleno was perfect. The beans tasted like homemade that were cooked all day. The beef chimichanga was a touch over cooked but was still outstanding. If it hadn't been a tad burnt? Perfection! Chicken tacos were alright, not the best we'd had. Time for dessert. We shared a key lime pie, the house specialty, and it was a solid choice. The winner? Mexican chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Light, fluffy, with a touch of cinnamon. Wow. Them we got the bill. And it was totally reasonable. Great value for excellent food in a land of overpriced high end Mexican food.
(5)Tavo G.
Hole in the wall kinda of feeling but well worth the stop. Started off with the chips and guacamole. Next my wife and I had the Sopa de Rajas Poblanas and Tortilla Soup which were legit. Wow. Also we both had the Plato Combinado which was also delicioso. And of course the service was excellent. Coming back for sure.
(5)Joe S.
Authentic New Mexican. Tiny place. Excellent food and service. The poblano pepper and corn soup is hearty and warm on a cold day. Enchiladas and chile rellenos are superb. Key lime pie for dresser if you have any room.
(5)Kristen W.
Chili rellenos are some of the best I have ever had in Taos....and I have tried a lot!! A tiny and authentic New Mexican/ Mexican eatery. They have a number of shrimp dishes, chimichangas and my favorite, the rellenos. The ceiling is about 7 foot high and the door only about 6 feet high.There are about six tables which seat 2 to four people. They can pull a couple together otherwise it is outdoor seating. :-) Charming and delicious describe this place!
(4)Lisa S.
What a wonderful little cafe. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp enchilada lunch, along with a tasty mango strawberry orange smoothie. When I arrived, I had to wait a few minutes to be seated and get a beverage as they were just finishing a lunch rush. Once seated, the server was very helpful and attentive.
(4)Chelsea S.
The most delicious food ever! Fish and Chips are one of my favorites. Smoothies are the best. Never disappoints!
(5)Joanne H.
Perfect quaint little place. Chicken Enchiladas with green chile sauce and beef burrito with red chile sauce were extraordinary! Staff was very polite and service was quick. Price was very reasonable for what you get. Highly recommended.
(5)Rada Y.
Rare for me to slap five *s on any restaurant. Yes, I'm a picky b*Tch! Especially over an enchilada. Now, I'm telling you...if I just walked by this place and peeked in the window, I probably wouldn't bother. It's a tiny, glow in the dark neon dive. But I have a keen sense of smell and I caught a whiff of the chili & like a siren's song, it drew me in. Mind you this was about high noon and with 12 seats (no, not tables, seats) we were lucky to find a spot to sit down. While the walls are neon yellow, everything's immaculate & quaint in its simplicity. The waiter was professional and polite & my enchilada was one of the best I've ever had...and I cut my baby teeth on roasted chili. My friend raved about the shredded beef tacos & never offered me a bite. (I wasn't sharing the enchilada either.)
(5)Kerry M.
Fresh, friendly and no fuss. The front dining room is so tiny that we were afraid we wouldn't get in, but then we we're led around the back, through a cute patio and into dining room number 2! No pretention, just great food. Chicken burrito with tons of fresh all white meat and shrimp tacos with wonderful chipotle sauce. Delightful! No alcohol is only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. Margaritas are good with chips and guac!
(4)Chris A.
Yep, that good. Great little courtyard right off the main drag that made it seem like we were in someone's backyard. The food was great - got the combination plate, which was a perfect amount of food. La Cueva Cafe doesn't have a liquor license though, so you'll have to go elsewhere for margaritas.
(5)Diana D.
I'm not sure what the big deal is about this place. Maybe because I was raised with a Mexican momma do I have high expectations when I read such positive yelp reviews about a Mexican restaurant. I'll just list the pros and cons in a straight forward way: The place is tiny, cute and has character. The waiter was aloof. It was slow when we were in there and we had to ask for the check. The salsa was very good, but the guacamole was so average--it was fresh but it was basically just smashed avocado with a hint of tomato and onion (really good guacamole needs some love). The shrimp enchiladas were pretty good but smothered (!) in a sauce that drowned out the other subtle flavors that should have been there. The Spanish rice needed fresh sautéed onions and ? ...It was just rice with a red tomato tint. I don't know. It was just okay overall. Edible for sure, just not amazing.
(3)Ashley W.
My friends and I were driving from Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico last week and chanced upon this utterly delicious cafe. Honest to goodness, I am a taco NUT!!! These were some of the best beef tacos I have ever had in my life. I very rarely eat dessert but the four of us shared a truly amazing slice of key lime pie with tequila-infused whipped cream. OMG. The service on the back deck was excellent. The Arnold Palmer was refreshing and delicious, too! I wish I could go back right now -- but it's a long way from San Francisco Bay. I shall return. 6.20.15 Returned today. I think it's even better than I remembered. Dang, this is GREAT Mexican food. We'll be back. Since I was here last I got married to the most wonderful man and we moved to Oregon. Thank goodness, he loves this place as much as I do!!!
(5)Tracy W.
Don't judge a book by its cover or a good hole in the wall by its shell. The place has a nice local vibe and the food is worth the stop. Tortilla soup and enchiladas were a hit. If you want something local this is it.
(4)Kandi S.
This is a hidden gem of a restaurant. It's tiny and unpretentious and the food and service is terrific. My friend and. We're looking for a light bite for lunch and found La Cueva on Yelp. We started with their homemade chips and salsa and guacamole. Delicious. The chips were super light and crispy and the guacamole was fresh and chunky. We then shared the chile relano special and it was indeed very special. The beef filled chile included apple, pear and raisin. The dish was topped with a delicious ba
(5)Randy L.
Oh my, 1st time CO natives, now living in Corrales, NM, to visit Taos - La Cueva Cafe is a MUST stop & enjoy. Perfect 16 seating eatery - great service, excellent food & all wirh perfect ambiance - we WILL return. :) b
(5)Ryan S.
Stopped here on my way through Taos after seeing the good reviews. Delicious and authentic New Mexican food. The shrimp enchiladas were excellent. You'll be ready for a nap afterwards because you won't be able to stop eating.
(5)Aaron A.
Great Mexican food!!! I'm from Texas so this was 100x better than tex mex. I had the seafood enchiladas and tortilla soup. Both extremely fresh, the seafood enchiladas had a red cream sauce on it. They said they make the soup when you order it. It had a quarter of an avocado on the soup. I tasted my wife's fajitas, extremely flavorful. chips and salsa are extra but chines with guacamole, also made fresh. This is my first time giving a Mexican food place 5 stars. Small quaint place. Don't worry when you walk in and see seating for 8... they have other rooms out back.
(5)Jeanette W.
A interesting mix of New Mexican and Mexican food- we had the chicken mole enchiladas, veggie tacos and the combo platter. The mole sauce was wonderful, and a treat as homemade mole sauce is hard to come by in NM. They are great with the kids and the patio is nice in the summer. I appreciate a place to go that is gluten free- so that is also a plus.
(3)Liam D.
Came here with my dad and sister after arriving in Taos. Looked here on yelp for ideas on dinner and so glad I came. Great food, nice wait staff and be sure to save room for the chocolate cake!
(5)Julia M.
Tacos were very tasty, burrito only had meat in it so that was odd, enchiladas was good. So the family thought it was good, a-ok
(3)Todd H.
We are regulars to Santa Fe and Taos and this very small and improbable restaurant (no alcohol, located in a former corner gas station maybe?) caught our eye on Yelp and we are certainly glad it did. The food is fresh, enticing, and delicious. You can tell that a talented chef who loves food is in charge in the closet size kitchen. We enjoyed the Guacamole and Salsa (very smoky - nice), the Chicken Mole Enchilada, Asada Steak, and chocolate cake. The folks are friendly as well. We will return!
(5)Erin B.
Excellent! The red chili was exactly what I was hoping for & the rice, beans, guac & salsa were excellent as well. Yum!!
(5)Food C.
We were sooo disappointed. We went there because of the Yelp reviews, and it makes me think twice about following these reviews. The waiter was very friendly and very nice. We got to sit outside, which is nice, but the food---very disappointing. We had the mole which was fine, but a little too sweet. Since we had such wonderful chile sauces in Santa Fe, we wanted to try theirs, so I ordered enchiladas with both red and green chile sauces. TERRIBLE! In Santa Fe you could see chilies and onions, etc. The sauces here were just like canned sauces--no different from canned enchilada sauce--just like a thickened liquid. Will not return.
