Apodaca Hill's Santa Fe Guidebook
Food Scene
One of our favorites and an absolute must for the best red and green chile (beware - the chile is hot, even for Christopher. Ask for it on the side if you’re a wimp like Rebecca). They take reservations for dinner, so be sure to call ahead. They don’t take reservations for lunch, so plan accordingly and be prepared to wait. You can order drinks while you wait for your table. We recommend the blue corn enchiladas and blue corn burritos with a fried egg on top. And for dessert, the mocha cake and hot fudge sundae are amazing.
160 locals recommend
The Shed Restaurant
113 1/2 E Palace AveOne of our favorites and an absolute must for the best red and green chile (beware - the chile is hot, even for Christopher. Ask for it on the side if you’re a wimp like Rebecca). They take reservations for dinner, so be sure to call ahead. They don’t take reservations for lunch, so plan accordingly and be prepared to wait. You can order drinks while you wait for your table. We recommend the blue corn enchiladas and blue corn burritos with a fried egg on top. And for dessert, the mocha cake and hot fudge sundae are amazing.
This is The Shed’s sister restaurant and amazing in its own right. Both The Shed and La Choza have similar menus and both are favorites of visitors and locals alike. If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend La Choza over The Shed - for some reason, La Choza is just more kid-friendly.
177 locals recommend
La Choza Restaurant
905 Alarid StThis is The Shed’s sister restaurant and amazing in its own right. Both The Shed and La Choza have similar menus and both are favorites of visitors and locals alike. If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend La Choza over The Shed - for some reason, La Choza is just more kid-friendly.
The rooftop bar and restaurant at Coyote Cafe is the perfect spot for sangria, tacos al pastor and tamales. This is Rebecca’s sister’s favorite spot - as far as she’s concerned, a trip to Santa Fe isn’t complete without an afternoon at Coyote Cantina.
85 locals recommend
Coyote Cafe & Rooftop Cantina
132 W Water StThe rooftop bar and restaurant at Coyote Cafe is the perfect spot for sangria, tacos al pastor and tamales. This is Rebecca’s sister’s favorite spot - as far as she’s concerned, a trip to Santa Fe isn’t complete without an afternoon at Coyote Cantina.
If you’re getting tired of all the chile then head to Vinaigrette. It’s a salad bistro that also serves sandwiches. Our favorites are the All Kale Caesar and La Pepita. Also, be sure to try the carrot cake - it’s delicious.
66 locals recommend
Vinaigrette
709 Don Cubero AlleyIf you’re getting tired of all the chile then head to Vinaigrette. It’s a salad bistro that also serves sandwiches. Our favorites are the All Kale Caesar and La Pepita. Also, be sure to try the carrot cake - it’s delicious.
This is a New Mexican restaurant with an El Salvadorian twist. Try the vegetarian enchiladas with red chile or the Huevos Rancheros (Christopher’s favorite). The pupusas and tamales are excellent, too. Tune-Up is a local favorite and very kid-friendly.
131 locals recommend
Tune-Up Café
1115 Hickox StThis is a New Mexican restaurant with an El Salvadorian twist. Try the vegetarian enchiladas with red chile or the Huevos Rancheros (Christopher’s favorite). The pupusas and tamales are excellent, too. Tune-Up is a local favorite and very kid-friendly.
The handheld breakfast burrito is a family favorite along with the humongous cinnamon rolls. This is the perfect spot for a big group or if you have kiddos (they have toys and books). This is a cash-only joint, so be sure to hit the ATM before you go.
77 locals recommend
Counter Culture
930 Baca StThe handheld breakfast burrito is a family favorite along with the humongous cinnamon rolls. This is the perfect spot for a big group or if you have kiddos (they have toys and books). This is a cash-only joint, so be sure to hit the ATM before you go.
This is one of Santa Fe’s newest spots and serves delicious tea, coffee and toasts - you can’t go wrong with the mushroom toast with a poached egg. Opuntia also has a lovely variety of plants that are available for purchase.
35 locals recommend
Opuntia Cafe
1607 Alcaldesa StreetThis is one of Santa Fe’s newest spots and serves delicious tea, coffee and toasts - you can’t go wrong with the mushroom toast with a poached egg. Opuntia also has a lovely variety of plants that are available for purchase.
This is another relatively new Santa Fe spot and all of our friends agree it’s one of the best new additions to the Santa Fe food scene. Two classics, their margarita (they call it the “Marg”) and guacamole are excellent. Also, their elotes and ceviche are amazing. Honestly, we’ve loved everything we’ve tried at Paloma.
55 locals recommend
Paloma Restaurant
401 S Guadalupe StThis is another relatively new Santa Fe spot and all of our friends agree it’s one of the best new additions to the Santa Fe food scene. Two classics, their margarita (they call it the “Marg”) and guacamole are excellent. Also, their elotes and ceviche are amazing. Honestly, we’ve loved everything we’ve tried at Paloma.
This is a sweet breakfast spot but parking can be tricky. However, the parking frustration is worth it for the waffles and fried chicken.
