We have eaten here several times for special events and numerous times outside since COVID times. Today we made an open table for outside seating for 5pm when they open. On arrival all the tables were empty - 3 for two people seating and 8 for four people seating. The sun was at a low angle on October 10 and illuminated most of the tables except for 2 of the larger four seat tables. We selected one of the larger tables that was fully shaded. When the hostess arrived she said no no we are saving those for larger groups on Friday and Saturday. I told her my eyes were sensitive to light and I would have to wear my hat and sun glasses at the smaller table she insisted seating us at. We decided to stay and had a very nice meal though I ordered the fish of the day, halibut, bu forgot to ask the price and the waiter didn't quote the price when telling us the specials. The halibut was very good but not worth $32.50. Now for the complaint. Over the next hour 6 groups of people came in for outside dining. Two had 3 diners and were seated at the best large tables. But the other 4 groups had only two people each and were promptly seated at the larger tables. None were offered the smaller tables. I don't know why the hostess treated us this way. She might be a co-owner and all the other diners after us were very regular customers or high rollers in the small community. Bottom line is the food is very good but not the service. read more

After living in Rio Rancho for over 13 years, I thought it was time to wander up to Placitas for dinner. I have heard about Blades over and over and it did not disappoint. The ambiance is delightful. They have a full bar and an outside patio that I could see many gathering at during the summer months. The only reason for the 4 star is that I feel it is a bit overpriced. We were greeted at the door with a big smile and I always appreciate that. It was my husband and another couple. Our server, Tony, was extremely attentive and I would love him as my server at any time. We never really had to ask for anything as he was on top of the water, the coffee and anything else we needed. 5 Stars for Tony. I started with a wedge salad which was delicious. My only complaint is parsley. I have no clue why restaurants feel they have to sprinkle chopped parsley everywhere. I then followed that up with a burger with bacon and bleu cheese which was excellent (I judge restaurants by burgers - if they can make a good one, they can make everything good). It was perfectly cooked and delicious to the taste. It came with pommes frites (good old fashioned french fries). I was not impressed. Too salty and for the price, it should have been stepped up. Hubby started with a bowl of onion soup which again was delicious. Just the right blend of everything. He had a steak with a horseradish coating and he said it was quite good. It came with garlic mashed potatoes (he opted for a double order versus the vegetables). He then had a dessert of cheesecake with a chocolate ganache and carmel and pecans. He thought it was very good. All in all, we will undoubtedly return to Blades. The ambiance is lovely, food is good and service was exemplary. But be forewarned that pricing is steep. read more

Wife had seafood pasta shrimp was extremely over cooked couldn't even cut thru it . Frankly should have never made it to the plate . When told the waitress got attitude didn't even bring the dessert menu or ask immediately brought the check and said good . Came to celebrate anniversary the horseradish steak is the only thing giving this place three stars . Mind you that's the only reason I keep coming back and came out of our way from abq to eat here . Honestly Unsure if I'll be back again the service was mediocre at best. Not sure what happened that the waitress got like that but what a sad ending to what should have been a 10 star evening read more

Great food super atmosphere with relaxed and friendly service. A great place to eat well and relax!

Blade's is a tiny little gem tucked away in tiny Placitas, NM. Who knew we had such a treasurer? Don't answer that...many of you did. As a new-comer to the area I was delighted to discover Blades' Bistro! I've been there a few times now and each time has been a treat. Food is excellent and service is terrific. I'll definitely return again, and again, and again. read more

I am a vegetarian ,so finding a restaurant to come up with a decent meal can be tricky. In the past the chef at Blades Bistro was able to sauté vegetables and put them over a bed os pasta. Usually a good meal. We ordered carry outs from Blades and invited my sister and husband. My husband requested a vegetarian dinner for me with pasta. Several of us heard him request pasta. When my meal came it was without pasta and it looked like they took all the leftover vegetables and sautéed them. It looked terrible and tasted terrible. The mushrooms were so over cooked I thought they were meat. I called and complain. The manager was so unprofessional. She must not have had any training in customer service. Unfortunately none of our meals were good. My vegetarian meal went right in the garbage. I contacted Blades Bistro via email, no responses. Very disappointing. We won't go back there. read more

