2019-2020
RESTAURANT GUIDE
PIZZA • SALADS • DRAFT BEER • SELECT WINES
A TRUE SLICE OF
SANTA FE COME VISIT! 1807 Second Street #1 ACROSS
FROM THE
2 ND
STREET
BREWERY
Open seven days a week 11:30AM –9:00PM Sun–Thurs 11:30 AM –10:00PM Fri & Sat 505.955.9055 BackRoadPizza.com
exp. 10/31/2021 SFRRG
Good Food & Good Drinks at Good Prices... Open Late! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you! 2019 Best of Santa Fe AwardS: 1st place 1st place 3RD place
best bar best hotel bar best margaritas
— Santa Fe’s Watering Hole — 101 w Alameda • AT inn of the governors • santa fe • 954-0320 • delcharro.com
food served with style
lunch • dinner • bar
visit the new CompoundRestaurant.com for menus & more 653 Canyon Road 505.982.4353 reservations recommended
CONTENTS
6
61
EAT YOUR WAY NORTH
FOR BEEF’S SAKE: A LOOK AT MARKE T STEER
30
TOP 10
42
34
26
FOOD TRUCK GUIDE
FOTO CONTEST
38
15 FAVES
50
DESSERTS DESERT?
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
FROM THE EDITOR
O
ur pursuit of food journalism is a yearlong endeavor that culminates in this, the annual Restaurant Guide, SFR’s definitive publication on dining in Santa Fe. In recent years, the city has seen a smattering of imitators. Be not persuaded, dear readers. The content in our editorial coverage of restaurants, bars, chefs, trends and everything in between comes from writers who are eaters first. It’s not for sale. Never has been. We’ve been doing it since 1974!
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER JULIE ANN GRIMM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER AND AD DIRECTOR ANNA MAGGIORE ART DIRECTOR ANSON STEVENS-BOLLEN CULTURE EDITOR ALEX DE VORE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JEFF PROCTOR 4
The restaurants that we curate into Top 10 and 15 Faves this year, and every year, earn those places because of their culinary achievement and crowd-pleasing appeal. They represent the diversity and excellence Santa Fe has to offer nearly every taste. Please also find our features about satisfying the sweet tooth, venturing out of town and more. And, we have news. Next year’s Restaurant Guide will arrive in a fresh
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MATT GRUBS ZIBBY WILDER COPY EDITOR COLE REHBEIN PHOTOGRAPHY AND COVER IMAGE JOY GODFREY DIGITAL SERVICES MANAGER BRIANNA KIRKLAND
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PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER SUZANNE S KLAPMEIER
season—early May 2020! After decades of October publication, and thanks to feedback from diners, restaurateurs and readers, this schedule better accommodates the changing landscape. We appreciate your attention and your hungry mouths. Thanks for reading and for eating,
COVER RESTAURANT TRATTORIA A MANO
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES ROBYN DESJARDINS MAGDALENA NERO JAYDE SWARTS
PRINTER PUBLICATION PRINTERS CORP.
CIRCULATION MANAGER ANDY BRAMBLE
A PUBLICATION OF THE SANTA FE REPORTER 132 E MARCY ST., (505) 988-5541
Julie Ann Grimm editor and publisher
CONTACT: EDITOR@SFREPORTER.COM ADVERTISING@SFREPORTER.COM CONTENTS ©2019-2020 SANTA FE REPORTER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MATERIAL HEREIN MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM SFR. LIMIT ONE FREE COPY PER PERSON. ALL PRICES QUOTED ARE ACCURATE AS OF PRESS TIME. PRICES DO NOT REFLECT TAX.
TOP
10
Thank you San Santa Fe we couldn’t do it without you or our fabulous staff! Best Breakfast 1st Place
UNFORGETTABLE RED & NEW MEXICAN & AM COMFORT 1820 Cerrillos Rd • 505-986-0022
FOODS
WEEKLY DINNER SPE BREAKFAST SERVED UNFORGETTABLE RED & GREEN CHILE NEW MEXICAN & AMERICAN COMFORT FOODS WEEKLY DINNER SPECIALS BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY
Practically every corner of Santa Fe is filled with top-notch dining, and for a sleepy mountain town with a population of 80,000, it’s something that brings us pride here at the Santa Fe Reporter. We’re a paradise for the foodie’s heart, from our age-old hole-in-the-wall type places to innovative high-end fine dining and everything in between; the one thing that’s hard to find is plain ole’ bad food. With all these incredible choices, someone passing through for the weekend might be a little stymied. For those of you who can’t extend your trip a few days, we’ve put together this list of our favorite restaurants so there’s plenty of options for now and the next time. These restaurants aren’t our corporate sponsors; they’re the places we truly love to eat, we recommend them to our families and friends, and now it’s our privilege to recommend them to you. Ten choices hardly does the town justice, so we’ve got a list of our 15 Faves on page 30, too.
Green squares indicate days of the week on which the restauarant serves at least one meal. We recommend calling ahead, as hours change seasonally.
OPEN
1820 Cerrillos Rd 505-986-0022
S M T W T F S
1820 Cerrillos Rd
www.pantrysantafe.com
505-986-0022
.$.
www.pantrysantafe.comLEAST EXPENSIVE
1820 Cerrillos Road
505-986-0022 | www.pantrysantafe.com 6
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. $$.
MODERATELY PRICED
. $$$.
FINE DINING
Mediterranean salmon plate
TOP
10
Apothecary .
$$.
Restaurant, art space, oxygen bar. Sanctuary spa. Adventure. Apothecary is so very Santa Fe. You can walk in to take a load off and sip an elixir while sniffing pure oxygen in the rarefied air that is this downtown spot. You can order healthy entrees while kicking back on a couch. You can sit at the counter and peruse CBD oil offerings (available in food for $4 or $6). The whole place has a fantastically New Age soda fountain vibe. There’s plenty of room to wander on the menu, which begins with drink offerings like buttered chai elixir ($6) and earthy, tangy kava cocktails like the karavan ($9). Teas are mixed and designed to address specific emotions such as grief and love, or to revive your weary self or soothe your belly ($5-$6). The menu includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and many dishes, from nachos ($13) and avocado toast ($10) to jackfruit frito pie ($14) or the bibimbap bowl ($16), can be supplemented with an assortment of proteins ($3-$8). The Om-mani Pad Thai ($14) is excellent, with mung bean noodles, sugar snap peas, crispy bell peppers and a tamarind almond sauce that elevates the dish. The dessert menu is modest but decadent, and if you can find the key lime pie ($10) with coconut cream, get it. And split it. (Matt Grubs)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch & Dinner Daily
133 San Francisco St., 986-5037 santafeoxygenbar.com
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7
Locally owned. Serving the Santa Fe community for over 30 years.
The rooftop Cantina is open year round.
Coyote Cafe
& Rooftop Cantina
1 3 2 W WAT E R S T, S A N TA F E , N M 8 7 5 0 1 @CoyoteCafeNM
|
(505) 983-1615
@coyotecafeandcantina
TOP
10
La Choza .
Posole a la Mexicana
$$.
Can one even complete a restaurant guide without mention of this storied and brilliant monument to New Mexican cuisine? The sister restaurant of Plaza-adjacent eatery The Shed, La Choza’s decades of existence have served it well, growing from a small house-like restaurant to an always-packed and freshly remodeled powerhouse with the huge margarita list, that famous chile and a few items—such as tamales and sopaipillas—its big sister doesn’t have. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike can find common ground at La Choza, from the vegetarian quesadilla on the appetizer list and meat-free enchiladas ($10-$14.25) to the stuffed sopaipillas complete with your choice of green chile chicken, red chile beef, red chile ground turkey ($10-$14.25) or whatever combination of those things your heart desires. Find also a stellar dessert menu featuring the world famous frozen mocha cake ($4), a long list of beers both local and not and an old world charm made possible by a commitment to all things Santa Fe from longtime owners, the Carswell family. When visitors ask where they should go to eat in Santa Fe to get the most authentic experience, this should be at the top of anyone’s list, as it should be when it’s time for locals to grab a bite. Make sure to get reservations for dinner and show up early for lunch—it’s first come-first served. (Alex De Vore)
OPEN
S M T W T F S
Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday
905 Alarid St., 982-0909 lachozasf.com
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9
TOP
10
Izanami .
Chirashizushi of the Day with sashimi in the form of a Japanese rice bowl, vegetables, wakame, and fresh wasabi root
$$$.
The change in scenery is so abrupt, it’s almost like getting beamed up by Scotty. One moment, you’re immersed in the earthy adobe of Santa Fe, the next, you’re at Izanami, high in the verdant forests of what feels like Japan. This setting, and the spot-on culinary execution that chef Kiko Rodriguez and his team are known for, make Izanami an all-around favorite. The extensive sake list intrigues with zen-like names that translate to phrases such as “true mirror” and “wind of the woods,” and the menu is traditional Japanese izakaya with some Southwest flair. Think elote ($8), Mexican corn salad, but with yuzu mayo and seven-spice shichimi togarashi. Those who come expecting sushi used to be sorely disappointed but recently, when fresh fish is available, it has been making an appearance on the menu as a special. In addition to other special experiences, like wagyu beef ishiyaki (starting at $24 depending on your choice of beef) where diners cook thin slices of premium meat on a hot stone, there’s the omakase chef’s choice tasting menu ($79), six courses featuring fresh fish of the day—ahi tuna sashimi, avocado and daikon roll and Chilean sea bass and veggie ramen in a ginger-lemongrass coconut broth. (Zibby Wilder)
OPEN
S M T W T F S
Lunch and dinner Wednesday-Monday; dinner only Tuesday
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way #2, 982-9304 tenthousandwaves.com/food
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11
A TASTE OF AUTHENTICITY COBB SALAD, WELL DRESSED SINCE 1922
a creative take on classic cuisine 100 E. SAN FRANCISCO STREET, SANTA FE 505.995.2334 | LAFONDASANTAFE.COM OPEN DAILY 7AM -10PM
Prime steak tartare with smoked peppercorn creme fraiche, smoked cured egg yolk and beef fat crackers
TOP
10
Market Steer .
$$$.
If you’re the kind of person who shares a flaming volcano of rum with six co-workers, you are probably also the type to go to a steakhouse and order the bone marrow whiskey luge appetizer ($14 plus $10 for the shot of Bulliet rye the waiter will pour through it after you’re done eating). That’s just how our splurge dinner began. Up next was a bacon and butter salad, delightfully amended with pinon nuts and a lemony goat cheese that bound to the butter lettuce ($16 and perfect to share). We loved that our steaks come just as ordered (7-ounce filet, $38 and a 10-ounce flat iron, $30), centered on a plate with just one herb sprig and a few cloves of roasted garlic. Rather than choosing just one of a dozen steak toppings, we try all of them in a flight for $12. Side dishes are enough for three diners to share, so our pair had plenty of the creamed spinach ($12) and wild mushrooms ($11) to take home. The wine list has glasses that range from $11 for Washington pinot noir to $30 French Bordeaux, and bottles for days, but the service isn’t pretentious and pushy on the alcohol front. It’s no wonder Market Steer was named Best New Restaurant in SFR’s 2019 Best of Santa Fe readers poll. Since we’re suckers for spectacle, next time, we are determined to save room for the table-side s’mores ($15). (Julie Ann Grimm)
OPEN
S M T W T F S
Dinner only, Tuesday-Saturday; brunch on Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday.
201 Don Gaspar, 992-6354 marketsteersteakhouse.com
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13
Located at Inn and Spa at Loretto 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe | 505.988.5531 | HotelLoretto.com
Located in Eldorado Hotel & Spa 309 W. San Francisco St., Santa Fe | 505.988.4455 | EldoradoHotel.com
TOP
10
Mampuku Ramen . $$.
Vegan Miso ramen with shitake, kombu veggie broth, bamboo shoots, roasted cabbage and peppers and fried tofu
As soon as the sign went up on Cerrillos Road in the old Pizza 9 location, the social media world was ablaze. Was it true? Was a dedicated ramen spot returning to Santa Fe? Indeed—it was true, and from the family behind shuttered sushi restaurant Shohko. For our part, we were there as soon as humanly possible, enjoying the brief early days before a line out the door became common and reveling in the spoils of their efforts. Mampuku is wonderful, by the way, an authentic and darling experience in an unassuming space full of light and full of ramen. Thus far, personal faves include the vegetable ramen with miso broth ($10.95) and green chile tempura (an extra $2.50), which is cleverly served on the side to avoid potential sogginess. The meat eaters among us can’t say enough nice things about black tonkotsu ramen with pork, a generous serving of noodles, broth and meat. Find appetizers as well, like good old standby edamame ($4.50) takoyaki ($5) and others, but make sure you time your visit to circumvent the obvious and overwhelming demand. Fingers crossed this one sticks around a long time. (ADV)
OPEN
S M T W T F S
Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday
1965 Cerrillos Road, 772-0169
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15
RO S E WO O D I N N O F T H E A N A S A Z I 113 WASHINGTON AVENUE | SANTA FE, NM 87501 | (505)988-3030
EXPERIENCE the ESSENCE of TRUE SANTA FE DINING Contemporary Southwestern Cuisine inspired by locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Dining Room 路 Bar 路 Patio 路 Live Entertainment 路 Private Dining For reservations please call (505) 988-3236
A NA SAZ I RESTAURANT BAR & LOUNGE
Farmers Market Uttapam cooked with seasonal vegetables
TOP
10
Paper Dosa .
$$.
Paper Dosa is a distinctive experience, in part, because owners Paulraj Karuppasamy and Nellie Tichsler have elevated South Indian cuisine on their menu. Also, they do it extremely well. That means lots of lentils and stews, and spices that are often refreshingly different from the North Indian fare that dominates “Indian food” in America. A dosa, the namesake dish, is a giant crêpe-like pancake made from a fermented, lentil-based batter. Here, it can be filled with ingredients from Indian to Italian to French and New Mexican. The classic ($10.50) is a good place to start. Uttapam are similar, but thicker and smaller with the ingredients baked in. The prawn moilee ($18) is a thin curry stew in which flash-fried shrimp are immersed, quickly taking on the rich flavors. The inspired watermelon and paneer salad ($11) is among Santa Fe’s best and features warm chunks of Indian cheese and cool cubes of watermelon tossed in a slightly spicy dressing with spinach and sprouted mung beans. Dessert has nods to local faves paletas ($4) and La Lecheria’s coconut sorbet ($8). The wife-husband pair have carved out what’s fast becoming a Santa Fe institution and you’d do well to try it. Many dishes are or can be prepared vegan. And though the always-lively space off Cordova Road fills up fast on weekend nights, smaller parties can often find space at the bar. (MG)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Dinner Tuesday-Sunday
551 W Cordova Road, 930-5521 paper-dosa.com
S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
17
TOP
10 Piña Carnaval with pineapple stuffed with shrimp and octopus, Michelada, and coctel de camaron
Puerto Peñasco Restaurant . $.
