More
M
Embark on a flavor-filled journey through Santa Fe’s chile scene—green, red, heirloom—and discover hidden gems post‑Meow Wolf.
Additional article contributions from Tamar Wittenberg
If you ask a local how you should get your burrito or enchilada, the answer will be “Christmas,” followed by a statement about New Mexico being home to the best chile sauces and garnishes ever.
Chile, never to be confused with chili, is the all-encompassing term for the traditional hot peppers that are found in nearly all New Mexican dishes. The New Mexican chile that we know today was cultivated at the end of the 19th century by a botanist working in Las Cruces.
Novices need to know the difference between red chile vs green chile: green and red chiles are from the same plant and are the same pepper. The difference between the two is akin to grapes and raisins. The red chile has matured longer and usually carries an earthier flavor. The green chile, on the other hand, is hotter, sometimes by an order of magnitude. Ordering your dish “Christmas style" means that you'd like both to accompany... rather, smother your meal.
Whether you’re new to the pepper or have a longtime familiarity, read on to learn about the best Santa Fe red chile and Santa Fe green chile restaurants in our great city.
Café Castro opened its doors in 1990, after owners Julia and Carlos Castro spent more than 10 years working in some of Santa Fe’s best restaurants. Since opening, Café Castro has become one of the top red chile restaurants for a number of reasons, but the main two are certainly their ultra-affordable prices and craveable sopapillas, a kind of fluffy and slightly sweet bread common to New Mexican cuisine. On the chile side, you can't go wrong with the red at Castro's. Their red chile is a deep crimson with an earthy flavor that makes it a must-try.
In 2025, Café Castro transitioned from a traditional restaurant to an employee-owned co-op, giving collective ownership of the business to the cafe’s 13 employees. But don’t worry—Café Castro is still serving up the same great flavors of Santa Fe.
To transport yourself somewhere totally unique, visit Plaza Café Southside. This second outlet of the downtown classic looks inside and out like the kind of old-fashioned diner that once dotted America’s highways.
Alongside its traditional American interior and dessert options like pies, cakes and malts, Plaza Café Southside is serving up some of Santa Fe’s best traditional New Mexican plates. Enjoy a bowl of New Mexican chile with green chile topping, featuring classic ingredients like carne asada and calabacitas. Or, take it modern with their hatch green chile cheeseburger. It’s one of the best in Santa Fe—juicy, spicy, and unforgettable. And don’t miss the Frito Pie with red chile for a crispy, savory bite.
Looking for an affordable way to try a Santa Fe classic? You can’t go wrong with PC’s, a premier green chile restaurant in Santa Fe. The restaurant, which includes a great bar and lounge, has an excellent list of weekly specials for under $10. On Tuesdays, get Carne Adovada, pork marinated in red chile, with pepitas and beans. On Wednesdays, enjoy green chile chicken enchilada casserole with beans and Spanish rice.
Their carnitas plate and the chicarron burrito are also local favorites, both of which pair beautifully with red or green chile. Want to sample both? Order their Christmas-style chile fries—the perfect way to dive into both flavors in one dish.
Fresh tortillas and house-made chile make this Santa Fe green chile restaurant a go-to spot near Meow Wolf. What opened as a Midtown tortilla factory has expanded into a no-frills taqueria that’s a local favorite. Their chile has a distinct balance of heat and smokiness. It’s best enjoyed over tamales or on one of their signature breakfast burritos. Alicia’s is a must-visit for anyone on the hunt for incredible Santa Fe chile restaurants.
El Comal is your go-to spot for authentic, homestyle New Mexican cooking served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Just a short drive from Meow Wolf, it's a must-visit for those craving true New Mexico flavor.
It’s known for a punchy Santa Fe red chile that perfectly complements enchiladas and tamales, but El Comal’s standout dish is the cheesy rellenos, made with poblanos instead of traditional New Mexican chiles and stuffed with Oaxaca cheese. Customers love the homemade tortillas, flavorful salsa, and generous portions—all at a great price. They even offer vegan and limited vegetarian options.
