Moongate Cafe

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.

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.

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.

The quintessential diner experience with a southwest twist. Friendly service, great food, wide selection, and quality specials. Figure the only reason this place isn't packed more often is the lack of giant sign. Perhaps we need a "go fund me".

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.

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.

Moongate Cafe is awesome. Classic Diner with local flare. Tiny, but awesome. Heiberts Steak Fingers original recipe here! Diners hours.

Came from Utah and stopped for lunch. Amazing service and great food. The atmosphere is a little louder considering the small space but it was great. Portions are a little smaller for big eaters so i got two plates. The prices are super amazing. Very cheap!! 12/10 would recommend.

Moongate Cafe reminds me of the old time dinners my Dad used to go to that has lovely staff, good food, cozy atmosphere, and has been around 43 years (for a reason). You will always get an amazing meal quickly and made with love. The owners are really lovely people. It is not a fancy place on the outskirts of town but you will have a hot delicious meal! Give it a try!

They refuse service to people with disabilities. I was not even allowed to sit down before a woman who claimed to be the owner said that she does not allow service animals. She didn't even try to hide it with another excuse about anything. Just straight up said we don't allow service animals. Service Animals ARE PROTECTED BY FEDERAL LAW in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public MUST ALLOW SERVICE ANIMALS to accompany people with disabilities in ALL areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. In accordance with the ADA, a business may ask: 1. Is this a Service Animal for a disability? 2. What tasks have the Service Animal been trained to perform? A business may NOT: 1. Ask about the person's disability. 2. Require medical documentation, special identification, or training documentation. 3. Ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. The ADA defines "Service Animal" as the following: Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. A few examples of such work include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. ADA's Specific Rules Related to Service Animals: A person with a disability CANNOT be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. * Establishments that sell or prepare food MUST ALLOW SERVICE ANIMALS in public areas EVEN IF state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises. * People with disabilities who use service animals CANNOT be isolated from other patrons, CANNOT be treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for service animals. If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his service animal. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. The definition of Service Animal does not affect or limit the broader definition of "assistance animal" under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of "service animal" under the Air Carrier Access Act. Questions? Visit www.ADA.gov or call the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 to speak with an ADA Specialist. All calls are confidential.

Don't let the outside of the building fool you. I had the steak strips with eggs and potatoes and it was awesome. Great home cooking type food. Small little place doesn't look like much on the outside, but it was great. The inside was kept fairly clean and the waitresses were perfect. Nice little place.

- an out-if-the-way location off 70E, this restaurant is best described as simple, clean and straightforward. Servers are kind and pleasant and food is diner inspired. They've been around awhile with a loyal local crowd.

Always a crowd there cuz their food is so good. I got the steak fingers with the green chili cheese gravy! Also had the homemade mashed potatoes! Everything is good there. You will not be disappointed!

Doesn't look like much on the outside. Doesn't look like much on the inside. But the Service & Food is Great. American or Mexican food both are The Best

Those steak fingers! Nothing like it! Really enjoyed our brunch today. Service was phenomenal! My husband grew up here. When we pulled up, I was a little apprehensive, but as others have mentioned, don't judge a book by the cover. When you walk inside, it's charming and welcoming and the food is great! We will definitely be back!

All of our meals were good - and prices were every reasonable too - cost under $60 for 5 people. Very simple breakfast menu options and lunch sandwiches too. Classic hometown place, recommended for a nice quick breakfast spot.

The food is good, but the not following the ADA law of service animals need to be displayed in a way for people to know that service animals are NOT ALLOWED. Also the waitress was very rude and unwelcoming.

One of the best breakfasts I had while visiting Las Cruces. High quality ingredients, premium sausage & bacon, homemade southern style biscuits. Friendly waitresses and old country atmosphere.

Do not let the outside frighten you! Go in and eat. Get the hot salsa and guac to go with your basket of chips. Then get the steak fingers. Sure, their chicken fried steak is tasty and the Mexican food is too. But you want to get the steak fingers. I am a fan of the green chile queso on them but the wife likes the brown gravy. Ask on your 1st visit to get all the gravies to taste test. It's an honest to goodness diner with dinner rolls and salad with every playe dinner. Yeah they close at 3 daily. So ya gotta get there early. Service is awesone. Place is clean and homey. Go

This place is a small little cafe, mom and pop style. Looked funky on the outside but once inside it was great. Nice people, great food, and great service. Definitely do not judge a book by it's cover type of place. I suggest you try the steal fingers.

