Chiles, blue corn, and chicharrones, oh my! New Mexico's signature cuisine centers around vibrant, classic ingredients like these. For those in the know, the ingredients and recipes are held to almost sacred standards, ensuring that, when you sit down for lunch or dinner here, you won't be eating the same old Tex-Mex cuisine you'll find elsewhere in the Southwest.

Don't end up with a distasteful case of FOMO — consider adding these amazing, fun places to eat to your itinerary.

Duran Central Pharmacy

Part pharmacy, part speakeasy, Duran's might be your first foray into the fine art of choosing between red and green chilies. Tucked away behind a magazine rack in the working pharmacy, this charming Albuquerque gem isn't about the hooch, it's all about the food. Choose from enchiladas, burritos, and tacos made with handmade tortillas, and a ladle of your favorite chili for a fast, flavorful lunch or quick dinner that's sure to leave your taste buds singing.

Antiquity

Another Albuquerque favorite, Antiquity is nestled within walking distance of Old Town Plaza. It's a local favorite for romantic dinners and special occasion meals. The historic adobe structure hides some of the city's best seafood, chops, and steaks. While you're here, you can sample global-inspired dishes ranging from escargot and Australian lobster to chateaubriand carved at your table.

Angelina's

Located in Espanola, a historic town that was once the state capital about 20 minutes north of Santa Fe, Angelina's is the place to go for authentic New Mexican food as you travel in and around the "City Different." It's not a huge joint with fancy fare, but specialties like lamb ribs and stewed, dried corn leave little doubt about the deliciousness of the state's signature cuisine.

Arroyo Vino

Creativity and freshness earn Santa Fe's Arroyo Vino high marks. It's off the beaten path but well worth seeking out while you're in Santa Fe. Produce is sourced locally, or from the restaurant and wine shop's own two-acre garden. The seasonal menu highlights the chefs' unique take on New Mexican food, with specialties including mole-rubbed venison carpaccio, branzino with a golden beet and blood orange salsa, and ricotta cavatelli with braised rabbit.

Sazón

Sazón is another Santa Fe gem that puts its own spin on classic flavors. Locals love the subtlety of its mole negro, luscious pork belly tacos, and the jalapeno balsamic that accents its chilies en nogada. If you want to explore the flavors of tequila and mezcal, this is the adobe-walled eatery to do it in.

Love Apple

If you're in the Taos area, it's well worth trying to score a reservation at this organic restaurant. Once a Catholic church and now one of the area's most popular eateries, Love Apple has a menu that changes regularly, but one of the dishes that keeps people coming back is the Oaxacan-style red mole topped with creme fraiche and an egg.

Fill your Instagram with swoon-worthy pics that'll keep your friends feeling jealous of your summer fun when you experience the amazing food in New Mexico. Make sure to utilize next-generation lending with CreditBox to help pay for the trip. CreditBox also offers help with building your credit score. Learn how by visiting our website or calling 888-669-4227.