Claufoutis
Best Artisan Chocolate
If reading that this monument to choco-power won this prestigious award didn't immediately spur visions of thick, melty hot chocolate, then you don't know—but you should. In addition to the hot and rich elixir varieties at Kakawa, also find artisan chocolates, truffles and caramels, all crafted by hand, all beautiful and impossibly perfect. Yes for gifts, yes for yourself, just yes.
1050 Paseo de Peralta, 982-0388; 1300 Rufina Circle, Ste. A4, 930-5460
We know what you're thinking, because we thought it, too—you've never had a chocolate at the Chocolate Maven. But it's not always about boxes for your folks or sweethearts. Sometimes it's about the ganache on tasty cakes, plus cookies and more.
821 W San Mateo Road, 984-1980
When a pair of chocolatiers who'd worked for now-defunct CG Higgins chocolate house struck out on their own, they had the know-how and drive to craft some remarkably fine chocolate.
Santa Fe Fashion Outlets, 8380 Cerrillos Road, 428-0012
Best Asian Restaurant
1. Paper Dosa
Most of us are far more familiar with Northern Indian cuisine, but when Paper Dosa opened its doors with South Indian fare in Santa Fe some years back, a cry went up among the people. Why had we never known these delights before? How might we support this restaurant so it's always packed? Today, we DO know, and the dining room at Paper Dosa IS always packed. Life's good.
551 W Cordova Road, 930-5521
If it's Asian food from multiple countries you're looking for, Jinja's your place. If sharing and going at a slower pace are what you're looking for, Jinja's your place. Absolutely bonkers bar with great (and strong) cocktails? Jinja's your place.
510 N Guadalupe St., 982-4321
Chef Kiko Rodriguez has proven that diners will flock to a Japanese joint without sushi, particularly when the sake flows and the izakaya-style menu items are varied, fresh and absolutely delicious.
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, 982-9304
Best Bakery
1. Clafoutis
In its original location on Guadalupe Street, the people of Santa Fe could never find ample enough parking to sample the pastries, cakes, pies, macarons and more substantial breakfast and lunch fare. In its newer spot beside BODY Santa Fe, Clafoutis is still every bit as jam-packed, it just has the space to spread out a bit, offer better service and still keep baking up the goods about which people dream.
333 W Cordova Road, 988-1809
Obviously this would make the list—have you sampled the chocolate petit four? The pumpkin spice muffin? The macaroons? Hurry!
821 W San Mateo Road, 984-1980
Listen to us very carefully: You need to try either the banana tart or the lemon meringue tart. Or the blueberry muffins. Or the cupcakes. Get it all. All of it. Do it now.
1100 Don Diego Ave., 989-9966
Best Breakfast
1. The Pantry
The Pantry has been serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1948 and someplace between the New Mexican fare, the diner standbys and those totally radical curly fries, you'll find a family at work together serving up staples right. There's almost always a line on weekends, which ought to tell you something, and did we mention the curly fries? We did? OK, we're just really serious about those.
1820 Cerrillos Road, 986-0022
2. Clafoutis
Smart diners know that the early bird gets the worm—or the stuffed breakfast croissant, as the case may be. Either way, expect long lines if you don't hit 'em up early.
333 W Cordova Road, 988-1809
What's a little drive between breakfast friends? This stalwart roadside haunt proves it's nothing with one of the most popular morning menus in Santa Fe history.
96 B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 989-4629
Best Breakfast Burrito
1. El Parasol
El Parasol is probably known better as a taco joint (and that their tacos are Glorious with a capital G), but the multiple locations of the longtime local fave also serve up the goodness for breakfast. We think it's about the chile, a veggie the folks at El Parasol have obviously mastered, but we also think it's about serving up good food, whether from a dining room on the outskirts of town or a drive-up/walk-up location in the heart of Midtown. Happy brekkie, Santa Fe!
1833 Cerrillos Road, 995-8015; 298 Dinosaur Trail, 995-8226
2. Tia Sophia's
Did somebody say a million years of family history and restauranting means of course Tia's has one of the best breakfast burritos ever around? We did. We said that.
210 W San Francisco St., 983-9880
As these five local locations will probably tell you, Blake's will put bacon AND sausage inside that breakfast burrito, plus hash browns. Oh, dang.
