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Places to Eat in Santa Fe, New Mexico from Frugal to Fancy

May 4, 2026 / Comments Off

A tasty looking plate from Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, México. You will find cultural influences from all over the world in Santa Fe!

Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler

I love food. Period. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a food truck, my neighbor, a street vendor or a fancy restaurant because I don’t have any food allergies thankfully. This whole hierarchy of travel tracking for only luxury food locations is just gross. Travel is travel. If you are out of your hometown, you are traveling. I don’t care if you’re staying at La Quinta Inn Santa Fe or The Inn of Five Graces, you’re still exploring another culture and this shaming people for traveling on different budgets is just so icky. When I was in my 20s, I was doing a lot of dumb shit travel like going somewhere without a place to sleep, no plans for showers or food just living on vibes. Nowadays, I like to know where I’m going, where I’m sleeping and what I’m eating. So I’m happy to share this list so that ALL people can enjoy some amazing flavors no matter where you’re staying or what size your budget. Another helpful hint is to go to for lunches to get your foodie fixes, photos and split meals, we all know portion sizes are crazy in the USA – no Ozempic needed. Just mindful eating!

Where to Eat in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Shed Santa Fe

For a very affordable lunch with bright and colorful decor and flavor, I highly enjoyed delving straight into the Santa Fe, New Mexico food scene starting at The Shed. Family owned and operated since 1953, Polly and Thornton Carswell opened the Shed in 1953 on Burro Alley, then in 1960 they moved the restaurant to its current location, Prince Patio. The Shed tradition continues with the Carswell family, now in it’s third generation and that whole patio is a perfect place to enjoy a margarita or three in the Santa Fe sun. Their chile comes directly from the farm to guarantee freshness and Thornton Carswell won the renowned James Beard Award. A local favorite, this is a go-to for classic Southwestern fare housed in a circa-1692 hacienda with a cantina-style bar, outdoor seating available, fireplace and some say great cocktails. I was still on my let’s not mess with altitude kick so a couple of Cokes for me!

The patio surrounded my crystal stores is just lovely at The Shed Santa Fe.

If you’re on the waiting list pop into this store and browse a while at The Shed Santa Fe.

Inside The Shed Santa Fe, people were buzzing with energy.

Always look up at The Shed Santa Fe to see all the artwork. Jesus Christ that’s pretty with the plants!

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t at The Shed Santa Fe.

The main dining room at The Shed Santa Fe.

Some amazing artwork at The Shed Santa Fe.

A whole other dining room at The Shed Santa Fe.

Looking up the main room’s wall at The Shed Santa Fe.

Don’t miss the accent pieces on the walls at The Shed Santa Fe.

I am loving this painting style and now may be stealing this idea from The Shed Santa Fe.

I popped back out to look at this patio but couldn’t find it inside at The Shed Santa Fe.

Signs Spring is coming at The Shed Santa Fe.

Another almost secret doorway at The Shed Santa Fe.

We walked through it and I found more pretty places at The Shed Santa Fe.

Looking back through the door we came in through at The Shed Santa Fe.

I was seated in this yellow nook by the patio at The Shed Santa Fe.

A view from me sitting down with all the beauty of outside pouring in at The Shed Santa Fe.

Loving these bright colors at The Shed Santa Fe.

My waiter talked me into a pile of delicious pork at The Shed Santa Fe.

And for later when I was certainly comatose from lack of sleep, the chili with Frito Lays at The Shed Santa Fe. I cannot go back to normal chili now!

Even the garlic bread was outstanding at The Shed Santa Fe.

My trifecta of yumminess at The Shed Santa Fe. In retrospect, I should have ordered dessert! But was fading fast and in need of a nap.

Counter Culture Cafe

Counter Culture Cafe is your artsy, cool hangout offering wifi, coffee, tea, sandwiches, soups, pastries and an ample patio for the doggos. Known as a place with good food and good prices, it also has plenty of parking if you get there early enough. This is more of a place for locals since it’s away from the Santa Fe plaza and park area. The vibe is warehouse chic simple wood tables and metal chairs line concrete floors and you order at a counter from menus written on chalkboards. According to the website, Counter Culture Cafe was established in 1996 and only uses the finest locally sourced organic ingredients including Fano Bread, Aroma Organic Coffee, Local Sprouts, 100% Real Maple Syrup, Non GMO Oil, Organic Greens, Horizon Yogurt, New Mexico Beef, Filtered H2O, Redbird Natural Chicken, Ecco to-go containers and more green initiatives. I arrived early as always and was almost crying when I saw the last sticky bun get bought in front of my face however there were more baking and it was actually coffee cake and that thing was my nightly sugar fix. It was so big it lasted almost all week!

A bustling counter where you order first at Counter Culture Cafe.

The restaurant on the inside at Counter Culture Cafe.

Pick a place close to the windows if you want sunlight at Counter Culture Cafe.

Or sit outside on the patio at Counter Culture Cafe.

My host enjoyed a delicious traditional American breakfast at Counter Culture Cafe.

While I ordered a fat burrito at Counter Culture Cafe with a side of bacon.

The best coffee cake around at Counter Culture Cafe!

The guts of my burrito was packed full at Counter Culture Cafe.

The coffee was also excellent at Counter Culture Cafe with a big glass of fresh made orange juice. Price points were pretty decent for mass quantities of food.

