CuisineMexican
Price$$
NeighborhoodDowntown
Last verified

Why locals love it: Tucked upstairs in Hotel Chimayo on Washington Avenue, the family-owned El Rincon Cafe runs a seasonal New Mexican fusion menu with a French twist.

Tip: Tue-Sat 17:30-20:30 only; Sun 17:30-19:30. The seasonal tasting menu rewards a long unhurried visit.

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Location

Address: 125 Washington Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Also in downtown

Kakawa Chocolate House ★ 4.7

$$ New MexicanDowntown

Kakawa Chocolate House is looks like a chocolate shop, runs like a research kitchen; the historic drinking chocolates are a santa fe-only experience.

Why locals goLooks like a chocolate shop, runs like a research kitchen; the historic drinking chocolates are a Santa Fe-only experience.

TipOrder a flight of three drinking chocolates: a Mesoamerican, a Colonial European, and a modern Santa Fe chile.

Full downtown food guide →

More hidden gems in Santa Fe

Cafe Fina ★ 4.5

$$ BrunchEastside

Cafe Fina on Old Las Vegas Highway in Eastside is the counter-service breakfast burrito and green-chile cheeseburger sleeper, tucked behind a gas station.

Why locals goCounter-service comfort food on Old Las Vegas Highway tucked behind a gas station; the breakfast burrito and green chile cheeseburger are sleeper-hit menu items locals defend.

TipOrder the migas at brunch; the kitchen runs Tuesday through Sunday from 08:00-15:00.

El Chile Toreado ★ 4.7

$$ BrunchCerrillos

El Chile Toreado is a trailer parked on early street that has fed santa fe locals breakfast for two decades; the plaza tourist current rarely reaches it.

Why locals goA trailer parked on Early Street that has fed Santa Fe locals breakfast for two decades; the Plaza tourist current rarely reaches it.

TipArrive before 09:00 on weekends; the carne asada burrito with green chile is the order.

Jambo Cafe ★ 4.6

$$ CafeCerrillos

Jambo Cafe is buried in the college plaza strip mall on cerrillos; ahmed obo's swahili coconut goat stew is the city's least-likely tourist destination.

Why locals goBuried in the College Plaza strip mall on Cerrillos; Ahmed Obo's Swahili coconut goat stew is the city's least-likely tourist destination.

TipOrder the goat stew if available; the jerk chicken sandwich is the safer fallback.

Kakawa Chocolate House ★ 4.7

$$ New MexicanDowntown

Kakawa Chocolate House is looks like a chocolate shop, runs like a research kitchen; the historic drinking chocolates are a santa fe-only experience.

Why locals goLooks like a chocolate shop, runs like a research kitchen; the historic drinking chocolates are a Santa Fe-only experience.

TipOrder a flight of three drinking chocolates: a Mesoamerican, a Colonial European, and a modern Santa Fe chile.

Arroyo Vino ★ 4.6

$$ Wine barWest Side

Arroyo Vino on Camino La Tierra west of the Plaza is the wine-shop-plus-restaurant where you pick a bottle in the shop and pay retail plus $20 at table.

Why locals goA 10-minute drive west of the Plaza on Camino La Tierra puts most visitors off; the 600-bottle list at $20 over retail makes the trip pay back fast.

TipPick a bottle in the shop, walk it next door to the table, pay retail plus $20; the kitchen plates around it.

Rowley Farmhouse Ales ★ 4.7

$$ Modern EuropeanAgua Fria

Rowley Farmhouse Ales is a maclovia street warehouse you'd never find by accident; the saisons and mixed-fermentation sours rival any small us sour program.

Why locals goA Maclovia Street warehouse you'd never find by accident; the saisons and mixed-fermentation sours rival any small US sour program.

TipTry the tasting flight; the kitchen plates one of the best farm-to-table burgers in town as ballast.

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