404 N Guadalupe St., 983-4915;
2004 St Michaels Drive, 471-8694;
3200 Cerrillos Road, 471-2433;
2820 W Zia Road, 438-2411;
4706 Airport Road, 473-7633
Best Brunch
1. Clafoutis
This restaurant won Best Breakfast, why not Best Brunch for the sleepyheads, too? We mentioned the stuffed breakfast croissant earlier, and we still mean it. Add to that omelettes of many shades and stripes, crepes and French toast—including a coconut version—plus all the pastries you know and love. A word to the wise, though: The menu switches to lunch at 11:30 am, so be punctual.
333 W Cordova Road, 988-1809
Brunch is a Sunday-only affair at Sweetwater (though it serves breakfast every day), but given the menu items like pumpkin pancakes and huevos motuleños with plantains, it's worth it to wait out the week.
1512 Pacheco St., 795-7383
Good thing there are tons of tables and a dreamy patio to hold the hordes who get here for weekend brunch. Go light with housemade granola or bigger with huevos or waffles. Either way, just go.
96 B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 989-4629
Joy Godfrey
Best Burger
For no-frills delicious burger-eatin', look no further than the sister to Taco Fundación. Hit the walk-up window for takeaway or sit with your burgers in the casual outdoor dining area. The green chile cheeseburger is the name of the game here, served as big or small as you like, with a side of shoestring fries. Get a lamburger or fried oyster sandwich, too. Grab a shake while you're at it and enjoy the breezes at one of the picnic tables.
631 Cerrillos Road, 988-8992
Chef Milton Villarubia III has managed to create distinct menus at Second Street's various locations around town, but those in search of a great burger can find it at any of three locations.
1814 Second St., 982-3030;
1607 Paseo de Peralta, 989-3278;
2920 Rufina St., 954-1068
Punk rock meets the art of the burger downtown with fantastic burger varieties, six delicious sauces and even a thing or two for the vegetarians. Win-win-win.
207 W San Francisco St., 395-8210
Best Chef
1. Ahmed Obo – Jambo Café
Each year we start to wonder if we should even have a vote anymore or just hand it over to Obo indefinitely. Jambo, of course, is a generous fusion of African and Caribbean cuisines doled out with Obo's trademark genius palate and ultra-upbeat attitude. This is the fifth year running he'll take home the top chef slot, and the fifth year running we think to ourselves, "Obviously."
2010 Cerrillos Road, 473-1269
2. Martin Rios – Restaurant Martín
They don't go around handing out James Beard Award nominations to just any old chef, so chef Rios' multiple noms mean he knows what to do. Find creative fine dining at the restaurant he runs with his wife.
526 Galisteo St., 820-0919
3. Jake Judd – The Club at Las Campañas
Somewhere between the two golf courses, the horses, the tennis and the spa, find Judd serving up fine foods for famished sportsters.
132 Clubhouse Drive, 995-3500
Best Chile
1. La Choza
Whenever anyone asks us where to find the best New Mexican food, we don't even have to think about it—it's La Choza (roughly Spanish for the shed), sister restaurant to another famous New Mexican spot, The Shed. There's never a question when it comes to the best chile in town; the Carswell family has spent over six decades perfecting theirs. It's why we dream about it and why it's on our must-have list for visitors, locals and anyone else who'll listen.
905 Alarid St., 982-0909
2. The Shed
Find history and deliciousness a few short steps from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Get everything Christmas; get a fried egg on top; don't sleep on the garlic bread.
113 1/2 Palace Ave., 982-9030
The unassuming little restaurants are often the best, and Horseman's Haven proves this time and time again. Yes, it's spicy as hell, but it's delicious and basically a Santa Fe rite of passage.
4354 Cerrillos Road, 471-5420
Best Cocktails
1. Coyote Café & Rooftop Cantina
If there were a Best People-Watching category, Coyote Café's Rooftop Cantina would probably win that, too. From atop its perch in the very heart of downtown's Water Street area, it's the sort of place you visit for summertime cocktails, light bites and full-on meals—though owner Quinn Stephenson did open up the cantina year-round as of 2018, around the same time a mural by artist Jorael Numina was unveiled on the patio.
132 W Water St., 983-1615
2. Borracho's Craft Booze and Brews
Las Vegas, New Mexico, isn't as far as you think, especially not when the cocktails are this good. Volunteer to take your buds as DD for the hour's drive and be safe about it.