It’s Friday night, smack dab in the middle of sweltering tourism season and we don’t have a reservation. We also don’t have to fight for parking, and we don’t have to wait at all to get a table in the cool dining room at Puerto Peñasco. What we find then is a vast menu with every single item written in Spanish and English and friendly, non-obtrusive but extremely courteous waitstaff. Chips and salsa are joined by avocado creme as we pore over the choices. Welcome to the restaurant that Ruben Rodriguez opened and named after a memorable family vacation 13 years ago. We’re salivating as two plates of sizzling fajitas go by and land on another table, but we have zero order regret from the filete creme chipotle ($11.95), a sizeable portion of white fish swimming in a thick creamsicle-colored sauce with enough jalapeño kick to rate “extra spicy” on the menu. Well-cooked rice that comes along was a given, but a small pile of french fries was a surprise addition to the entree—and those steaming taters longed to be dipped in the sauce. A mango agave wine margarita with a chile rim ($5.25) helped chill it down to a tolerable lip-burning level. For dessert, we share a single flan ($4.25) that is generously drenched in caramel sauce and so sweet with condensed milk and eggs that it disappears quickly. Not us. We’ll be back. (JAG)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch & Dinner Daily
1 irport Road, Ste. 1, 438-6622
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19
SPA
THE
RESTAURANT
SANTA
FE OXYGEN AND BAR PRESENTS
O 2
LOUNGE
HEALING
APOTHECARY RESTAURANT
h c i R t n e Nutri d o o F n o i Fus
Comfort For your And body Heart soul
TOP
10
Rowley Farmhouse Ales .
Shrimp and grits with wild Gulf shrimp, locally made heritage pork andouille sausage and roasted red peppers over Santa Ana Pueblo cornmeal grits
$$.
There’s no farmhouse at Rowley, but it is hidden back far enough off of Cerrillos to be country quiet. The farmhouse here refers to Rowley’s award-winning beers, that is, farmhouse ales. Many different styles fit under that moniker, but the beers Rowley is known for tend to be perfect for drinking on a farm: funky, earthy, tart and dry. Easy drinking is made easier by the laid-back yet well-curated menu of rustic pub food from chef Jeffrey Kaplan. There are the comfort foods that sizzle in a castiron pan, such as a three-cheese (mozzarella, parmesan and blue) mac and cheese ($11), and more refined options highlighting nature’s bounty including a farmers market risotto ($14) studded with local, in-season vegetables. Sandwiches and burgers require steady hands and many napkins. The wild Gulf shrimp po’ boy ($17) overflows with salty, sweet, flash-fried shrimp in a dripping current of spicy remoulade. Rowley’s kitchen achieves the impossible with its Impossible burger ($14), coaxing crunchy, charred edges out of a product notoriously difficult to cook correctly. And no rustic meal would be complete without a sweet finish, the kind you might find cooling on a farmhouse window sill. Rowley doesn’t disappoint, offering a seasonal fruit crumble ($7) (in summer, tart cherries paired with sweet peaches) and a hearty Challah bread pudding ($6). Though many come for the beer, it’s the food they stay for. (ZW)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch & Dinner Daily
1405 Maclovia St., 428-0719 rowleyfarmhouse.com
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21
83rd Season Highlights Schoen Movement Company
Pablo Sáinz Villegas
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 7:30 pm Second Street Brewery— Rufina Taproom
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 7:30 pm Lensic Performing Arts Center
Alicia Olatuja
Tessa Lark
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 7:30 pm Lensic Performing Arts Center
Friday, May 8, 2020 7:30 pm St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art
For tickets and a complete listing of our 2019 - 2020 season: PerformanceSantaFe.org | 505 984 8759
Frutta and Treviso with goat cheese, pistachio pesto, shaved pecorino Romano and ash salt
TOP
10
Trattoria a Mano .
$$$.
Fresh pasta is totally having its moment. Anyone with a penchant for collecting kitchen gadgets probably has at least one pasta machine on their counter right now and two others waiting in their Amazon cart. But when the novelty of the toy wears off, you’ll still be in love with pasta a mano—handmade—and Trattoria a Mano has just what you need. In the spring and summer, the menu shifts to the south of Italy, featuring more seafood, but the winter menu is dedicated to northern Italian cuisine. Traditionally, pasta is just the second course, so consider starting with a light caprese salad ($15) featuring the mildest, sweetest burrata, tart tomatoes and balsamic vinegar pearls. For something richer, the grilled octopus ($16) comes with a satisfying char and a Nduja sausage sauce. Each pasta dish features a unique type carefully paired with toppings to complement the texture. The orecchiette al sugo ($15/$26), Italian for “little ears with sauce,” demonstrates the restaurant’s mastery of the craft, and though we would have tried all the pastas, we wanted to save room for a main course: namely, grilled branzino ($30) served with crispy, briney Sicilian-style cauliflowers and salsa verde. We’re definitely looking forward to going back when it’s cold out and digging into some of the best pasta in town. (CR)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Dinner Daily
227 Galisteo St., 982-3700 trattoriaamano.com
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23
2 0 19
20 SE ASON
OCT 5 LITTLEGLOBE ¡PRESENTE!
OCT 8 CHICK COREA TRILOGY
OCT 10 BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE
OCT 15 MARI BOINE
NOV 16 | NAI-NI CHEN DANCE COMPANY & THE AHN TRIO
NOV 17 TIG NOTARO
NOV 29 – DEC 1 | WISE FOOL NM’S CIRCUS LUMINOUS
DEC 19 | STORM LARGE: HOLIDAY ORDEAL
DEC 31 | JOE ILLICK AND THE NEW YEAR’S EVE ORCHESTRA
JAN 17 THE PEKING ACROBATS
FEB 7 | INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT
LENSIC.ORG | 505-988-1234
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
THE LENSIC IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATION
LA FOGATA GRILL dish up fresh and unique flavors from Mexico and Santa Fe! Live Mariachis every Tuesday at 7 PM
112 W San Francisco St #101 Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 983-7302 Just off the Plaza
24
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Chop Chop salad with romaine, arugula, a touch of radicchio and kale, with diced celery, cauliflower, bell peppers, tomatoes, chickpeas, salami, herb roasted chicken, provolone and pickled banana peppers
TOP
10
Vinaigrette .
$$.
Vinaigrette won big points earlier this year when owner Erin Wade announced she was doubling down on sustainability. This means parallel programs, dubbed the Compost Club and The Reusables, that incentivize composting and a reduction of single-use to-go containers. Yes, there’s a $20 deposit, but diners can opt out anytime and, after 20 punches on the included punch card, a free item or two, depending on whether you’re eating in or out. Meanwhile, Vinagrette maintains its commitment to fresh and delicious salads and sandwiches. We can never recommend the Omega ($12.25) enough, with its generous toppers of piñon and avocado mixing with kale, bell pepper, tomato and blue cheese vinaigrette dressing. But other salads like the Chop Chop ($12.50), a romaine, arugula and kale mix with cauliflower, tomato and chickpeas over salami and herb roasted chicken, impress as well. Don’t even get us started on the Cuban torta ($13.50)—a melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder roasted with mustard plus green chile ham, onions, Swiss cheese and avocado—or the mushroom stew ($5-$8) and desserts like a flourless chocolate cake ($6.25) that stuns with a fudge-like goodness, or carrot cake ($6) that’s so delicious, you’ll rethink why you ever doubted it. (ADV)
OPEN
S M T W T F S
Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday
709 Don Cubero Alley, 820-9205 vinaigretteonline.com
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25
SANTA FE
FOOD TRUCK BY ALEX DE VORE
Taqueria Argelia
We’re still enamored with food trucks, even if most of the Santa Fe versions tend to find a location that works and stay there like a brick and mortar might. Still, you’ll find local heavy-hitters moving around special events across town all the same. There’s just something about the urgency of quick food done well in a small space, there’s something about the spirit of folks who dedicate themselves so tirelessly to the truck. Santa Fe is no stranger to numerous mobile (or immobile, whatever) restaurants, but this year we wanted to highlight a few surprises among the better-known options in town. Excelsior!
4720 Airport Road, 204-5211
La Hacienda
El Queretano
Tacqueria Gracias Madre
According to the very nice guys we met in this food truck’s picnic table area, La Hacienda is tops. One of ’em even said he and his wife eat there several times a week. From the large scale “Burger” sign on the side to the shady dining area out front, this one’s a no-brainer. We found everything from pollo asado ($23 for the whole dang chicken) and hot dogs served with queso and jalapeños ($7) to a handful of tortas ($9 ), tacos ($10) and hamburgers ($8). We’re particularly intrigued by the machitos ($11) served in the Juarez style, which might just be reproductive organs, but you can call it beef—a true Mexican delicacy we’ve never seen on another menu in town … yet. Wrap it up with flan or rice pudding ($2.50) and thank those dudes if you see them.
El Queretano certainly has one of the smaller menus on the list, but we look at it like they have focus. A bevy of the usual suspects include carne asada, al pastor, tripa, carnitas or chicken tacos (four for $8), and the burritos served with refried beans—a weirdly rare thing to find in Santa Fe restaurants— come any way you like them, with whatever meat is on hand ($8). Ditto for the quesadilla, which can come with meat or without, and the torta cubana ($10), which had a few heads nearby salivating. Did we mention it’s adorable? It really is, from the small one-table dining area beneath a cobbled-together shade structure to the three stool bar attached to the trailer itself. We’ll be back, no question.
This one deserves a spot on any food truck fanatic’s list, and is friendly to the gluten-free and vegetarians alike. On the day we visited the small truck in the Meow Wolf parking lot, things hadn’t quite popped off yet, and a mere few minute wait yielded delectable barbacoa tacos (four for $10) and an absolutely bonkers order of X-mas chile cheese fries with calabacitas in place of meat ($9), though all the usual meat suspects are there for the choosing. Gracias Madre even accepts debit and credit cards, something not all food trucks can handle, and the service came with a smile and friendliness we really enjoyed. Elsewhere on the menu, items like burritos ($7) and a green chile cheeseburger with coleslaw or fries ($9) soothe eaters who want what they know, and the veggies among you will be glad to know there are calabacitas and avocado tacos (three for $9).
4430 Airport Road, 501-5797
1352 Rufina Circle (in the Meow Wolf parking lot), 795-6397
Corner of Airport and Zepol Roads, 577-8068 26
A cruise down Airport Road yields numerous food truck options, and many of them serve up Mexican and Central American food with flair. Take Taqueria Argelia, a small but powerful trailer across from O’Reilly Auto Parts with a menu featuring just about anything for anyone. A huge assortment of tortas from el pastor, carnitas, chicken, ham and more run a mere $8.50, while massive $8 burritos have similar items served with rice, beans and your choice of sauce (we like pico de gallo). Find gigantic platters as well ($12), plus tacos (four for $9), the quesadilla gringa (it’s a simple one, white folks; $9), hamburgers ($8.50) and even a shrimp cocktail ($9-$13). Score.
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Freezie Fresh
La Loncherita Salvadoreña
Master Food Truck
If you’re looking for the punctuation mark to your grand food truck escapade—or if you just want a little treat because you work hard, dammit—look no further than Xzavian Cookbey’s Freezie Fresh, a monument to Thai rolled ice cream. Basically, Cookbey takes vanilla custard plus whatever flavors you’d like, and there are many, and then he prepares it all on an ice-cold pan, or what he refers to as the “anti-griddle.” Everything blends in moments and the new concoction, now completely flat, is rolled up into satisfying, well, rolls, and placed in a cup. Take that, scoop and cone of yesteryear! So long, non-flat ice cream! You’ll find Freezie Fresh at Meow Wolf quite often, but elsewhere, too. Cookbey also tells SFR he ramps down slightly in the winter, so depending on when you’re reading this, you should get while the getting’s good.
We have to give it up to Israel Francisco Haros Lopez for this one. The local artist and founder of the Alas de Agua Collective turned us on to La Loncherita Salvadoreña last year, and it fast became one of our favorites. Why, you ask? Simple—pupusas. The Central American dish is kind of like an extra thick corn tortilla in flavor, though its masa structure is puffier and more substantial with the glorious added option of cramming it with delicious filling. Salvadoreña has the choice to try either corn or rice flour masa, and at $2.50 apiece, they are a steal. Go simple standby with the bean and cheese version, get yourself a pupusa with chicharron (we know more than a few folks who’ll be thrilled to hear about that) or try the calabacitas version for that squashy goodness. At last count, 10 were available, but who even knows what the future holds?
All hail the mini food truck park at Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail—host to a gathering of new and familiar trucks that’s practically perfect for people who live or work downtown and want to get out of waiting in long lunchtime lines. Master Food Truck is one such eatery, and its lineup of burgers, tortas, gorditas and sopas (all $9.50) pretty much nails it. Add in a special breakfast that comes in either burrito or sandwich form, and you may have just found a quick to-go option for those mornings you’re running late but your stomach gets to rumbling. Also find other specials in the bright red truck that might actually not even be a truck …
1352 Rufina Circle (in the Meow Wolf parking lot), freeziefresh.com
1741 Llano St., 316-2228
502 Old Santa Fe Trail, 522-9472
It’s Greek to Me!
Santa Fe BBQ
Bruno’s Pizza
Opa, ya buncha nerds—Greek food is here in food truck form, and you should all be psyched. Meet It’s Greek to Me!, a mouth-watering bastion of gyros ($11), keftedes, or Greek style meatballs ($11) and souvlaki ($11). Even better? All the dishes come with a Greek salad and fried potatoes. It’s Greek to Me! has a pretty decent dessert menu as well, from homemade scones ($3) and rugelach ($2) and a Greek/ Americano coffee which, we’ll be honest, we aren’t quite sure what it is, but we’re excited to find out. You’ll find this bad boy in the same Old Santa Fe Trail food truck court we we were just talking about.
Just up the street on Old Santa Fe Trail, you’ll often spot Santa Fe BBQ, a shrine to all things BBQ and the sort of thing that almost (and we mean almost) gives Texas or Kansas City a run for their money. Run by a fellow who goes by Steve “The Meat Man” Schmidt, Santa Fe BBQ is a no-fuss affair, with racks and half racks of beef and baby back pork ribs ($9-$24), sandwiches to make your head spin in pork ($9), brisket ($10) and—gasp!—pork and beef sausage ($7) varieties. Find gargantuan turkey legs ($10) and good old-fashioned corn on the cob with butter ($3), too. Just make sure you save room to try a little bit of everything. Or, y’know, go there a lot. Sorry, vegetarians.
