Nellie's Cafe

When I lived in Las Cruces, I used to eat there about 3 times per week. Whenever I return for a visit, I try to eat there at least once a day and get my green chile fix for a whole year. That's how good it is. Favorite dish: Chile relleno banado with meat. This place is simply green chile heaven! Pros: Great green chile, authentic cuisine, this is where the locals go Cons: Not open for dinner, you may have to wait for a table more

As a diehard chilehead in search of a snappy capsaisin fix, I head to Nellies Cafe, hidden in a light industrial area in Las Cruces. Natives have savored Nellies tongue-sizzling Mexican fare for 30 years. The cafe originated from an old-fashioned pushcart. Each day, Nellie Hernandez prepared a batch of burritos for husband Danny who peddled the chile-laden wraps at local auto repair shops, bars, and to onion pickers. On the first day, Danny sold 15 burritos, within days the number climbed to 200. To the delight of Nellies aficionados, she opened a cafe, now a hot seat for delicioso platters heaped with silky refried beans and traditional Mexican fare smothered in gooey cheese and thrilling red or green chile sauces. Basketfuls of warm tortilla chips and fiery salsa are gratis. Whether tummies are full or not, few patrons, such as myself, can't resist the sopaipillas drizzled with honey. Pros: Priced right., Delicious, Authentic Cons: , No alcohol more