New Mexico Restaurants That Take Fried Fish To The Next Level
New Mexico might be landlocked, but that hasn’t stopped our restaurants from serving up some of the crispiest, most flavorful fried fish you’ll ever taste. From family-owned spots to brewpubs with serious culinary chops, these places prove you don’t need an ocean view to enjoy incredible seafood.
Get ready to discover where the best batter meets the freshest catch across the Land of Enchantment.
1. NM Fish & Chips Lucky Bull Grill, Carlsbad
Where tradition meets perfection, you’ll find golden batter that shatters with every bite. NM Fish & Chips at Lucky Bull Grill doesn’t mess around when it comes to delivering what the name promises.
The cod is thick and flaky, wrapped in a coating so light it practically floats off the plate. Every piece comes out piping hot, with that satisfying crunch that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Pair it with hand-cut fries and tangy tartar sauce, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth the drive to Carlsbad.
2. Mariscos Costa Azul, Santa Fe
This spot serves up the kind of authentic coastal flavors that transport you straight to Baja. Mariscos Costa Azul has mastered the art of the fish taco, where the fried fish is the undeniable star.
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, each fillet gets nestled into warm tortillas with fresh cabbage and zesty lime. The seasoning is bold without being overwhelming, letting the fish shine through every single bite.
Trust me, one order won’t be enough.
3. Delicias del Mar, Las Cruces
Are you ready for seafood that tastes like it was pulled from the Pacific this morning? Delicias del Mar brings coastal Mexican cuisine to the desert with serious authenticity.
Their fried fish options range from whole tilapia to delicate fillets, all seasoned with a blend of spices that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew. The texture is impeccable, with a crust that stays crispy even as you work your way through the plate.
Every bite screams fresh and flavorful.
4. Hook It Up Fish & Chips, Albuquerque
Though you might not expect British pub fare in the Southwest, this place nails it every time. Hook It Up Fish & Chips serves portions so generous you’ll be sharing with your entire table.
The batter has that signature beer-battered fluffiness, creating air pockets that crunch and crackle with every forkful. Fresh haddock or cod gets the royal treatment here, fried to absolute perfection and served with all the traditional fixings.
Skip the fancy stuff and just enjoy honest, delicious comfort food.
5. Two Fools Tavern, Albuquerque
When elevated pub food meets culinary creativity, magic happens on your plate. Two Fools Tavern takes fried fish beyond the basics, adding unexpected twists that’ll blow your mind.
The fish is always fresh, the batter always perfectly seasoned, and the presentation makes you feel like you’re dining somewhere way fancier than a tavern. They switch up their offerings, so you might find different preparations that showcase the chef’s playful approach to classic dishes.
Come hungry and curious, you won’t regret it.
6. K‑Bob’s Steakhouse, Various Locations
However unexpected it might seem, this steakhouse knows its way around seafood, too. K-Bob’s Steakhouse offers fried catfish that rivals anything you’d find in the Deep South.
The cornmeal crust delivers that signature southern crunch, while the fish inside stays moist and flavorful. Don’t sleep on the hushpuppies either, they’re the ideal sidekick to your main event.
Multiple locations across New Mexico mean you’re never too far from a satisfying seafood fix when craving hits hard.
7. Pelican’s Restaurant, Albuquerque
Pelican’s Restaurant, Albuquerque, is a local favorite that brings a touch of coastal flavor to the high desert. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and classic seafood offerings, Pelican’s serves up golden, crispy fried fish that hits all the right notes, light, flaky, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re diving into their fish and chips or enjoying a seafood platter, the quality and consistency keep locals coming back.
With a cozy, nautical-themed interior and a menu full of comfort seafood classics, Pelican’s is the perfect spot to satisfy your fried fish cravings in Albuquerque.
8. Horse & Angel, Albuquerque
Hence the name, you might expect something quirky and memorable, and this place delivers exactly that. Horse & Angel approaches fried fish with an artisan’s touch, elevating every component to restaurant-quality standards.
The fish is sourced carefully, the batter is made from scratch, and the result is something that tastes both familiar and excitingly new. They pay attention to details most places overlook, from the temperature to the timing.
Your taste buds will thank you for choosing adventure over ordinary.
9. Nexus Brewery, Albuquerque
Where craft brewing meets culinary excellence, you’ll discover fried fish that’s anything but standard. Nexus Brewery uses their own brews in the batter, creating depth of flavor that’s absolutely next level.
The result is a coating that’s light, crispy, and carries subtle malty notes that complement the fish beautifully. Freshness is non-negotiable here, and you can taste the quality in every single bite.
Pair your meal with one of their house brews for the ultimate Albuquerque dining experience.
10. Mariscos La Playa, Española
Though Española sits far from any coastline, this restaurant brings beach vibes straight to your table. Mariscos La Playa specializes in seafood that tastes impossibly fresh, with fried fish options that showcase authentic Mexican preparations.
The seasoning is bold and unapologetic, with layers of flavor that build with each bite. Whether you order tacos, a whole fish, or fillets, expect generous portions and that perfect crispy-tender contrast.
This is where locals go when they’re craving the real deal.
