Throughout 2016, we’ve highlighted New Mexico restaurants that stand out from the crowd. In addition to serving exquisite food, each establishment has an "it factor" that makes dining there a unique experience. If you haven’t already frequented these 12 New Mexico eateries, add them to your dining bucket list for the 2017.
If you’d like to learn more about a particular restaurant from this list, just click on the name next to each number and the original article will open in a new tab.
The James Beard Award is one of the most prestigious accolades that a restaurant can receive and, in 2016, Rancho de Chimayó received the foundation’s "American Classics Award." You owe it to your taste buds to see why this restaurant has been in business since 1965, creating traditional, Northern New Mexican food. It’s known for carne adovada and for having the most divine honey-drizzled sopaipillas. Rancho de Chimayó is located at 300 Juan Medina Road in Chimayo.
If one of your resolutions is to pay it forward then add a trip to Karma Café to your bucket list. Instead of a traditional pricing structure, this non-profit encourages you to pay as you feel. So you decide what to give in exchange for your meal and generosity from patrons helps the café to provide meals to those who can only afford to pay a little. This breakfast and lunch joint offers dishes that showcase organic and locally grown ingredients. Karma Café can be found at 1617 San Pedro Drive NE in Albuquerque.
Who says you can’t find a delicious meal in a tiny town? Probably only people who’ve never been to Ella’s Café. This restaurant is located at 96 Main Street in Reserve, a town of 289 people. Reserve is hidden deep in the Gila National Forest, well off the beaten path for most tourists. Ella’s Café provides generous portions of American and Mexican comfort food – save room for pie.
La Cantina gives a whole new meaning to the idea of dinner and a show. Throughout your meal, the waitstaff stop to break into song, performing Broadway tunes, jazz, classic rock, and standards. The restaurant is located at 125 E Palace Avenue in Santa Fe.
Chope’s Town Café and Bar is famous for its chile rellenos and enchiladas. Since it’s located in the middle of nowhere (at 16145 S. Highway 28 in La Mesa), you’re unlikely to stumble upon the restaurant by accident. However, it’s well worth a detour to dine at a historic establishment that first opened over a century ago!
Take farm-to-table cuisine literally by eating at Roots Farm Café in 2017. This restaurant is on a horse-powered farm (at 11784 State Highway 337 in Tijeras). The dishes here feature sustainable and locally-produced ingredients, so menus change with the seasons.
A general store might not be your first choice for a great meal, but Bode’s will blow away any preconceived ideas. The oldest general store in the state has always served multiple purposes (including acting as a jail) and it’s currently a shop, restaurant, and gas station that is popular with fans of green chile cheeseburgers. Bode’s can be found at 21196 US-84 in Abiquiu.
When you dine at El Pinto, you eat in an unforgettable setting that includes rustic charm and water features inside and a patio dripping with greenery and surrounded by cottonwood trees outside. The tequila bar here is the stuff of legends – there are 160 different types on offer and a margarita pairs perfectly with the restaurant's excellent nachos. El Pinto is located at 10500 4th Street in Albuquerque.
Once a Sinclair gas station, this restaurant remains true to its origins with car-inspired décor. Since Station 3 one 6 is the sister restaurant to the ever-popular Orlando’s New Mexican Café, you’ll enjoy the same high quality Mexican dishes here, along with stellar burgers and a vibrant atmosphere. Head to 316 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur in Taos if this spot whets your appetite.
Going to Luna Mansion makes you feel as if you've stepped into an elegant version of the past. Those who make the journey to this destination restaurant are greeted by the sight of an elegant Victorian Southern Colonial home that contains a steakhouse… and a ghost. Josefita Otero, a past mistress of the house, didn’t consider death a good reason to leave the premises. Instead, her ghost lingers, which is why the bar (where the bartenders make a mean cocktail) is named the Spirit Lounge. The restaurant is located at 110 W. Main Street in Los Lunas. (Reservations recommended.)
It’s safe to say that Saggios is a one of a kind restaurant and not just because of the stellar pizza and calzones available. With the colorful – and downright kooky décor – meals are never boring here. Saggios is at 107 Cornell Drive SE in Albuquerque.
El Farol is the oldest restaurant in New Mexico and it’s been open since 1835. Seriously. The restaurant serves beautifully plated tapas like a pork tenderloin topped with melted idiazabal cheese, sitting in a port fig sauce that is so good that my taste buds are watering just remembering it. At El Farol, there are live musical acts every day of the week and even flamenco shows. The restaurant is located at 808 Canyon Road in Santa Fe.
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Have you eaten at any of these places? What other establishments are on your culinary bucket list for 2017?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
How far would you drive for good food? Located in Abiquiu, an alluring day-trip destination an hour north of Santa Fe, is a must-try restaurant that's worthy of a day trip itself. A hidden gem restaurant in New Mexico, Cafe Sierra Negra is where you'll find fresh, affordable dishes made with healthy ingredients.
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Café Sierra Negra is owned by Abiquiu resident Melodie Milhoan who named this hidden gem restaurant after the mountain it resides by. It first opened in January 2021 and has become a highly-rated local favorite ever since.
At this Abiquiu eatery, you have the option to dine indoors with gorgeous works of art adorning the walls or out on the patio. No matter where you sit, you'll feel right at home. It's such a warm, friendly place!
The menu at Cafe Sierra Negra is an eclectic mix of American, New Mexican, and international cuisines made with fresh local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
If you're like me and would love nothing more than to try a variety of food, order the mezze platter. With this dish, there are chickpea cakes, feta tomato cucumber salad, roasted red peppers, fire-roasted artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, and kalamata olives served with a side of pita bread. This is a perfect meal in my book!
The green chile stew, which happens to be gluten-free, is another fabulous option. With chunks of organic chicken in a broth of New Mexico green chiles, carrots, celery, onions, and red potatoes, it's both a hearty and healthy option.
And then there's dessert. Cafe Sierra Negra has an incredible selection of from-scratch baked goods and pastries. If you can't find room after dinner, I suggest you order something, like a slice of the Basque cheesecake or a cinnamon roll, to take home for later.
Ready to take a day trip to Abiquiu and dine at Cafe Sierra Negra? While it's a bit off the beaten path, it's absolutely worth it. Visit the Cafe Sierra Negra website for information on the location, hours, and menu. You can also follow Cafe Sierra Negra on Facebook for updates and more delicious food photos!
