Guides

Best of Santa Fe 2024: Shopping

Local consumers choose their faves

The Ark (Charlie McCarty)

Best Bike Shop

1. The Broken Spoke

Owned by Mike Chapman and operated with a trusty crew of mechanics and service folks, Broken Spoke describes itself as “a community oriented, locally owned full-service bicycle shop. We believe we have the best mechanics in town and we love spreading the love of human power on two wheels.” Broken Spoke is committed to putting people on bicycles, regardless of the make or model. Their employees stand by their work, and have expertise and recommendations for newbies and expert bicyclists alike.

1426 Cerrillos Road, (505) 992-3102

2. rob and charlie’s

Santa Fe has depended on rob and charlie’s for more than 40 years, and the Midtown shop has the history and customer loyalty to prove it. You’ll find trustworthy staff whether you’re buying, renting or repairing a bicycle, and you can also buy skateboards—just sayin’.

1632 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 471-9119

3. Mellow Velo (now closed)

Mellow Velo was one of those hard-to-miss spots on Marcy Street. Specializing in mountain, electric and vintage bikes, staff members also could be trusted for repairs with their world-class service shop and knowledgeable staff. RIP.

132 E Marcy St., (505) 982-8986

Best Bookstore

1. Collected Works Bookstore

Make no mistake: Santa Fe is beyond blessed to have so many wonderful independent bookstores from which to choose in this category. Collected Works Bookstore, has been voted the city’s favorite for 15 years running. owner Dorothy Massey, who has owned the shop for 28 of its 46 years, says CW runs about 80 events each year, most in the store, but approximately a dozen off-site as well in collaboration with numerous local nonprofits. “It’s always wonderful to be part of a vibrant community,” Massey says of readers’ support for the store. “This is a vibrant literary community with 20 independent bookstores open and functioning, and a supportive community, both locally and with visitors. Right now, the store is jammed and we’re very lucky.”

202 Galisteo Street, (505) 988-4226

2. Garcia Street Books

This east side literary haven served as the official bookstore for last year’s Santa Fe Literary Festival, but it’s been offering readers something special for the past quarter century. Stop by, receive a great recommendation for your next favorite read and then walk next door to Downtown Subscription for something tasty to accompany the page turning. The store also hosts regular “meet the author” events.

376 Garcia St., (505) 986-0151

3. The Ark

If ever a city needed a metaphysical bookstore to call its own, Santa Fe would be the one. The Ark has changed ownership over the years, but has filled that niche since 1982, providing not just books but—to quote its website—a “spiritual emporium” for all who enter.

133 Romero St., (505) 988-3709

Best Car Dealer

1. Honda Subaru of Santa Fe

Honda ranks as one of the most reliable brands of vehicles on the road, and Subarus are almost as beloved in Santa Fe as dogs (we said almost). That makes Honda Subaru a no-brainer for local loyalty. The experienced staff members help make the whole buying process easier and stress-free to ensure you’re driving off with your dream car. Where the road is taking you, you’ll be safe and happy in your new ride.

7511B Cerrillos Road, (505) 471-7007

2. Toyota of Santa Fe

Whether it’s a utilitarian Tacoma or the eco-friendly OG Prius, Toyotas are popular (some to the point of cult-like loyalty), and Toyota of Santa Fe has a helpful group of people who just want to get you into get the car or truck you’ve always wanted.

1601 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 780-4763

3. Capitol Ford

Drive around town for a few minutes and it becomes fairly obvious Ford is a cherished vehicle here in Santa Fe, and the trucks are almost as ingrained in the culture as green chile. Capitol Ford is low-key Santa Fe-mous, too, which breaks down to quality service and a rep for trustworthiness.

4490 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-3673

Best Consignment

1. Double Take

Double Take isn’t just a consignment store—it’s an essential Santa Fe experience. Whether you’re looking for cowboy boots, vintage clothing, pottery or other hidden treasures, Double Take is sure to have it. It’s the type of place you walk into for a quick browse, only to leave with a new Southwestern wardrobe. “We’ll be open 37 years on Aug. 4—Santo Domingo Feast Day—how about them apples?” owner Suzanne Wissman says. “And how much do we love this community and how it’s been a great gathering place for all? So much.”

320 Aztec St., (505) 989-8886

2. Art.i.fact Consignment Boutique

If you want a taste of Melrose Avenue, but still want to maintain high desert style, Jennifer Rowland and Michael Gullberg’s Art.i.fact is the place for you. The selection is curated, the vibes are on point and the space even hosts visual arts shows.

