Carlsbad TavernThey say that eating just 3 grams of chile seasoning will burn 45 calories. After a meal at Carlsbad Taverns, known for its wonderful New Mexico-style fare, you’ll wonder if you gained any weight at all with the meal!
New Mexico is known for their chiles—from spicy red to mild green Hatch, these little bundles of heat pack a punch in everything on the Carlsbad’ menu (which, by the way, comes in the guise of a local “newspaper” – cute touch). It’s no wonder that spicy food lovers have been coming here for 10 years.
Indoors, booths with pillows are cozy, and there’s a bar with sports playing on the TV. But the best place in the house is the patio, with a fireplace, waterfall and stream (and misters in the summer and heaters in the winter).
Servers are friendly, knowledgeable and make sure you’re enjoying everything. Drinks run the gamut from the regular beers to an outstanding prickly pear margarita.
Posole soup (pork, chiles, hominy) had quite the kick and had amazing flavors. Ceviche is full of fish, shrimp, chiles and tomatoes and served with fresh tortilla chips. The blue corn enchiladas, one with chicken, one with shrimp and all smothered with green chile sauce were an excellent twist on a typical standard. The black beans and rice that accompany aren’t just afterthoughts. The beans in particular are tangy and creamy, without being mushy.
The real showstopper was the Carne Adovada. The pork is slow-roasted, simmered in red chile sauce and topped with a cheddar and jack cheese mixture. Just the right amount of heat.
Desserts include sopapillas and honey, several varieties of flan and key lime pie. Me? I had another prickly pear margarita.
Good to know: lunch and dinner are served daily. Happy Hour until 6 p.m. each day with great appetizer and drink specials.
Must haves: carne adovada, flan
What to wear: very comfortable place; dress for the weather if you’ll want to dine outside.Carlsbad Tavern
3313 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale (480) 970-8164