Recently, I took a day trip to Santa Fe with some of my best friends to visit an interactive art museum funded by George R. R. Martin (writer of Game of Thrones). This trippy, colorful museum is called Meow Wolf and I highly recommend visiting it if you’re in the area. Meow Wolf is besides the point. Because we were taking the hour drive to Santa Fe, I wanted to go to a couple of foodie hot spots that I thought we’d all enjoy.
Unfortunately, we were only able to visit two of the three places on my list but just in case, I added the place I couldn’t visit onto this article so someone else can try it. With that being said, here’s a list of Santa Fe hot spots you need to visit:
1. The Pantry
Photo by Sharmaine Ong
The first place we visited was The Pantry. This diner has been serving, from scratch, New Mexican comfort food since 1948. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day and their meals are inexpensive and delicious.
Photo by Sharmaine Ong
For $10.99, you can order a combination plate with a cheese enchilada, a taco with your choice of meat, or a chile relleno. When the waiter asks you green or red, say Christmas because both of their chiles taste great.
If you’re not interested in trying multiple dishes, try their Carne Adovada Plate for $9.50. This plate is overflowing with food, and it will definitely fill your stomach.
2. Ecco Gelato & Espresso
Photo by Sharmaine Ong
The second place we visited was Ecco Gelato and Espresso. Santa Fe can get a bit warm, so we wanted to cool off with something cold and sweet. Ecco was the place for us. This dessert cafe serves a variety of gelato and their flavors rotate every day.
When I walked into the store, many of the gelato bins were completely empty. It seemed like the unusual flavors or the less famous flavors were the highlights of the display case. I tried the chocolate and the pistachio gelatos and they were creamy and delicious, but I really wanted to try the sold out honey and lavender flavors. Maybe next time?
3. Chocolate Maven
Photo contributed by Chocolate Maven Bakery & Cafe
This last place was the cafe and bakery that we couldn’t visit due to time constraints. Although we didn’t visit it, I’ve heard great reviews from friends, family, and coworkers. If you’re looking for fresh baked goods in Santa Fe, try the croissants, cakes, or pastries. I heard their baked goods will blow you away.
Baked goods and pastries aren’t the only products the Chocolate Maven sells. They’re also a cafe that serves classy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and high tea. If you’re in the mood for crab eggs benedict, quiche lorraine, or a smoked salmon bialy, this place is the cafe for you.
Santa Fe is a haven for good food in New Mexico. If you’re in the area, check these places out because you will not be disappointed.