A Grand Avenue Original Since 1949
Hillcrest Restaurant & Trading Post Saloon has been feeding Las Vegas, New Mexico for generations — real food, cold drinks, and a welcome that makes strangers feel like regulars.
Hillcrest Restaurant & Trading Post Saloon | Our Story
Since 1949
The Hillcrest was established in 1949 by George D. and Grace Fletcher. He was a Santa Fe Railroader. After an injury with the railroad he purchased property and began "The Hillcrest". Originally it was a burger, shake and steak place, very popular among the teen crowd in the 50's. The wall jukeboxes are original from that era.
Continuing the Family Tradition
Their son Bill Cox, after a stint in the Air Force, studied Culinary Arts and Karen majored in Commercial Food Management at the New Mexico State University. In 1975 Karen and Bill bought the Hillcrest from Les and Peggy and continue to carry their family tradition.
Growing The Hillcrest
In 1954 Mr. Fletcher added on the Flamingo Dining Room. It is still a popular setting for meetings, weddings, and parties. The Diner styling of the building is European International.
In 1964, the Fletcher's sold the business to his niece Peggy Cox and her husband Les. Les was a baker and Peg owned a restaurant in Seattle, Washington. After much deliberation, the couple sold their home for the down payment on the restaurant and moved their family to New Mexico. Their children were in their teens and became active in the perpetual family-owned business. Everyone had to work.
Meet Your Friends Here!
The Hillcrest, nested between the plains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Las Vegas, New Mexico, has been a favorite meeting spot and eating place between Phoenix and Denver for 50 years. It's not uncommon for people from Denver to come in and run into their neighbor! Our slogan has become:
Everyone's Welcome Here
Locals slide into the same booths they've been sitting in for years; travelers pull off the highway and end up staying longer than they planned. Open seven days a week, morning to evening — come as you are.
