Best of Santa Fe—Food & Drink - Santa Fe Reporter

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Best Artisan Chocolate

It’s not a shock Kakawa continues to dominate the chocolatiering world in Santa Fe. Its truffles are the stuff of legend, its caramels bring the strictest dieters to their knees. Since 2007, it’s been offering styles like raspberry hazelnut or wilder options like goat cheese and sage. Owner Tony Bennett tells SFR: “We’re very appreciative to win. It’s always an honor, and especially this year throughout the pandemic. You helped us keep our employees employed.”

1050 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 982-0388; 1300 Rufina Circle, Ste. A4, (505) 930-5460

Where the serious piñonheads go. Señor Murphy’s offers specialties ranging from piñon rolls, brittle and tortugas to jellies, caramel corns and chile chocolates, providing the best bite for your chocolate fantasies.

177 Paseo de Peralta, Ste. A, (505) 780-5179; 100 E San Francisco St., (505) 982-0461; 4250 Cerrillos Road, (505) 467-8590; 30 Buffalo Thunder Trail, (505) 819-2151

How does tequila lime caramel sound? Or petite mimosa, or white chocolate lemon lavender bark? Yes indeed, such epicurean delights are available at The ChocolateSmith, where the offerings are also plain, dipped or smothered.

851 Cerrillos Road, Ste. A, (505) 473-2111

Best Asian Restaurant

Jinja has always had that reliability without feeling corporate. Locals dig Jinja’s Eastern options, with food and drink choices ranging from Japanese to Vietnamese and even Polynesian. Stick with classic, beaten-path entrees like teriyaki or get into slightly more “daring” options like rice paper salmon.

510 N Guadalupe St., (505) 982-4321

Since early 2015, Paper Dosa has been the cream of the crop when it comes to South Indian cuisine. Bombay sliders, white truffle masala dosas and a seasonal vegetable curry round out some of the favorites.

551 W Cordova Road, (505) 930-5521

Where the locals go for their needed Japanese flair. When this restaurant says the food is fresh, they aren’t kidding (some is even grown across the street). Also, dozens upon dozens of sake choices.

21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, (505) 982-9304

Best Bakery

It takes a while to figure out exactly where Chocolate Maven is (it doesn’t intend to stand out like an attention-seeker), but the world is brighter after even a small sampling of its baked goods. Cakes, pies, cookies and breads make beautiful sight, like the carb gods have sprinkled a little treat on Earth for us in between all our other nonsense. Bake on, Maven. Bake on.

821 W San Mateo Road, (505) 984-1980

Where the croissant and baguette gods roost, Clafoutis is a pinnacle in the Santa Fe baked goods world—caramelized fruit crepes of the day? A shiver of joy just went down our collective spine. So very French, you’ll be dreaming of Versailles and pitchforks.

333 W Cordova Road, (505) 988-1809

Artisan bread is perhaps the great pleasure of life, and the no-nonsense approach of Sage Bakehouse means products like rosemary, pecan-raisin and challah loaves nourish your soul. Heroes make good bread.

535 Cerrillos Road, (505) 820-7243

Despite being between a bunch of suburban food chains and not having that normal barbecue-joint vibe, it might surprise you how real the barbecue tastes here (barbecue fans know whatwe mean). Many have tried and failed to master the culinary techniques of the smoker, but owner Josh Baum has put together an impressive team that can make barbecue feel both upscale and down to earth.

2571 Cristo’s Road, (505) 424-8900

Santa Fe without The Cowgirl would be a nightmare come to life. Thankfully, we’ve got a place for yak burgers in town, one of the town’s few pool halls and a patio with daily live music. A two-hour mesquite-smoked sliced beef brisket?! Yes, please.

319 S Guadalupe St., (505) 982-2565

With 46 awards for barbecue under its belt, Whole Hog’s past 15 years of praise are well-earned. Find six options of sauces with some insane classic smoked meat choices.

320 S Guadalupe St., (505) 474-3375

Best Breakfast

Hey, have you heard of this hip new place called The Pantry? Since 1948, it’s been the spot where tourists and locals mingle in harmony. In some cases, The Pantry feels as old as Santa Fe itself—sometimes it seems older. Blissful breakfast sandwiches, five omelet options, steaks and stuffed French toast. The weekends are packed for a reason.

