Both New Mexico and Texas claim to have invented Frito pie. According to New Mexican lore, it was first created in Woolworth’s, which now operates as the Santa Fe Five and Dime. So what exactly is Frito pie? There are variations on the recipe, but the dish essentially involves Fritos paired with chili and shredded cheddar.
- Five and Dime, Santa Fe
Flickr/Paul Sableman
Yelp/Jennifer D. You should try the Five and Dime’s Frito pie at least once, because this is where it all started. (I’m obviously biased in favor of the New Mexican version of events.) This is also one of the few places where the Frito bag doubles as your plate. With all due respect to Anthony Bourdain, the chili tastes fresh because it is, in fact, homemade.
- Chicago Dog Express, Santa Fe
Yelp/Brian R. It’s easy to cruise right by this hidden gem but that would be a mistake. This restaurant is teeny yet mighty! Sure, it serves hot dogs, but the menu also includes a killer Frito pie. The monster size delivers 14oz of chili!
- La Cueva Café, Taos
Yelp/Joe M.
Yelp/Liz L. If you want to experience both history and Frito pie, head to this local favorite that’s housed in a building from 1850. This Frito pie recipe features red chile.
- Chat-N-Chew, Shiprock
Facebook/Alan Pettit
Facebook/Jon Diswood Come because the Chat-N-Chew (also called Chat-An-Chew) looks like a child’s playhouse. Stay for the super affordable Frito pie.
- El Camino Restaurant and Lounge, Socorro
Yelp/Maria C.
Yelp/Darryl S. Grab Frito pie around the clock at the retro-feeling El Camino, which stays open 24/7. No wonder students love it.
- Dog House Drive In, Albuquerque
Yelp/Katy T.
Yelp/Kellee K. Only order the Frito pie here if you’re seeking heat, because it definitely has some kick. Thankfully, the lettuce is on hand to cool the flames.
- Tia Betty Blue’s, Albuquerque
Yelp/Hope B.
Yelp/Jazmine V. Tia Betty Blue’s is great if you’re into customizing your meal. You can order your Frito pie vegetarian or gluten-free. Alternatively, unite two classic New Mexican dishes by topping it with carne adovada.
- Nexus Brewery, Albuquerque
Yelp/Desbah B.
Yelp/Rob D. Wash down your Frito pie with craft beer, brewed on site at Nexus brewery. This version has some twists; it comes with pico de gallo, and you can substitute chicken for beef.
- Plaza Café, Santa Fe
Yelp/Sandy N.
Yelp/Carol W. Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant has been filling bellies since 1905. The Plaza Cafe’s Frito pie contains carne asada (be sure to order it Christmas-style).
- Bode’s, Abiquiú
Yelp/Rachel C. Eating Frito pie in a general store just feels right. Bode’s is known for having large portions, so its red chile-topped Frito pie offers great value for money.
- Blake’s Lotaburger
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Yelp/Colin S. New Mexico is a vast state and some people won’t live near the places on this list. That’s why Blake’s is awesome - locations are spread across the state. Blake’s Frito pies are equal parts messy, delicious, and budget-friendly.
What’s your favorite spot for Frito Pie in New Mexico? Let us know in the comments.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
Yelp/Jennifer D.
You should try the Five and Dime’s Frito pie at least once, because this is where it all started. (I’m obviously biased in favor of the New Mexican version of events.) This is also one of the few places where the Frito bag doubles as your plate. With all due respect to Anthony Bourdain, the chili tastes fresh because it is, in fact, homemade.
Yelp/Brian R.
It’s easy to cruise right by this hidden gem but that would be a mistake. This restaurant is teeny yet mighty! Sure, it serves hot dogs, but the menu also includes a killer Frito pie. The monster size delivers 14oz of chili!
Yelp/Joe M.
Yelp/Liz L.
If you want to experience both history and Frito pie, head to this local favorite that’s housed in a building from 1850. This Frito pie recipe features red chile.
Facebook/Alan Pettit
Facebook/Jon Diswood
Come because the Chat-N-Chew (also called Chat-An-Chew) looks like a child’s playhouse. Stay for the super affordable Frito pie.
Yelp/Maria C.
Yelp/Darryl S.
Grab Frito pie around the clock at the retro-feeling El Camino, which stays open 24/7. No wonder students love it.
Yelp/Katy T.
Yelp/Kellee K.
Only order the Frito pie here if you’re seeking heat, because it definitely has some kick. Thankfully, the lettuce is on hand to cool the flames.
Yelp/Hope B.
Yelp/Jazmine V.
Tia Betty Blue’s is great if you’re into customizing your meal. You can order your Frito pie vegetarian or gluten-free. Alternatively, unite two classic New Mexican dishes by topping it with carne adovada.
Yelp/Desbah B.
Yelp/Rob D.
Wash down your Frito pie with craft beer, brewed on site at Nexus brewery. This version has some twists; it comes with pico de gallo, and you can substitute chicken for beef.
Yelp/Sandy N.
Yelp/Carol W.
Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant has been filling bellies since 1905. The Plaza Cafe’s Frito pie contains carne asada (be sure to order it Christmas-style).
Yelp/Rachel C.
Eating Frito pie in a general store just feels right. Bode’s is known for having large portions, so its red chile-topped Frito pie offers great value for money.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Yelp/Colin S.
New Mexico is a vast state and some people won’t live near the places on this list. That’s why Blake’s is awesome - locations are spread across the state. Blake’s Frito pies are equal parts messy, delicious, and budget-friendly.
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