139 Bridge St., Las Vegas, 615-3561
3. Radish & Rye
If bourbon's your game, Radish & Rye's stellar hand-picked collection comes in a variety of delicious cocktails.
505 Cerrillos Road, 930-5325
Best Coffee
When third wave coffee hit Santa Fe, we took to it like woah, and Iconik's reign continues in earnest. New locations, expanded food menus and plenty of art and music events keep things fresh as well, but that cuppa remains one of Santa Fe's favorites for its fair trade commitment and just plain deliciousness.
314 S Guadalupe St., 428-0996; 1600 Lena St., 428-0996; 202 Galisteo St., 988-4226
Dark, rich and affordable, Ohori's doles out the goodness from three locations around town and still gives a free cup for people who buy a pound or more of beans or grounds.
1098 1/2 South St. Francis Drive, 982-9692; 505 Cerrillos Road, Ste. B103, 982-9692; 511 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-9692
3. Java Joe's
Kind of like the workingman's coffee shop, Java Joe's drive-thru on Rodeo Road or its newer location near Meow Wolf doesn't hurt, nor do their high-quality brews. Try the Americano—simple, yes, but they nail it every time.
1248 Siler Road, 930-5763; 2801 Rodeo Road, 474-5282
Best Curry
1. Paper Dosa
The top winner in our Best Asian category too, no Indian restaurant would be complete without curry to write home about, and Paper Dosa's take on the iconic flavor is the stuff of legend. Whether sampling the vegetable, prawn, chicken or lamb curry, one knows to expect the best, an expertly made batch of deliciousness with only one difficult question to answer: How much is too much?
551 W Cordova Road, 930-5521
2. Jambo Café
Chef Ahmed Obo's signature curry recipes go great with pretty much anything on the Jambo menu. Ask your server what they might do. They'll know.
2010 Cerrillos Road, 473-1269
3. India House
One of those solid standbys we Santa Feans love, one knows to expect consistency and solid flavor know-how. The lunch buffet still comes with super service.
2501 Cerrillos Road, 471-2651
Best Dessert
With so many treats from which to choose, the Maven's desserts—from the dining room's menu to bits and bobs to take home—pretty much wrote the book on innovation and deliciousness. Go wild with a slice of fresh coconut cream pie or share a chocolate ganache petit four. Don't forget to order your pies around the holidays, and remember the classics like macaroons, chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake and so much more.
821 W San Mateo Road, 984-1980
2. Clafoutis
French pastry goodness from eclairs and creampuffs, napoleons and colorful macarons plus so much more. If you love their breakfast, the desserts might kill you (in a good way).
333 W Cordova Road, 988-1809
Apple pie, lemon meringue, strawberry rhubarb and more; brownies, coffee cake and even a root beer float. What are you waiting for?
96 B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 989-4629
Best Distillery
For a town our size to have multiple distilleries is lucky enough, but Santa Fe Spirits' signature takes on liquids like gin with local botanicals, vodka and a smoky whiskey are also distinct and well-crafted. Santa Fe Spirits has been a mainstay at SFR parties, are the proprietors of a popular downtown tasting room, recently acquired a presence in Costco and are on the shelves in lots of other stores.
Tasting Room: 308 Read St., 780-5906
Distillery: 750 Mallard Way, 467-8892
2. Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery
Former employees of Los Alamos' Bathtub Brewing broke off to create this Midtown hotspot that in a short time became one of the most popular joints in Santa Fe history.
2791 Agua Fría St., 780-5370
Tasting Room: 32 Bisbee Court
3. KGB Spirits
Small-batch heirloom spirits crafted expertly from a little ol' distillery in Alcalde, New Mexico, this one might be life-changing.
183 Hwy. 41, Alcalde, 406-6101
Best Fine Dining
1. Geronimo
Ask anyone to name Santa Fe's most prominent fine dining experience, and they often say the same: Geronimo. From the midpoint of Canyon Road's bustling artistry, chef Sllin Cruz' creative menu inspires travel from across the globe. Try the crab cakes or carpaccio appetizers for a good start—or the Fujisaki Asian pear salad if you're veggie—before jumping into more substantial main courses like the green miso sea bass or cast-iron seared scallops, the locally sourced New York strip steak or a maple balsamic-glazed pork shank.
724 Canyon Road, 982-1500
2. The Compound
Also a Canyon Road highlight, chef Mark Kiffin's beautifully appointed minimalist dining room provides a sublime counterpoint to the inspired menu. We love the sunken bar.
