 | volume 7, number 4
April 2002 | | New Mexico's Premier Food, Arts and Lifestyle Magazine |
Taos Dining GuideWhat to Eat and Where in Taos By Gwyneth Doland This is by no means a complete list of restaurants in Taos, but we managed to squeeze in most of our favorites. But, just because you don't see a place on our list doesn't mean it isn't great; it might just be a hidden gem. If you find a place you love that we didn't mention, please let us know! Call 346-0660 ext. 245 or send an e-mail to gwyneth@lacocinita.com and we'll try to fit it in next year.
Quick Cuppa Joe and/or Nosh
World Cup
737-5299
102-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte (at Kit Carson)
7am-6pm, 7 days
Don't be afraid to fight your way through the throng of dreadlocked hippies playing guitar and hanging out on the stoop—this is some of the best coffee in town. Inside the diminutive shop you'll find two short counters and the European style espresso bar. Locally made pastries also available.
Caffe Tazza
758-8706
122 Kit Carson, 1 block east of the Plaza
6:30am-9pm usually, 7 days
You could call it the anti-World Cup. Caffe Tazza attracts a much older, more serious crowd and while the front room and micro-gallery are tiny, there is a larger room in back and a spacious patio. Full selection of Aroma coffees, light foods (breakfast burritos, quiches, pastries), magazines and rotating photography exhibits.
The Bean
900 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (758-7711)
1033 Paseo del Pueblo Sur (758-5123)
Open M-F 6:30am-6pm; Sa 7am-4pm; Su 7am-2pm (Sur) 4pm (Norte)
The Bean is the bomb! Both locations serve killer house-roasted coffee and pastries, burritos and bagels, but the newer south side location also has a fabulous breakfast and lunch menu. (And it's close to the Storyteller cinema.) You must try the Wild Game breakfast with wild boar sausage. It's to die for.
Taos Tea Room
751-0211
246B Ledoux (just south of the Plaza)
W-M 11am-5pm
This tranquil tea house near the Harwood Museum is great for relaxing with a cup of tea and a snack. Check out the huge list of teas and short list of sweets, snacks and soup.
Ranchos Coffee Co.
751-0653
1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur (in Ranchos de Taos)
M-Tu 6:30am-3pm; W-F 6:30am-5pm; Sa-Su 7am-5pm
On the way into town, this quirky little coffee shop is a little less crowded and has plenty of outdoor seating. Breakfast highlights include the omelet with Thai basil, feta, olives and tomatoes. Lunch features a nice veggie wrap with walnut vinaigrette.
Breakfast/Brunch/Sweet Treat
Dragonfly Café
737-5859
402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
7am-3pm, 7 days
Dragonfly serves lunch, but breakfast is where this restaurant/bakery really excels. The morning sun streaming through the windows of this charming old adobe home will perk up even the crankiest little camper. Highlights of the new menu include not only killer fresh pastries but almond scones with warm berry compote, crème fraîche and lavender honey; and French toasted, rum-spiked banana bread pudding with crème anglaise and toasted coconut.
Michael's Kitchen
758-4178
304 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
7am-8:30pm, 7 days
Everybody goes to Michael's. The bustling dining room here is filled with a perfect blend of locals and tourists, all collected to fill up on Michael's legendary baked goods and heaping plates. Breakfast specials include my favorite, the strawberry-banana-pecan pancakes. Lunch means classic sandwiches, burgers and dinner is heavy on New Mexican favorites.
Taos Bakery
751-3734
1223 Gusdorf Road
7am-3pm, 7 days
Though it is hidden away in a low building along the dirt section of Gusdorf Road, Taos Bakery is not to be missed! Pick out some of the beautiful pastries for here and a couple of the beautiful artisan breads to go. At lunch Taos Bakery serves sandwiches, pizzas and calzones. All the flour is organic!
El Taoseño
758-4142
819 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
M-Th 6am-9pm; F-Sa 6:30am-10pm; Su 6:30am-2pm
El Taoseño bills itself as, "Where the locals eat" and they aren't kidding. For real, authentic Taos ambiance you've got to come here for breakfast on a Saturday morning. The line might be out the door, but the generous New Mexican breakfasts are worth the wait.
Xocoatl
751-7549
121 North Plaza
Call for hours
A brand-new gourmet chocolate shop located in the old county jail on the Plaza (see "Taste of Taos," this issue). Cozy dessert rooms, nestled in the former jail cells, should be open in time for Taos Talking Pictures.
Casual Lunch/Dinner
Taos Diner (formerly Northside Diner)
758-2374
908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
M-F 7:30am-2pm; Sat-Su 8am-2pm
An easy, laid-back diner on the north end of town (right next to The Bean), this is a nice place to stop in for a quick, no-frills lunch that won't burn a hole in your pocket.
