The desert has a funny way of making a seafood feast feel even more memorable. New Mexico has crab boils that arrive steaming and mariscos kitchens that lean hard into lime and chile.
Longtime restaurants bring an old-school touch to fresh fish. None of it feels predictable, which gives this ranking plenty of personality.
You might end up cracking shells at a paper-covered table or digging into ceviche at a casual neighborhood spot. A different stop may be all about a grilled catch and a bottomless salad bowl…