653 Canyon Road, 982-4353
Chef Martín Rios' namesake eatery on Galisteo Street consistently proves why he's been up for a James Beard Award so many times. Expect comfortable Southwestern-inspired fine dining done with innovation.
526 Galisteo St., 820-0919
Joy Godfrey
Best Food Cart/Truck/Stand
1. El Chile Toreado
When El Chile Toreado moved a few streets from Cordova Road to Early Street recently, SFR was flooded with emails from concerned citizens as to its whereabouts. A brilliant combination of Mexican standbys such as burritos and tacos mix wonderfully with Polish sausage and hot dogs. This is why food trucks came to be, and this is why they'll continue to be popular. Did we mention it's beyond affordable?
807 Early St., 500-0033
2. The Bonsai Asian Tacos
Do Asian foods and tacos go together? You bet they do, which is why The Bonsai reached beloved status ages ago and continues to impress. All hail!
1599 S St Francis Drive, 316-9418
3. Jambo Hapa
It's not always clear where chef Ahmed Obo's food truck might be, but when one does come across it, it's party time.
Best Frito Pie
Anthony Bourdain tried it, everyone you know remembers it, and when the Five & Dime's longtime purveyor Teresa Hernandez died last March, the city mourned. We're talkin' Frito pie, the simple combination of Fritos, chile, cheese and onion, and even as we write this we're dying to hit the Plaza for the undisputed best of them all.
58 E San Francisco St., 992-1800
2. Plaza Café
It's fitting that the second-place winner would also be Plaza-adjacent, not to mention a Santa Fe institution with a long tradition of Greek-inspired New Mexican food.
54 Lincoln Ave, 982-1664
3. El Parasol
Everything else on the menu is fantastic, why wouldn't the Frito pies be? Hit the Midtown location or find one down near the Santa Fe Community College.
1833 Cerrillos Road, 995-8015; 298 Dinosaur Trail, 995-8226
Best Guacamole
1. Gabriel's
The songs of Gabriel's guac ring out across the land, and the longtime beloved and Zagat-rated restaurant just north of town does them proud. Certainly you've heard how the servers make it fresh right at your tableside? Or how they just know how to pick the right avocado? Try for yourself and forever be a convert.
4 Banana Lane, 455-7000
If countless travelers come through your doors, you'd better do guacamole right. La Plazuela does guacamole right. Diners love the light-filled room.
La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E San Francisco St, 995-2334
3. The Shed
Made fresh daily, the unchallenged rulers of chile-dom know how to get those avos humming, too. Housemade blue and yellow corn tortilla chips sweeten the deal.
113 1/2 E Palace Ave., 982-3030
Best Happy Hour
1. AGAVE Lounge
Don't sleep on the hotel bars just because they don't stand alone. Instead, love them for their impeccably high standards. They are, after all, meant to impress visitors and locals alike, and AGAVE's happy hour impresses particularly with food and drink specials that won't hurt your wallet or your feelings.
Eldorado Hotel & Spa, 309 W San Francisco St., 955-4530
2. Santa Fe Capitol Grill
Santa Feans can do a silly thing assuming all the best food and drink happens downtown. Learn more with happy hour specials at this Southside favorite.
3462 Zafarano Drive, 471-6800
It's where the legislators go and entirely more affordable than its posh environs might imply. Hit up that bar, have a drink, get a snack, get happy.
414 Old Santa Fe Trail, 955-0765
1.
Best Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt
OK, we're a little partial since we're neighbors (remember, however, that SFR staff doesn't choose the winners), but as objectively as we can say it: Have you had this gelato?! Owner Matt Durkovich has really got something here, especially with classic flavors like stracciatella, and seasonal, refreshing summer fruit and melon types. Don't pass on the honey gelato, nor the cantaloupe; check out that mint chocolate, too.
128 E Marcy St., 986-9778
2. La Lechería
Another Marcy Street fave, La Lecheria has flavors expected and unexpected, and it's all thanks to Fire & Hops' chef Joel Coleman.
1708 Lena St.; 101 W Marcy St., 205-1595
3. Frogurt Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt
It's frozen, it's yogurt, there're toppings galore—help yourself by serving yourself and try not to go overboard—it's so good that's easily doable.