El Pueblo Café
751-9817
625 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
6am-midnight, 7 days
Located on the main drag, El Pueblo's menu is a good compromise between traditional New Mexican favorites: green chile cheeseburgers, chicharron burritos and huevos rancheros; and gringo fare: grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and steaks.
Sheva Cafe
737-9290
812 B Paseo del Pueblo Norte
Su-Th 11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm; F 11am-4pm
This unique lunch spot the old Dolomite space next to Ms. Pit Stop, is now inhabited by an all-vegetarian, mostly vegan, almost entirely organic Middle Eastern/Israeli café. Don't miss it.
Don Fernando's
758-4444
1005 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
6:30am-2pm and 5pm-10pm, 7 days
If you're staying at the Holiday Inn and have only a few minutes between films, run into Don Fernando's for a quick bite. Where else can you get a Frito pie and crab and spinach quesadillas for lunch?
Taos Pizza Out Back
758-3112
712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
Su-Th 11am-9pm; F-Sa 11am-10pm
If you just want to go out and have some pizza and beer and have a good time, check out this funky little pizza joint, so named because it's set out back behind another building. The Thai chicken pizza is a favorite, but the extra-meaty carnivore special and Southwest pie with no sauce also suit me fine.
Eske's Brewpub and Eatery
758-1517
116 Des Georges
F-M 11:30am-10:30pm; T-Th 4-10:30pm
Eske's is right in the middle of town, but it can be hard to find. Park in the lot on the corner of Paseo del Pueblo and Kit Carson, then look south. Try the house-made beers and hearty pub fare. This is a great place to unwind and just hang out.
Bent St. Café
758-5787
120 Bent St.
M-Sa 8am-9pm
Centrally located on Bent Street, this cafe has a nice semi-enclosed patio that is heated in cold weather. Fresh baked banana bread and muffins are the highlight at breakfast, lunch means great sandwiches and for a casual dinner check out their pastas and organic meats.
Apple Tree
758-1900
123 Bent St.
11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm, 7 days
Another local favorite, the Apple Tree is so named for the shady tree which marks its pleasant courtyard. The menu combines traditional New Mexican with New American sensibilities in dishes like the barbecued duck fajitas, gravlax tostada and grilled artichoke heart quesadilla. Check out the wine bar upstairs; it's open Thursday through Sunday.
La Luna Ristorante
751-0023
223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
M-Sa 11:30am-2:30pm and 5pm to closing
A cozy little Italian restaurant serving carefully crafted salads, gourmet pizzas and pastas. Check out the mussels in roasted garlic pesto broth and the vegan pizza. Within walking distance of the Plaza.
Highway 68 Barbecue
737-0920
332 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
M-Tu 11:30am-10pm; W 11:30am-3:30pm; Th-Sa 11:30am-10pm; Su 5pm-10pm
Those of you who remember Fred's Place will find it eerie walking into the barbecue joint that has taken its place. Opened only about six months ago, Highway 68 just recently added lunch service. Smoked tofu sandwiches are served alongside the jumbo pork barbecue sandwich and buffalo burger.
Orlando's
751-1450
1114 Don Juan Lane (in El Prado)
M-Sa 10:30am-3pm and 5-9pm
This very popular New Mexican restaurant (on the main drag, just outside of town) is well known for its above-average quality fajitas, blue corn enchiladas and fish tacos. Just ask the locals where they go. It's Orlando's!
Bravo!
758-8100
1353-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur
M-Sa 11am-8:45pm
It's a wine shop, deli and restaurant. What more could you ask for? Sitting at your copper-topped table, lifting tiny forkfuls of salade Niçoise and sipping a delicate Sancerre, it is possible to feel awfully sophisticated in the heart of what sometimes feels like the counter-culture capital of New Mexico.
Vista Grill
776-0775
Ski Valley Road
T-F 5-9:30pm; Sa 2-10pm; Su noon-8pm
Just past the blinking light on the way to the Ski Valley you'll find Vista Grill, a beautiful and relaxing spot to stop and enjoy the view of the mountains while nibbling on tapas and draining a glass of wine. Try the decadent goat cheese galette or the vegetable empanada. Lovely.
The Old Blinking Light
776-8787
1 mile past the blinking light on Ski Valley Road
M-Su 5pm-10pm, 7 days
In the pretty old building that formerly housed Tim's Chile Connection (just up the road from Vista Grill) the Old Blinking Light houses a fun bar, great patio and menu of hamburgers, enchiladas, fajitas and New Mexican dishes.