Don't judge this book by its cover. Owned and operated by the same man since the 80's, this tiny place is the gem you're looking for if you're a "greasy spoon" connoisseur. Green Chile pervades, as it should, because Hatch, NM, home of ALL green chile, is right down the road. The food is good and plentiful (and not a trade of quantity for quality). The waitress is one of those true professionals of the craft. No wasted motion. Efficiency balanced with the right amount of attention and care. All the other customers were regulars greeted by name, and we expect to be joining that crowd. We will be back!

Best find in Las Cruces!! Hole in the wall, outta town and filled with locals that all know each other. Was a blast listening to the waitress bantering with the customers. I knew I was gonna love this place. Went back two mornings in a row cuz the food was that good. Highly recommend

The steak fingers are just the best. I would travel great distances to come to this place as the food is just a rare gem in a small dive atmosphere. I would give 6 stars if I could. Just come try em out and be blown away.

A fabulous hole in the wall. A great surprise! Fabulous service. Breakfast is creative and delicious. I can't wait to go back and try the steak fingers.

Yelp didn't steer us wrong. Yes, hope in wall, but table clean, good service, good variety in menu for breakfast and added bonus of decent prices. Had the breakfast burrito which was like one I'd make myself at home but with bonus of homemade salsa. Good pulp free OJ. Husband liked his ham and cheese omelet.

Awesome stop for a lunch - kind servers, delicious diner fare, great prices. Don't second guess this place, it's a winner

Classic breakfast and lunch. Jolly, efficient staff. Outstanding view of Organ Pipe Mountains.

Best breakfast in Las Cruces! My fav is sausage gravy and biscuits, 2 eggs over easy and hash browns. Yummy!

The food here is fantastic. Small little restaurant, but if you can get a seat take it! Service is fast & friendly. The huevos rancheros w green sauce & Chile con carne is 10/10. Steak fingers are wonderful - a must try. Everytime we come to las cruces (usually yearly for Bataan) we look forward to breakfast here.

My partner and i just moved to Las Cruces. We were looking for a local mom and pop dinner/cafe. I believe the waitress said Moongate Cafe is owned by two brothers. I think we have succeeded in finding a gem. This place is off the 70 a little ways out of town. The staff was friendly and food was GREAT they had wide variety of American & Mexican breakfast option. Our overall experience was great. We'll definitely be back.

De.lic.ious! The best kind of dive with friendly service and super good food. Yelp map was a little off, but it was just a little further down. We had breakfast quesadillas, huevos chorizo & tamales & fresh brewed tea. So good, you won't leave hungry!

I'm not from around here, and thank goodness for Yelp reviews because I was starving. I am not going to lie, but I was really nervous about the outside appearance, and said "Oh hell no..." when I pulled up. But, I decided to give it a try anyway because reviews said to not be dismayed by the outside appearance. When I walked in, the places was bumpin'. Service was really friendly and I got loads of food for $6.00. It was very tasty too. So glad I stumbled through these doors on my journey. Thanks Yelp!!! You never lie!!!

My husband and I eat here every Sunday. We love the small town, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. Not only are the staff friendly, but so are the patrons. It's so nice to feel the disconnect from Cruces, even though you're just a few miles down the road. Reminds me of the little mom and pop cafes we used to visit when on the road, in the middle of nowhere. No matter what we order for breakfast or lunch, the food is always great! One day, I'll try their carry out option, but for now, I'll continue to look forward to Sunday brunch.

Moongate Cafe is a local breakfast and lunch joint located right off the freeway on the outskirts of town....great if you live beyond Mesa Grande. We were very pleased with this find. The chicken fried steak with eggs & toast and chorizo/potato/eggs breakfast burrito with beans & rice were exceptional...especially for the low price. My toddler even received a complimentary breakfast meal! Their specialty: Breaded Sirloin Steak Fingers....crispy batter-breaded outside with tender steak on the inside with a choice of 3 sauces: green chile queso sauce, brown gravy or country gravy. Delicious & unique! 3/14/07 We just tried their cheeseburger, chile relleno burrito, steak fajita and their honey-covered sopapilla dessert....just as expected, we were not disappointed...

