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Eat Like a Local in Santa Fe, NM
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items Sarah and I have lived part time in Santa Fe for 20+ years. These are some of our favorite spots that are not in the main tourist area. All of them have excellent food. I've also included a few excellent hotels.
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Eat Like a Local
Quintessential Hotels
Eat Like a Local
All of these restaurants have good food. Most of them require a car. All of them are local.
Fine, creative food in a spacious dining room with a central bar and an adjoining, well-curated wine shop. There's also a large outdoor patio (called a “portal” in Santa Fe speak). See my Google Maps review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aL8xbEAXLWDGdmi96?g_st=ig
Arroyo Vino Restaurant & Wine Shop
This and the commonly owned Jambo Cafe (also on this list) are two of Santa Fe's hidden gems. The Bite has has great burgers and African-influenced plates from Jambo Cafe. Check out my Google Maps review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uHXFSYmE4v6ReViE7?g_st=ig
Jambo Bobcat Bite
One of my favorite lunch spots, serving African influenced food. Try it. You'll be amazed at the unique tastes and creativity. See my Google Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/GBRvTuKFa5Lr1y3f7?g_st=ig
Jambo Cafe
We've become regulars at this locals-centric spot serving surprisingly inexpensive pasta plates and pizzas. We also love it for breakfast, after a hike with the dogs. See my Google Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/qE5CLEAQonhmDB1H6?g_st=ig
Joe's Dining & Pizza
Although located in a freestanding building in the Target parking lot, it's charming inside and the food is good, at a fraction of in-town prices. Check my Google Maps review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uMbgkF3ygvi4fwsw8?g_st=ig
Cafe Grazie
This off-the-beaten-track institution has a wood-burning, cozy dining rooms and bar, and a large, covered patio (portal). There's also a secret room with top shelf sushi and Japanese. Google Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/G7nAuVgPS46JPPys9?g_st=ig
El Nido
Located in Lamy, where Amtrak stops, walking in the door feels like stepping back into the Old West. Google Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/NsPnCvxxikPp6pDF6?g_st=ig
The Legal Tender Saloon
Tune-up yo' belly in this friendly, funky breakfast and lunch spot. Good Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/ngN7dCMzyas1GorA8?g_st=ig
Tune-Up Cafe
Located inside the Tesuque Casino, this fun spot with a large dining room, patio (portal), and sports on large TVs has a Prime Rib night and half-riced wine Wednesdays. Google Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/p6kj7i5Hsx4inFrE6?g_st=ig
Cottonwood Kitchen
This place is at the edge of the tourist area but it doesn't get more local than this, with great BBQ inside or outside, and live music. Google Maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/FR8jsw8dVC5k2RKw8?g_st=ig
Cowgirl BBQ
If you look up the word “funky” in the dictionary, you should see a photo of this delightful lunch dive, which is dripping with old and mostly-vanished Santa Fe charm. Google maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/cMZ3CqHcZKGiKz67A?g_st=ig
Tesuque Village Market
This restaurant, on the road to the ski area, is my favorite in the U.S. Great sake list. Great Japanese atmosphere. Great view. Great spa too. Google maps review: maps.app.goo.gl/tQFJPfDfHRn87qfR8?g_st=ig
Izanami
Quintessential Hotels
These hotels are all within easy walking distance of the main tourist areas.
We stayed here when we were between houses. Luxury, great restaurant and patio, spa, individual villas, and dog friendly.
La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
In the heart of downtown, with luxurious rooms and charming Santa Fe style lobby, often with live music, and a great outdoor restaurant.
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Sits at the end of the historic Santa Fe Trail. Former Harvey Hotel. Steps from The Plaza and everything.
La Fonda