Taos Wrappers
751-9727
616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
M-F 11am-3pm
It's too bad this place is only open for lunch and then only on weekdays—that means many tourists miss Taos Wrappers altogether. Make sure you manage to get in for a choice of about 20 delicious wraps. Big eaters can pair them with house-made soups and salads.
Western Sky Cafe & Marketplace
751-7771
1398 Weimer Rd. (across from Holy Cross Hospital)
M 7am-3pm and 5:30-9pm; Tu-W 7am-3pm; Th-F 7am-3pm and 5:30pm-9pm; Sa-Su 8am-3pm
This hot spot has been through a lot of changes recently, working up to serving three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are good, but go for tapas (choose from almost 20) or dinner—the entrées change every week. Sit at one of the funky tables or pull up to the big copper bar for a beer or glass of wine. If the weather's nice, check out the deck.
Guadalajara Grill
751-0063 (1384 Paseo del Pueblo Sur)
737-0816 (822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte)
M-Sa 10:30am-9pm; Su 11am-9pm
Both locations serve the same fantastic Mexican food—not New Mexican, but traditional Mexican food. The portions are huge, the food is beautifully done and it's all very reasonably priced.
El Plato Sabroso
737-5139
122 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
Su-Th 7am-10pm; F-Sa 7am-12am
This New Mexican family-style restaurant upstairs in Cantu Plaza serves breakfast anytime, so when you're craving a chorizo-filled breakfast burrito smothered in green chile at 8pm, you'll know where to go.
A Nice Dinner Out
Momentitos de la Vida
776-3333
474 Ski Valley Road
5:30pm to closing, 7 days
This beautiful restaurant occupies a 100-year-old house that is nestled in a quiet, wooded enclave just off the ski valley road. The dimly lit but spacious and comfortable bar has its own short and modestly priced menu and a regular schedule of entertainment, which combine to make it a popular destination on its own. The two dining rooms are minimalist and elegant, sparsely decorated and candle-lit, but not dark. You'll find the food is uncomplicated and deeply satisfying, a sort of upscale comfort food.
Joseph's Table
751-4512
4167 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
6pm-9:30pm, 7 days
The best damn restaurant in New Mexico. The weekly changing menu displays Mediterranean-inspired, pared-down dishes that reveal the essence of each ingredient with an exuberance of flavor. Presentations are simple and accessible, never fussy or architectural. The ambiance in the two candle-lit dining rooms is relaxed and warm with earth-toned walls and rustic furnishings. Service is welcoming and distinctly un-snobbish. Reservations are a must.
Doc Martin's
758-1977
125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
11:30am-2:30pm and 5pm until closing, 7 days
Centrally located in the Historic Taos Inn, Doc Martin's restaurant is a fixture in Taos. If the posted menu doesn't inspire you, ask about the wide range of daily specials—they're often the best dishes on the menu. Get there early and have a margarita in the Adobe Bar.
Lambert's
758-1009
309 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
Su-Th 5:30pm-9pm; F-Sa 9:30pm
Lambert's has an elegant but comfortable dining room, with creamy salmon sponged walls, perfectly balanced lighting and mismatched furniture. Bring the family and try the specialty of the house: boneless loin of Colorado lamb lightly peppered and grilled, served with a red wine demi-glace. The extensive wine list (150 choices!) has a strong American focus.
Trading Post
758-5089
4179 Hwy. 68 (in Ranchos de Taos)
Tu-Sa 11:30am-4pm and 5-pm 9:30pm
Get the pâté. It is some of the best country-style French pâté I've ever had. Salads here are generous, pastas are enormous and devilishly good and the wine list holds many perfect pairings. Call ahead and ask for a table near the fireplace.
Villa Fontana
758-5800
#71 on Hwy. 522
M-Sa 5:30pm to closing
This romantic hideaway, located 5 miles north of Taos (past the blinking light) serves traditional, up-scale Italian dishes like veal scaloppini, grilled lamb chops and beef tenderloin in a cozy old house. Later in the season they'll be opening for lunches on the patio.
Byzantium
751-0805
112 La Placita at LeDoux
Th-M 5pm to closing
This funky little dinner-only spot is completely run by two very creative and talented guys. Every detail, the flowers, silverware, mirror-tiled window accents and cyber art on the walls, it's all worth staring at in the few minutes wait before the food comes. And the food! The presentation is creative and fun and the mostly Asian-inspired dishes never cease to be inspiring and satisfying.
Stakeout
758-2024
4179 Hwy. 68
5pm to closing, 7 days
This meat-lover's haven nine miles south of Taos is well known not only for the stunning view, but also for the delicious steaks. We managed to finagle three of their mouth-watering sauce recipes for this month's "Chef Recipes" column. |
