Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the country. So it should come as no surprise that the oldest restaurant in New Mexico is located in the City Different as well. El Farol, a Spanish tapas restaurant, was established in 1835 and is still going strong 184 years later!
Facebook/El Farol As you enter this building you can feel its lengthy history, particularly in the bar area, which has some Old World flavor.
Yelp/Christopher T.
Yelp/Delectable Diner A. Dining at El Farol is an experience that engages the senses. The low lighting and abundant use of wood create a low-key yet intimate atmosphere.
This restaurant works equally well for groups of friends and also romantic dinners for two.
Facebook/El Farol Diners are entertained by live musical acts every night of the week (there is a nominal cover charge). However, the restaurant is most famous for its flamenco shows, which are full of drama and excitement.
Facebook/El Farol Flamenco predates El Farol – mention of it first crops up in literature in 1774 – but not by all that much. Tickets are $30 per person and you definitely need a reservation for these popular events. Seating for the flamenco dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Facebook/El Farol While flamenco shows are held in the back of the restaurant, the small tables on the front portal overlook the art galleries of Canyon Road and provide a great spot for people watching.
Yelp/Jamie W. Sip on one of El Farol’s endless list of cocktails as you watch the world go by. The Mary Hatch is a popular option. Think of it as the love child of a Bloody Mary and Hatch chile.
Facebook/El Farol If your main interest is in exploring the huge repertoire of drinks served here, a very limited menu is available at the bar. Happy hour runs from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.
Facebook/El Farol The chef at El Farol continues the tradition of preparing small plates for diners. Full-sized plates are available, but tapas such as pork tenderloin topped with melted idiazabal cheese and swimming in a port fig sauce are the dishes you’ll remember.
Yelp/Richard G.
Yelp/Thomas C. Other menu standouts include the parmesan crusted artichokes, the garlic shrimp, and the paella (a full-sized dish) that can serve either one or two people.
Facebook/El Farol
“El Farol” means “warmth” or “light.” So if you’re looking for some culinary history with a side of flamenco, head toward this beacon on Canyon Road and see for yourself why it won a “Best of Santa Fe” Award in 2015.
Facebook/El Farol
As you enter this building you can feel its lengthy history, particularly in the bar area, which has some Old World flavor.
Yelp/Christopher T.
Yelp/Delectable Diner A.
Dining at El Farol is an experience that engages the senses. The low lighting and abundant use of wood create a low-key yet intimate atmosphere.
This restaurant works equally well for groups of friends and also romantic dinners for two.
Diners are entertained by live musical acts every night of the week (there is a nominal cover charge). However, the restaurant is most famous for its flamenco shows, which are full of drama and excitement.
Flamenco predates El Farol – mention of it first crops up in literature in 1774 – but not by all that much. Tickets are $30 per person and you definitely need a reservation for these popular events. Seating for the flamenco dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
While flamenco shows are held in the back of the restaurant, the small tables on the front portal overlook the art galleries of Canyon Road and provide a great spot for people watching.
Yelp/Jamie W.
Sip on one of El Farol’s endless list of cocktails as you watch the world go by. The Mary Hatch is a popular option. Think of it as the love child of a Bloody Mary and Hatch chile.
If your main interest is in exploring the huge repertoire of drinks served here, a very limited menu is available at the bar. Happy hour runs from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.
The chef at El Farol continues the tradition of preparing small plates for diners. Full-sized plates are available, but tapas such as pork tenderloin topped with melted idiazabal cheese and swimming in a port fig sauce are the dishes you’ll remember.
Yelp/Richard G.
Yelp/Thomas C.
Other menu standouts include the parmesan crusted artichokes, the garlic shrimp, and the paella (a full-sized dish) that can serve either one or two people.
El Farol is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. You can learn more about this restaurant, view their menus, and make reservations by visiting the El Farol website.
Here are some other unique New Mexico restaurants that you’ll want to visit. Interested in New Mexico’s past? Then check out these historic towns and landmarks.
