Restaurants
The Shed & La Choza
The Shed – 113½ E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
La Choza – 905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
These sister restaurants are Santa Fe institutions and both serve classic New Mexican cuisine. Locals often debate which one is better, but the truth is you can’t go wrong with either. My personal rule of thumb: at The Shed you get warm garlic bread with your meal, and at La Choza you get fresh sopapillas, perfect for drizzling with honey. Both are known for their outstanding red chile, enchiladas, and traditional Northern New Mexico flavors. The Shed is just off the Plaza and walking distance from LA Posada Hotel. The Shed is tucked into a historic adobe compound dating to around 1692, with a series of colorful rooms and patios that feel quintessentially Santa Fe.
Chicago Dog Express
1372 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507
This little hot dog spot is a Santa Fe hidden gem. They serve Chicago-style, Coney Island, and Santa Fe-style hot dogs, along with excellent chile. They also make classic comfort food like Frito pie and tamale pie. Full disclosure: I worked here in high school, which makes it a particularly fun stop for me whenever I’m back.
Tia Sophia’s
210 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Hands down the best Santa Fe breakfast spot just a few blocks from the Plaza. It’s casual and unpretentious, but locals come here for classic New Mexican dishes like breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, and blue corn pancakes. It’s also often credited as the place where the term “Christmas” (red and green chile together) became popular.
Drinks at The Bull Ring Bar
150 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Bull Ring is a classic Santa Fe steakhouse with a great bar. During the legislative session, it’s common to see legislators, lobbyists, and political insiders gathering here for drinks and conversation. It’s a fun place to soak in a bit of Santa Fe’s political culture.
Kakawa Chocolate House
1050 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Kakawa Chocolate House specializes in historic drinking chocolates inspired by Mesoamerican and European traditions. Their menu includes recipes influenced by Aztec, Mayan, and colonial Spanish chocolate preparations. It’s a cozy stop for a warm drink and handmade chocolates, and their drinking chocolate elixirs are rich and unlike anything you’ll find at a typical chocolate shop.