Where to Get Your Chile Fix in Santa Fe
New Mexico is the only state in the union with an official question: “Red or green?” We are not talking traffic lights folks; we’re talking chile and here in the capitol city of Santa Fe, we practically bathe in the stuff. The chile grown and consumed in New Mexico is not to be confused with the spicy meat and bean stew known as “chili” (or in New Mexico, “Texas chili”). Red and green chiles come from the same plant- green pods are roasted while fresh for use in cooking while red chiles have been dried and ground to a course powder. Hence, the “chunky” consistency of green chile sauce and the more gravy-like consistency of red. Touted as a mood booster, common cold cure and aphrodisiac, chile is a staple in the Santa Fe diet. In celebration of that, the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta counts 2008 as its 18th year. The event covers dozens of recipes over the course of three days in September (schedules available in July). Santa Fe restaurants proudly cook up their own recipes onsite daily so don’t be shy about asking what the staff favors on any given day.
Blue Corn Café (2 locations: 133 West Water Street, upstairs & 4056 Cerrillos Road)
A popular local gathering place for more than ten years, Blue Corn Café serves up generous portions in a relaxed social atmosphere. Fajitas are a house specialty, as are the margaritas and pub fare. Chiles here are lighter than at more traditional restaurants.
(505) 984-1800 (Water St). Lunch: 11am-4pm, 7 days. Dinner: 4pm-9pm, Sunday – Thursday, 4pm – 10pm Friday - Saturday
Parking onsite at Cerrillos Road location. (505) 438-1800 (Cerrillos). 11am – 10pm, Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 11pm, Friday - Saturday
Bumblebee’s (2 locations: 301 Jefferson Street & 3777 Cerrillos Road)
Santa Fe’s answer to fast food, Bumblebee’s Baja Grill is the brainchild of owners Bob (aka Bumble Bee) and BJ Weil. While the atmosphere is very casual with quick counter service, that’s where the resemblance to fast food ends. The food is tasty; including hefty vegetarian options reasonably priced and the atmosphere is cheerful. This is a great lunch stop and an excellent choice for children.
Parking onsite. Drive-through service available. (505) 820-2062 (Jefferson). (505) 988-3278 (Cerrillos) Open daily.
Horseman’s Haven (4354 Cerrillos Road, just south of Airport)
An excellent quick-stop on any journey south, this is hands down the hottest green chile in town. The atmosphere here is very casual and friendly; a no-frills, here-because-you’re–hungry eatery. This is serious chile for those with a fiery appetite.
Parking onsite. (505) 471-5420. 8am – 8pm, Monday – Saturday; 8:30am – 2pm, Sunday.
La Choza (905 Alarid Street)
A slightly hidden treasure, La Choza is a charming old adobe on the southern edge of the Railyard. The green chile here is flavorful, with plenty of sauce and onion. The red chile is thick with a bit of a tang and solid spice. There is a great patio too, weather permitting.
Parking onsite. (505) 982-0909. 11am – 8pm, Monday – Saturday.
La Plazuela (100 East San Francisco Street in La Fonda Hotel)
Housed in one of Santa Fe’s most beloved hotels, La Plazuela is most famous for its table-side guacamole. It doesn’t get any fresher than this with your choices of ingredients blended to your specifications. The atmosphere is colorful and bright and the energy at La Fonda is non-stop. The restaurant’s menu is extensive, with no shortage of flavor combinations. Their rellenos are beer-battered and the pork tacos are served with papaya salsa. With plenty of red and green chile but also a number of less traditional dishes, La Plazuela is a great choice for groups with varied tastes.
Parking garage onsite. (505)982-5511. Lunch: 11:45am – 2pm, Monday – Friday and 11:45am – 3pm, Saturday – Sunday. Dinner: 5:30pm – 10:00pm, seven days.
Maria’s (555 West Cordova Road)
Maria’s is famous for its chile and its nearly endless list of margaritas. (They mix over 100.) While you’re deliberating about libations, drown yourself in their earthy, “full-bodied” red chile. The green is buttery with plenty of onion and wonderful, subtle flavor.
Parking in rear. (505) 983-7929. 11am – 10pm, Monday – Friday; noon – 10pm Saturday – Sunday
Ore House on the Plaza (50 Lincoln Avenue, upstairs on the Plaza)
This is a favorite spot for Plaza-watching in the warm months with a festive balcony overlooking downtown Santa Fe. The Ore House takes its beef seriously, serving up house-aged cuts, seafood and frothy margaritas. They’re serious about their chile too, including the famous pepper in the not-to-be-missed chocolate ice cream.
(505) 983-8687. Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm, Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 3pm, Friday – Sunday. Dinner: 5:30pm – 9pm, 7 days.
Plaza Café (54 Lincoln Avenue, on the Plaza)
In a town of old favorites, the Plaza is the original, in continuous operations since 1918 and run by the same family since 1947. They’ve got a loyal staff and loyal customers in their kitschy diner-style place. How many restaurants make a mural out of broken dishes? The red chile here has a smoky undertone with plenty of spice. The menu is a real mix with Greek, New Mexican and classic American diner fare. Save room for coconut cream pie!
(505) 982-1664. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 7am – 9pm, 7 days.
The Shed (113 ½ East Palace Avenue)
Run by the same family for three generations, The Shed is a Santa Fe institution. Both their red and green chiles are long on spice and even longer on deep, subtle flavors. There is often a wait here (well worthwhile) and dinner reservations are a must. The restaurant offers non-New Mexican cuisine as well but a chile-less visit to The Shed is just…weird.
(505) 982-9030. Lunch: 11am – 2:30, Monday – Saturday; Dinner: 5:30pm – 9pm, Monday – Saturday.
Tia Sophia’s (210 West San Francisco Street)
This is an easy stop for breakfast and lunch. Service is friendly and lightning fast. The red chile carries a lot of tomato and the green is well-rounded, maybe even more full of flavor than the red. With prices mostly under $10, this one is easy on the wallet too.
(505) 983-9880. 7am – 2pm, Monday - Saturday
Tomasita’s (500 S. Guadalupe)
Housed at the Railyard in the heart of Santa Fe, Tomasita’s is always popular and often has a line out the door to prove it. Once you’re seated, the service is fast and furious. Their green chile has just enough meat and the red has a great kick and strong seasoning. Their high-ceilinged brick building is a fun change from the typical rambling adobe.
Parking onsite. (505) 983-5721. 11am – 9pm, Monday – Saturday.
