El Cafecito

4.3 (1382 reviews )
$$
Mexican restaurant
Drive-through
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
+(16)

About El Cafecito

El Cafecito is a charming restaurant located at 820 E Santa Fe Ave in Grants, NM, renowned for its authentic New Mexican cuisine. With a simple yet enticing menu, patrons rave about flavorful dishes such as spicy teezer nachos, richly sauced sopapillas, and delicious chimichangas. The lively atmosphere is complemented by fast service and friendly staff, making every visit memorable. Standout offerings like their deep-fried cherry sopapillas and oversized cinnamon rolls enhance the experience, while gluten-free options cater to diverse dietary needs. Diners consistently praise the restaurant for its cleanliness, welcoming vibe, and top-notch breakfast, making El Cafecito a must-visit gem.

Reviews (1382) 4.3

  • Don Givens
    Jun 29,2025

    Wow! Just wow - we tried this place on a recommendation from some friends and they were dead on! El Cafecito is amazing. Very simple menu but the flavors! Started with teezer nachos, the queso on it was spicy and fantastic. I had beef, bean and guacamole sopapilla covered in green chile sauce also had a beef chimichanga with guacamole with green Chile sauce both of these items were delicious! The real surprise was desert. Basically a sopapilla stuffed with home made cherry pie filling rolled up like a chimi and deep fried, served with vanilla ice cream (icecream was 1 extra) They also offered peach and apple filling and when I go back will sample the others as well and will update my review! When we were departing and paying up front they had the biggest cinnamon rolls I’ve ever seen and also turnovers with the same fillings described above! If you’re any where close to this place you should stop by, you will NOT be disappointed! I am posting a pic of my plate - it’s messy because I took a bite before the photo... I went back through here yesterday - 21Apr2023 - had breakfast. Larry’s special with green chile sauce - plus an order of French toast. Larry’s special was awesome the French toast was basic, but good. I bought a cinnamon roll to go and heated it up later with some butter as recommended by the staff and it was delicious. I’d recommend this place for any meal! Relocating to NM and on a house hunting trip...revisited on 7-24-2024. Herb took care of us and the food is as good as ever. On Herb's recommendation I got 2 hotdogs 1 with green Chile the other with red Chile and had Chile cheese fries. I didn't go to eat hot dogs, but they were AWESOME. Also had a Chile relleno with green Chile, it was excellent as well. GF had stuffed sopapilla and really enjoyed that. I love this place!!! Photos below.

  • Jessica Vogel
    Jun 27,2025

    My husband and I ate here and it was TERRIFIC. Fastest restaurant I have ever been to, and the meal was really really good. Plenty of gluten free options. Probably one of my best restaurant experiences, husband was VERY pleased. Will be back if passing through.

  • Chas P*****
    Jun 21,2025

    Looking for a good hot breakfast? Found it! Best huevos rancheros ever! Best green chili salsa! Amazing handmade tortillas, especially the corn tortillas! Hand squeezed orange juice! Great coffee! I knew that I had the right place when I pulled in and the parking lot was full. Friendly waitress and a wonderful atmosphere with the nice people and beautiful decorations. Oh my goodness! I can't say enough nice about this place. Mark it down on your saved places. You'll want to come back her for real authentic New Mexican cuisine. Get a quart of the salsa to go. You won't be sorry. The price is better than the local supermarket. Breakfast was cooked to perfection! I just had to write this all down before I head home. This place puts Grant on the map! And CLEAN! The restroom, the floors, the parking lot! Not too many places like this to be found. I thank God I found it. Thank you El Cafecito!

  • Anna C
    Jun 20,2025

    Visiting family and they took me out to eat here. I was extremely impressed! Yes, it’s not authentic Mexican per se, but it was definitely authentic New Mexican cuisine! I had the combination plate which was delicious, but I tried some of my cousin’s Chile Rellenos...and I immediately wish I got that instead! I will definitely be back!

  • Scott S
    Jun 12,2025

    What a great restaurant! We were staying in area looking for another place when we passed by this restaurant. Always a good sign when parking lot is near full. Exterior kinda plain, but when you enter, wow! Nice decorative interior. Welcomed upon entry and immediately seated. Server was pleasant and took our drink order. Was surprised when we asked for menu and server showed us the menu (smaller insize) already on table. Plenty of local options. We placed our order and within minutes it was served. And delicious! Would definitely visit again when in area.

  • David Opsahl
    Apr 26,2025

    I was traveling from Minnesota to Phoenix for a motorcycle ride in the hills back in April . I wanted a good authentic Mexican meal and this little place had some of the best food I’ve had in a long time. Great food friendly staff that cared to visit and give great service. Wonderful busy place I’d definitely go out of my way to eat at again. Thanks so much!!

  • Holly Walker
    Apr 14,2025

    We had a very nice meal and they were so accommodating to our two year old. However whatever sauce they put on the rice tastes like spaghetti-o's and it would be so much better to serve just the rice without the weird sauce. My only note.

  • Braden Clemeshaw
    Mar 19,2025

    Our party of 8 all loved their respective dishes. Let's face it, Grants has limited options and this place is definitely the best in town. The food is super authentic, priced well and our server was excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the most popular dishes at El Cafecito?

    Some favorites include the beef, bean, and guacamole sopapilla, huevos rancheros, and their delicious desserts like the stuffed sopapilla with cherry filling.

  • Do I need a reservation at El Cafecito?

    You can make a reservation, but walk-ins are also welcome. It's a good idea to arrive early during peak times for the best seating.

  • What dining options are available?

    El Cafecito offers dine-in, takeout, and a drive-through service, making it convenient whether you're in a rush or looking to sit down and enjoy a meal.

  • What is the atmosphere like at El Cafecito?

    The atmosphere is casual and cozy, perfect for families or groups, and diners often enjoy the friendly and welcoming vibe.

  • Is parking available at El Cafecito?

    Yes, there is free parking available in both the lot and on the street, making it easy to access the restaurant.

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