There is a moment when New Mexico chile finally makes sense, and it happens at Chope’s Bar & Cafe in La Mesa. The heat is honest, the flavor deep, and the roadside charm disarming in the best way. Step inside a converted house where the salsa sings and the margaritas set the tempo. If you think you know chili, this little spot is ready to prove you wrong.
1. The Legendary Red Chile Enchiladas
The red chile at Chope’s does not whisper. It arrives brick red, glossy, and alive with roasted depth. One bite and you feel the sun of the Mesilla Valley, earthy and bright, without apology.
These enchiladas stack corn tortillas that keep their integrity, soaking up heat while staying tender. The sauce leans savory first, then slowly climbs into a steady, addictive burn. A fried egg on top turns it downright luxurious.
You taste chile more than spice, flavor more than fire. It is New Mexico on a plate, humble and unforgettable.
2. Green Chile Rellenos With A Crunch
At Chope’s, the relleno is about contrast. A Hatch green chile, roasted and sweetly smoky, gets tucked with cheese and wrapped in a delicate crust that shatters. You hear the crunch before the heat blooms…