1 Mariscos “La Playa”
537 W. Cordova Road
505-982-2790
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, no? The farther we are from the squawking of seagulls, the lapping of waves, the clanging of rigging against ships’ masts, the more we crave the briny taste of oysters on the half shell.
When the desire for ceviche is more than you can stand, when you think you might explode if you don’t get some camarones al mojo de ajo right now, Mariscos “La Playa” is the perfect place to indulge in a seafood orgy. What makes this Mexican restaurant so much more satisfying than the usual seafood house is the vibrant flavors: the tangy tomato of the seafood cocteles, the addictive sting of fried jalapeños mixing with sweet shrimp, the smokiness of a chipotles sauce lapping at the edges of a fried red snapper.
And, of course, nothing beats the simple joy of a platter of oysters, washed down with a cold michelada (beer, Clamato and lime).
2 Steaksmith at El Gancho, 104-B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 505-988-3333
3 TIE: El Nido, 1591 Bishops Lodge Road, Tesuque, 505-988-4340
Geronimo, 724 Canyon Road, 505-982-1500