By The Gourmet Girl, Lynn Cline
Santa Fe has more places to eat per capita than a lot of major cities in the country. This may explain why it’s so hard for locals to name their single favorite Santa Fe restaurant. The answer may depend on factors like what mood we’re in to the season, the day of the week or time of day. Any list that purports to name locals’ favorites is bound to cause controversy, especially if yours isn’t on it. But here’s a start at that list, offering a few undeniable favorites. Take a look and then let us know your top picks, if they’re not listed below, so we can add them.
The Pantry
The Pantry is longtime local’s favorite. The family-owned diner’s motto says it all: “Santa Fe’s meeting and eating place since 1948!” The food here is made from scratch and breakfast is served all day. Grab a seat at the counter where you can watch customers come and go, greeting the staff and other customers like longtime friends—that’s because they are. Or, sit in one of the dining rooms, where you’ll quickly become friends with your server and neighboring diners. It’s the kind of place where you just feel at home, even if you’re not a local. The Pantry’s huge menu offers something for everyone, from a light spinach berry salad to burgers, traditional New Mexican fare and diner classics such as chicken fried steak and a gravy smothered hot turkey sandwich. Leave room for dessert because you’ll want to try the homemade tres leches cake or blueberry cheesecake. The Pantry’s so popular that the owners opened two more locations, The Pantry Dos, in Oshara Village, and the Pantry Rio downtown on Galisteo.
Joe’s Dining
Stop by Joe’s Dining anytime and it always seems to be filled with happy diners. It’s a hot spot with locals as well as visitors, and it’s not just because the food is great. It’s also because owner Roland Richter shops the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market so regularly that Joe’s Dining is the biggest restaurant buyer there. You can taste this dedication to local, sustainably grown ingredients and grass-fed, grass-finished beef in such dishes as the five-stack blue corn piñon pancakes with house-made sausage, house-smoked BBQ brisket plate, and the daily blue plate specials. Joe’s Dining is devoted to food that is delicious and healthy, creating customers that are devoted to this diner-style restaurant. Check out their video.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