1820 Cerrillos Road, (505) 986-0022

If the weekend crowds are any indication, Clafoutis’ breakfast game isn’t here to play. Les omelets, les croques and les crepes—when the articles are in French, you know there’s some flair.

333 W Cordova Road, (505) 988-1809

This is the place that coined the term “Christmas” when it comes to our red and green indecision, so it’s already got a place in Santa Fe legend. Tia Sophia’s breakfast offerings are classic and necessary for anyone calling themselves Santa Fean.

210 W San Francisco St., (505) 983-9880

Santa Fe Bite | Joy Godfrey

Best Burger

It was traumatic when Santa Fe Bite announced it was closing up shop at its downtown location a few years back. But rest assured, that new location on St. Mike’s you’ve been meaning to check out has the same outta-this-world burgers and cute dinosaur figurines in random places throughout. Seems no matter where they go next, the folks at Santa Fe Bite just can’t stop giving us incredible burgers.

1616 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 428-0328

When it’s not ten million degrees outside, Shake Foundation’s outdoor seating arrangement is an ideal summer getaway with an urban vibe that makes us feel, dare we say it, hip? Come for the shoestring fries, stay for the adobe mud shakes.

631 Cerrillos Road, (505) 988-8992

Santa Fe’s favorite “it’s OK to eat here even though we just had it three days ago” place, Blake’s breakfast burritos have kept us fed through the most challenging mornings and the burgers through our best and worst first dates. Whoever Blake is, we salute you.

Multiple locations in Santa Fe

If anyone knows how in the heck we got blessed with Chef Obo coming to Santa Fe, let us know. Born on the island of Lamu off the northern coast of Kenya, Obo’s brought that Kenyan perspective to us via Jambo Café—a Cerrillos joint (and its roving food truck) always packed to the brim. Starting as a dishwasher when he first came to America in the mid-’90s, Obo now offers the Land of Enchantment a chance to try out African and Caribbean foods.

2010 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-1269

Man, Ríos, what can we say? When a human gives us both Restaurant Martín and Santa Fe Build-a-Bowl (which we’re eagerly awaiting for some kind of return, someday), it’d be insane if he didn’t make it on the list. Martin, we’re so grateful for you and your food.

526 Galisteo St., (505) 820-0919

If you’ve met anyone who can cook beef with more skill than Kathleen Crook, you’re either lying or astronomically lucky. Originally from Artesia, New Mexico, she became a rodeo champion before blessing us with her steaks.

210 Don Gaspar Ave., 992-6354

Best Cocktails

The Cantina is a wonderful place to get a drink and watch all the tourists in their flip-flops and fanny packs mull about aimlessly confused on Water Street below. Mixology is art at Coyote, and if you aren’t leaving a little bit wobbly, then you’re probably just pretending. The drinks are really good here, my friends.

132 W Water St., (505) 983-1615

We’ve all got Del Charro stories that we need not be ashamed of. Funny things happen on the cocktail train here, but none have to do with quality, only our own behavior. Drinks here are quick, good and never break the bank.

101 W Alameda St., (505) 954-0320

Where we go for a little bit of that alcohol-induced sway, but there’s white tablecloths so we feel a bit classier. Higher-end wines and bourbons make for a more formal night, but hey, we all need to feel fancy now and again as the world collapses around us.

505 Cerrillos Road, (505) 930-5325

Best Coffee

These folks are rulers of dark roast in our little New Mexican outpost that is Santa Fe. Ohori’s blends, roasts and sells beans from South America, Indonesia, Africa and beyond, plus lighter roasts, too. Get an easy drive-through experience at the Pen Road location, or find the tucked-away oasis in the Luna Center—either way, the brew’s gonna rock.

505 Cerrillos Road, Ste. 103, (505) 982-9692; 1098 ½ S Saint Francis Dr. (at Pen Road), (505) 982-9692

Where the hipsters roam, Iconik is the place to be seen working on that grand script of yours. But it’s also a cornerstone of where you meet up with old friends and come to people-watch.

