Unique Eateries in Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Santa Fe is a culturally rich city with gorgeous architecture and has been named one of the Top 15 cities in America.¹ While there are many activities to do in Santa Fe, there are also many places to eat and drink. Here are eateries you must experience when in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Cafe Castro
Just south of the Historic Center, Cafe Castro will truly give you a taste of fresh, home cooked Mexican cuisine. Known for their reasonable prices and authentic food, Cafe Castro is a local hotspot. More often than not, the restaurant hosts live Mexican music which really creates a special atmosphere. The tortillas are homemade and the food is perfectly seasoned. What’s not to love?

Sazon
Voted the best restaurant in Santa Fe² there is nothing but praise for Sazon. Built in an old adobe building, the overall atmosphere of the building is warm and inviting while the decor is filled with stunning paintings. The bar holds the one of the largest selections of tequila and mezcal in Santa Fe.

Jambo Cafe
While most of Santa Fe is filled with authentic Mexican food, a few restaurants stand out from the crowd; Jambo Cafe is one of them. The dining establishment serves food with Caribbean, Moroccan, and African influences. They also offer fresh seafood along with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside their numerous types of beef, lamb, chicken, and goat dishes.

Cafe Pasqual
Known for their amazing mole sauce, a sauce containing chiles and chocolate, Cafe Pasqual is widely loved by many of the locals and tourists. Serving up authentic Mexican food from dusk until far after dawn, this is the restaurant to go at any time of the day to grab something flavorful and delicious to eat.

TerraCotta Wine Bistro
TerraCotta is a casual food and wine restaurant combining influences from all around the world. They pride themselves on using high quality ingredients, often changing menus seasonally to provide the freshest flavor. The restaurant also has one of the largest wine-by-the-glass selections in Santa Fe.

TIA Sophia’s
If you are looking for an affordable but delicious bite to eat, then TIA Sophia’s is a perfect option for the budget conscious. TIA Sophia’s is a spot to enjoy authentic dishes from Mexico at a reasonable price. The authenticity of the culture and flavors goes back to a time when the business started many years ago.

Mucho Gusto
In English, the name Mucho Gusto means “Pleasure to Meet You.” Much of the menu is authentic Mexican cuisine however there are many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items. The locals tend to frequent the place to enjoy the atmosphere and the delicious food.

Clafoutis
Clafoutis is a French restaurant and bakery specializing in freshly made pastries. You’ll find this restaurant filled with both locals and tourists alike. Known for their excellent food and brilliant service, you’ll find the buttery croissants or quiche truly a treat!

El Meson
El Meson features dishes that are both Mediterranean and Spanish, with most of their cuisine coming from the exotic regions of Spain. The restaurant is well-known for their outstanding tapas, and provides many authentic style Spanish entrees. While the food is excellent, the atmosphere is truly a treat. From the Spanish guitar music to the reproductions of classic painters you’ll find the El Meson a journey into old-world Spain.

The Ranch House
An American and Southwestern Bar, The Ranch House, is a perfect place to get some amazing BBQ. Other main dishes, such as wonton tacos and burgers, were also widely raved about by locals and tourists alike. Though they do offer some amazing meat dishes, the restaurant also caters to vegan and vegetarian dinners as well as a variety of gluten-free items.

Whether you’re looking for amazing Mexican cuisine, or something different, you’ll find a variety of food and drink options in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Planning a travel incentive or corporate meeting in Santa Fe? Contact Gavel International for more information about our programs.
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Sources:
¹ 2018 Travel + Leisure Best Awards
² Tripadvisor reviews

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Jeff Richards

Over the course of his 25 years of industry experience, Jeff has used his expertise to plan and oversee the details of hundreds of corporate programs around the globe. He is extremely comfortable and versatile when it comes to working with numerous management and operational styles. His clients span a wide range of industries including pharmaceutical, food service, automotive, and tech. He has seen great success planning and overseeing programs ranging anywhere from high-level meetings for a small board of directors to large events numbering in the thousands, such as travel incentives, sales training, or product launches. As a certified meeting professional, his skills include project management, risk mitigation, strategic sourcing, as well as financial management. Jeff has been an integral part of Gavel International for the past 23 years and is currently the company’s Vice President.