12 New Mexico Seafood Shacks Only Locals Know That Bring The Coast To The Southwest

New Mexico might be landlocked, but that hasn’t stopped creative chefs and passionate restaurateurs from bringing fresh coastal flavors to the high desert.

Tucked away in strip malls, neighborhoods, and unexpected corners across the state, these seafood spots serve up everything from Cajun-style boils to authentic Mexican mariscos that rival anything found near the ocean.

Locals have quietly been enjoying these hidden treasures for years, savoring every bite of shrimp, crab, and fish prepared with Southwest flair.

Whether craving a casual fish taco or a full-blown seafood feast, these twelve spots prove that distance from the coast is no barrier to incredible seafood.

1. Storming Crab Albuquerque

Seafood boils have become a Southwest sensation, and this spot delivers them with serious style.

Located at 5001 San Mateo Blvd NE #2466, Albuquerque, NM 87109, the restaurant wraps diners in a fun nautical atmosphere complete with ocean-inspired touches that transport taste buds straight to the coast.

The signature house sauce blends garlic butter, Cajun spices, and bright lemon into something truly memorable.

Bags arrive at the table steaming hot, filled with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes all tossed in that addictive seasoning.

Rolling up sleeves and digging in with hands feels like the only proper way to enjoy the experience.

Spice levels range from mild to fiery, so everyone finds their comfort zone.

Weeknight visits tend to offer shorter waits compared to busy weekends when families and groups pack the place.

Bibs and wet wipes come standard because things get delightfully messy.

The casual vibe makes it perfect for celebrations or just satisfying a serious seafood craving without any fuss.

2. Mariscos Altamar On Coors Boulevard

Coastal Mexican traditions come alive through every dish served at this beloved local favorite.

The address is 1517 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121, where bright colors and cheerful energy greet guests from the moment they walk through the door.

Ceviche here tastes impossibly fresh, with lime-cured fish or shrimp mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and just enough heat to wake up the palate.

Aguachile offers another refreshing option, featuring raw shrimp swimming in a spicy green chile and lime marinade that packs serious flavor.

Fish tacos arrive crispy or grilled, tucked into warm tortillas with cabbage, crema, and salsa that balance every bite perfectly.

Families gather here on weekends, filling tables with laughter and plates piled high with tostadas, cocktails de camaron, and whole fried fish.

The menu reads like a tour of Mexico’s coastal regions, from Sinaloa to Baja.

Portions tend to be generous, so coming hungry makes sense.

Service moves at a friendly pace, giving diners time to savor each course and soak in the vibrant surroundings.

3. Slapfish At Winrock

Fast-casual seafood doesn’t have to mean boring, and this spot proves it with creative menu items that surprise and satisfy.

The address is 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, inside a shopping center that makes it convenient for a quick lunch or easy dinner.

Bright, clean lines and a modern aesthetic create an inviting space that feels both relaxed and energetic.

Lobster rolls get piled high with tender meat and just enough mayo to bind it together, served in a toasted bun that holds everything perfectly.

Fish tacos come grilled or fried, topped with creative slaws and sauces that add layers of flavor beyond the usual suspects.

The clobster fries – crispy fries topped with lobster, crab, and cheese sauce – sound wild but taste absolutely right.

Ordering happens at the counter, with food brought to the table once ready.

Portions feel generous for the price point, and the menu includes options for those avoiding gluten or looking for lighter fare.

The vibe stays casual enough for kids yet interesting enough to keep adults engaged and coming back for more.

4. Los Mariscos Altamar Second Location

Success breeds expansion, and this second location brings the same coastal Mexican magic to another part of town.

Situated at 2250 Sun Rnch Vlg Lp, Los Lunas, NM 87031, the restaurant maintains the lively energy and authentic flavors that made the original so popular.

Shrimp cocktails arrive in tall glasses, layered with avocado, cucumber, and a tangy tomato-based sauce that’s equal parts refreshing and satisfying.

Tostadas de ceviche get piled high on crispy shells, each bite delivering crunch, citrus, and ocean flavors in perfect harmony.

The molcajete mixto serves groups well, arriving in a hot stone bowl filled with grilled seafood, melted cheese, and salsa that stays warm throughout the meal.

Bright murals and cheerful colors make the space feel festive without trying too hard.

Weekday lunches offer a quieter experience compared to weekend crowds when families and friends gather for extended meals.

The kids menu includes simple options, while adventurous eaters can explore specialties like pulpo, camarones a la diabla, or whole fried tilapia that arrives crispy and golden.

