Katherine Lewin
Double Take
Best Bike Shop
Santa Feans are ride or die for The Broken Spoke, conveniently located in the center of town. Owner Mike Chapman presides over kind service and clever technicians to keep you rollin' on in style, and they're now conducting socially distant business out of the back parking lot.
1426 Cerrillos Road, 992-3102
If you're looking for new wheels but aren't sure exactly what kind you need, rob and charlie's pros are known for their custom fittings.
1632 St. Michael's Drive, 471-9119
Try a road, mountain or specialty bike before you buy it at Mellow Velo, and don't forget to say hi (or hey, donate!) to SFR next door.
132 E. Marcy St., 995-8356
Best Bookstore
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Maybe you're into the packed calendar of author events, the Iconik coffee and pastries, or custom ordering from this more than 40-year-old local independent. Maybe you dig the fact that Billy the Kid once spent time in the old Santa Fe jailhouse on the spot where you now like to sip a latte and stare at the fireplace in the wintertime. Or maybe you're just there for a quick curbside pickup. Whatever it is, Collected Works is Santa Fe's favorite boutique bookstore experience.
202 Galisteo St., 988-4226
What's better than an indie bookstore next to an indie coffeeshop (Downtown Subscription) in a mellow neighborhood? Maybe one with a thoughtfully curated selection of brand-new titles, plus older ones that are given room to breathe on the shelf?
376 Garcia St., 986-0151
Do you need a Cormac McCarthy first edition, or maybe a book on welding? Op.cit has both and a lot more, including some of the most well-read booksellers in town.
157 Paseo de Peralta (in the DeVargas Center), 428-0321
Best Car Dealer
Car shopping can be the absolute worst, or you can go to these behemoths located right next to each other. Both earn praise for stress-free sales and service departments as well as friendly financiers.
7511 Cerrillos Road, 471-7007
People can get crazy on Google reviews, but Toyota of Santa Fe has more than 1,100 that average out to 4.5 stars. Customers tend to praise employees by name, which you know means a lot when it comes to car dealerships.
1601 St. Michael's Drive, 395-2996
Since 1995, it has had a strong business in trading and selling gently used…well, it's all in the name!
500 W. Cordova Road, 992-8122
Best Consignment
If you're a vintage freak, it's hard to walk by the ever-changing windows of Double Take without doing one. There are multiple wormholes inside too: Do you need to peruse an endless selection of cowboy boots, get into the bejeweled universe of a bajillion bolo ties or find that perfect set of Mad Men rocks glasses? Double Take sees you and your acquisitive gleam. Staff will help you find the previously owned treasure you're seeking.
320 Aztec St., 989-8886
Stephen's A Consignment Gallery
The somewhat fussy name should clue you into Stephen's attention to detail and selection when it comes to art, antiques and furniture at this combo store and gallery.
2701 Cerrillos Road, 471-0802
With its hip and, let's face it, rather wealthy consignment clientele, there always seems to be something fresh and surprisingly well-priced in Art.i.fact's eclectic storeroom and The Backroom online store.
930 Baca St., Suite C, 982-5000
Best Floral Shop
It's the kind of place that gives small businesses a good name. Talk to staff about what your sister-in-law needs on her birthday or how Grandpa Pat loves peonies and they'll really listen, creating a one-of-a-kind arrangement with pristine specialty blooms.
1610 St. Michael's Drive, 473-9212
That's right, these folks aren't afraid to get fancy or weird when it comes to floral stunting, emphasis on the gorgeousness.
418 Cerrillos Road #8, 820-0044
Flower-wantin' folk keep coming back to Barton's for its reliability and fresh, beautiful arrangements.
1722 St. Michael's Drive, 800-238-0392
Katherine Lewin
Best Garden/Plant Supplies
At this local organic institution, "gettin' dirty since 1975," the plants just look more alive than anywhere else. That's because their caregivers are serious about non-GMO, all-natural growing experiences, and they're happy to help you cultivate your own. Don't miss owner Bob Pennington's frequent classes on gardening in this semi-arid steppe climate.
