NM08 - New Mexico Dining Guide

• American
• Chinese/ Japanese
• Contemporary
• Contemporary American
• Contemporary Southwestern
• Continental American
• French
• French/ Southwestern
• Global
• Global/ Contemporary
• Italian
• New Mexican
• New Mexican/ Central American
• Seafood
• Southwestern
• Southwestern/ Global
• Steaks and Seafood
• Bars and Clubs

AMERICAN

Kurt’s Deli
Taos Tennis Resort at Quail Ridge Taos
88 State Rd. 150 Taos, NM 87571
(575) 776-3444
Kurt’s Deli is a great place to find a wide variety of fresh homemade foods reasonably priced. The deli offers delicious breakfast burritos and sandwiches using organic eggs. Lunch entrées include a variety of hot sandwiches, features homemade New Mexican Green Chile, soups, salads, and quesadillas. Kurt’s Dinners-to-Go include curries, lasagnas, and salads. The atmosphere is very relaxed with customers ordering at the deli counter and eating inside the dining room, enjoying the garden and poolside patios during warm months or carrying out. Deli hours: Mon.- Fri. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

La Casa Sena / La Casa Sena Cantina
20 Sena Plaza, 125 E. Palace Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 988-9232
Located in an historical plaza and surrounded by Santa Fe’s most beautiful courtyard, La Casa Sena features innovative American cuisine. The seasonal menu combines traditional New Mexican, Southwestern, and International cooking styles all served with distinctive Santa Fe flair. With an award-winning wine list and wine shop featuring more than 1,200 selections, La Casa Sena is a must stop for food and wine lovers alike. “La Cantina,” next door, features a more casual menu served by singing waiters.

Railyard Restaurant & Saloon
530 S. Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 989-3300
Railyard Restaurant & Saloon invites you to sample its menu of “American Classics Revisited.” Located in the historical Santa Fe Railyard within the Gross Kelly Warehouse at 530 South Guadalupe, the restaurant offers steaks, seafood, and spirits in a nonsmoking environment with continuous service throughout the day, ample parking and late dining. For more information, please call (505) 989-3300.

CHINESE/ JAPANESE

Bamboo Asian Cuisine
2400 Cerrillos Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-3600
Bamboo Asian Cuisine with its Mongolian Grill and New Sushi Bar is known for its delicious authentically prepared Chinese and Asian cuisine. Fresh ingredients, delicate spices, authentic sauces, and an attentive staff will enhance your dinning experience. Come and indulge in the fresh offerings at the Sushi Bar or if the Mongolian grill is more your style, you will enjoy the 18 house sauce for your creations. A nice selection of domestic and imported wines, beers, and sake are available. A place to gather in Santa Fe where the Asian influence blends perfectly.

CONTEMPORARY

Amaya
Hotel Santa Fe
1501 Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-1200; (800) 825-9876
From the cold rivers of Alaska to the grassy fields of the Great Plains, the chefs at Amaya restaurant select superb traditional Native American foods. Salmon, bison, oysters, and other natural ingredients are woven together in a style that is both ancient and contemporary. Relax inside by the fire or take in the stars on one of Santa Fe’s favorite patios. The Amaya restaurant is a romantic setting for a memorable dining experience.

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN

The Compound Restaurant
653 Canyon Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-4353
Mark Kiffin and The Compound Restaurant were selected by the James Beard Foundation as one of America’s best restaurants, winning “Best Chef of the Southwest.” Santa Fe’s premier restaurant with Kiffin’s acclaimed seasonal contemporary cuisine. The New York Times, Gourmet magazine, Wall Street Journal, and Wine Spectator have all selected the Compound as Santa Fe’s favorite. The Compound presents its craft within historical adobe walls, picturesque gardens, and romantic dining rooms. Special events are brought to life with the finest in service and cuisine for 12-250 guests.

Fuego at La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
330 E. Palace Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-0000
La Posada is home to AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Fuego, a fine dining establishment serving dinner. A recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Fuego features a classic continental menu presented with attentive service and the seasonal cheese cart is a highlight. Viga Restaurant offers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual atmosphere and the historical Staab House Lounge features small plates and signature cocktails. Live entertainment on weekends and seasonal outdoor seating makes La Posada a special occasion choice for locals.

CONTEMPORARY SOUTHWESTERN

Doc Martin's Restaurant
The Historic Taos Inn
125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-1977
Doc Martin’s Restaurant is an acclaimed fine-dining establishment located in a registered historic landmark. Doc’s is a true Taos tradition, earning multiple awards accompanied by the fabulous Regional New American fare served. Chef Zippy White specializes in organic foods with a splash of the Southwest. With more than 400 wine selections, the notable world-class wine list is not to be missed. Desserts are prepared fresh daily. Please call (575) 758-1977 for more information or visit the web site. Doc Martin's Restaurant is legendary food, wine, and service.

