New Mexico Fish Fry Joints Serving Bold Southwestern Taste

When you think of New Mexico, green chile and enchiladas probably come to mind first. But hidden across the Land of Enchantment are some seriously underrated spots serving up crispy, golden fish fry with that unmistakable Southwestern kick.

From catfish coated in spicy cornmeal to fillets paired with house-made salsas, these joints prove that seafood and desert heat make one delicious combo.

Anthony’s Grill

This spot takes everything you love about Southern fried catfish and slaps a New Mexican attitude all over it. Anthony’s Grill in Santa Fe knows how to balance tradition with regional flair.

The catfish comes out golden and crunchy, but the real magic happens when those local sides hit the table. Think calabacitas, posole, or beans simmered with roasted chiles.

You get the comfort of a classic fish fry without the boring predictability. Every bite reminds you that Santa Fe does fusion without even trying, just authentic flavor meeting bold spice in perfect harmony.

Nexus Brewery & Restaurant

Where beer meets batter, you find this Albuquerque gem doing things right. Nexus Brewery & Restaurant treats their fried catfish like an art form, coating it just enough to get that satisfying crunch.

The fish stays moist inside while the outside shatters with every forkful. Pair it with one of their house brews and suddenly you’re having the kind of meal that makes you want to cancel your dinner plans.

No heavy grease, no sad soggy coating. Just crispy perfection that respects the fish and your taste buds equally, all in a laid-back brewery vibe.

Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles

Though the name screams poultry, don’t sleep on the catfish here. Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles in Albuquerque serves up soul food that’ll make you rethink your usual order.

The catfish gets a thick cornmeal crust that crunches louder than your favorite cereal. It’s fried to a deep golden hue that promises flavor before you even take a bite.

Forget dainty portions. This is the kind of plate that demands your full attention and probably a nap afterward. Big, bold, unapologetically delicious, and worth every single calorie you pretend not to count.

Vic’s Daily Cafe

Are you craving something that feels like your grandma made it, minus the guilt trip? Vic’s Daily Cafe in Albuquerque nails that homestyle vibe with fried catfish that’s simple, honest, and ridiculously satisfying.

The fish is lightly seasoned and fried until it turns that perfect shade of golden brown. No fancy tricks, no Instagram gimmicks, just good food made well.

The cafe itself feels like your favorite neighbor’s kitchen, cozy and unpretentious. You come for the catfish, stay for the atmosphere, and leave planning your next visit before you even finish eating.

Pelican’s Restaurant

When a place specializes in seafood, you know they’re not messing around. Pelican’s Restaurant in Albuquerque treats their fried catfish like the star it deserves to be.

The seasoning blend here is chef’s kiss level, balanced so the fish flavor shines through instead of drowning in spices. Each fillet comes out crispy on the outside, flaky and tender inside.

This isn’t some afterthought menu item. Pelican’s clearly respects the craft of frying fish, giving you that perfect ratio of crunch to tenderness. You can taste the difference when someone actually cares about what they’re serving.

Cattle Baron

Did you know a steakhouse could throw down on fish fry? Cattle Baron in Las Cruces proves they’re more than just beef and potatoes.

The fried catfish here comes with a choose your own adventure vibe, letting you pick from a lineup of Southwestern sauces. Red chile, green chile, salsa verde, you name it.

It’s like they took a classic Southern dish and gave it a New Mexico passport. The fish holds up beautifully under whatever sauce you throw at it, staying crispy and flavorful. Who says you can’t have your steak and eat catfish too?

Lucky Bull Grill

However you picture a no-nonsense grill joint, Lucky Bull in Carlsbad probably matches it. This place doesn’t try to be fancy, and that’s exactly why it works.

The fried catfish arrives with a crispy coating that crackles when you cut into it, revealing tender, flaky fish inside. Simple, effective, delicious.

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, the kind of spot where locals eat and tourists stumble upon by happy accident. You won’t find truffle oil or microgreens here, just solid fish fry done the way it should be, with zero attitude attached.

K’Lynn’s Southern & Cajun Fusion

Though New Mexico has heat, K’Lynn’s in Rio Rancho brings a different kind of fire to the table. This Southern and Cajun fusion spot serves catfish with a spicy kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.

The fish gets a Cajun-inspired coating that doesn’t play around, delivering bold flavors with every crunchy bite. Thankfully, the cooling sides balance out the heat just enough to keep you going back for more.

It’s the perfect marriage of two regional cuisines that love bold flavors. You get Louisiana sass mixed with New Mexico charm, all on one seriously satisfying plate.

Hook It Up Fish & Chips

When British tradition meets New Mexico attitude, you get Hook It Up Fish & Chips in Albuquerque. This place takes the classic fish fry concept and gives it a local spin that actually works.

The fish is fried to crispy perfection, served with sides that nod to both traditional fish and chips and Southwestern favorites. It’s comfort food that crosses borders without losing its soul.

Located on Bellamah Avenue, this spot has earned its solid reputation with consistently good food and fair prices. You walk in hungry, leave happy, and probably start planning your return visit immediately.

The Range Cafe

Are multiple locations a sign of success or sellout? The Range Cafe proves it can be the former, serving up New Mexico favorites including some seriously good fried fish across several spots.

Their fish fry gets the full New Mexico treatment, often paired with green chile, beans, and other regional staples. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the vibe is pure local charm.

This cafe has become a New Mexico institution for good reason. They understand what locals want and deliver it consistently, whether you’re in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, or beyond.

Laguna Burger

Though burgers dominate the menu, Laguna Burger surprises with fish options that hold their own. This Native American-owned spot brings unique flavors to everything they touch, including their fish fry.

The preparation style incorporates traditional techniques with modern tastes, creating something familiar yet distinctly different. The fish comes out crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly memorable for a place known for beef.

Supporting Native-owned businesses while eating delicious food feels like a win all around. The fish here proves that sometimes the best surprises come from unexpected menu sections at places you thought you had figured out.

Frontier Restaurant

Did anyone tell you that Frontier Restaurant is an Albuquerque institution? Because it absolutely is, serving hungry students, locals, and travelers since forever with consistently solid food.

Their fish fry might not be the most famous menu item, but it delivers that classic diner quality with a New Mexico twist. Simple, satisfying, and priced right for anyone on a budget.

The atmosphere is pure controlled chaos, especially during peak hours, but that energy is part of the charm. You eat elbow to elbow with strangers who quickly become friends over shared appreciation for good, honest food.

Scalo Northern Italian Grill

When Italian technique meets New Mexico ingredients, magic happens on your plate. Scalo Northern Italian Grill in Albuquerque approaches fish fry from a completely different angle than most spots.

The fish gets an Italian-inspired preparation that’s lighter and more refined, but still delivers that satisfying crunch. Mediterranean flavors dance with Southwestern spices in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.

It’s upscale without being stuffy, creative without being weird. You get the comfort of fried fish elevated by culinary expertise that respects both Italian tradition and New Mexico’s bold flavor profile perfectly.