(3)Marcia K.
This restaurant is just a hole in the wall on. Busy corner just before the plaza in Taos. The inside is tiny but very cheerful and colorful. Jose was out waiter and very helpful with recommendations. My husband and I had the shrimp and seafood enchiladas which were fabulous. Friends with us had a burrito and, believe it or not, fish and chips. We were all very happy with out choices. Would come back here for lunch if back in Taos!
(5)Jaclyn B.
Best fish tacos I have ever had. If you are in Taos it is a must try. Super cute small place. Delicious food!
(5)Jess P.
Guess I'm used to quick paced city dining, so service seemed very hectic and not very efficient. BUT the wait is worth it. Sooo delicious.
(4)Dirk R.
Great place to get some simple cozy food. The cafe is really, really intimate. When I say intimate the dinning area seats 12 and is only about 12' x 15'. Too bad they don't open for breakfast until 10 am or we would have gone back. Our food was fantastic and the chile had great flavor and just the right amount of heat. This is an unpretentious cafe that serves great food. If you want a lot of bling then don't go. It was simple and very relaxing.
(5)A T.
Excellent food, great service. Thank you for doing what you do. It is not easy running a restaurant and it is even more difficult to operate one that produces good food consistently. Our dinner at your restaurant was better than we expected and we hope to return in the future.
(5)Megan F.
I was pretty disappointed with my trip to La Cueva. The old man and I arrived in Taos as part of an off-season road trip and like the rest of our trip - based where we'd eat on Yelp reviews. Unfortunately, this was the only instance in which the Yelpers let us down. The food was not bad, but it was just OK. The guacamole was delicious but the carne asada and the salsa were bland. We were further disappointed when the waiter treated us in a condescending manner because he didn't think we knew how to speak Spanish. Truth is, I am fluent, but hard of hearing. When I asked him to repeat the name of a dish, he said "Oh, you don't even know what that means, do you?" in a very condescending tone. I had expected a lot more from this place based on the reviews.
(2)Marcy J.
Nothing to write home about. They really don't serve New Mexican cuisine, it's very much like Tex Mex. My husband asked for red chili and got chipotle. The chicken in the burrito and enchiladas is shredded breast, no seasoning and very dry. I prefer dark meat or a mixture to give it flavor and moisture. The burrito has no beans inside just chicken breast. They charge for chips and salsa. The guacamole is very good, chunky and flavorful. They do not serve alcohol not even beer, which is kind of a bummer for a Mexican restaurant. The place is small but we weren't uncomfortable at all. It seemed clean and I didn't mind sitting by their deep freezer and shelves full of groceries. I wish I'd have tried Orlando's, I heard it's great after we already ate here and we were leaving town.
(2)Amy D.
Mwah. Combo plate with red and green chilie. The smoothies my kids got looked great too.
(4)Willanne W.
Disappointing in many ways. Let me count them: 1. Chile rellenos: green chile sauce had no recognizable chile in it, tasted like chicken soup and was super runny. The rellenos were more mexican style than New Mexican. White Mexican cheese was used inside the rellenos. Oh, and the pinto beans were blah. 2. Gnarly little plastic cups for the water .. tasted funky and looked pathetic. 3. Waiter was pleasant and efficient. 4. Restaurant has a pleasant environment and some outdoor seating. Can't recommend it as I didn't care for the food at all. Sorry!
(1)Cat M.
I've eaten a lot of Mexican food in my life, and crammed as much New Mexican food into my face as I could during my week in the land of enchantment, so when I say that La Cueva Cafe was the best (New) Mexican food I've ever had I want you to know that means something. We didn't order anything out of the ordinary -- guacamole, spinach enchiladas, chile rellenos, etc. Standard fare. But you could taste that it was all prepared to order, from scratch, with love and careful thought toward spices. The presentation was gorgeous and unexpected for a hole in the wall family place. La Cueva executes a familiar menu with so much passion that it's like tasting those dishes for the first time.
(5)Dan M.
I don't think I've tasted better Mexican food. Key lime pie was good too, as described.
(5)A S.
Best posole in town!
(5)Brenna C.
I can't recommend this place enough. We stopped in Taos during a cross-country drive and I can say without any reservations that this was the single best meal we had the entire three week trip. (And there were some darn good meals.) Unimpressive looking from the outside, the restaurant offers a small back patio that is very pleasant. The service was also efficient and friendly, but really, La Cueva is all about the food. We ordered a wide variety of dishes and not a single one was less than delicious. The tamale special was amazing, the chile verde got two thumbs up from our resident chile verde fan, and my fish was unexpected, but completely amazing. This is elevated, unfussy food at great prices. Don't miss the interesting and refreshing homemade lemonade, and the chunky guacamole. I may have to drive back through New Mexico just to eat here again.
(5)Neil M.
Fantastic food and a very friendly staff. Everyone in Taos reccomended this place to me, even the parking attendant. It is small and the seating is tight. The salsa is remarkable and the entrees delicious and plentiful. They had quite a nice selection of desserts but I had no room for them. Sounded great
(4)Ron G.
This place has at best 6 tables and a small kitchen. So know in advance it is a small space and nothing fancy. The menu is short but manages to fit in kids items. And best of all the food is amazingly good. Can highly recommend the guacamole as well as the mole version of their fajitas (a sometimes available special). I would steer you away from the ceviche fish tacos unless you *really* love a LOT of lime. We'd happily return here any time.
(5)Dan M.
Tiny restaurant. Excellent food. Great service. The civiche was top notch. All of our entrees were incredible. The chimichanga dessert was amazing.
(5)Laura M.
Well sorry to say it was not so good. Chili Rellenos were average. The waiter seemed to be bothered by my request for no onions. Seems everything has them. Love them but I am allergic. Nice patio staff was otherwise friendly.
(2)Laura J.
We were told " hole in the wall" and " local favorite". However I think the secret is out! La Cueva is a Taos hit!! We have been going to taos for 20 years and this was a great find( and we have eaten all over taos)! The service was wonderful. We started on the patio but as it got cooler they quickly moved us into the tiny, albeit quirky , and very busy dining room. The poblano mole with carnitas was fabulous - tender and so flavorful I want the sauce bottled!! The combination platter was just the right balance of favors and food! Prices were great! The only thing missing-- and really with all the flavors not really needed--would be a good cerveza or margarita!! This will definitely be one of our regular stops on future visits! Awesome!
(5)Dub T.
A gem of a find! After a long hard day of driving, and several days of very mediocre meals on the road, we did not expect much from this place - and boy were we glad to be wrong! The food almost brought a tear to my husband's eye as "the best Mexican food I've ever had"! And he wasn't wrong. He had Chimichangas, and I had a mixed platter of taco and enchilada (as I couldn't decide). Everything tasted great, was served super quick and represented extraordinarily good value. The pretty little restaurant itself, particularly the back patio, helped round out the experience for us and leave us with very pleasant memories of New Mexico.
(5)brendan j.
Great food, great service, and the staff was great with the kids. nice patio to eat outdoors. food was the typical southwestern/tex-mex but it was very fresh and very good. had the combo plate which i liked and my wife had the fajitas with mole sauce - also very good. one note, as of early june they still didn't have a liquor license so it's byob.
(4)Sharon G.
While we all love our northern New Mexican cuisine, those of us raised in places like Texas miss authentic Mexican food as well. This is it! Best chicken mole outside of Mexico. Only real, hand loaded fabulous nachos I've found in the whole state. Their flan will knock your socks off. Great family run service; very tiny place, so make reservations, and enjoy!
(5)Kathy P.
The smallest kitchens create the most delectable dishes and La Cueva is a perfect example of churning out tantalizing meals that make your taste buds smile! 5 stars for ceviche, guacamole, and mole chicken fajitas. Pass on the corn chowder (too bland, not enough corn) and corn tortillas (too thin and served cold). Lemonada & tea both refreshing. 5 stars for smiling friendly service also!
(5)AVID C.
When it was Rellenos, I loved it and I still do! Same chef....now he is the owner. I had one veggie and one chicken enchilada with green chile sauce. Awesome, heavenly. Loved the mixed veggies. Lunch buddy had the tacos which he said were fine. Beans, not refried, on the side along with excellent Spanish rice. No room for dessert, but the flan looks good. As others say, the place doesn't look like much on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts!
(5)Ralph T.