2810 Rodeo Road, 474-6336
Best International Cuisine
1. Jambo Café
Surprise! Just kidding—we already know Jambo's the best. We're not even sure how to convince you anymore (if you aren't already), so we'll keep it simple: Chef Ahmed Obo and company have crafted one of the best menus in town with African and Caribbean flair. It's affordable and utterly unpretentious.
2010 Cerrillos Road, 473-1269
2. Paper Dosa
Southern Indian food done right from the curry to the dosas and everything else in between. Visit repeatedly, and don't be surprised by the lines. You'll get in. It will be great.
551 W Cordova Road, 930-5521
3. La Boca
Chef James Campbell Caruso's small but powerful temple of tapas packs 'em in on the regular. Don't forget the wine list and, if you didn't know, the great espresso.
Original: 72 W Marcy St., 982-3433
Taberna: 125 Lincoln Ave., 988-7102
Best Italian Restaurant
1. Piccolino
Another case for the Southside food goodness, SFR has more than a few Piccolino super-fans on our staff. This is down-home Italian done right, and there's even a drive-up window to take it home. We wish we could recommend just one menu item, but we suggest starting at the top and trying pretty much everything.
2980 Agua Fría St., 471-1480
2. Andiamo!
Built on the pillars of good food done consistently, Andiamo! remains a local favorite year after year.
322 Garfield St., 995-9595
3. Il Piatto
Chef and owner Matt Yohalem takes freshness seriously, and this has meant more than 20 years of popularity and a stellar menu. Don't forget the half-off wine and apps happy hours, twice daily.
95 W Marcy St., 984-1091
Best Locally Brewed Beer
Santa Fe Brewing has been a nationally recognized powerhouse for years, but with owner Brian Lock setting his sights on expansion in recent times—both physically and beer-wise—it's steadily gaining loyal local followers. Keep an eye out for special one-off brews at events and concerts and don't forget the new-ish downtown spot, The Brakeroom.
35 Fire Place, 424-3333; 7 Caliente Road, Eldorado, 466-6938; 510 Galisteo St., 780-8648
Second Street's continually rotating beers are some of the best in the biz and now, with three locations across town, some of the easiest to find and drink.
3. 1814 Second St., 982-3030; 1607 Paseo de Peralta, 989-3278; 2920 Rufina St., 954-1068
This one's for the beer nerds courtesy of chemist John Rowley. If Walter White had turned to beer instead of meth, this might be what it looked like.
1405 Maclovia St., 428-0719
Joy Godfrey
Best Margaritas
1. Maria's
Margaritas are a sacred occurrence in Santa Fe, and no other restaurant takes the responsibility more seriously. Perhaps the jewel in the Margarita Trail's crown, Maria's boasts four full menu pages of specialty margs, starting at the affordable and running the gamut to the cream of the crop; the special-occasion blends that make use of the finest tequila and mixers. Good food, too.
555 Cordova Road, 983-7929
2. La Choza
If you win Best Chile and Best New Mexican food year after year, you'd better have stellar margaritas to sweeten the deal. La Choza does this and more.
905 Alarid St., 982-0909
3. Del Charro
For a mere pittance, travelers and locals alike can enjoy some of the most delicious margaritas in town, plus you get that extra bit in the shaker that's basically a whole second pour.
Inn of the Governors, 101 W Alameda St., 954-0320
1.
Best Nachos
Santa Fe knows its nachos—we've basically cornered the market on things made of tortilla covered in cheese—so when the city collectively chooses the best place for those melty, beany, spicy concoctions, you understand it's legit. Cowgirl, of course, knows what to do for everyone, from vegetarians to fans of BBQ pork, and that patio is nothing to scoff at this time of year.
319 S Guadalupe St., 982-2565
Maybe you wouldn't expect to be able to add mushrooms to your nachos, but then maybe you've been eating nachos wrong your entire life.
1814 Second St., 982-3030; 1607 Paseo de Peralta, 989-3278; 2920 Rufina St., 954-1068
3. Boxcar
Kyzer pork belly, all-natural braised short rib, New Mexico green chile and more make these $16 nachos worth every penny—probably more.
530 S Guadalupe St., 988-7222
Best New Mexican Restaurant
1. La Choza
In days of yore, The Shed was Santa Fe's number one choice for New Mexican fare, but with each passing year, the Carswell family's Alarid Street monument to chile, cheese y más has expanded its dining areas, added one of the most beautiful bars in the city and wound up topping locals' lists like nothing ever before. Of course, the out-of-towners now know, but that's really OK; the more the merrier, right?
