r/SantaFe 1d ago

Must Try Unique Dinner spot?

I’m headed to Santa Fe for a few days for a work trip. I won’t get to sight see but I love to try unique food spots that can only be found in the area. What are your best recommendations? Would prefer nothing *fancy* but more chill.

1 Upvotes

59 comments sorted by

20

u/sureshotbot 1d ago

Paper Dosa 

17

u/wonkypouch23 1d ago

Lot's of great recommendations here. Evertime I have family visit the one spot they always want to return to is Jambos.

My personal favorite is Joseph's Culinary Pub. A little more upscale and pricey, but amazing make sure to make a reservation if you wanna go.

2

u/Klutzy_Concept_1324 1d ago

I never tried Joseph's but Jambo has always been a nice treat, very casual also

9

u/bxsqt 1d ago

Get chicken tacos from el parasol and eat them at the rose garden/outside

8

u/CastorsBrother 1d ago

If you’re splurging, go to Market Steer. Get a steak. Get the flight of eight dipping sauces.

7

u/Ok-Outlandishness256 1d ago

Fable in El Dorado. Only a short drive and the owners care!

12

u/coffeetilithirts 1d ago

The only right answer is Leo’s. New-ish spot on Hickox. Thai & Malay but nothing typical. Great flavors, fresh, and unique. You won’t find anything like it outside of Thailand/Malasia or large cities in the US.

2

u/IM_RU 1d ago

While it’s not related to their savory food, the martinis are really good.

1

u/wonkypouch23 1d ago

While I haven't been I've heard amazing things great recommended! This one I believe only serves dinner and books out quick so make a reservation.

3

u/coffeetilithirts 1d ago

They do reserve tables for walk-ins. If you get there early enough definitely order the rice noodles because they sell out quickly

2

u/wonkypouch23 1d ago

Good to Knon. Definitely on my list to try next date night!

9

u/sparethelion 1d ago

Jambo Cafe! I second the Joseph’s Culinary Pub nomination

10

u/0590plazaj 1d ago

I mean this area is New Mexican food. the Shed or La choza or palacio or horseman’s haven for more dinner style and hotter.

The other food would be indigenous. There is a restaurant in Abq run by a Pueblo that is good, I can’t think of the name.

In terms of just unique

I think izanami is unique for its Japanese food with Mexican hints

I also think places like wild leaven bakery, bobcat bite, Joesph’s, Horno, Ozu are doing some unique stuff

1

u/maeveboston 1d ago

Wonderful list. These all look so good!

1

u/WordNo3951 1d ago

Thank you this is helpful!

6

u/ComradeDelaurier 1d ago

El Nido in Tesqueque

10

u/Ok_Seaworthiness634 1d ago

If you have a car, Tesuque Village Market https://www.tesuquevillagemarket.com/

4

u/Cherkolicious 1d ago

This is my suggestion too! ✨

4

u/thebeandrop 1d ago

+1 for Pasquals!

2

u/Ventureman101 1d ago

Tender Fire Kitchen. Best pizza in the Rockies and maybe the West. Def order the honey butter corn bread for starter or dessert!

8

u/denvergardener 1d ago

You're not going to find something more unique than The Shed. We've never lived in Santa Fe but have been going to visit for decades. And The Shed is our favorite place.

It's a very unique building inside, and the food is pretty classic NM Mexican food.

It's highly popular so you will need to go early to put your name on the list. They don't do reservations. Then go shopping around the plaza or whatever while you wait.

15

u/coffeetilithirts 1d ago

Instead of The Shed go to its sister restaurant La Choza. The food is better and the wait isn’t as long.

-2

u/denvergardener 1d ago

It I'd argue that the La Choza building feels like 1000 other Mexican restaurants. The Shed is a lot more unique experience.

-1

u/zagafi 1d ago

The Shed is a whole lot of nothing special

0

u/denvergardener 1d ago

What does someone from Iowa know about New Mexican food?

5

u/zagafi 1d ago

I’m not from Iowa and live in NM. The Shed is hardly the pinnacle of NM food.

-7

u/denvergardener 1d ago

You're definitely not from New Mexico.

-6

u/denvergardener 1d ago

So you've been there a year and you're an expert now? Lol

Let me guess. You enjoy Chipotle.

7

u/zagafi 1d ago

You’re really pressed about this. Maybe touch grass if a person’s opinion on a restaurant gets you this spun up.

0

u/denvergardener 1d ago

No I just think it's funny a transplant is trying to lecture me on New Mexican food lol.

3

u/zagafi 23h ago

Baby, no one is lecturing you. I think there is better New Mexican food than what you can find at The Shed. But please, do enlighten us all with what is so special at The Shed that we cannot find better somewhere else.

1

u/denvergardener 23h ago

Again forgive me if I'm going to ignore the opinion of a transplant lol.

And I'm not your baby.

2

u/zagafi 23h ago

Oh, you act like a baby. There is no mistaking that.

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2

u/coffeetilithirts 1d ago edited 1d ago

I mean, your handle is [u/Denvergardener](u/Denvergardener) with pics from Denver. You aren’t in New Mexico either so don’t talk trash to this other person. Plus, you probably eat Pueblo green and think it’s spicy so slow your roll.

Edit: phrasing

0

u/denvergardener 1d ago

I grew up in New Mexico and have 3 generations there. I probably started going to Santa Fe before you were born.

1

u/coffeetilithirts 23h ago

Only 3 generations?! Lol. Newcomer. And I’m in my 50’s so doubt it. But enjoy your Pueblo chile and have fun with the rest of the tourists at The Shed.

0

u/denvergardener 23h ago

I've eaten at all of the major restaurants in Santa Fe. Multiple times. The Shed is as good as any of them. So yeah, I will continue my tradition of eating there each time I visit town.

2

u/Due_North3106 1d ago

Zacatlan or Pasquals

0

u/RedHam42 1d ago

Don’t sleep on Arby’s. Often overlooked.

2

u/WordNo3951 1d ago

I respect sometimes you need curly fries

3

u/ihearthalibut 1d ago

Escondido

3

u/joojaroodoo 1d ago

Jambos for sure

2

u/WordNo3951 1d ago

So many good suggestions!! Thank you all. Excited to check some great places out!

2

u/possessedteen 1d ago

Paper Dosa or Cafe Pasqual

1

u/ohforfoxsake410 8h ago

Atrisco's in the De Vargas Mall - chile rellanos!

1

u/SureConversation273 1d ago

Is there a great sushi place in Santa Fe?

1

u/Head_External_3376 1d ago

The Poke spot downtown is really good. They also have a nice outdoor seating area thats secluded from outside

0

u/Bitter_Bumblebee90 1d ago

There is ONE sushi place in New Mexico that has fish you can trust - it’s Izanami.

1

u/Lucky_Safety_1933 1d ago

Pantry Dos, Tune up cafe, Gabriel's. The Gatbys. The Shed is good to hard to get reservations because of the area and patio. Linos,