Jalisco Café – Silver City, New Mexico

My family and I stayed for a night in Silver City, New Mexico while on vacation several years ago. We had traveled all day and were looking for somewhere to eat that would be a little different than the usual – no chain restaurant for us that night, if possible. 

After checking into our motel, we asked the woman working the desk to recommend a decent restaurant – some place where the locals would eat, but not necessarily a tourist spot. As luck would have it, we were in the right place at the right time, and happened to ask that question of the exactly the right person.

She directed us to The Jalisco Café, and told us that although it was on a main street, it wasn’t necessarily a place where tourists would go. We found the restaurant, and had a great dining experience that we will long remember. The Jalisco Café is a Mexican restaurant, probably more accurately identified as ‘New Mex/Mex’.

The restaurant was busy when we arrived – tables full of obviously happy people. The staff was friendly and efficient. They didn’t keep us waiting long – less than ten minutes to seat us. The food was more authentic than what you will find in any chain Mexican restaurant – clearly made with pride and care. It was spicier than the watered down fare found in most Mexican restaurants; the flavors more clearly defined – different, and far tastier than any Mexican food I had ever eaten.

The servers were helpful and although the restaurant remained busy and full the entire time we were there, we were encouraged by several staff members to take our time and enjoy our meal. The interesting thing is that although the place was crowded and the tables were close together – something that normally bothers me, as I like my space – the food and the service were so good that I wasn’t bothered by it. 

A busy restaurant with little elbowroom would usually cause me to rush my meal just to get out and find some space, but it didn’t happen at the Jalisco Café. After an exceptional main course, we lingered over coffee and tasty sopapillas for desert.

We returned to our motel that night feeling that we had been treated to something special – a dining experience that most tourists miss out on. I learned a valuable lesson that night – when traveling, don’t be afraid to ask local people for restaurant suggestions – you might end up somewhere special, like the Jalisco Café.

The Jalisco Cafe

100 S Bullard St

Silver City, NM 88061-5314

Larry Manch is an author, teacher, guitar player, freelance writer, and columnist. He has written 20 books; all available in paperback on Amazon.com.

He writes about sports for Season Tickets, food and travel on Miles & Meals, and music/guitars on The Backbeat.

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