905 Alarid St., 982-0909
2. The Shed
That's another win for everybody's favorite New Mexican food purveyors and proof positive that there's never too much of a good thing.
113 1/2 Palace Ave., 982-9030
3. Tomasita's
Honey butter and some of the best red chile ever call like sirens, alongside a massive margarita list and bar menu within the onetime train station turned historic New Mexican eatery.
500 S Guadalupe St., 983-5721
Best New Mexico Winery
1. Gruet Winery
In the 1980s, while the wine world focused on places like California, French vintner Gilbert Gruet recognized and capitalized on New Mexico's arid farmlands. Turns out our hot days and cool nights are friendly to a specific kind of hearty grape, and now Gruet can be found stocked throughout the world. And it's not just the sparkling wine they're known for—find a long list of still reds and whites as well.
Main Winery: 1832, 8400 Pan American Fwy. NE, Albuquerque, 821-0055
Tasting Room: Hotel St. Francis, 210 Don Gaspar Ave., 989-9463
Since 1992, the award-winning Velarde winery has been making fans and friends and bottling up vintages so fine, you're bound to say, "That's a fine vintage!" Lots of people like this winery's Black Beauty chocolate wine.
1502 Hwy. 68, Velarde, 852-2820
3. St. Clair Winery/DH Lescombes
The ABQ vineyard is known for producing over 40 wines from its impressive grapes, and the more people sample their way through the selection, the more it's obvious: This wine slays. Hit up Hervé in Santa Fe to taste the wares.
Winery: 901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, 243-9916
Hervé Wine Bar: 139 W San Francisco St., 795-7075
Best New Restaurant
Santa Fe has a fair number of steakhouses, but under the watchful eye of head chef Kathleen Crook—a native of Artesia, New Mexico, and actual rodeo champion—Market Steer's impressive cuts, style and menu put it right up there with the old standbys. Crook's time at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute Le Cordon Bleu and chef-ing it up in Dallas are nothing to scoff at; neither are those steaks.
210 Don Gaspar Ave., 992-6354
For a craft brewery and restaurant to stand out among Santa Fe's finest is no small task, but Beer Creek won our hearts (and bellies) quickly their brews and pizzas out there near Lone Butte south of town.
3810 Hwy. 14, 471-9271
3. Tres Colores
We don't know about "new," but we do know you love chef Hugo Sena's taco bar style on Marcy Street, recently relocated from the Fashion Outlets. Who doesn't?
101 W Marcy St., 490-0296
Katherine Lewin
Best Patio
1. La Casa Sena
Hear the birds sing overhead while the wind whispers through the tall, tall trees; watch the bees buzz busily in the nearby flowers and plants. Sample the indoor and outdoor bars' drinks and beers; or, in the cantina, catch a singing waiter or two as they drop of your apps and main courses. There's something magic in the air within Sena Plaza, and it's not just the history and beauty—it's the feeling. Oh, and don't miss the retail wine shop.
125 E Palace Ave., 988-9232
2. The Teahouse
A long list of teas and delicious menus for any time of day make this Canyon Road patio one of the best in our fair city. It is paved with gravel, so skip those fancy shoes.
821 Canyon Road, 992-0972
If you're already there for the desserts and the drinks and the general ambiance, go outside and get those things on the gorgeous patio. Watch for the hummingbird moths.
96 B Old Las Vegas Hwy., 989-4629
1.
Best Pizza
Celebrating the eighth victory in a row for the Second Street pizza joint that knows the power of the cornmeal crust! Back Road's commitment to sourcing locally, to being a proud member of the community—and to having, let's face it, a pretty punk rock edge—make it one of our faves, and clearly one of yours, too.
1807 Second St., Ste. 1, 955-9055
2. Pizza Centro
The one and only New York-style pizzeria in town, Centro has those big slices cooked to perfection across three locations. Pro tip? Dip those bad boys in a side of balsamic glaze. You're welcome.
418 Cerrillos Road, 988-8825; 3470 Zafarano Drive, 471-6200; Agora Center, 7 Avenida Vista Grande, Eldorado, 466-3161
Lunch specials for downtown visitors and workers lead the reasons why the OG location is dear to us, but grabbing a couple pies for dinner is also tops. Now with two locations.