5. La Nueva Casita Café

Combining New Mexico’s signature ingredient with coastal flavors creates something uniquely delicious and distinctly local.

This small spot at 195 N Mesquite St, Las Cruces, NM 88001, focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than overwhelming diners with endless choices.

Green chile gets roasted and folded into shrimp dishes, creating a fusion that honors both traditions without compromising either one.

Shrimp burritos stuffed with rice, beans, and plenty of that smoky green chile satisfy serious hunger while delivering layers of flavor.

Tacos come soft or crispy, topped with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce that cools the heat just enough.

The casual counter-service setup keeps things moving quickly, perfect for grabbing lunch without a long wait.

Portions tend toward generous, and the price stays reasonable for the quality and quantity served.

Local beer options pair well with the spicy-savory combinations on the menu.

Seating might be limited during peak hours, but the food tastes just as good taken to go.

This spot understands that sometimes the best meals come from simple preparations done with care and quality ingredients.

6. LURE Raw Bar

Raw bars might seem unlikely in the high desert, but this spot at 3421 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, pulls it off with style and freshness that impresses even skeptics.

The industrial-cool setting adds character while keeping the focus squarely on the seafood itself.

Oysters arrive on ice from both coasts, shucked to order and served with classic mignonette, cocktail sauce, and fresh lemon wedges.

Each variety brings different flavors and textures, from briny East Coast specimens to creamy West Coast beauties.

The staff knows their oysters and happily guides newcomers through the selection process.

Beyond bivalves, the menu includes clam chowder, lobster rolls, and shrimp cocktails that showcase quality ingredients with minimal fuss.

Happy hour brings solid deals on oysters and drinks, making it easier to sample several varieties without breaking the budget.

The atmosphere stays relaxed yet sophisticated, attracting a mix of downtown workers, date-nighters, and seafood enthusiasts.

Weekends can get busy, so arriving early or late helps avoid the rush.

The location in the Rail Yards district adds to the appeal, with other shops and galleries nearby for a full outing.

7. Takumi Restaurant

Sushi and seafood converge in this upscale spot at 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE #800, Albuquerque, NM 87110, where Japanese technique meets Southwest sensibility.

The sleek interior and attentive service create an atmosphere suited for special occasions or impressive business dinners.

Fresh fish gets flown in multiple times weekly, ensuring the quality needed for raw preparations and delicate cooking methods.

Sushi rolls range from traditional nigiri to creative specialty rolls that incorporate local ingredients like green chile in unexpected but successful ways.

Sashimi plates showcase the fish itself, sliced expertly and arranged beautifully.

Beyond sushi, the menu includes miso-glazed sea bass, teriyaki salmon, and perfectly cooked steaks for those dining with non-seafood eaters.

The sake list offers depth, with staff available to suggest pairings for different dishes.

Reservations make sense for weekend dinners when the dining room fills with celebrating diners.

Prices reflect the upscale nature and quality ingredients, positioning this as a splurge rather than everyday dining.

The combination of fresh seafood, skilled preparation, and polished service makes it worth the investment for seafood lovers seeking something refined.

8. Baja Tacos

Sometimes the best seafood comes from the most unexpected places, like a brightly painted food truck parked in a lot.

This operation at 2018 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505, brings authentic Baja-style fish tacos to various locations around town, following the tradition of Ensenada street vendors.

Beer-battered fish gets fried until golden and crispy, then tucked into warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, crema, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime.

The simplicity lets the quality shine through – fresh fish, light batter, and toppings that add crunch and brightness without overwhelming the star ingredient.

Shrimp tacos offer another option, grilled with garlic and spices that create a slightly different but equally satisfying experience.

Prices stay low, making it easy to order several tacos and try everything.

Following the truck on social media helps track its location, as it moves between different spots throughout the week.

Lines can form during lunch rushes, but they move quickly thanks to a streamlined menu and efficient operation.

Eating outdoors at picnic tables adds to the casual, beachy vibe even in the middle of the desert.

9. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Sometimes the most memorable seafood meals come from places that feel larger than life, and this bustling kitchen manages to bring Gulf Coast flavors straight into the heart of the desert.

This lively spot at 5011 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, welcomes guests with the aroma of butter, garlic, and Cajun spices drifting through the air long before they reach the door.

Platters arrive overflowing with shrimp, catfish, oysters, and crawfish, each fried, grilled, or blackened with the kind of confidence that comes from decades of Southern cooking tradition.