1409 Agua Fria St., 983-4831
Payne's is super convenient, with north and south locations, an organic soil yard, knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of color-poppin' annuals and perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and the like.
304 Camino Alire, 988-8011; 715 St. Michael's Drive, 988-9626
If you cruise Newman's weekly ad specials on a regular basis, you might just be able to build yourself an affordable mega-garden that blooms like crazy.
7501 Cerrillos Road, 471-8642
Best Gift Store
There's literally something for everyone in this retail funhouse. But even if you buy nothing, Doodlet's is an endlessly entertaining experience complete with hands-on puzzles, cards, stamps, whirligigs that light up and make noise, and whatever else there might be on earth to amuse, delight and astonish people who are either waiting for a table at Café Pasqual's or looking for the perfect present, or both.
120 Don Gaspar Ave., 983-3771
Pick up a handcrafted Zuni fetish that fits in the palm of your hand, browse inlaid rings, bracelets or earrings, and learn the story behind every craftsperson who made them.
227 Don Gaspar Ave., 989-8728
This emporium for one-of-a-kind Southwestern gifts sells Native art, jewelry and pottery along with leftover movie costumes from Western movies curated by Emmy-award winning costumer Cathy Smith. Best of all, you're shopping in beautiful Nambé!
20-A Summer Road, 455-2819
Best Grocery Store
It will never win best parking lot, but this Southern California import is beloved for its fantastically fair prices, world-traveling wine department and addictive private-selection snacks and frozen foods. We hear the company treats its employees rather well, too. That kind of investment in labor shows, especially when it comes to how well you're taken care of while waiting in the long, socially distanced lines to get in these days.
530 W. Cordova Road, 995-8145
La Montañita Co-op Food Market – Santa Fe
La Montañita's participation in the Double Up Food Bucks program means SNAP recipients get half-price, utterly delicious New Mexico-grown produce. It's just one of the ways in which this New Mexico-grown co-op invests in local farmers and shoring up food insecurity.
913 W. Alameda St. (in the Solana Center), 984-2852
With two locations both north and south, Sprouts is known for great prices and specials, a wide selection of produce and taking extra and much-appreciated precautions in the era of COVID-19.
199 Paseo de Peralta, 988-1140; 3201 Zafarano Drive #20, 424-1900
Best Hardware Store
You walk in, multiple people offer to help you, and all of them really seem to know their stuff. It's easy to get in and get out of Big Jo with exactly what you need at the price point you expected. This summer, though, you might end up staying a little longer, since Rainbow Snow and Roque's Hot Dogs have both set up shop in the parking lot.
1311 Siler Road, 473-2255
Don't wanna bother with the Lowe's labyrinth or the crush of people at Home Depot? Ace is the place for grab 'n' go gratification of the home-improvement kind.
2006 Cerrillos Road #1, 424-9343
Eldoradodo birds (and people who live there) swear by this True Value outpost for efficiency and selection.
7 Caliente Road, 466-6522
Best Head Shop
One of the longest-running dispensaries in the city, Fruit of the Earth is the proud recipient of a Sustainable Santa Fe award for its conservation-minded business model. A well-educated, happy sales force deals in guaranteed organically grown strains and smoking implements for a variety of medicinal needs. Fruit of the Earth has also hopped up its customer services, which include online ordering and easy pickup and delivery during COVID-19.
901 Early St., 310-7917
Concrete Jungle Smoke Shop
A great head shop is about the people who work there as much as the selection of smoking accessories; and Concrete Jungle owner Rebecca Garcia presides over both.
126 N. Guadalupe St., 820-2888
Red House has been holding it down on its funky stretch of Cerrillos and catering to locals for nearly two decades.
1434 Cerrillos Road, 982-4202
Best Interior Home Store
Do you need a quick immersion in a world where everything is new, bright and functional? Design Warehouse is the place to pop into when you need some good, clean aesthetic retail therapy, whether that's a loving gaze at an Eames chair or just an impulse buy of a $20 rainbow-colored multi-tool set. Call for an appointment to shop, order online or curbside pickup.