329 Old Santa Fe Trail, 982-200; 5 Colina Drive, Eldorado, 471-1111
Best Sushi Restaurant
1. Kohnami
For a landlocked town, we've sure got a fair number of delicious sushi eateries. Kohnami, according to our readers, is best among them. From the cozy environs and inviting sushi bar within the Guadalupe Street restaurant, find all the familiar items you know and love, plus specials and fantastic cooked items from the kitchen. Pair with sake or jasmine tea, repeat, repeat, repeat.
313 S Guadalupe St., 984-2002
On beautiful Marcy Street find this tiny sushi spot serving up fresh and delicious items from a strong menu of favorites, classics and all points between.
105 E Marcy St., 424-1311
Hit the St. Michael's corridor for a low-key, no-fuss sushi experience—wonderful starting point for newbies and a testament to the craft for veterans.
720 St. Michael's Drive, 438-7221
Best Tacos
1. El Parasol
You'll find plenty of delicious tacos almost anyplace you look in Santa Fe, but El Parasol's no-frills southwest sandwiches are a great leveler. Housemade shells contain tender shredded meats—or no meats at all if you're looking for an avocado taco—and the resulting feeling is something like bliss meets satisfaction.
1833 Cerrillos Road, 995-8015; 298 Dinosaur Trail, 995-8226
The brainchild of Shake Foundation's Brian Knox, Taco Fundación has tacos for carnivores, vegans, omnivores and anyone else with taste buds.
235 N Guadalupe St., 982-8286
3. El Chile Toreado
Don't fret—El Chile Toreado only moved a few blocks to Early Street. Those tacos you know and love? Still there, waiting for you.
807 Early St., 500-0033
Best Taproom
Well, which one are we talking about? The original location on Second Street where the smooth tones of Americana play out beside the signature beers of Rod Tweet and company? The Railyard, where summer is hot, but the beers are cool? Or maybe the Rufina Street Taproom, new kid on the block with the great big space and the progressive music schedule? Either way, try the IPAs and try the Kolsch and … aw, just try everything.
1814 Second St., 982-3030; 1607 Paseo de Peralta, 989-3278; 2920 Rufina St., 954-1068
2. Santa Fe Brewing: The Brakeroom
The only complaint most folks had about the Santa Fe Brewing Co. was its distant location. The Brakeroom on Galisteo Street changes everything, and they still have the mothership, of course.
Original: 35 Fire Place, 424-3333; Brakeroom: 510 Galisteo St., 780-8648
3. Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery
Not sure we've ever seen the city embrace a new business so quickly, but Tumbleroot's killer beers don't hurt one bit.
2791 Agua Fría St., 780-5370
Joy Godfrey
Best Tea
1. The Teahouse
A cursory glance at The Teahouse's online tea menu transforms easily into a protracted scrolling and world tour of teas and blends both hot and iced. At the restaurant it's a literal book of choices. Basically, if you're into tea, this is your dream come true on a local level. Take it home, have it there (don't forget the beautiful patio) and remind yourself that if that's not nice, what is?
821 Canyon Road, 992-0972
2. Opuntia Café
With a connection to beloved coffee shop Iconik and a knack for selecting the very best teas, this hybrid restaurant-succulent shop checks all the boxes.
922 Shoofly St., 780-5796
3. ArtfulTea
Nearly 100 loose leaf and hand-blended teas, plus tips and tricks for brewing the perfect pot, cup or carafe. Now in a new location.
101 W Marcy St., 795-7724
Best Vegetarian
1. Vinaigrette
The SFR staffers who don't eat meat can indeed attest that Vinaigrette is an absolute must for the vegetarian crowd. Owner Erin Wade grows the restaurant's veggies, and the salads and sandwiches are crafted with care—there's a carrot cake on that menu that could launch a thousand ships. Stay tuned for upcoming eco initiatives from the bright and adorable hotspot, and trust us—the Omega's the best one.
709 Don Cubero Alley, 820-9205
Fresh, natural, organic, local, gluten-free options from a community-minded eatery dead-set on creating delicious dishes the responsible way. Score!
1512 Pacheco St., 795-7383
3. Paper Dosa
If Indian food has taught the world one thing, it's that there are so many ways to make meat-free meals that are every bit as delicious. If you're unsure, visit Paper Dosa and become a convert.
551 W Cordova Road, 930-5521