This is truly a hole in the wall in Taos. This small restaurnt is located near the town square. Service was good the food GREAT. Four of us had guacomole, tacos, encaladas, rice, beans and chips. All were awsome. If you're in Taos stop by you won't be dissapointed. Same as Rellenos Cafe-Just changed the name
(4)Melanie B.
Wonderful, fresh, well-prepared food. Friendly staff. The mole enchilada (something that is hard to find in southern New Mexico) was excellent. The fish tacos with the chipotle mayo were outstanding. Prices are absolutely reasonable for the quality and portion size. La Cueva is a small, non-assuming space but the atmosphere is warm, intimate and welcoming. The staff are so helpful and customer service oriented. The salsa is roasted red pepper salsa - does not taste canned, tasted fresh, although I never asked, Do not miss eating here when visiting beautiful Taos!
(4)Sandy N.
I've eaten here before and the food was decent athough they always seem to be short of something. Decided to try again but this time i was told that an item on the menu was not available because the "chef" was too busy to cook it. If so, why have it on the menu? Will likely not go back because they seem to cook what they want when they want, regardless of what it says on the menu. The hassle of parking does not make this worth it.
(2)Benjamin Y.
Believe the yelpers - great dinner for quite cheap. The whole place is the size of your mother in law's walkin closet. Be prepared to overhear the neighbors' conversation about their zany/quirky experiences studying abroad. The mole and guac are winners. I'd eat here all the time if I were lucky enough to be a local!
(5)angela n.
Great food. Great location and decor. Don't let the front dissuade you from trying this place. Very good prices. No beer though. But such good food and fresh flavors. The enchiladas, tacos, chili rellanos, rice, beans, guacamole were fantastic. Everything seemed so freshly made. Oh, we bought the flan for dessert. It looked so delicious but we were so stuffed. We are bringing it home for later! The service was great too. We would definitely come back!
(5)Gwendolyn B.
Great food. The pulled pork special was to die for. And good tortilla soup too.
(5)Ben K.
Easily the best place I've eaten in Taos (where I've been several times over the past few years, living in Santa Fe). The shrimp enchiladas (in a delicious and rich creamy chipotle sauce) were fantastic, as was my fruit smoothie. My girlfriend's fish tacos were also a cut above. Quick, pleasant service (we had a charming Peruvian waiter) and really reasonable prices for the area. Highly recommended.
(5)David H.
Great, had the carnitas with green mole sauce. The pork broke apart when i pressed it with the fork, then it was game time. The people i was with had the enchiladas and the chili relleno. Relleno was a little soggy, but the brisket taco was fantastic. They make great sauces, so err on the saucy side when choosing. 4 stars for no liquor liscense yet. Otherwise 5.
(4)Jennie G.
Delicious! Had shrimp tacos and seafood enchiladas-- best enchiladas we have ever had. Sat outside with lots of space. Yummy smoothies too and great service.
(4)Neil Q.
No gluten, no wheat. Seemingly less guilt. Mexican food that isnt ridiculously greasy or slathered in butter or cheese? Im in. Food was different but a pleasant surprise. Ordered chimichanga, chicken taco, and an chicken enchilada. The chimicanga wasnt super crispy but lightly fried rather. I was expecting it to be stuffed with meat and filler like many other places, but it was almost entirely stuffed with shredded beef. Awesome. Chicken taco was shredded all white meat. Good too. The enchilada was different than what im used to. Not so much cheese, more meat and sauce. Pleasantly different.
(4)michael k.
Great service, extremely polite and knowledgeable
(4)Stephanie K.
This was an awesome find on our way through Taos. The location is a bit strange but don't be put off. The food was excellent. We recommend ordering the nachos as a starter.
(4)Jason K.
I read the race reviews here, but just didn't get it. this place was just OK. Not great, just OK. They had a weird enchilada mole where the flavor of the mole was just destroyed by the heat. Fish tacos were average. Too bad.
(3)Joe M.
Great gem. If you have just 1 casual meal in Taos this is it. You won't be disappointed. The ingredients were fresh and everything was well prepared. The service is relaxed (I mean that in a good way) but well done and polite. Nice patio. Not to be missed.
(5)D A.
Teeny place, nice patio. No margaritas, but food was worth doing without.
(4)Roger H.
Now known as La Cueva, this adorable little place is fabulously delicious. The owner served us himself and was amazingly attentive. EAT HERE, you will leave wishing you could have more. The mole sauce with carnitas plate is amazing. Try the desert! We practically inhaled the mango chimichanga. It was so good we returned a couple nights later and had the fajita plate. It was made with a unique sauce and was f***** good.
(5)Alex G.
Great find. The chipotle sauce crab enchilada is one of the best things I've eaten in a long time. Jose was very nice. Delicioso.
(5)Alexei K.
Chile rellenos and enchiladas were truly amazing. Service was prompt and professional. Key lime pie did not disappoint. Definitely coming back next time we are in Taos.
(5)M T.
The food was excellent! Thankful for Yelp reviews getting us there. It's just across the street from the Taos Plaza. (Walking distance). We recommend the taco, enchilada, relleno plate. You won't regret it. My husband and I were well pleased. Best meal we've had during this trip to New Mexico.
(5)Jeremy G.
Authentic Mexican food. Small, intimate dining area and prompt, attentive service by the chef himself makes for an enjoyable meal. Coupled with affordable prices and delicious, tasty entrees this place is a real gem. I was especially thrilled with the flavor of the homemade salsa and fresh guacamole. The only disappointment: the restaurant's lack of a liquor license.
(4)Lisa T.
Had the red trout with garlic which far exceeded my expectations in surprising flavor. Even the veggies were uniquely delicious.
(5)Jesse Lynn D.
I'm so disappointed that anyone was disappointed! My beau and I stopped in here, based off of Yelp recommendations; on our drive back to Texas - the food was amazing! Nothing we ate was a disappointment, so much so that we talked about wanted more for several days thereafter. Not only was the food outstanding, including dessert; but the wait service was impecable. The place held true to its "hole-in-the-wall" description, but I could not have been happier with the results. Check out the Mango dessert, when in season; and the seafood enchiladas - also, this is a great place to people watch :)
(5)Eric T.
We chose this place after checking the reviews on Yelp, so we came with high expectations. We were still blown away. The ingredients, preparation, and presentation were all exceptional. We started with the fish ceviche, which was tangy and tasted very fresh, and came with sliced avocado, chipotle mayo, and fresh tortilla chips. All but one in our party ordered the chicken enchiladas with red sauce, and the remaining person ordered the chile relleno. All were excellent. The chicken was moist and delicious, and the red sauce had a spicy, complex flavor. We finished with the key lime pie, which had a generous graham cracker crust, little flecks of lime zest, and a tequila sauce. Incredible! The quality of the food far exceeded the price (about $8 for an order of enchiladas with Spanish rice and pinto beans). The patio in a little courtyard was close to a busy intersection, but it felt somewhat secluded. The restaurant itself is small and could easily be mistaken for a little greasy hole-in-the-wall, but make no mistake: the food and service are top notch.
(5)Maggie Y.
I love how this new mexican restaurant posts clearly on their window a big sign that says gluten free! Makes it so easy to stop in somewhere. Plus the food is fantastic! I usually wouldn't have ceviche in New Mexico, but the server recommended it and it was delicious! We had green chili enchiladas w/ an egg on top, and flan for desert. Everything was great. We love NM food and it's great to have a place w/ a GF green chili in Taos!
(4)Amy S.
We went here based on it's rating here on Yelp. The rating was spot on. Don't be fooled by the outward appearance. Go on through to the back patio and enjoy. We had 5 star service in a very relaxed atmosphere. The food was fabulous. I loved the guacamole. It has a citrus/cilantro flavor. I usually prefer garlic, but I loved this version just as much. The chile rellenos with green chile were very good. The key lime pie is amazing.
(4)Kimberley C.
Excellent food! Cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Enjoyed ceviche, green chile chicken enchiladas and a chile relleno..... Delicious
(4)Chirag C.
This place (which recently went through a name change) was incredible. Looks can be deceiving-from the outside, it's hard to find, and upon seeing it, looks questionalbe. However, the food and service were both the best we experienced at any restaurant in Taos. The Rellenos are a must! The combo platter was filling enough for two. And our server was knowledgeable and jovial. A must visit on a trip to Taos!
(5)Marsh J.
Nice little spot - only 5 or 6 tables, but the staff were attentive and friendly. Salsa was very good, food was good. I tried the enchiladas, and the green chile sauce was great. Everything had that 'home made today' taste.
(3)Chris W.
