A full day of skiing can really work up an appetite and deciding where to go once you’re finally off the mountain can be daunting. So before you get too hungry remember we’ve already put together a list of tried and true spots near each of New Mexico’s fine ski areas where you’ll find great food and local flavor.
Red River
Sundance Restaurant
401 E. High Street
Red River, NM 87558
redrivernm.com/sundance
Open for dinner only, this is a great first stop after the lifts close to fill your belly with some home-style New Mexican food. Enchiladas, tacos, and chile rellenos are favorite fare of the locals. All plates are smothered in red or green chile (or both) and can be ordered as hot or mild in spiciness; go for hot and get the house specialty Agave Wine Margarita to cool you back down.
Texas Reds Steakhouse
400 E. Main St.
Red River, NM 87558
texasredssteakhouse.com
This old western steakhouse is a landmark in Red River. The menu, which caters to meat lovers, features steaks, prime rib, and burgers galore (including buffalo and elk). Vegetarians will not starve, however, with a meal easily built from their sides menu. Think baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, fried okra and more. Though the food is good, it’s the live music that draws visitors to this popular eatery on the weekends in the Lost Love Saloon.
Taos
Stray Dog Cantina
105 Sutton Pl
Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
straydogtsv.com
This cozy restaurant is conveniently located at the base of the ski valley, perfect for an après bite and boozing. If you’re a chile fanatic or a fanatic-to-be, you’ll fall hard for their 100% guaranteed flame roasted red and green chile. They even serve breakfast if you need a chile fix before hitting the mountain.
El Monte Sagrado
317 Kit Carson Rd
Taos, NM 8757
elmontesagrado.com
If you’re looking for something a little upscale or romantic, De La Tierra at the hotel El Monte Segrado will fit the bill where Executive Chef Ray Naranjo has created a menu featuring “Contemporary Indigenous Gastronomy” with local inspiration. You can also enjoy the Anaconda Bar if you’re hoping to find a unique atmosphere with creative cocktails.
Ruidoso
Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room
441 Mechem Dr.
Ruidoso, NM 88345
sierrablancabrewery.com/rio_grande
Local brewers Sierra Blanca Brewery opened this tap room in 2013 serving all of their craft beers as well as incredible food; it’s quickly become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Try a sampler of their craft beers and even get a growler of your favorite to take home with you. A great atmosphere for winding down after a long ski day.
Cornerstone Bakery & Cafe Co
359 Sudderth Dr,
Ruidoso, NM 88345
cornerstonebakerycafe.com
This friendly bakery is a favorite in Ruidoso for breakfast, lunch, and for their superior sweet treats.
Come in for a warm breakfast – traditional or with a New Mexican flair – before hitting they slopes. You can’t visit New Mexico without having at least one plate of Huevos Rancheros (or five) and theirs won’t disappoint. The cinnamon rolls and pecan pastries with piñon coffee are delectable and share-worthy.
Angel Fire
Hail’s Holy Smoked BBQ & More
3400 NM-434
Angel Fire, NM 87710
hailsholysmokedbbq.com
What’s more satisfying after a cold day on the slopes than some good ol’ Texas BBQ. This low-key, locally owned and operated restaurant serves up a balanced blend of Texas style barbecue and New Mexico fare that receives high accolades from our Texas visitors and beyond. Just try one of the burritos and you’ll see why.
Santa Fe
Secreto Lounge
210 Don Gaspar Avenue, Suite A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
secretolounge.com
Slide off the slopes into the heart of Santa Fe at the bar in the Hotel St. Francis for premier craft cocktails and appetizers, where everything including drinks are made fresh, local and organic. The New Mexican inspired bites pair delightfully with a unique menu of award-winning cocktails including their signature drink, the Spicy Secreto or the very popular Smoked Sage Margarita.
Old House Restaurant
309 W San Francisco St.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
eldoradohotel.com/dining-nightlife/old-house
Hotel Eldorado, located just a short walk from the Santa Fe Plaza, houses this award-winning restaurant serving contemporary global cuisine. Known for their dry-aged rib eye steaks and green chile mac and cheese, this cozy destination serves the freshest seasonal and local ingredients from nearby farms. The outstanding menu will curb your hunger after a long day on the mountain.
Albuquerque
Sandiago’s Mexican Grill & High Finance Restaurant and Tavern
40 Tramway Rd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
sandiapeakrestaurants.com
If you are lucky enough to get to ski Sandia Ski Area this year, then you just might want to work one or both of these into your day. Both restaurants are located on the city side of the Sandia mountains; one is one top, the other the bottom. Both have remarkably beautiful views of Albuquerque.
High Finance resides at the top, two miles above the city, and serves tram-goers and skiers alike. The restaurant serves a satisfying lunch with fine sandwiches, burgers, and fresh Green Chile Beef Stew. Skiers love to hit the bar for appetizers and a beer before, during or after their runs.
At the end of your day, take the tram to the base of the mountain to Sandiago’s to enjoy dinner with the best view of the city’s breathtaking sunsets. Coastal Mexican fare is on the menu along with refreshing specialty drinks; try the Blood Orange Margarita.
