Joy Godfrey
Posole with red chile, lime, radish and avocado
When a restaurant gets it so right for so long, it's going to become comfort food for a good part of the Santa Fe population. The Carswell family has been cooking New Mexican fare for decades at this south Railyard spot, and you'll see familiar faces in the dining room and in the kitchen. It's the sister restaurant to the more touristy downtown spot, The Shed, and Sarah Carswell says it was meant from the beginning to serve locals. The chile is consistently excellent (both kinds) and vegetarians love the fact that the veggie enchiladas ($13.75) actually have veggies in them instead of a huge helping of cheese. Carnivores could do worse than to add a rib-eye to their enchiladas ($25). Fish tacos ($14.75 for two, $18 for three) are a consistent favorite. La Choza pays attention to its margaritas and has some creative variations, as well as a full range of more traditional offerings, including the 1579 ($11.25), made with the ArteNOM tequila blanco bearing that number and Cointreau. The lime juice is squeezed fresh, and you can even build your own margarita if there's something you don't see on the menu. Add in a solid dessert list (the French apple pie is tasty), most of which comes in at $4, and you may have a new favorite spot.
905 Alarid St., 982-0909
Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday
Instagram: @lachozasantafe