314 S Guadalupe St., (505) 428-0996; 1600 Lena St., (505) 428-0996; 202 Galisteo St., (505) 988-4226

What makes Java Joe’s work so well might be the simplicity in its presentation. Concrete floors, metal chairs and plain ol’ coffee and pastries. It does its job, never falling into pretentiousness nor complex options. Simplicity here is key—and Santa Fe loves it.

2801 Rodeo Road, (505) 474-5282; 1248 Siler Road, (505) 930-5763

Best Dessert

The options here might be a bit overwhelming for the uninitiated—and even the familiar. But heck, that’s part of the fun. Does a croissant bread pudding sound joyful? Does a mocha mousse petit four grande bring a leap to your soul? Welcome (back) to Chocolate Maven, where sweetness rules.

821 W San Mateo Road, Ste. C, (505) 984-1980

The classic and French-inspired options lining Clafoutis’ baked goods display are more than justified in going a little crazy over. Go for it, grab those eclairs and don’t ever look back. Life is too short to go without.

333 W Cordova Road, (505) 988-1809

If there were ever a place where having dessert feels mandatory, it’s Harry’s Roadhouse. Finish off your meals with a homemade ice cream sandwich, lemon meringue pie—or, heck, take home a whole pie. You deserve it.

96 B Old Las Vegas Hwy., (505) 989-4629

Best Fermented Food and Drink

Did you know it’s Rowley and not Rowley’s? No matter your egregious mistake, your body will thank you for tossing in some mixed culture fermentation ales. In the ever-expanding world of homestyle breweries, Rowley is a home run for ale lovers, and those who like a little European twist on their drinks of choice.

1405 Maclovia St., (505) 428-0719

For those not on the pickling scene, Barrio’s options may seem a bit odd. Classic pickles, sure—but garlic pickles? Pickled dilly beans? Pickling in salt brine rather than vinegar, as Barrio does, means results. Big results.

1413 B W Alameda St., (505) 699-9812

Hard kombucha. Who knew it was even a thing? Founded by Ayla Bystrom-Williams and James Hill, HoneyMoon Brewery prides itself as the first hard kombucha brewery in the Southwest. Good for your mood, and even better for your gut health.

907 W Alameda St., Unit B, (505) 303-3139

Best Fine Dining

A fine dining service held in a home over two centuries old (built in 1756) is part of the charm of Geronimo—in addition to the food, of course. If elk tenderloin with roasted garlic fork-mashed potatoes, applewood-smoked bacon and creamy brandied mushroom sauce don’t sound appealing, and nor does 72-hour sous vide beef short ribs, how are we supposed to help you?

724 Canyon Road, (505) 982-1500

The Bull Ring is far more calm than the name suggests—since 1971, petit filet and New York strips have been king here. A full bar menu is a nice feature, too, for those who need to watch the wallet but still need to feel a little high-class.

150 Washington Ave., (505) 983-3328

Chef Mark Kiffin has managed The Compound for over 20 years now. It’s perfect for the power lunch or when you’re feeling the need to treat yourself to a lobster salad or chicken schnitzel, this choice sure is fine.

653 Canyon Road, (505) 982-4353

Best Food Truck/Cart/Stand

Santa Fe’s obsession with Ahmed Obo’s restaurant meant he had to take to the streets—perfect for those not yet at the point of indoor dining. As of presstime, Jambo Hapa was still grounded due to the pandemic.

2010 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-1269

It’s hard to describe how alarmingly good El Chile Toreado is—we’ve been to heaven and back with its al pastor and adobada burritos. We don’t deserve something so good and affordable, but we must’ve done something right at some point. We’re not worthy.

807 Early St., (505) 500-0033

Can you get great tacos that aren’t from a food truck these days? At the very least, a food truck like Fusion Tacos is a sure bet, even for those wanting to venture outside of tacos—salads, fish and smoothies give you more than a few options here.

5984 Airport Road, (505) 501-3677

Jambo Café | Joy Godfrey

Best International Cuisine

How do cinnamon-dusted plantains sound? If not, maybe curry-encrusted pistachio goat cheese is more your speed? Venture into a Lamu coconut pili pili shrimp or a North African spiced lamb burger, and finish it off with a coconut cardamom flan. Chef Ahmed Obo and crew offer dozens of offerings that’ve become a high point in Santa Fe dining.

