Albuquerque & Surrounding Areas
Savor the Southwest: Best Patio Dining Spots in New Mexico
From sunny brunches to starlit dinners, discover the top patio dining experiences in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the rest of New Mexico. These local favorites come straight from our social media communities—real recommendations from people who love great food and fresh air as much as you do.
Ben Michael’s – Albuquerque
A quirky, chef-driven cantina in Old Town offering organic, local-garden produce, live jazz nights, and hearty New Mexican fare in a cozy, neighborhood pub vibe.
Blackbird Coffee – Albuquerque (Old Town)
Charming coffeehouse tucked in a peaceful Old Town courtyard, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches in a relaxed garden setting.
Campo at Los Poblanos – Los Ranchos
On-site at a lavender farm, Campo offers a seasonal, field-to-table, multi-course dining experience in a rustic yet refined setting.
Canteen Brewhouse
Albuquerque’s original brewery—brewing since 1994 and still going strong over 30 years later! With 150+ awards under our belt, what we’re most proud of is our community of beer lovers who’ve kept us pouring all these years. Whether you’re hanging out at the Brewhouse or grabbing a pint at the Taproom, we’re here to keep the good beer flowing. Crowlers, growlers, six-packs—we’ve got you covered. Come see why we believe in beer (and think you should too).
Casa Vieja – Corrales
Housed in an 18th-century adobe, Casa Vieja is a community brewery and event space crafting its own beer & wine, with a spacious patio hosting live music and food trucks.
D.H. Lescombes Family Vineyards – Cottonwood
A casual winery & bistro near Rio Rancho serving wine tastings and bistro dishes and hosting events in a business-casual, high-desert setting.
Ex Novo – Corrales Location
A family-friendly taproom, beer garden, and production brewery in Corrales featuring food trucks, games, live music, and spacious outdoor areas.
Farm & Table
Delicious food, a beautiful setting, and a vibrant community. We are located in Albuquerque’s picturesque north valley, on an expansive twelve-acre property. Since 2012, we have served delicious American cuisine locally sourced from area farmers, ranchers, and food artisans. Delectable and creative dishes prepared by Chef Jens Smith in our intimate dining room and award-winning patio.
Flock of Moons Brewery – Albuquerque
Flock of Moons is a neighborhood craft brewery and taproom in Albuquerque, New Mexico located in the Bricklight District across from the University of New Mexico. We make all of our beers on-site and typically have 15 selections available on tap. Relax in our cozy taproom or venture out back to our beautiful, secluded beer garden
Gobble This – Albuquerque
An Old Town Salvadoran eatery known for pupusas, homestyle dishes, friendly service, and a chef-backed, reservation-only experience.
Old Town Farm & Bike in Coffee – Albuquerque
A bike-friendly garden café on a small urban farm, offering coffee, pastries, crepes, and repair facilities in a relaxed, pedal-down atmosphere.
Prairie Star
Enjoy dining in a historic 100-year-old adobe with 18-inch walls and beautiful original viga ceilings. The former ranch house has been lovingly restored to preserve the unique NM Mission-style architecture. Delighting diners and wedding parties since 1986 and nestled in a lush green golf course setting with the backdrop of the Sandias… yes, you’re at Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Sandia Bar – Corrales
A laid-back local favorite offering craft beer, creative cocktails, and a rotating menu of New Mexico-inspired comfort food, all in a cozy, rustic setting with a great patio.
St. James Tea Room – Albuquerque
An elegant, immersive experience where guests enjoy British-style afternoon tea with tiered trays of savories, scones, and sweets served in themed private nooks—perfect for special occasions or a quiet escape.
Steel Bender Brewyard – Albuquerque
A popular craft brewery in Los Ranchos blending award-winning beers with a full kitchen menu, spacious indoor-outdoor seating, and a family-friendly, community-focused vibe.
Ten 3 – Albuquerque (for the view!)
Popular spot lauded for its stunning city views—ideal for dining with a panorama, though further details require a deeper dive.
The Copper Lounge – Albuquerque
A stylish, retro-inspired cocktail bar known for its craft drinks, vintage décor, and lively social atmosphere—ideal for date nights, gatherings, or late-night lounging.
Tin Can Alley Food Hall – Albuquerque
Tin Can Alley in Albuquerque is a food hall with 11 local merchants, indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and heated patios. It’s a popular spot.
New Mexico
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing – Sunland Park
A fine-dining destination with scenic desert views, Ardovino’s originally opened in 1949 and reopened in 1997 as an upscale restaurant, event venue, and weekend brunch spot. They focus on farm-fresh ingredients—some grown on-site—and sustainable practices, with vintage travel trailers available for stays.
