Craving crispy fried catfish and comforting fish plates that taste like home? New Mexico hides some incredible diners where the batter crackles, the hushpuppies sing, and the sides are pure comfort. These spots keep locals coming back week after week for generous portions and down home warmth. Bring an appetite and a curiosity for small town flavor because these plates do not skimp on soul.
66 Diner — Albuquerque
Retro neon glow, a jukebox humming, and a plate of golden fried catfish that crunches at first bite. The batter is peppery and light, letting the fish stay flaky and tender. Pair it with coleslaw, hand cut fries, and a slice of lemon for a clean finish.
Order a malt and watch the nostalgia roll by while the kitchen keeps plates moving. Locals swear by the hushpuppies, crisp outside and steamy inside. If you like tang, ask for extra tartar and a splash of hot sauce to lift every bite.
Nexus Brewery & Restaurant — Albuquerque
Southern flavors meet brewhouse energy at this lively spot, where fried catfish anchors the soul food lineup. The crust is cornmeal forward with a gentle heat, served alongside collards, mac and cheese, or waffle fries. Portions land big, so come hungry.
House beers cut the richness and make each bite brighter. Try a flight, then drizzle honey hot sauce over the catfish for a sweet savory balance. Weeknights get busy, which is always a good sign that the locals know where the comfort lives.
Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles — Albuquerque
Sure, the name shouts chicken, but the catfish holds its own with a crackly coat and mild, clean flavor. Order it with waffle sides for a sweet salty mashup or go classic with fries and slaw. The kitchen keeps seasoning bold without overpowering the fish.
Maple syrup next to tartar sauce sounds wild, yet it works when the craving hits. Weekend crowds roll in for friendly service and hot plates. Bring friends so you can share sides and still have room for a bite of dessert.
K’Lynn’s Southern & Cajun Fusion — Rio Rancho
This cozy Rio Rancho favorite leans into Cajun spice with catfish that crackles and steams at once. Expect cayenne warmth, a squeeze of lemon, and sides like red beans and rice or dirty rice. The aroma alone will pull you straight to the table.
Ask for remoulade if you like tangy herb kick. Locals order platters to share, then immediately plan a return visit. It feels like a friendly kitchen where every plate arrives hot, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Porter’s Restaurant & Smokehouse — Farmington
Smokehouse roots meet fish fry comfort in Farmington, where catfish gets a classic cornmeal jacket. The flesh stays moist and flaky, perfect with baked beans or a tangy slaw. Smoky aromas drift from the pit, making the sides as compelling as the main.
Grab a booth and settle in for hearty portions and neighborly service. A dash of house seasoning lifts the crust without masking the fish. Finish with cobbler if you saved room, though that is a tall order after a full platter.
Cotton Patch Cafe — Clovis
Comfort food central, this spot turns out catfish that tastes like a weekend family fish fry. Lightly seasoned batter keeps things crisp while the fillet stays juicy. Choose fried okra, mashed potatoes, or green beans to round out the plate.
Service moves fast without losing that small town warmth. Ask for extra lemon and a side of jalapenos if you like a kick. Regulars come for dependable portions and the kind of flavor that never goes out of style.
Cattle Baron (Steak & Seafood) — Las Cruces
Known for steaks, this classic also nails a crisp, delicate catfish that feels right at home with a loaded baked potato. The batter is balanced and not too heavy, keeping the fish front and center. A generous salad bar helps you customize the meal.
Ask for tartar and lemon early so you can pace your bites. The dining room hums with families and date nights, proof of universal appeal. If seafood is calling, this catfish answers with simple, confident flavor.
Peppers Grill & Bar — Roswell
Roswell charm meets hearty plates at this lively grill and bar, where catfish comes out golden and ready for the squeeze of fresh lemon. Sides range from fries to Southwestern touches, keeping things interesting. The crust rides the line between crunch and tender.
Settle into a booth and watch the plates fly from the kitchen. A house margarita pairs well if you like citrus with your seafood. Locals praise the consistency, which is why the weekly crowd never thins.
Lucky Bull Grill — Carlsbad
This Carlsbad hangout delivers a hearty catfish platter perfect after a day of exploring caverns or river trails. The fillets arrive crisp, with enough seasoning to stand up to a dunk in tartar or hot sauce. Sides like kettle chips or corn keep it simple and satisfying.
Friendly staff keep refills coming and the vibe relaxed. If you like heat, ask for a spicy side sauce to wake things up. The plate disappears fast, which explains why regulars keep it in their weekly rotation.
Tina’s Cafe — Ruidoso
Sunlit mornings and cozy afternoons make this cafe a sweet stop for homestyle plates, including a well loved fried catfish. The crust is delicate, letting the fish flake easily with a fork. Pair it with vegetables, rice, or buttery toast for comfort without fuss.
Servers greet you like neighbors and keep the coffee flowing. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything, especially with a pinch of salt. It feels like a mountain town hug in the shape of a plate.
Rustic Cafe — Alamogordo
True to its name, this spot keeps things simple and satisfying with a crisp fried catfish that hits the table hot. The batter fries up airy, giving each bite a gentle crunch. Coleslaw and fries bring the classic diner duo.
Ask for extra pickles and lemon if you like briny brightness. The room buzzes with regulars who know the staff by name. It is the kind of place that turns first timers into weekly customers with one plate.