SFR Restaurant Guide: Where to Eat What to Eat

2011-2012

Where to Eat and What to Eat in Santa Fe.

Zane Fischer

Alexa Schirtzinger

 

 Downtown 


Agave Lounge
Eldorado Hotel, 309 W San Francisco St., 988-4455
Appetizers and larger plates mingle among a million types of tequila...if Barbie had a dream bar...  $


Amavi
221 Shelby St., 988-2355
Chef Megan Tucker is a locavore’s locavore; her seasonally shifting menu is among Santa Fe’s most elegant.  $$$


Amaya Restaurant
Hotel Santa Fe, 1501 Paseo de Peralta, 982-1200
Traditional Native American cuisine with some continental colonization.  $$


Anasazi Restaurant
113 Washington Ave., 988-3236
This intimate dining room has all the specialty margaritas and flavorful steaks you’d ever want.  $$


Atomic Grill
103 E Water St., 820-2866
Downtown convenience and atomically late hours.  $


Balconies on the Plaza
50 Lincoln Ave., 490-6550
Enjoy appetizers and modernized New Mexico fare from the second-floor Plaza overlook when fair weather beckons.  $$


Blue Corn Café
Plaza Mercado, 133 W Water St., 984-1800
Tasty suds and comforting grub are both served in ample portions.  $$


La Boca
72 W Marcy St., 982-3433
After five years, Santa Fe’s favorite tapas joint (and SFR’s 2007 Restaurant of the Year) is still going strong.  $$$


The Bull Ring
150 Washington Ave., 983-3328
This legendary steakhouse and bar has an interior to match its storied past.  $$$


The Burrito Company
111 Washington Ave., 982-4453
Fast, affordable New Mexico favorites at an easy downtown location.  $


Café Pasqual’s
121 Don Gaspar Ave., 983-9340
Katherine Kagel’s famous restaurant is still all-organic and among the best Santa Fe has to offer.  $$$


El Cañon
Hilton, 100 Sandoval St., 988-2811
This wine and sandwich bar hits the spot for lighter fare.  $$


Coyote Café/La Cantina
132 W Water St., 983-1615
A truly extraordinary dining experience with an attached, affordable cantina for lowbrow types and barflies.  $$$


La Casa Sena
125 E Palace Ave., 988-9232
Beautiful food and wine in a majestic and historic courtyard setting.  $$$


Del Charro Saloon
101 W Alameda St., 954-0320
“Charro” means “cowboy” to some, but really it’s Spanish for “pub grub.”  $


Ecco Espresso & Gelato
105 E Marcy St., 986-9778
When coffee, pastries and creamy gelato won’t do it, the attached sandwich shop will.  $


Ellie’s Yoberri Park
325 W San Francisco St., 995-1191
Ambitious gourmet concoctions made from frozen yogurt? Yes, indeed.  $


French Pastry Shop
La Fonda, 100 E San Francisco St., 983-6697
Cocoa, coffee, crepes and remarkable sandwiches.  $


Galisteo Bistro
227 Galisteo St., 982-3700
An open kitchen and European flair make this bistro a good bet for food aficionados.  $$


India Palace
227 Don Gaspar Ave., 986-5859
Rather than focusing on a particular region, India Palace offers dishes from all around India.  $$


Izmi Sushi
105 E Marcy St., 424-1311
Since moving downtown to Marcy Street, this cozy sushi joint has revitalized itself.  $$


Luminaria
Inn & Spa at Loretto, 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, 984-7915
Chef Matt Ostrander inventively merges rich, European traditions, American favorites and Eastern sensibilities.  $$$


El Mesón
213 Washington Ave., 983-6756
Enjoy Spanish cuisine and chef David Huerta’s excellent tapas while tango fills the bar.  $$


O’Keeffe Café
217 Johnson St., 946-1065
Impressive prix fixe combinations and perfect wine pairings are hallmarks at the O’Keeffe.  $$


The Old House
Eldorado Hotel, 309 W San Francisco St., 995-4530
Attached to the hotel’s hipper Agave Lounge, The Old House is a respite for quieter types.  $$$


The Ore House at Milagro
139 W San Francisco St., 995-0139
Specializing in “flavors of the Americas,” this split-level, atrium eatery and bar combines elements across continents.  $$$