Always the best Mexican food. Burgers are also delicious. Gotta try even if you are just passing through

Don't let the exterior fool you (or your GPS). It's good food at great prices. Yes, it's small place. Yes, it's an old building. But the waitress knows almost all the customers by name and face and works her b*tt off. The food is fairly basic but tastes great. Hubby and I had the stuffed sopapillas, rolled tacos (flautas in my world) and dessert sopapillas with cinnamon sugar. They were all good. Definitely going back!

Hole in the wall restaurant. The sign posted in front plainly stated 'restaurant'. Friendly waitress. She take care the entire dining area by herself and still well taking care of all dine in and take out orders. That is impressive. Food is alright. Service is awesome

Service was good and the food was alright, but halfway through eating we noticed roaches crawling on the counters with the drink machine. The chip baskets were full and sitting right on the counter where the roaches were crawling around. Really made us wish we ate somewhere else.

Great restaurant by the highway. I had chicken fried steak with chili on it. Wow! It was great. Real home style cooking!!!

I love this little place. Admittedly I go there for the breakfast burritos and have not tried anything else, but the burritos are worth the stop. Green or red, chorizo - all great! I have had them all multiple times since 2004 - all good and very consistent.

Don't let the rundown appearance scare you off. Food is great. Service is always friendly. Price is reasonable. Only complaint is that they are only open for breakfast and lunch.

If you can imagine, I lived about five miles further out of Las Cruces than Moongate. Moongate Cafe was the closest restaurant to my house, so it makes sense that while I was growing up, my family were regulars. When I used to go, I always, always had to get the green chile cheeseburger with fries. They also make (made?) a number of Mexican combination plates that are really good. The thing that makes Moongate so memorable for me is the simplicity of the service and the food. They didn't do much, but what they did, they did very, very well. If you find yourself crusing down Hwy. 70, this is probably your best bet for good food.

By the looks of it, you wouldn't think to find such delicious items on their menu. It certainly is tiny--but almost always full of people. It's got a full divey atmosphere but the people are nice once you become regulars. We love to go Saturday mornings for breakfast. Their steak fingers with green chile and cheese are absolutely delicious. More than enough to fill your appetite. The prices are crazy affordable and the coffee is always fresh and hot. It has quickly become one of our favorites.

We're going back so that says a lot! Total hole in the wall. Not impressive on the outside at all. We had the country breakfast. Good. Not spectacular, but good down home cooking instead of microwaved frozen food. The best part of the place is the server. She's awesome! Down home, friendly, funny. We felt welcome and the place is full of locals. If you're into elegance, this is not your place. If you want to eat with locals in a relaxed atmosphere, this is your place.

An oasis in the desert! My girlfriend and me stopped here for a quick breakfast. Had the omelet with chorizo, she had a breakfast burrito. Both were very fast delivered, cheap and delishes. Perfect for a quick visit

Don't let the outside appearance detract you from stopping here for a meal. The inside is not what you would consider great atmosphere either, but if you are mainly interested in the food, you will not be disappointed. We stopped in this morning for breakfast. Since this was our first visit, the waitress couldn't greet us like she did most of the other local/regular customers, by name. This is not to say that she was not friendly, and not efficient. My wife had a veggie quesadilla. It's contents were tomatoes, green chiles, onions, and cheese, with a choice of hot or mild sauce. She added a side of guacamole. It was very good. I had a potato and chorizo burrito with added cheese. I had the same choice of sauces. The burrito was very tasty. Would definitely order it again.