You’d probably think a wood fire pizza oven couldn’t fit into a food truck, and you’d be wrong. DEAD wrong. Meet Bruno’s Pizza, one of the most intense but delightful food truck experiences of all time, and one you’ll often see at the Santa Fe Brewing Co.’s mothership location on the outskirts of town or its downtown Brake Room. The truck that’s operated by siblings Angelo and Angelica Bruno boasts a collection of family recipes from their grandfather as well as his parents—natives of Naples and Tuscany. You know what that means? Bruno’s is Italian AF; thinner and a little crispier than you might be used to. Plus, there’s the whole adjacent-to-beer thing going for it. You’ll also find Bruno’s at various events throughout the city, so make sure you pop by the website (brunos.biz) before you go searching.
502 Old Santa Fe Trail, 699-5651
600 Old Santa Fe Trail, 573-4816
Various locations, 690-0966 S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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FOOD & DRINKS
THE • HOLLAR
15 FAVES There’s over 400 restaurants in this town, so to just pick a Top 10 (page 7) and call it a day won’t cut it. Every year, we send our team into the depths of the dining scene to—you won’t guess it—eat, and eat our hearts out we did. This list is the result of hours of hard work—we had to be seated and served by gracious waiters, read menus, make a few hard choices, and finally gorge ourselves on the best appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks around. We can’t imagine anyone else would want to have as much fun as we did, so we compiled the highlights. When all’s said and done, we still ran out of room to rave, so check out the comprehensive restaurant directory on page 50 and start planning your own adventure.
Yellow squares indicate days of the week on which the restauarant serves at least one meal. We recommend calling ahead, as hours change seasonally.
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Dolina; Cinnamon Morning Bun
OPEN
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S M T W T F S
.$.
LEAST EXPENSIVE
. $$.
MODERATELY PRICED
. $$$.
FINE DINING
BBQ pork nachos with Talus Wind braised BBQ pork over corn chips and melted cheeses
Arable .
$$.
Chef Renee Fox isn’t messing around. One bite of the asparagus soup with buffalo bone marrow broth and spinach is enough to make you remember that for the rest of dinner. It was the soup of the night on our visit ($5), and we could have easily taken home a quart. Fox and her partner Dave Readyhough are holding it down with a single dining room and patio at the Agora shopping center in Eldorado now that they’ve sold Loyal Hound in the city. Arable has almost zero curb appeal, as it faces a mall courtyard rather than a curb—but it has all kinds of table appeal. Our dinner included an order of what’s becoming the famous bison “poutine,” ($19.50) made with house-cut fries and a gravy of red wine and red chile, and recently featured in a cable TV food show. The BBQ chicken entree came with a side of coleslaw that we’re still thinking about—tangy and acidic from its combination of apples and citrus mixed with the starring cabbage ($17.50). Do you know what budino is? We’re huge fans of pudding, and yes, it’s what it sounds like, Italian for those sweet gooey puddles. Arable’s butterscotch budino is served in an unassuming glass jar for maximum scrapability ($6.50). Don’t let Guy Fieri enjoy this local food more than you do. (Julie Ann Grimm)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Brunch weekends
7 Avenida Vista Grande, B-6, 303-3816 Arablesantafe.com
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Triple enchilada with Christmas style chile
FAVES
Cafe Castro . $.
Printed on coffee mugs, among little Spanish musings that read, “full belly—happy heart” and “a little green chile every day keeps you healthy,” Café Castro proclaims its mission: “Serving la gente of Santa Fe, Nuevo Mexico since 1990.” From a little spot on the bustling sixlane road, Julia and Carlos Castro serve some of the most rib-sticking traditional New Mexican food around at prices for the people. The dining room is clad in vigas and traditional art, alongside community events posters and local artists’ work. Of course, start off with chips and salsa ($3), queso ($5), guac ($6) or all three ($8.50); the queso comes with huge chunks of green chile begging to be scooped. Enchiladas ($8.50), the state dish, find themselves in their rightful position at the top of the menu, and because we went on a Wednesday, we were treated to the blue-corn variety ($8.50) served with a trifecta of beans, rice and posole. Find different traditional specials every day of the week, like fajitas (Tuesdays, $9.50), carne adovada (Thursdays, $8.50) and flautas (Sundays, $9.50). The green chile sauce includes more of those huge chunks and tastes super fresh, while the red is smoky, pungent and just spicy enough. The Castros provide a down-to-earth restaurant that’s far from the pretentious food scene but still provides top-notch service. (Cole Rehbein)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday
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2811 Cerrillos Road, 473-5800
Luxor lamb kabob with two grilled spiced lamb kabobs, onions, green peppers, rice, tatziki and Greek salad
DAILY SPECIALS STARTING AT $6.75
AMERICAN & TRADITIONAL NEW MEXICAN FOOD
1851 ST. Michaels DR. 505-820-0643
Cleopatra’s Cafe
DINE IN — CARRY OUT — CATERING
. $.
After ages spent as Santa Fe’s go-to Mediterranean restaurant in the Design Center building, Cleopatra spread to the Southside some years back, and both locations still boast some of the best dishes in town. Start with the creamy hummus ($5.50) served with warm pita, or an order of spanakopita ($6.95) with lettuce, tomato, feta and olives; or maybe some savory dolmas ($5.50) before making your way to items like the massive falafel sandwich ($6.95)—an enticing combination of flavors with falafel that’s slightly chewy on the inside, satisfyingly crunchy on the outside. Mediterranean faithful will find plenty of other familiar dishes as well—like the lamb or chicken gyros ($7.95) and baba ghanauge ($5.50), but Cleopatra also does a popular burger ($9.95; add $.70 for cheese) and, if you didn’t know, has great fries. It doesn’t stop there, as you’ll find larger, shareable dishes like the Nile and Pharaoh plates ($11.95 and $12.95), gyro meat with pita and salad and boneless marinated chicken with rice and veggies respectively, not to mention a kid’s menu with familiar standbys like chicken nuggets and smaller Mediterranean items for kids out to try something different. There’s a different atmosphere to each location, and it really just depends on what your day’s going like. (Alex De Vore)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner daily
418 Cerrillos Road, 820-7381 3482 Zafarano Drive, 474-5644 cleopatrasantafe.com S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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DOUGLAS MERRIAM
For Beef’s Sake BY COLE REHBEIN
Find someone who looks at you like chef Kathleen Crook looks at her steaks. Below, roasted beef bone marrow with pickled red onion and tomato bacon bourbon jam.
“AND TO PROTECT AND CARE FOR GOD’S CREATIONS, HE MADE FARMERS AND RANCHERS.”
M
eat buzzwords abound. Folks with an eye toward ethical meat purchases have all seen “hormone-free,” “organic,” “grassfed,” and the ever-vague “freerange,” but these terms merely commoditize what we’re really after: respect for the animal, the land and the consumer. This rare respect runs deep in chef Kathleen Crook’s blood and shows itself in every aspect of her new restaurant, Market Steer Steakhouse, which won top honors in SFR’s Best of Santa Fe this year. “Do I need to say, ‘I cook farm-to-table?’ That’s for me, that’s my pride,” she tells SFR in the stately dining room of the historic Hotel St. Francis. Crook comes from a family of agriculture: Her mother has a ranch outside Roswell and her father has a farm and ranch near Artesia, both still operational today. The spirit of that upbringing fills the room, despite the downtown location. “Whenever I was growing up, we raised our own beef and we raised our own pork and we raised our own chickens,” Crook says, “and then we also grew the food we ate that was on our
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table, three squares a day.” The family ranching operations provided the springboard into Crook’s first career with cattle. She began competing at rodeos at age 14 and was awarded a collegiate level rodeo scholarship following high school. After riding the circuit for three years, she ascended in skill to become the 1997 World Champion in breakaway roping, and for four more years, she continued to rodeo and train horses on her mother’s ranch. Then, something changed. “It’s hard work, right? Which is fine, I don’t mind the hard work, but I just needed a shift,” she says of ranch labor. “I woke up one morning and was like, ‘You know what, I don’t want to ranch anymore—I want to go do something different.’” Within two months, she started classes at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona. There she found the roots for her second career in the same place as her first—family.
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“My grandmother was a caterer, and growing up, I was always drawn to the kitchen but … I didn’t really pay attention to it until later,” she says. Crook’s family taught her to not only respect food, but respect the experience of dining. “It was a big deal for us to go out to dinner, big deal, like ‘We’re J OY
GO
DF
RE
Y
going to town to go to dinner?’ We put on our Sunday best,” she remembers. Crook worked for a time in Dallas before opening her own restaurant, Steakhouse 316, in Aspen, Colorado. After seven years of cold weather and fast-
paced tourist seasons, however, she moved back to New Mexico, wanting to connect with a community of chefs and diners who valued the craft as much as she did. “There are some really fantastic restaurants in this town and some phenomenal chefs,” Crook tells SFR. “I felt like the level we wanted to do would just add to what’s already been created here, and I wanted to be a part of it.” Central to achieving her level of excellence is, of course, the beef. But more important are the connections with the people behind the beef. “I know my ranchers,” she says, excitedly rattling off her favorite farms by name, one in Texas and one in Montana. “They have a very good reputation of being good stewards, and putting quality before profit. That’s a big deal. At my mom’s ranch, her quote is ‘And to protect and care for God’s creations, he made farmers and ranchers.’ That was a motto we always lived by.” As such, Crook admires ranchers who carry pride in their work, and she maintains a similar pride among her small staff of six, which helps ensure the quality of the product from the time of delivery to the moment the guest receives their steak. Market Steer offers steaks ranging in size from 7-ounce to 24-ounce with a variety of seafood toppings and sauces, but it’s also got a rack of lamb, duck breast and for the vegetarian who finds themselves in a steak house, a blackened cauliflower. A full cocktail menu is offered by the hotel’s lounge, El Secreto. “We all respect each other, we respect the product, and we respect the kitchen. We all have each other’s back,” Crook explains. “I always try to take care of them in that regard and teach them my values about how I want the food to be—you buy quality ingredients and you treat it right.”
15 The Skinny Burger Served with red patatas bravas
FAVES
Dr. Field Goods Kitchen . $$.
Dr. Field Goods walks a fine line between hard rock dive, downhome diner and neighborhood pub offering creative, locally-sourced, seasonal dishes. Indeed, when Diners, Drive-ins and Dives made a recent pass through the city, the crew stopped at Dr. Field Goods, reportedly for a taste of its Bad Ass BLT ($14.50 + $1.50 egg), a burly 9-ounce house cured and smoked, then wood-fired, patty of bacon topped with special sauce, heirloom tomatoes, and lettuce. Whatever your interpretation, chef Josh Gerwin’s is solid cooking with casual, inventive dishes aimed to fill. The kimchi patatas bravas ($10.50), hunks of fried potato slathered in a miso aioli and housemade kimchi, are warm, spicy and filling, as are the vegetable egg rolls ($6.50), baby’s arm-sized and filled with crunchy veggies and a delectable dipping sauce of miso and peanut. The signature New Mexican sandwich ($14) bursts from a pillowy, house-made bun, with a more-than-ample filling of green-chile-rubbed smoked pulled pork (from the Dr. Field Goods butcher shop a few doors down). A tart apple and jicama slaw topping provides texture and acid. Pizzas and enchiladas come flaming hot from the wood-fired oven anchoring the kitchen, and for those looking to walk a healthier line, the kale salad ($13.50) is served nicely warmed with generous helpings of fingerling potatoes, roasted beets, grilled Brussels sprouts and rich miso vinaigrette. (Zibby Wilder)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner daily
2860 Cerrillos Road, 471-0043 r e oo s.com
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Langos Slovakian street food fried bread with garlic butter, arugula, tomato confit and warm burrata
15 FAVES
FEED YOUR SOUL
The United Church of Santa Fe Join our children and youth programs this Fall! SUNDAY MORNINGS: • Children’s Exploration with stories, art and service projects – 8:30 am & 11:00 am • Youth and Children’s Choirs – 10:00am
Dolina
• Youth “Initiation to Adulthood” (8th/9th grades) – 9:45am • “Young Adventurers” (6th/7th grades) – 11:00 am • High School Programs throughout the year
Rev. Talitha Arnold, Sr. Minister | Emily Syal, Youth Minister
“Love God, Love Neighbor, Love Creation.”
The United Church of Santa Fe
.$ .
Dolina is chef/owner Annamaria O’Brien’s ode to the culinary riches of her homeland, Slovakia, where the food was fresh and plentiful, vegetables plucked from her grandmother’s garden, and animals raised by hand. Organic ingredients dominate, with the bulk of Dolina’s produce grown specifically for the restaurant on a friend’s farm. This straightforward approach of simplifying ingredients to focus on freshness and flavor is evident in every dish on the menu. Lighter fare ranges from airy ricotta pancakes ($11) with berries and, of course, real maple syrup, to a spirit-pleasing bone broth morning soup ($10.50). More substantial dishes on the menu include fried chicken and waffles ($12.50), and a breakfast burrito ($8.50), the gluten-free version creatively offered in a jar. Some of Dolina’s most delightful dishes boast Eastern European influences. There’s savory, satisfying paprikash ($15) topped with freshly baked dumplings, and langos ($13), a traditional Slovakian street food and the kin of fry bread. Borscht ($11.50) even makes an appearance, made even earthier with the addition of potatoes, sauerkraut, hard-boiled egg and herbed yogurt. Since you’re likely to have a trek to wherever you parked your car (the location’s parking issues are legendary), be sure to stop at the fresh case on your way out and partake of the beautiful baked goods to keep you company. I satisfied myself with Mexican wedding cookies ($1.50 each), a slice of summer Bavarian cake ($6) and banana cream pie ($6). Obviously, I had a long walk. (ZW)
1804 Arroyo Chamiso
(at St. Michael’s Drive, near the hospital)
988-3295 | www.United ChurchofSantaFe.org 36
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OPEN
S M T W T F S Breakfast and lunch daily
402 N Guadalupe St., 982-9394 dolinasantafe.com
Y N YOUR WA O L A E M A E STOP BY FOR OF POJOAQU H T R O N S E TO VISIT SIT
ROADRUNNER CAFÉ
A DINER SERVING AUTHENTIC, NORTHERN
NEW MEXICAN CUISINE
Veggie fried dumplings
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK / 7AM-3PM FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH (505) 455-3012
43 Ogo Wii Road | Santa Fe, NM 87506
Dumpling Tea & Dim Sum . $.
