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Destinations » North America » United States » New Mexico » Santa Fe » City Guide: Dining

Santa Fe, NM » Dining Restaurants by Area

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The city of Santa Fe sits at a cultural crossroads—a junction between Native Americans, Old World Hispanics and Anglo-Americans. As these cultures interacted through the centuries, a singular brand of cuisine evolved that combined the utilitarian simplicity of Native American food with spicy Hispanic seasonings.

Plaza


The Ore House on the Plaza has served the taste of the Southwest to Santa Fe visitors in a rustic, yet classy style for decades. To get an enhanced taste of what the Native population ate, visitors can try one of the Ore House's wild game dishes of quail, elk or venison. The New Mexico State Capitol sprawls a few blocks off the Plaza and lawmakers make a habit of congregating and discussing state politics at the aptly-named Bull Ring, where you can still find a delicious Southwestern combination plate. The restaurant's increasing popularity prompted a move a few years ago to the other side of the Plaza to more spacious quarters. Just east of the Plaza, in a small courtyard hides The Shed, where massive burritos bathe in a tasty green chile sauce.

Classically trained chefs from the east and west moved to Santa Fe, opening restaurants like the Coyote Cafe and Anasazi Restaurant.

One of the oldest fine dining establishments in Santa Fe is the The Pink Adobe, where locals and tourists have enjoyed gourmet meals like Poulet Marengo since 1944. La Casa Sena hides in a mesquite-shaded courtyard, just off Palace Avenue. One of the best kept secrets in Santa Fe is an ancient adobe hacienda that touts itself as the oldest bar and restaurant in the city. Considering the fact that Santa Fe is over 400 years old, this is a pretty bold claim, but there is no question that El Farol is one of the favorite places among locals to go for food, drink and music. While the sidewalks of Santa Fe may empty after dark when the shopkeepers go home, there is always someplace to go. Most hotel bars remain quiet during the week, but liven up on weekends. A block south of the Plaza is Catamount Bar & Grille, where solid blues flow as fast as the beer on tap.

Greater Santa Fe

Maria's New Mexican Kitchen serves traditional Mexican meals in a comfortable setting, while India House offers delicious Tandoori classics. Their lunch buffet is popular among locals. Pizzeria Espiritu has large murals on its walls, and is a good place to grab a quick bite. The atmosphere at Counter Culture is diner-esque, with an accessible menu of American classics. Sweet treats can be found at Chocolate Maven Bakery and Cafe, which also serves light lunch items like salads and grilled sandwiches. Mu Du Noodles specializes in Asian fare of all kinds, from Chinese to Malaysian.

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