Where To Get The Best Green and Red Chile in Santa Fe

Contributing author: Sam Watanuki

Where To Get The Best Green and Red Chile in Santa Fe

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 that green and red chiles are from the same plant and are the same pepper. Think of grapes and raisins. The red chile has matured longer and usually carries an earthier flavor. The green chile 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.

For those who are new to the pepper and for those with longtime familiarity, here's a brief menu of legendary spots for some of the best red chile plates and the best green chile in Santa Fe.

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Best Santa Fe Restaurants (near Meow Wolf) to get your chile fix:

Cafe Castro

The restaurant Cafe Castro is one of the top Santa Fe chile restaurants for a number of reasons, but the main two are certainly price and sopaipillas—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 and has an earthy taste that is a must-try.‍

‍Plaza Cafe Southside

Plaza Cafe Southside probably has the most surprising interior of all the places on our list. This southside version of the downtown classic looks inside and out like the kind of old-fashioned diner that once dotted the American highways.

Despite the traditional American interior and dessert options (pies, cakes, malts, etc.), Plaza Cafe Southside is home to several traditional New Mexican plates as well. Get the bowl of New Mexican chile with their green chile topping. This dish features staples like carne asada and calabacitas. Their hatch green chile cheeseburger is 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.

‍PC’s Restaurant & Lounge

PC's is another affordable outlet. This Santa Fe restaurant, which includes a great bar and lounge, has an excellent list of weekly specials. Their carnitas plate and the chicarron burrito are local favorites, both of which pair beautifully with the red. Want to sample both? Order their Christmas-style chile fries—the perfect way to dive into both green and red chile in one dish.

Alicia’s Tortilleria

Fresh tortillas and house-made green chile make Alicia’s Tortilleria a go-to spot near Meow Wolf. Their chile has a distinct balance of heat and smokiness, and it’s best enjoyed over tamales or one of their signature breakfast burritos. A true local favorite, Alicia’s is a must-visit for anyone on the hunt for incredible Santa Fe chile restaurants.

El Comal

El Comal is your go-to spot for authentic, home-style New Mexican cooking served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its punchy green chile that perfectly complements enchiladas and tamales, their standout dish is the cheesy rellenos made with poblanos instead of traditional New Mexican chiles. Customers love the homemade tortillas, flavorful salsa, and generous portions—all at a great price. They even offer vegan and limited vegetarian options. Just a short drive from Meow Wolf, it's a must-visit for those craving true New Mexico flavor.

The Pantry

A local institution, The Pantry is famed for its comfort food and chile-laden dishes. Their green chile burger comes in the form of a traditional one with a tortilla, or served open-faced and smothered. It’s also the ideal spot to try Santa Fe chile Christmas style on the restaurant's burritos, enchiladas, or its slew of breakfast dishes.

Red Enchilada Restaurant

One of the more casual options on our list, Red Enchilada Restaurant offers quick service without skimping on flavor. Their 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

Tortilla Flats is not just your average neighborhood spot; it's a vibrant hub known for its lively happy hours! But the real treat? They serve delicious breakfast throughout lunchtime, making it a must-visit destination.

Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast burrito packed with zesty green chile and savory chorizo! Chorizo, a flavorful spice-treated meat typically made from pork, adds a mouthwatering kick that’s a staple in New Mexican cuisine.

Los Amigos

Los Amigos is a family-friendly spot in Santa Fe, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Known for unbeatable lunch specials and complete customer satisfaction, they offer homemade red, green, and spicy orange salsas that pair perfectly with their tacos. Whether you're craving steak enchiladas or a refreshing horchata, Los Amigos delivers great value and flavor in every dish.

‍Horseman's Haven Cafe

‍Horseman's Haven is open for breakfast, lunch, and on Sundays, is one of the most popular places in town for brunch. Breakfast is top-notch for the extra kick of their chile, tuned to locals' standards. For the brave souls in search of heat, get the green chile. A hotter green chile is likely not to be found in the whole of Santa Fe. And be sure to order sopaipillas—don't be afraid to be stingy with the honey. As any New Mexican knows, sweets and lemons are the best way to get through the heat.

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Things To Do in Santa Fe Beyond the Chile

After you’ve enjoyed some of the best green chile in Santa Fe, make time to explore the local attractions and variety of things to do in Santa Fe. Just steps away from some of the top Chilean restaurants is Meow Wolf Santa Fe. This immersive, mind-bending experience offers a surreal journey through art, sound, and mystery. House of Eternal Return is a hidden secret in Meow Wolf Santa Fe 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 in Santa Fe or a new interdimensional destination, you’ll find something unforgettable here.

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