Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Fe, NM

I’ve explored many flavors in Santa Fe. The Mexican food here is fantastic! Trust me, you’re in for a treat.

So, what are the best Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe, NM? You’ll find vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. Each spot has its special dishes that reflect the rich culture of Mexico. Eating here is a joy.

I can’t wait to share my favorites! You’ll discover delicious meals, cozy atmospheres, and unique experiences. Let’s dive into the heart of Santa Fe’s Mexican dining scene!

Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Santa Fe, NM

1. The Shed
2. La Choza Restaurant
3. La Plazuela At La Fonda
4. Tia Sophia’s
5. Tomasita’s
6. The Pantry
7. Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina
8. El Callejón Taqueria & Grill
9. Del Charro
10. Cafe Pasqual’s

1. The Shed

The Shed is one of my all-time favorites in Santa Fe. This place has so much history! It’s in a charming hacienda from 1692. I love that you can sit inside or outside. The vibe is cozy and inviting.

When I walked in, I felt right at home. The staff greeted me with smiles. It made the experience even better! Their food is the real deal. Everything tastes fresh and authentic.

You can’t miss the red chile enchiladas! They are rich and packed with flavor. Pair them with a refreshing margarita. Trust me, it’s a perfect match. The Shed is a must-visit for anyone who loves great Mexican food.

2. La Choza Restaurant

La Choza is such a fun, cozy place! The colorful decor makes it inviting. Perfect for casual dining. They have curbside pickup, delivery, and you can sit inside or outside. Their menu has all the classics, and great vegetarian options too.

I remember the first time I went. The warm vibe and friendly staff made me feel so welcome. The decor is bright and cheerful. It’s a spot I always look forward to visiting.

You’ve got to try their carne adovada! The tender pork in red chile sauce is incredible. Every bite is bursting with flavor. For vegetarians, the chile rellenos are a must. La Choza truly captures the essence of Santa Fe. It’s a must-visit for bold, authentic flavors.

3. La Plazuela At La Fonda

La Plazuela at La Fonda is truly beautiful. It feels like a lovely garden inside. This restaurant is part of the famous La Fonda Hotel. They serve really nice New Mexican dishes. You can eat inside or enjoy the outdoor seating. It’s a delightful place!

During my last visit, I was amazed. The vibe is elegant and relaxed. The staff treated me so well. It made the evening feel special and memorable.

For a must-try, go for the green chile stew! It’s hearty and full of flavor. Each spoonful is like a warm hug. If you want something with a kick, try the carne asada. La Plazuela offers a wonderful dining experience that I can’t recommend enough!

4. Tia Sophia’s

Tia Sophia’s feels like a warm hug. It’s small, simple, and welcoming. They serve food that’s filling and tasty. It’s a spot you’ll remember.

I walked in and instantly felt at ease. The staff? Super friendly. The smell of spicy chile hit me right away. It made my mouth water.

Their breakfast burrito is a must-try. It’s huge and packed with goodness. The green chile? Wow—spicy, but not overwhelming. Their huevos rancheros? Classic and satisfying.

Tia Sophia’s is more than food; it’s an experience. It’s casual and unpretentious. Perfect for a quick bite or lingering breakfast. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

5. Tomasita’s

Alright, let’s dive into Tomasita’s. It’s this super lively spot on S Guadalupe Street. Imagine walking in and just feeling the energy. The staff are super friendly and the smell of fresh tortillas and chile hits you right away.

What makes Tomasita’s so special? It’s the local ingredients and traditional recipes. I tried the green chile enchiladas, and wow. Spicy, flavorful, and just perfect. And don’t even get me started on the sopapillas. Light and fluffy, a great way to end the meal.

For a true taste of Santa Fe, go for the blue corn enchiladas. They’re amazing and really show off Tomasita’s style. Every bite is a delight. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

6. The Pantry

Oh, The Pantry is just great! You know, it’s one of those places that you always go back to. It’s on Cerrillos Road, a real bustling spot. The vibe there? Super cozy and friendly. Locals and tourists, all mixed in, enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere. It just feels like home.

What really makes it stand out? Consistency! Every single dish is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet, without skimping on quality. They’ve got you covered whether you want delivery, takeout, or just to sit indoors or outdoors. And guess what? It’s wheelchair accessible too!

So, let me tell you about my favorite dish. I had their chile relleno breakfast platter. The chiles were roasted just right, stuffed with gooey cheese, and topped with their amazing red or green chile sauce. It was the perfect hearty start to my day. Oh, and the pancakes? Fluffy and just divine!