Osteria D’Assisi
58 S Federal Place, 986-5858
Off the beaten tourist path, Osteria is a classic Italian reward for those who find it.  $$$


Palace Restaurant and Saloon
142 W Palace Ave., 428-0690
This new incarnation of an old favorite offers inspired, creative indulgence—but still has a kid’s menu.  $$$


Il Piatto
95 W Marcy St., 984-1091
Il Piatto is a leader in Santa Fe’s locavore movement, and its small enoteca plates are treasures.  $$


Piñon Grill
Hilton, 308 W San Francisco St., 986-6400
The Hilton’s in-house eatery offers breakfast specials and fresh pastries.  $$$


Plaza Bakery/Häagen-Dazs
56 E San Francisco St., 988-3858
Fresh-baked breads are prepared beyond the mesmerizing ice cream counter.  $


Plaza Café
54 Lincoln Ave., 982-1664
This classic diner suffered a fire, but the downtown fixture opens again in January 2012.  $$


La Plazuela
La Fonda, 100 E San Francisco St., 995-2334
The great New Mexico fare hidden inside La Fonda is a local favorite.  $


Rooftop Pizzeria
Santa Fe Arcade, 60 E San Francisco St., 984-0008
This third-floor aerie offers escape as well as pizza and local microbrews.  $$


San Francisco Street Bar & Grill
50 E San Francisco St., 982-2044
This is a burger-and-fries-at-the-bar type of joint, but they do have tables.  $$


Santacafé
231 Washington Ave., 984-1788
Indulge in refined and famous Southwestern fusion fare at SFR’s 2005 Restaurant of the Year.  $$$


Santa Luna Restaurant
Santa Fe Village, 227 Don Gaspar Ave., 989-3732
Upscale Mexican cuisine tucked off the street.  $$


The Shed
113½ E Palace Ave., 982-9030
Don’t hit your head on the low ceiling. Do have the best green chile stew on Earth.  $$


Sleeping Dog Tavern
114 W San Francisco St., 982-4335
A subterranean gastropub with a family-friendly vibe and a menu to please almost everyone.  $$


Sushi Land East
60 E San Francisco St., Ste. 102A, 820-1178
Downtown denizens rely on this cozy sushi cubby for fast, easy lunches with Asian flair.  $$


Tabla de los Santos
Hotel St. Francis, 210 Don Gaspar Ave., 992-6343
Chef Estevan Garcia prepares locally sourced fare for tourists and locals alike.  $$


Tia’s Cocina
Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe, 125 Washington Ave., 988-4900
Take a virtual trip to Chimayó, where old school New Mexico meets deep-fried hot dogs and a lowrider-themed bar.  $$


Tia Sophia’s
210 W San Francisco St., 983-9880
The only place to go in search of the ineffable essence of the true breakfast burrito.  $


Tokyo Sushi Bar & Café
321 W San Francisco St., 989-7603
Easy access sushi with a convenient location.  $


Tomme
229 Galisteo St., 820-2253
At this new sister restaurant to Max’s, classic bistro fare receives an inventive interpretation.  $$

 North Guadalupe District


Aqua Santa
451 W Alameda St., 982-6297
At this minimalistically elegant eatery, the food is pure art.  $$$


Atrisco Café & Bar
DeVargas Center, N Guadalupe St. and Paseo de Peralta, 983-7401
Local ingredients translate into traditional favorites, just as it should be.  $$


Bert’s Burger Bowl
235 N Guadalupe St., 982-0215
This is the burger shack you remember from youth…only better.  $


Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill
301 Jefferson St., 820-2862
Vegan burritos and other fresh options, Baja-style.  $


California Pastrami and More
781 W Alameda St., 920-4584
Famous for its fish tacos, this permanently placed food truck also offers late hours.  $


Casa Chimayó
409 W Water St., 428-0391
Regional and traditional food in a family-oriented setting.  $$


Chopstix
238 N Guadalupe St., 820-2126
This is the cheap Chinese of your dreams, not your nightmares.  $


Clafoutis
402 N Guadalupe St., 988-1809
This wholly French establishment offers classic sit-down fare and take-out pastries and baguettes.  $


Dinner For Two
106 N Guadalupe St., 820-2075
Intimate dining, locally sourced ingredients, inventive cuisine: a winner.  $$