44 locals recommend
Dolina Bakery & Cafe
402 N Guadalupe StThis is a sweet breakfast spot but parking can be tricky. However, the parking frustration is worth it for the waffles and fried chicken.
This is the friendliest spot in town with an amazing French country-style breakfast. Either take a seat, or pop by and pick up breakfast to eat at home. You can call ahead if you want to pick up.
110 locals recommend
Clafoutis
333 W Cordova RdThis is the friendliest spot in town with an amazing French country-style breakfast. Either take a seat, or pop by and pick up breakfast to eat at home. You can call ahead if you want to pick up.
Make a reservation for the patio and enjoy a lovely night eating locally-sourced, farm-inspired cuisine. They have an extensive bourbon menu (including their own cask of Buffalo Trace) and the fried green tomatoes, brussels sprouts and ribeye are delicious.
44 locals recommend
Radish & Rye
505 Cerrillos RdMake a reservation for the patio and enjoy a lovely night eating locally-sourced, farm-inspired cuisine. They have an extensive bourbon menu (including their own cask of Buffalo Trace) and the fried green tomatoes, brussels sprouts and ribeye are delicious.
Drinks & Nightlife
Amazing views but the service can be spotty - luckily the views make up for it!
8 locals recommend
Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
828 Paseo De PeraltaAmazing views but the service can be spotty - luckily the views make up for it!
Staab House Restaurant
330 E Palace AveLa Reina is arguably Santa Fe’s hippest, youngest spot. Be sure to try the Ranch Water and La Reina.
6 locals recommend
El Rey Court
1862 Cerrillos RdLa Reina is arguably Santa Fe’s hippest, youngest spot. Be sure to try the Ranch Water and La Reina.
Santa Fe Spirits Downtown Tasting Room
308 Read StArts & Culture
Meow Wolf
1352 Rufina CirGeorgia O'Keeffe Museum
217 Johnson StGeorgia O'Keeffe...enough said.
The Girard Wing has been Rebecca's favorite since she was a kid:
The Girard Wing opened in 1982 with the long-term exhibition Multiple Visions: A Common Bond, an awe-inspiring display of approximately 10,000 pieces of folk art, toys, miniatures, textiles, and more from the Alexander and Susan Girard Collection. More than a million visitors have delighted in this exhibition, which represents just 10% of the Girard’s immense collection. This unorthodox exhibition was designed by Alexander Girard, a renowned designer who worked for Herman Miller. It features objects displayed within vignettes of Girard’s invention or installed at various heights, including hanging from the ceiling...
155 locals recommend
Museum of International Folk Art
706 Camino LejoThe Girard Wing has been Rebecca's favorite since she was a kid:
The Girard Wing opened in 1982 with the long-term exhibition Multiple Visions: A Common Bond, an awe-inspiring display of approximately 10,000 pieces of folk art, toys, miniatures, textiles, and more from the Alexander and Susan Girard Collection. More than a million visitors have delighted in this exhibition, which represents just 10% of the Girard’s immense collection. This unorthodox exhibition was designed by Alexander Girard, a renowned designer who worked for Herman Miller. It features objects displayed within vignettes of Girard’s invention or installed at various heights, including hanging from the ceiling...
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
753 Cerrillos RdTrader Joe's
530 W Cordova RdKaune's Neighborhood Market
511 Old Santa Fe TrailShopping
Santa Maria Provisions
125 East Palace AvenueArray
322 S Guadalupe StModern General
637 Cerrillos RdShiprock Santa Fe gallery, located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, is rooted in the rich artistry, cultures and traditions of the Navajo and other Native American tribes of the Southwest.
19 locals recommend
Shiprock
53 Old Santa Fe TrailShiprock Santa Fe gallery, located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, is rooted in the rich artistry, cultures and traditions of the Navajo and other Native American tribes of the Southwest.
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
202 Galisteo StBEE HIVE is an independent kids’ book store located in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic Guadalupe District. They carry a wide selection in their cozy little bungalow—everything from tiny board books to large-format picture books to young adult novels, as well as activity books, puzzles, craft kits, toys, greeting cards, and more. And they love to make recommendations!
Bee Hive
328 Montezuma AveBEE HIVE is an independent kids’ book store located in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic Guadalupe District. They carry a wide selection in their cozy little bungalow—everything from tiny board books to large-format picture books to young adult novels, as well as activity books, puzzles, craft kits, toys, greeting cards, and more. And they love to make recommendations!
Doodlets is a toy store and gift shop downtown Santa Fe:. They carry classic children's toys, whimsical gifts for adults, folk art, ornaments, milagros, books, specialty candy, unique cards, etc...this place is a wonderland.
20 locals recommend
Doodlet's
120 Don Gaspar AveDoodlets is a toy store and gift shop downtown Santa Fe:. They carry classic children's toys, whimsical gifts for adults, folk art, ornaments, milagros, books, specialty candy, unique cards, etc...this place is a wonderland.
Entertainment & Activities
Violet Crown Santa Fe
1606 Alcaldesa StParks & Nature
Dale Ball Trails
Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
1800 Upper Canyon Road