Truly a hole in the wall, Mexican, gourmet gem. Do not leave Taos without going there. Eat shrimp in white wine (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) and ceviche... and amazing prices. WOW, just got the dessert.
(5)C J.
Wonderful service, great venue, fantastic food. Quaint sweet and reasonably priced.
(4)Dave C.
Excellent food Chips. Salsa guacamole
(5)A S.
Outstanding New Mexican cuisine for cheap. Service weak but friendly and doesn't detract from the food.
(5)Jeremy G.
The food is really good! A lot different than what you get in Oklahoma. The building is only about 500 sq feet so you have to eat outside.
(3)Geoff M.
Perhaps the 4-star rating seems a bit harsh, but, and please forgive my arrogance, I can make food this well. Now, it's 100% true I'm an awesome cook, so comparing my greatness to a restaurant is a bit unfair. But when you consider everything about this place, 4 stars is more a compliment than you might think. Because, you see, the food was excellent. No, it was not elite, but it's at least in the same zip code, and that's a very good thing, Martha. The smoothies are simply outstanding, and I ripped through the spinach/pineapple smoothie in record time (seriously, smoothies with greens r0x your cat b0x). The service is truly outstanding, and I mean like crazy good. The food is good, but I can find food on this level in Texas, and my own kitchen, with regularity. The next time I'm in Taos, I will very likely be back, and I can honestly give a restaurant no greater plug than that.
(4)Steve F.
Great hole in the wall. Good service and great food. The shrimp enchiladas were to die for. Best we have had in NM and we love the food here.
(5)Amy K.
The apex of our visit to Sante Fe area. Every bit of food we had was marvelous. Guacamole is what I compare all others to and is a don't miss item. Classic place that is overlooked but don't go anywhere else .
(5)Daniel T.
Had the fajitas with mole sauce. Excellent. The missus choice stole the prize though. Shrimp enchiladas with chipotle sauce was out of this world. Walked right by this little hole in the wall at first but glad we turned back.
(5)Julian R.
Great service and excellent food !! Would highly recommend this place.
(4)Brie S.
Gluten free! Almost everything on the brreakfast menu including the green and red chiles. I had huevos rancheros here and loved them. It's very hard for me to find good gluten free mexican (or any other) food. I loved the patio.
(5)Nick O.
Two of us had dinner here. We were unfamiliar with the place and all of Taos. I did some online searching around and saw that La Cueva reviewed well so we tried it. As we pull up to the front of the restaurant I was disappointed at the outside appearance, it looked sort of run down. Then we proceed inside to take our seat and I actually had thoughts of leaving, again just because of appearance. It's not dirty looking, it is clean even. It's just not even the slightest bit fancy or modern looking. But they have the best food ever. I am glad I decided to stay. I would go back many times, but I'm from California. The plate presentation was very good too. Services were good and quick. They have indoor and outdoor seating.
(4)Peter B.
Excellent! Very authentic!
(5)Ciely H.
Here's the "spot" - La Cueva. Hmmm, what does that mean? I'll have to look that up. The food is lovely. A yummy treat was their Salmon Enchilada with Chipotle cream sauce. Oh yeah baby! That's what I'm talkin' about. It's rumored the Chefs' previous experience was at another very popular local restaurant, and it shows. they know what they're doing. The ingredients are fresh and tasty. The price is quite reasonable. The Owners are charming and it's a "gluten free" zone. Love this one! One of the little local gems of Taos you'll be sure to remember.
(4)Steve K.
Blah. Bland green chile sauce thickened with flour that wasn't even close to spicy or authentic. Beans WERE good. Rest was just ok. Iced tea tasted like it was from a mix and really weak. Not awful but not even close to memorable. I went here because of the rave reviews on yelp and can only conclude they are fake. No way the place I just ate at could legitimately garner that level of praise. Giving it one star to let other yelpers know they should not trust those reviews.
(1)javier b.
Came in from out of town after reading reviews about this place when it was called Rellenos. Great little place, the name is appropriate for a tiny dining room, but with cleverly set up outside patio too. Had the shrimp enchiladas plate, it was awesome, with a cheesy sauce and cajun style shrimp inside. We chatted with the owner, he explained he took over and had to change the name because previous owner took the old name with him, but La Cueva kept the same menu. This is our first time visiting Taos, and this was the first restaurant we picked. We were very happy with service, food, neatness and clever set up of the cafe.
(5)Katie B.
The waitor was nice but didn't have eye contact and seemed awkward. I got the Tacos and they didn't meet my taste expectations. However my mom and brother said it was the "best they have ever had, 5 stars for sure" and my dad said "4 starts, could be better". Afterwards we all ordered the Mexican Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream. The ice cream was good but there was something distasteful about the cake.
(3)Kai H.
La Cueva, you are a culinary oasis! We ate the cerviche, the fajitas, the quesadillas, and more. We secretly think the kitchen has some Colombian edge to the cooking?... The food was delicioso and we are going back for the mango dessert that we could not order, because we were so gluttonously happy this time. However, hasta pronto La Cueva.
(5)Jennie M.
La Cueva was my first (and best) dining experience in New Mexico and I almost missed it. The outside of the building is not that impressive so we almost passed it by, but just around back is nice patio with quite a few tables, so that sucked us in. As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted by a friendly straight-shooting waitress who told us the specials as well as her likes and dislikes as she showed us our table. (She's not a fan of mole, apparently). I ordered a sampler plate which had chile relleno, a taco and an enchilada and my friend ordered the veggie enchiladas. Both of us ordered the green chile sauce. Our food came quickly and I dove into my first chile relleno. Holy balls was their chile relleno amazing! The sauce, the melty cheese, the beans, the rice! I was tempted to lick my plate clean but refrained...My friend with the veggie enchilada also devoured her meal as well (and she's known to be a bird-like eater, one of those people who might bring only lettuce and tofu for lunch), and she noted her veggies were cooked 'to perfection'. I should note that I had another chile relleno meal at a 'famous' Taos establishment and thought La Cueva's won hands down. As others noted, when I was there they did not have a liquor license but I hadn't planned on ordered any so it didn't bother me.
(5)Bill R.
wow!! we accidentally came upon this place as we were looking for somewhere that was too far to drive and we were tired...What a gem...we had the shrimp tacos in a creamy chipotle sauce, and the tortilla soup...both were unbelievable.. The place is tiny and looks like a dive, but don't be misguided. it was phenomenal!!-- everything is home made--had the flan for desert-- perfect-- You have to go here...
(5)Paolo G.
Tiny place, excellent food! Had the Rellenos and a special dessert "pastela de tres leches" that was out of this world. Not for large parties and no alcohol, but if you want great, tasty food this is an excellent place!
(5)J S.
a great place! they have great food with a really great price point and they have tons of gluten free! when i asked about gluten free they asked if i was a celiac and then said "we will take care of you" and they did (they understand very well about cross contamination). their mexican food is far better than their new mexican food. (i really liked their rellenos- but i do agree with past customer review that there is little green chile in the chile. so their style is not new mexican, but it was very tasty). loved it!
(5)Joseph M.
very good dinner; my wife (the foodie") said all flavors were very well balanced.
(4)Jennifer I.
We took a chance on this cafe. At first look it seemed a little down trodden, but we were very pleasantly surprised; the staff was friendly and the food was made quickly and deliciously! The space while "snug" made for a cozy atmosphere. We highly recommend this little gem if you come through Taos.
(4)C.J. W.
I've lived in Southern California all my life and had to go to Taos to have the best Mexican food - EVER! 5 Stars! I'd consider moving to Taos, just to eat here. Everything was perfect - there wasn't one thing that I'd change. Salsa, perfect, had a bit of a bite to it. Guacamole, tasted like avocado, not like lemon, perfect. The tortilla chips were thin and different, wonderful. Then there was the chile relleno.....the cheese was exceptional - I don't know what kind of cheese it was, but it was great, not like most mexican restaurants that use monterey jack - the chiles must have been roasted or something - tasted incredible. We had a hard time finding the restaurant because we didn't know the name had changed AND the owner doesn't bother to put the address number on the building. It was hard driving around the narrow streets in heavy traffic trying to find it. Finally, we pulled over and I called and found out the name had changed. When my husband asked why they didn't put an address number on the building, the host said "No one in Taos does!" Other than that - it was wonderful. Had a combo plate that included beef taco, shredded beef not ground, chicken enchilada, chile relleno and rice and beans - again exceptional - the beans were not mashed and refried, they were whole and very flavorful. I'll never be able to eat mexican food anywhere else again after this.......maybe someday years from now, I'll venture out and eat it again, probably just to be disappointed, as I'll never forget La Cueva.
