Santa Fe is a foodie lover’s haven whether grabbing a quick bite, luxuriant multi-course dinner or lunch any time of day. Ask any Santa Fean, and they’ll tell you these are their reliable go-tos for lunch. Dine where the locals dine and experience true Santa Fe!
Tune-up Café
Tune-up Café1115 Hickox Street
7am – 10pm, Mon-Fri | 8am – 10pm, Sat-Sun
A few blocks down Paseo de Peralta from the Railyard District, across busy St. Francis Boulevard, the street changes names to Hickox Street, and the ambiance goes bohemian—there’s a liquor store, a Tibetan Buddhist Center, a few artist spaces, and a neighborhood of funky bungalows.
Tune-Up Café is ground zero for youngish locals, although the friendly staff welcomes everyone as if they were friends. Christmas lights outside, a lively outdoor patio, and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner make this a hangout where you can dine extremely well. The chef is from El Salvador, so don’t pass up anything on the menu with a Central American flavor. Wine, beer, and hard cider are served. Desserts are made on the premises.
Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette709 Don Cubero Alley11am – 9pm, Mon-Sat
A short walk from the galleries of the Railyard District, Vinegrette is popular with locals who, believe it or not, do not live solely on green chile.
With their own organic farm out near Abiquiu, you are bound to have the freshest-tasting meal you’ve had in a while. The Omega, Eat Your Peas and Arugula Duck salads are delicious. Erin’s Mac-n-Cheese and the Reuben sandwich are also included. Vinaigrette has opened up new branches in Albuquerque and Austin.
Museum Hill Café
Museum Hill CaféMuseum Hill, 710 Camino Lejo
11am – 3pm, Tues-Sun
It’s not just for museum-goers. Neighbors and those looking for a relaxed setting know that this convenient restaurant offers indoor-outdoor seating and a menu covering all the bases.
Museum Hill Café, with its off-the-beaten-path and hillside location, makes for a great excursion during the height of summer when the Plaza can begin to feel a little too popular. It always seems quiet there, and there are four world-class museums waiting for your visit.
Clafoutis French Bakery
Clafoutis French Bakery333 West Cordova Road
7am – 3pm Mon-Sat
Clafoutis French Bakery and Creperie is a Santa Fe staple. It is packed in the morning with people enjoying fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries and café au lait in bowls. But lunch brings with it the opportunity to sample dishes like Croques Monsieur, Salade Nicoise, or a slice of salmon quiche.
Run by a French couple, you are greeted with a cheerful “Bon Jour,” and before leaving, walking up to the cash register gives you a moment of pastry porn, peering inside the well-stocked bakery case. It is nearly impossible to leave without wrapping up something sweet to go.