930 Baca St., Suite C. (505) 982-5000

3. Ooh La La Consignment

For those looking to live out that Parisian fantasy, strolling down the Champs-Elysees from shop to shop, then stopping at a bistro for lunch in your newly purchased designer and contemporary outfit, Ooh La La is the place for you. C’est magnifique!

518 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 820-6433

Best Cooking Supplies

1. Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe

Just walking into this shop (or shoppe) in the DeVargas Center might inspire you to become the next Paul Bocuse. From pots and pans, knives you’ve never even heard of and items by brands like Le Creuset, Staub, Cuisinart and so many more, not only will Las Cosas make you want to start cooking, you can take classes at its cooking school with the likes of chef Johnny Vee to help get you started.

181 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 988-3394

2. Kitchenality

When a kitchen resale shop is run by a nonprofit organization whose whole mission is to feed our homebound neighbors, you can feel good about spending a buck or two. Kitchenality raises funds for Santa Fe’s Kitchen Angels with a wide variety of kitchen supplies at great prices.

1222 Siler Road, (505) 471-7780

3. Gift & Gourmet

At sprawling downtown kitchenware shop Gift & Gourmet, you’ll find everything you need for cooking—Santa Fe style. Not only does G&G have the essentials, it carries scads of locally crafted pottery and food products. You’ll be the envy of anyone who pops into your kitchen.

200 E Water St., (505) 982-5953

Best Craft Shop

1. Artisan Santa Fe

Given our city’s rep as an arts destination, Santa Fe obviously needs a high-quality art supply store. Luckily, Artisan has been around for 50 years providing just that. The owners and staff are dedicated to ensuring the community has everything we need to keep the art flowing. “We want to cultivate the next generation of artists, with help from those with the experience who can mentor the younger artists so we can have more artists in the future,” owner Diane Otero-Bell tells SFR. Say hey to Delphino the snake for us next time you’re there.

2601 Cerrillos Road, (505) 954-4179

2. Santa Fe Quilting

When a local quilting shop is staffed by quilters of all levels, you can trust its services and products without worrying. Whether you’re searching for tips about techniques, patterns, fabric, cutting or planning, Santa Fe Quilting can and will put you on the road to blanket bliss.

3018-A Cielo Court, (505) 473-3747

3. Sewing Center of Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s family-owned Sewing Center not only carries just about every possible sewing tool and accessory, it also offers machinery and classes, respected brands like Janome and top-quality service and repairs. Oh, and embroidery fans? Voila!

3014 Cielo Court Suite A, (505) 424-3242

Amanda’s Flowers (SFR FILE PHOTO)

Best Floral Shop

1. Barton’s Bloom Boutique Flowers

Barton’s Bloom’s owners, Santa Fe natives Kristin Sargent and Justin Svetnicka, continue the legacy for this more-than 60-year-old shop with their shared experience in horticulture and floral design and expert staff. “We always try to give back to the community,” Sargent says. “We’re Santa Fe’s most trusted florist and want to make sure Santa Fe is thriving.”

1722 St. Michael’s Drive, moving to DeVargas Center, (505) 982-9731

2. Amanda’s Flowers

With over two decades of creative expertise, the arrangements from Amanda’s are consistently gorgeous. The warm and friendly staffers simply wish to help customers leave with the perfect bouquet for an anniversary or birthday and everything in between.

1610 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 473-9212

3. All The Pretty Flowers

Owner Amanda Schutz is all about mindful sourcing when it comes to her arrangements, but she’s also thoughtful when it comes to the environment. All the Pretty Flowers prioritizes composting green waste and recycled packaging, as well as creativity.

313 Camino Alire, Suite 107, (505) 204-3643

Best Garden Center

1. Agua Fría Nursery

Open since 1975, this downright iconic nursery is home to probably the widest and most versatile selection of native perennials, trees, shrubs and vines in town, along with some of the best gardening supplies available and a staff of recognizable local green-thumb types. The owners and workers understand the specific needs of gardening in Santa Fe and are always there to help. “We want to help people create beauty and to grow good stuff to eat,” owner/founder Bob Pennington tells SFR.

1409 Agua Fría St., (505) 983-4831

2. Plants of the Southwest

When it comes to native and desert-adapted plants and seeds, Plants of the Southwest is the holy grail. We’re talking about a vast selection of native seeds, shrubs, grasses, cacti and perennials, which pretty much takes the guesswork out of gardening.

