With mountain views and situated on the cusp of the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a desirable place to call home. Less than 50 miles from El Paso, Texas, this growing city is home to the University of New Mexico and has some of the best weather around. With about 350 days of sunshine every year, it’s no wonder that Las Cruces is a popular place to live and visit. The food scene in Las Cruces is on another level. You might not expect pizza to be a common offering here, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In addition to classic Italian cuisine like pizza and pasta, Las Cruces has everything from Asian to Mexican to Lebanese restaurants. The pizza culture in Las Cruces runs deep. Although the city is not known for Italian immigration, the country’s affinity for pizza made it to New Mexico in the mid 20th century. Nowadays, you’ll find pizza places from casual counter service spots to upscale eateries dotted throughout the streets of Las Cruces.

Las Cruces is Known for New York-style Pizza

Although Las Cruces is more than 2,000 miles from NYC, New York-style pizza reigns supreme here. It’s the most popular style of pizza throughout the US and beyond, so it’s not all that shocking that the people of Las Cruces love this type of pizza, too. First invented in 1905, New York-style pizza is extremely versatile. It gets its roots from Neapolitan pizza but has a much larger crust. The crust itself is thin and typically hand-tossed for the right consistency and shape. Purists enjoy their New York pizza with tomato sauce and cheese by the slice on the go. This might seem a little plain, so it’s not at all uncommon to find extra toppings, like pepperoni, sausage, olives, and mushrooms gracing the top of a New York-style pizza. Of course, you can get it as a whole pie as well. In Las Cruces, pizza joints lean on the southwestern food profile to top their pizzas. Expect unique items like seasoned beef, green chiles, and BBQ chicken on the menu.

Best Delivery Pizza in Las Cruces

When you need a quick and tasty pizza delivered to your door, choose Roadrunner Pizza in Las Cruces. While they specialize in New York-style thin-crust pizza, Roadrunner also offers decadent deep-dish pizza and calzones. If you need to feed a large group, opt for one of their delivery specials. They combine pizza with breadsticks, wings, and soda to create the perfect satisfying meal. The service at Roadrunner Pizza is top-notch, and the daily delivery and pickup specials make it quite affordable. If you need a pizza recommendation, the Southwest Pizza is one of their best-sellers. It has pepperoni, sausage, extra cheese, and a ton of vegetables. It would be tricky to get anything else on this pizza and still pick up a slice. Consider adding a salad, baked sandwich, or lasagna to your delivery order for something different. Is your mouth watering yet?

Best Takeout Pizza in Las Cruces

When you need to pick up a takeout pizza in Las Cruces, head to Valley Pizza. They are connoisseurs of Las Cruces’ favorite New York-style pizza and offer a gluten-free option as well. In a rush? Pick up one of their flavorful individual slices for an enjoyable lunch. For a trip to Mexico without leaving Las Cruces, try the Enchilada Pie. It’s a unique creation with your choice of beef or chicken. The sauce is enchilada sauce instead of tomato, and you get typical Mexican toppings of onions, green chiles, tomatoes, and two kinds of cheese. To say the toppings at Valley Pizza are generous would be an understatement. Before you complete your takeout order, browse the extensive selection of pasta and fresh salads. If you like to create your own perfect dish, Valley Pizza gives you the chance. Aside from building your own pizza, you can also customize their calzones and sandwiches. All that choice is a good thing!

Best Pizza Near Las Cruces

Anthony

The town of Anthony sits on the border between New Mexico and Texas and is about half an hour from Las Cruces. Diego’s Pizzeria is the best choice in town when you need a tasty pizza. They focus on New York-style pizza that’s neither too thin nor too thick. Opt for the Las Vegas Pizza that’s similar to a typical Supreme, and you won’t be disappointed. It also isn’t a trip to Diego’s without sampling some of their saucy chicken wings.

Vinton

About 30 miles from Las Cruces, Vinton, Texas, is home to wonderful boutique shopping and excellent restaurants. When you get hungry, the only choice in town for pizza is Emiliano’s Pizza & Mexican Food. You’ll get some of the best thick-crust pizza at this casual joint. The Supreme Pizza and Meat Lovers Pizza are favorites among the locals. As you might guess from the name, Emiliano’s also has an abundance of Mexican cuisine, like tacos, tortas, and burritos. It’s reasonably priced, and the ingredients are high quality and carefully chosen.

Canutillo

Canutillo is just south of Las Cruces into Texas. It’s a fantastic family destination and worth a stop if you’re heading to El Paso. Whether you’re staying the night or just passing through, you need to eat, and King’s Mena Pizza is the place to go. It’s affordable, and the service is always excellent. Add to that flavorful pizza and wings, and you can understand why the residents of Canutillo consider this a hidden gem.