(5)Mr M.
La Cueva is one of the top New Mexican food spots in Taos, IMHO. It is tiny, seating maybe 16 in the dining room, with a large patio that will accommodate many more. I love the patio, but you may want to avoid it after dusk if you tend to attract flying critters that bite like I do. I had the combination dinner- Chili Relleno with green chili, an enchilada with red chili, taco, rice and beans. At $9, one of the best values in town. The Hatch chili was a bit tough, needed a knife to cut it. That is kind of unusual. Wife had chicken enchiladas en mole sauce, rice and beans. This is some of the best mole you will ever eat. I always regret not ordering it, but since I always let her order before me, and I insist on not ordering the same thing, the result is me with the combo platter. If you are not familiar, there are many types of Mole, this is Mole Poblano- which is more common north of the border. No alcohol is being served here. I also recommend trying them for breakfast although I think they open at 10am.
(4)Pete M.
Tiny little restaurant with great food. Wait staff was fantastic. I had the chili rellenos with red and green chili and loved them. My dad had the tamales which I tasted. Now I have to go back again because those were amazing too. It's charming and delicious.
(5)Dave E.
Great food, great service and great atmosphere. If you are looking for a reasonably priced place to eat with great food, this is the place. Homemade guacamole, chips and salsa this good would be hard to beat. Beef tacos (shredded, not ground) are fantastic as well as the fish tacos. Outside patio is rustic and shaded. They don't serve alcohol so you may want to grab a drink up the street then head down here for some delicious viddles.
(5)Lucy H.
An authentic New Mexican gem located right on the corner of Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Quesnel. It's easy to miss if you drive too fast but the downtown traffic might help to keep you on track! This restaurant serves one of the best chile rellanos - muy delicioso. We ordered the tortilla soup which came recommended by our waiter. The soup was robust with New Mexican chile flare. To get the whole experience, I ordered the combination plate that comes with a chicken enchilada (no blue corn tortilla available), a crunchy taco with cochinita pivil in place of beef, and one chile rellano. Everything on my plate was vibrant and tasty. Again, the chile rellano was one of the best I've ever had; it had a light batter that was not greasy in the slightest, gooey melted cheese, and a bit of heat from the pepper. In New Mexican fashion, I ordered my combination plate dressed in green and red chile aka "Christmas Style". This restaurant is small and quaint inside and outside. It's an old, free standing, pueblo-style building with a courtyard for outside dining. Inside the building, there are only three small tables available. One last thing - They DO NOT serve alcohol here. No margaritas or beer to go with your meal.
(5)Raul B.
Good place with local food! The place is kind of strange/crappy from the outside, but definitely is cool in the inside. We had there the two specialities the waiter suggested us. One of them (the mole plate) was excellent! Highly recommended!!! The other one (a kind of beef burrito), just ok (the beef was a bit chewy). Overall, great experience, affordable prices (although not super cheap) and great service. Nice option in Taos! PS. My guess is that this place is better during the summer: they have a nice patio
(3)Don F.
I just returned from 3 months in Cozumel Mexico, and IMHO this place is great. After hiking in Taos ski valley, we were ready for some good food. We shared veggie enchiladas with green sauce, and the veggie combination plate, Christmas, which we were told in New Mexico is Red and Green sauce, which has a taco, enchilada, and relleno, with beans and rice. Food was just what we wanted. Our server Alfredo suggested the Maragarita Key lime pie. Another winner. I would recommend this to anyone in Taos.
(4)Keith B.
Great Back Patio Maybe the inside looks like a cave, but we never went in there. The back patio is charming and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Service was great. Our waiter really knew the menu and was wonderfully accommodating. We had the trout and the garlic shrimp. Both came with a wonderful little salad and delicious roasted vegetables and rice. Everything was really, really good. The only negative is that they don't serve any liquor. Prices are quite reasonable. I would definitely return.
(4)Micah R.
Not the most appealing to the eye, but food is very well priced. The food was tasty, but it didn't stand out to me in any outstanding way. The wait staff is decent not the friendliest but then again not in any way rude. Stop by if in need for good food and a cheap price!
(4)Dylan E.
Great Mexican food. A must try when in Taos. Had the mole fajitas and combination plate. Both excellent.
(5)Chris C.
I thought this place was mediocre. We had the combination plate, chimichanga and steak. The steak was tough, chili Relleno was greasy. But the guacamole and salsa was the best I've had.
(2)Steven B.
Two of the best meals I've had, period. I'm originally from Santa Fe and love Mexican and New Mexican food. Stopping through Taos, my girlfriend and I happened upon La Cueva. She got ceviche, which I thought would be a bad choice at a random restaurant in New Mexico. It was great. I had a combo plate that was great as well. Our second trip we got tamales and they were they best I have ever had, ever. Really good food.
(5)Quy H.
The food at La Cueva Cafe is really good. Everyone in my family really enjoyed the food. We ordered the shrimp tacos, beef enchilada, and seafood enchilada. They were really good. Our server was friendly.
(5)Courtney S.
Found this on Yelp and was not disappointed. Cute little place with more seating around back. Alas no beer or margaritas but the quality of food -- must try the shrimp tacos -- made up for that as did the authentic favors and portions. Not touristy. Just good Nee Mexican food!
(3)Michelle M.
I am so glad I used Yelp to find a place to each lunch in Taos. We would have passed right by this restaurant based on its looks from the road. I grew up in Southern California, live in San Diego, lived in Southern Arizona, and have traveled in Baja. The lunch I had here was by far one of the best Mexican meals I have ever had. We started with chips, salsa, and guacamole. The guacamole was the best I have ever had served by a restaurant. I had a combo of chicken enchilada, pork tamale, and beef taco. I chose to have both red and green sauce. The tamale was so good, the masa was light and flavorful...not super dense like so many tamales I have had. My husband had chipotle shrimp tacos and our son had beef tacos. We all declared it an excellent meal. A bit on the pricey side...they charge for chips and salsa (unlike most SoCal Mexican restaurants) and we had two orders.
(5)Merinda C.
We were going through Taos and stopped for lunch. Food was pretty good but nachos were soggy when they arrived like they had been sitting. From start to finish was over two hours and we had to go find the waiter to get the check. Good food but very slow service.
(3)John O.
I was looking for something to eat late in Taos -- and stumbled on La Cueva Cafe at 8:45 PM (most restaurants close at 9 pm in Taos). La Cueva is tiny tiny tiny -- but what it lacks in space it makes up for it in soul. Since it was late, I wanted something really simple -- so I ordered the Tortilla Soup. A stomach full of New Mexican enchiladas is a little heavy come bedtime! The Tortilla soup was one of the best soup dishes I have ever had. I could eat this soup every single day and be happy. It had a rich smokey flavor to it -- obviously New Mexico chiles are used in the recipe. It's enough for two people and definitely a meal for one person -- it set me back $5. I'm looking forward to returning to Taos and coming back to La Cueva. Thanks to Yelp for helping me find this very small joint in Taos.
(5)Christian H.
First, the chips, salsa, & guacamole (fyi, proper pronunciation is "walk-a-mole-eh") for only $6 is actually a great deal....esp when you see the rest of the menu is between 5-10 bucks. Why does it have two "$" listed? this place is basically all $8-9 for everything! For a family of four, we walked out for less than $40, incl a 20% tip! How's that for Taos on the cheep-cheep! Food was solid (perhaps not spectacular), but any place with bomb chips & guacamole gets an auto 5 stars in my book. Salsa wasn't too bad either. Walking distance from the plaza, nice outdoor patio for use on non-rainy nights/days, and they take Amex! woohoo!
(5)Sarah N.
A little gem in Taos! We got there 30 minutes before they closed on Sunday night and hoped the staff wouldn't be too upset by our late arrival. It was just the opposite - they were very welcoming and didn't appear put off throughout the night. The restaurant is right off the main road at an intersection, and at that hour we were able to find easy parking. Walking distance to the touristy section of Taos. The interior is tiny, but they had a nice outdoor patio. Being that we had been outside all day, we chose to remain indoors and sit by the window. We started with chips, salsa, and guacamole. The chips were delicious - not overly salty with a very fresh texture. The guacamole was also fresh and not bland or too smooth. The salsa was a little on the watery side that night, but it was flavorful. This was probably the best chicken chimichanga I've ever had. It wasn't ridiculously large, but it was definitely not small either. Perfectly crispy on the outside, and hot and gooey on the inside with juicy shredded chicken. I chose to smother it with both red and green chile, and I'm glad I did. I'm not a refried beans kind of gal, but whatever they did to their beans, it had good seasoning with none of that pasty blandness you'd find at other cheap Mexican restaurants. And rather than being dry like at other establishments, the rice was moist and sat well on the palate. My only complaint is that they didn't refill our waters often enough. In fact, a table right next to us got refills without having to ask, while we had to raise our hands to get more water. Other than that, I highly recommend checking out La Cueva!