Bathtub Row Brewing – Los Alamos
A cooperative brewery offering craft beers in a relaxed, community-focused setting with indoor and patio seating.
Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company
This National Park concessioner features an above-ground café and gift shop, plus a unique “underground lunchroom” located 750 feet below the surface. It offers simple meals, snacks, and regional merchandise.
Rancho de Chimayo – Chimayo
A historic New Mexican landmark in the village of Chimayó, celebrated for traditional colonial-style cuisine—including enchiladas, carne adovada, and sopapillas—and its charming adobe dining rooms.
Refinery 14 – Madrid
A beloved Madrid café serving creative American breakfast and lunch favorites—like biscuits & gravy, breakfast burritos, and a Monte Cristo sandwich—often with live music on the pet-friendly patio.
Sirphey Cafe – Bandelier National Monument
Located near the Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon, Sirphey is a full-service café offering green-chile cheeseburgers, salads, breakfast burritos, and coffee—perfect for hikers needing a break.
The Mine Shaft Tavern (Cantina Patio) – Madrid
An iconic 1947 tavern built atop an earlier bar, featuring the state’s longest 40-ft pine bar, live music, a “Mad Chile Burger,” and a cantina patio. It’s also famous for its lively, ghost-tinged ambiance.
Vivac Winery – Dixon
A family-owned, high-altitude vineyard and tasting room (6,000–6,200 ft) offering award-winning gluten‑free & vegan wines, craft beers, artisan chocolates, and weekend events like karaoke and live music in a scenic mountain setting.
Santa Fe & Surrounding Areas
315 French Restaurant & Wine Bar – Santa Fe
A chef-owned and operated French-inspired eatery in Santa Fe, celebrating 30 years as of April 2025. Known for modern and contemporary cuisine made from scratch using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant features standout dishes like steak frites, squash blossom beignets, and house-made charcuterie. It’s famous for its long-running oyster and shrimp happy hour. Guests can enjoy a cozy indoor dining room or the charming garden patio. With an extensive wine list including over 50 half-bottles and 20+ champagnes, 315 remains a beloved and acclaimed destination in Santa Fe’s dining scene.
Back Road Pizza – Santa Fe
Known for its handcrafted pizzas featuring a perfect flour crust rolled in cornmeal and topped with high-quality ingredients. They offer gluten-free crust options and a great selection of local beers and wines. With strong ties to local farms, Back Road Pizza is a family- and kid-friendly spot that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced flavors.
Beer Creek Brewing – Highway 14
Located on the Turquoise Trail, this brewery offers made-from-scratch food, including renowned pizzas, fresh-baked bread, and homemade desserts. They brew all their beer on-site and are known for their rustic, old-western atmosphere and amazing patio.
Boxcar – Santa Fe Plaza
Described as “THE spot” for amazing food, incredible cocktails, sports, and entertainment in Santa Fe. They primarily feature live music on Saturdays.
Burrito Co. – Santa Fe Plaza
A beloved family-owned restaurant in downtown Santa Fe, established in 1978. Located at 111 Washington Ave, it offers a blend of traditional New Mexican and Central American flavors in a casual, counter-service setting. The menu features favorites like green chile cheeseburgers, blue corn pinon pancakes, and hearty breakfast burritos. In March 2025, the restaurant introduced “De Noche,” a full-service dinner concept available Thursday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, showcasing dishes from the renowned Santa Fe institution, Mucho Gusto. Operated by the second generation of the Castro family, The Burrito Company continues to be a cherished spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic, flavorful meals in a welcoming atmosphere.
Cafecito – Santa Fe
A family-owned coffee house and restaurant blending Argentinian, Armenian, and Italian cultures. They offer a delicious menu for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, including Argentine empanadas, in a beautiful gathering space with indoor and patio dining.
Cafe Catron – Santa Fe
Café Catron is a cozy brunch and lunch spot near the Santa Fe Plaza, known for its fresh bagels, Southwestern-inspired comfort food, and spacious patio seating.
Counter Culture
A funky, casual café known for fresh baked goods, strong coffee, and a creative, artsy vibe.
Cowgirl – Santa Fe
A popular spot for great BBQ and exuberant nightlife, known for down-home service and generous portions. The menu features mesquite-smoked barbeque and regional American specialties, with nightly live entertainment and a kids’ menu.
Coyote Cafe Rooftop Cantina – Santa Fe
Considered one of Santa Fe’s best rooftop venues, offering casual Southwestern dining with signature Coyote flavors and mixology. It’s a walk-in only venue, ideal for watching the sunset.