Cowgirl BBQ Santa Fe

Somehow along the journey of life I have acquired a trucker hat that reads “Raise Hell Cowgirl” and honestly, it’s so me. So when my host mentioned a whole cowgirl shrine bar and restaurant with the fattest Mardi Gras menu I’ve seen in a while, I was excited to explore it. Cowgirl BBQ has been serving up regional American cuisine and a whole lot more at its Railyard location near downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. Across the street is a pretty rad thrift store called Double Take and I suggest you pop inside first to find some unique gems. This down-home American comfort eats and live music space draws crowds at this cowgirl-themed spot. This 100-year-old building in the historic Guadalupe district of Santa Fe celebrates cowgirls from the dawn of time with a portrait library from the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame honorees while the walls feature memorabilia which celebrates the Great American west and the cowgirl. If you want to catch the nightly musical entertainment or dine with your four-legged fur children or your human children, the dog-friendly outdoor patio or kids climbing area, is your best bet. Cowboys and Indians magazine once proclaimed Cowgirl’s barbecue the “best barbecue west of the Mississippi.” Barbecue has been a hit for nearly three decades: brisket, chicken, baby back ribs and more. So naturally that’s what I had to try!

I was lucky to snag a parking spot in the back lot at Cowgirl BBQ.

A kids corner allows children to play while parents relax nearby at Cowgirl BBQ.

When walking in the back door at Cowgirl BBQ.

I soon found out the front entrance is the real eye catcher at Cowgirl BBQ.

A patio that no doubt gets packed at night at Cowgirl BBQ.

Check in area is at the front entrance at Cowgirl BBQ.

A whole room filled with women lined the walls at Cowgirl BBQ.

It was pretty cool to see all these wild women at Cowgirl BBQ.

Look at this badass lady at Cowgirl BBQ!

My host got this amazing squash lasagna at Cowgirl BBQ.

And we both shared this outstanding basket of truffle fries for only $6 at Cowgirl BBQ.

I got the biggest BBQ sampler they had and was making yummy noises while eating at Cowgirl BBQ.

As well as cole slaw and potato salad at Cowgirl BBQ. I was stuffed and had leftovers for dinner!

A side of beans comes with it at Cowgirl BBQ.

Santa Fe Teahouse & Bistro

The Santa Fe Teahouse & Bistro is near Canyon Road art walk and is now owned by a former Scottsdale, Arizona couple! This quaint haunt with an eclectic menu and teas from around the world includes an outdoor patio with parking available off Canyon Road when you’re done exploring Santa Fe art. Imported teas and local Santa Fe blends include Green Teas, Oolong Teas, Black Teas, Herbal Teas, Matcha and much more with over 80 teas, thoughtfully curated espresso drinks, tea-infused cocktails, and refined culinary offerings. The restaurant is a 99% gluten-free, scratch-made kitchen with vegetarian and vegan options and accommodations for allergies and sensitivities. The year-round, dog-friendly patio provides the perfect retreat for Fido too. The Santa Fe Teahouse on Canyon Road is a perfect blend of flavor and warmth! We were welcomed by Brittani, the new owner, who was friendly, attentive, and clearly dedicated to making the Teahouse a special place to visit. For somewhere low key, chill, with good pricing and good vibes, the teahouse is a cozy, inviting, must-visit when in Santa Fe. And the prices are just right! Just make sure to note their available days, currently they are only open Thursdays through Mondays.

Lost as usual and running behind because of Mercury Retrograde nonsense back home, I arrived frazzled to Santa Fe Teahouse. This is the side door but I found street parking down the street past the bridge and GPS will take you here as well. Heads up!

If you care to sit inside at the Santa Fe Teahouse.

Going backwards, I loved these cozy greenhouses at Santa Fe Teahouse.

Then I discovered the patio outside the Santa Fe Teahouse.

Lots of swag and tea available for souvenirs at Santa Fe Teahouse.

I found that parking lot a bit late at Santa Fe Teahouse but it exists!

And the front checkin at the Santa Fe Teahouse.

There is another greenhouse available as well at Santa Fe Teahouse.

This sweet baby was just a puppy and so fluffy at Santa Fe Teahouse.

I had to order the blooming flower because it’s pretty and green tea at Santa Fe Teahouse.

Fried chicken eggs benedict sounded and tasted amazing at Santa Fe Teahouse. I gobbled it all down before a day of soaking at the hot springs!

The tea in its brewed form was light and refreshing at Santa Fe Teahouse.

Sazón Santa Fe

Behold the king of sauces for fine dining in Santa Fe at Sazón! Meet Chef Fernando Olea, originally from Mexico City, who has been enthralling guests since 1991 with his outstanding cuisine. Sazón means seasoning or flavor in Spanish but it’s all about your personal touch that adds the seasoning dimensions. This fine dining establishment features elevated Latin American cuisine, an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails served in a dimly lit but brightly decorated Mexican-themed space. Currently they are renovating the roof and third floor 12 person chefs table so Chef Olea told me I had to return… oh, no! I arrived after cooking class at Santa Fe Cooking School where we made our own tortillas and salsa and I learned just how accurate Sazón is after we sampled each groups sauces (ours was the best, just saying – especially the green sauce). Chef Olea makes some of the best mole I’ve ever tasted honestly with the consistency of raw honey at points. The meal starts out with a Sazón sampler with mini tortillas so you can choose your favorite flavors and then pair an entree with it from there. The cocktail menu looked very enticing but I was holding altitude sickness at bay and didn’t want to tempt fate so stuck to my ginger beer and Shirley Temple. They do have a NA margarita but usually mezcal cuts that acidity for me so stuck to my safe standbys. Chef Olea then insisted on sending out small chef’s plates of many items, essentially an elevated girl dinner and it was delightful not thinking, tasting through everything, watching the waiters almost dance in unison with a nod at each other as they cleared plates, chatting with my Prescott neighbors celebrating an anniversary, talking to Chef Olea about everything under the sun and ending with a big hug at the end of the meal. Not only is he a chef, he is a mind reader as most things I was thinking he would just make happen! For your fancy night out in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this is the place to be.