The kitchen treats every dish with care – crisp coatings that stay light, sauces built from deep, layered spices, and seafood cooked just until tender so every bite stays juicy.

Signature plates like the crawfish étouffée and blackened catfish bridge comfort food and bold Louisiana heat, while the seafood gumbo simmers with a richness that tastes like it took all day to perfect.

Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, making it easy to share appetizers, try something new, or simply lean into a full Cajun feast.

Busy nights bring energy to the dining room, but the staff keeps things moving smoothly, guiding newcomers through the sprawling menu without missing a beat.

Weekday visits offer a calmer experience, perfect for savoring a leisurely lunch or unwinding over cold drinks and fresh oysters from the raw bar.

Stepping outside afterward feels like emerging from a coastal getaway – proof that great seafood doesn’t need an ocean nearby when the kitchen knows exactly what it’s doing.

10. Meet Crab

Sometimes the seafood spots that make the biggest impression are the ones tucked quietly into busy neighborhoods, waiting for curious diners to wander in and discover something unforgettable.

This inviting restaurant at 6300 San Mateo Blvd NE Suite F-4, Albuquerque, NM 87109, brings the flavors of coastal crab shacks straight to the Southwest with steaming bags, bold seasonings, and a come-as-you-are attitude.

Crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and crawfish arrive drenched in buttery sauces infused with garlic, Cajun spices, and bright citrus that cling to every shell and drip onto waiting plates.

Each order feels like a celebration – crackling shells, heaps of seasoning, and that satisfying moment when a perfectly cooked piece of crab slides free in one beautiful pull.

Diners choose their heat level and seasoning blend, allowing every table to craft its own personalized feast, from mild and buttery to full-throttle, sweat-inducing spice.

Sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage soak up every bit of the sauce, turning what might seem simple into something outrageously flavorful.

Prices stay reasonable considering the generous portions, making it easy to gather a group and turn dinner into an event.

The casual setup invites everyone to relax, roll up their sleeves, and dive into the messiness that makes seafood boils so fun.

Evenings can get lively as tables fill with families cracking shells and friends sharing platters, but the staff keeps the pace friendly and efficient.

By the end of the meal, hands are messy, plates are empty, and the unmistakable feeling sets in that you just found a little slice of the coast – right in the middle of New Mexico.

11. Down N Dirty Seafood Boil

Sometimes a seafood place announces exactly what it’s about in its name, and this spot leans into that promise with messy, hands-on eating that leaves everyone grinning.

Located at 4200 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, the restaurant pulls diners in with the unmistakable scent of garlic butter, Cajun spice, and seafood steaming in big metal pots behind the counter.

Bags arrive loaded with crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, corn, and sausage, all drenched in a rich blend of spices that soak into every ingredient from shell to core.

Cracking, peeling, and dipping become part of the fun, transforming dinner into an interactive feast where napkins and wet wipes never seem quite enough.

The signature seasoning blends offer layers of heat, tang, and buttery richness, giving diners control over just how “dirty” they want to get with each bite.

Every bag feels like a customizable adventure, with diners choosing their seafood, spice level, and sauce so each visit brings something slightly different.

Corn and potatoes absorb the flavors beautifully, turning simple sides into some of the most satisfying bites of the meal.

The relaxed, urban vibe fits the downtown setting perfectly, inviting groups of friends and families to unwind, get messy, and forget about formality for a while.

Weekends get lively as tables fill with people donning bibs and sharing platters that seem to keep multiplying.

By the time the meal wraps up, fingers shine with seasoning, laughter hangs in the air, and it’s clear why this spot has become a favorite for anyone who loves seafood boils served with attitude and plenty of flavor.

12. Pelican’s West Of Albuquerque

When the occasion calls for something a bit more refined, this restaurant delivers ocean-fresh seafood with polish and care.

Find it at 10022 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, where the coastal ambiance feels authentic despite being hundreds of miles from any shore.

Fish and shellfish get flown in regularly, ensuring quality that rivals what coastal diners enjoy daily.

The menu spans classic preparations and creative twists, from buttery lobster tails to perfectly seared scallops that melt on the tongue.

Grilled salmon arrives moist and flaky, while shrimp scampi swims in garlic and white wine that begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.

Lighting stays soft and comfortable, making conversations easy whether on a date night or celebrating with family.

Reservations help avoid waits, especially Thursday through Saturday when tables fill quickly.

The wine list offers solid pairings, and the staff knows their menu well enough to guide choices.

Prices run higher than casual spots, but the experience and quality justify the splurge for seafood lovers seeking something special.