If there was one word Fen Weng, owner and chef of Dumpling Tea & Dim Sum, could say to you about her little restaurant, tucked in a back corner of the Plaza Galeria, it would be “homemade.” Weng, a native of Dalian, China, has made an art of homemade Chinese comfort foods—from potstickers to dumplings, noodles to soup buns. Her expertise, as well as that of her staff, is on full display at the entry of this small space (which, coincidentally, expanded within its first two months of business). Place an order and watch as the dough is hand-rolled, filled and formed just minutes before the finished product appears on a plate before you. Menu choices are simple, basically selecting between pork, shrimp, or vegetarian, steamed or fried (ranging from $7.99 to $9.99). You can’t go wrong with any of the dumplings or soup buns; all come expertly cooked, filled with crunchy, lovingly seasoned chunks of pork and/or veggies. The noodles are also homemade and the spicy dan dan variety ($7.99) are a favorite, with noodles, salty pork and crisp veggies swimming in generous sauce (“Sauce, not soup!” Weng will tell you). Don’t be shy about over-ordering. You won’t be the only one. (ZW)
Off Hwy 285/84 in Pojoaque W. Frontage Rd; NORTH OF FIRE STATION
A quiet, beautiful space to relax and enjoy with your friends
ORGANIC COFFEES, TEAS & CHOCOLATE from around the globe
WORLD IMPORTS
Textiles, Pottery and Jewelry
LA TIENDA IN ELDORADO
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner daily
66 E San Francisco St. #10, 646-945-5000 dumplingtea.wixsite.com
7 CALIENTE RD, SANTA FE, NM 87508 OPEN Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 4 PM Saturday 8:30 AM - 4 PM S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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Dessert Desert?
S
anta Fe would not seem to be a dessert town. If you’ve finished your dinner in the heart of the city and are pondering a stroll through the Plaza to a serendipitous dessert spot, you might well be strolling until sunrise. It’s not that we don’t like sweets around here. Bakeries like Dulce (110 Don Diego Ave., Ste. A, 9899966) and the Chocolate Maven (821 San Mateo Road, 9841980) whip up delicious treats. Kakawa Chocolate House (1050 Paseo de Peralta, 982-0388) and Clafoutis (333 W Cordova Road, 988-1809), too. Great options—if you’ve thought far enough ahead to pick something up for home or hotel because they all close at 4, 5 or 6 in the afternoon. Downtown, your best option for dessert at night is probably to feed in place. Most restaurants within a motorcycle’s roar of the Plaza have a respectable dessert menu, if not an outstanding one. Don’t let the idea of not having “saved room” dissuade you from ordering. Split it, for heaven’s sake. Or make room. There’s always a digestif or shot of espresso to help you get ambulatory. If you are prone to wander, La Lecheria (101 W Marcy St., 205-1595) ice cream shop is open until 8 pm and the house-made gelato at Ecco (128 E Marcy St., 986-9778) just down the street keeps its doors open until 9:30, at least during the summer. Drinks might actually be a better option, as downtown Santa Fe’s cocktail scene features a few quality spots. Winston Greene’s Tonic (103 E Water St., 9821189) may have transformed into a true late-night destination, as his two-year-old bar has stuck to its Golden Age roots, providing live jazz and impeccably mixed cocktails ($10+). With a passion for classic cocktails and a palate for new mixes and underused ingredients, Greene’s art deco haunt is worth a visit for a featured drink or an extremely well-made old favorite. A few
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THE SWEET LOWDOWN ON SANTA FE’S HIDDEN SCENE BY MATT GRUBS
feet away is the Coyote Café (132 W Water St., 983-1615), which offers sophisticated cocktails at a bar it isn’t afraid to hide, or more casual combinations at its now year-round Rooftop Cantina. On Palace Avenue right outside the friendly confines of Paseo de Peralta, La Posada’s Staab House (330 E Palace Ave., 986-0000) has upped its cocktail game. As SFR has pointed out before, it also offers some of the best fireside tippling in town when the weather is right. If it’s dessert you’re after, though, your quest can—and perhaps should—lead you to some neighborhood restaurants that will open your eyes to nondowntown options. As mentioned, the Chocolate Maven bakery is more than capable of cooking up an array of dessert treats that you’ll most likely have to eat at home (or
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in the parking lot of the grocery store). Its San Mateo-meetsSecond Street location also serves afternoon tea ($8) with cream currant scones, clotted cream, raspberry jam and delightfully cool lemon curd. Tea is included and other options for food are available. At either end of St. Michael’s Drive, you’re likely to find a dessert that suits you. Many of the offerings at longtime world cuisine staple Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café (1620 St. Michael’s Drive, 988-9688) are vegan; all are vegetarian. The pecan pie ($5.25), almost always dependent on butter and eggs, is dairy-free and delicious. A host of other sweets can be had while sipping a cup of chai and pursuing inner peace. Or inner pecans. Loyal Hound (730 St. Michael’s Drive, 471-0440), which shares culinary DNA with
Arable in Eldorado, makes all its desserts in house, too. The lime meringue pie ($7) is a clever take on what you’re served most places: a quivering stack of sweet, tart and sky-high foamy egg white that you’re not sure if you should smush into the pie filling or fling against the wall in a gesture of defiance or, perhaps, joie de vivre. Befitting Santa Fe, this is a lowrise affair, with a smooth, tangy filling aboard a graham cracker crust. The meringue is toasted and while it might look like an afterthought, it’s the key to the dish. A scant bit on the tip of your fork adds a sugary crunch to the pie. It looks great, is fun to eat and tastes amazing. Just like Ray Liotta. Further south, the Plaza Cafe Southside (3466 Zafarano Drive, 424-0755) will sate your sweet tooth and is actually open later on weekends (10 pm) than its namesake downtown counterpart (9 pm). Pies and desserts are house made and usually spot on. Year after year, some of SFR’s favorite dishes and desserts are simple affairs, done exceedingly well. Such is the case with Southside staple Joe’s Dining (2801 Rodeo Road, 471-3800). In summer, peaches rule the menu, and if you play your cards right, you can get away with dessert on both sides of dinner. The secret is cold soup. Joe’s peach and almond soup ($6/$8) is a straightforward puree of local peaches with little interference from other ingredients, sprinkled with almond slivers. And dessert, oh dessert. Again, it’s all made on the spot and the peach cobbler ($7) is summer in a bowl. Warm, with a shortbread-like topping, it has two full peaches in the portion delivered to the table. There’s cinnamon and—is that a hint of clove that arrives on the inhale? Paired with ice cream, it’s enough to make you realize that Santa Fe might just be a dessert town, if you’re willing to venture out, or prepared to dine in.
Ruby red trout with pan fried trout, Peruvian pepper sauce, calabacita risotto and arugula
EL MILAGRO BURGERS & NEW MEXICAN 3482 Zafarano Drive Next to Regal Cinemas Santa Fe
Santa Fe, NM 87507 (505) 474-2888
The best burgers in Town and New Mexican cuisine derived from generations of family recipes! Besides burgers, we serve sandwiches, enchiladas, and desserts. Enjoy our special Green Chile Cheeseburger & Fries for $6.95 all day...everyday!
Eloisa . $$$.
An upscale take on coming home to grandma’s house, Eloisa greets guests with a shiny open kitchen at the head of the restaurant, a cool, huge dining room and unassuming table settings, right down to blue china plates that could be straight out of Gram’s cupboard. Located in the Drury Plaza Hotel just east of the St. Francis Cathedral, the menu is divided into four sections: Puebloan Native American, Spanish Colonial, Western/Territorial and Mestizo, reflecting the culinary traditions of New Mexico’s past. The Zuni tamalli ($14) with nixtamal masa, smoked trout and horseradish crema is one of the more unique offerings, and for something more savory, the pastrami tacos ($14) come in mini blue-corn shells and are plated on a photo of chef John Sedlar’s Grandma Eloisa herself. The grilled venison chop ($36) pays homage to our mountain communities with super smooth mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, while Eloisa’s red chile in the chile-braised brisket ($32) is made with a New Mexico cabernet and makes us wish some auntie was around to jot the recipe down on an index card for us. And you can’t leave grandma’s house without cookies; the biscochitos ($9) are served with popcorn-flavored ice cream and stir up the fondest feelings of nostalgia. (CR)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner daily; Sunday brunch
228 E Palace Ave., 0 3
Desert Dogs
21 TAPS
FREE POOL TABLE, SHUFFLE BOARD & FOOSBALL FULL KITCHEN 112 W. SAN FRANCISCO ST. | UNIT 307 S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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Make a Reservation To
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15 FAVES
Chicken guac taco plate with green chile chicken and topped with guacamole
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om
Training for EyeOnWater mobile app to track and monitor water use. This app also alerts you to leaks on a real-time basis. |s fsu sta ina bleb usine ss.com
If you own or manage a restaurant in Santa Fe and are interested in becoming a project partner please contact Glenn Schiffbauer for more info at glennschiffbauer@gmail.com. This program is sponsored by the City of Santa Fe Water Conservation Office in partnership with the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce.
El Milagro . $.
It might just be a miracle that you can still sit down in a place like El Milagro Restaurant and enjoy a green chile cheeseburger of this caliber for $6.95—including home fries. We know it’s cliché, but we almost didn’t want to tell you about this deal. The Southside eatery is located in the shopping center that also houses the Regal Stadium 14 movie theater, where mother and son duo Anthony and Frances Armijo have been at it for more than a decade. Its menu is practically bigger than the dining room and includes every New Mexican favorite you’re looking for. Fast service means you won’t miss your show, or you can get back to your day without too much fuss. For something different, we recommend the spicy cream of potato soup, made exciting with toppings of real bacon and a hot twist of chopped green chile, and served with a few fresh fried tortilla wedges ($4.25 cup). It’s one of six soups on the menu, just to show off how much there really is to choose from. If you’ve taken a friend or two, share a sopaipilla sundae for dessert. They come in caramel cinnamon with whipped cream and strawberry with more strawberry ($6.50). (JAG)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, Lunch only on Sunday
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3842 Zafarano Drive, Ste. C, 474-2888
Moroccan lamb stew slow cooked with chickpeas, raisins, apricots and sweet potatoes, with curried couscous
Jambo Café . $$.
Having just celebrated its 10th year in business, famed Afro-Caribbean fusion eatery Jambo is riding high. Same goes for owner/chef Ahmed Obo, a mainstay in SFR’s Best of Santa Fe issue over the last decade and, as pretty much everyone agrees, as talented and creative a chef as can be. Jambo’s menu is tight and focused, but still somehow it runneth over with enticing combinations to sample each time you visit. Looking for curry? Try the coconut organic tofu curry with tomatoes and basmati rice ($13.95). Goat? Jambo’s Caribbean goat stew ($13.95) with carrots, potatoes and island curry drops jaws on the regular. Ditto the island spiced coconut peanut stew ($13.95), a dish that a dining companion once told us they had been “dreaming about.” Then there are the appetizers, sandwiches, salads and desserts—from which we cannot recommend enough items like cinnamon dusted plantains ($5.95) and the banana coconut cream pie ($6.95). This is only just the beginning, of course, and other dishes beckon, be they kebabs, other stews or shrimp served with a sauce of East African coconut and tomato hot spice. Just do yourselves a favor and make sure to order the mixed fries ($5.95)—a tempting combination of cumin-dusted and sweet potato fries. (ADV)
OPEN
S M T W T F S unch and dinner onday Saturday
2010 Cerrillos Road, 473-1269 Jambocafe.net
breakfast lunch coffee bakery gelato 217 San Francisco Street (next door to The Lensic) 505.995.1191 henryandthefish.com S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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JOY GODFREY
Eating Up North BY ZIBBY WILDER
A
mong the wonderful things about living in Santa Fe is what Georgia O’Keeffe called “from the faraway nearby.” In this, she was referring to how the big skies and clear air of Northern New Mexico blur the lines of spatial distinction. One of the best ways to experience the faraway nearby is by heading north, to the lands that so inspired her; the white crags of Plaza Blanca and the purple shadows of Pedernal. Of course, there are many other reasons to head north from Santa Fe—a visit to Taos, a soak at Ojo Caliente, a need for Colorado weed—and such adventures require fuel of the human kind. Lucky for us, there exists a variety of delicious options as varied as the landscape itself.
Tesuque Village Market 138 Tesuque Village Road, 988-8848 tesuquevillagemarket.com
Tesuque Village Market; Pepperoni Green Chile Pizza
Beloved for its down-home food and decades-old kitsch, Tesuque Village Market is as good a place to eat as it is to people watch. Between bites of fajitas ($12-20) or a tuna melt ($13) or green chile chicken posole ($15) or wood-fired pizza (starting at $18), diners can catch a glimpse of one of the area’s many local celebrities and find constant entertainment in the slack-jawed lurkers haunting the
old-school pastry case. The market bakes up goods from green chile cheese bread ($5/$8) and pecan sticky rolls ($4) to banana cream pie ($7 slice/$30 whole) and tiramisu ($7) daily. Everything is big in this community pit-stop, especially the personality.
El Nido 1577 Bishop’s Lodge Road, 954-1272 elnidosantafe.com The fact that the parking lot here is always packed gives you an idea
Be Nourished Nourish your body with food that has been plucked
from the earth. The Artesian Restaurant offers a farm fresh menu that will delight your senses.
ojospa.com | 888.939.0007
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that El Nido, “the nest” of Tesuque, is an ideal place to tuck in for a treat. Stylish and cozy inside, with an expansive patio for warm-weather dining, it’s an ideal spot to take a break from the area’s rustic side and delve into its more refined edges. Many of the dishes— from pizza (starting at $17) and grilled Scottish salmon ($33) to filet mignon ($39) and rotisserie chicken ($26)—are cooked over a wood fire, with chefs expertly adjusting the heat by turning the cranks of a custom Argentinianstyle grill. Seasonal salads may even be prepared over the embers, imparting a savory flavor to the Romaine leaves of a summertime Cesare alla griglia ($13), a creative take on the classic Caesar salad, topped with a smoked serrano Caesar dressing. If you time it right, daily happy hour is celebrated from 3-5 pm in the bar, and on “wine down” Wednesdays, all bottles on El Nido’s extensive wine list are half-price.
Gabriel’s 4 Banana Lane, 455-7000 gabrielsofsantafe.com Located just off the Cuyamungue exit of Highway 84, Gabriel’s is a Zagat-rated old school standard offering dependable New Mexican and Old Mexican dishes. During warm months, a seat on the outdoor patio is a must, with a fresh squeezed margarita in hand to toast the beauty of the Sangre de Christos. Though Gabriel’s is known for its sizzling fajitas (starting at $17.95) and dinner platters featuring mesquite-grilled meats and seafoods (starting at $14.95), perhaps the most popular menu item is the tableside guacamole ($11.95), prepared just the way you like it—chunky, creamy, crunchy, spicy–in a traditional molcajete.