2010 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-1269

Bringing the best of South Indian cuisine to our little corner of New Mexico, owner and chef Paulraj Karuppasamy and co-owner Nellie Tischler have taught us the importance of having rolling gunpowder dosas and rasam in any community. It makes us a little kinder, doesn’t it?

551 W Cordova Road, (505) 930-5521

A one-size-fits-all Asian and Pacific Island restaurant, Jinja’s offerings range from tempura to pad Thai and then to Mongolian beef. There’s an option here for all people, even the Asian-food skeptical (if you weirdos actually exist).

510 N Guadalupe St., (505) 982-4321

Best Italian Restaurant

You really can’t beat Piccolino, from its checkerboard table coverings to the massive servings from its equally massive menu. Many Santa Feans have gleefully slept off a pasta-induced food coma, perhaps spending their quarantine with a fridge filled with trays of chicken alfredo and baked ziti. Listen, we get it. It was a rough time.

2890 Agua Fria St., (505) 471-1480

If you’re looking for a higher-end Italian experience closer to the city center, Andiamo! is here for you. It’s where locally sourced ingredients with some authentic Italian imports make for a memorable dish—come for the pasta, stay for the wine (and there’s a lot of wine).

322 Garfield St., (505) 995-9595

Gourmet pizza, risotto with diced lobster tail, duck breast in orange cognac sauce—it’s like being in Milan, minus the street hawkers. A cabaret piano lounge with rotating musicians tops it off.

58 S Federal Place, (505) 986-5858

Best Locally Brewed Beer

Well, obviously Santa Fe Brewing makes it here. You see those cans and shirts anywhere you go, and with good reason—the beer is good! The new three-story HQ building gives you proper elbow room indoors and more than enough distancing space outdoors. And when you’re drinking that Happy Camper IPA and the fire pit is blazing in winter? Pure bliss. Whether on the northside, the southside or Eldorado, there’s Santa Fe Brewing Co. to welcome you home.

35 Fire Place, (505) 424-3333; 510 Galisteo St., (505) 780-8648; 7 Caliente Road, Eldorado, (505) 466-6938

One of the best beer-patio joints in town, Second Street Brewery’s got an insane amount on tap. It’s hard not to picture at least one summer evening on any of its three patios, drink in hand. We missed you, old friend.

1814 Second St., (505) 982-3030; 1607 Paseo de Peralta, Ste. 10, (505) 989-3278; 2920 Rufina St., (505) 954-1068

If you think beer is just better when it’s fermented in old wooden barrels, welcome once again to Rowley—and dang, does it make a difference. There’s some actual chemists at work here, too, so you can trust they know what they’re doing.

1405 Maclovia St., (505) 428-0719

Best Local Distillery

Founded by Colin Keegan in 2010, spirits from Scotch-style whiskey, apple brandy and Wheeler’s Gin are local classics. Tasting room general manager Weston Simons explains: “We’re always excited when we win local awards because everything here’s sourced locally. Our Western Dry Gin is made from five locally sourced botanicals—white desert sage, local juniper and more.” Such drinks include a classic Manhattan, prickly pear vodka soda or apple brandy and elderflower soda.

7505 Mallard Way, (505) 467-8892; 308 Read St., (505) 780-5906

“We make all of our spirits by hand. We’re gluttons for punishment,” say the folks at Tumbleroot on the distillery’s website. “We tend to do everything the hard way.” And are we not thankful for their gluttony? That killer Reposado Agave spirit—whew. Well done.

32 Bisbee Court, (505) 393-5135; 2791 Agua Fria St., (505) 393-5135

You can find spirits from these friends in Placitas at Whole Foods, La Reina at the El Rey Inn and more—all made from the heart and with the hands.

Placitas, (505) 203-1857

Best Margaritas

If you’ve never had a red chile-rimmed margarita before, for the love of God please give it a try at La Choza. We know the food is incredible, but when you’ve got the option of building your own margarita, you can safely have no clue what you’re doing and still have a good marg. La Choza is one of those places where a second glass is just assumed.