Java Joe’s
604 N Guadalupe St., 795-7775
Joe’s’ downtown location defies its mall setting and generates good vibes, good coffee and fast Wi-Fi.  $


Jinja Bar and Bistro
510-P N Guadalupe St., 982-4321
Overtly Asian, vaguely authentic and strangely good.  $$


New York Deli
420 Catron St., 982-8900
New York sensibilities for breakfast and lunch, from bagels to Fulton Market fish & chips.  $


Pizza, Etc.
DeVargas Center, N Guadalupe St. and Paseo de Peralta, 986-1500
Lots of local, seasonal ingredients ornament these slices and pies.  $


Pizzeria da Lino
204 N Guadalupe St., 894-8474
The peel handlers at Pizzeria da Lino know how to achieve wood-fired pizza perfection.  $$


Santa Fe Bar & Grill
DeVargas Center, N Guadalupe St. and Paseo de Peralta, 982-3033
When no one can decide where to go, SFB&G will satisfy everyone.  $$


Shibumi Ramen Ya
26 Chapelle St., 428-0077
Santa Fe’s own ramen house merges impeccable technique with minimal, gorgeous presentation and delicious results.  $


Shohko Café
321 Johnson St., 982-9708
It is just plain hard to find better sushi and Japanese specialties in Santa Fe.  $$


The Tart’s Treats
301 N Guadalupe St., 986-6866
Casual, confectionary, consumable—and a lot of other good things.  $


Thai Café
329 W San Francisco St., 982-3886
Quick, comfortable Thai that means business when ordered “spicy.”  $$


Trattoria Nostrani
304 Johnson St., 983-3800
Chef Nelli Maltezos applies her considerable talent to inspired northern Italian fare at this scent-free establishment.  $$$


Vanessie
434 W Water St., 982-9966
A romantic piano bar with classy culinary and cocktail distractions.  $$$


Il Vicino
321 W San Francisco St., 986-8700
Il Vicino complements its specialty brewed ales, porters and pilsners with wood-fired pizza.  $$

 Railyard/South Guadalupe


Andiamo!
322 Garfield St., 995-9595
A reliable trattoria with food that tastes much more expensive than it is.  $$


Aztec Street Café & Restaurant
317 Aztec St., 820-0025
The recently evolved cafe is no longer home to loiterers, but has bolstered its service with a local fare dinner menu.  $


Azur
428 Agua Fria St., 992-2897
Mediterranean tapas? More like the best of everything, all rolled into one cozy bistro.  $$


Chicago Dog Express
600 Cerrillos Road, 984-2798
Frito pies and breakfast burritos complement the magnificent “fully loaded” dogs.  $


La Choza
905 Alarid St., 982-0909
There’s usually a line at La Choza, but the textbook New Mexican is worth the wait.  $


Cowgirl
319 S Guadalupe St., 982-2565
All of Santa Fe passes through Cowgirl, for the community vibe as much as the BBQ brisket.  $$


Epazote
416 Agua Fria St., 474-0791
Eschewing stereotypes for examples of genuine Mexican culinary trends, Epazote delivers a different experience.  $$


Flying Star
500 Market St., Ste. 110, 216-3939
Flying Star is a favorite of locavores and the laptop set.  $$


Junction
530 S Guadalupe St., 988-7222
With a menu by Amavi chef Megan Tucker, Junction has better food than any other sports bar in town.  $$


Kohnami Japanese Restaurant
313 S Guadalupe St., 984-2002
Friendly service and expert cutting and rolling, if you know what we’re saying.  $


Lucky Bean Café
500 Montezuma Ave., Ste. 108, 438-8999
Vegan pastries are the hallmark of this comfortable café.  $


Max’s
403½ S Guadalupe St., 984-9104
A contender for absolute best restaurant in town, Max’s features American cuisine prepared with creative genius.  $$$


Pranzo Italian Grill
Sanbusco Market Center, 540 Montezuma Ave., 984-2645
Accessible Italian fare with language lessons playing in the bathrooms.  $$


Raaga
544 Agua Fria St., 820-6440.
A fresher, more creative take on traditional Indian food is a welcome boon to the Railyard.  $$


Ristra
548 Agua Fria St., 982-8608
High on the locals’ list of favorites, Ristra effortlessly melds New Mexico and France.  $$$