3095 Agua Fria St., (505) 438-8888

3. Payne’s Nursery

The expert horticulturists tending the greenhouses at Payne’s two locations are devoted to all things plants. From poinsettias, annuals, perennials, herbs and even veggies, their shared knowledge is impressive. Let ‘em help you out.

715 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 988-9626; 304 Camimo Alire, (505) 988-8011

Best Gift Shop

1. Doodlet’s

Walking into Doodlet’s is like stepping into the ultimate fairytale dream world, where your inner child awakes and reminds you to embrace your imagination. The shop’s treasures include handcrafted folk art and miniatures, nostalgic toys, candy, books, ornaments and…actually, just know the selection at Doodlet’s is so good, it’s kept folks stopping by since 1955—and the shop on the BOSF list for as long as anyone can remember.

120 Don Gaspar Ave., (505) 983-3771

2. Detours @ La Fonda on the Plaza

Another BOSF regular, Detours carries everything from locally made jewelry, pottery, art, wearables, ornaments and so much more, plus it exists within one of the most historic buildings in the city and is staffed with helpful locals.

100 E San Francisco St., (505) 988-1404

3. Ohori’s Home

One almost wants their next Ohori’s visit to come with a wait so as to make time for a quick pop in to the adjacent Ohori’s Home gift shop. Therein, find incense, cards, jewelry, toys, local items and more. Oh! And it opens at 8 am should you need a pre-work gift.

1098 ½ S St. Francis Drive, Unit A, (505) 469-9729

Best Grocery

1. La Montañita Food Co-op

Santa Fe’s denizens often have health on their minds, so when it comes to food, nothing beats local and organic—and no one does that better than the co-op. It doesn’t stop there. The wellness department practically overflows with a range of products to promote wellness, and La Montañita might also have the best bulk section in town. Throw in relationships with local farmers and other suppliers and a customer base of devoted regulars, and you’ve got a grocer that keeps ‘em leaving happy and fed.

913 W Alameda St., (505) 984-2852

2. Kaune’s Neighborhood Market

Did you know Kaune’s was founded in 1896 with a mission to provide the community with healthy, high-quality products, curated with intention? Find all the foods—specialty items, too—plus fine wine, a fantastic butcher and myriad local products.

511 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 982-2629

3. El Paisano

When SFR teamed up with celeb chef Fernando Ruiz for a story about shopping and cooking in 2022, he chose El Paisano as one of his local faves; our readers love it, too. Find a bevy of Mexican products, quality meats, baked goods and groceries—plus amazing taquerias—across two Santa Fe locations.

3140 Cerrillos Road, (505)424-9105; 4405 Airport Road, (505) 416-5534

Best Hardware

1. Big Jo True Value Hardware

Big Jo’s is a locally owned tools paradise, and you’ll find a strong sense of community the moment you cross the threshold. The whole team is full of experts in just about any item you might need, because nothing makes an experience at a hardware store more valuable than friendly and helpful staff. “Always we thank everybody for their continued support—all the people who shop locally,” owner Rick C de Baca says. “Our dollars stay in the community; our customer service is second-to-none; we really appreciate our longtime patrons and our new customers. We’re here to stay.”

1311 Siler Road, (505) 473-2255

2. Ace Hardware

Hit up your Midtown Ace when you need anything from computerized paint-color matching, power equipment, grills and even local products that give your bench or workshop that more personal touch. Can’t find the right thing? Ask a worker and they’re happy to help.

2006 Cerrillos Road, (505) 424-9343

3. 1610 Hardware

With a sleek and modern design, Santa Fe’s 1610 aims to make hardware shopping a more enjoyable experience overall. The hardcore types will find lots to love, as will the weekend warriors and hobbyists, and with no shortage of recognizable brand names on offer, shoppers are bound to find the right stuff.

3003 S St. Francis Drive, (505) 532-1610

Best Interior Home

1. The Raven

Cerrillos Road faces no shortage of cool consignment shops, yet The Raven reigns supreme. Its selection of antique, vintage and new items run the gamut for anything from home decor to a gussied-up office, and owner Kateryna VanHeisch puts her passion into the pot every step of the way. Choose from fine interiors and upholstery to dining, bedroom furniture, rugs and even chandeliers. The options, it seems, are endless.

