Chopes Bar & Cafe
16145 S Hwy 28, La Mesa, NM, 88044
Chopes Bar & Cafe Menu
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Address :
16145 S Hwy 28
La Mesa, NM, 88044 - Phone (575) 233-3420
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : 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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Rigo P.
I live next door to this place and let me tell you this is the closet thing to a classic home cooked mexican meal for me. My all time favorite is the chile relleno plate. The green chile has just the right touch of flavor and spice. The cheese is not overpowering, and when you order them make sure u add red chile sauce on top! I give this place 5 stars!
(5)Heather W.
Best chiles rellenos! Such a great small business- love that green chile sauce. We waited a long time to eat here but it was so worth it. It was a Friday night and the place was packed with large parties of local families. I feel like I went to the real New Mexico after eating at Chopes!
(5)Devy P.
Delicious I have to say!!! I'll be back!!! And very affordable friendly staff and everyone worked together.
(4)Victoria S.
I think the other reviews make it clear enough that this IS THE BEST NEW MEXICAN FOOD YOU CAN GET. So here are a few insider tips: -Call ahead to put your name on the list while you drive over! -When you've arrived, let the hostess know you'll be at the bar drinking margaritas. -Go to the bar and order a margarita...on the rocks! -When you're seated, immediately ask for green chile salsa instead of red (trust me) -Order anything on the menu and prepare to be AMAZED Really, though, you just can't find a cooler experience than the long windy road through the orchards, the picturesque little biker bar in the middle of nowhere and the best damn chile rellenos you'll have in your life. This is truly a must-stop shop when visiting El Paso or Las Cruces.
(5)raul r.
I've never been here before, but I got to say, this is a hidden little gem! The food is outstanding, the enchiladas are the best in any side of the border! Burrito Mojados? I'm in love if you read this review and are in the area and don't stop. You don't know what you are missing.
(5)Mary K.
Just keep driving. We stopped here based on the reviews and a recommendation from a local. All 6 of us ordered combo meals that included a mix of chile relleno, green enchiladas, red enchiladas, Gordito and tacos. None of it was good. No flavor in anything and the batter on the chile was so thick and rubbery. The beans and rice were even bland. Only reason I gave any stars was the chili con queso which was phenomenal. If I'm ever forced to come here again I would order that as a meal. The service was very good as well. We all entered hungry and left with most of our food still on the plate. Go to Las Cruces lots of excellent restaurants we enjoyed Pepper's and La Nueva Casita.
(2)Lyn P.
This off the beaten path restaurant between Las Cruces and El Paso is famous for their chile relleno. I was intrigued so I made plans to meet a friend from Las Cruces there for dinner. I was coming from El Paso and the drive was quick and the scenery (especially through the pecan tree grove) was beautiful. We ordered the chile con queso to share and I got a combo of the famous chile relleno, the chile con carne and a taco. My combo came with homemade tortillas. Everything was really good. The spice level was just right. The chile con queso is different from what you would expect - more of the chile than the cheese but it is excellent with your side of chips. The chile relleno was clearly the star of my meal. These are not overstuffed with cheese like most chile rellenos - instead the light breading really brings out the flavor of the chile. Even though we were stuffed, of course we had a sopapilla for dessert - perfect pillows of fried dough heaven. Was really happy with my experience here - in addition to the great food, I appreciated the attentive and friendly service. Chopes will now be a tradition any time I am in the area.
(4)MarkandKimmie L.
Worth the drive! I would give this place 6 stars if I could! Best red chile! And who can beat 40oz beers?!? Friendly staff and awesome atmosphere!
(5)Liz S.
please eat the green enchilada. as many as you possibly can. even if your belly is about to burst afterward, you'll wish you had more the next day. i ordered the combo: green and red enchilada, taco, and chile relleno. it was awesome to try the red enchilada (no regrets), but dang.... the green one stole the show. i'm also not a fan of chile rellenos, but I got it because my friend said it was the best one he's ever tried. it was okay, but again, it's because I'm not a fan to start with. next time, I'd get two tacos and two green enchiladas. YUM!!! oh! and fresh tortillas?!?!????!!!! golly!
(5)Jack E.
Far too busy on a Saturday lunch period. My chicken enchiladas were devoid of chicken and my wife' cheese enchiladas were non-dairy. The beans, rice and relleno were cooked ahead, so were okay, but the enchiladas let alone the wimpy tacos that had to be tackled with a knife and fork, were most disappointing. This is usually a very reliable eatery, but not on a busy Saturday at lunch time. Lesson learned!!!!!!!
(2)Jelli F.
Awesome. I've been going here since I was a kid. As others note, this is a local dive but it's clean, inexpensive, and the food is authentic New Mexican.
(5)Gregory T.
This is one of the most authentic Mexican Restaurants in the area. The charm and hospitality are definitely one of its drawing points. The chips are cool and the salsa is definitely hot. A must see to bring out of town guests to!!!! Greg Tolmasoff Cinderella's Mobile Pet Sitting Las Cruces, NM
(5)Shane M.
I gave Chope's 5 stars because 10 stars weren't an option. This is my favorite restaurant on planet Earth. It holds "Shrine Status" with me. I wouldn't just want to eat my last meal here, I would want to eat my last 100 meals here. The chile is HOT, the food is authentic NEW Mexican style, and the owners are real and genuine.
(5)Abigail M.
Food Is ok , not great but ok. We order red and green enchiladas and they were kind of bland. The chile relleno and steak nachos were good.
(2)Alyssa B.
Maybe the best old-time New Mexican food I have ever had. Located in an old home, Chope's has been remodeled to accommodate a crowd--but arrive early, before 6, or you will be standing in line. It's worth it, from the tasty chips and hot salsa to the absolutely astonishing chile relleno. I could eat here every day! One of the most authentic dining experiences you can have, and it's hard to get your bill up over $20 for two! Great kids' menu, too, starting less than $2. What a treasure. If you only go to one restaurant on your trip to the area, make it this one.
(5)Carlos P.
this place is awesome... never been into the café and only hung out at the café. I love the fact they serve their beers in 40 oz bottles. Only thing about living in west Texas that I miss.
(5)Kyle L.
Everytime i visit LC i always find time to eat here! Once again you did not disappoint chope's!! 3 rellenos (2 covered in red, 1 green) and 2 beef tacos. Perfecto! See you again in January.....
(5)Laura D.
The food is OK but honestly nothing to rave about. We got the trio appetizer, which had some good Chile con queso (not your yellow cheese variety but made with white cheese and fresh green chiles). Then I ordered the the carne con Chile Verde which also was OK, although the rice and beans were rather insipid. I wanted to try their super famous Chile relleno, but didn't dare to order it because I know I am picky when it comes to Chiles rellenos. Luckily someone else at the table ordered it and I got to try a bite. Good thing I didn't order them myself because they were too eggy and oily for my taste. But the flavor of the Chile itself was good, so I can see how other people like them. So in general the food was OK but not great.... The service on the other hand was all over the place. It took us about 20 minutes just to get our names on the waiting list, because there was no hostess. Finally a waiter started a list, and it took us another hour to be seated. Once we were at the table the waitress brought our food fast, but then took forever to bring the check. So taken everything into account, if you happen to be nearby it is a historic place to get decent food (they've been in business for over 50 years), but is not worth the 40 min drive from El Paso just for that.
(3)Don J.
Fantastic chile rellenos. The chips and salsa come with a kick. The house margarita on the rocks, rocks. Worth the drive! If there's a wait for dinner, head to Chopes bar next door; they will come get you when your table is ready. Cozy, local, and features a juke box with both English and Spanish music. Before you order a 40, remember that you can't take your drink out of the bar to the restaurant.
(5)Conchita C.
Was the best in the 70s. In the 80s. 90s. And today at 5:40pm. There is NOTHING like Chope's green Chile enchiladas..with onions and egg on top. Thanks to the whole family.
(5)Max G.
We read about Chope's in "Road Trip" and their reviews nailed it. Great Mexican food at reasonable prices. People line up to get in here. It's worth the wait. On Saturday afternoon, their bar (next door) is a magnet for middle-aged bikers and is a hoot inside. If we lived in the area, we would definitely be back often.
(4)Kelsey K.
