7 Best Restaurants in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

If you hanker for sweet-and-tangy pecan wood–smoked barbecue, this homey, log-cabin-style spot serves up consistently tasty fare at reasonable prices. Sauce from an old family recipe is slathered on chicken, pork, beef brisket, turkey, and ham. Fried catfish and other home-style dishes are also served. If wall-mounted animal heads make you squeamish, you might want to dine elsewhere.

This comfy, cafeteria-style restaurant in the visitor center serves basic food—hamburgers, sandwiches, some Mexican dishes—and is fine in a pinch. There are also packaged takeout items. Note that no alcohol is served.

Set inside the city's historic former city hall, this casual tavern serves tasty pub grub, including roasted green chile queso blanco, mammoth burgers with a range of interesting toppings, and hand-cut rib-eye steaks. An upstairs tap room carries a fine selection of craft beers, with an emphasis on New Mexico brewers.

At 750 feet underground, near the elevator and entrance to the Big Room, you can grab a snack, soft drink, or club sandwich at this handy snack bar. Service is quick, even when there's a crowd, and although the food doesn't stand out, it's fun dining in this otherworldly setting.