1225 Cerrillos Road, (505) 988-4775

2. Metamorphosis Home Furnishings and Design

Award-winning designer Marty Wilkinson has the expertise to take any home design project to the next level. Specializing in everything from color consultation and art selections to furniture arrangement and comprehensive design and remodeling, Wilkinson will make your space feel new.

3005 S St. Francis Drive, (505) 471-3900

3. The Collective

From a 15,000-square-foot showroom in downtown Santa Fe, this elevated furnishing store is run by expert designers whose aim is to create meaningful connections with everyone who walks in. The Collective carries a wide range of modern furniture and décor ephemera, plus more, all of which is sure to add unique character to any home.

530 S Guadalupe St., (505) 230-7000

Best Jewelry

1. Santa Fe Goldworks

Founded by Santa Fe native David Griego in 1972, Santa Fe Goldworks has claimed this top spot for more years than anyone can remember. With a blend of old world charm and contemporary style—not to mention Griego’s personal touch across inlays of gold, diamonds turquoise, Mediterranean coral and Australian opals among others—gives each piece a custom feel.

60 E San Francisco St., Suite 218, (505) 983-4562

2. Reflective Jewelry

Not only does Reflective Jewelry provide custom pieces for a wide range of shoppers, its ownership is committed to ethical jewelry, including fair-trade gold, which is something to feel good about when it comes to wearing gorgeous baubles.

912 Baca St. Suite A, (505) 988-7393

3. Tresa Vorenberg Goldsmiths

Most folks think of paintings and sculptures when it comes to Canyon Road, but tucked away up the aesthetic street lies Tresa Vorenberg Goldsmiths. Vorenburg counts more than 44 years in the jewelry biz, and it shows. Cleopatra her dang self would be impressed with the imaginative styles, shapes, inlays and finishes.

656 Canyon Road, (505) 988-7215

Best Men’s Clothing

1. Red River Mercantile

Thanks to Red River Mercantile, Santa Fe men have hope for finding high-quality, stylish clothing with rugged appeal for Santa Fe’s outdoor lifestyle. From jackets, shirts, vests, hats and even grooming products, Red River’s selection of trusted brands lend credence to the old axiom about clothes making the man. We’re talking class and comfort all rolled into one, and if that doesn’t say Santa Fe, we don’t know what will.

235 Don Gaspar Ave., (505) 992-1233

2. Corsini

Corsini specializes in Italian men’s clothing including leather jackets, cashmere sweaters, jeans and shirts. The European look is always in fashion, and you’re sure to walk out looking fresh. So fresh, in fact, that you’ll get why even lifestyle brand Goop loves and recommends Corsini.

107 W San Francisco St., (505)820-2300

3. Double Take

Not everyone is on the lookout for brand-new clothes. Honestly, vintage is always hot, and vintage is the name of the game at Double Take. Picture this: A massive showroom replete with shirts, coats, footwear, accessories and a knowledgeable staff that’ll help you add up the parts. So good.

320 Aztec St., (505) 989-8886

Oculus | Botwin Eye Group (Charlie McCarty)

Best Optical Shop

1. Oculus | Botwin Eye Group

Just because you can’t see well doesn’t mean you should be saddled with lackluster healthcare. The highly qualified and caring staff at Oculus are true pros in their assessments and provide medically oriented eye examinations with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. The mission lies in top-tier service while helping Santa Feans contend with the lifelong health of their eyes, and with a wide range of services plus so many stylish frames from which to choose, it’s easy to see why Santa Fe loves ‘em.

444 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 438-2020

2. Eye Associates of New Mexico

The eye doctors at Eye Associates treat each person with the utmost care leading to low-stress office visits and top-notch care. Thanks to Eye Associates’ group of specialists, issues such as cataracts, contact lenses and glaucoma don’t seem so daunting.

8380 Cerrillos Road, (505) 375-8955; 2947 Rodeo Park Drive East, (505) 983-6613

3. Ojo Optique

Ojo Optique was created to help people see the world more clearly, but also to preserve the artistic expression of creative eyewear. It’s not often you hear of an eyewear shop designing glasses based on the culture, fashion and architecture of a city, but that’s just what Ojo does.

125 Lincoln Ave., Suite 114, (505) 988-4444

Best Outdoor

1. Santa Fe Trail Outfitters

Some move to or stay in Santa Fe for the great outdoors and access to hikes, sports, etc. Nick and Audrey Salazar started Santa Fe Outfitters because they realized those lifestyles are an essential part of the local culture. If you’re gonna head out there, you’ll need to be outfitted, and the Salazars offer all the top brands, plus and anything else you might need to enjoy the great outdoors.

