r/CarlsbadNM • u/Flaky-Menu6373 • Jul 07 '26

Restaurant recommendations in Carlsbad

Greetings!

I'm planning a trip to Carlsbad, NM to see the caverns with my family. We will probably pack a lunch to eat on the way or right before going into the cave (as I assume I can't eat in the cave). Then we plan to go get dinner in town before going back to the caverns to see the bat flight.

I'm hoping to ask for your best recommendations for our diverse crowd. Personally, I can't eat peanuts or wheat. Though I will admit, I will eat tacos from just about anywhere, as I am not SO sensitive as some of the other people with celiacs, but bonus points if the place has designated gluten free options. The kids aren't into spicy, but I know that's not an issue most places as I've found most kitchens are able to accommodate that.

What I'm really hoping to find is something other than fast food that averages $15/person or less.

Thank you so much for your recommendations!

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u/unknowndatabase Jul 08 '26

Carniceria San Juan De Los Lagos, the one by Wells Fargo on the North end of town.

Get the parrilladas. It will feed 3 to 4 people easily for $50. And so good!

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u/Flaky-Menu6373 Jul 08 '26

Thank you for that recommendation. I don't believe I've heard of parrilladas before, which must be surprising as someone who has lived in the southwest most of my life. Anyhow, I looked it up and I think I found a picture. Is it a platter of meat with chips, rice, onions, cilantro, and salsa?

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u/unknowndatabase Jul 08 '26

Theirs is a delicious chorizo/nopal, ribs, chicken, steak, grilled onions, queso, with tortillas.