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Address: El Farol Restaurant, 808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oldest Restaurant In New Mexico September 11, 2020 Leah What are the best restaurants in New Mexico? Discover the best local restaurants in New Mexico that might be just around the corner. Charlie’s Bakery and Cafe, also known as Charlie’s Spic & Span, located in Las Vegas, New Mexico is usually at the top of people’s lists. This timeless restaurant has wonderful diner-style meals and a nostalgic atmosphere. For fine dining, visit Geronimo in Santa Fe. You’ll be able to enjoy an incredible meal in an adobe building that’s been around since 1756. It’s highly rated as being one of the best restaurants in the country. Which restaurants in New Mexico do not require a reservation? If you’re looking for a spot to eat that you can walk in without needing a reservation, there are plenty of awesome options in New Mexico. Elisa’s House of Pies in Deming, New Mexico is a tasty option for more than just pies. They serve tasty soul food, a rarity in the Land of Enchantment, ranging from fried chicken to catfish. Plus, their pies are pure heaven. Another great no-frills restaurant is the Owl Bar & Cafe in San Antonio. This is said to be the birthplace of the state’s iconic green chile cheeseburger. What are the most iconic restaurants in New Mexico? There are some special historic restaurants in New Mexico that have become iconic to the state. Mary & Tito’s Cafe in Albuquerque is definitely one of the most famous eateries the state has to offer. This must-try spot has all the essential New Mexican foods made to perfection, from carne avodava to tasty sopaipillas. The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is certainly unique. This historic restaurant certainly looks the part from the outside. They serve drool-worthy steaks while you enjoy live music. It’s located in Pinos Altos, New Mexico, where it’s been in operation since the 1860s.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oldest Restaurant In New Mexico
September 11, 2020
Leah
What are the best restaurants in New Mexico? Discover the best local restaurants in New Mexico that might be just around the corner. Charlie’s Bakery and Cafe, also known as Charlie’s Spic & Span, located in Las Vegas, New Mexico is usually at the top of people’s lists. This timeless restaurant has wonderful diner-style meals and a nostalgic atmosphere. For fine dining, visit Geronimo in Santa Fe. You’ll be able to enjoy an incredible meal in an adobe building that’s been around since 1756. It’s highly rated as being one of the best restaurants in the country. Which restaurants in New Mexico do not require a reservation? If you’re looking for a spot to eat that you can walk in without needing a reservation, there are plenty of awesome options in New Mexico. Elisa’s House of Pies in Deming, New Mexico is a tasty option for more than just pies. They serve tasty soul food, a rarity in the Land of Enchantment, ranging from fried chicken to catfish. Plus, their pies are pure heaven. Another great no-frills restaurant is the Owl Bar & Cafe in San Antonio. This is said to be the birthplace of the state’s iconic green chile cheeseburger. What are the most iconic restaurants in New Mexico? There are some special historic restaurants in New Mexico that have become iconic to the state. Mary & Tito’s Cafe in Albuquerque is definitely one of the most famous eateries the state has to offer. This must-try spot has all the essential New Mexican foods made to perfection, from carne avodava to tasty sopaipillas. The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is certainly unique. This historic restaurant certainly looks the part from the outside. They serve drool-worthy steaks while you enjoy live music. It’s located in Pinos Altos, New Mexico, where it’s been in operation since the 1860s.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Discover the best local restaurants in New Mexico that might be just around the corner. Charlie’s Bakery and Cafe, also known as Charlie’s Spic & Span, located in Las Vegas, New Mexico is usually at the top of people’s lists. This timeless restaurant has wonderful diner-style meals and a nostalgic atmosphere. For fine dining, visit Geronimo in Santa Fe. You’ll be able to enjoy an incredible meal in an adobe building that’s been around since 1756. It’s highly rated as being one of the best restaurants in the country.
Which restaurants in New Mexico do not require a reservation?
If you’re looking for a spot to eat that you can walk in without needing a reservation, there are plenty of awesome options in New Mexico. Elisa’s House of Pies in Deming, New Mexico is a tasty option for more than just pies. They serve tasty soul food, a rarity in the Land of Enchantment, ranging from fried chicken to catfish. Plus, their pies are pure heaven. Another great no-frills restaurant is the Owl Bar & Cafe in San Antonio. This is said to be the birthplace of the state’s iconic green chile cheeseburger.
What are the most iconic restaurants in New Mexico?
There are some special historic restaurants in New Mexico that have become iconic to the state. Mary & Tito’s Cafe in Albuquerque is definitely one of the most famous eateries the state has to offer. This must-try spot has all the essential New Mexican foods made to perfection, from carne avodava to tasty sopaipillas. The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is certainly unique. This historic restaurant certainly looks the part from the outside. They serve drool-worthy steaks while you enjoy live music. It’s located in Pinos Altos, New Mexico, where it’s been in operation since the 1860s.