CONTINENTAL AMERICAN

Las Fuentes Restaurant & Bar
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
1297 Bishop’s Lodge Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 819-4035; (800) 732-2240
Chef Brian Shannon offers contemporary American cuisine with indigenous influences as part of the Western mountain retreat experience. The views span the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and the warm ambiance echoes Santa Fe history, style, and culture. The flavors and aromas of this kitchen include ancho and chipotle chiles, and fresh garlic, oregano, and basil. The menu includes Buffalo rib-eye steak with goat cheese polenta, Borracho black beans, green chile mushroom sauce, Ancho-crusted wild boar, duck tamales with chipotle cream, and Chayote squash.

FRENCH

315 Restaurant and Wine Bar
315 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-9190
Continually voted one of the best French restaurants in Santa Fe and Best Restaurant 2002-2003 from the Santa Fe Reporter, 315 serves French provincial cuisine in a warm cozy setting. With a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list that includes more than 240 bottles and 14 wines by the glass, you are sure to have a memorable experience. Enjoy squash blossom beignets on our lovely garden patio in season. While in town, please visit our sister restaurant Railyard Restaurant and Saloon.

FRENCH/SOUTHWESTERN

Ristra
548 Agua Fria St. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-8608
Ristra’s Victorian building captures New Mexico’s spirit. Dine in one of the serene rooms or the elegant full bar. “This popular restaurant turns out cleanly presented, powerfully flavored food that draws on the cuisines of both France and the Southwest.” — Gourmet magazine. “The spot for excellent, imaginative cuisine. Excellent service plus a sophisticated setting with a wonderful patio.” — Zagat. Featured in Gourmet, Bon Appétit, Travel + Leisure, and the New York Times plus the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Dinner nightly. Patio dining. Private room available for groups. Bar menu. Cocktails.

GLOBAL

The Aqua Bloom Restaurant
Doubletree Albuquerque
201 Marquette Ave. Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 247-3344; (800) 222-TREE Fax: (505) 247-7025
Newly renovated, the Doubletree Hotel location is ideal for both the business and leisure traveler and the connection to the convention center makes the hotel the premier location for convention travelers as well. The newly re-themed restaurant and lounge Aqua Bloom and Ice blend seamlessly with the combination of West Hollywood Chic and Southwestern sensibility, for a dining and socializing experience you will want to experience over and over again.

El Meze Restaurant
1017 Paseo del Pueblo Norte El Prado, NM 87529
(575) 751-3337
Located 1.2 miles north of Taos Plaza in the restored 1847 El Torreon Hacienda, El Meze features chef and food historian Frederick Muller’s modern interpretation of the 800-year-old cuisine of Moorish Spain. The unique menu offers a variety of small plate dishes — Grilled Prawns with Moroccan spices, Buffalo Short Ribs Adovada — as well as large plates and unforgettable desserts. An exceptional wine and beer list complements the menu. Outdoor seating offers a spectacular view while indoor dining embraces a “rustic groovy” mood.

GLOBAL/CONTEMPORARY

Geronimo
724 Canyon Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-1500
This cutting-edge, landmark restaurant serves the highest quality, creative food in an historical adobe. Geronimo ranks with the finest restaurants in the country. The exquisite décor, with its contemporary artwork and comfortable bancos, is serene, intimate, and conducive to socializing. Geronimo has consistently won major local and national awards. If you’re going to a restaurant for fine dining, eating at Geronimo is an experience that must not be missed.

ITALIAN

• Capo’s Bottega
1016 W. Hwy. 550 Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 771-0388
• Capo’s Corner
110 Pioneer Rd. Red River, NM 87558
(575) 754-6297
• Capo's Hideaway
8938 Fourth St., N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87114
(505) 898-2002
• Capo’s Piazza
722 Lomas, N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 242-2007
• Villa Di Capo
Downtown Albuquerque
722 Central Ave., S.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 242-2006
Where excellent food, great prices, and superior service are the main goals. Capo’s offers a wide variety of Italian favorites that have satisfied patrons since 1954. Capo's award-winning, excellent homemade sauces using authentic Italian recipes is well known throughout New Mexico. Capo's is health-conscious, using only quality ingredients in everything prepared. Capo’s team’s simple formula for success are its satisfied customers. Capo’s invites you to dine at your home away from home.