Every time I go back to visit Las Cruces, I have to hit up this place. It is INCREDIBLE. The fact that it was founded and continues to operate from the family home only adds to its eclectic nature. I highly recommend getting anything on the menu smothered in green chile, even if it's not the standard way to serve it. Their rellenos are famous, and it's easy to understand why, but make sure to leave room for the incredible sopapillas. The t-shirts and bumper stickers are way cheese ball, but that's some peoples' thing, ya know? Ah... How I miss the days of margs and Chope's...
(5)Alexandra Z.
Chopes Bar & Cafe has the best New Mexican-Mexican food in the state of New Mexico. The servers are extremely friendly and attentive. The food is delicious. My dad always orders the chile relleno plate with red sauce on top. I've tried the the rolled chicken tacos, the gorditas, green cheese chicken enchiladas, but my absolute favorite dish are the red cheese enchiladas served pancake style. The sapodillas are always hot and fresh and the servers bring out the cinnamon sugar and honey so you may indulge as you please. Everything is top notch and definitely worth the drive from El Paso up Vado to eat this little gem.
(5)Terese C.
Stopped here for lunch while on our 50 mile bike ride. Andrew our server was very customer focused & helpful. The three taco dish came with rice & beans. The beans were quite flavorful. I had two chicken & 1 beef taco. The beef tacos were ok, but the chicken tacos were extremely flavorful! We'll come again!
(4)Brandon M.
Used to be great. food and service have both gone downhill dramatically since Chope hasn't been around. The service most notably has declined to the point I cannot in good conscious recommend it anymore.
(1)Kim L.
Food was amazing! I had the chile rellanos for the first time and they were delicious. The servers were nice but forgetful. I wanted a margarita and a tamale and the server forgot both. It looks like a step back in time in a small town in the middle of pecan orchards with grandmas cooking in the kitchen. Salsa was fresh and excellent! Would definitely return when it's hatch chile season:)
(4)Dave L.
Oh Yeah! Stacked enchiladas with egg on top are great. I make them myself all the time but Chopes has it down with many years of experience doing it. I grew up in Deming and only found out about this place from a friend at work here in San Diego. Then found a friend at church that grew up near there and knew it well. Man, am I glad I finally found it. Every New Mexico trip has a stop at Chopes when possible. I have friends going there to work a Department of Homeland Security job and have already hooked them up with the location and hours. Highly recommend this place to anyone road tripping down the 10 to El Paso, it is definitely worth the detour off to NM 26.
(5)Mark N.
This is a place you have to try at least once when in New Mexico. This is as much of an authentic New Mexico culinary institution as I found in my many years living there. The food is not healthy, expect some grease. You need to try the chile rellenos! The environment is a bit gritty, a true melting pot with customers from all social classes - a mixture of local pecan farmers, college students from nearby New Mexico State University, bikers, professionals, a very interesting place. In the bar you can meet all types of interesting people. The drive there through the pecan orchards is quite nice. The prices are cheap
(5)Jeremy S.
You take the first bite and go into an awesome chile coma... actually that coma might have to do with the 40s they serve. My favorite rellenos ever. I always make the drive whenever I'm within 100 miles of this place. It's hard to find but totally worth drive or bike or walk through a pecan grove. If there's an hour wait, don't even think about leaving. Just get in line cuz everyone in front of you is waiting for reason. You can also wait in biker bar next door. I don't think the words rootinest or tootinest adequately describe this place.
(5)Brenner T.
One of the best gems in New Mexico! Only about a 20-25 minute drive from Las Cruces, it is totally worth every cent for gas. Facts: *A restaurant and bar that has been run by the same family for decades upon decades. *The bar is typically filled with the whole biker crew, but don't let that deter you from getting your draaank on! Oh, and did I mention that they serve 40 oz. bottles?! However, due to the new, updated, ludicrous liquor laws in New Mexico, you may not have this by yourself (it has to be split between two people). Sooo what stops someone from getting two 24 oz. bottles in a row? Silly Nuevo Mexico. *Love the food here! Now this is TRUE Mexican/southern NM food. A great starter of chips and salsa goes great with their house margarita! *My favorites? Their amazing rellenos and enchiladas! And the infamous, official state question: Red or green?? CHRISTMAS! Their red is smooth and tasty, while their green has the consistency of a salsa and is chunkier...chock-full of delicious green chile pieces. *Cap off your meal with a sopapilla and absolutely douse it in honey. TIP: Only Visa & Mastercard accepted here. So, why am I docking a star? Inconsistency, unfortunately. Sometimes, our plates of food will be piping hot (how they should be), while a few have been almost room temperature. They've been improving this flaw, though. In addition, the food can take a VERY long time, even when going in the late afternoon when the restaurant isn't very busy. If you're driving through NM and you're within 50 miles of Chope's, give it a shot. It's definitely worth the time to get out to La Mesa!
(4)Kami H.
After hearing rave reviews about Chope's, I was excited to go there. The drive through the pecan orchards was lovely and I was shocked to NOT have to wait on a Saturday night. The good: The salsa was tasty and spicy (but not so spicy that you couldn't eat it). The taco on my combo plate was delicious and reminded me of my childhood with its soft corn tortilla shell. The rice and beans, especially the beans, were almost perfect. The meh: The chips were tasty, but cold. If they'd been warmed up a bit, they would've been much better. The relleno was ok, since I'm not a big relleno fan, maybe I'm not a good judge of that. The bad: The red chile sauce on my enchilada was extremely bland and the tortilla was chewy. My tamale was mush - I've had better from a can, honestly. Would I go back? If I was nearby (not too often), I would go have a taco plate in a minute. The rest...not so much.
(2)Brad E.
This is where you find out what New Mexican food is all about. The state question of "red or green sauce" should be replaced by "have you eaten at Chope's?" As another poster mentioned, you have not eaten Chili rellenos that are this good. Never. I've tried many dishes though...you simply can not go wrong. It's busy...don't count on a 1/2 hour in and out. This is a destination unto itself.
(5)Hannah L.
After seeing all the rave reviews about Chopes, we decided to take the near 1-hour drive from El Paso solely to get some good grub. I'm not sure whether we went there on an off-day, or what, but my experience was very different from what most others have described. The restaurant is cute and quaint, and we were seated immediately. Fortunately, there were salsa and tostadas at our table, so we were able to enjoy those while we decided on what to order. Unfortunately, the salsa was the best food item we ate that night. My boyfriend and I ordered combination plates (I the #3, he the #5), and "chile con queso" as an appetizer. Let me just say that if you're expecting the chile con queso to be what you'd normally get at a Mexican restaurant, you will be very confused when it arrives at your table (also, there is no description to tell you otherwise on the menu). It looks like salsa with a layer of white cheese on top. Of course, white cheese is more "authentic" in Mexican food than yellow/cheddar, so that wasn't our complaint. It was just the consistency of the dish, as well as the difference in what you're used to getting at most other Mexican restaurants. Also, it was lukewarm...so that probably didn't help. The tortillas it came with were great, though. Anyway, the combination plates were a disappointment. The entrees came out right with our appetizer. That fact, along with the temperature/taste of the items, made me think that everything had been sitting around for a while. The enchiladas were lukewarm, making them unenjoyable. The beans that came with the combo plates had no taste, were watery, and were NOT refried. The rice was just "okay." We finished out our meal with sopapillas, which were good...but then again, those are kind of hard to mess up. For an appetizer, two drinks, two entrees, and two sopapillas, we paid about 28 plus tip. All in all, The service was good, the atmosphere was quaint, but the food left A LOT to be desired. I won't go back, and kind of regret driving all that way just to have that kind of experience. There are much better Mexican restaurants in El Paso, such as The Lunchbox, which has similar prices but MUCH better food. I was really excited to go here, and really wanted/expected to have a great experience, but oh well!
(2)Raul G.