Second Street Brewery at the Railyard
1607 Paseo de Peralta, 989-3278
Winner of SFR’s Best of Santa Fe readers’ poll for the best new restaurant, the menu is wide-ranging and universally delicious.  $$


Slurp
444 Galisteo St., 603-1800
Legendary soups, sandwiches and paella from an Airstream trailer.  $


Station Coffeehouse
530 S Guadalupe St., 577-0597
Absolutely outstanding coffee. Sure, there’s other stuff but, oh, the coffee.  $


El Tesoro
Sanbusco Market Center, 500 Montezuma Ave., 988-3886
Central American with homemade sausage and gelato just to confuse you...in a good way.  $


Tomasita’s
500 S Guadalupe St., 983-5721
This is the original New Mexico tourist trap restaurant, but locals love it anyway.  $


Whole Hog Café
320 S Guadalupe St., 474-3375
Since moving to Guadalupe from the south side, WHC has become a lunch favorite.  $


Zia Diner
326 S Guadalupe St., 988-7008
Don’t be so distracted by the affordable, hearty meals that you forget the expert pies and desserts.  $$

 East Side


315 Restaurant and Wine Bar
315 Old Santa Fe Trail, 986-9190
The wine is fine and the food is sublime at this thoughtful bistro. SFR’s 2002 Restaurant of the Year.  $$$


Café des Artistes
223-B Canyon Road, 820-2535
Canyon Road can be a long haul, and this café is a great bookend for sallying strength.  $


The Compound
653 Canyon Road, 982-4353
The one, the only: Chef Mark Kiffin oversees a legendary New World menu at SFR’s 2000 Restaurant of the Year.  $$$$


Dish n’ Spoon Café and Gifts
620 Old Santa Fe Trail, 983-7676
Small, crowded and as famous for its friendly service as for its great flavors.  $


Downtown Subscription
376 Garcia St., 983-3085
Where cappuccinos and venture capitalists unite.  $


El Farol Restaurant
808 Canyon Road, 983-9912
A true western bar with an amazing Spanish tapas menu.  $$$


Fuego Restaurant & Wine Bar
La Posada, 330 E Palace Ave., 986-0000
Quite a bit better than your average high-dollar hotel fare—thoughtful contemporary cuisine.  $$$$


Geronimo
724 Canyon Road, 982-1500
A spot almost as iconic as its elk tenderloins and artisan cocktails.  $$$$


Guadalupe Café
422 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-9762
A perennial favorite for its delicious chile and convenient lunch location.  $$


Mangiamo Pronto!
228 Old Santa Fe Trail, 989-1904
Perfect for antipasti and espresso—but for the full Italian experience, rent a scooter.  $$


Mucho Gusto
839 Paseo de Peralta, 955-8402
Who knew Mexican comfort food could be this light?  $$


The Pink Adobe
406 Old Santa Fe Trail, 983-7712
SFR’s 2003 Restaurant of the Year returns with retro-chic charm—and free popcorn!  $$$


Rio Chama
414 Old Santa Fe Trail, 955-0765
Red meat, good cocktails and the best people watching in town.  $$$


Staab House
330 E Palace Ave., 986-0000
They say it’s haunted; we say ghosts make the food taste even better.  $$$


The Teahouse
821 Canyon Road, 992-0972
Canyon Road’s best spot for summertime lunching and lazing.  $


Travel Bug Coffee Shop
839 Paseo de Peralta, 992-0418
Caffeine give you itchy feet? Plan your trip at Travel Bug.  $


Upper Crust Pizza
329 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-0000
No-frills pies with a Santa Fe twist.  $$


Viga Restaurant
La Posada, 330 E Palace Ave., 986-0000
Southwestern and continental classics.  $$


Ze French Bistro
Garrett’s Desert Inn, 311 Old Santa Fe Trail, 984-8500
Where it’s totally OK to talk (and eat!) like a Francophile.  $

 South Capitol


Body Café
333 W Cordova Road, 986-0362
Making healthy food taste sinful.  $


Back Street Bistro
513 Camino de los Marquez, 982-3500
Soup for you! And trust us: You want it.  $


Cafe Cafe
500 Sandoval St., 466-1391
Lots of Italian love from SFR’s 2008 Restaurant of the Year.  $$