El Paragua 603 Santa Cruz Road, Española, 753-3211, elparagua.com Few will argue that El Paragua,
the mothership of numerous El Parasols which dot Northern New Mexico, is, if not the best, then one of the best New Mexican restaurants in the Southwest. Authenticity is key at El Paragua, where the Atencio family has been serving the Española community since the 1950s. What began as a simple tamale stand has evolved into a menu of New Mexican favorites as expansive as the restaurant itself (which yes, did grow itself right around a tree). Time-honored favorites include smoky chicharrones ($5.25), a celebrated carne adovada ($16.50), chiles rellenos (stuffed with more chile!; $18.50) and massive enchilada platters ($15.50$114). El Paragua is also a traditional place of celebration, so always expect a lively crowd, many celebrating with family for special occasions and holidays, or just celebrating the fact that this stalwart has—and hopefully will always—withstood the test of time.
Mamacita’s Pizzeria 20814 US-84, Abiquiu, 685-4111 Sitting unassumingly on the corner of Highway 84 (to Abiquiu) and Highway 554 (to El Rito) Mamacita’s Pizzeria is a bustling spot for locals and passers-by aching for a taste of “Mamacita” Marta Uribe’s sizzling New York-style pizza. From 8-inch personal, 14-inch large, and huge (or just New York-sized) 18-inch family style, pizzas can be prepared with your choice of toppings or from a creative menu which includes a Hawaiian ($7/$17/$21.50) made “New Mexican” with the addition of spicy jalapeños and a veggie supreme ($8.50/$19/$24.50) piled high with mushrooms, onions, garlic, bell pepper, tomato and black olives. Mamacita’s also offers sandwiches, salads, a juicy homestyle black Angus green chile cheeseburger ($8.50) and even chicken parmesans for just $7. Fill up without emptying your wallet.
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Lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh strawberries
FAVES
Harry’s Roadhouse help feed northern new mexicans in need Donate
·
Advocate
. $$.
·
Volunteer
Every dollar donated provides 4 meals
The Food Depot distributes 425,000 meals per month in Northern New Mexico 44
thefooddepot.org 1222 A Siler Rd 505-471-1633
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4 MEALS AD 3.56x4.81.indd 1
10:46:13 PM
Each of the rooms in Harry’s Roadhouse has its own personality. There’s the formica and silver of the entryway to the kitchen, the fireplace nicho in the front of the bar with intimate two-tops, the family style dining room and the narrow window ledges of the back hall that pour onto the rear patio. And now, the front patio that faces I-25, the road part of the roadhouse, is also enclosed. Diners hit up Harry’s no matter their mood, as the restaurant is serving up three meals a day with from-scratch favorites all week. On a health kick? No problem, we applaud you for leaving that last piece of banana cream pie ($5.95) for us. The menu’s standards have lots of vegetable forward dishes. Once we had a special seasonal beet Neapolitan with goat cheese and herbs that blew us away with its artistry and flavor. The transplanted writer of this review can attest to the general authenticity and goodness of both Harry’s smoky St. Louis-style ribs ($15.95) and his scrapple, a homemade version of a Pennsylvania Dutch sausage with cornmeal (order it at breakfast a la cart for $3.75). Don’t miss legendary bloody marys that we hear tell have come from the same recipe for nearly 20 years ($8). They’re loaded with horseradish and Marie Sharp’s hot sauce. But don’t forget the pie. (JAG)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
96 B Old Las Vegas Highway, 989-4629 harrysroadhousesantafe.com
Steak tacos with sirloin steak strips, Cojita cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and chile
Palacio Cafe . $.
This small space on the outskirts of the Plaza dishes up New Mexican favorites, and some of Santa Fe’s finest spicy chile, along with timetested ‘merican diner classics. Being one of the few restaurants open for service early, beginning at 7:30am, Palacio Cafe’s breakfast burritos ($8-9) are among the best, and biggest. Breakfast tacos are a good option if you are eating in ($9) as are American breakfast standards, including waffles ($8), eggs Benedict ($9.50) and even French toast ($8.50). The long list of options—both New Mexican and American comfort food—extends to the lunch menu. Daily specials can include tamales and a spot-on Frito pie, while regular menu items range from a veggie enchilada plate and a smothered chicharron and bean burrito (both $10.50) to deli-style sandwiches, such as a straight-up classic tuna salad sandwich on wheat bread ($9), and large salads including an oft-ordered pear salad piled high with candied pecans and crumbled blue cheese ($9). Palacio Cafe’s homemade foods play to the needs of all who are hungry: locals and visitors, adults and kids, those who can take the heat, and those who can’t; all of which are reasons why you’ll frequently find a line out the door that’s most definitely worth waiting in. (ZW)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Breakfast and lunch WednesdayMonday; closed Tuesday
209 E Palace Ave., 989-3505 227 Don Gaspar Ave., 820-7888 palaciosantafe.com
EST. 1968
Where Santa Fe’s Chefs Find the Finest Flavors & Freshest Ingredients Visit www.santafefarmersmarket.com for Market Dates & Times S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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Tomato Basil Pizza
FAVES
Pizza Centro . $$.
Pizza may just be the great culinary leveler, the one dish everyone everywhere has in common. But finding the good stuff proves elusive. Still, it’s true what they say—even bad pizza is still pretty good, but great pizza, the kind you long for and exhaust your friends with tales of … well, that’s a whole other can of olives. In Santa Fe, that place is Pizza Centro, an homage to New York City style that practically insists you fold your slice to eat it properly. Find those, by the way, until they sell out daily across three locations: downtown, on the Southside and in Eldorado, alongside a vast menu of creative concoctions, all running $17-$26 (before additional toppings). We’re partial to the Alphabet City, a vegetarian’s delight with flash-fried eggplant, mushroom, spinach, artichoke, garlic, roasted red pepper and a balsamic glaze— we also like to dip our crust in a side of the balsamic—or the Central Park with spinach, basil, garlic, sundried tomato and ricotta atop whole milk mozzarella. Centro has much for the carnivores, too, from classics like pepperoni and sausage to more fanciful orders like The Village with prosciutto, eggplant and gorgonzola. Then there’s a full menu of sandwiches, hefty salads served with house made bread and, at least downtown, gelato for afterwards. (ADV)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner daily
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418 Cerrillos Road, 988-8825 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Eldorado, 466-3161 3470 Zafarano Drive Ste. D, 471-6200 pizzacentronys.com
“
A Big
Thank You”
House smoked wings; Southside Manhattan
to our SANTA FE RESTAURANT PARTNERS for Keeping Our Community a World-Class Culinary Destination!
The Ranch House . $$.
We’re doing it. The Ranch House has been around long enough that we can declare it The Santa Fe BBQ Joint. Going on 14 years, with nine of them at its current location on the Southside, the spacious restaurant brings reliable, ample portions. There are so many favorites on the menu from Josh Baum and his wife, Ann Gordon that it’s hard for us to narrow it to a few. If you have to pick just one thing: brisket, brisket, brisket. Baum smokes it all in Texas brown oak. Good thing, too, that one order comes with a choice of two sides ($14) and we’ll make that easy too: corn bread (the kind that is moist, buttery and thick, with green chile tucked inside for flavor) and BBQ beans that make the plate even more toothsome. Start with queso waffle fries ($8) and add brisket ($3)—do you detect our theme? The menu’s also loaded with salads and sammies, and one of our companions can’t get enough of the steak and butter-glazed shrimp entree ($19). We can’t believe there was even a conversation about dessert. We got the brownie sundae with Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce anyway ($5.95). Three spoons and top pants buttons unbuttoned. (JAG)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner daily
2571 Cristo’s Road, 424-8900 theranchhousesantafe.com
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of New Mexico is proud to be supplying the very best Wine & Spirits from all over the world, to the very best restaurants in Santa Fe and the State of New Mexico. Our Santa Fe Staff are your neighbors — who live and work right here in Santa Fe, so we know what Santa Fe wants when they are enjoying Wine & Spirits responsibly!
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Of New Mexico S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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Grilled halibut with shrimp and corn tortellini, eggplant purée, mint and yogurt emulsion, and anise hyssop
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15 FAVES
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. $$$.
A change of ownership in the late summer swept this downtown, high-end power lunch locale back into the local culinary spotlight. Its reopening just before Indian Market brought full-house crowds to the historic white-walled home and its radiant courtyard. We squeezed in at the bar and enjoyed watching as a rainbow of cocktails and aperitifs designed by new owner Quinn Stephenson sailed away. Ours was a purple-hued plum martini with spiced plum bitters and citrus ($18). We tackled the lunch choices from the single-page menu by executive chef Kelmin Rosa with a shared-plate plan, dividing up three dishes between two people: the sumptuous Talus Wind Ranch pork dumplings with a thick and savory sesame dipping sauce ($14), a side of roasted cauliflower and broccolini ($12) with a deep flavor, seasoned with garlic, parsley, chiles and vinegar, and an order of avocado tartine—that’s fancy speak for toast laden with garlic cream and pickled vegetables ($12). The fancy didn’t stop when we took a gander at the dessert menu ($13 each), from which we chose cookies and cream. A pile of cookies and a dollop of fresh whipped cream arrived with a small glass of milk—all atop a gold doily that was totally unnecessary given how much the cookies shined on their own. (JAG)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
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231 Washington Ave., 984-1788
SANTA FE’S HOTTEST SPOT FOR NEW AMERICAN BRUNCH — NOW OPEN FOR DINNER! —
Fresh peach shortcake
We offer a seasonal prix-fixe menu of authentic Mediterranean tapas NEW& Saturday AMERICAN Friday nights
BRUNCH
Gluten-free + Vegetarian Options www .CafeMimosa.CO Ample, Free Parking • Catering + Private Parties
Marquez Place @ Linda Vista 505.365.2112 | CafeMimosa.CO
The Teahouse
Lunch 10:30am-2:30pm Mon, Wed-Fri | Brunch 9am-3pm Sat & Sun Dinner 5-9pm Fri & Sat | Closed Tuesdays
. $$.
It’s hard to believe The Teahouse has been around for the better part of two decades. Opened by Dionne Christian (now of revived Revolution Bakery fame) in 2003, she sold the rambling old house to Rich Freedman (now of El Farol) seven years ago. Freedman has wisely kept the expertly crafted tea list, while adding drink options expanding the kitchen’s offerings. The drink menu is now a whopping 10 pages, highlighted by teas ($3-$6) and crafty offerings like the Bazaar Fog ($4.50), a more international take on the London Fog. It arrives surprisingly nuanced, with subtle spice notes and not the thick, sumptuous drink imagined. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day, and the wintertime favorite spot to spend a snowy day working, sipping or lazing also offers a terrific patio, replete with fruit trees, at the top of Canyon Road. Eggs Catalan ($13.50) arrive poached on a housemade polenta set in savory Romesco sauce, and the warm green beans and squash, along with a salad, are a twist for breakfast, but at home on plate and palate. Lunch and dinner feature an assortment of salads ($14), Italian entrees such as meatloaf, lasagna and eggplant parmigiana (all $16) and salmon ($20). Dessert is highlighted by the Earl Grey creme brulee ($8). (Matt Grubs)
OPEN
S M T W T F S Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday
821 Canyon Road, 992-0972 teahousesantafe.com
BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR
LUNADESIGNBUILD.COM
(505) 660-5199
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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY Hundreds of restaurants in Santa Fe offer cuisine that crisscrosses the globe and that’s grounded in Northern New Mexico traditions. Find all the city’s independent and locally-owned offerings in this list. COMPILED BY ZIBBY WILDER / PHOTOS BY JOY GODFREY
North of Santa Fe P.64
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SF’s Major FOOD DISTRICTS
Railyard/ Guadalupe Stretch P.56 WEST ALAMEDA/ AGUA FRIA P.57
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Triangle District/St. Michael’s drive P.59 Cerrillos Road Corridor P.59 R D . R CE
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Rodeo Road P. 62
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Southside P.63
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RODEO RD.
South of Santa Fe P.64
SOUTH CAPITOL P.58
Downtown P.51
BEST OF SANTA FE 1ST PLACE WINNER
Bar Alto
35° North Coffee Santa Fe Arcade, 60 E San Francisco St., 983-6138 House-roasted coffee, fresh beignets and light snacks.
315 Restaurant & Wine Bar 315 Old Santa Fe Trail, 986-9190 Seasonally inspired French cuisine and an extensive wine list—plus, daily happy hour from 5-7 pm.
Agave Restaurant & Lounge Eldorado Hotel & Spa, 309 W San Francisco St., 995-4530 Creative food and cocktails in a beautifully-designed space. Voted Santa Fe’s best happy hour by SFR readers.
Agoyo Lounge Inn on the Alameda, 303 E Alameda St., 984-2121 Drinks and casual dining including vegan and paleo options.
Amaya Restaurant Hotel Santa Fe, 1501 Paseo de Peralta, 955-7805 Native American-inspired food and (seasonal) dining in a private teepee.
Anasazi Restaurant Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, 113 Washington Ave., 988-3236 Sophisticated seasonallyinspired fine dining including Santa Fe’s only seafood tower.
B&B Bakery Restaurant Martin Maple Leaf Farm duck breast with butternut curry purée; fermented apples; sugar snap peas; and black currant emulsion
38 Burro Alley, 213-369-1604 Delicious, multi-national treats including cakes, cookies, muffins and reads.
The Beestro Plaza Galeria, 66 E San Francisco St., Ste. 21, 990-8058 Fresh and fast made-to-order Middle Eastern food.
The Bell Tower Bar La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St., 982-5511 Enjoy light snacks and tasty margaritas in the company of a stunning Santa Fe sunset (open May-October).
Blue Corn Café and Brewery 133 W Water St., 984-1800 Local beers and a menu of favorites—try the Navajo taco!
La Boca (Original Location) 72 W Marcy St., 982-3433 Enjoy some of the best tapas in town in this intimate space.
La Boca (Taberna Location)
more that will please all eaters. Vegan “meat” is an option for many items.
The Burger Stand 20 a Fra ci co ., 395-8210 Big, juicy burgers, cold beers and fries of all kinds, from duckfat fried to chile-lime topped.
The Burrito Company 111 Washington Ave., 982-4453 Quick and easy breakfast and lunch with choices ranging from salads and burritos to burgers and a delicious El Salvador combo.
Café Atalaya Plaza Galeria, 66 E San Francisco St., Ste. 11 Enjoy crepes and gelati of all kinds, from sweet to savory, while people-watching the Plaza.
Café des Artistes 223-B Canyon Road, 820-2535 Fuel up for gallery-hopping with a sandwich or salad and a nice glass of wine.
Café Pasqual’s
125 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 117, 982-3433 This location, with an outdoor patio, shares a menu with La Boca and regularly hosts live music.
Boultawn’s Bakery 105 E Marcy St., 983-9006 Made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, pastries, soup, ice cream and a great bagel.
The Bull Ring 150 Washington Ave., Ste. 108, 983-3328 Award-winning spot for steaks of all shapes and sizes.
Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill 301 Jefferson St., 820-2862 Tacos, burritos, soups and
121 Don Gaspar Ave., 983-9340 Put your name on the list early at this downtown institution serving creative ew e ican cuisine for lunch and dinner and a damn good breakfast, too.
Caffe Greco 233 Canyon Road, 820-7996 A relaxing spot offering a kids’ menu, plus burgers, sandwiches, salads and New Mexican classics for the grown-ups.
l C lle
208 Galisteo St., 983-8378 favorite of ta ueria aficionados that also offers bar-style appetizers, tortas, burgers and entree plates. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
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DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN
Drury Plaza Hotel, 228 E Palace Ave., 982-0883 An “island” in Santa Fe’s sky with live music, crafty cocktails and bar snacks from Eloisa.
ALL AREA CODES (505)
Cuchara del Inca Peruvian Restaurant 317 Aztec St., Santa Fe 87501 505.666.1577
S
FS
F 1S PLACE WINNER
La Casa Sena 125 E Palace Ave., 988-9232 An award-winning wine list, good food, and a relaxing patio. What more could one ask for? Singing waiters? Sure, throw them in, too.
NOW OPEN
LUNCH AND DINNER
CAVA Santa Fe Lounge Eldorado Hotel, 309 W San Francisco St., 988-4455 An elegant spot to put your feet up.
Cheesemongers of e 130 E Marcy St., 795-7878 If you love cheese this amazingly knowledgeable staff will make you love it even more.
Chez Mamou 217 E Palace Ave., 216-1845 A pretty little spot offering traditional French cuisine that would do Julia Child proud.
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffee House 202 Galisteo St., 988-4226 Books, lectures and author readings are the perfect pairings for Iconik Coffee Roasters’ smart brews and snacks.
The Compound
EVERY DAY DELICIOUS SPECIALS OPEN 11 AM TO 9 PM, MONDAY-SATURDAY
653 Canyon Road, 982-4353 Stylish, contemporary American cuisine made even more stylish by the fact that you can still feel the presence of iconic American designer, le ander irard, who had a hand in its styling.
Coyote Café 132 W Water St., 983-1615 standard for fine, contemporary cuisine with a strong ew e ican influence. he Rooftop Cantina offers lighter fare and inventive cocktails.
Del Charro Saloon
Celebrating something SPECIAL? Meet our baby Llama and Alpaca! Call for more info... Te Llama la Llama 52
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101 W Alameda St., 954-0320 Cozy, quirky, and inexpensive with extensive food and margarita menus.
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Desert Dogs Brewery & C e T oo 112 W San Francisco St., Ste. 307, 983-0134 Live music, games and frothy brews just off the Plaza.
Downtown Subscription 376 Garcia St., 983-3085 Solid coffee, a great array of snacks and a well-curated magazine rack.
The Dragon Room Lounge 406 Old Santa Fe Trail, 983-7712 Dependable drinks and happy hour in a funky space featuring the greatest monkey chandelier ever imagined.
Dumpling Tea & Dim Sum Plaza Galeria, 66 E San Francisco St., Ste. 10, 4 -945-5000 ake a reak from the Plaza for a taste of Fen Wang’s
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
Estevan Restaurante
128 E Marcy St., 986-9778 Real, Italian-style gelato and sorbet made from scratch. Oh, and tasty panini, too!
Hotel Chimayó, 125 Washington Ave., 930-5363 Straightforward, authentic New Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist.
Eloisa
El Farol
Drury Plaza Hotel, 228 E Palace Ave., 982-0883 Award-winning chef and Top Chef Masters contestant John Rivera Sedlar’s elegant ode to the culinary prowess of his grandmother, Eloisa.
808 Canyon Road, 983-9912 A lively spot is great for tapas, dancing, live music and a storied flamenco dinner show.
Espresso de Arte Plaza Galeria, 66 E San Francisco St., Ste. LL1 Tamales, green chile stew and espresso for those looking to
La Fiesta Lounge La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco St., 982-5511 Casual bar snacks and New e ican highlights with regular live music acts.
Fiesta Oaxaca 135 W Palace Ave., Ste. 101, 982-9525 Traditional southern Mexican cuisine in a cozy, colorful spot.
Five & Dime General Store 58 E San Francisco St.,992-1800 Walk out with a bag full of trinkets in one hand, a world-famous Frito pie in the other.
La Fogata Grill Plaza Mercado, 112 W San Francisco St., Ste. 101, 983-7302 Latin favorites served fresh for lunch and dinner.
The French Pastry Shop & Creperie La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco St., 983-6697 Arrive early for a spot at this stop for casual French fare.
Geronimo 724 Canyon Road, 982-1500 Santa Fe’s finest fine dining.
Henry and the Fish 217 W San Francisco St., 955-1191 Brekkie, lunch, coffee, gelato and may e fish.
Holy Spirit Espresso 225 W San Francisco St., 920-3664 Hand-crafted espresso drinks made to order from a literal hole in the wall.
India Palace 227 Don Gaspar Ave., 986-5859 Good Indian food with an extensive lunch buffet.
Izmi Sushi 105 E Marcy St., 424-1311 Katsu, bento boxes and sushi for lunch and dinner.
Johnnie’s Cash Store
228 Old Santa Fe Trail, 989-1904 A wide variety of Tuscan-inspired dishes and a dog-friendly patio.
Market Steer Steakhouse
Hotel St. Francis, 210 Don Gaspar Ave., 992-6354 Choose your steak, choose a topping, choose a sauce, prepare for food coma.
El Mesón 213 Washington Ave., 983-6756 Regional Spanish tapas and live flamenco, tango, blues and azz.
El Molero Fajitas Corner of Lincoln Avenue and E San Francisco Street You’ll smell it before you see it.
Mucho Gusto
420 Camino Don Miguel, 982-9506 Corner store serving up great tamales since 1946.
839 Paseo de Peralta, 955-8402 Mexican standards including a signature dish called “The Bomb”.
Julia
Museum Hill Café
La Posada de Santa Fe, 330 E Palace Ave., 986-0000 “Spirited” new American food with a twist served under the watchful eye of the hotel’s resident ghost, Julia Staab.
710 Camino Lejo, 984-8900 Near the state-run museums, this classy lunch spot offers soups, sandwiches and more.
La Lecheria 101 W Marcy St., 205-1595 Craft ice cream in traditional and seasonal flavors, including green chile and Iconik coffee.
Luminaria Inn and Spa at Loretto, 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, 984-7915 Globally-inspired foods and a gorgeous patio.
Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant
THE BURGER STAND
Mangiamo Pronto!
31 Burro Alley, 992-0304 Mexican favorites in a fun space, plus live music including a mariachi band and weekly piano cabarets.
New York Deli 420 Catron St., 982-8900 A true East Coast-style deli with breakfast and lunch faves from matzo all soup to Philly cheesesteak.
L’Olivier 229 Galisteo St., 989-1919 Classic French cuisine with Southwestern flair.
Ortiz Café Hilton Santa Fe, 100 Sandoval St., 988-2811 Light fare and an extensive wine list make this a good spot to take a break.
Osteria d’Assisi 58 S Federal Place, 986-5858 ighly regarded talian with a daily happy hour and lively piano bar.
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DOWNTOWN
Ecco Espresso & Gelato
power up (on the Water Street level).
TOP 10
delicious handmade Chinese-style dumplings, soup buns, noodles and more.
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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY ALL AREA CODES (505)
Plaza Café
Rio Chama
Santacafé
209 E Palace Ave., 989-3505 Offering both New Mexican and American classics at great prices.
54 Lincoln Ave., 982-1664 Family-friendly, inexpensive and with lots of diner-style options, this has been a favorite local spot since 1905.
414 Old Santa Fe Trail, 955-0765 New Mexican-influenced American classics and … fondue!
Palacio Café II
La Plazuela Restaurant
Santa Fe Village, 227 Don Gaspar Ave., 820-7888 If there’s too much of a line at the Palace Ave. location, just walk a few blocks!
La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco St., 995-2334 Classic New Mexican and seasonal dishes served under the soft light of the historic hotel’s original patio sunroom.
Santa Fe Arcade, 60 E San Francisco St., Ste. 301, 984-0008 Gourmet pizza, pasta and more with a great view.
231 Washington Ave., 984-1788 A favorite spot for brunch, power lunching, and to see and be seen. Fresh, upscale merican food and a beautiful patio.
Il Piatto
Raaga-Go
95 W Marcy St., 984-1091 Fresh Italian with a rustic vibe and happy happy hour.
410 ld a a Fe rail, 983-5555 Indian classics by beloved local chef, Paddy Rawal.
The Pink Adobe
101 W Marcy St. This coffee bar above La Lecheria is open late and offers headphones to listen to streamed music from live DJs and/or silent disco.
406 Old Santa Fe Trail, 983-7712 Classic, upscale dishes from New Orleans and New Mexico.
Remix Audio Bar
Roque’s Carnitas Corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and E San Francisco Street Char-grilled carnitas made the New Mexican way.
San Francisco Street Bar & Grill 50 E San Francisco St., 982-2044 Traditional American and New Mexican with great options for kids and groups.
Tia Sophia’s
56 E San Francisco St., 988-3858 Local coffee, baked goods, chocolates and tasty HäagenDazs.
210 W San Francisco St., 983-9880 A favorite spot for some of Santa Fe’s best breakfast burritos and steaming hot sopaipillas.
Santa Fe Oxygen & Healing Bar: Apothecary
133 W San Francisco St., 986-5037 Oxygen, elixirs and a huge menu of house-made, healthy dishes.
Sassella 225 Johnson St., 982-6734 Upscale Italian with a cozy bar and expansive patio.
Sazón 221 Shelby St., 983-8604 Chef Fernando Olea is renowned for his moles, “sopa de amor,” and sophisticated dishes inspired by Mexico City.
Tonic 103 E Water St., 982-1189 Craft cocktails and late-night live jazz Thursday-Saturday. A seasonal kitchen offers house-made bar snacks.
Trattoria a Mano
22 ali eo ., 982-3700 Handmade, upscale Italian served by a friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff.
Travel Bug Coffee Shop
113½ E Palace Ave., 982-9030 Get some of that legendary Shed Red, and more, since 1953.
839 Paseo de Peralta, 992-0418 Everything you could ever want to know about everywhere and enough coffee to help with around-the-world trip planning.
Sushi Land East
Tres Colores
Santa Fe Arcade, 60 E San Francisco St. (enter on Water Street), 820-1178 A dependable spot for fresh sushi and a daily omakase surprise.
101 W Marcy St., 490-0296 Authentic dishes from Veracruz and Oaxaca served in a clean, bright atmosphere.
The Shed
The Teahouse
INDIA PALACE
50 Lincoln Ave., 490-6550 Pretty much any dish you could ask for and a full bar overlooking the Plaza.
Santa Fe Espresso Co.
TOP 10
Rooftop Pizzeria
Thunderbird Bar & Grill
Upper Crust Pizza
821 Canyon Road, 992-0972 Serving teas from around the world, as well as delicious food, this little cottage is always bustling with action.
329 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-0000 Pizza, calzones, sandwiches and even breakfast available to eat in or for delivery.
TerraCotta Wine Bistro
Il Vicino
304 Johnson St., 989-1166 An extensive, wallet-friendly wine list and varied menu of globally-inspired dishes in a casual and classy setting.
321 W San Francisco St., 986-8700 ood oven fired pizza with scrumptious salads and panini, too. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
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DOWNTOWN
Palacio Café
TOP 10
BEST OF SANTA FE 1ST PLACE WINNER
RAILYARD/GUADALUPE STRETCH o 322 ar eld ., 995-9595 Italian-inspired dishes influenced by fresh, local ingredients—and a daily 5-6 pm happy hour!
Atrisco Café & Bar e ar a e er, 193 Pa eo de Peral a, 983- 401 Blows most mall food out of the water with authentic, thoughtful New Mexican dishes. Pssst—line too long at Tomasita’s? Head here.
Bouche French Bistro 451 la eda . e er o e a er ree , 982- 29 Modern French and a great wine list in a casual setting.
Boxcar 530 adal e ., 988- 222 Enjoy tasty, made from scratch bar food with live music, sports and the most beers on tap in Santa Fe.
Café Sonder 32 . adal e ., 982-91 0 Modern, mostly American comfort food with a spattering of Greek favorites.
Casa Chimayó 409 a er ., 428-0391 arge selection of classic New Mexican dishes, delicious margaritas and New Mexico wines.
Chili Line Brewing Co. 204 adal e ., 982-84 4 Specializing in smoked beers with great pub food and pizzas from next door neighbor, Pizzeria Da Lino.
WEST ALAMEDA/AGUA FRÍA
Chopstix Oriental Food 238 adal e ., 820-212 Chinese takeout comfort food at its finest. ust like in the movies.
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ALL AREA CODES (505)
TOP 10
RAILYARD/GUADALUPE STRETCH
BEST OF SANTA FE 1ST PLACE WINNER
La Choza
905 larid ., 982-0909 Sister restaurant of The Shed, its New Mexican food is so popular the space has to keep expanding. Be sure to try the sopaipillas.
Cowgirl BBQ 319 adal e ., 982-25 5 A family-friendly watering hole with something for everyone from toddlers to barflys, plus a lively patio and regular live music.
Dinner for Two 10 adal e ., 820-20 5 Two happy hours a day, sizzling steak, friendly staff and great prices.
Dolina 402 adal e ., 982-9394 Sure, the bakery items are great ut so is everything on the e pertly e ecuted reakfast and lunch menu.
Fenix at Vanessie 42 a er ., 984-1193 A wide variety of dishes, plus excellent cocktails and live entertainment almost always, in a boutique hotel.
Fire & Hops 222 adal e ., 954-1 35 Curated gastropub with inventive food and wellcurated pours.
Iconik Coffee o e e 314 adal e ., 428-099 Iconik’s newest ‘Lupe location features its signature brews, plus smoothies, light breakfast and lunch bites.
Jinja Bar & Bistro 510 adal e ., 982-4321 Tiki drinks and Asian cuisine.
Joseph’s of Santa Fe 428 a Fr a ., 982-12 2 A “culinary pub” with
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inventive fresh fare and a great wine list.
Kohnami 313 adal e ., 984-2002 SFR readers’ choice for best sushi, plus great ramen and sizzling dolsotbap.
Lion & Honey 418 o e a e., e. , 55 - 9 Rainbow-colored desserts, local art and boba tea plus CBD-infused drinks.
Love Yourself Café e ar a e er, 199 Pa eo de Peral a, 983-5 83 Organic, gluten-free, vegan and clean eating in a charming mall location.
Theo Gio’s Mac & Cheese 22 adal e ., 55 - 495 Operating under a new name, it’s the same delicious gourmet macaroni and cheese (plus, sandwiches and salads) we came to know from Macalicious.