The absolute best green chili cheese enchiladas and Mexican food in the world!!! (Read all of their reviews if you doubt me!) Chope's Bar & Cafe is a hidden gem in La Mesa, NM as you travel in-between the Texas-New Mexico border along I-10. First off, if you have the time, make the trip driving through the orchards and countryside as it makes the experience even better. Tips: Call ahead to get your name on the list as they are only open for a couple of hours during lunch/dinner and hit up the bar as you wait to be seated. It is a FUN experience! Bring an empty belly and a tongue that is ready to be challenged with some heat. The red salsa served with traditional tostadas is intense! Being from the area I love a spicy salsa but it may be too much for some, so ask for the green chili salsa and be AMAZED by the flavors your tongue will encounter. This is southern New Mexico which is famous for its Hatch Green Chiles and no one serves them up better than Chope's. Their specialty is the Chili Relleno but ANYTHING on the menu is a hit! I LOVE the green chili cheese enchiladas with a relleno on the side as it gives me the just right amount of hatch green chili heaven. Rice and beans are added to just about every plate and are cooked traditionally, delicious. For dessert (Seriously, if you can eat dessert then you rock!) try the sopapillas as they are a staple in every top Mexican eatery. So if you find yourself traveling in between Texas and New Mexico on I-10, make a visit to Chope's a PRIORITY! It will be worth it! An added note thanks to Jim R. in Searchlight, NV, the prices at Chope's are very affordable. You can put yourself in a food coma heaven for under $15 bucks! Thanks Jim!
(5)John B.
Ok if you give this anything but 5star you really don't know what NEW Mexican food is..... Not Mexican food folks.... big difference. Like Mexican... only newer (oh yeah and smothered with Chile). This is the real deal. I was born in Las Vegas NM, I live in Albuquerque. This poor Hispanic kid grew up eating the real deal every day. Trust me this is it. Everything tastes homemade: beans, tortillas, salsa, Chile, rellenos. Thank you Chopes for continuing to do it right. Don't take shortcuts. I love it. I'm going to take people there and preach the gospel according to Chopes. I love it!!
(5)Jeff M.
I went back on my annual trip - even better than usual. Happy Hour in the bar on Fridays - $3.50 40 oz. Oh yeah - I miss this place.
(5)Jake M.
I stayed with the hospitality of family and tried their food for the first time. It's been years since I went but I'll never forget their green chili rellenos!!!
(5)Cristina G.
Very cool bar.....lots of charm and good food. Had the Number Four meal (enchiladas, taco, and relleno) and it was good. Salsa rocks...I love NM food!
(4)Michael M.
This place operates smoother than any other restaurant I have been to. There was a long line of people waiting outside at the open. I was one of those people on line. When we got inside all of the tables had chips and salsa on them. They knew all of the tables would fill fast. Like clock work the waiter and waitress proceeded to take everyone's drink orders and then their food orders. Bottom line: despite the mass of people that entered when they opened I was eating my meal within 20 minutes. Absolutely amazing! The only negative is that the food is just ordinary Mexican food. Unfortunately, nothing spectacular. So do not come expecting high cuisine. Just expect good food served swiftly.
(4)Elmo D.
Real New Mexico country dive, with the bar next door. Chile Rellenos are OK (and I am a serious relleno critic. Food is spicy hot, fast and good. Margaritas are not good.
(4)Kyle J.
Have eaten there multiple times never had any bad food.they've expanded the restaurant quite a bit from the last time I was there.
(5)Joshua J.
The best Mexican food in the area. The food tastes home-cooked because it is by the Search Results Abuelitas in what used to be their home. My family has been going here for generations, at one point it was at least once a week, and Lupe knew exactly what each of us ordered. It's a great drive through the valley in a car or on a motorcycle. Don't be afraid of the bar, it might look tough, but everyone is there for a good time.
(5)Sean V.
Chope was my step dads great uncle. This restaurant and bar has been in his family for something like 80 years. The food here is as good as it gets for authentic regional New Mexico style food. Tonight I was accompanied with a few relatives for dinner and I had the number 6 combo plate which comes with a chile rellano, enchilada, green chile and rice n' beans. Lets just say the only thing left on my plate was the stem from the chile rellano!! DELISH!! Pure simple New Mexico style food done right.
(5)J L.
OMG! This place is AWFUL!! I have lived in New Mexico for 40 years and this is EASILY the WORST Mexican or New Mexican food that I have had in New Mexico. It tasted like food you would find in California, Arizona, or Texas. This is NOT New Mexican food! First, the relleno was flat, soggy (greasy) and tasteless. I ordered green chile sauce over my relleno and enchilada. When I got the plate is was runny with watery red tomato sauce. When I order green sauce and it is red (and not "chile" red either), I know it is going to be bad. Watery tomato sauce with onions and a bit of token and tasteless (canned?????) green chile here and there. That's NOT green chile sauce, that is tomato sauce with a few green chiles in it. If you go, you may want to order the red chile sauce, which actually wasn't too bad. The enchilada tasted like something my California gringo parents made. Loaded with onions as the main ingredient, and just gross. The gordita tasted like the smell of sweat. The rice had a really weird taste to it. Not horrible, but very odd. Left a bad taste in my mouth though. The best tasting items were the salsa and the beans. Even the flour tortillas were bad, tasting more like corn tortillas than anything else - probably used corn oil or lard infused with corn oil. Overall it was the most disgusting food I've had in a long time. We figured that it was so popular because it is close to the NM/TX border and catered more to the taste that Texans seem to like. Really, it was gross. Better to drive just a few more miles up to Mesilla and eat at La Posta, or just go all the way up to Las Cruces. Any.... I mean ANY other Mexican food restaurant is better than this. If you like Tex-mex, Cali-mex, or Arizona-mex, then this is the place for you. If you like New Mexican food, then take a pass right by this place. Gross! Also be forewarned, it is extremely busy on the weekends. Expect to stand in line for a seat. We tried stopping by earlier in the week - on the weekend. When we went inside it was crowded and noisy. We expected a line, but sitting elbow to elbow just wasn't our deal, so we left, went back in the middle of the week. Sure glad we didn't wait in line for that! BTW, Chile Rellenos are my absolute favorite food on the planet. These rellenos are absolutely horrible. Not the worst I've had, but definitely close to the worst! Green chile is my favorite condiment / additive for food..I put green chile on EVERYTHING... and there wasn't much of it on my plate to be found. What was there (a few token dices of chile in my so called "green chile" sauce and the chile relleno) had no flavor whatsoever.. no heat, no flavor whatsoever. If you love green chile or chile rellenos, this place is a pass...
(1)Jackie H.
Perfect motorcycle cruise ending and beginning for a gorgeous ride through the pecan farms. I haven't tried their food, but the 40's are cold, put on ice, and a kick ass waitstaff. The decor is premium :) Stop in, grab a seat at the bar, and monitor your boozing if you drove because you'll wanna stay for more than 1 here!
(5)Brian O.
A trip south to La Mesa through the pecan orchards and past the fields of cotton we were rewarded at the south end of our excursion by delicious Mexican food. My wife had the taco plate while I had a green chile smothered ground beef stuffed sopapilla. Both of our meals were very good. Too bad the restaurant is not a little bit closer to Las Cruces, but dining in the 150 year old house is worth the drive.
(4)Eric T.
This is a must eat if you're in the area! It's definitely worth the drive through the pecan orchards. Chopes is a great local family run restaurant with great New Mexico flare, serving 40 oz beers and a cool biker bar next door. Don't be intimidated to go in and get a drink. After hanging out in there for five minutes you'll find yourself talking with all kinds or maybe even dancing with one of the regulars. You can't go wrong with the enchiladas or chile rellenos either. I definitely miss this place and still crave the food!
(5)Joe C.
The place has character. The house is the restaurant and across the parking lot is the bar. The food is respectable, the service outstanding and the ambience is super cool. The drive there is as advertised so make the visit, enjoy the diversity of the clientele and have a 40 while waiting for your food.
(4)Bruce F.
In an area famous for GREAT Mexican food, Chope's stands out. A short 20-minute drive from west El Paso, Chope's is in the heart of the Mesilla Valley between Las Cruces and El Paso. The recently remodeled interior lacks the old-time feel that Chope's used to be known for, the food is as good as ever. The sauces are all prepared from local chiles: translated muy picoso. The bar next door is always filled with a mix of bikers, has-beens, never-weres, locals, losers, and restaurant patrons waiting for a table. The diversity aside, everyone gets along real well like seeds in a Hatch Green Chile pod. The pitcher of Margaritas will take the heat off. Chope's closes early, is always crowded, so come early.
(5)Elijah G.
Excellent! The real deal.
(5)Kimberly M.