(4)Cami S.
This review is specifically for the waiter named Horacio. We would give ZERO star if we could. If you are a party of 5 or more, know that there is mandatory gratuity of 20% which we didn't know until the payment. The service was horrible and he did not deserve 20% tip at all. When he brought food to our table, he did not say anything, and stuck out the plates of food between our heads. He could have said "excuse me" to let us know that he is behind us. When we asked where the restroom is, he just pointed with silence without explanation with words. He never came to ask us how our food was ( he did to other tables). We were very upset from the beginning how we were treated and we wanted to leave as soon as we finish eating because it was unpleasant. He really did not care about us dining but others. We felt like he looked down on us because we were foreigners or he just didn't care because he knew because he is regardless getting 20% of tip.
(1)Sally R.
We love this place, great Mexican food, good as it gets. Lovely patio, reserve your piece of key lime pie when you get there, Mom makes it and it goes fast! I know, key lime pie in a Mexican Restaurant ?
(5)S. K.
Food was excellent! The chicken mole enchiladas were off the hook No beer or wine but great place and friendly. Sit outside
(4)Bonnie C.
I caught this place early in the morning, so I was the only customer. Server seemed indifferent as he straightened tables. After a minute or so, he just told to sit anywhere. Ok. I sat a few minutes before he brought me a menu. I had to ask for coffee as he turned to leave. Hmmmmm. Anyway, I ordered an Mexican omelette with Chorizo, but the Chorizo was but a sprinkling. Thankfully, the rest of the food was decent--flavorful and generously portioned. I'm glad I stopped, but I'll not likely visit again. First impressions carry significant weight for me. My perceived indifference on the part of the server left me feeling like I intruded on something more important than providing welcoming service.
(4)Armand M.
I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food but this place was 100% great all around on everything they served us. Fajitas were great as was the Tempanquinea (yeah I spelled that wrong). I would love to be back here weekly if it wasn't so far from home.
(5)J J.
Food was exceptional. Had the beef burrito with christmas sauce (green and red). It was the most flavorful burrito I can ever remember ordering. Wait service sucked because we showed up 15 before closing.
(4)Celia G.
The food was pretty good. They had a gluten free menu which is hard to find. Quick service and inexpensive.
(3)Marilyn B.
Great inventive food Wow Best Chilli Relleno And mole sauce ever OMG Tortilla soup very flavorful Great for my friend who is gluten free
(5)Sunshine W.
After being severely disappointed by the seafood around these parts, I was so skeptical of their selection, but my waiter suggested I try their Red Trout. I decided to give it one more shot and WOW it was AMAZING. I highly recommend everyone trying the Red Trout, I was SO surprised. They say Orlando's is the best NM restaurant in Taos...but I think it's La Cueva. The vegetables are SO fresh and the flavors are PERFECTLY balanced. It's not common for me to finish my plate when I go out to eat, but I cannot help it at La Cueva! In fact, I had to order an additional side of rice last time! The meals are so light but at the same time enough to be grounding. La Cueva is so small and quaint it's hard for the waiters not to heed to your every word! I love the care and attention of the staff. Yet at the same time there is a sense of privacy and intimacy the place offers for you and your guests. I love that they always ask for dessert - which I will try to spare room for one of these days!! Parking is limited on the street but if you keep your eyes open something will open up!
(5)Claire G.
I decided to visit this restaurant because is was rated 1 in Taos. Being that I have eaten New Mexican food all around I was disappointed. Well the food was satisfactory it was not amazing. The guacamole was great, the service was good, the chili did not have much flavor. Also be aware there is no alcohol served here. If I returned to Taos I would not visit this restaurant again.
(3)Jacob C.
Had the good fortune to stop in to this place during our trip to Taos. We had planned on going to a nearby restaurant, but they were already closed at 6pm...There's a nice-looking patio, but it was raining a bit so we had to sit inside. The main part of the restaurant looked pretty crowded, but, lucky us, they have a back room away from everyone else - it was like having a restaurant all to ourselves. That might not appeal to everyone, but it suited us just fine. Service was prompt and friendly. We started out with chips/salsa/guac, which were great, but the salsa in particular stood out. It was dark, robust and had just the right amount of heat. Looking at their menu and prices, you might not expect much. Surely, this food was too cheap to be any good! Wrong. I had the "Mexican Ceviche", which was awesome - just perfectly cooked in lime with all the right fixings, more chips and chipotle mayo. Considering this dish cost about half as much here as at the Peruvian restaurant in my neighborhood, I wasn't expecting much, but it might just be the best ceviche I've eaten. My girlfriend had vegetarian tacos, which were also pretty good. This place is a gem. I'd definitely eat here again if in Taos.
(5)Holli D.
Wonderful meal of chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. It was totally worth the wait and absence of alcohol. Excellent service too despite the sudden crowd. If weather permits, eat outside.
(5)Benjamin P.
Really delicious food. The space was tiny (4 tables) but I think they had tables in another building nearby as waitstaff kept leaving with drinks and plates out the front door. The smoothies are delicious, fresh, and all fruit - no nasty additions. The food was fantastic. I had a combo platter because I couldn't decide and the taco, enchilada, and chile relleno were all great. Don't let the outside of this place scare you off - it's a gem.
(5)Jordana G.
Torn between 3 or 4 stars.This place is more Mexican than New Mexican. Killer salsa, all roasty and rich. Very good guac. Both red and green chile were just OK, not great. Rellenos were good and enchilada good, but neither was stellar. Beans and rice were quite good with pico on top. Mexican chocolate cake was really delicious, rich with cinnamon and red chile, served with vanilla ice cream. Nice patio, a tad slow for the entrees to come out and were not very hot, although the guac and drinks came out fast. No liquor license.
(4)Nicole S.
After eating two amazing (new) Mexican meals in Santa Fe, this place only comes up to the "almost average" level. The guacamole was very good but our entrees were quite lacking in flavor. There are better places than this in Taos. If you must go, because of the amazing yelp reviews, then by all means, go. Experience the charm of this tiny restaurant with a big heart. The food isn't bad. It's just highly overrated.
(2)Jenna J.
This place is a gem! Very good service and excellent food at a decent price. I started off with the chips, salsa & guacamole and polished off the entire basket by myself. For lunch I had the chicken mole enchiladas and they were absolutely delicious. I splurged on the key lime pie for dessert and it was the best that I have ever had. Nice outdoor patio too!!
(5)Alayna D.
The best New Mexican food that I have had. The restaurant itself is very small, but the waitstaff was attentive and helpful. I ordered soup (but of course sampled everyone else's dishes as well). It was a creamy cheese and corn soup and it was to die for. They also have smoothies here. I ordered one with mango and watermelon. Very fresh and delicious. This should be on everyone's list of places to eat while in Taos. Amazing!
(5)Mike Z.
This is a true taste of New Mexico. It doesn't look like much from the outside. We had two different fish dishes. Both were excellent. Service was a bit slow, but it was a busy holiday weekend.
(5)Linda G.
Wow this is a tiny little gem that is spectacular! The food is delicious service is great! It's a small place with such big character!!! We had an awesome meal for a reasonable price! The food is flavorful and superb and dessert is amazing!
(5)Jennifer H.
This was our last meal in Taos and we were not disappointed. We sat on the patio for lunch and it was just beautiful, surrounded by lots of blooming flowers and fruit trees. We started with guacamole, and it we all really liked it. For entrees, we had the shrimp enchiladas and the shrimp tacos. Both were delicious and a great price! My daughter had the kids chicken strips and she said liked them too, it appeared to be real breast meat. As Texans, we are pretty picky about our Mexican food, and this was good. I don't know if it is "authentic" New Mexican, but we liked it and will definitely come back next time we are in Taos.
(4)Katie F.
Lovely little cafe, delicious food and attentive, personable staff. Would definitely recommend, only downfall is no margaritas. :)
(4)Jennifer R.