Ohori’s Coffee Roasters, Luna Location 505 errillo Road, 982-9 92 Locally roasted coffee as dark as your desires.
Paloma 401 adal e ., 4 -8 24 Upscale Mexican dining and a great patio. Hot tip: The cauliflower taco may be the best one. No, seriously!
Pizza Etc. e ar a e er, 55 adal e ., 98 -1500 Grab a slice packed with locally sourced ingredients.
Pizzeria & Trattoria da Lino 204 adal e ., e. , 982-84 4 ood fired pie and talian classics.
Quechua Peruvian Restaurant 31
ec ., -15 The Taos restaurateurs bring their authentic and affordable Peruvian cuisine south.
Sabor Peruano e ar a e er, 1 3 Pa eo de Peral a, 358-3829 The flavors of Peru are also great for vegetarians.
Santa Fe Bar & Grill e ar a e er, 18 Pa eo de Peral a, 982-3033 Consistently good food, solid salads and a full bar.
Second Street Brewery (Railyard) 1 0 Pa eo de Peral a, e. 10, 989-32 8 Microbrews, wings, burgers, friends and big garage-bay doors that open in nice weather so you can watch the trains go by.
Sky Coffee 1 09 lcalde a . Third-wave brews, pie and dessert too.
Social Kitchen & Bar a e , 25 errillo Road, 982-5952 Hotel guests and locals alike should check out this varied menu.
Taco Fundación 235 adal e ., 982-828 Tacos, tacos, tacos from the same folks who brought you Shake Foundation.
Tomasita’s 500 adal e ., 983-5 21 This Santa Fe favorite is famed for its spicy chile and marvelous margaritas in a historic depot.
Violet Crown Cinema 1 0 lcalde a ., 21 -5 8 Bring your fancy pub grub
into the movie theater, or skip a movie entirely and just enjoy those Brussels sprouts.
Whole Hog Café 320 adal e ., 4 4-33 5 Award-winning barbecue served up fast and casual. Hot tip: We have two words for you. Banana. Pudding.
Whoo’s Donuts 851 errillo Road, e. , 29-1 8 Unique, irresistible flavors on hearty, cakey donuts. Oh yes.
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
The Kitchen
WEST ALAMEDA/ AGUA FRÍA e
ll
o
2791 Agua Fría St., 469-2345 Find gastropub-esque dishes at this food truck (usually at Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery.)
Barrio Brinery
1413-B W Alameda St., 699-9812 Handcrafted pickled foods.
The Betterday Coffee Shop Solana Center, 905 W Alameda St. Slurp on Stumptown coffee or get a full meal at the restaurant.
Plants of the Southwest, 3095 Agua Fría St., 913-1911 Open weekdays April through October, serving one vegetarian lunch entree a day.
Masa Sushi Solana Center, 927 W Alameda St., 982-3334 Noodles ‘n’ sushi.
La Montañita Co-op Solana Center, 913 W Alameda St., 984-2852 Healthy daily buffets and Himalayan salt lamps.
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Gelato (Low-fat italian ice cream)
handmade fresh daily on premises, using only natural & organic ingredients
authentic espresso, lattes cappuccinos, shakes, chai, tea, italian sodas & frappes
Locally Owned & Operated
128 E. Marcy St.
505-986-9778 www.eccogelato.com
monday-sunday early-late
sandwiches, panini & salads
CAFÉ SONDER
Fresh Sage Bakehouse bread
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Pho Kim Solana Center, 919 W Alameda St., 820-6777 A varied Vietnamese menu.
Piccolino 2890 Agua Fría St., 471-1480 Delicious casual Italian fare.
Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery 2791 Agua Fría St., 780-5730 Beer! Spirits! Music! Food trucks! Charcuterie! Shiny natural wood tables! Elk brats with spicy, seedy mustard! Ample parking and food trucks out ack re we dreaming?
Tune-Up Café 1115 Hickox St., 983-7060 Our fave American-New Mexican-El Salvadorean hotspot. Hot tip: That occasional soft shell crab sandwich special is where it’s at.
Valentina’s Solana Center, 945 W Alameda St., 988-7165 Mexican and New Mexican favorites abound.
SOUTH CAPITOL o 690-0966 This pizza-tastic food truck tends to chill lately at the Santa Fe Brewing Company’s Brakeroom (510 Galisteo St.), but stay tuned to brunos.biz to know where it will be next.
Café Mimosa 513 Camino de los Marquez, e. , 3 5-2112 Lunch and brunch of sustaina le, locally sourced ingredients.
Chicago Dog Express 600 Cerrillos Road, 984-2798 Dogs approved by Chicagoans. Get down on one of the Santa Fe dogs with red chile.
El Chile Toreado
SOUTH CAPITOL
807 Early St., 500-0033 Don’t worry—it’s not gone,
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ALL AREA CODES (505)
they just moved! The best breakfast burritos in town get got at this little food truck.
Clafoutis 333 W Cordova Road, 988-1809 Pastries that are rich, fresh and in a location with almost enough parking.
Cleopatra’s Café Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 820-7381 Middle Eastern and Mediterranean specialties quick and savory.
Dulce Bakery & Coffee 1100 Don Diego Ave., 989-9966 Cupcakes almost too pretty to eat (but do eat them, they’re delicious).
Kakawa Chocolate House
dinner you know and love, plus soups revived from the now-defunct Back Street Bistro.
Ohori’s Coffee Roasters, Capitol Location 507 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-9692 More locally roasted coffee as dark as your desires.
Paleteria Oasis #2 Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 365-2073 This is like the Disneyland of Mexican popsicles. TOP 10
BEST OF SANTA FE 1ST PLACE WINNER
Paper Dosa
551 W Cordova Road, 930-5521 Most Indian food around is northern Indian—so try these southern Indian dishes on for size.
Pizza Centro
Revolution Bakery
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 988-8825 The closest thing you can find to real ew ork pizza in town.
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 346-2669 Gluten-free fans, your bakery ship has come in!
Restaurant Martín
505 W Cordova Road, 989-1378 Mediterranean food of all stripes, from Greek to North African.
526 Galisteo St., 820-0919 Chef Martín Rios serves up progressive, refreshingly unique American cuisine that’s earned him a James Beard Award nomination more than once.
Radish & Rye
Root 66 Vegan Food Truck
505 Cerrillos Road, 930-5325 A great bourbon cocktail list and a superb seasonal menu, now at a cool new location near the intersection of Cerrillos Road and Paseo de Peralta.
510 Galisteo St. his new staple in Santa Fe’s plant-based scene started out parked at the Santa Fe Brewing Company Brakeroom in the warmer months, ut check root .com for details on its location.
Pyramid Café
1050 E Paseo de Peralta, 982-0388 The chocolate here isn’t just an indulgence—it can help heal your soul.
Kaune’s Neighborhood Market 511 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-2629 Yes, it’s a grocery store—but the chopped salad bar and pre-packed lunches are handy. The sandwiches come with a chocolate for after.
Maria’s 555 W Cordova Road, 983-7929 Over 100 tequilas make this your spot for margaritas and great New Mexican food.
Mariscos La Playa 537 W Cordova Road, 982-2790 ore fish than you can shake a stick at.
Modern General 637 Cerrillos Road, 930-5462 Soup, smoothies, gardening tools and sandwiches. One of these things is not like the others …
The New Santa Fe Baking Company 504 W Cordova Road, 557-6435 The breakfast, lunch and
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ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ
El Sabor Spanish Tapas y Másss Corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail, 316-5084 Get your flash-fried avo and fish tacos at this corner most often, ut this is an actual truck, after all so call to see where it is today, if you have a craving.
Sage Bakehouse 535 Cerrillos Road, 820-7243 Sage serves up some of the est read in town, plus sandwiches and tarts.
Saigon Café 501 W Cordova Road, 988-4951 on’t let the hum le locale fool you this place is your ticket to ietnam.
Santa Fe BBQ 600 Old Santa Fe Trail, 573-4816 heck ahead to see if the food truck will e there, or ust follow your nose. Pro tip ops get it half price.
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Shake Foundation 631 Cerrillos Road, 988-8992 et your urgers, fries, ado e shakes and more from a walk up window.
Street Food Institute Corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail ulinary students from community colleges offer a rotating menu. his truck moves around sometimes, so get the info y visiting streetfoodinstitute.org.
Tiny’s Restaurant & Lounge 1005 St. Francis Drive, 983-9817 ew e ican and merican that’s tasty and generous, plus live music nightly and eloved weekly karaoke.
Vinaigrette
709 Don Cubero Alley, 820-9205 ou never thought you’d willingly pay 1 for a salad, ut these amazing and cravea le leafy owls prove you wrong time and time again.
New Mexico Hard Cider Taproom
Yin Yang
505 Cerrillos Road, Ste. A, 231-0632 ine taps of local cider, plus hearty sandwiches and snacks.
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 986-9279 verything you’d e pect from a hinese oint, plus many specials.
e
e
Corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail, 490-5157 uices and chia owls are as fresh as fresh can e, right on the corner in the warmer months.
Santafamous Street Eats Corner of Paseo de Peralta a d ld a a Fe rail, 795-1396 his heckuva food truck serves up one of the est ar ecue sandwiches we’ve ever eaten, plus tacos, dogs and more.
TRIANGLE DISTRICT/ ST. MICHAEL’S DRIVE Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café 1620 St. Michael’s Drive, 988-9688 at without fear vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, clean
Back Road Pizza 1807 Second St., Ste. 1, 955-9055 ou can’t top the delicious crispy cornmeal dusted crust.
Saveur
Burrito Spot
204 Montezuma Ave., 989-4200 specially great for a uick lunch, try the French istro menu or uffet.
1057 Cerrillos Road, 820-0779 ou know you want urritos. Who doesn’t want burritos? ry the fries, too.
Chocolate Maven 821 W San Mateo Road, 984-1980 Great food, sure, but don’t lie you’re really here for the e uisite desserts.
Chow’s Asian Bistro 720 St. Michael’s Drive, Ste. Q, 471-7120 sian fusion made with care.
Counter Culture Café 930 Baca St., 995-1105 ring cash for a diverse and delicious menu and the iggest and est cinnamon roll in town.
Felipe’s Tacos 1711 Llano St., Ste. A/B, 473-9397 et Santa Fe’s est tacos for reakfast, lunch and dinner
Iconik Coffee Roasters 1600 Lena St., 428-0996 and roasted coffee and a menu of thoughtful food. ot tip f you wonder whether you can ear to spend more than on a 10 ounce coffee, the horchata latte will make a eliever out of you.
Loyal Hound 730 St. Michael’s Drive, 471-0440 omfort food done well, accompanied y great eer and wine.
Kai Sushi 720 St. Michael’s Drive, 438-7221 Fantastic rolls at low row prices.
Midtown Bistro 901 W San Mateo Road, Ste. A, 820-3121 runch, lunch and dinner in an airy, comforta le space.
Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe 1711 Llano St., Ste. F/G, 473-7703 f you like lots of stuff etween slices of read, there is nowhere else to go. ny place with a turkey con cranerry sammy year round is awesome.
Ohori’s Coffee Roasters
Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen
1098 ½ S St. Francis Drive (access on Pen Road), 982-9692 ou wanted more dark roast coffee, right
1512 Pacheco St., Bldg. B, 795-7383 t’s all a out good food, good vi es and community involvement, plus vegan and gluten free dishes.
Pizzeria Espíritu 1722 St. Michael’s Drive, 424-8000 ot ust pizza, ut the spirit of fine talian.
Ramblin’ Café 1420 Second St., 989-1272 perfect neigh orhood spot for spicy chile, good prices and fast service.
Root 66 Vegan Café 1704 Lena St. Recently opened oasis for plant ased food.
Sagche’s Coffee House 30 . ic ael ri e, 780-5263 he Sagche rothers offer comforting reakfast and lunch menus and locally roasted coffee.
Santa Fe Bite 1616-A St. Michael’s ri e, 428-0328 he eloved ite is ack open in this new location ut offering the same great urgers it’s known and loved for, plus fried chicken on Sundays.
Second Street Brewery (Original) 1814 Second St., 982-3030 Pull up a ta le for 10 or a stool for one.
Terra Verde Organic 851 W San Mateo Road, 780-5039 nce the home of erde uice o., the kitchen will still churn out your favorite cold pressed uices ut also opens up to healthy food from evin and ariana vens.
CERRILLOS ROAD CORRIDOR Adelita’s Mexican Restaurant 3136 Cerrillos Road, 474-4897 e ican food, mariachi music and karaoke nights.
Alicia’s Tortilleria 1314 R a ircle, 438-9545 s authentic as it gets. Feed a family of four with the change in your car’s ash tray. kay, that’s hyper ole ut it’s afforda le.
Baja Tacos 2018 Cerrillos Road, 471-8762 wesome tacos y urritos have moved to the old endy’s location near the St. ike’s intersection, so you can even sit inside while you chow down.
Cacao Santa Fe
1851 St. Michael’s Drive, 820-0643 elicious, friendly, ine pensive and centrally located.
3201 Richards Lane, 471-0891 andcrafted chocolates from acao and other craft chocolatiers, plus a full coffee ar and chocolate education classes.
Sunset Swirl
Café Castro
Sunrise Family Restaurant
1708 Lena St., 469-6546 Plant ased and dairy free frozen treats for the progressives and diet conscious alike.
2811 Cerrillos Road, 473-5800 following swears y the local dishes served tasty and from friendly staff. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
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DOWNTOWN CERRILLOS ROAD CORRIDOR
F 1ST P
TOP 10
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TRIANGLE DISTRICT/ST. MICHAEL’S DRIVE
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY S
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY S
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F 1ST PLACE WINNER
El Comal Restaurant
Mariscos Costa Azul
3571 Cerrillos Road, 471-3224 Tourists and locals alike love the Mexican food and stellar service.
2875 Cerrillos Road, 473-4594 ate night or family night, just get some oysters in this colorful dining room.
Dr. Field Goods Kitchen
Opuntia Café
2860 Cerrillos Road, Ste. A1, 471-0043 Pu fare at its finest, a ton of beer and really dang good coffee.
1862 Cerrillos Road, 780-5796 The once-tethered coffee and succulents shop resides temporarily in a tent at the El Rey Court until its new perma-space opens in the Railyard in November 2019.
Fast & Real Burritos 2207 Cerrillos Road, 474-6202 either slow nor fake, it’s your centrally located fast fi for asada and pico.
India House 2501 Cerrillos Road, 471-2651 Excellent Indian fare served y some of the nicest servers we’ve ever encountered.
Jambo Café 2010 Cerrillos Road, 473-1269 Folks salivate for the unique Afro-Caribbean dishes and owner/chef Ahmed Obo is always tops in SFR’s est of Santa Fe poll.
