Beautiful and Serene Courtyard Cafe
Josephina's Old Gate Cafe is across from the Church of San Albino (on the east side) in the heart of Old Mesilla. Along with the Double Eagle/Peppers up the street, this is the most pleasant and charming place to dine in the Las Cruces area. Besides being spotlessly clean, the soft music, brilliant Southwestern colors, beautiful plantings, and delightful courtyard make for a great dining experience, a refreshing oasis in the hot desert. Except for special occasions, Josephina's is open only for breakfast and lunch. This is not a full-service restaurant like the Double Eagle...you order at the counter and they bring your meal to your table. There is no alcohol served. The menu is limited but the prices are very good (most meals in the $6-$9 range). Turkey and roast beef sandwiches, reubens, veggie wraps, chicken quesadillas, home made soups, and salads are the main features. They also have breakfast croissants and homemade cakes and pies. (I really want to try their "bowl of papas" for breakfast soon...it looks terrific.) Today we sampled their chicken quesadilla and their roast beef sandwich with a cup of tomato and basil soup. The quesadilla was the usual (perhaps a little heavy on the cheese and light on the chicken). It was served with a little bit of salad, and accompanied by a small plastic cup of salsa, guacamole, and one of sour cream. It was good, but nothing to write home about. Rate it a B. The roast beef sandwich was robust and very good. Rate it a B+. The tomato and basil soup was OK...rate it a B-. The food, in other words, was good but nothing outstanding. But, considering the reasonable prices and the delightful nature of the place...this is a rewarding stop for breakfast or lunch. Recommended.    [16 Apr 2009 13:29:20]

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Recommended Dishes: Sandwiches (or bowl of papas for breakfast)

     ­Roberto, City of the Crosses