Delicious Dives in Santa Fe?

Question

My husband and I are planning a fall trip there and love to eat but not necessarily at picey restaurants. I'm looking for good Mexican and Southwestern style food that doesn't cost and arm and a leg.

Any suggestions along these lines?

Answer

The Plaza Restaurant
Mariscos la Playa
Bobcat Bites
Horseman's Haven

Sorry, I've never understood the attraction to Tomasita's. It's always crowded with tourists and I find it to be mediocre at best.

Answer

If you're in town Wed-Saturday, stop by Bobcat Bite for a green chile cheeseburger, or a ribeye.
The Pantry or Flying Tortilla or Tecolote for breakfast
The Shed or La Choza for lunch
The Plaza Restaurant/Diner for any meal
I'd skip Maria's and Tomasita's, like wagger.

Answer

Try Felipe's Tacos on Llano st just off of St; Michael's. It's cheap and they claim to use healthy ingredients and cooking techniques. I like their tortas and chicken tacos. They close at 4 pm I think so make this a lunch spot.
 Also I recommend Los Potrillos on Cerrillos Rd. This is more Interior Mexican comfort food. They have a huge menu of mexican specialties, and it's fairly reasonable for dinner.
 Guadalupe Cafe is a downtown located New Mexican eatery that serves locals and tourists alike. Here you will find all of the classic new mexican dishes.
 El Parasol is a takeout place on Cerrillos, and I really like their salsa, but sometimes their tacos and tamales are a bit too greasy. If you can get past this and the fact that there is no dining room it's quite good, the prices are low and it's quick. I like to go here and then head to a park for a picnic. I haven't tried their sister restaurant El Paragua in Espanola, but I have heard good things.
 Also Bumble bee's. They have a couple locations,but the one I go to is just off Guadalupe near Bert's This is a mexican style fast food place that is semi cheap, It's very brightly colored and bustling during the day. The food isn't spectacular, but it's really good when your in the mood. I like the Norte Burrito with lamb. But I think the best thing here is the salsa bar. Warmed chips and four or five fresh salsas to choose from, it's almost worth going just for the salsa.
 I also would skip Tomasita's and Maria's. They do have devoted fans but I have always been lukewarm to these tourist oriented places. They are both nice atmospheres so you might want to go during happy hour for drinks and apps just to say that you tried them.
 Hope this helps, have a good time in Santa Fe!

Answer

We were in Santa Fe last weekend and loved Tara's Organic Ice Cream. There were lots of interesting flavors (basil, avocado, pink peppercorn, goat cheese-raspberry) in addition to just about the best chocolate and vanilla I've ever had. I guess they will be featured in an upcoming show with Bobby and Jamie Dean showcasing shippable foods from around the country.

Answer

I don't usually reply to Santa Fe posts because we live in AZ and don't feel qualified but we have been to most of the places recommended on this and other posts. Our personal favorite is Guadalupe Cafe. It's not necessarily a dive but it's not fancy. We've never had a bad meal there and it's quite inexpensive. The southwest chicken salad is a real treat and big enough for two to share as a meal.

Answer

I would recommend Harry's Roadhouse. I love their turkey enchiladas, and their prices are very reasonable. It can get crowded, but with two people you can usually get seated really fast. Los Portillos, the Shed and La Choza are also really good. I drive by Adelita's all the time, but have never tried it. It appears similar in caliber to Los Portillos from the outside.

I agree that you should skip Tomasita's!

Answer

You asked for delicious "dives" servng Mexican and Southwestern style food. I think that a lot of the places that have been mentioned aren't in the "dive" category, such as Tomasita's, but I guess that's a matter of personal definition. 

I love the green chile cheeseburger at Bobcat Bite (definitely a dive to me) and was so sad to have lunch at Tune-up Cafe, the successor to Dave's Not Here, and have their "Dave Was Here" offering. It was no where near as good as Dave's and this place doesn't qualify as Mexican or Southwestern anyway (they feature pupusas), so you should take it off your list.

Dive or not, you should go to Tia Sofia's. The food is excellent and inexpensive. I think their green chile stew is the best in town and I'll say the same about their breakfast burrito.

Answer

I want to second, or third, the recommendation on Los Potrillos. And it's not a dive, but the prices are reasonable and the food is both inventive and authentic. Much better than Tia Sophia (tourist trap imo). Maria's food is not that special, but the drinks are great. Bumble Bees is great for takeout or lunch, and meets the dive criteria. Salt of the Earth and Wagger seem to really know their stuff.

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Delicious Dives in Santa Fe?

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