NEW MEXICAN

Church Street Café
2111 Church St., N.W. Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 247-8522
Church Street Café is in a residence built by the Ruiz family in the early 1700s. It remained a residence until the last inhabitant, Rufina G. Ruiz died, aged 91, in 1991. The Ruiz family lived in the house for almost 300 years, until the house became a café in 1991. Today the café serves Northern New Mexican food to locals and tourists Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Try the carne Adovada al Horno — oven-cooked pork marinated in red chile. For vegetarians, the Vegetarian Tamales with calabacitas are a favorite. Located behind San Felipe De Neri church in Old Town Albuquerque, where you can also enjoy shopping the many small shops in the historic district.

La Fonda del Bosque
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 Fourth St., S.W. Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 247-9480
Experience the richness and diversity of Hispanic art and culture at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. From engaging art exhibitions to dynamic music, dance, and theater, the center's vibrant world-class programs provide an unforgettable experience. Stroll through the beautiful courtyards and plazas, dine at the restaurant, La Fonda del Bosque, and shop at the museum store, La Tiendita. The finest art programs and Spanish classes are offered year-round in a variety of disciplines. For a complete listing of exciting events and programs call (505) 246-2261.

Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen
555 W. Cordova Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-7929
A Santa Fe tradition for six decades, specializing in Old Santa Fe home cooking and fajitas. Watch tortillas being made by hand. A choice of more than 125 margaritas, reputed to be the best in the world, are each made from scratch and hand-shaken. Owners Al and Laurie Lucero have even published a book, The Great Margarita Book (Ten-Speed Press), with recipes and the history of tequila. Most Mexican beers available. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Tomasita’s Santa Fe Station
500 S. Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-5721
Located at the renovated red brick station house (circa 1904), Tomasita’s is a Santa Fe institution. A visit to Santa Fe is not complete without experiencing its wonderful food. Voted by locals as the best New Mexican restaurant, serving the best green chile, red chile, sopapillas, chile rellenos, and margaritas, Tomasita’s caters to palates desiring the true spicy taste of Northern New Mexico. Seasonal patio dining. Open Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Visa, MC, Discover and American Express accepted. Parking. First come, first served.

NEW MEXICAN/ CENTRAL AMERICAN

El Tesoro Café
500 Montezuma Ave., #104 Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 988-3886
El Tesoro Café is located inside Sanbusco Market Center in the heart of the Guadalupe District. This treasure, as the name El Tesoro implies, has been serving food to Santa Feans for the past ten years. Breakfast and lunch are served daily. The menus feature a beautiful blend of New Mexican, Central American, and American entrées; it is a local’s favorite for fresh guacamole, great green chile, pupusas, salvadorean tamales, salads, and salmon tacos. The food is prepared fresh daily with items made to order.

SEAFOOD

Landry’s Seafood House
5001 Jefferson St., N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 875-0101
Classic Seafood ... With fresh seafood and spectacular scenery, Landry’s Seafood House echoes the sights, sounds, and sensations of a 1940s seafood house. Our mouth-watering menu has the very best of everything from irresistible appetizers like Oyster Bar Trash, a delicious combination of blackened shrimp and crabmeat, to fresh salads and our world-famous seafood specialties, such as our freshly prepared Gulf snapper, stuffed flounder or our Shrimp Fresca. And for those who desire non-seafare, Landry’s offers tempting steaks and chicken delicacies. You’re always welcome at Landry’s Seafood House!

SOUTHWESTERN

Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
20 Buffalo Thunder Trail Santa Fe, NM 87506
(505) 455-5555; (877) 455-7775
Buffalo Thunder Resort contains seven restaurants to please every palate, among them renowned chef Mark Miller’s signature Red Sage Restaurant. Chef Miller, founder of the famed Coyote Café in Santa Fe, is celebrated as the founder of modern Southwestern cuisine. Guests are also invited to satisfy their appetites at Mica Restaurant, Painted Parrot Buffet, Turquoise Trail Bar & Grill, Pueblo Deli, and the Pool Grille. The option of 24-hour in-room dining is available and a Starbucks Coffee is conveniently located on the resort’s lobby level.

Gabriel’s Restaurant
Hwy. 285, Exit 176 Santa Fe, NM 87506
(505) 455-7000
Five minutes north of the Opera on Highway 285. Savor the cuisine of the Southwest and Old Mexico at the eatery Zagat labels “one of America’s top restaurants, a true Mexican classic, rated excellent in all categories.” Enjoy the spacious outdoor patio with a spectacular view. Inside, the thick adobe walls and kiva fireplaces create a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Featuring guacamole made fresh at your table, renowned margaritas, handmade corn tortillas and mouth-watering baby back ribs. Lunch and dinner served daily. Visit Gabriel Gallery, right next door.