Cleopatra Café
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 820-7381
Sometimes you just need a good, hearty falafel sandwich.  $


Community Table Café
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, Ste. 6, 995-0191
Creatively delicious vegetarian options.  $


Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen
555 W Cordova Road, 983-7929
Try the New Mexico Centennial margarita. Just do it.  $$


Mariscos “La Playa”
537 W Cordova Road, 982-2790
Like being in Puerto Vallarta, but without the pesos.  $$


Ohori’s Coffee, Tea & Chocolate
507 Old Santa Fe Trail, 988-7026
Coffee to blow your socks off; pastries to keep you warm.  $


Pizza Centro
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 988-8825
Combos so good they’ll blow your west-of-the-Mississippi mind.  $$


Pyramid Cafe
505 W Cordova Road, 989-1378
Nothing like a hummus-slathered souvlaki to take the edge off.  $$


Restaurant Martín
526 Galisteo St., 820-0919
Fresh ingredients shine in chef Martín Rios’ creative concoctions.  $$$


Saigon Café
501 W Cordova Road, 988-4951
A lunchtime favorite for Vietnamese specialties.  $


Sage Bakehouse
535-C Cerrillos Road, 820-7243
There’s nothing like Sage sourdough straight from the oven.  $


Santa Fe Baking Co.
504 W Cordova Road, 988-4292
Free Wi-Fi, an expansive menu and famous burritos make this a locals’ favorite.  $


Saveur
204 Montezuma Ave., 989-4200
Lunch for the foodie in all of us.  $


Tiny’s Restaurant
1015 Pen Road, 983-9817
Cheesy karaoke? Check. Generous cuts of beef? Check. Locals in heaven? Of course.  $$


Vinaigrette
709 Don Cubero Alley, 820-9205
The only place in town you can feel virtuous while eating bacon: It’s fresh; it’s local; and it comes in a salad.  $$


Whoo’s Donuts
851-B Cerrillos Road, 629-1678
Who says doughnuts are sinful? The maple bacon variety (chocolate glaze, chili brown sugar) brings salvation.  $


Yin Yang
Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, 986-9279
When nothing but a platter of sweet and sour pork will do.  $

 Baca Street/Triangle District


Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café
1620 St. Michael’s Drive, 988-9688
Achieve enlightenment, but don’t forget to eat first.  $


Backroad Pizza
1807 Second St., 955-9055
Cold beer, hot pie, flaky crust and a bustling patio scene—what else do you need in life?  $


The Burrito Spot
1057 Cerrillos Road, 820-0779
The third location of this quick-and-beany favorite.  $


Chocolate Maven Bakery & Café
821-C W San Mateo Road, 984-1980
It’s fun to watch them bake while you eat. It’s even more fun to dig into the Maven’s sublime entreés and sublimer desserts.  $$


Chow’s Asian Bistro
720 St. Michael’s Drive, 471-7120
A lighter take on Chinese favorites.  $$


Counter Culture Café
930 Baca St., 995-1105
The variety is astounding—and no, we don’t mean the clientele.  $$


Dara Thai
1710 Cerrillos Road, 995-0887
Quick and tasty Thai staples in a convenient spot.  $$


El Parasol
1833 Cerrillos Road, 995-8015
With $100, you’ll have enough enchiladas to feed an army.  $


Felipe’s Tacos
1711 Llano St., Ste. A-D, 473-9397
Everything delightfully authentic; nothing over $10.  $


Hidden Chicken Café
730 St. Michael’s Drive, 474-4424
Soups, wraps, rotisserie and much, much more for the soul.  $


Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe
1711 Llano St., Ste. F-G, 473-7703
Pastrami to the people!  $


Mu Du Noodles
1494 Cerrillos Road, 983-1411
Mu Du’s mantra centers around long life—all the longer to eat the inimitable yaki udon.  $$$


Ohori’s Coffee, Tea & Chocolate
1098½ S St. Francis Drive, 982-9692
Wi-fi, pastries, knick-knacks—oh, and coffee.  $


The Pantry Restaurant
1820 Cerrillos Road, 986-0022
There’s no way even your abuelita’s pantry was this awesome.  $


El Patio
1805 Second St., 820-0717
Outdoor breakfasts with healthy flair and plenty of avocado.  $