110 W San Francisco St., (505) 470-3573

2. Alpine Sports

Outdoor culture is, of course, a Santa Fe staple, and family-owned Alpine Sports has been playing outside for more than five decades. Inspired by a particularly memorable skiing experience in Germany, the shop has been helping folks chase similar highs ever since.

541 W Cordova Road, (505) 983-5155

3. The Reel Life

Going thigh-deep in New Mexico rivers and casting a line is a favorite pastime across the state, and folks in Santa Fe choose The Reel Life in their pursuit of making it happen. You’ll find all the fishing gear you could possibly need regardless of ability, and with classes and guided experiences, you’ll be catching fish in no time.

526 N Guadalupe St., (505) 995-8114

Best Shoes

1. On Your Feet

On Your Feet has been Santa Fe’s largest independent shoe store since 1989, which is almost as long as it’s been acknowledged within the annual pages of BOSF. Shop from myriad brands like Birkenstock, Dansko, Taos Footwear and Hoka, plus cool socks and a staff that just wants to make your walking experience stylish and comfortable. Santa Fe is a walking town in a lot of respects; why not hit the streets feeling fly?

328 S Guadalupe St., (505) 983-3900; 180 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 780-8997

2. The Running Hub

This family-owned shop knows running footwear just about better than anyone out there, and has been an absolute must for runners since it opened in 2001. Numerous employees have been with The Running Hub for decades, too, which suggests a level of care and professionalism that should make any patron proud.

1100 Don Diego Ave., Suite B (505) 820-2523

3. Goler Fine Imported Shoes

For the folks searching for a prettier or fancier or more creative statement shoe, enter Goler. Of course, the family-owned shop has plenty for everyday wear, but also special pieces, plus apparel and accessories to go along with your new kicks.

125 E Palace Ave., Suite 125, (505) 982-0924

Best Western Wear

1. Double Take

Everybody knows Double Take is absolutely packed with endless sartorial treasures, but it’s also a trove of authentic western items for the discerning snap-button shirt and boot aficionado. You can get your hands on gently used cowboy stuff like chaps, hats, belt buckles, button-ups and anything else you might want. In fact, Double Take will have you looking like some sort of plaid and denim dream before you know it.

302 Aztec St., (505) 989-8886

2. Back at the Ranch

What makes Back at the Ranch stand out? A collection of the highest-quality handcrafted cowboy boots, of course. The work is unparalleled, and shoppers can even have their boots personalized to meet their own unique needs..

209 E Marcy St., (505) 989-8110

3. Kowboyz

If’n you haven’t sidled up to the affordable deals available at Kowboyz, well then, pardner, we reckon you’ve plum been missing out. Originally opened in Beverly Hills as an outfitter to the stars, Kowboyz made it to Santa Fe in 2008 and has been a cowboy paradise ever since.

345 W Manhattan Ave., (505) 984-1256

Best Women’s Clothing

1. WearAbouts

WearAbouts thrives through its relationships, and when it comes to the women shoppers of Santa Fe, those relationships are many. Owner Aline Harris-Ellis is known for her listening skills and for providing support across a range of needs. “I just want to demystify fashion and make it not so exclusive,” she explains. “People think of fashion as being so exclusive and we don’t want it to be that way.” Harris-Ellis is right—we’re all just out here trying to look good!

101 W Marcy St., Suite 3, (505) 982-1399

2. The Sign of the Pampered Maiden

Longtime Santa Feans can likely picture the downtown boutique’s standout sign as they read this. Then they might remember the shop’s range of carefully selected clothing by designers from both near and far. Bold, stylish and versatile are just a few good words to describe the bounty.

209 Galisteo St., (505) 982-5948

3. TOKo Santa Fe

As an Asian-leaning modernist-style boutique with Euro flavor, TOKo presents an opportunity to try new things while discovering different shades of your style and personality. Go in and try on a new outfit and you might just discover the new you. You’ll also look hot.

101 W Marcy St., (505) 470-4425

Letters to the Editor

Mail letters to PO Box 4910 Santa Fe, NM 87502 or email them to editor[at]sfreporter.com. Letters (no more than 200 words) should refer to specific articles in the Reporter. Letters will be edited for space and clarity.

We also welcome you to follow SFR on social media (on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and comment there. You can also email specific staff members from our contact page.