QUINTESSENTIAL GREASY SPOON BUT THE FOOD IS PRETTY GOOD. The Moongate Cafe is ranked 36th on the Mr. Sensitive list of Mexican food restaurants around the area for the total dining experience, but the food itself is better than that. You have probably driven by the Moongate Cafe numerous times on your way out to the Organ Mountains on Route 70. Yes, that's right, it is the little place set off to the left of the highway with a simple sign emblazoned "Restaurant." The parking lot remains gravel and dirt. Inside the place does not exactly inspire confidence since the ambiance is a mixed bag. Diners usually find tears in the seats of some booths and sometimes broken blinds in addition to a dingy carpet. The waitress, usually just one, is friendly enough and does an ok job. The menu here is somewhat extensive being a combination of American and New Mex food. Chips and salsa are not served gratis with the meal. The food is usually prepared in good time and is generally of good quality. Prices are the norm for the area. I have ordered stuffed spoapillas here on a couple occasions. I find them some of the better stuffed sopapillas around the area, both red and green chile. They are certainly up there on the heat scale. I did have a chile relleno once that was disappointing as it was somewhat burned. I have also experienced their FULL MOON TACO and their red chile meat burrito. Don't think traditional taco when you envision the Full Moon. This meal is usually referred to as a "sopapilla compuesta" around these parts. The Moongate advertises it as made with "fry bread" which is sort of an Indian food. When I had one the bread was freshly fried and perfectly prepared. On top were lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, refried beans (with some whole beans mixed in), sour cream, and green chile con carne. The guacamole served with it was not very good, but the sopapilla itself (full moon) was quite good....not outstanding, but pretty good. The red chile meat burrito was just ok. So, the food is not always consistent in quality. What to expect if you go: A smallish, greasy spoon type of place, not always kept in good repair. Basic yet friendly service. New Mex food that is usually pretty good, but you can't always depend on it. Forget the four and five star reviews if you're looking for a nice place to dine. Restaurant rating = THREE-AND-A-QUARTER STARS......meaning tad above average for the total dining experience. The food however is better than that overall rating would indicate. But, if you are looking for a nice or comfortable place to dine, look somewhere else.

decent food and the staff was nice but halfway through our meal, we saw roaches. multiple roaches. on the cups, counters, soda machine. sadly this puts you off your food very quickly and made the rest of the visit less than worth it. sad!

A rustic little place that has a great breakfast! My favorite is the Quesadilla with potato, egg and bacon with green sauce on the side.

"This is a good little place to go to ,the food Is good and sevice is fast." Try the red chilli plate .!

This place is straight fuego! You might be saying "oh we are just passing through let's wait for a more mainstream place to eat." Well don't say that because Moongate Cafe has it all they've got your Mexican food, American food, and good ole breakfast food. On top of that the service is awesome! 10/10 would come again!

Try the steak strips with chili and cheese. Then see if you can just rent a table. You'll never want to leave. The service was super friendly and even though might husband hadn't been in 15 years the food was just as amazing as he remembered it being. It doesn't look like much outside but it is fabulous! If there was one thing I didn't like it was the restroom. The faucet had something weird on it that was solid and kinda scary. I would totally go back for the food though.

You MUST try the steak fingers and fries smothered in warm green chile and cheese. YUM!!! Not gonna lie, the look of the place is sketchy. But it's all about good food and good people.

Love this little hole in the wall dive. Prices are great and the food is great. Everyone is very friendly. This is definitely my favorite place to eat for breakfast in las cruces.

We are from Delaware visiting and met some people from Pennsylvania that recommended here for breakfast. When we found it my first reaction from the outside appearance was "we aren't doing this". It did not help that it was late morning and the parking lot was sparse. But I was very hungry and my wife said let's give it a try. I was looking for an authentic Mexican breakfast and the name Moongate Cafe wasn't working for me either. What a pleasant surprise to see very friendly Spanish speaking people cooking and serving very good authentic Mexican food. It may not have a new and modern appearance but the food and service were outstanding. And before we knew it the place was filling up with local people getting lunch. We will be visiting Moongate cafe again!

Almost didn't eat here because it looks like a shack from the outside, but thank goodness we gave it a try!! This will be a new regular spot for us!! The food was incredible. The service was fast and friendly and it was clean! The prices were fair and the portion size was filling! Don't pass this place by!

Good stuff.... don't let the outside scare you away... it's a diamond in the ruff! I had the chorizo and eggs. Great! My co worker had the cheese burger and he loved it.