Eat, Drink and Be Merry

That's my own Green Chile Stew, which is quite tasty in the middle of a cold winter. I've been thinking about places out of town guests might like to eat while they're in Santa Fe for the wedding. While some of them will be familiar with traditional New Mexican cooking, for others, it might be something new and exotic. So, this post my be an ever-growing list of places to eat, drink and be merry in Santa Fe. 

My favorite New Mexican places in order are:

La Choza and The Shed. They are owned by the same family and provide a hearty meal on a cold winter's day. I will generally only eat red chile at my mother's but I eat the red chile at both places. There is usually a wait at the Shed which is downtown in Sena Plaza and La Choza is in the Railyard District and often has a wait, especially during a busy workday. Advantage to La Choza is that there is parking aplenty, but the Shed is within walking distance from the Plaza and for those staying in downtown hotels. 

Tia Sofia's is a wonderful place for breakfast. It has been in its location for many, many years, on San Francisco Street, right across from the Lensic theatre.  Lunch is also great there too. It's not open for dinner. There is the Atrisco Cafe at the De Vargas Center and Tomasitas, in the railyard where you can enjoy dinner. They're all run by members of the same family. Now... expect to wait at both Tias and Tomasitas. I do not like Tomasitas and don't 

eat there often. Atmosphere is great but I don't like the food. 

Plaza Cafe right on the west side of the Plaza is excellent choice for breakfast and lunch. It also has a southside location. 

If you're not a Starbucks fan and prefer local coffee shops, there is Java Joe's, Ohori's, Cafe Dominic, Santa Fe Baking Company and probably others. For bagels, there is Bagel Mania and New York Deli.  

French Food has made its mark in Santa Fe. Cafe Paris, Claufoutis and of course the French Pastry Shop. It's located in La Fonda Hotel. Coffee and snack shop. Homemade French pastries, cakes and bread, 505-983-6697

American Food choices are many. Downtown, there is the San Francisco Bar and Grill. 

The Ore House, located on the Plaza, just up the stairs and above the Plaza Cafe. Blue Corn Cafe, is located close by and there is another location on the south side of town. 

Rio Chama.The Steaksmith, and The Bull Ring for steaks. 

Of course, there are chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Panda Express, Applebee's, IHOP, Village Inn, Red Lobster, Outback. For the most part they are on the Southside of town and you'd need a car to get there. There are plenty of local favorites that you can get your fix without making a long drive across town to eat at a chain restaurant, unless that's what you want. There is nothing like the old standby tried-but-true-joints. 

There are breweries in town as well. Some provide entertainment. I'll add more info later. Perhaps other locals who read this post can add their suggestions in comments. 


And now I'm hungry. Maybe it's time for a midnight snack.