Joy Godfrey
Combination plate with carne adovada chicken and blue corn burrito; fish tacos on blue corn tortillas
A restaurant can't exist as La Choza has if it isn't consistently at the top of its game, but the sister restaurant to The Shed ("choza" is Spanish for "shed," by the way) has been there since it opened in 1983. Of course, in the old days, The Shed was the more popular haunt, but it's rare not to find a sizable wait at La Choza these days, which means the growing New Mexican joint is at the top of many locals' lists. It's that chile, which many agree is the best in town, and a recipe that owners from the Carswell family have presided over for decades, but with more contemporary items like fish tacos ($13.25-$19), unbelievably decadent desserts like the mocha cake ($4.25) and all the popular New Mexico items such as enchiladas, burritos, tamales y más ($11.25-$17.25), La Choza has also proven a stellar option for anyone looking for a solid meal. Throw in a full bar with myriad margarita options ($7.75-$13) and appetizers, soups and salads, and it's definitely worth that 90-minute wait on a cold winter's eve. We recommend the combo plate with enchiladas, tamales and an over-easy egg on top ($12.50-$17.75). Pair with the silver coin margarita ($10.50) and some of the house-made chips and guac, and you've really got a party going.
Lunch and Dinner
Monday-Saturday
.$$.
905 Alarid St.,
505-982-0909
Instagram: @lachozasantafe