We love this place and stop every time we're in Taos. In fact, we drive through Taos for this and for the antique shop in the square. The mole is delicious, and although the seating area is small, it's quaint and we've never had trouble getting seated. They also have great salsa and guacamole. Don't pass it up!
(5)Garon B.
Excellent food, wonderful service, kind people. Love to support this place and great alternative for food delivery to pizza!
(4)Rachael Jewell S.
Ate lunch on drive to Santa Fe expectations were high and was just ok. Mole was traditional but we wished green chile had more flavor and spice. Enjoyed the outdoor seating on beautiful day.
(3)Karen F.
Everything was amazing Best chili relleno ever. Must have the sauce Christmas style.
(5)Brian T.
I really like the chips and guacamole. The salsa is lower on acidity (tomatoes) than what I typically have, and it's great! There are lots of chiles in it as well. I had the combination plate and it was fantastic. The chile relleno was delicious and the right texture. The beef is shredded beef and chicken is shredded chicken. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that 95% of the menu is gluten free (the chimichanga is the exception) They have a small indoor dining area but we chose to have lunch in their small backyard patio. The lemonade is homeade; I had an Arnold Palmer with it. It wasn't overly sweet (I love it).
(5)Ralph B.
A friend and I ate at La Cueva Cafe once. The Sopa de Rajas Poblanas was good, although the chiles and onions were cut way too long to manage with a spoon. Those ingredients need to be cut much shorter. The Chicken Mole Enchiladas were good, but too light on chocolate, for my friend's and my tastes. The Chicken Tacos were kinda boring. They needed a sauce. They were served with a hot sauce, but I didn't care for it. We had Flan Naranjas. We could not detect any flavor of orange. The flan itself seemed rather ordinary, although the sauce around it was quite good. Presentation of the flan was outstanding. Service was good. I'm torn between three stars and four, but I'm feeling generous so it's four.
(4)Connor N.
Great food, great service, good atmosphere. Very hole-in-the-wall, but the food was awesome, very very small, but still felt like no one was able to hear my conversation. I would call it cozy rather than too small. Got the beef enchiladas. Only critique is the portion sizes are a bit small (keeping in mind I am an 18 year old male) Otherwise, very good.
(4)Wayne E.
If this is La Cueva, I want to be a Caveman. Seriously, the raves about this place are justified. We had the mole. We had the relleno. We had some house made Guacamole. Did I mention we don't even like Guacamole...but it was delicious. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Definitely will return to La Cueva.....and bring my inner Caveman.
(5)Mr B.
Down and dirty Mexican with some New Mexican options and all fresh ingredients. Patio outside dining is casual but quality of food is superb compared to the environment and the authentic in-house made sauces, salsa, guacamole, and mole sauces are amazing! I'd say the high volume of customers is related to the food and location but really I think the casual atmosphere is a pull as well. Only downside is that walking here is best as parking is not the easiest.
(5)Heather T.
The food was okay. Dinner was on a cute patio but the tables were dirty. Next time, I would skip right to the Mexican Chocolate Cake. It was terrific!
(3)Michelle W.
This place was AWFUL! I thought, "wow, 208 reviews & being 4 1/2 stars this place should be legit!" NOT AT ALL! Very disappointed! Service was horrible! Very rude! Never served the ladies first! Oh & not for the average white person that doesn't do spicy! There were no alternatives to the sauces so it was a bland dinner. I could also cook better cheese enchiladas & I CAN'T COOK!!! Do not waste your money!!!
(1)Angie W.
This is a small place on the main street outside of Taos plaza but walkable from our hotel. We had an early dinner and sat at the patio which is okay. The décor is casual and more like a fast food place. We didn't get much attention from the waiter and no refill of water during our entire meal. It started to get chilly after 7pm and the patio isn't equipped with any patio heat lamp which is needed in Taos. Looks like chips and salsa are not complimentary in New Mexico. We ordered (2) dishes from the menu and (2) specials. Was a bit surprised to find that the (2) specials turned out to be $16 each. We got 4 shrimps on one of the special. The other one is a steak which is mediocre. We asked for medium and it turned out fully cooked. The dishes don't' justify the price at all. The other dishes are okay but nothing memorable and we felt a bit ripped off.
(3)Adam C.
I had the enchilada NM with "Christmas Sauce". Had I tried this as my first restaurant specializing in NM cuisine, I would have given it 4 stars. Unfortunately, during my 3 day trip to the area, I went to an insanely good place in Santa Fe, and La Cueva wasn't as good. I did enjoy the enchiladas. They were very well prepared, but the red and green sauces weren't as tasty as the place I had been previously. The ambiance of this place was pretty special however. There were literally four tables in a tiny room, with a maximum seated capacity of 12. It was very unique. They do have an outdoor seating area that looks like it could be pretty cool during warmer months. If I were a local, I would definitely try it again.
(3)Alice C.
Road Trip Notable Nosh # 4 (see Lists) Super friendly service and very delicious food, in a cheerful atmosphere. My husband worked as a teenager at the nearby Scout Ranch, and we came through Taos to relive some old memories. We felt lucky in that this was the only dog-friendly establishment on our entire route. Our two pooches also got to dine al fresco and the waiter even brought out water for our parched companions. We got nachos with salsa and guac, corn soup, fish tacos and mole chicken. Portions were very large, and we were saddened not to have room for desert. The guac was very fresh, although the salsa would have benefited from more fresh cilantro. The corn soup was creamy and had a nice cheesy flavor. The fish tacos were some of the best I have ever had. The fish was so fresh, tender and flaky and the tortillas had a homemade texture. The mole was scrumptious, with a deep smoky flavor. I am never one to eat the sauce remaining on a plate, but I couldn't resist one or two forkfuls on this occasion. Highly recommended!
(4)Anna D.
Wow!!!!! Amazing food that is also gluten free! A must stop for anyone who loves Mexican/SW food.
(5)Nash G.
We're from Texas and eat Mexican food with ridiculous regularity. Even still, this is the best Mexican food I've ever had, ever. The chips, salsa, and guacamole (especially) were perfect. The main entrance only has 3 tables in it. Fear not! There's a detached building where they have any more. The highlight of the meal was then green chile rellenos. Ho. Ly. Crap. The food was 30 stars, but the service was very, very slow, so 4 stars it is.
(4)Sarah K.
Probably the tiniest restaurant I've ever been in, with four 2-tops and one 4-top, for a total of seating 12 people max at one time. But this place is very cute! It's got a decorative fireplace, trinkets all around, and Mexican music at a soft, pleasant level in the background. Due to the limited seating, a lot of people came in for to-go/pick-up orders The staff is friendly and courteous, the bathroom is clean, and food is good. Again, like the other New Mexican places I've tried, I have trouble distinguishing what makes it unique to regular Mexican cuisine. I got enchiladas, a veggie and a shredded chicken, which comes with rice and beans and a little lettuce tomato mini salad. The veggie enchilada had zucchini, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes (different). The chicken wasn't as shredded as I'd prefer and it didn't have any seasoning/flavor. The beans were tasty. Bottom line: I have nothing particularly bad to say about this place, but I also didn't find anything particularly exceptional.
(3)Ryan C.
The food here is awesome - absolutely fantastic. Very fresh. No typical refried beans, etc. I loved the place until I received my check. I paid in cash the tab was 11 plus a little change. I handed over a $20 and received back 8 dollars. I paid in cash so they could skip credit card fees; here if you pay in cash expect a surcharge. They rounded up. The money would have been received anyways via a tip. The fact they just took the money on their own strikes me as dishonest. I'm very disappointed as in 4 dinners in Taos their food was the best. But this was basically theft.
(2)Jennifer M.
Great food! My daughter and I shared the Plato combinado and it was awesome! Really good guac and salsa too!
(5)Lanaye D.
The food was delicious. enjoyed the outdoor seating. The meal was a little slower for our party of 11.
(5)Jeremy H.
This is our first time in NM. We are from Southern California and like to brag about how good we have it with the Mexican food but after eating at La Cueva Cafe we were blown away with how good the food was. I actually had to close my eyes while eating the Mole Chicken Fajitas. Also shed a tear or two while eating the Frito Pie. So many flavors, so many sauces, its paradise for foodies. Everything about this place was perfect EXCEPT no alcohol. I would have loved to wash down the fabulous Chile Relleno with an icy cold margarita or a local NM beer. Alas I had to settle for an Arnold Palmer.
(5)Nikki H.
