1 Tomasita’s
500 S. Guadalupe St.
505-983-5721
Even though its fame grows by the minute and crowds grow by the hour, Tomasita’s remains a favorite because it hasn’t lost the quality that made us love it in the first place: authenticity. Sure, it’s a big, busy restaurant, but Tomasita’s doesn’t feel like a chain. It offers simple, humble but authentic New Mexican food, served by fleet-footed servers who can tell you exactly what’s in every dish.

It used to be quaint and anachronistic that Tomasita’s was housed in an old train station building. Now Rail Runner Express trains come and go all day, picking up and dropping off passengers right behind the restaurant, making the setting feel relevant again. Those trains have been a business boon for Tomasita’s, which benefits from hungry commuters just grabbing a quick margarita, as well as tourists who come to sample the famous red and green chile, the smothered enchiladas and the stuffed sopaipillas.

You can expect to wait for a table, but also expect the wait to be worth it.

2 The Shed, 113½ E. Palace Ave., 505-982-9030

3 La Choza, 905 Alarid St., 505-982-0909