I come every weekend and never had a complaint. I bring friends and family here as well. Great atmosphere and they also love kids. I always end my meal with a freshly made sopapilla. Staff is very friendly.
(5)Amy Z.
The BEST chili rellenos in the whole world as far as I'm concerned. The salsa is also wonderful and spicy. The downside is that you have to get there EARLY on weekend nights or else a long wait (opens at 5:30pm?) But there is a bar next door to kill time at.
(5)Dyanna P.
Chopes is one of those places I crave when I'm not home visiting family and a required visit when I do make it home. This review isn't necessarily about the food (which is truly great!) but of the restaurant itself. Chopes was recently renovated! As those who have visited previously will tell you, the original layout was a bit cramped, a bit dirty, and a more than a bit in need of some sprucing up. I was thrilled to see that all of the above have changed! A side room in the main building has been opened up, providing a lot more seating. The decor is really nice, with a tiled copper ceiling and re-framed art on the walls. As usual, service is quick and friendly and the food is great. Even though the look of the place has been brought a bit more current, Chopes hasn't lost its charm and is still one of my favorite restaurants in the world!
(4)Lindsay V.
Chopes is one of the things I miss the most about living in Mesilla. A drive through the Pecan Orchards and you are there. This is my favorite NM restaurant because the food is amazing, and going here feels like going to your abuelita's house for dinner on Sunday. The drinks are cold, the food is hot and delicious. There are the rellenos, and I love the crispy chicken tacos with a cold margarita. This is a family-run business where the food is cooked with love. Although Chopes is a local joint, lots of people come from near and far. All the best things about NM are embodied in this place: friendly people, family atmosphere, green and red chilies, and cheap beer. The restaurant is fun, but I enjoy a drink/dinner in the bar. Like others have stated, this is as good as it gets.
(5)erik s.
People in Las Cruces drive 20-30 mins to this out-of-the-way small-town hole-in-the-wall to get green chiles in a city with HUNDREDS OF PLACES to get green chiles all surrounded by MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF GREEN CHILES. I mean, depending on the season.
(5)Nick R.
Previous reviews say it all. I post this review only to confirm, from my warped perspective, that Chopes is the real deal when it comes to New Mexican food. It is the best in Southern NM, and possibly best in the state (It has Sadies beat, dead to rights). The drive from LC is beautiful, leave before the sun goes down, if possible. Unlike most restaurants in the area, they have not toned down the heat of their chilis, and for that, they should be commended!!
(5)Jay P.
Would've never found this place if it weren't for the NYTimes review. It was the end of a long day of driving from SF to Dallas, and what a treat this was. Literally, the /best/ chile relleno, ever. Perfectly fried, and the red chile sauce had such fantastic flavor. Transcendental doesn't even begin to explain. Cute little bar next door, too for when you're waiting to be seated. Can't wait for my next long haul drive to stop in.
(5)Call_Me D.
You can get a 40oz and a relleno plate for lunch! Just don't mouth off to any bikers or slacking government employees that might be hiding there. It can get busy on the weekends, but just plan on having a few extra beers before getting your food if that's the case! This place is a little out of the way, but a perfect stop on the back way to Juarez if you're spending some time in LC.
(5)Lucas L.
Best New Mexican Food in the world. It is run out of the house of the owners and I recommend going here for lunch because you may just catch a glimpse of some of the family members just waking up. They are the friendliest people you could find. Green Chile Cheese Burger is amazing, enchiladas, and the famous chile rellenos will keep you coming back. Its worth the drive where ever you are coming from .
(5)Jerry W.
I read the reviews and ate lunch at Chope's Sept 29 while visiting Las Cruces looking for my retirement home. This is simply the best chile relleno I have ever had. I've eaten Mexican food in Chicago, Texas, and Mexico, and Chope's is the best. The bar is chocked full of old posters and pictures. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food is fabulous. Drive through the pecan orchards and enter a slice of heaven. A 32 oz Dos Equis and chile rellenos. Life doesn't get much better. I will be returning often after I move to Las Cruces...
(5)Armando S.
There are places that are known for their food, atmosphere, location. Chopes has it all. Family restaurant since the turn of the century (19th), it's a funky bar/cafe in two seperate buildings. The bar is a mecca for locals, college kids, bikers. Full of memorabilia and a funky juke box, you can actually purchase 32oz. bottles of beers that reminds me of my high school days. Dinner at the original building was simple, hatch chili rellenos. What gives it even more charm is the drive to Chopes, located with pecan laden trees and wineries.
(5)Harold S.
If you are in the Las Cruces area, this is a well known institution and local favorite. A lot a family history and AUTHENTIC Mexican Food. Be there 15 minutes before the doors open or you will have to wait a while for a table. When traveling eat where the locals eat.
(5)MrB R.
Its tough being the only negative on this one and perhaps we just hit a bad day but it was probably the worst meal we have ever had in a restaurant. The drive to get there is great, the atmosphere is fun but both our meals were terrible. The rellenos were greasy mush and smelled and tasted rancid. The taco shell was also rancid limp and greasy - either fry them crisp or leave them soft but this was greasy cardboard textured. I ordered my enchilada 'green' but got red instead. Bad start when they mess up The State Question. Not generally being that fussy I didn't bother asking to have it changed, should have. It could have been ketchup with a ton of hot sauce in it for all I could tell. We love spice in food and have eaten Schezwan in China, Thai in Thailand and in some of the best Indian restaurants in the world. We can do heat but expect it to have some flavor to it as well. Never could find anything resembling meat or cheese in the enchilada either and gave it up as a lost cause. Presumably from other reviews the green chile would have had some flavor. We didn't bother with a sopapilla though they are recommended. Too afraid we would get another rancid greasy mess. The drinks were good, very nice margarita and cheap and we thought the rice served with the meals was pretty tasty - a little different from other places, but that's about it. We were there fairly early for weekend lunch service which could explain the cooking oil not being hot enough but that would only explain away the greasyness not the rancid flavor, and having been in business forever they should know when to start heating their oil by now. Perhaps it was just an off moment but with both meals so bad we were terribly disappointed with a place that others have found so good.
(1)Turf B.
Yep, what can be said that hasn't been said? Best New Mexican food in the solar system? So glad to have been back there after all these years, and so glad that nothing's changed except for some remodeling. Sweet freaking Heaven, I love this place. So worth the 12 hour roundtrip drive from Phoenix.
(5)Morgan H.
Chope's is a restaurant and bar (separate yet adjoined) filled with bikers, hardcores, students, and yuppies because it is outstanding. The food is wonderful! The smothered burritos are great. I recommend starting with some queso and tortillas. It really is in the middle of nowhere and you need to call ahead to make sure it is open. The place gets packed, so expect to wait to be seated (if you come too late, it could be hours) and served - but it is totally worth it. The decorations haven't been updated in decades, not that they should be.
(5)Dawn B.
Clean restrooms, awesome light chili rellenos and kid friendly!!
(4)Matt G.
Yelp should have a sixth star that's only available for special places like Chopes. I LOVED this place. A co-worker took me here while we were in Las Cruces on business, on the recommendation of a NMSU alum. Everything about it is great: the warm people, the fantastic food (some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten), and the quaint place that apparently was opened in 1915. I ended up buying a t-shirt. The red sauce is delicious, as is the chile relleno. I can't wait to return. PS The prices are a steal. They could charge twice as much. We had two dinners with dessert, two margaritas and two Pacificos, and the tab was only $33 plus tip. Unbelievable.
(5)Kristin D.
Talk about a "Whole-In- The-Wall"! If you are a true fan of Mexican food, like we are- you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE Chope's! We always are looking the for the biggest whole in the wall places when we travel because they always have the BEST food! The prices are freaking ridiculously cheap and the staff is friendly! You can tell this is family run business (now in their 6th generation) and they take great pride in their food. We just LOVED this place and the food! The Supapillas were sOO Good! Though it seems trivial, their beans and rice were the best that I have had. Their sauses are much caliente! So watch out you faint at hearts! Enjoy- this is a great place!
(4)Nicole W.
Off the chain!!!!! Worth the drive and the wait. If you don't try this place, you are seriously missing out. That's all that needs to be said.
(5)Sujit A.