130 Lincoln Ave., 577-1419
You might say The Raven set the tone for the architecturally happening Baca Street Railyard, with its eclectic blend of antique, vintage and new furniture and accessories. Rooms upon rooms of surprises in store here.
1225 Cerrillos Road, 988-4775
Stephen's A Consignment Gallery
Discerning taste in jewelry, art, watches and more at Stephen's makes for a real sense of discovery when you hit on the right object here. Plus, it will work with you to make it your own.
2701 Cerrillos Road, 471-0802
Best Jewelry Store
Owner and designer David Griego has built his business since 1972, creating signature designs in gold jewelry set off with turquoise, diamonds, lapis and the like. His pieces are handcrafted by local artisans and meant to celebrate a Santa Fe-centric stew of cross-cultural influences. Dare you to cross the Plaza without one of his rings catching your eye.
60 E. San Francisco St., 983-4562
Read about the vast array of artisans behind the stunning silver-inlay pieces at Keshi on its website—or come to the store to hear their back stories in person.
227 Don Gaspar Ave., 989-8728
With more than four decades in the jewelry game and a long family history in New Mexico, Tresa V. is known as equally for her ability to design exquisite custom pieces as for her unflagging taste in unique, you'll-never-find-it-elsewhere jewelry.
656 Canyon Road, 988-7215
Joy Godfrey
Best Locally Made Food Product
Sage makes it safe for the carb-lovers among us to let our gluten freak flags fly. Owner-operator Andrée Falls opened this "Francophile in the desert" outpost in 1996 to give Santa Feans a taste of what being boulangerie-frequenting bourgeoisie really felt like. Turns out it stuck, hard, and we're hooked on Sage's fixed menu of tartines, soups, pies and pastries—and mon panza, the fresh-baked bread. Pro tip: Grill a couple slices from the Kalamata olive loaf for an heirloom tomato-and-cheese panino of your own home-making.
535 Cerrillos Road, 820-7243
In addition to its ancient chocolate elixirs—life-giving on a winter's day—Kakawa's got Santa Fe style when it comes to prickly pear, mescal, or horchata truffles, plus a rotating selection of season-inspired treats.
1050 Paseo de Peralta, 982-0388; 1300 Rufina Circle #A4, 930-5460
Posa's El Merendero Tamale Factory & Restaurant
Watch the masa missiles get churned out, as they say, "the original way" at this longtime family-owned flagship, pick up a sack of pintos while you're at it, and don't miss what—low-key—might be the best flautas in town.
1514 Rodeo Road, 820-7672
Best Mattress Shop
Sure, the company is not from here, but salespeople get where you're coming from. They understand buying a mattress is not just a walk-in, fork-over-the-cash kinda deal for you, so they'll listen to your needs and offer some solutions. Just like you sitting up wide awake at 3 am, they are extra present.
1427 Avenida de las Americas, 474-9398
Doesn't the name of this natural-fiber store just sound so cozy and comforting? This multigenerational business is committed to products that are just that.
523 Cordova Road, 982-3938
Here's where the deals are, with three separate locations throughout the city.
199 Paseo de Peralta, 216-2550; 3300 Cerrillos Road, 216-2933; 3517 Zafarano Drive, 473-0188
Best Men’s Store
Whether you're the rhinestone cowboy type or just some dude out looking for a good pair of vintage Levi's, every piece at Double Take has a story and a price. Both may vary, depending on which of Double Take's delightful salespersons is helping to coordinate your look with your wallet.
320 Aztec St., 989-8886
Corsini
Are you the kind of dandy dresser who wears tweed, cashmere, suede and shearling even when you're working from home? Corsini's got you covered.
107 W. San Francisco St., 820-2300
It's quite possible to be both rugged and stylish at the same time. For that, there is Red River, specializing in beloved brands like Filson and Pendleton.