Pizzeria Espiritu
1722-A St. Michael’s Drive, 424-8000
You honestly can’t blame them for the “taste of heaven” tagline.  $


Los Potrillos
1947 Cerrillos Road, 992-0550
Genuinely friendly service complements fantastic chicharrones.  $$


Ramblin’ Café
1420 Second St., 989-1272
Quick and easy sandwiches and New Mexican favorites.  $


Red Enchilada Restaurant
1310 Osage Ave., 820-6552
You can eat this cheap south of the border, but it isn’t half as good.  $


Second Street Brewery
1814 Second St., 982-3030
Come for the beer; stay for the live music at this beloved brewery’s original location.  $


El Tapatío
1640 Hopewell St., 501-3421
Authentic Mexican food-cart fare serving menudo on the weekends.  $


Tecolote Café
1203 Cerrillos Road, 988-1362
Sunday mornings in Santa Fe should be spent nowhere else.  $


Teriyaki Bowl
1847 Cerrillos Road, 988-4500
Beef bowl from a Santa Fe drive-thru? Um, yes.  $


Tree House Pastry Shop and Café
1600 Lena St., 474-5543
Veg-friendly baked goods and plenty of character.  $


Yummy Café
1616-A St. Michael’s Drive, 466-1681
There’s no reason your tofu shouldn’t sizzle and your beef, flame.  $

 Santa Fe River Corridor


Los Cuates New Mexican Food
The Lodge at Santa Fe, 750 N St. Francis Drive, 992-5870
Albuquerque’s beloved chile joint graces the City Different.  $$


Masa Sushi
927 W Alameda St., 982-3334
Quick, convenient and always sushilicious.  $$


Pho Kim
919 W Alameda St., 820-6777
Where you know the pho can satisfy your cravings.  $


Piccolino
2890 Agua Fria St., 471-1480
Huge (and hugely affordable) portions of lasagna.  $


Tune-Up Café
1115 Hickox St., 983-7060
SFR’s 2009 Restaurant of the Year offers hearty Salvadoran breakfasts—unless you’re in the mood for a killer cinnamon roll.  $

 Arroyo Chamiso Corridor


Double Dragon
3005 S St. Francis Drive, Ste. D-3, 989-8880
French fries, $1.10 egg rolls and beef on a stick? Yes, please.  $


Garbo’s @ RainbowVision
RainbowVision, 500 Rodeo Road, 428-7777
We know matzo ball soup is good; Greta Garbo makes it cool.  $$$


Jalapeño’s
3005 St. Francis Drive, 983-8431
Serious Mexican food for serious eaters.  $


Java Joe’s
2801 Rodeo Road, 474-5282
Both locations offer proper coffee, Wi-Fi lounging and regulars out the wazoo.  $


Joe’s
2801 Rodeo Road, 471-3800
Classing up pizza and burritos with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.  $$


Los Amigos
3904 Rodeo Road, 438-0600
Rellenos, tamales and quesadillas for the hungry local.  $


Maki Yaki
3003-C S.St. Francis Drive, 820-1930
Quick, delectable sushi and more.  $


Museum Hill Café
710 Camino Lejo, 984-8900
Wine, wifi and gourmet lunch fare to fortify you for a day of culture.  $$


Nile Café
3918 Rodeo Road, 501-0612
Get the famous chipotle hummus on your gyro at this food-cart fave.  $


Posa’s/El Merendero
1514 Rodeo Road, 820-7672
Famous for its delectable tamales.  $

 Cerrillos Corridor


Adelita’s Mexican Restaurant
3297 Cerrillos Road, 474-4897
Big, yummy, real-deal Mexican food.  $


Aldana’s Restaurant
3875 Cerrillos Road, 471-0271
Reliably filling Mexican and regional food.  $


Alicia’s Tortilleria
1314-A Rufina Cir., 438-9545
The hottest, freshest, all-around best tortillas in town—and otherworldly tacos.  $


Baja Tacos
2621 Cerrillos Road, 471-8762
Good tacos come in lowbrow lodgings.  $


Bamboo Asian Cuisine
2400 Cerrillos Road, 983-3600
Pretty much anything stirred, fried, salted or sweet you can conjure.  $


Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill & Burgers
3777 Cerrillos Road, 988-3278
This south-side location specializes in big, juicy burgers.  $