The night started off with a phoned reservation because of a 4 star rating. Upon arrival things seemed off. It took approximately 10 minutes to be seated after arriving with a reservation in place. We had multiple greetings and staff trying to figure out whether or not to seat us. After being seated it took about 10 minutes for our server to even get us water. It was almost as though she was avoiding us altogether. I honestly at some point contemplated and questioned whether or not she was racist. She was extremely rude and service seemed extremely forced. We called over another server and asked for a replacement, he offered to assist with our table to assure we were taken care of. When our drinks came out, the wrong wine was delivered, when noted to our server she was one of being irritated, she implied that is what we ordered and removed herself promptly without consideration for what was being said. I had the Jalapeño margarita and it was delicious, overly sweet but very good none the less. Appetizer was okay but nothing to write home about. Salad was delivered by another server and honestly he was personable and very nice on all encounters, but left all the dirty dishes on a very small, already cluttered two top. Salad(Pear and Spinach were a good combination) itself was the best part of the evening. Original server brought out the entrees and they were comparatively as disappointing as the service. Every bite of Steak Frittes that I had was unable to be swallowed because the fat content was too high, so in short, quality of steak was poor! The other dish that we ordered was the Chicken Francaise, and it was flavorless and just as disappointing. Bear in mind these plates average $20+ in cost. Finally we had reached our breaking point and asked our server to return the plates and bring our bill. She did so, and advised us that the 'owner would be over to see us'. The owner came over and was very defensive. Before hearing anything we had to say, she word vomited on us. Even went so far as to say she tasted our plates and then gave us her assessment, which in short, was 'there was nothing wrong with your plates'! Upon her finishing I broke down for her my opinion and complaint similar to what's being said here. She said that she apologized and would get us a gift card to try the experience again in hopes that we would be able to accurately review her establishment. Upon her return we note that our bill is incorrect, she goes to fix it, and sends the server I just complained about back with the corrected bill! Are you kidding me?! At one of her visits to our table she says that her server admitted to the accusations that I made and she was glad that 'she' was not denying it. Anyway She sends back my corrected bill along with a $25 gift card, with the server who had mistreated us. This experience was one for the books, very disappointing, out of my way, expensive experience. My advice to you Anja(Owner) is take care of your consumers! Listen before you speak, be more accommodating to someone who has been mistreated by your staff, because your staff is a reflection of you! You might be one of only two restaurants in Placitas, but you should remember that others have went before you and failed, don't think for one minute you're exempt. Businesses fail everyday. On a side note the establishment is nice and ambience has mass potential. Nachos at the Range were actually better... read more

This place is excellent.i was quite impressed with the service and the quality of the food

We have visited Blades many times over the last 8 years. At first the food and service was always great, but we've seen a real decline in the last 2 or 3 years. Our Cesar Salad was more of a chopped salad with smoked salmon and very soggy small pieces of bread that were impossible to even pick out. The bread was dry, actually seemed old. The special was beef stroganoff that had tasteless, dry chunks of rather tough beef. The pot of steamed mussels was the best item we had, but the mayonnaise accompaniment for dipping was awful. I think we've given Blades enough second chances. read more

This bistro is filled with locals, the staff is competent. As to the food; it is not bad, but not worth the price. read more

Blades' Bistro - Look who's cooking. - Salad Near Me - Placitas, New Mexico

I had the Paella which was very good. Steak frites were good too. Atmosphere was fantastic! read more

Blades' Bistro - Paella - Salad Near Me - Placitas, New Mexico

I love the relaxed atmosphere on the pretty patio, where they grow beautiful sunflowers,, hollyhocks, and their own cooking herbs. We like to bring our pooch- well behaved four legged friends are welcome. The food is amazing! I have look forward to the sweet meats again this winter, and the savory chicken livers...and the duck; while my hubby usually goes for a perfectly cooked steak. wine list is very good, and the waitstaff is very friendly and helpful in suggestions. Lovely bar- we usually have a Manhattan followed by dinner wine. The owner's and staff are always friendly. Be prepared to really slow down and relax. I'd not go on one of my 'agro' days. The staff and clients are on more European speed- no appologies-and we find this pleasant. read more

Poor Attitude...Terrible Service, Weird place, or more specifically... very weird people. You would think a restaurant would want more customers, but instead it seemed they tried very hard to get rid of us. We had heard it was a nice place, recommended by friends. We are on medically required Gluten Free diet. We happed to be in the area and decided to stop by on a Sunday to get a drink, perhaps a light sandwich or appetizer and take a look at the menu to decide if it would be worthwhile to drive an hour for a nice dinner. Some restaurants do a good job with Gluten Free, others do not. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to find out. We were greeted at the door in a rude manner, and ask what we wanted. We mentioned a drink, perhaps a lunch item and to look at the dinner menu. * All we got were - NO, NO, NO * NO, we don't serve drinks Sunday. NO, we don't serve dinner - at lunch time. NO, we don't have a Gluten Free menu. We were already there and thought there might be some misunderstanding about the dinner, so we ask for some ice tea, and they finally agreed to seat us with reluctance and very suspicious looks. We ordered ice tea and again requested to see the dinner menu, but after waiting 20 min. with NO service at all, get NO water, No tea, NO menu. We gave up and left. We went to Freightroom and enjoyed cool adult beverages and good service and good food. We left Blades arrived, ordered, and were served in less time than it took to sit and wait for a glass of water. We have since mentioned to our friends not to recommend Blade to anyone else. read more

