Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Boating and lake fishing are popular here.
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground,
on the
south end of town at 4301 National Parks Hwy. (
&
888/878-7275
or 575/885-6333;
www.carlsbadrvpark.com), is a large, full-service campground with a swimming pool and
playground.
WHERE TO DINE IN & AROUND CARLSBAD
Blue House
Finds
BAKERY/CAFE In a quest to find good coffee in even the
smallest of New Mexico towns, I now rate Carlsbad high. On a quiet residential street
just north of historic downtown is this gem, set in a Queen Anne-style blue house with
morning-glory vines adorning the front fence. Inside, Parisian colors warm the walls,
contrasting with brightly painted chairs and small round tables. The fare is simple, fresh,
and imaginative, with espresso, lattes, and Italian sodas the biggest draws, along with
special sandwiches and soups daily. Excellent baked goods top the breakfast menu,
including homemade cinnamon rolls. For lunch, try any of the fresh organic salads such
as the grilled chicken or Oriental. For something sweeter, order the cream cheese-rasp-
berry coffee cake.
609 N. Canyon Rd.
&
575/628-0555.
All menu items under $8. DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 6am-2pm; Sat
6am-noon (lunch served Tues-Fri 11am-1pm). Take Canal St. to Church St. east, and then south on
Canyon Rd.
The Flume
AMERICAN Named for the irrigation ditch that brings water to the
region's farmers, the Flume serves reliable beef, pork, and chicken dishes in a comfortable
atmosphere. This is where Carlsbad locals come for their special nights out. The decor in
the two-room dining area, separated by arches, has a bit of a 1970s feel, but includes
comfortable chairs. Service is good. Breakfast brings standard egg and pancake offerings.
For lunch you might try one of their sandwiches such as the smoked turkey with Swiss
cheese and avocado. The salads and burgers are also tasty. At dinner, I've enjoyed a nice
grilled chicken here, and my mother liked her fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. Others
order the rib-eye or prime rib, which is served on Friday and Saturday nights. Entrees
come with a trip to the salad bar, a vegetable, and choice of a starch. Diners can order
from a full bar. A seniors' menu is available.
1829 S. Canal St.
&
575/887-2851.
www.bestwestern.com. Breakfast and lunch $5-$12; dinner $13-
$23. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6am-10pm.
Lucy's
Kids
MEXICAN When you walk in the door of this busy restaurant with
festive Mexican decor, Lucy is likely to wave you toward the dining room and tell you to
find a seat. Such is the casual nature of the place—and a sign of the good home-style food
to come. Since 1974, Lucy and Justo Yanez's restaurant has been dedicated to the words
of a Mexican proverb printed on the menu:
El hambre es un fuego, y la comida es fresca
(Hunger is a burning, and eating is a coolness). You'll probably want to start with a
margarita or Mexican beer. The food is tasty, with Lucy's personal adaptations of old
favorites, often invented by requests from regulars. I recommend the chicken fajita bur-
rito or the combination plate. Finish with a dessert of
buñelos
(fritters), sprinkled with
cinnamon sugar. Children's plates are available; diners can choose mild or hot chile. A
second Lucy's restaurant is in Hobbs, at 4428 Lovington Hwy.
701 S. Canal St.
&
575/887-7714.
Reservations recommended Fri-Sat. Main courses $6-$15. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 11am-9pm.
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