This place is fantastic!!! My favorite food in Taos. Everything is delicious! The staff is is friendly and helpful. Love the NM cheese enchiladas and fresh guacamole. Love the fresh fruit smoothies also. The desserts were amazing!! Highly recommend!!! You won't regret it.
(5)Rachel S.
We live here in Taos, and this is our favorite New Mexican restaurant. The food is consistently good, with fast, friendly service.
(5)Sheila M.
Came for anniversary dinner. Excellent food. We both had enchiladas. Great flavor great service! We will recommend to all.
(5)Misty P.
Loved our dishes, combination plate and salmon with veggies and rice. Great sauces, great flavors. Order the yummy chips, salsa, guacamole.
(5)Liz L.
Super tiny place but awesome food! No liquor license keeps your drink options limited to soda, lemonade, or water... But the meal itself was amazing. We started with the Frito Pie, then had the mole enchiladas and chile rellenos- perfect!! The best rellenos I have ever had (get them "Christmas style" to experience both the red and green sauce.) We finished up with the Mexican chocolate cake - not to be missed!! They've got some kind of secret spice that will keep me coming back whenever I'm in Taos.
(5)Jeannine O.
Went on 6/24/12, but this never posted. A great place so I wanted to still post. Mexican chocolate cake finished off a great meal! Shrimp enchiladas were a winner!
(4)Misha U.
I have friends that exclusively eat at La Cueva for every meal when they are in town. While it isn't my absolute favorite restaurant in town, is is quite good, and they do have a nice outdoor seating area.
(4)Jessa J.
Went here for lunch on a sat. Guac had good flavor and the shrimp cream sauce was great. The rest was underwhelming... the chicken mole and rellenos were not 4.5 star worthy by any means.
(3)Angela H.
I am not normally a big fan of Mexican food but this was incredible. The specials are so good! All 4 of us loved what we ordered. Highly recommended
(5)Shando S.
Wow, am I glad we decided to try La Cueva! I'd have to say hands down best mexican food I've ever had! My girlfriend and I did some Yelp browsing and chose this restaurant based on the ratings. The place is small, but cozey. It has an old-timey southwestern style decor which is to be expected for the area. We started out with Chips with Salsa & Guacamole. The Salsa was not too spicy and had a nice subtle smokey chipotle flavor. The guacamole was bright, delicious and tasted very fresh. (My only suggestion for the whole meal would be more garlic in the guacamole). I ordered the Chicken Chimi w/ green sauce, and my girlfriend got the Chicken Mole Enchiladas. The chicken in both dishes was out of this world, shredded prime cuts of white meat. Both the chimi and enchiladas were cooked to perfection. The sauce was to die for in both dishes. The green sauce was light in color, with just the right amount of spice, and not like none I've had before. The mole sauce was sweet and savory. We shared the chocolate chipotle cake w/ ice cream for dessert. There was just the perfect smokey undertone in the aftertaste. The cake was warm and moist, and was presented beautifully with a sweet red and brown chocolate drizzle accompanied by a cocoa/cinnamon powder sprinkle. The service was stellar and the entire meal with shared appetizer, dessert, 2 beverages, and 2 main dishes cost a total of thirty some dollars. I'd call that very reasonable when comparing to anywhere else on the Taos main strip. Ohhh man I'm having flashbacks. You're going to want to go ahead and choose La Cueva Cafe.
(5)Ashley E.
This tiny hole in the wall is definitely worth a visit. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Taos. They don't have a taco salad on the menu, but they made one for me to order anyway! Great service, delicious food with gluten free chile, and great music playing to boot. I saw a gentleman eating what looked like some awesome ceviche, so I'll definitely have to try that next time! It is tiny, and an older establishment, but they've got cute outdoor seating, a small area inside and really, really good food! Don't pass this place by!
(5)David F.
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN REVIEW: This is by far the best place I have found in Taos for those seeking Vegan or Vegetarian New Mexican food. I lived in Taos for 3 years, have now lived in Los Angeles for about 3 years, and come back to Taos often. This restaurant compares with or beats any vegan Mexican food in Los Angeles, including the much more expensive Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. Oddly, La Cueva does not advertise anywere about doing vegan or vegetarian. But, ask the server or one of the family members that run the restaurant, and they can do it. I've had the vegan fajitas with mole sauce and the vegan burrito with red and green chile. Both are absolutely delicious. And, they can make much more. But, the vegan fajita with mole sauce and gluten free tortilla wraps steals my heart each time I go there! So, if you're vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free and seeking some seriously great New Mexican food while living or visiting Taos, be sure to check out this unassuming gem in town!
(5)Justin B.
Know that this place is not a New Mexican restaurant, it's a decent Mexican restaurant that is also very overrated. The service is very friendly and it's at a reasonable price point, but if you are looking for quality New Mexican, this isn't it. They add way too much corn starch to their green and red chile, which is really a ghastly thing to do. The green was the worse of the two - it was gloppy and insipid. Heat was sorely lacking. No posole, only rice. That said, their beans are clearly not canned and are very flavorful and had a nice creamy consistency. Their guac was also fresh and well balanced -- the chile relleno was well also quite well prepared. Their chile, though -- inexcusable.
(3)Shalayne C.
Went here while we were in Taos and I was super excited to have several vegetarian options! I got a veggie chimichanga because, well quite frankly I've never seen them anywhere else. Can't really go wrong with deep fried anything so of course this was yummy. My husband got a platter and said most of it was just okay but he really liked the beef taco a lot. We also got the chocolate chili cake which wasn't really my style , but my husband loved it. I think you either enjoy that combination or you don't and I just don't. To each their own of course. Service was great. We sat on the patio which was nice, especially since the weather was perfect. Parking was a bit of an issue, but I'd imagine parking in Taos is always a bit of an issue.
(4)Libby T.
First night in Taos and we were looking for something low-key. Our bartender suggested La Cueva and we were so glad he did! It was a very small dining space - two rooms which you need to go outside to get between. Even so, and on a weekend, we were seated quickly. The food was awesome. I dream of it still! And could basically drink the red chile, it was so delicious. I want to go back!
(4)Nathan G.
La Cueva is a great newer addition to Taos. It is steady in my rotation of Mante's and Guad. Chips, salsa and guac = amazing. I had the chili relleno, so good. The server recommend that we try the key lime pie and it is legit!
(5)Blaize S.
I enjoyed the food here. I recommend sitting on the patio, as the dining room is HOT if it's hot out. There's not much parking here, so plan to park on the street on the side of the restaurant and walk a little ways.
(4)John C.
My wife and I decided to get takeout after a long day. The Taco plate is one of the best. I could not recall the last time I had taco's this good. For those of you from LA, they are better than Tito's and that is saying something.
(5)Brian R.
A weird little place. The wait staff is efficient although a little brusque. The summer eating on the patio is quite nice. The food is above average New Mexico cuisine,not Mexican. NM differs in the local chiles and prep methods used that are very different from the food across the border. The dessert, a chocolate cake with a little red chile earns, chef another star. Some menus that look less crappy and a little more positive attention from the waiters and it is a five star New Mexican restaurant.
(4)PJ M.
Tiny...only a few tables, but beyond delicious!! There's no bad option, but save room for the chili-chocolate cake. Spicy chili, moist delicious chocolate cake...totally the best part.
(5)Susana R.
Arrived mid afternoon 3:30ish for an early dinner. I was promptly served, and all the staff were friendly, competent and attentive. I had the seafood enchiladas enchipotladas and O.M.G! The salmon, shrimp and crab were cooked just right and the sauce to die for! Beans and rice were homemade and not overtaking the plate. Tasty and filling without being too much or too heavy. I'm a La Cueva fan!
(5)Stephen E.
La Cueva is a great Taos local spot. We sat outside in awesome early spring weather. Very small inside area -- glad it wasn't raining. My son and I shared the special - it was a steak fajita with bits of bacon. It was plenty of food for two big guys. The salsa was fantastic. Too spicy for my daughter but bold flavor and truly not too spicy. The kids loved it and said they want to come back-- that's high praise. Overall, very good food on a great day sitting outside in the sun after a long winter! The food was good.
(4)JAMIE C.
The rating is accurate. Ambiance it doesn't have, but if it's great food you want at a reasonable price you won't be disappointed. About five tables inside, another ten or so on the back patio. We both had the chili rellenos and they were absolutely great!
(4)Joe H.
It's as good as everyone says. Very good lunch. The best guacamole, red- and green- chile we've had in quite a while.
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