Moongate Cafe
9545 Bataan Memorial W, Las Cruces, NM
Crema's Take
“Moongate Cafe is a beloved mom-and-pop diner in Las Cruces that punches way above its unassuming appearance with genuinely delicious breakfast and Mexican food, plus the kind of warm, character-filled service that keeps families and regulars coming back. The menu is generous and the kitchen is accommodating with special requests, making it an ideal spot to linger over hot coffee and huevos rancheros on a weekend morning. Just don't expect a pristine space—this hole-in-the-wall trades polish for authenticity and flavor.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Don’t be fooled by the appearance, this place has great food and service. One of the best mom and pop style diners I have ever been to. Disclaimer: the place is 1/5 for cleanliness… it’s pretty filthy.
The review score of 4.7 brought us to this little hole in the wall. My husband’s #4 was pretty good. My nachos with added beef were small, dry and needed much more beef and beans…and the chips were chewy. My biggest complaint about this place was the dirtiness. I can’t imagine what the kitchen looked like. What I saw was in the dining area and bathroom. The carpet needs to be ripped up (it was disgusting) and replaced with lvp, and for the love of God, just clean in the afternoons when the cafe is closed. There’s no excuse. Y’all could work on the friendliness as well.
I had the Huevos Rancheros which was quite delicious. Hot coffee and a large OJ. Dee, our server was quite the character and made our meal even more enjoyable. The building could use a little housekeeping, but it didn't affect our meal. 10/10 would eat here again.
I tend to stop here for an early, delicious, and filling breakfast on the weekends. The menu is substantial, and they are more than accommodating special requests. I would have to recommend the chicken fried steak fingers (with options of gravies and sauces) and the open faced tacos on fried bread (Indian Fry Bread Tacos). Two of the items I show here (though I added two sunny side up eggs to my ground beef taco). So good! Service is excellent even when busy, which happens as it is a small diner, but they do a great job of making sure refreshments are topped up. Decor is typical of an old school diner, and seating is comfortable. There are also specials throughout the week, but again, I go on the weekends.
Great out of the way place to eat. Menu features everything from Burgers a day Fries, to Breakfast and even he cooked Mexican food. Don't blink. It's easy to miss. Just don't mistake it's small footprint with poor food and or service. Wait staff is great, and very personal. They can make you feel at home seconds after waking through the door.
Crema Reviews
You might also like
Indulgence Bakery & Cafe
★ 4.6 (809)
Indulgence Bakery & Cafe is a beloved breakfast and lunch destination where the…
Cafe de Mesilla
★ 4.6 (494)
Tucked into the historic Mesilla Plaza, this charming local bistro has been a…
Dick's Cafe
★ 4.1 (1,228)
Dick's Cafe is a Las Cruces institution since 1959 that draws loyal regulars…
Black Bear Coffee Shop
★ 4.8 (316)
Tucked into the mountains of Las Cruces, this espresso-focused spot blends…