Dinner for 2 – Santa Fe
An intimate yet casual restaurant in the heart of Santa Fe, specializing in high-quality steaks and seafood. They offer outdoor seating, happy hour specials, and a full bar, making it suitable for both casual and special occasions.
Drury Rooftop Bar – Santa Fe
Located atop the Drury Plaza Hotel, this rooftop patio features a pool with a bar and grill, offering stunning 360-degree views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and sunsets.
El Farol – Santa Fe
One of Santa Fe’s most iconic and historic restaurants, located on the famed Canyon Road. Originally opened in 1835, it holds the title as the city’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and cantina. The atmosphere blends classic New Mexican adobe charm with vibrant Spanish flair, offering an intimate yet lively setting.
El Nido – Tesuque
El Nido is a modern, wood-fired restaurant located in Tesuque Village just 10 minutes from Santa Fe Plaza. Nearly every dish is touched by flame—grilled, spit-roasted, smoked, or ember-cooked, creating bold, seasonal flavors from Northern New Mexico ingredients. The intimate, art-filled space features fireplaces, a heated garden patio, and a lively bar serving creative cocktails, craft beers, wine, and even sake. With a menu that ranges from house-made pastas to wood-fired pizzas and seafood, El Nido delivers a refined yet relaxed dining experience steeped in both history and innovation.
Escondido Rooftop – Santa Fe
Located at 1101 Paseo Corazón, Escondido is the debut restaurant of Chef Fernando Ruiz, celebrated as a three-time Food Network champion after victories on Guy’s Grocery Games, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay. Opened in August 2024, the restaurant offers vibrant coastal and regional-Mexican cuisine featuring sushi-grade ceviches, tacos, mole, barbacoa, and the signature veal-stuffed Chiles en Nogada that famously beat Flay. With a bright, art-filled atmosphere and a terrace bar, Escondido also boasts an extensive drink lineup, including cocktails, tequilas, mezcals, and wines. Chef Ruiz was named a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest, cementing Escondido’s place among Santa Fe’s most exciting new dining destinations.
Four Seasons Rancho Encantado – Santa Fe
A luxury resort nestled in the scenic Sangre de Cristo foothills, just minutes from downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. Set on 57 acres of tranquil high desert, the resort blends rustic elegance with Southwestern charm. Guests enjoy spacious, casita-style accommodations, a world-class spa, fine dining at Terra restaurant, and immersive cultural and outdoor experiences, all with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and mesas.
Gabriel’s – Santa Fe
Five minutes north of the Opera, this casual dining spot specializes in Southwestern and Old Mexican cuisine. It’s renowned for table-side guacamole, margaritas, and handmade corn tortillas, with a spacious outdoor patio offering mountain views.
Geronimo – Santa Fe
A distinguished restaurant on Canyon Road, known for innovative New American cuisine. It combines local ingredients with global culinary techniques in an intimate setting with adobe walls, offering signature dishes like elk tenderloin.
Harry’s Roadhouse – Santa Fe
A popular spot known for mixing Philly food with Southwestern favorites, serving New Mexican dishes like Blue Cornmeal Waffles and southwestern Migas, along with killer cinnamon rolls. Featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Iconik Coffee Roasters – Lena & Lupe Locations – Santa Fe
A beloved local coffee roastery offering exceptional brews and a delightful breakfast and brunch menu. They are known for their quality-focused approach, “from seed to cup,” and have inviting atmospheres with indoor and outdoor seating.
Jambo Bobcat Bite – Santa Fe
A cherished culinary gem in Santa Fe, renowned for its mouthwatering burgers and rustic charm, blending the spirit of the Old West with a modern twist.
Joe’s Tequila Bar – Santa Fe
A laid-back Santa Fe spot known for its extensive tequila and mezcal selection, handcrafted cocktails, and Southwestern-inspired small plates. With a cozy atmosphere and occasional live music, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors looking to relax just steps from the Santa Fe Plaza.
La Fonda Rooftop Bell Tower – Santa Fe
Epic views! The seasonal Bell Tower Bar on the fifth floor of La Fonda on the Plaza offers light fare and breathtaking sunset views over Santa Fe.
Luminaria Restaurant & Patio
Luminaria Restaurant & Patio offers a unique outdoor dining experience nestled between the Pueblo-inspired Inn and Spa at Loretto and the historic Loretto Chapel. With stunning views and a cozy horno-style fireplace burning piñon on cooler nights, the space blends global charm with New Mexican roots. The menu puts a creative twist on familiar favorites like chips, guacamole, and quesadillas, and the patio is open daily—including for brunch.