Have eaten at this place for years. Its the best Mexican food around, and the margarita's by the pitcher rock! I don't live in NM anymore, but you can be sure I eat here every time I am back!
(5)Nick R.
Previous reviews say it all. I post this review only to confirm, from my warped perspective, that Chopes is the real deal when it comes to New Mexican food. It is the best in Southern NM, and possibly best in the state (It has Sadies beat, dead to rights). The drive from LC is beautiful, leave before the sun goes down, if possible. Unlike most restaurants in the area, they have not toned down the heat of their chilis, and for that, they should be commended!!
(5)Jay P.
Would've never found this place if it weren't for the NYTimes review. It was the end of a long day of driving from SF to Dallas, and what a treat this was. Literally, the /best/ chile relleno, ever. Perfectly fried, and the red chile sauce had such fantastic flavor. Transcendental doesn't even begin to explain. Cute little bar next door, too for when you're waiting to be seated. Can't wait for my next long haul drive to stop in.
(5)Call_Me D.
You can get a 40oz and a relleno plate for lunch! Just don't mouth off to any bikers or slacking government employees that might be hiding there. It can get busy on the weekends, but just plan on having a few extra beers before getting your food if that's the case! This place is a little out of the way, but a perfect stop on the back way to Juarez if you're spending some time in LC.
(5)Amy Z.
The BEST chili rellenos in the whole world as far as I'm concerned. The salsa is also wonderful and spicy. The downside is that you have to get there EARLY on weekend nights or else a long wait (opens at 5:30pm?) But there is a bar next door to kill time at.
(5)Lucas L.
Best New Mexican Food in the world. It is run out of the house of the owners and I recommend going here for lunch because you may just catch a glimpse of some of the family members just waking up. They are the friendliest people you could find. Green Chile Cheese Burger is amazing, enchiladas, and the famous chile rellenos will keep you coming back. Its worth the drive where ever you are coming from .
(5)Jack E.
Far too busy on a Saturday lunch period. My chicken enchiladas were devoid of chicken and my wife' cheese enchiladas were non-dairy. The beans, rice and relleno were cooked ahead, so were okay, but the enchiladas let alone the wimpy tacos that had to be tackled with a knife and fork, were most disappointing. This is usually a very reliable eatery, but not on a busy Saturday at lunch time. Lesson learned!!!!!!!
(2)Raul G.
The absolute best green chili cheese enchiladas and Mexican food in the world!!! (Read all of their reviews if you doubt me!) Chope's Bar & Cafe is a hidden gem in La Mesa, NM as you travel in-between the Texas-New Mexico border along I-10. First off, if you have the time, make the trip driving through the orchards and countryside as it makes the experience even better. Tips: Call ahead to get your name on the list as they are only open for a couple of hours during lunch/dinner and hit up the bar as you wait to be seated. It is a FUN experience! Bring an empty belly and a tongue that is ready to be challenged with some heat. The red salsa served with traditional tostadas is intense! Being from the area I love a spicy salsa but it may be too much for some, so ask for the green chili salsa and be AMAZED by the flavors your tongue will encounter. This is southern New Mexico which is famous for its Hatch Green Chiles and no one serves them up better than Chope's. Their specialty is the Chili Relleno but ANYTHING on the menu is a hit! I LOVE the green chili cheese enchiladas with a relleno on the side as it gives me the just right amount of hatch green chili heaven. Rice and beans are added to just about every plate and are cooked traditionally, delicious. For dessert (Seriously, if you can eat dessert then you rock!) try the sopapillas as they are a staple in every top Mexican eatery. So if you find yourself traveling in between Texas and New Mexico on I-10, make a visit to Chope's a PRIORITY! It will be worth it! An added note thanks to Jim R. in Searchlight, NV, the prices at Chope's are very affordable. You can put yourself in a food coma heaven for under $15 bucks! Thanks Jim!
(5)John B.
Ok if you give this anything but 5star you really don't know what NEW Mexican food is..... Not Mexican food folks.... big difference. Like Mexican... only newer (oh yeah and smothered with Chile). This is the real deal. I was born in Las Vegas NM, I live in Albuquerque. This poor Hispanic kid grew up eating the real deal every day. Trust me this is it. Everything tastes homemade: beans, tortillas, salsa, Chile, rellenos. Thank you Chopes for continuing to do it right. Don't take shortcuts. I love it. I'm going to take people there and preach the gospel according to Chopes. I love it!!
(5)Jeff M.
I went back on my annual trip - even better than usual. Happy Hour in the bar on Fridays - $3.50 40 oz. Oh yeah - I miss this place.
(5)Jake M.
I stayed with the hospitality of family and tried their food for the first time. It's been years since I went but I'll never forget their green chili rellenos!!!
(5)Cristina G.
Very cool bar.....lots of charm and good food. Had the Number Four meal (enchiladas, taco, and relleno) and it was good. Salsa rocks...I love NM food!
(4)Sean V.
Chope was my step dads great uncle. This restaurant and bar has been in his family for something like 80 years. The food here is as good as it gets for authentic regional New Mexico style food. Tonight I was accompanied with a few relatives for dinner and I had the number 6 combo plate which comes with a chile rellano, enchilada, green chile and rice n' beans. Lets just say the only thing left on my plate was the stem from the chile rellano!! DELISH!! Pure simple New Mexico style food done right.
(5)J L.
OMG! This place is AWFUL!! I have lived in New Mexico for 40 years and this is EASILY the WORST Mexican or New Mexican food that I have had in New Mexico. It tasted like food you would find in California, Arizona, or Texas. This is NOT New Mexican food! First, the relleno was flat, soggy (greasy) and tasteless. I ordered green chile sauce over my relleno and enchilada. When I got the plate is was runny with watery red tomato sauce. When I order green sauce and it is red (and not "chile" red either), I know it is going to be bad. Watery tomato sauce with onions and a bit of token and tasteless (canned?????) green chile here and there. That's NOT green chile sauce, that is tomato sauce with a few green chiles in it. If you go, you may want to order the red chile sauce, which actually wasn't too bad. The enchilada tasted like something my California gringo parents made. Loaded with onions as the main ingredient, and just gross. The gordita tasted like the smell of sweat. The rice had a really weird taste to it. Not horrible, but very odd. Left a bad taste in my mouth though. The best tasting items were the salsa and the beans. Even the flour tortillas were bad, tasting more like corn tortillas than anything else - probably used corn oil or lard infused with corn oil. Overall it was the most disgusting food I've had in a long time. We figured that it was so popular because it is close to the NM/TX border and catered more to the taste that Texans seem to like. Really, it was gross. Better to drive just a few more miles up to Mesilla and eat at La Posta, or just go all the way up to Las Cruces. Any.... I mean ANY other Mexican food restaurant is better than this. If you like Tex-mex, Cali-mex, or Arizona-mex, then this is the place for you. If you like New Mexican food, then take a pass right by this place. Gross! Also be forewarned, it is extremely busy on the weekends. Expect to stand in line for a seat. We tried stopping by earlier in the week - on the weekend. When we went inside it was crowded and noisy. We expected a line, but sitting elbow to elbow just wasn't our deal, so we left, went back in the middle of the week. Sure glad we didn't wait in line for that! BTW, Chile Rellenos are my absolute favorite food on the planet. These rellenos are absolutely horrible. Not the worst I've had, but definitely close to the worst! Green chile is my favorite condiment / additive for food..I put green chile on EVERYTHING... and there wasn't much of it on my plate to be found. What was there (a few token dices of chile in my so called "green chile" sauce and the chile relleno) had no flavor whatsoever.. no heat, no flavor whatsoever. If you love green chile or chile rellenos, this place is a pass...
(1)Michael M.
This place operates smoother than any other restaurant I have been to. There was a long line of people waiting outside at the open. I was one of those people on line. When we got inside all of the tables had chips and salsa on them. They knew all of the tables would fill fast. Like clock work the waiter and waitress proceeded to take everyone's drink orders and then their food orders. Bottom line: despite the mass of people that entered when they opened I was eating my meal within 20 minutes. Absolutely amazing! The only negative is that the food is just ordinary Mexican food. Unfortunately, nothing spectacular. So do not come expecting high cuisine. Just expect good food served swiftly.
(4)Elmo D.
