El Camino Nuevo is a premier destination for those seeking genuine New Mexican cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Located on Mechem Drive in Ruidoso, New Mexico, this family-owned and operated establishment is celebrated for its traditional recipes, including standout chile rellenos and signature shrimp cocktails. Whether you are looking to catch a game at the bar, enjoy a meal on the dog-friendly covered patio, or sample unique house-crafted margaritas, El Camino Nuevo offers a quintessential Southwest dining experience that caters to both locals and visitors alike.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
Atmosphere
Casual, cozy, trendy, and family-friendly
Highlights
Fast service, sports viewing, great cocktail selection, local specialties
Parking
Free parking lot, free street parking, typically plenty of space
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed on the outdoor patio
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Authentic New Mexican Ingredients: Known for using real green chiles in their rellenos, providing a truly local and spicy Southwest kick.
Signature Margaritas: Guests rave about the variety of flavors, particularly the Watermelon Cucumber Margarita and the Cadillac Margarita.
Dietary Accommodations: The kitchen is highly praised for its ability to accommodate dairy-free and vegetarian requests, offering clearly labeled vegetarian options.
Exceptional Service: Frequently cited for having an attentive, friendly, and fast-moving waitstaff that makes every guest feel at home.
House Specialties: Home to “El Camino” tequila, a proprietary spirit that anchors their extensive bar menu.
Dog-Friendly Patio: A spacious, covered outdoor area where diners can enjoy their meal alongside their pets, often with views of local wild horses.
Homemade Quality: From fresh corn tortillas to nostalgic, grandma-style sopapillas served with honey, the focus is on fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients.
Menu and Offerings
Appetizers
Item
Description
Queso Original
Cheddar cheese melted over green chile sauce, served with chips
Nuevo Queso
Onion, cheese, and tomato with green chile, served with chips
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp, avocado, and cucumber mixed into a tomato-based juice with pico de gallo
Queso Fundido
Melted asadero cheese served with five corn tortillas; options to add rajas
Nachos
Chips covered with beans, cheese, and green chile sauce; available with ground beef
Carnita Nachos
Pork carnita meat shredded over chips with cheddar, red sauce, and beans
Quesadillas
Two flour tortillas stuffed with muenster cheese, chicken, or beef
Guacamole Salad
Guacamole served over lettuce topped with cheese and tomatoes, served with chips
Jalapeno Poppers
Five jalapeno halves filled with cheddar cheese and dipped in fine crumb breading
Chile Cheese Fries
Hot french fries covered in red or green chile and smothered in cheddar
Comida y Cena (Lunch and Dinner)
Item
Description
Plato Mexicano
Includes one red cheese enchilada, one green beef enchilada, chile relleno, ground beef taco, rice, beans, and a flour tortilla
Chiles Relleno
Two green chile peppers stuffed with cheese and dipped in an egg batter, served with rice, beans, and a flour tortilla
Pork Carnitas
Deep-fried marinated pork creating a crispy exterior and tender middle, served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas
Chuleta A La Tampiquena
Rib-eye cooked to perfection topped with green chiles, onions, and tomatoes; served with two red cheese enchiladas, rice, and beans
Fajitas
Grilled beef, chicken, or shrimp with sautéed bell peppers and onions; served with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and flour tortillas
Tamale Plate
Two steaming tamales smothered with red chile pork, served with rice and beans
Chile Con Carne
Seasoned beef cooked in choice of red or green chile, served with rice, beans, and a flour tortilla
Enchiladas
Three flat corn tortillas with choice of meat/cheese, smothered in red or green chile; served with rice and beans
Flautas
Three corn tortillas stuffed with shredded beef and deep-fried; served with sour cream, guacamole, rice, and beans
Huevos Rancheros
Two eggs served on a corn tortilla smothered in red or green chile and cheese; served with beans and a flour tortilla
Posole
A blend of hominy and diced pork cooked in red chile base, served with corn tortillas, onions, and limes
Chicken Fried Steak
Topped with country gravy and served with french fries
Child’s Plate
Choice of one taco or cheese enchilada, served with rice and beans
Tacos, Tostadas, and Burritos
Item
Description
Tacos
Three soft shell tacos with choice of bean, chicken, ground beef, shredded beef, or guacamole
Tostadas
Two corn tostadas topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, rice, and beans
Burritos
Two burritos smothered with red or green chile and cheese, served with rice and beans
Burritos A La Carte
Individual burritos including bean, shredded beef, relleno, ground beef, or chicken
Sandwiches
Item
Description
Hamburger
Standard beef patty; available as a basket with fries
Cheeseburger
Beef patty with melted cheese; available as a basket with fries
Grilled Cheese
Classic melted cheese sandwich; available as a basket with fries
Postres (Desserts)
Item
Description
Tres Leches
Scratch-made white cake soaked in three different milks and covered in whipped cream frosting
Sopapillas
A deep-fried Mexican style pastry, three per order
Flan
A rich and creamy custard topped with caramel and whipped cream
Bevidas (Beverages)
Item
Description
Specialty Margaritas
Watermelon, Cucumber, and Cadillac options
Full Bar
Featuring “El Camino” house tequila and various draft beer options
Soft Drinks
Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Sprite, Fanta, Tea, and Coffee