For anyone in Santa Fe, whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, The Pantry is a must. It’s all about comfort and authentic New Mexican flavors. Simple, delicious, and unforgettable!

7. Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina

So, there’s this place called Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina at 132 W Water St, Santa Fe. It’s got this cool mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe is relaxed but classy. They have a rooftop bar with killer views.

I went there once. I had the blue corn crusted chicken breast. Man, it was amazing! The chicken was so tender. The crispy crust and the green chile sauce? Perfect match. I couldn’t get enough.

Coyote Cafe shines because they use fresh, local stuff. Their take on Southwestern food is top-notch. And the dishes? They look just as good as they taste.

If you go, try the smoked pork belly tacos. The smoky pork with tangy pickled onions and creamy avocado is a flavor party. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

8. El Callejón Taqueria & Grill

Let me tell you about El Callejón Taqueria & Grill at 208 Galisteo St. This place is such a cozy find! The indoor and outdoor seating gives it a relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for a casual meal. They serve up real Mexican favorites like tacos, mole, and fajitas.

When I visited, I was blown away. The mole enchiladas were just out of this world! The sauce was rich and bursting with flavor. Every bite felt special. The staff treated me so well, like I was part of the family.

What really stands out about El Callejón is their focus on authentic flavors. You can taste the quality in every dish. It’s just comforting and delicious.

If you stop by, do yourself a favor and order the tacos al pastor. The juicy pork mixed with a bit of sweet pineapple is delicious! On top of that, the homemade tortillas are a must. Trust me, you’ll want to come back again and again!

9. Del Charro

Del Charro is such a fun spot! Located at 101 W Alameda St, it has this cool rustic, Western vibe. You can sit inside or outside, which is great. The whole place feels welcoming and cozy.

I remember my first time there. The margaritas caught my attention right away. I went for their signature margarita. It was so crisp and refreshing! Then I tried the enchiladas, and wow—so flavorful and hearty! And the nachos? They were just pure joy on a plate.

What makes Del Charro stand out? It’s the awesome atmosphere and really friendly staff. If you go, definitely order the green chile cheeseburger. It’s smoky, spicy, and super satisfying. You won’t regret it!

10. Cafe Pasqual’s

Cafe Pasqual’s, located at 121 Don Gaspar Ave in Santa Fe, is a true treasure. The menu? Amazing. The historic adobe setting? Charming. You can sit inside or outside, each option offering its own unique vibe.

What makes it special? Local and organic ingredients. They really care about quality. Reservations are a good idea, but you can also get takeout if you’re on the go.

For breakfast, their huevos rancheros are a must. For something heartier, try the mole enchiladas or chile relleno. Each bite is a little piece of heaven.

So, if you’re in Santa Fe, don’t miss it. It’s a place that feels like home, but with way better food.

Map of Mexican Restaurants in Santa Fe, NM

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant	Price	Seating	Takeout	Delivery	Wheelchair	Reservation
The Shed	Moderate	Yes	No	No	Accessible	Yes
La Choza Restaurant	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	–
La Plazuela At La Fonda	Expensive	Yes	Yes	No	Accessible	Yes
Tia Sophia’s	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
Tomasita’s	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
The Pantry	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina	Moderate	Yes	Yes	No	Accessible	Yes
El Callejón Taqueria & Grill	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	–
Del Charro	Moderate	Yes	Yes	No	Accessible	–
Cafe Pasqual’s	Moderate	Yes	Yes	No	–	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some great Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe?
You’ve got to check out The Shed, La Choza, and Cafe Pasqual’s! They all serve up super tasty, authentic dishes that really showcase New Mexican flavors.

2. Should I make a reservation?
It depends on where you go. Popular spots like Cafe Pasqual’s can get busy, so I’d recommend calling ahead. It always feels good to have a table ready for you!

3. Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Definitely! Many places, like La Choza, have delicious vegetarian and even vegan dishes. You’ll find things like veggie burritos and fresh salads.

4. Can I eat gluten-free at these restaurants?
Absolutely! Lots of restaurants cater to gluten-free diets. Just ask your server for suggestions on what they can make gluten-free.

5. What should I definitely try?
You can’t go wrong with green chile enchiladas or tacos al pastor. And make sure to have some fresh guacamole and homemade salsa—it’s a must!

6. Are there family-friendly places to eat?
For sure! Many Mexican spots are great for families. Places like Tomasita’s and The Pantry have a friendly vibe and menus that kids will love.

7. What is New Mexican cuisine all about?
New Mexican cuisine mixes Native American and Mexican flavors. It uses ingredients like red and green chiles, tortillas, and lots of cheese. Every dish has a story to tell!