I live in Las Cruces, having moved here from Chicago two years ago, and, incidentally, just having rearrived back here from a week-long trip to Chicago, the main culinary highlights of which were the olive-oil braised octopus at Avec, and, well, everything at Spoon we ordered. (Moody's beer and burgers rang in a close third.)
As for Carlsbad, there is a place called Danny's, which I posted on at length a while back. Here is the link:
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t= ... ght=dannys
It is a must, should you find yourself in Carlsbad (though this is not that exciting a place to go otherwise).
As for Santa Fe, I have had a wonderful meal at Geronimo’s, though this is hardly the sort to take a 14 year old (i posted on this as well a while back). Harry’s Roadhouse, on the way either into or out of town, is great food in a solid atmosphere--twists on local cuisine, as well as your basic burgers and such.
If the rigors of traveling in the heat without a bar buddy gets to you, you might consider Second Street Brewery. (disclosure: my girlfriend’s friend is the assistant brew-master, Jordy). I think their pale ales are wonderfully executed, and they have great pub food as well for the kid.
As for Las Cruces, well, it’s not such a good food town. By this, I mean, it’s like saying Wings is sort of not McCartney’s best go at it, which is understatement at best, culinary deception at worst.
However, I recommend:
Andele’s in Mesilla (five seconds out of “town”): for Carne Adovada burrito, smothered with green chile.
Escondido (on El Paseo street, almost at the Idaho crossing, across from Albertson’s): for breakfast only--their “El Mexicano” plate, with toast substituted for tortillas, if you wish, and hashbrowns for beans, as is my wont, is my dish of choice. Basically two eggs, and a platter of green chile con carne (pork), which is the freshest and best in town, in my opinion. If you go for a different dish, be sure just to get a side of green chile, to put on whatever you fancy.
High Desert Brewery (on Hadley, almost at Valley--people will know, if you ask): Again, a respite from traveling. The only thing really worth getting here (my girlfriend lives up the street, so i’ve probably spent half my income here) is the Green Chile Stew, though they got a new kitchen manager, as the old one sadly died of cancer recently, and messed with the recipe. I know everyone working there, and complained vigorously, and they more or less have it back to what it was before. Also, the nachos here are the best nachos i’ve ever had, though i’m uncertain if that really means anything. I mean, they’re nachos. (but, seriously, they’re good there)
The Double Eagle (in Mesilla)( is “famous” for steaks and margaritas. I doubt both claims, though it’s a nice place to have a drink. (this fourteen year old is giving me recommendation problems).
La Posta: locals revile it for its touristy offerings. I think it’s the best margarita in town, and I think the food is pretty good, and the atmosphere is pretty cool. maybe a good place to check out.
The main thing to remember is that nearly all the cooks in New Mexico that are of Mexican descent hail from the Chihuahuan state, so all the cooking is standard, a little boring, and muddled with Tex-Mex taboot. Things improve as you go north in my opinion.
What else? I’ll let you know if I can think of anything.
Oh--if you are a big meat eater--the Adobe Deli, which is about a 45 minute drive from Las Cruces, towards Deming, is a WONDERFUL place to go. HUGE cuts of meat, and a projection screen with Toby Keith videos playing. Serious steaks grown out in the middle of nowhere, and served in same.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
-parker