The Burrito Spot
2207 Cerrillos Road, 474-6202
Down-home burritos to warm the soul, even if it’s 2 am.  $


Café Castro
2811 Cerrillos Road, 438-0146
Locals won’t leave this Mexican-food staple alone.  $


Café Olé
2411 Cerrillos Road, 438-3000
Great coffee, good lunch and local art to ponder while you nosh.  $


El Comal Café
3571 Cerrillos Road, 471-3224
Named after the griddle that toasts homemade tortillas, El Comal knows how to make Mexican food sing.  $


Desert Moon Bar and Grille
Holiday Inn, 4048 Cerrillos Road, 473-4646
New Mexican food so good you’ll forget you’re in a Holiday Inn.  $


Dion’s Pizza
2014 Cerrillos Road, 424-7333
A perennial go-to spot for affordable pies.  $


India House
2501 Cerrillos Road, 471-2651
Indian lunch buffets the way they were meant to be: hot, spicy and flavorful.  $$


Jambo Café
2010 Cerrillos Road, Ste. 13, 473-1269
African marinated meats and spiced curries you never knew you needed.  $$


Lan’s Vietnamese Cuisine
2430 Cerrillos Road, 986-1636
Reliably delicious Vietnamese; great lunch specials.  $


Mariscos Costa Azul
2875 Cerrillos Road, 473-4594
Everybody deserves a lovely, limey goblet of ceviche now and then.  $$


Mr. Polish
Big Jo True Value Hardware, 1311 Siler Road
Have one of these hefty polish sausages and you’ll be a believer.  $


New York Deli
4056-B Cerrillos Road, 424-1200
Lox? Schmear? Pumpernickel? All of the above. Now, where’s that New York Times?  $


El Paisano
3140 Cerrillos Road, 424-9105
Have a taco or two, then buy your tortillas for the week.  $


Pupusería y Restaurante Salvadoreño
2900 Cerrillos Road, 474-3512
The pupusas revueltas—corn tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese and chicharrones—are cheap, hot, fresh and plentiful.  $


Santa Fe Steamer
3242 Cerrillos Road, 438-3862
It may be a desert outpost, but the Steamer boasts seafood to delight even a beach bum.  $$


Tortilla Flats
3139 Cerrillos Road, 471-8685
From pancakes to nachos and everything in between.  $


 South Side


Bisbee Deli
5 Bisbee Court #108, 474-8188
Text this new Southside deli your sandwich order so it’s ready when you pick it up.  $


Blue Corn Café & Brewery
4056-G Cerrillos Road, 438-1800
The south side version of this classic, upscale pub-style eatery.  $$


The Burrito Spot
5741 Airport Road, 471-1602
Burritos when you need ’em.  $$


Cleopatra Café
3482 Zafarano Drive, 474-5644
Sometimes you just need a good, hearty falafel sandwich.  $


La Cocina de Doña Clara
4350 Airport Road, 473-1081
Try the barbecued goat. Trust us; you’ll love it.  $


Flying Tortilla
4250 Cerrillos Road, 424-1680
Want cross-cultural cuisine? Try the chicken-fried steak—smothered in chile.  $


Horseman’s Haven
4354 Cerrillos Road, 471-5420
Try the Haven’s legendary green chile—if you dare.  $


Josh’s Barbecue
Until December 2011: 3486 Zafarano Drive, 474-6466
Beginning December 2011: 2571 Cristos Road, 474-6466

Saucy, smoky and just plain wonderful.  $


Lucci’s NY Pizza
3470 Zafarano Drive, 571-6200
Score a Yankee Special: $20 for a large cheese pizza and a dozen chicken wings.  $$


Osaka
3501 Zafarano Drive, 471-6698
3470-C Zafarano Drive, 438-1045
Fantastic Japanese food seared before your very eyes.  $$


El Parasol
298 Dinosaur Trail, 995-8226
Hearty Mexican fare for one person or 40.  $


PC’s Restaurant & Lounge
4220 Airport Road, 473-7164
Awesome guac and green chile with a side of lounge attitude.  $


Plaza Café Southside
3466 Zafarano Drive, 424-0755
Diner fare meets New Mexican, Greek and American favorites.  $$