Midtown Bistro – Santa Fe
A locally cherished fine dining restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, known for its inventive American cuisine with a Southwestern twist. Located at 901 W San Mateo Rd, Suite A, the bistro offers a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, featuring both indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio adorned with natural rock fountains. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Angel Estrada, emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Popular dishes include Pacific Blue Crab Cakes, Pan-Seared Diver Scallops, and Grilled Scottish Organic Salmon. The restaurant also offers a selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options, along with a full bar and daily happy hour. Open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday, Midtown Bistro provides a perfect setting for both casual meals and special occasions.
MILLE French Cafe and Creperie – Santa Fe
A charming French-inspired café located at 451 W Alameda St in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Owned by French couple Stéphanie and Marcel Remillieux, Mille offers an authentic taste of France with a menu featuring made-from-scratch croissants, sweet and savory crêpes, quiches, and traditional French dishes like duck confit and moules marinières. The café is known for its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and a selection of French wines and pastries, including macarons and tarts. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Mille provides a delightful dining experience that transports guests straight to France.
Museum Hill Cafe
Open Tuesday through Sunday, Museum Hill Café boasts one of Santa Fe’s largest covered patios and incredible 100-mile views. It’s the perfect stop between visits to the four nearby museums—just ask about the weekly special and let the owner recommend a wine pairing (he knows his stuff). There’s plenty of free parking, and dogs are welcome too!
Palacio Cafe – Santa Fe
A low-key establishment located near the plaza and cathedral, offering good prices, fast service, and decent food. Its location away from crowded areas makes it easier to secure a table. This makes it a convenient option for those seeking a quick and affordable meal in the vicinity of the plaza and cathedral, potentially appealing to both locals and tourists looking for a more relaxed dining experience.
Refinery 14 – Madrid
A community-focused breakfast and lunch spot in Madrid, New Mexico, offering a creative twist on classic American dishes. Located at 2849 NM-14, the café features a cozy indoor dining area and a spacious outdoor patio, often accompanied by live music. Popular menu items include biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and the Monte Cristo sandwich. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and pet-friendly atmosphere. Open Thursday through Monday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Refinery 14 provides a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed setting.
Restaurant Martin – Santa Fe
Opened by Chef Martín Rios, it offers innovative New American cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. Known for its elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant features dishes like Heritage Pork Ribeye and Pan-Seared Salmon. Chef Rios has earned multiple awards, making Restaurant Martin a top fine dining destination in the city.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Relax to the rhythms of the historic Santa Fe Plaza at The Patio restaurant, set in the heart of downtown. Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi’s plaza restaurant features outdoor dining and cuisine inspired by Santa Fe’s rich cultural and culinary history. Menus showcase contemporary American cuisine inspired by local ingredients, partnering with local farms and purveyors that provide guests with fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year.
Rufina Taproom & Second St. in the Railyard – Santa Fe
Both locations have nice patios. The Rufina location is very popular with families. The Railyard location is great for people watching. Founded in 1996 in Santa Fe, is known for its award-winning beers and lively community vibe. It now operates two locations—the Rufina Taproom, a spacious brewery with live music and a dog-friendly patio, and the Railyard Taproom in the arts district. Led by Brewmaster Rod Tweet, they craft popular beers like 2920 IPA and Brown Ale while supporting local environmental efforts.
Santacafe – Santa Fe
Nestled in the charm and elegance of one of Santa Fe’s most beloved historical homes, Santacafé has been a restaurant icon for over 40 years. It was bought in 2019 by Santa Fe restauranteur Quinn Stephenson – the driving force behind another Santa Fe legend, Coyote Café. Boasting one of the best outdoor patio dining experiences the City Different has to offer, Santacafé combines the traditions of modern American cooking with exquisitely locally sourced ingredients.
Sky Fire at Bishop’s Lodge – Santa Fe
An upscale restaurant nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, the menu features wood-fired dishes crafted with local, artisanal ingredients. The ambiance is enhanced by the scent of piñon and cedar wood burning in fireplaces throughout the space, creating a grounding and multisensory dining experience.
Tesuque Village Market – Tesuque
Established in 1989, Tesuque Village Market is a beloved local spot located at 138 Tesuque Village Road, just north of Santa Fe. This unpretentious eatery offers a diverse menu featuring New Mexican classics, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty comfort foods. The market also functions as a general store and bakery, providing a unique blend of dining and shopping experiences.