235 Don Gaspar Ave., 982-1233
Kelli Johanson
Best Optical Shop
Botwin Eye Group / Oculus Optical
The Botwins are the supergroup of eye groups: Mark, Jonathan, Jeremy—along with Micayla Fisher-Ives, who is a breath of fresh optometrical air! The four doctors staff both Santa Fe locations of the family practice, which provides a variety of eye exams and treatments; glasses and contact lens services; along with retail frame options for the myopic and farsighted among us.
125 W. Water St., 982-2020; 444 St. Michael's Drive, 438-2020
Ojo Optique has an eye for the avant-garde, frame-wise, and it's staff are happy to help you look cooler while seeing better.
125 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 114, 988-4444
This longstanding medical practice also has a one-stop frame shop, and what's quicker than that?
2947 Rodeo Park Drive, Ste. E, 983-6613
Best Shoe Store
Say you go into On Your Feet with your mom, who is looking for a comfy pair of semi-fancy shoes, and say you both also just got pedicures. They'll not only notice your gleaming tootsies, they'll find the best possible footwear to show them off. Savor the great sock selection and overall lovely vibes of this perennial favorite shoe store, which stocks Camper, Birkenstock, Dansko and all those other sensible-meets-stylish brands, with different lines available at each store.
328 S Guadalupe St., Ste. I (enter on Montezuma Avenue), 983-3900; DeVargas Center, 189 Paseo de Peralta, 780-8997
Vicente Trujillo is the owner, Mariano Ortega is the master, and a team of experienced craftsmen are at the ready for repairs and alterations. Those in the know also pick up local red chile and pinto beans here.
847 Ninita St., 983-8264
Since 2001, these folks have committed to high-tech shoes and accessories for running, walking, hiking and maybe finally crossing that triathlon off your bucket list.
1100 Don Diego, Ste. B, 820-2523
Best Specialty Food/Cooking Store
Las Cosas hosts cooking classes with a rotating cast of the impressive culinary luminaries that make this city stand out as a food lover's ground zero. The store also has the best selection of high-end and designer kitchen goods in the city, along with frequent sales that make repeat visits worthwhile. Find a specialty shop with nearly 50 years of expert service and advice for home cooks, which we happen to need now more than ever.
181 Paseo de Peralta, 988-3394
Kaune's has kept the dream of a small, family-owned independent grocery alive since 1896, and its shelves boast a trove of local specialty foods you can't find anywhere else.
511 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-2629
After 30 years in business, the Santa Fe School of Cooking branched out into virtual and live Zoom classes this spring, but don't worry—they're still hosting socially distanced in-person lessons with all your favorite instructors. It also has a curbside pickup menu available with 24 hours notice.
125 N. Guadalupe St., 983-4511
Best Women’s Clothing
WearAbouts captures that kind of ethereal yet practical, breathable organic fabrics vibe you're after. Owner Megan Green and associates are happy to dress you up like the low-maintenance yet effortlessly chic woman you've always wanted to be.
101 W. Marcy St., 982-1399
Explore the sartorial sorority of the shoes you got at On Your Feet at their sister store.
328 S. Guadalupe St. (enter on Montezuma Avenue), Ste. G, 983-4498
Laugh all you want at the name, but this longtime Water Street boutique knows how to cater to its clientele with a wide-ranging selection of clothing, jewelry and shoes for bougie broads and deal-seekers alike.
123 W. Water St., 982-5948
Best Western Wear
Suit up in Santa Fe style with Double Take's vast array of Western wear, including boots, bolos, Wranglers and cowboy shirts from the streets of Laredo—or Bakersfield. Then cue up the Morricone in your head and try out a strong, silent Eastwood stare on the patio at Cowgirl BBQ next door.
320 Aztec St., 989-8886
This outfit takes the road less traveled when it comes to spelling and shopping for Western wear. When it comes to boots, especially, shoppers swear by the collection here.
345 W. Manhattan Ave., 984-1256
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch is killing the custom-made cowboy boot game on Marcy Street in an adorable adobe cottage with the most knowledgeable staff around.
209 E. Marcy St., 989-8110