Posa’s/El Merendero
3538 Zafarano Drive, 473-3454
Beany, chilefied bites for the New Mexican in everyone.  $


Puerto Peñasco
4681 Airport Road, 438-6622
Fantastic Mexican-beach-town food and flair.  $$


Santa Fe Airport Grill
Santa Fe Municipal Airport, 121 Aviation Drive, Ste. 6, 471-5227
No airport boasts a better green chile burger.  $


Santa Fe Capitol Grill
3462 Zafarano Drive, 471-6800
From calamari to burgers, a fresh take on old favorites.  $$


Tribes Coffeehouse and Co-op Gallery
3470 Zafarano Drive, 473-3615
Pastries, breakfast burritos and local art give this cozy coffee spot character.  $

Outskirts


Bobcat Bite
418 Old Las Vegas Hwy., 983-5319
We can’t stop loving the hearty home fries, big burgers and copious chile.  $$


Callie’s Cajun
Old Las Vegas Highway, 438-7012
We count ourselves lucky to have bona fide Bayou fare within throwing distance.  $


Las Chivas Coffee Roasters
Agora Shopping Center, 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Eldorado, 466-1010
Las Chivas’ genius coffee combos include the iconic Obama Blend.  $


Copa de Oro
Agora Shopping Center, 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Eldorado, 466-8668
Our cup runneth over—with cheesy, spicy Mexican and New Mexican classics.  $$


Embudo Station
Highway 68, Embudo, 852-4707
Magical, starlit dinners on the shores of the Rio Grande.  $$


Las Fuentes Restaurant & Bar
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa, 1297 Bishops Lodge Road, 819-4035
Real ranch food with New Mexico flavor and high-end culinary flair.  $$$


Gabriel’s Restaurant
Highway 84/285 (Exit 176), 455-7000
A lovely, Southwestern food outpost just minutes from the Santa Fe Opera.  $$


Harry’s Roadhouse
96-B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 989-4629
SFR’s 2004 Restaurant of the Year and a constant Best of Santa Fe winner for its unbeatable weekend brunch.  $$


The Hollar
2849 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 471-4821
Have some down-home fixins (cheese grits, fried okra) with your $2.75 pint of the local microbrew.  $$


Java Junction
2855 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 438-2772
The perfect cuppa for an autumn morning in picturesque Madrid.  $


Mama Lisa’s Ghost Town Kitchen and No Pity Café
2859 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 471-5769
Who needs pity when you’ve got Mama Lisa’s heartwarming soups and burgers?  $


The Mine Shaft Tavern
2846 Hwy. 14, Madrid, 473-0743
Cheap beer, live music and great grub make for a perfect introduction to Madrid.  $$


Tesuque Village Market
138 Tesuque Village Road, Tesuque, 988-8848
House-roasted poultry and free-range cattle make for delectable, guilt-free meals.  $$


Pizza Centro
Agora Shopping Center, 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Eldorado, 466-3161
A welcome haven for farther-flung pizza lovers.  $$


Rancho de Chimayó
County Road 98, Chimayó, 984-2100
Scenic hacienda dining features surprisingly affordable favorites.  $$


Real Food Nation
624 Old Las Vegas Hwy., 466-3886
Awe-inspiring variety from the utmost in culinary consciousness.  $$


Red Sage
Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, 30 Buffalo Thunder Trail, 455-5555
A creative spin on fine regional dining.  $$$


San Marcos Café
3877 Hwy. 14, 471-9298
Huge, down-home portions of love in a real ranch setting.  $


Steaksmith at El Gancho
104-B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 988-3333
Tender, perfectly seasoned, highest-quality steaks.  $$$


Terra Restaurant at Encantado
198 State Road 592, 946-5700
Locally sourced, skillfully prepared fine dining.  $$$


Click HERE to view the digital edition of our Restaurant Guide.

Follow these links to continue reading:

Introduction to the Restaurant GuideThe Classics20 Places to Eat Before 2012The 10 Best

Letters to the Editor

Mail letters to PO Box 4910 Santa Fe, NM 87502 or email them to editor[at]sfreporter.com. Letters (no more than 200 words) should refer to specific articles in the Reporter. Letters will be edited for space and clarity.

We also welcome you to follow SFR on social media (on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and comment there. You can also email specific staff members from our contact page.