Best Southwest American Restaurants in Placitas

Can’t say enough about one of the best local restaurants El Pinto Home from work at 6. Hopped on Open Table and made reservations for 7 So nice to have reservations because not all restaurants here accept them El Pinto was still lit up for the holidays when we arrived. Beautiful. With a hot piñon fire burning outside for guests to enjoy Great service with even better food A very special evening

Date night out with my spouse and her choice was La Pazuela in the Hotel La Fonda. Ambiance was excellent…beautiful romantic dining room as well as a separate tavern with live music—-flamenco guitar trio, I believe. Our hostess seated us promptly for our reservation for two and bottled water and a mocktail was ordered. Our server, Bryan, was on point with menu recommendations and explanations. We ordered the Chiles Rellenos (one cheese and one shredded beef) and a chicken enchilada duo with “Christmas Chile Sauce.” Nothing was too spicy, the accompanying posole and pintos were excellent as well as the entrees. After dinner coffee and a shared pineapple upside down cake was a perfect finisher. Afterwards, we sat for a bit in front of a huge, cozy fireplace—how idyllic. The service staff didn’t miss a beat, the hostess validated our parking, and we were on our way to stroll the town square and enjoy the holiday lights. Strongly recommend staying in the hotel if you’re visiting Santa Fe and enjoying the fireplace seating areas as well as a reasonably priced dinner at La Pazuela.

I ate light and enjoyed the French Onion soup very much. It had terrific flavor and really was made right. Wish the wine list had more options, but it was adequate.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico. It’s relatively small and family-run. The owner-chef is from Zacatecas, Mexico, and although he gives a nod to Northern New Mexico’s cuisine, his menu is unique in this area. He is an excellent cook, and the food is fresh and innovative. By all rights, it should be very difficult to get a reservation here, though it isn’t.

Great Mexican selections that incorporate both meat and seafood choices. Fajitas were tender and full of flavor. Great place away from the wait times experienced in downtown Santa Fe.