905 Alarid St., (505) 982-0909

While the options for margs are far more limited at Tomasita’s, it gives relief that one doesn’t have to be too choosy. As a Santa Fe staple, Tomasita’s margarita pairings make for a just about perfect evening out to watch tipsy tourists.

500 S Guadalupe St., (505) 983-5721

Listen—your Maria’s stories are safe with us. The options here are so numerous that one may find it overwhelming, but how can you not be inspired by the 150 concoctions on the menu? You’re never sorry you went to Maria’s. It’s not possible.

555 W Cordova Road, (505) 983-7929

Best New Mexican Restaurant

1. La Choza Restaurant

One of the few restaurants where the wait time is well worth it in the end, La Choza is often one of the first places we recommend to out-of-towners and for our reunions with old friends. The blue corn enchiladas are so good some regions may consider them criminal. The atmosphere is always jovial and, perhaps most importantly, the restaurant does not skimp on stuffing the burritos and sopaipillas.

905 Alarid St., (505) 982-0909

2. Tomasita’s

Smack dab in the Railyard sits that restaurant that always seems to be featured on the Travel Channel. It’s for a good reason—the food behind that famous brick facade is a cornerstone of the foodie experience in Santa Fe.

500 S Guadalupe St., (505) 983-5721

3. The Shed

Veterans of downtown’s hospitality industry know this is the default recommendation for car-less tourists, because its proximity, affordability and aesthetic make for a holy trinity of “you guys have to try this.”

113 1/2 E Palace Ave., (505) 982-9030

Best New Mexico Winery

If you’ve not seen the familiar label of Gruet’s wines around town, odds are you’ve tasted it without knowing—and it rocked. Gruet is led by winemakers Cyril Tanazacq (who’s actually from France and uses French methods) and Carrie Gurule, whose self-proclaimed favorite thing to do is “make new yeast babies and watch them grow.”

210 Don Gaspar Ave., 989-9463

It’s a little ways out of town, but woe unto anyone who doesn’t find Black Mesa the most charming little getaway. Wine, hard cider, live music and the occasional yoga class to pair with your favorite glasses? We think yes.

1502 Hwy. 68, Velarde, (505) 852-2820

It just doesn’t feel right if you’re not going to the middle of the countryside for a glass of wine amidst a sprawling vineyard. A staple of northern New Mexico wine, Vivac also hosts karaoke nights and grape-picking parties. It’s farming, but without the commitment.

2075 Hwy. 68, Dixon, (505) 579-4441

Harry's Roadhouse | SFR File Photo

Best Patio

All of Harry’s is wonderful, but the patio is kind of like being transported through some portal to a place less brown. The mood is always lively, the food is always kicking butt (of course—it’s Harry’s Roadhouse, after all) and in the evening when the patio lights come on and the skies turn to that sunset orange? Ah.

96 B Old Las Vegas Hwy., (505) 989-4629

Is it Rainforest Café, or is it La Casa Sena’s glorious patio? No mechanical tigers here, but good food on a very, very green central area they call Sena Plaza. It always feels like springtime out there, and as the planet burns, this patio helps us remain calm.

125 E Palace Ave., Ste 20, (505) 988-9232

Our pretend version of a skyscraper, the Bell Tower at La Fonda is a Santa Fe landmark that’ll make you feel on top of the world (if you squint and don’t look at the mountains). Heck of a view, heck of a margarita.

100 E San Francisco St., (505) 982-5511

Best Pizza

Il Vicino’s owners (Greg Atkin, Rick Post and Tom White) refer to their restaurant as casually upscale. It feels so unique to our town that it’s surprising to discover Il Vicino is a chain throughout New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. But heck, let’s just claim it for ourselves. Build your own or try one of their fancy options—this is a place to experiment with your pizza without judgement.

321 W San Francisco St., (505) 986-8700

It’s the vibes here, man. Back Road just feels good to be at, even if it’s only on the patio these days due to pesky global pandemics. Plus, they won’t judge you for your weird topping choices. At least not out loud.

