21 Best Mexican Restaurants in Gallup

“I told the owner — with full confidence — that I drove all the way from Phoenix because I heard Don Diego’s was the next biggest thing to hit Gallup since someone first discovered you could fry a tortilla and call it a lifestyle.
And honestly? Facts. Absolute facts.
When we sat down, our waitress — a tiny older Mexican lady — came in a little snappy at first. Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was the Gallup dust. Maybe she sensed I wasn’t from around there. But give her a few minutes and she warmed right up into the sweetest little thang this side of the New Mexico state line. A full character arc. A Hallmark‑level transformation.
Now the food:
I ordered the #1 combo, and I swear whatever gods they believe in out here — Navajo, Catholic, Hatch Green Chile Spirits, whoever’s on duty — they blessed and sanctified Don Diego himself before he stepped into that kitchen.
• The taco? Perfect.
• The tostada? Crisp like it had something to prove.
• The tamale? Soft, steamy, and spiritually cleansing.
• The rice? Fluffy enough to qualify as a weather pattern.
And then the infamous New Mexico Hatch green chile on top?
That’s not a condiment — that’s a religious awakening.
And the prices?
About HALF of Phoenix prices.
I felt bliss.
I felt euphoria.
I felt like I should apologize to my bank account for ever eating in Phoenix.
To top it all off, the owner himself — grandchild of Don Diego — came over, chatted with us like we were long‑lost cousins, and even brought extra chips and dip. Hospitality level: elite.
10/10.
If you’re passing through Gallup hungry, dusty, or spiritually unprepared, Don Diego’s will fix all three.“

“Getting our fix in Route 66 Great place to grab authentic Mexican food -SO GOOD!!!“

“I have commented some years before about this place. The Menudo then was out of this world but with the changings that have happened, the taste is not there as before. The fullness of the flavor is weak. The times that I have been there, the beef tripe is hardly in the servings, very small pieces. The price you pay for is more for the posole. I hate to say but as being a cook myself, the cook that was there before made it really good compared to now. The service is good thought.“

“Had a wonderful lunch. The service was fantastic. The owner was greeting customers and the food was excellent.“

“Yeah! If they get their order right. Cheeseburger without a cheese“

“The atmosphere is like a family gathering for a birthday with most creative New Mexican food to satisfy everyone's craving.“

“Absolutely wonderful food, fantastic service and prices were great too!! We cant say enough good things about our stop here!!“

“The food is delicious n service was excellent!!“

“awesome food and excellent customer service.“

“Moving back from Phoenix, and Back to the Navajo Nation my husband and I enjoyed this place. My husband is Mexican and BOY he enjoyed this real Mexican food place in Gallup, NM. We ate at several places before, and it did not make top of our list. When we ate here yesterday the Salsa was so good and very hott. I give this place a 10/10 and recommend this place. Very affordable, and staff is nice I'ma be going back again =) for sure.“

“Last November my husband and I happened La Barraca when we stayed in Gallup while on a roadtrip. With plenty of cars outside and locals inside, we had an enjoyable, delicious meal and great, friendly service. we made a point of stopping in Gallup for the night so we could return. We were not disappointed. Between us had enchiladas with beef and red chili, tamale, a tostada, a taco and sapapilla. The food was hot and tasty with just the right amount of spicy heat. The service was attentive, efficient and friendly. When the clerk at the hotel asked how we had enjoyed our dinner, she said she likes to go there for lunch with her mother, and that the owner is a great cook who produces consistently food. We agree!“

“We sat down and had our food on our table within 5 minutes. No lie. I was shocked but in a very good way. Then I ate my club sandwich and it was so yummy! I will definitely make a stop here again passing back through! Great service and really good food.“

“After a wild hangover, I went to the restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and ordered a large menudo but they were out, however, they made me a new batch from scratch and it was delicious. Some restaurants just say they are out and that’s it. La Carreta apologized for the wait to get it done but I didn’t mind one bit and enjoyed the chips and salsa in the meantime. That was excellent customer service. The food is exquisite. Try it out if you get a chance.“

“Food is absolutely delicious 😋 kind people, clean and convenient low prices we eat out every now and then“

“The food was good while still hot but due to the extreme cold, it cools down quickly. This note I assumed was there for summer reference but no, it like the A/C is in year round. Even the hot water wasn’t working in the restroom, the heat that’s supposed to come from the hand dryer was freezing. Good place to go for an affordable bite. Take a jacket to eat it, uncomfortably.“

“Love it here! Great restaurant, too!“

“Came here for the Navajo taco, left with a happy tummy and a happy tot. She and the husband had the taquitos, I had the Navajo taco. Rewarded the kiddo with the chocolate sopapilla sticks and those suckers are NOT small. It took the 3 of us to finish them.Anyway, great food, great prices, and sweethearts working the counter and kitchen. This is my go to food place when we are traveling through Gallup now.

Vegetarian options: They list the bean options on the menu“

“Food came out quick and the plate was hot, still tasted fresh though. Came late afternoon so it was not too busy and chili was not as hot as the last time we went 😁.
Great visit, and good quality. One of the best restaurants of gallup“

“was good love the food good sévère“

“Its a taco bell. Lady was nice and courteous at the drive up window. Not knocking the taco bell, but $2 for a soft taco...starting to remind me of Demolition Man where taco bell was fine dining...except it isn't...just fine dining prices!! 5 stars across the board because the lady smiled and said thank you. A very rare thing in Gallup!!“

“Best Taco Bell I have been to in years. Excellent prices. Cashier did not make us order off the screen. Good old-fashioned service. Bean burritos were the best-tasting ones we have had in several years. Made perfectly. Friendly staff. Been having some issues with Taco Bells across the country but this one was great!“