La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant
La Cocina is a Mexican restaurant in Española serving traditional Northern New Mexican dishes in a warm, welcoming space. The establishment offers dining on-site, a banquet room for groups, and a sister location called Apple Valley Kitchen that features modern takes on classic recipes.
The restaurant was founded in 1970 by Eddie and Jessie Martinez as a small La Cocina Cafe where locals could purchase goods and prepared food. The business has grown since then but retained its focus on locally sourced ingredients and authentic recipes reflecting Jessie's belief in quality.
The name reflects the simple kitchen it represents, showing how traditional Northern New Mexican cooking remains part of daily life in the region. The space brings together family recipes and local traditions, creating a gathering place where people experience food passed down through generations.
The restaurant operates daily from early morning until evening but closes on some holidays, so calling ahead is wise if visiting on a special day. It offers on-site dining, online ordering, catering services, and a banquet space for groups.
Apple Valley Kitchen is a newer sister restaurant that interprets traditional dishes with modern variations and offers daily specials like liver and onions or meatloaf. This location shows how the family evolves their cooking while keeping its roots intact.
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