Real New Mexico country dive, with the bar next door. Chile Rellenos are OK (and I am a serious relleno critic. Food is spicy hot, fast and good. Margaritas are not good.
(4)Jelli F.
Awesome. I've been going here since I was a kid. As others note, this is a local dive but it's clean, inexpensive, and the food is authentic New Mexican.
(5)Gregory T.
This is one of the most authentic Mexican Restaurants in the area. The charm and hospitality are definitely one of its drawing points. The chips are cool and the salsa is definitely hot. A must see to bring out of town guests to!!!! Greg Tolmasoff Cinderella's Mobile Pet Sitting Las Cruces, NM
(5)Shane M.
I gave Chope's 5 stars because 10 stars weren't an option. This is my favorite restaurant on planet Earth. It holds "Shrine Status" with me. I wouldn't just want to eat my last meal here, I would want to eat my last 100 meals here. The chile is HOT, the food is authentic NEW Mexican style, and the owners are real and genuine.
(5)Kyle J.
Have eaten there multiple times never had any bad food.they've expanded the restaurant quite a bit from the last time I was there.
(5)Joshua J.
The best Mexican food in the area. The food tastes home-cooked because it is by the Search Results Abuelitas in what used to be their home. My family has been going here for generations, at one point it was at least once a week, and Lupe knew exactly what each of us ordered. It's a great drive through the valley in a car or on a motorcycle. Don't be afraid of the bar, it might look tough, but everyone is there for a good time.
(5)Jackie H.
Perfect motorcycle cruise ending and beginning for a gorgeous ride through the pecan farms. I haven't tried their food, but the 40's are cold, put on ice, and a kick ass waitstaff. The decor is premium :) Stop in, grab a seat at the bar, and monitor your boozing if you drove because you'll wanna stay for more than 1 here!
(5)Max G.
We read about Chope's in "Road Trip" and their reviews nailed it. Great Mexican food at reasonable prices. People line up to get in here. It's worth the wait. On Saturday afternoon, their bar (next door) is a magnet for middle-aged bikers and is a hoot inside. If we lived in the area, we would definitely be back often.
(4)Kelsey K.
Every time I go back to visit Las Cruces, I have to hit up this place. It is INCREDIBLE. The fact that it was founded and continues to operate from the family home only adds to its eclectic nature. I highly recommend getting anything on the menu smothered in green chile, even if it's not the standard way to serve it. Their rellenos are famous, and it's easy to understand why, but make sure to leave room for the incredible sopapillas. The t-shirts and bumper stickers are way cheese ball, but that's some peoples' thing, ya know? Ah... How I miss the days of margs and Chope's...
(5)Dawn B.
Clean restrooms, awesome light chili rellenos and kid friendly!!
(4)Brenner T.
One of the best gems in New Mexico! Only about a 20-25 minute drive from Las Cruces, it is totally worth every cent for gas. Facts: *A restaurant and bar that has been run by the same family for decades upon decades. *The bar is typically filled with the whole biker crew, but don't let that deter you from getting your draaank on! Oh, and did I mention that they serve 40 oz. bottles?! However, due to the new, updated, ludicrous liquor laws in New Mexico, you may not have this by yourself (it has to be split between two people). Sooo what stops someone from getting two 24 oz. bottles in a row? Silly Nuevo Mexico. *Love the food here! Now this is TRUE Mexican/southern NM food. A great starter of chips and salsa goes great with their house margarita! *My favorites? Their amazing rellenos and enchiladas! And the infamous, official state question: Red or green?? CHRISTMAS! Their red is smooth and tasty, while their green has the consistency of a salsa and is chunkier...chock-full of delicious green chile pieces. *Cap off your meal with a sopapilla and absolutely douse it in honey. TIP: Only Visa & Mastercard accepted here. So, why am I docking a star? Inconsistency, unfortunately. Sometimes, our plates of food will be piping hot (how they should be), while a few have been almost room temperature. They've been improving this flaw, though. In addition, the food can take a VERY long time, even when going in the late afternoon when the restaurant isn't very busy. If you're driving through NM and you're within 50 miles of Chope's, give it a shot. It's definitely worth the time to get out to La Mesa!
(4)Kami H.
After hearing rave reviews about Chope's, I was excited to go there. The drive through the pecan orchards was lovely and I was shocked to NOT have to wait on a Saturday night. The good: The salsa was tasty and spicy (but not so spicy that you couldn't eat it). The taco on my combo plate was delicious and reminded me of my childhood with its soft corn tortilla shell. The rice and beans, especially the beans, were almost perfect. The meh: The chips were tasty, but cold. If they'd been warmed up a bit, they would've been much better. The relleno was ok, since I'm not a big relleno fan, maybe I'm not a good judge of that. The bad: The red chile sauce on my enchilada was extremely bland and the tortilla was chewy. My tamale was mush - I've had better from a can, honestly. Would I go back? If I was nearby (not too often), I would go have a taco plate in a minute. The rest...not so much.
(2)Brad E.
This is where you find out what New Mexican food is all about. The state question of "red or green sauce" should be replaced by "have you eaten at Chope's?" As another poster mentioned, you have not eaten Chili rellenos that are this good. Never. I've tried many dishes though...you simply can not go wrong. It's busy...don't count on a 1/2 hour in and out. This is a destination unto itself.
(5)Hannah L.
After seeing all the rave reviews about Chopes, we decided to take the near 1-hour drive from El Paso solely to get some good grub. I'm not sure whether we went there on an off-day, or what, but my experience was very different from what most others have described. The restaurant is cute and quaint, and we were seated immediately. Fortunately, there were salsa and tostadas at our table, so we were able to enjoy those while we decided on what to order. Unfortunately, the salsa was the best food item we ate that night. My boyfriend and I ordered combination plates (I the #3, he the #5), and "chile con queso" as an appetizer. Let me just say that if you're expecting the chile con queso to be what you'd normally get at a Mexican restaurant, you will be very confused when it arrives at your table (also, there is no description to tell you otherwise on the menu). It looks like salsa with a layer of white cheese on top. Of course, white cheese is more "authentic" in Mexican food than yellow/cheddar, so that wasn't our complaint. It was just the consistency of the dish, as well as the difference in what you're used to getting at most other Mexican restaurants. Also, it was lukewarm...so that probably didn't help. The tortillas it came with were great, though. Anyway, the combination plates were a disappointment. The entrees came out right with our appetizer. That fact, along with the temperature/taste of the items, made me think that everything had been sitting around for a while. The enchiladas were lukewarm, making them unenjoyable. The beans that came with the combo plates had no taste, were watery, and were NOT refried. The rice was just "okay." We finished out our meal with sopapillas, which were good...but then again, those are kind of hard to mess up. For an appetizer, two drinks, two entrees, and two sopapillas, we paid about 28 plus tip. All in all, The service was good, the atmosphere was quaint, but the food left A LOT to be desired. I won't go back, and kind of regret driving all that way just to have that kind of experience. There are much better Mexican restaurants in El Paso, such as The Lunchbox, which has similar prices but MUCH better food. I was really excited to go here, and really wanted/expected to have a great experience, but oh well!
(2)Brian O.
A trip south to La Mesa through the pecan orchards and past the fields of cotton we were rewarded at the south end of our excursion by delicious Mexican food. My wife had the taco plate while I had a green chile smothered ground beef stuffed sopapilla. Both of our meals were very good. Too bad the restaurant is not a little bit closer to Las Cruces, but dining in the 150 year old house is worth the drive.
(4)Eric T.
This is a must eat if you're in the area! It's definitely worth the drive through the pecan orchards. Chopes is a great local family run restaurant with great New Mexico flare, serving 40 oz beers and a cool biker bar next door. Don't be intimidated to go in and get a drink. After hanging out in there for five minutes you'll find yourself talking with all kinds or maybe even dancing with one of the regulars. You can't go wrong with the enchiladas or chile rellenos either. I definitely miss this place and still crave the food!
(5)Dave L.
Oh Yeah! Stacked enchiladas with egg on top are great. I make them myself all the time but Chopes has it down with many years of experience doing it. I grew up in Deming and only found out about this place from a friend at work here in San Diego. Then found a friend at church that grew up near there and knew it well. Man, am I glad I finally found it. Every New Mexico trip has a stop at Chopes when possible. I have friends going there to work a Department of Homeland Security job and have already hooked them up with the location and hours. Highly recommend this place to anyone road tripping down the 10 to El Paso, it is definitely worth the detour off to NM 26.
