Alfresco in Taos

Adobe Bar Bent Street Grille Martyrs

A hand-squeezed Cowboy Buddah margarita pairs nicely with a basket of warm blue corn nachos, and the cool blue glow of a Neon Thunderbird lighting the patio— Sometimes the sound of a fiery guitar and staccato of a flamenco dancer’s heels is your summer soundtrack at the Taos Inn Adobe bar and patio. A watering hole for writers, poets, actors, artists and musicians. Affectionately called the living room of Taos. A nestled adobe perch to watch people as summer light settles to dusk. The bar menu is New Mexico adventurous, with selections for the gluten-free, vegan and vegetarians. There is a robust selection of European and domestic wine beers and cider.

125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos 575-758-2233

Patios in the cool Martyrs

One of the dog-friendliest patios in Taos, the Bent Street Grille boasts a “Farm Fresh American Bistro.” The food lineup reflects a “born in old Mexico, raised in Taos’’ selection that includes robust breakfast options and specialty sandwiches for lunch in a casual setting. Gourmet French toast, omelets, creative sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. Beautiful tamale and burrito plates, with vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. And a nice beer and wine selection.

120 Bent Street, Taos 575-758-5787

To find a dining immersion in old historic Taos, visit Martyrs Steakhouse and ask for a table on the elegant leafy patio of the beautifully restored adobe home. Two blocks from the plaza, Martyrs is a great outpost to feel the rhythm of the city, and enjoy a steak with a glass of your favorite red. There are fresh icy summer drinks on the menu, and the seasonal vegetable side selection is always a good bet.

146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos 575-751-3020

The Terrace

Medley Lambert’s Sabroso

The menu and views at Medley make this patio experience memorable. There isn’t one miss in the selections. And the Taos Mountain looms large in the distance. Celebrating the complexities of Northern New Mexico flavors, the food is sourced and prepared and plated with care. And the wait staff is intuitive and attentive to the rhythm of your dining experience. This is the best place in town for mountain, cloud and moon watching. The views are stunning.

100 NM-150, El Prado 575-776-8787

Lambert’s of Taos has been a fixture in town since 1989. The food is soured locally and from scratch. The patio is a warm, intimate, elegant dining experience with a welcoming table layout nestled near greenery. And one of the best wine and craft cocktails selections in Northern New Mexico. Check out the roasted beets with mixed greens, pickled red onion, sweet carrot, speck manchego pepita and a drizzle of strawberry infused basil vinaigrette. The unusual pairing entrees — Duck and Waffle, blue corn waffle and confit leg, turnip with a complex chipotle agave is a must-do menu destination. There is an ever-changing bevy of ice cream and sorbet or sherbet flavors. And the service is upbeat and always in tune.

123 Bent Street, Taos 575-758-1009

Sabroso

The quaint alpine village of Arroyo Seco is home to a 150-year-old adobe that houses Sabroso Restaurant & Bar hidden in a glade over a small bridge. Teeming with history, this sweet hideaway is an alfresco dining destination. The patio and the outdoor areas are lovingly landscaped with trees, and the fresh-squeezed margaritas are legendary. As are the Truffle fries with white truffle oil, parmigiana-reggiano and lemon aioli — But king of the menu is the Sabroso Burger, a house-ground local bison with the option to dress it up slathered in green chili, gorgonzola and smoked bacon.

470 NM 150, Arroyo Seco 575-776-3333

The Terrace at Taos Country Club

The Terrace at Taos Country Club has a menu sure to please any palette. burgers, salads, sandwiches and more. There is a full bar with a thoughtful selection of craft cocktails, wines and beer. And there is no better outdoor dining experience than the panoramic views of high-alpine peaks in the distance, rolling hills of manicured lawns, and the soundtrack of occasional cracks, plops, plings and satisfying thwack of a driver smacking a dimpled ball in the distance.

Taos Country Club

54 Golf Course Drive, Ranchos de Taos 505-758-7300