A local institution, The Pantry is famed for its comfort food and chile-laden dishes. This family-owned restaurant serves up Santa Fe red and green chile for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day off with a chile-smothered breakfast burrito, then go classic with a traditional green chile burger on a tortilla for lunch. It’s served open-faced and covered with the good stuff. For dinner, get chicken fried steak New Mexico style—with a heaping serving of green chile, of course!
The Pantry is also the ideal spot to try chile Christmas-style on the restaurant's burritos, enchiladas, or its slew of breakfast dishes.
One of the more humble options on our list, Red Enchilada Restaurant offers quick service without skimping on flavor. Their Santa Fe red chile enchiladas are a standout, with a rich flavor that will satisfy any craving. It’s a great spot for those looking for an affordable and delicious New Mexican meal close to Meow Wolf.
Tortilla Flats is not your average neighborhood spot; it's a vibrant hub known for its lively happy hours! But the real treat? Delicious, chile-smothered breakfast served till 5 p.m. daily. Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast burrito packed with hash browns, eggs, and chorizo with your choice of red chile or green chile.
Spice lovers, rejoice! Tortilla Flats’ traditional New Mexico dishes have hot chile that’s sure to satisfy your palette.
Los Amigos is a family-friendly spot in Santa Fe, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Along with a great selection of lunch specials, they offer homemade red and green chiles, along with a selection of spicy salsas that pair perfectly with their tacos. Whether you're craving smothered enchiladas or a refreshing horchata, Los Amigos delivers great value and flavor in every dish.
Horseman's Haven is one of the most popular places in town for brunch. Their breakfast is top-notch, including their signature green chile that’s spicier than just about any other Santa Fe green chile restaurant. If you’re looking for a filling and satisfying meal, Horseman’s Haven Cafe is your go-to.
Opened in 2011, Casa Chimayo showcases recipes developed by original owner Don Timoteo’s grandmothers. The restaurant stays true to New Mexican cuisine with its blend of Spanish and Native American dishes and ingredients. Find plates full of red and green chile, green chile stew, and more— all served homestyle, just like abuelita would.
Casa Chimayo isn’t just known for its food, but its unique architecture, too. One step into this adobe-style restaurant and diners are transported to another place, full of vibrant colors, traditional artwork, and lots of dried chiles.
For a more upscale foray into New Mexico chile, visit La Plazuela, in the heart of La Fonda hotel. This restaurant is situated in La Fonda’s courtyard, a peaceful and picturesque setting in Santa Fe Plaza. Meals are enjoyed beneath expansive skylights, surrounded by foliage and a fountain.
La Plazuela takes New Mexico chile a step above with dishes like filet mignon served alongside smothered enchiladas or rellenos. It’s sure to be a Santa Fe chile unlike any you’ve had before.
It’s impossible to talk about Santa Fe red chile and green chile without talking about The Pink Adobe. Originally opened in 1944, this Santa Fe institution has a storied history full of cowboys, artists, and politicians. The restaurant was once a favorite of cultural icons like Robert Redford and Georgia O’Keefe.
The Pink Adobe showcases a commitment to Santa Fe and the surrounding community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers whenever possible. The menu is full of New Mexican classics, including an iconic chile.
After you’ve enjoyed some of the best Santa Fe chile restaurants, make time to explore the local attractions and variety of things to do in Santa Fe, like upcoming events and attractions.
Just steps away from some of the top chile restaurants is Meow Wolf Santa Fe. This mind-bending experience offers a surreal journey through immersive art, sound, and mystery. House of Eternal Return is a hidden secret you won’t want to miss. From seasoned travelers to curious first-timers, this exhibit will transport you to another dimension.
With its combination of world-class chile, artistic experiences, and rich culture, Santa Fe is a city that should be on every traveler’s list. Whether you’re looking for the best green chile cheeseburger or a new interdimensional destination, you’ll find something unforgettable here.