(5)Joe C.
The place has character. The house is the restaurant and across the parking lot is the bar. The food is respectable, the service outstanding and the ambience is super cool. The drive there is as advertised so make the visit, enjoy the diversity of the clientele and have a 40 while waiting for your food.
(4)Jeremy S.
You take the first bite and go into an awesome chile coma... actually that coma might have to do with the 40s they serve. My favorite rellenos ever. I always make the drive whenever I'm within 100 miles of this place. It's hard to find but totally worth drive or bike or walk through a pecan grove. If there's an hour wait, don't even think about leaving. Just get in line cuz everyone in front of you is waiting for reason. You can also wait in biker bar next door. I don't think the words rootinest or tootinest adequately describe this place.
(5)Mark N.
This is a place you have to try at least once when in New Mexico. This is as much of an authentic New Mexico culinary institution as I found in my many years living there. The food is not healthy, expect some grease. You need to try the chile rellenos! The environment is a bit gritty, a true melting pot with customers from all social classes - a mixture of local pecan farmers, college students from nearby New Mexico State University, bikers, professionals, a very interesting place. In the bar you can meet all types of interesting people. The drive there through the pecan orchards is quite nice. The prices are cheap
(5)Bruce F.
In an area famous for GREAT Mexican food, Chope's stands out. A short 20-minute drive from west El Paso, Chope's is in the heart of the Mesilla Valley between Las Cruces and El Paso. The recently remodeled interior lacks the old-time feel that Chope's used to be known for, the food is as good as ever. The sauces are all prepared from local chiles: translated muy picoso. The bar next door is always filled with a mix of bikers, has-beens, never-weres, locals, losers, and restaurant patrons waiting for a table. The diversity aside, everyone gets along real well like seeds in a Hatch Green Chile pod. The pitcher of Margaritas will take the heat off. Chope's closes early, is always crowded, so come early.
(5)Elijah G.
Excellent! The real deal.
(5)Kimberly M.
I come every weekend and never had a complaint. I bring friends and family here as well. Great atmosphere and they also love kids. I always end my meal with a freshly made sopapilla. Staff is very friendly.
(5)Dyanna P.
Chopes is one of those places I crave when I'm not home visiting family and a required visit when I do make it home. This review isn't necessarily about the food (which is truly great!) but of the restaurant itself. Chopes was recently renovated! As those who have visited previously will tell you, the original layout was a bit cramped, a bit dirty, and a more than a bit in need of some sprucing up. I was thrilled to see that all of the above have changed! A side room in the main building has been opened up, providing a lot more seating. The decor is really nice, with a tiled copper ceiling and re-framed art on the walls. As usual, service is quick and friendly and the food is great. Even though the look of the place has been brought a bit more current, Chopes hasn't lost its charm and is still one of my favorite restaurants in the world!
(4)Lindsay V.
Chopes is one of the things I miss the most about living in Mesilla. A drive through the Pecan Orchards and you are there. This is my favorite NM restaurant because the food is amazing, and going here feels like going to your abuelita's house for dinner on Sunday. The drinks are cold, the food is hot and delicious. There are the rellenos, and I love the crispy chicken tacos with a cold margarita. This is a family-run business where the food is cooked with love. Although Chopes is a local joint, lots of people come from near and far. All the best things about NM are embodied in this place: friendly people, family atmosphere, green and red chilies, and cheap beer. The restaurant is fun, but I enjoy a drink/dinner in the bar. Like others have stated, this is as good as it gets.
(5)erik s.
People in Las Cruces drive 20-30 mins to this out-of-the-way small-town hole-in-the-wall to get green chiles in a city with HUNDREDS OF PLACES to get green chiles all surrounded by MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF GREEN CHILES. I mean, depending on the season.
(5)Jerry W.
I read the reviews and ate lunch at Chope's Sept 29 while visiting Las Cruces looking for my retirement home. This is simply the best chile relleno I have ever had. I've eaten Mexican food in Chicago, Texas, and Mexico, and Chope's is the best. The bar is chocked full of old posters and pictures. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food is fabulous. Drive through the pecan orchards and enter a slice of heaven. A 32 oz Dos Equis and chile rellenos. Life doesn't get much better. I will be returning often after I move to Las Cruces...
(5)Armando S.
There are places that are known for their food, atmosphere, location. Chopes has it all. Family restaurant since the turn of the century (19th), it's a funky bar/cafe in two seperate buildings. The bar is a mecca for locals, college kids, bikers. Full of memorabilia and a funky juke box, you can actually purchase 32oz. bottles of beers that reminds me of my high school days. Dinner at the original building was simple, hatch chili rellenos. What gives it even more charm is the drive to Chopes, located with pecan laden trees and wineries.
(5)Harold S.
If you are in the Las Cruces area, this is a well known institution and local favorite. A lot a family history and AUTHENTIC Mexican Food. Be there 15 minutes before the doors open or you will have to wait a while for a table. When traveling eat where the locals eat.
(5)MrB R.
Its tough being the only negative on this one and perhaps we just hit a bad day but it was probably the worst meal we have ever had in a restaurant. The drive to get there is great, the atmosphere is fun but both our meals were terrible. The rellenos were greasy mush and smelled and tasted rancid. The taco shell was also rancid limp and greasy - either fry them crisp or leave them soft but this was greasy cardboard textured. I ordered my enchilada 'green' but got red instead. Bad start when they mess up The State Question. Not generally being that fussy I didn't bother asking to have it changed, should have. It could have been ketchup with a ton of hot sauce in it for all I could tell. We love spice in food and have eaten Schezwan in China, Thai in Thailand and in some of the best Indian restaurants in the world. We can do heat but expect it to have some flavor to it as well. Never could find anything resembling meat or cheese in the enchilada either and gave it up as a lost cause. Presumably from other reviews the green chile would have had some flavor. We didn't bother with a sopapilla though they are recommended. Too afraid we would get another rancid greasy mess. The drinks were good, very nice margarita and cheap and we thought the rice served with the meals was pretty tasty - a little different from other places, but that's about it. We were there fairly early for weekend lunch service which could explain the cooking oil not being hot enough but that would only explain away the greasyness not the rancid flavor, and having been in business forever they should know when to start heating their oil by now. Perhaps it was just an off moment but with both meals so bad we were terribly disappointed with a place that others have found so good.
(1)Turf B.
Yep, what can be said that hasn't been said? Best New Mexican food in the solar system? So glad to have been back there after all these years, and so glad that nothing's changed except for some remodeling. Sweet freaking Heaven, I love this place. So worth the 12 hour roundtrip drive from Phoenix.
(5)Morgan H.
Chope's is a restaurant and bar (separate yet adjoined) filled with bikers, hardcores, students, and yuppies because it is outstanding. The food is wonderful! The smothered burritos are great. I recommend starting with some queso and tortillas. It really is in the middle of nowhere and you need to call ahead to make sure it is open. The place gets packed, so expect to wait to be seated (if you come too late, it could be hours) and served - but it is totally worth it. The decorations haven't been updated in decades, not that they should be.
(5)Matt G.
Yelp should have a sixth star that's only available for special places like Chopes. I LOVED this place. A co-worker took me here while we were in Las Cruces on business, on the recommendation of a NMSU alum. Everything about it is great: the warm people, the fantastic food (some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten), and the quaint place that apparently was opened in 1915. I ended up buying a t-shirt. The red sauce is delicious, as is the chile relleno. I can't wait to return. PS The prices are a steal. They could charge twice as much. We had two dinners with dessert, two margaritas and two Pacificos, and the tab was only $33 plus tip. Unbelievable.
(5)Kristin D.
Talk about a "Whole-In- The-Wall"! If you are a true fan of Mexican food, like we are- you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE Chope's! We always are looking the for the biggest whole in the wall places when we travel because they always have the BEST food! The prices are freaking ridiculously cheap and the staff is friendly! You can tell this is family run business (now in their 6th generation) and they take great pride in their food. We just LOVED this place and the food! The Supapillas were sOO Good! Though it seems trivial, their beans and rice were the best that I have had. Their sauses are much caliente! So watch out you faint at hearts! Enjoy- this is a great place!
