but after nearly eight decades, Johnnie’s still offers unforgettable tamales and other simple goods. Frankly, it’s way too easy to become a regular customer.
The French Pastry Shop & Creperie La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco St., (505) 983-6697
Hard to believe there’s any tourist who doesn’t stop at this pastry shop at least once. Both sweet and savory crepes are on the menu, plus baguette sandwiches and other French options—intricate pastries included. You’re permitted to hum Le Festin when you’re in there.
Julia, A Spirited Restaurant and Bar La Posada de Santa Fe, 330 E Palace Ave., (505) 954-9670
Geronimo 724 Canyon Road, (505) 982-1500
You’ll note how Geronimo takes pride in the history of the establishment and the location: The building is nearly 250 years old, from the days of old Santa Fe. With a seasonally changing menu, each change offers new opportunities for this highend dining. And yes, please make a reservation.
Strawberry-jalapeño margs, coffeerubbed steak and calamari? Sold!
Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant
Mille 451 W Alameda St., (505) 930-5492
710 Camino Lejo, (505) 984-8900
Part of the Museum Hill complex, you can peruse artifacts and then dine across the courtyard. Live jazz on the weekends, plus Wine Wednesdays? Oh yes. The nachos here rank as some of the best in town, and it’s not overpriced museum fare like you see at the major institutions—looking at you, New York City. Your wallet and stomach will thank you.
An anchor of tiny downtown Burro Alley, check out the classic Mexican dishes.
Manolla Café
Mucho Gusto
New York on Catron
223 Canyon Road, (505) 365-2887
839 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 955-8402
420 Catron St., (505) 982-8900
La Lecheria
Granola, tartines and other tasty options from owner/nutritionist Manon Pierme.
Mexican standards make up the menu here. Ever had a stuffed chicken breast called The Bomb? You can cross that off your bucket list, finally. Sometimes you gotta have a break from the opulent downtown environments and sit down in a homey place for a while.
Long known as one of the best bagel joints in town, check out this East Coast-style deli with a heck of a family story to boot. Its roots stem from a cold Lower East Side basement, but the Schwartzberg family planted their roots in New Mexico, and you’re reaping all the benefits. Breakfast, lunch and other café options make this a must-stop for locals and out-of-towners alike.
101 W Marcy St., (505) 205-1595
Ever craved ice cream flavors like avocado, habanero vanilla, sweet corn or citrus basil? Chef Joel Coleman (of Fire & Hops) takes his unique ice cream combos pretty seriously, and we are thankful for it.
Market Steer Steakhouse Hotel St. Francis, 210 Don Gaspar Ave., (505) 992-6354
Gourmet steaks plus house-crafted sauces. Chef Kathleen Crook knows
Osteria d’Assisi 58 S Federal Place, (505) 986-5858
High-end Italian fare is sometimes just right. It’s hard to find any other place with a 48-hour dough rising process for pizza, and you’ll find fine wines and even a little piano cabaret upstairs.
Holy Spirit Espresso
Palacio Café
225 W San Francisco St., (505) 920-3664
209 E Palace Ave., (505) 989-3505
It’s hard to imagine a time before Holy Spirit Espresso, a grab-andgo classic. Owner Bill Deutsch has become a well-known figure downtown, and you’ll know why after a sip or two: This is quality espresso, without a doubt.
Offering both New Mexican and American classics at great prices, stop by Damian and Maria Muñoz’s newly expanded spot for breakfast or lunch and some of the best chile around.
The Pantry Rio
Izmi Sushi
229 Galisteo St., (505) 989-1919
105 E Marcy St., (505) 424-1311
It might be one of the newer downtown eateries, but it feels like this location of The Pantry has been with us forever. This third spot doesn’t disappoint in the slightest: Now this classic New Mexican establishment is available in every part of town.
For whatever reason, our little high desert oasis isn’t lacking in sushi options. (Thanks, airplanes!) A popular take-out spot, Izmi offers dozens upon dozens of roll options, plus Japanese soups and salads and a killer bento box deal in various formations.
The Pink Adobe
Johnnie’s Cash Store
406 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 983-7712
420 Camino Don Miguel, (505) 982-9506
Coming across this little shop all tucked away in an otherwise residential area might be a surprise,
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Museum Hill Café
New American food in a warm, cozy environment. Also there might be a ghost wandering about—old Julia Staab, who’s been spiritually bouncing around the place since it was her home over a century ago.
31 Burro Alley, (505) 992-0304
ALEX DE VORE
A growing favorite among whitecollar Santa Feans who work downtown, this café provides quality lunch and breakfast options with dang good coffee and house-baked pastries, pies and more.
Inn and Spa at Loretto, 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 984-7915
her stuff, no-question, just reserve ahead for the patio (or COVID-safe bubble tents). It’s also worth noting the drinks here are some of the best in town.
All the rave reviews for this new French bakery and creperie that started in Los Alamos are wellfounded. Try the macarons and French toast—and oh, those cakes.
Henry & the Fish 217 W San Francisco St., (505) 995-1191
Luminaria Restaurant & Patio
APRIL APRIL 6-12, 6-12, 2022 2022 •• SFREPORTER.COM SFREPORTER.COM
NOLA-inspired dishes blended with the local cuisine. This is a stunning place to dine in the evenings, even Mille