Joseph’s Table
Hotel La Fonda de Taos
108 S. Plaza Taos, NM 87571
(575) 751-4512
Featuring the culinary excellence of award-winning Chef, Joseph Wrede, Joseph’s Table, at the Hotel La Fonda de Taos, presents a unique selection of cuisine, prepared with fresh food products, grown and harvested locally in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. Menu items can change daily, but with such generous praise as “The most original restaurant in New Mexico” — Santa Fean magazine and “The future voice of modern American cuisine —Times (London), diners will experience Southwest cuisine prepared with French, Italian, or Asian influences, in an ambiance of elegance and warmth, not to be matched elsewhere.

Pueblo Artist Café
Camel Rock Casino
10 minutes north of Santa Fe Hwy. 84/285, Santa Fe, NM 87506
(800) Go-Camel (984-8414)
The Pueblo Artist Café is ready when you are, with a variety of menu choices. The new Artisan Menu has an incredible selection of New Mexican and traditional favorites that will satisfy your hunger. Try the Friday night buffet and Sunday brunch. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available. And when you’re hungry for a quick snack, try the Oasis Snack Bar for tasty Southwest specialties, popcorn, candy and more.

SOUTHWESTERN/ GLOBAL

Tulips
222 N. Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 989-7340
Chef-owner Steven Jarrett’s intimate 15-table restaurant was named Best Restaurant in Santa Fe by Santa Fean magazine in 2007, and Travel + Leisure declares Tulips’ inventive and eclectic menu “takes the Southwest to new levels.” Jarrett creates Southwestern, Mediterranean, and Asian-inspired dishes with a comforting down-home touch and offers an exquisite wine list to match. Also listed in Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 100 New Restaurants in the World. Dinner Tues.-Sat. from 6 p.m.

STEAKS AND SEAFOOD

Black Mesa Steakhouse
460A N. Riverside Drive Española, NM 87532
Reservations: (505) 367-4547
Guided by Director of Food and Beverage, Laurence Carter, Big Rock Casino’s signature fine dining establishment, the Black Mesa Steakhouse blends culinary artistry with impeccable service and an elegant setting. Here, the emphasis is on prime aged steaks, chops, and seafood, with the ability to order generous side dishes, a modest selection of fine wines, and delectable deserts. Everything is made from scratch in a kitchen dedicated solely to the steakhouse. Open Thurs.-Sun. 5-10 p.m.

The Bull Ring of Santa Fe
150 Washington Ave. (New Mexico Bank & Trust Building; one block north of the Plaza) Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-3328
Santa Fe’s tradition-rich Bull Ring offers a special atmosphere just one block from the City Different’s historic Plaza. It is Santa Fe’s prime steak house, offering US Prime, corn-fed, Mid-Western beef, served sizzling to your desire. The menu is also highlighted with lamb, veal, pork chops, ribs, prime rib, chicken, and fresh fish. Full bar with extensive wine list. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; dinner daily from 5 p.m.

Ore House on the Plaza
50 Lincoln Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-8687
Visit The Ore House for wonderful lunches and dinners served daily featuring the freshest seafood, prime beef, and New Mexican specialties. A heated balcony overlooking the Plaza is open year-round for lunches, appetizers, and cocktails. “Balcony Happy Hour” is 4-6 p.m., with drink specials and complimentary chips and salsa. The Ore House is Santa Fe’s margarita headquarters, with 100 custom varieties, and the winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for one of the best wine lists in the world. Reservations are recommended. Full package liquor store and gift shop.

BARS AND CLUBS

The Adobe Bar
The Historic Taos Inn
125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-2233; (888) 518-8267
Welcome to the Adobe Bar at The Historic Taos Inn, where a colorful mix of people come to enjoy complimentary live music seven days a week and free wireless Internet. Fondly called “the living room of Taos” by locals and visitors alike, The Adobe Bar is the place to mingle. The bar features flamenco, jazz, Americana, blues, gospel, world, and native folk music. Open Mic on Monday nights brings the hidden talent out of this creative town. Visit www.taosinn.com to view the live music calendar.

Fusion Restaurant & Nightclub
135 Palace Ave., Third Floor Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 955-0400
Fusion Restaurant and Santa Fe’s only nightclub. Experience the art of Fusion cuisine, a unique blend of Japanese and New Mexican flavors, specialty sushi rolls beautifully presented. Elegant top floor dining with incredible views, just one block west of the historical downtown Plaza. Great place for happy hour martinis, appetizers, and sushi. Open Weds.-Sat. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Restaurant is open Thurs.-Sat. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Zuni Lounge
Best Western Kachina Lodge & Meetings Center
413 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos, New Mexico 87571
(575) 758-2275
Open nightly 5 p.m.-closing. Complimentary glass of wine for hotel guests. Serving a complete line of cocktails, organic, and regular wines. Full-service restaurant menu and specials available. End of May through October: poolside lounge seating and nightly Pueblo Indian dancers. Pool tables. Sports on the TVs in the lounge. Occasional live entertainment.