1807 Second St., Ste. 1, (505) 955-9055

Where else can you go where pine nuts are an option for a topping? That’s Upper Crust for you—the local-driven pizza place that happens to also be in our tourist-heavy downtown. No nonsense, no fuss—Upper Crust never misses.

329 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-0000; 5 Colina Drive, Eldorado, (505) 471-1111

Best Steak

It’s been confidently serving the best steaks in Santa Fe since 1971, and the masses seem to agree. The steak game is serious, even sacred to so many chefs and connoisseurs. Owner Harry Georgeades has kept standards high since his purchase in 1995, ensuring all beef is hand-cut daily, USDA Prime and from corn-fed sources, all with the watchful eye of executive chef Socorro Balcorta.

150 Washington Ave., (505) 983-3328

It may be served on white tablecloths, but the Market Steer Steakhouse has a down-to-earth vibe with its slabs of meat—and it’s all Prime, from the porterhouse to the New York strip. Feeling a 7-oz or a 24-oz? You got steak choices here, not to mention sauce flights. Get crazy.

210 Don Gaspar Ave., (505) 992-6354

Whether your meat-loving preferences lean toward a classic New York strip or petit filet mignon with lobster tail, you will be well cared for at Rio Chama, where ribeye dreams and flat iron fantasies are abundant.

414 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 955-0765

Best Takeout

This place is almost too good, and we definitely do not deserve the goodness—but whatever, we’ll take it. If there were a category of “cutest burrito place decorated with bumblebees,” it would probably top out on that one too. Every mid-sized city has (or deserves) a place like Bumble Bee’s: insanely consistent and of great quality. We love the chicken and goat cheese burrito.

301 Jefferson St., (505) 820-2862

Again and again and again, Jambo holds its own on this list. There’s clearly a lot of love for this place in Santa Fe, one not to take lightly—as a takeout champ, Chef Obo assures us we can enjoy Jambo pretty much anywhere.

2010 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-1269

It’s a blessing for the Southside that Pantry Dos exists, meaning we don’t have to navigate Cerrillos Road every single time we’re thinking about the Pantry’s many offerings. Near, far, wherever you are, the Pantry goes on and on and on.

20 White Feather, (505) 365-2859

The Teahouse

Your first time at The Teahouse is supposed to be overwhelming, folks. That menu is so kickass, when you start really doing a deep dive—the latte teas are the best in town (especially since they have more than just a London Fog, like most places), the flowering teas are spectacular to witness and to drink, and the flavored green teas are off the charts. The tea is serious here—and pretty amazing.

821 Canyon Road, (505) 992-0972

Where high tea rules, and everyone goes for their best Maggie Smith impression and discusses the futility of labor movements—tea at Maven is like cosplaying fun. Black, herbal, you name it—you really can get the vibe going with your Earl Grey here.

821 W San Mateo Road, (505) 984-1980

In its fancy new digs, Opuntia looks out over the Railyard like some high-end European royals looking down at us plebs. Rest assured, you can venture in and try teas like pineapple coconut or the frighteningly named Iron Goddess of Mercy—also, there are lots of plants.

1607 Alcaldesa St., (505) 780-5796

Best Vegetarian

Any vegetarian knows navigating a restaurant menu is sometimes a trying experience, but the ease at which one can find dishes suiting vegetarians here rocks. Vegetarian breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros are staples, and the Buddha Bowl sounds outta this world. Sauteed kale with nori seaweed in a ginger garlic sauce? Oof, yes. Whether dinner, brunch or dessert, Sweetwater holds out its hands for all non-meat eaters and says with a smile, “Come with me.”

1512 Pacheco St., Bldg. B, (505) 795-7383

Perhaps Paper Dosa keeps making the “Best of” lists because it caters to all kinds of people, meat lovers and meat avoiders alike. But if you don’t trust us, let the meatless food here do the talking—this is real deal South Indian cuisine.

551 W Cordova Road, (505) 930-5521

Options for vegetarians are abundant at Jambo. From the East African coconut lentil stew to the jerk organic tofu sandwich, there are actual choices at Jambo. Plant-eaters, you’ve got a home here. Please proceed with joy.

2010 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-1269

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