2 Best Restaurants in Portales, Southeastern New Mexico

This Portales steak house in the heart of cattle country was the founding establishment for the popular chain that now extends into Roswell, Ruidoso, and Las Cruces. Prime rib is the specialty, and the trademark salad bar doesn't disappoint with its fresh greens, crisp veggies, and homemade soups. The interior is decorated with plenty of wooden accents and skylights.

Tasty breakfast omelets, steaks, and sandwiches attract the hungry college crowd from nearby Eastern New Mexico University. Try the house specialty, a chicken-fried steak dinner. This diner-style hangout has a fun atmosphere. The tables are inlaid with tile, the chairs are covered with brightly colored vinyl, and there are a few exotic parrot decorations. Their house-made salsa is tasty!