COVER STORY

Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill

301 Jefferson St., (505) 820-2862 The self-proclaimed “world’s slowest drive-thru” is just as good outside as inside. This is classic, no-nonsense Mexican food (with vegan options mixed in). Go for a simple, flavorpacked taco or a whole chile-rubbed roasted chicken.

The Burger Stand

207 W San Francisco St., (505) 395-8210 Whether Santa Fe’s a true burger town is an argument for another day, but The Burger Stand really makes us think we just might be. A Smoke Burger with Bloody Maria barbecue sauce is the stuff of legend, while the chicken breast Barnyard Bash burger whispers to you in your dreams. Duck-fat fries, red-chile tajin and sweet potato fries are just some options.

The Burrito Company

111 Washington Ave., (505) 982-4453 With four decades of service under its belt, this spot’s classic handheld burritos deliver on-the-go quality. Enchiladas or a calabacitas quesadilla make for a great sit-down meal, too, and you’ll find a multitude of breakfast options.

Café Des Artistes

130 Lincoln Ave. (505) 820-2535 Now that it has cozied up in its new Plaza-adjacent location, check out Café Des Artistes’ lunch fare and specialty coffees. And hey, there’s a big selection of pastries and truffles to go along with it. Also, uh, foie gras or barbecue ribs? Man, the options!

Café Pasqual’s

121 Don Gaspar Ave., (505) 983-9340 Hear us now and thank us later: Put in a reservation. Not only because there’s always a waitlist, but you’ll soon learn it’s well deserved. This is killer New Mexican food with one of the best Mexican hot chocolates around.

Caffe Greco

225 Canyon Road, (505) 820-7996 We can always appreciate some real Greek food in the Fe (we don’t have a whole lot of options), and eating on Canyon Road makes us feel fancy. In short: Gyros, Greek fries, dolmas and more.

Cake’s Corner Café

228 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 989-1904 Not only will the pastries knock you sideways, but community events ranging from Art and Wine Night to tarot card readings provide a little more of that “yeah, my home is sorta weird but what about it!” vibe. Cakes, soups, coffee, etc.

El Callejón

208 Galisteo St., (505) 983-8378 Homey in style yet classy in taco culture, expect things like carne asada or al pastor with a wide variety of wine, beer and sprits.

La Casa Sena

125 E Palace Ave., (505) 988-9232 Tucked away in a historic courtyard, La Casa Sena is known for its nononsense approach to wine (with over 15,000 bottles in its inventory) and a strong emphasis on entertainment. Home also to a revamped Mediterranean menu, plus Club Legato’s jazzy jazz, you’ll have a hard time not enjoying a night at La Casa.

Collected Works Bookstore & Coffee House

202 Galisteo St., (505) 988-4226 Coffee plus books is the elixir of life, as we know. Do they have a locals section? Yeah, they’ve got that with a latte on the side.

The Compound

653 Canyon Road, (505) 982-4353 James Beard Foundation Awardwinning chef Mark Kiffin has the goods: A classic fine dining spot designed by Alexander Girard, a menu filled with wonders like Maine lobster tails, slow braised veal osso buco and seared duck breast. It’s a good sounding sizzle at The Compound.

Coyote Café & Rooftop Cantina

132 W Water St., (505) 983-1615 The rooftop patio provides a popular summertime retreat while the fireplace-filled interior makes for a winter warm-up. Go for upscale dining inside or cantina treats like duck quesadillas, classic nachos and taco plates that won’t leave your wallets thin. So many cocktails, too.

Del Charro Saloon

101 W Alameda St., (505) 954-0320 Shoutout to the place where poor college students and artists can eat quality affordable bar food downtown. Order the house margarita here and receive the shaker, too. Cozy, unpretentious

and with a plethora of options, Del Charro is always on the “where should we eat tonight?” list.

Dumpling Tea & Dim Sum

Desert Dogs Brewery & Cidery Taproom

112 W San Francisco St., Ste. 307, (505) 983-0134 Not only a place with unique brews, but known among the young for events like Hotline B(L)ingo and Geeks Who Drink—plus punk shows! Small but cozy with food options (don’t sleep on their street tacos), Desert Dogs is a newer but hopefully permanent addition to Santa Fe’s growing bar scene.

Door 38 Pizza

38 Burro Alley, (505) 557-0164 Detroit-style pizza—meaning it’s block cheese, deep-dish and sauceon-top—ranging from classic styles to the eclectic. Quick and easy takeout, with a (very) small dining room. But hey, this pizza rocks.

Downtown Subscription

376 Garcia St., (505) 983-3085 A curated magazine rack (and SFR box outside) greets guests when you enter Downtown Subscription. Sure, there’s some snack and pastry options from Tesuque Village Market, but having skilled baristas means coffee here is never lacking.

The Dragon Room

Lounge

406 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 983-7712

Fancy drinks from a shaker or tap (but not too fancy, ya know?) and a reliable happy hour. Part of the Pink Adobe restaurant complex, the Dragon Room bar allows you to peek and gawk at fine diners and also pretend to be one of them.

Dumpling Tea & Dim Sum JOY GODFREY

Plaza Galeria, 66 E San Francisco St., Ste. 10, (646) 945-5000 Self-described as a place serving authentic Chinese food, this is a handmade paradise. Chinese-style dumplings, noodles, soup buns and Dim Sum options await you.

Estevan Restaurante

Hotel Chimayó, 125 Washington Ave., (505) 930-5363 If you’ve ever had a French dish followed by a New Mexican dish and thought it would be nice to smash ‘em together, you’ve got a place at Estevan Restaurante. We call that smash fusion, and here you can get one-of-a-kind options like Iberico Bellota loin chops and duck trapped smoked salmon.

El Farol

808 Canyon Road, (505) 983-9912 One of Santa Fe’s most iconic restaurants and bars comes with twice-a-week flamenco shows. Spanish tapas and to-order steaks make for a true dinner and show. And yes, there’s a daily happy hour and plenty on the bar menu.

La Fiesta Lounge

La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St., (505) 982-5511 One of the many music spots throughout town where you can enjoy a long cocktail menu with both casual and fine dining options. It can get pretty lively some nights, making for a year-round dinner and show option with classic New Mexican dishes.

Fiesta Oaxaca

135 W Palace Ave., Ste. 101, (505) 982-9525 If you’re on a search for real mole, Fiesta Oaxaca’s got your back. Here’s some real Mexican food (as opposed to New Mexican food, remember that) in a casual and colorful atmosphere. You’ll find a multitude of vegan options too, FYI.

Five & Dime General Store

58 E San Francisco St., (505) 992-1800 Known for that famous Frito pie, the old-school-cool Five & Dime has been featured on travel programs more times than we can count and is a must-stop shop for tourists and nostalgic locals alike.

Ecco Espresso & Gelato

128 E Marcy St., (505) 986-9778 Known around town for in-house crafted gelato (try the cantaloupe when it’s available) plus great coffee and lunch options, too. Its minimal interior provides a great environment for meeting up with friends on your downtown strolls and grabbing a wrap or sandwich or something.

La Fogata Grill

Plaza Mercado, 112 W San Francisco St., Ste. 101, (505) 983-7302 Sure, there’s plenty of New Mexican and Latin American bites here—but how many of them have weekend soccer watch parties? You might easily spend longer here than you anticipated, but that’s fine by pretty much everyone. We can vouch for the chile relleno.