Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
162
it on the side. Diners can order from a choice of delicious salads, such as a Caesar with
chicken. Daily specials are available, and don't miss the famous chocolate-amaretto adobe
pie for dessert. Beer and wine are served.
422 Old Santa Fe Trail.
&
505/982-9762.
Breakfast $5.50-$9.75; lunch $6-$12; dinner $8-$17. DISC, MC,
V. Tues-Fri 7am-2pm; Sat-Sun 8am-2pm; Tues-Sat 5:30-9pm.
La Choza
NEW MEXICAN This sister restaurant of the Shed (below) offers
some of the best New Mexican food in town at a convenient location near the intersec-
tion of Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive. When other restaurants are packed, you'll
only wait a little while here. It's a warm, casual eatery with vividly painted walls; it's
especially popular on cold days, when diners gather around the wood-burning stove and
fireplace. The patio is delightful in summer. Service is friendly and efficient. The menu
offers enchiladas, tacos, and burritos, as well as green-chile stew, chile con carne, and
carne adovada. The portions are medium size, so if you're hungry, start with guacamole
or nachos. For years, I've ordered the cheese or chicken enchilada, two dishes I will always
recommend, served with
posole.
You can't leave without trying the mocha cake (chocolate
cake with a mocha pudding filling, served with whipped cream). Vegetarians and chil-
dren have their own menus. Beer and wine are available.
905 Alarid St.
&
505/982-0909.
Lunch or dinner $8.95-$12. AE, DISC, MC, V. Summer Mon-Sat 11am-
9pm; winter Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm.
Plaza Cafe
AMERICAN/DELI/NEW MEXICAN/GREEK Santa Fe's best
example of diner-style eating, this cafe has excellent food in a bright and friendly atmo-
sphere right on the plaza. A restaurant since the turn of the 20th century, it's been owned
by the Razatos family since 1947. The decor has changed only enough to stay comfort-
able and clean, with red upholstered banquettes, Art Deco tile, and a soda fountain-style
service counter. Service is always quick and conscientious, and only during the heavy
tourist seasons will you have to wait long for a table. Breakfasts are excellent and large,
and the hamburgers and sandwiches at lunch and dinner are good. I also like the soups
and New Mexican dishes, such as the bowl of green-chile stew, or, if you're more adven-
turous, the pumpkin
posole.
Check out the Greek dishes, such as vegetable moussaka or
beef and lamb gyros. Wash it down with an Italian soda, in flavors from vanilla to ama-
retto. Alternatively, you can have a shake, a piece of coconut cream pie, or Plaza Cafe's
signature dessert,
cajeta
(apple and pecan pie with Mexican caramel). Beer and wine are
available.
54 Lincoln Ave. (on the plaza).
&
505/982-1664.
www.thefamousplazacafe.com. No reservations. Main
courses $8-$17. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am-9pm.
The Shed
NEW MEXICAN This longtime locals' favorite is so popular that,
during lunch, lines often form outside. Half a block east of the plaza, it's been a luncheon
institution since 1953, occupying several rooms and the patio of a rambling hacienda
that was built in 1692. Festive folk art adorns the doorways and walls. The food is deli-
cious, some of the best in the state, and a compliment to traditional Hispanic and Pueblo
cooking. The red-chile cheese enchilada is renowned in Santa Fe. Tacos, and burritos are
good, too. The green-chile stew is a local favorite. Vegetarian and low-fat Mexican foods
have been added to the menu, along with a variety of soups and salads and grilled chicken
and steak. Don't leave without trying the mocha cake, possibly the best dessert you'll ever
eat. In addition to wine and a number of beers, there's full bar service. The cantina-style
bar is a fun place to schmooze, and the brick patio is well shaded.
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