(4)Nicole W.
Off the chain!!!!! Worth the drive and the wait. If you don't try this place, you are seriously missing out. That's all that needs to be said.
(5)Sujit A.
Have eaten at this place for years. Its the best Mexican food around, and the margarita's by the pitcher rock! I don't live in NM anymore, but you can be sure I eat here every time I am back!
(5)Alexandra Z.
Chopes Bar & Cafe has the best New Mexican-Mexican food in the state of New Mexico. The servers are extremely friendly and attentive. The food is delicious. My dad always orders the chile relleno plate with red sauce on top. I've tried the the rolled chicken tacos, the gorditas, green cheese chicken enchiladas, but my absolute favorite dish are the red cheese enchiladas served pancake style. The sapodillas are always hot and fresh and the servers bring out the cinnamon sugar and honey so you may indulge as you please. Everything is top notch and definitely worth the drive from El Paso up Vado to eat this little gem.
(5)Kim L.
Food was amazing! I had the chile rellanos for the first time and they were delicious. The servers were nice but forgetful. I wanted a margarita and a tamale and the server forgot both. It looks like a step back in time in a small town in the middle of pecan orchards with grandmas cooking in the kitchen. Salsa was fresh and excellent! Would definitely return when it's hatch chile season:)
(4)Terese C.
Stopped here for lunch while on our 50 mile bike ride. Andrew our server was very customer focused & helpful. The three taco dish came with rice & beans. The beans were quite flavorful. I had two chicken & 1 beef taco. The beef tacos were ok, but the chicken tacos were extremely flavorful! We'll come again!
(4)Brandon M.
Used to be great. food and service have both gone downhill dramatically since Chope hasn't been around. The service most notably has declined to the point I cannot in good conscious recommend it anymore.
(1)Rigo P.
I live next door to this place and let me tell you this is the closet thing to a classic home cooked mexican meal for me. My all time favorite is the chile relleno plate. The green chile has just the right touch of flavor and spice. The cheese is not overpowering, and when you order them make sure u add red chile sauce on top! I give this place 5 stars!
(5)Heather W.
Best chiles rellenos! Such a great small business- love that green chile sauce. We waited a long time to eat here but it was so worth it. It was a Friday night and the place was packed with large parties of local families. I feel like I went to the real New Mexico after eating at Chopes!
(5)Devy P.
Delicious I have to say!!! I'll be back!!! And very affordable friendly staff and everyone worked together.
(4)Liz S.
please eat the green enchilada. as many as you possibly can. even if your belly is about to burst afterward, you'll wish you had more the next day. i ordered the combo: green and red enchilada, taco, and chile relleno. it was awesome to try the red enchilada (no regrets), but dang.... the green one stole the show. i'm also not a fan of chile rellenos, but I got it because my friend said it was the best one he's ever tried. it was okay, but again, it's because I'm not a fan to start with. next time, I'd get two tacos and two green enchiladas. YUM!!! oh! and fresh tortillas?!?!????!!!! golly!
(5)Mary K.
Just keep driving. We stopped here based on the reviews and a recommendation from a local. All 6 of us ordered combo meals that included a mix of chile relleno, green enchiladas, red enchiladas, Gordito and tacos. None of it was good. No flavor in anything and the batter on the chile was so thick and rubbery. The beans and rice were even bland. Only reason I gave any stars was the chili con queso which was phenomenal. If I'm ever forced to come here again I would order that as a meal. The service was very good as well. We all entered hungry and left with most of our food still on the plate. Go to Las Cruces lots of excellent restaurants we enjoyed Pepper's and La Nueva Casita.
(2)Abigail M.
Food Is ok , not great but ok. We order red and green enchiladas and they were kind of bland. The chile relleno and steak nachos were good.
(2)Victoria S.
I think the other reviews make it clear enough that this IS THE BEST NEW MEXICAN FOOD YOU CAN GET. So here are a few insider tips: -Call ahead to put your name on the list while you drive over! -When you've arrived, let the hostess know you'll be at the bar drinking margaritas. -Go to the bar and order a margarita...on the rocks! -When you're seated, immediately ask for green chile salsa instead of red (trust me) -Order anything on the menu and prepare to be AMAZED Really, though, you just can't find a cooler experience than the long windy road through the orchards, the picturesque little biker bar in the middle of nowhere and the best damn chile rellenos you'll have in your life. This is truly a must-stop shop when visiting El Paso or Las Cruces.
(5)raul r.
I've never been here before, but I got to say, this is a hidden little gem! The food is outstanding, the enchiladas are the best in any side of the border! Burrito Mojados? I'm in love if you read this review and are in the area and don't stop. You don't know what you are missing.
(5)Alyssa B.
Maybe the best old-time New Mexican food I have ever had. Located in an old home, Chope's has been remodeled to accommodate a crowd--but arrive early, before 6, or you will be standing in line. It's worth it, from the tasty chips and hot salsa to the absolutely astonishing chile relleno. I could eat here every day! One of the most authentic dining experiences you can have, and it's hard to get your bill up over $20 for two! Great kids' menu, too, starting less than $2. What a treasure. If you only go to one restaurant on your trip to the area, make it this one.
(5)Carlos P.
this place is awesome... never been into the café and only hung out at the café. I love the fact they serve their beers in 40 oz bottles. Only thing about living in west Texas that I miss.
(5)Kyle L.
Everytime i visit LC i always find time to eat here! Once again you did not disappoint chope's!! 3 rellenos (2 covered in red, 1 green) and 2 beef tacos. Perfecto! See you again in January.....
(5)Laura D.
The food is OK but honestly nothing to rave about. We got the trio appetizer, which had some good Chile con queso (not your yellow cheese variety but made with white cheese and fresh green chiles). Then I ordered the the carne con Chile Verde which also was OK, although the rice and beans were rather insipid. I wanted to try their super famous Chile relleno, but didn't dare to order it because I know I am picky when it comes to Chiles rellenos. Luckily someone else at the table ordered it and I got to try a bite. Good thing I didn't order them myself because they were too eggy and oily for my taste. But the flavor of the Chile itself was good, so I can see how other people like them. So in general the food was OK but not great.... The service on the other hand was all over the place. It took us about 20 minutes just to get our names on the waiting list, because there was no hostess. Finally a waiter started a list, and it took us another hour to be seated. Once we were at the table the waitress brought our food fast, but then took forever to bring the check. So taken everything into account, if you happen to be nearby it is a historic place to get decent food (they've been in business for over 50 years), but is not worth the 40 min drive from El Paso just for that.
(3)Don J.
Fantastic chile rellenos. The chips and salsa come with a kick. The house margarita on the rocks, rocks. Worth the drive! If there's a wait for dinner, head to Chopes bar next door; they will come get you when your table is ready. Cozy, local, and features a juke box with both English and Spanish music. Before you order a 40, remember that you can't take your drink out of the bar to the restaurant.
(5)Conchita C.
Was the best in the 70s. In the 80s. 90s. And today at 5:40pm. There is NOTHING like Chope's green Chile enchiladas..with onions and egg on top. Thanks to the whole family.
(5)Lyn P.
This off the beaten path restaurant between Las Cruces and El Paso is famous for their chile relleno. I was intrigued so I made plans to meet a friend from Las Cruces there for dinner. I was coming from El Paso and the drive was quick and the scenery (especially through the pecan tree grove) was beautiful. We ordered the chile con queso to share and I got a combo of the famous chile relleno, the chile con carne and a taco. My combo came with homemade tortillas. Everything was really good. The spice level was just right. The chile con queso is different from what you would expect - more of the chile than the cheese but it is excellent with your side of chips. The chile relleno was clearly the star of my meal. These are not overstuffed with cheese like most chile rellenos - instead the light breading really brings out the flavor of the chile. Even though we were stuffed, of course we had a sopapilla for dessert - perfect pillows of fried dough heaven. Was really happy with my experience here - in addition to the great food, I appreciated the attentive and friendly service. Chopes will now be a tradition any time I am in the area.
(4)MarkandKimmie L.
Worth the drive! I would give this place 6 stars if I could! Best red chile! And who can beat 40oz beers?!? Friendly staff and awesome atmosphere!
(5)