The Mine Shaft Tavern – Madrid
Established in 1947, The Mine Shaft Tavern is a historic watering hole nestled in the artistic town of Madrid, New Mexico. Built atop the original tavern that burned down in 1944, it boasts the longest stand-up bar in New Mexico at 40 feet, crafted from lodgepole pine. Once a bustling coal mining hub, Madrid has transformed into a vibrant arts community, with The Mine Shaft Tavern at its heart. The tavern offers live music, a diverse menu featuring the renowned Mad Chile Burger, and a lively atmosphere that attracts locals, artists, and visitors alike. It’s also known for its haunted history, with reports of unexplained phenomena adding to its charm.
The Pantry Rio – Santa Fe Plaza
Opened in 2020, The Pantry Rio is a vibrant sister restaurant to the original Pantry, a Santa Fe institution since 1948. Located at 229 Galisteo Street, it offers a fusion of New Mexican and American comfort food in a casual, family-friendly setting.
The Plaza Cafe Downtown – Santa Fe Plaza
The Plaza Café, located at 54 Lincoln Avenue on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, is the city’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, founded in 1905 and family-owned since 1947. This beloved retro-style diner offers a warm mix of New Mexican classics—think blue‑corn enchiladas, sopaipillas, and green‑chile burgers—alongside Greek-American favorites like gyros, all served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Plaza Cafe Southside – Santa Fe
A vibrant, family-friendly extension of Santa Fe’s historic Plaza Café, which first opened downtown in 1947. The Southside location brings the same beloved New Mexican comfort food, retro diner vibe, and warm hospitality to a modern setting, serving a diverse local crowd since 2003.
The Shed – Santa Fe
Located at 113½ East Palace Avenue just off the Plaza, The Shed is a beloved New Mexican institution in a historic 1692 adobe building. Famous for its award-winning red and green chile, hearty enchiladas, carne adovada, and signature blue‑corn tortillas served with garlic bread, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both locals and visitors. With a festive atmosphere, patio dining, and renowned margaritas, it earned the title “America’s Classics” from the James Beard Foundation in 2003.
The Teahouse – Santa Fe
Nestled at 821 Canyon Road, The Teahouse is a serene haven where “East meets the Wild West” — offering over 150 premium loose-leaf teas from around the globe paired with fresh, made‑from‑scratch breakfast and lunch dishes served in spacious adobe rooms and a shaded garden patio. It’s a favorite stop for gallery-goers, perfect for a relaxing pot of matcha or chai and a bite amid art-filled Canyon Road.
Tune-Up Cafe – Santa Fe
Tune‑Up Café is a warm, neighborhood favorite offering robust comfort food with Salvadoran and New Mexican flair, excellent for breakfast and sweets, and a welcoming choice after outdoor adventures.
Taos
Alley Cantina
A historic cantina housed in one of Taos’s oldest buildings.
Alys A La Cart
A mobile-style eatery featuring gyros, burgers, and Kiwi flavors.
Antonio’s “The Taste of Mexico”
Flavorful Mexican and New Mexican cuisine.
Bent Street Grille
Farm-fresh American bistro in John Dunn Shops.
Doc Martin’s
Southwestern cuisine with local ingredients in the historic Taos Inn.
Earth Oven
Specializes in wood-fired, earth-oven cuisine.
Farmhouse Café & Bakery
Organic farm-to-table café and bakery.
Golden Piñon
New Mexican classics in El Prado.
Gutiz
Latin-French fusion café offering creative, globally inspired plates.
John Dunn Shops
Open-air shopping complex anchoring Bent Street Grille.
La Cueva
Cozy spot known for fresh, authentic Mexican and Latin American dishes.
dLa Terraza
A laid-back local favorite serving traditional New Mexican fare.
Lamberts
Upscale American cuisine with a rustic-modern twist and an award-winning wine list.
Love Apple
Romantic, upscale eatery in a historic adobe chapel focused on local organic ingredients.
Martyrs
Contemporary Southwest cuisine with a lively bar and patio scene.
Medley’s
Modern American eatery with craft cocktails and mountain views.
Orlando’s
Colorful roadside favorite serving classic Northern New Mexican dishes.
Ranchos Plaza Grill
Homey, traditional New Mexican food steps from the San Francisco de Asís Church.
Restaurant Juliette
Refined French-inspired menu in a romantic, intimate setting.
Sagebrush Grill & Cantina
Classic New Mexican cuisine inside the historic Sagebrush Inn.
Sol Food Café
Vibrant café offering globally inspired health-conscious meals.
Stakeout
Rustic-chic steakhouse with sweeping views of the Rio Grande Gorge.