Java Joe’s 1248 Siler Road, 930-5763 Joe brings good coffee to the industrial pocket of town, with great success.
Kakawa Chocolate House 1300 R a ircle, e. -4, 930-5460 veryone’s favorite ancient-recipe chocolate sorcerers have opened an outpost in Midtown.
2841 errillo Road i e ee ar i lo Carne seca at its best. This is the nice thin sliced stuff, too. Let it rain.
El Paisano Café 3140 Cerrillos Road, 424-9105 A grocery store with an awesome lunch counter is greater than the sum of its parts.
Palate 1352 R a ., 386-6343 A truck that frequents Meow olf, where you can load your food palette with unique New Mexican-Louisianan flavors.
The Pantry 1820 Cerrillos Road, 986-0022 A local staple serves up nofrills diner food for reakfast, lunch and dinner. We like to get grits and potatoes.
El Parasol
3011 Cerrillos Road, 473-1688 lassy, family owned hinese.
MAMA’S World Take-Out
Pho Ava
TOP 10
3134 R a ., 424-111 The name stands for Middle astern, merican, e ican, Asian and Salvadoran.
CERRILLOS ROAD CORRIDOR
Ortega’s Jerky
1833 Cerrillos Road, 995-8015 Look for the colorful umbrella for mouthwatering burritos and tacos.
Lu Lu’s Chinese Cuisine
RED ENCHILADA
ALL AREA CODES (505)
e
1965 Cerrillos Road, 772-0169 An honest-to-goodness ramen-dedicated restaurant from the folks who brought you now-closed Shohko Café.
2430 Cerrillos Road, 557-6572 Vietnamese options to bring a little Asia to New Mexico.
Pollo Asado 28 4 errillo Road i e ee ar i lo , 31 -4085 We named this spiced roasted chicken one the 25 “Things We Love About Santa Fe” in 01 , and we weren’t lyin’ about how good it is. CONTINUED ON PAGE 62 >>
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THE 2019 FOOD FOTO CONTEST
Winner
Roast Lamb Calabaza’s Native Food from Santo Domingo Pueblo at Santa Fe Indian Market in August 2019
By Holly Grimm
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Best “Home Made Tortillas”
By Nancy A Hibbs
Gabriel’s Restaurant
Nirvana in a Bowl Mampuku Ramen
Caramelized Brioche
By John Moyerss
Eloisa
By Connie White
Crawfish Boudin CrawDaddy Blues Fest, Madrid
By Seth Nodelman
Blue Fluted Porcelain Pastry My kitchen
By Yuki Murata S F R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T G U I D E
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BEST OF SANTA FE 1ST P
share this place we call home. We’re committed to holding the government accountable.
3139 Cerrillos Road, 471-8685 They boast it’s where the locals eat, and you’ll see why.
Realburger
2000 Cerrillos Road, 471-9111 Generous portions of breakfast and lunch comfort foods.
1310 Osage Ave., 820-6552 A perennial locals’ favorite serves up Central American cuisine. ot tip e’d eat those camarones a la plancha till our stomachs exploded.
Restaurante El Salvadoreño 2900 Cerrillos Road, 474-3512 If you’ve never had a pupusa, let them show you how it’s done.
Do you want that, too?
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2864 Cerrillos Road (in the Cactus Centro parking lot), 913-1558 Fabulous food truck eats from scratch.
Rowley Farmhouse Ales
TOP 10
for everyone.
0
Tortilla Flats
El Rinconcito del Sabor
We want life to be fair and hopeful
S
1947 Cerrillos Road, 992-0550 Authentic Mexican and New Mexican dishes pack this local favorite daily and nightly.
Red Enchilada
of connecting the people who
R
Los Potrillos
2641 ½ Cerrillos Road, 474-7325 Burgers of all stripes at reasonable prices tucked away on Cerrillos Road.
We believe in the importance
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1405 Maclovia St., 428-0719 Great beer brewed by a Los Alamos chemist, great food and a dedication to the community have us sold. Bring your dog to the covered patio!
Second Street Brewery T oo 2920 R a ., 954-10 8 The midtown warehouse space has a unique menu from the other two locations, really snazzy industrial decor and hosts live music, too.
o
e
l
2428 Cerrillos Road, 473-1211 Fast ‘n’ fresh soup ‘n’ salad is just the light lunch you need. o 3 30 pm sleepy times for you. (Of course, it’s open for dinner too.)
Tokyo Café 1847 Cerrillos Road, 982-1688 All the Japanese food your heart desires, and a drive-thru if you’re in a rush.
Weck’s
RODEO ROAD Los Amigos 3904 Rodeo Road, 438-0 00 Mexican food ‘n’ Mexican friends. And friends of other nationalities, too, we assume.
Double Dragon 3005 S St. Francis Drive, Ste. D3, 989-8880 Fresh Chinese food that’s available seven days a week and late, too. ell, late for Santa Fe 10 pm on weekends).
Garbo’s Restaurant Montecito Santa Fe, 500 Rodeo Road, 428-7777 Indulge in classic continental dishes in this unique retirement community. Rezzies required, so call ahead.
Home Run Pizza Rodeo Plaza, 2801 W Rodeo Road, 424-6666 Good pies, hot and fresh.
Java Joe’s Rodeo Plaza, 2801 Rodeo Road, Ste. B8, 474-5282 Great coffee in a cozy atmosphere. If you prefer the interior of your car, there’s a drive-thru.
Joe’s Dining Rodeo Plaza, 2801 Rodeo Road, 471-3800 Unrelated to the other Joe at this address, get upscale farm-to-table diner fare plus beer and wine.
Posa’s El Merendero 1514 Rodeo Road, 820-7672 hese tamales are asically a religion around here.
El Milagro
3003 . Fra ci ri e, 982-6796 Dumplings, blood sausage, butter tea, fried rice and chai—offerings both familiar and unique are made with care y owner onpo rasar.
3482 Zafarano Drive, Ste. C, 474-2888 Miraculous New Mexican cuisine and urgers.
Blue Corn Brewery 4056 Cerrillos Road, 438-1800 reat gru and locally rewed beer on the Southside, and a different menu from the downtown location.
Café Grazie 3530 Zafarano Drive, Ste. C-3, 471-0108 Impossibly good Italian fare for the fam even comes gluten free, if you want.
Cleopatra’s Café 3482 Zafarano Drive, 474-5644 Belly dancers frequent this space, and the s always have the coolest Middle Eastern music videos playing.
Fast & Real Burritos 5741 Airport Road, 660-0087 Feed the addiction with burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. R
La Cocina de Doña Clara 4350 Airport Road, Ste. 4, 473-1081 What do you want more than real e ican food othing.
o
o o
3985 Cerrillos Road, 455-6147 Surrender your taste buds to this evening food truck’s Juárezstyle dogs, served late.
Flying Tortilla 4250 Cerrillos Road, 424-1680 void lines further down the road by stopping here for orthern classics.
Horseman’s Haven
JOE’S DINING
4354 Cerrillos Road, 471-5420 ccept the challenge of the aven’s claim to the hottest green chile in town.
4056 Cerrillos Road, 424-1200 Start spreading the news: Breakfast is served all day at this hotspot. ome here if the downtown location’s parking sitch drives you atty.
Paleteria Oasis #1 4641 Airport Road Ste. #2, 780-8544 he original location for your favorite e ican ice creams.
Panadería y Lonchería Ezmeralda 6417 Airport Road, 424-9452 Baked goods that will keep you coming ack.
El Parasol 298 Dinosaur Trail, 995-8226 ood taste is not e tinct here. his location has a dining room, too.
PC’s Restaurant & Lounge 4220 Airport Road, 473-7164 uthentic ew e ican food that is a favorite of folks all over town.
Pizza Centro 3470 Zafarano Drive, Ste. D, 471-6200 et ew ork style pizza that does not disappoint.
Plaza Café Southside 3466 Zafarano Drive, 424-0755 The downtown institution brings its fresh diner food and New Mexican dishes way down errillos.
Posa’s El Merendero 3538 Zafarano Drive, Ste. A2, 473-3454 Just buy 50 tamales and call it a day. k, 100. k, 1 0. TOP 10
SOUTHSIDE
New York Deli
Puerto Peñasco
4681 Airport Road, Ste. 1, 438-6622 If you haven’t tried Mexi-
can-style seafood, you’re truly missing out.
El Queretaño 4430 Airport Road, 501-5797 Some call it the est taco truck on irport. ry it and report ack to us.
The Ranch House 2571 Cristo’s Road, 424-8900 est ri s in town. hough, honestly, everything here is good. verything.
Rebel House Coffee Santa Fe Place Mall, 4250 errillo Road, 819-103 More than just coffee, this locally-owned stop in the mall also hosts art pop-ups and has a classy two-story dining room, perfect for getting some afternoon work done.
Refresquería Las Delicias 4350 Airport Road, Ste. 13, 438-0280 Mexi snack foods that satisfy the sweetest tooth.
El Rey del Pollo 4350 Airport Road, Ste. 18, 570-1380 Not to be confused with Los Pollos ermanos, which now does exist, just not in Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Capitol Grill 3462 Zafarano Drive, 471-6800 solid menu is made even better by a full bar and happy hour too.
Taquería Argelia 4720 Airport Road (in the Airport Road Car Wash parking lot), 204-5211 ig menu and reasona le prices, aka everything you want from a food truck.
Thai Café & Noodle Treats 3482 Zafarano Drive, 424-1818 smart choice in the area’s growing restaurant district.
Tribes Coffeehouse 3470 Zafarano Drive, Ste. A, 473-3615 Stout coffee, pastries and light fare, and local art for sale. ring your laptop, stay a while. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
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DOWNTOWN SOUTHSIDE
Tibet Kitchen
RODEO ROAD
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
NORTH OF SANTA FE
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY BEST OF SANTA FE 1ST PLACE WINNER
NORTH OF SANTA FE Angelina’s 1226 N Railroad Ave., Española, 753-8543 Hit up this favorite family eatery for great Mexican and New Mexican food.
Arroyo Vino Restaurant & Wine Shop 218 Camino La Tierra, 983-2100 Inspired American fare and impeccable service on the extreme West side.
Cottonwood Kitchen Tesuque Casino, 7 Tesuque Road, 984-8414 Head to the area’s newest casino for American and Southwestern fare, and live music most nights of the week.
Dandy’s Burgers 424 S Riverside Drive, Española, 753-4234 You’ve never seen a more dapper hunk of ground beef!
Gabriel’s
TOP 10
4 Banana Lane, 455-7000 The tableside guacamole service is famous for a reason—they whip it good.
Izanami
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Ste. #2, 982-9304 Locally sourced Japanese-inspired small plates. Hot tip: No one will look at you funny if you wear your spa robe.
JoAnn’s Ranch O Casados 938 N Riverside Drive, Española, 753-1334 Traditional New Mexican food served in a great setting.
Lovin Oven Bakery 107 N Riverside Drive, Española, 753-5461 Come early and bring cash; they sell out long before noon and don’t take plastic.
SOUTH OF SANTA FE
La Mesita Eatery 86 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoaque, 455-7004 The legends are true: This is
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ALL AREA CODES (505)
Java Junction
the best fried chicken in the state. Possibly in the country. We tried it. We know.
2855 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 438-2772 Local coffee pairs well with local pastries and local people.
El Nido 1577 Bishops Lodge Road, Tesuque, 954-1272 Something’s roasting on an open fire and served with a savory, satisfying sauce.
The Mine Shaft Tavern 2846 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 473-0743 One of the last great roadhouses is almost sure to change your life. Live music, colorful folk and a friendly vibe.
Iguana Café Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, 819-2060 Stock up on some snacks while you gamble.
Pecos Trail Café Pecos Trail Inn, 2239 Old Pecos Trail, 982-9444 New Mexican grub for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Pajarito Brewpub & Grill 614 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, 662-8877 Trivia Mondays, karaoke Tuesdays, great food all the time!
Pizza Centro Agora Center, 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Ste. D7, Eldorado, 466-3161 Eldorado dwellers don’t have to come all the way to Santa Fe for a great pie.
Rancho de Chimayó 300 Juan Medina Road, Chimayó, 351-4444 For over 50 years, this James Beard-nominated staple has served up traditional New Mexican food.
La Plancha de Eldorado
Red Sage Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, 819-2056 Creative dishes and a happy hour, too.
Terra Restaurant Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, 198 Hwy. 592, 946-5800 A breathtaking dining room is the backdrop for innovative American cuisine.
Tesuque Village Market 138 Tesuque Village Road, 988-8848 The neighborhood haunt for folks from Tesuque and beyond.
SOUTH OF SANTA FE
ARABLE
Beer Creek Brewing Co.
Café Fina
3810 Hwy. 14, 471-9271 Pizza, comfort food, live music and a colorful crowd.
624 Old Las Vegas Hwy., 466-3886 Brunch and lunch in a spot that’s housed many a fine restaurant, but this one may be the best.
The Bourbon Grill 104 Old Las Vegas Hwy., 984-8000 After working out at El Gancho, you totally deserve that steak. We also hear it’s a heck of a Sunday brunch buffet.
Black Bird Saloon 28 Main Street, Cerillos, 438-1821 Hitch up to the classic Wild West watering hole for fresh, handmade lunches and dinners.
Blue Heron Restaurant Arable 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Ste. B6, 303-3816 Classy American fare from scratch that went all the way to the Food Network this year.
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Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, 242 Los Pinos Road, 780-8145 The region’s only waterside dining is fine, refreshing and a great companion to a hot springs soak.
The Coffee Wheel La Tienda Shopping Center, 7 Caliente Road, Eldorado, 660-9021 Third wave coffee, high-quality tea and snacks right where you need them.
Harry’s Roadhouse 96B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 989-4629 Perfect for when you can’t decide where to eat—they have everything from pizza to Buddha bowls to some of the best steaks in town.
The Hollar 2849 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 471-4821 Refined Southern food and barbecue specials from the smoker from chef and owner Josh Novak.
La Tienda Shopping Center, 7 Caliente Road, Eldorado, 466-2060 Original Latin flavors and more in a relaxed setting.
San Marcos Café 3877 Hwy. 14, 471-9298 Come early for the cinnamon rolls. Pick up chicken feed, while you’re at it.
Santa Fe Brewing Co. 35 Fire Place, 424-3333 The Brewing Co. has all kinds of taprooms in all kinds of places, but the OG location also has food trucks every evening to accompany your games of cornhole and occasional live music at The Bridge.
Ten 3 30 Tramway Rd, Albuquerque, 764-8363 Fine dining 10,300′ atop Sandia Peak (tram ticket not included).
Upper Crust Pizza 5 Colina Drive, Eldorado, 471-1111 Get a pie without schlepping into town.
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