I am not really equipped to review the food at the Bistro because we did not stay to eat due to the lack of hospitality shown toward us when we attempted to eat there. We approached the desk to ask for a table and when they asked if we had a reservation, and we did not, the hostess acted insulted as if we should not even have been there. She was not very friendly and seated us outdoors, which was okay, but we did not feel truly welcomed so we left. I think that reservations are needful but persons in the food industry need to be gracious toward all potential guests and not display a negative attitude toward those who may not have made reservations. read more

It is ok, just ok. The most interesting part of this place is how special they think the are. This is not fine dining, but you pay like it is and the food is just so-so. Also, they are pretty snotty for no reason at all. AND who doesn't have a fireplace in a mountain town restaurant. Just eh. Find someplace else to go and you will be spending your money more wisely. read more

Having only two restaurants in Placitas keeps things pretty simple. Blades Bistro is the upscale choice (don't let the little strip mall fool you) and a quite worthy one. They have a nice regular menu and offer wonderful weekly specials, often featuring items you can only find in other states. While the entrees are really nice, my personal favorites tend to be the appetizers and salads. This is where they really set themselves apart. I could make a meal of a couple appetizers and a salad. Great desserts too. Be sure to peruse the fantastic wine list or try one of the house specialty cocktails, which are remarkable. Nice, casual patio dining with live music makes for a great summer evening. The owners and staff are very friendly and have endeared themselves to the locals who frequent this little gem. read more

We have visited 5 times and now rate BB ~ food 4*, ambiance 4*, service 3* and unfortunately noise level NO star - horrible!!!!

Nice atmosphere but the food was mediocre, as was the wine. Perhaps we ordered the wrong items but we weren't dazzled.

Had a wonderful dinner with friends here. The filet was very tasty and cooked perfectly. Great atmosphere, will come again!

The food was top notch, my crab cake Benedict was scrumptious and my friends loved their Paella. It was a Sunday and we were on our way to a winery so I asked the staff if they could put together a cheese and fruit tray. They whipped up something special for us even though it wasn't on the menu. Love this place and I'm excited to try their other dishes. read more

Ok......I have tried this place twice now......last year and last night. I will NOT go again! Terrible service, which I blame on management! Food not so hot except for a good iceberg wedge..... Save your money......suggest you go someplace else! read more

Visited blades Sat, July 20, to hear talented Evan Mchune who just opened for Carrie Underwood at the Grand Ole Opry. a gal at the guest table, which we sat next too and could not change seating, talked through the entire 2 hour performance. Again, even on the patio the noise level was unacceptable not to mention the dog that ran through the patio during dinner hour, lift its leg and peed on a flower - the dog owner laughed while calling her dog - Blades owners had to help get the dog back in the car - nice dog dumb owner. I wonder why do dogs need to be brought to restaurants?? read more

This place reminded us of a cozy cafe we visited in Switzerland. It felt like a five course meal type restaurant yet warm, comfortable and welcoming. As we walked through the front door, we were met with the aromas of grilled food and a medley of sauces. We tried their grilled romaine salad, lamb chops, seafood medley, and raspberry vanilla ice cream with a mini cheesecake. It was heavenly. read more

Service was horrible Food poorly and incorrectly prepared Crab cakes were pure bread and my steak was over cooked They also brought the wrong side dish Will never go back read more

Absolutely top notch food and service. Attention is paid to every detail of the dining experience. An award winning chef, an award winning bartender and the deserts are the perfect way to finish your meal. Blade's is consistently excellent and consistency is what makes good restaurants great. Blade's is a great. restaurant. read more

We had visited Blades' Bistro numerous times in the past and the services has always been lacking, but the food was usually really good, so we would return. Last night, we visited Blades' and were OVERALL very disappointed. The service (Jed) sucked, the appetizer, blistered peppers, were horrible, and to top it all off, all entrees were brought out at different times! That is unacceptable! As a final note, they no longer have a full liquor license, either. All four of us in our party were extremely disappointed in the overall experience! We won't return! read more

My wife had great seafood pasta smaller then a child's portion but it tasted good but I needed to go out for dinner after I left there

A gem of Placitas. Consistently great food in a nice atmosphere. We have been for dinner and brunch and enjoyed both. Undertated at its present 3.5 stars. Perhaps sometimes service can seem slow, but its a small place that does big things. read more

This place will no longer be our go -to for a nice evening out, like it had been for a couple of years. It's slowly declined. There's been nothing special about their dishes. Steaks are okay, comes with okay potatoes, salads are okay, desserts are okay, fish is okay. Each time we've returned hoping for what we know they're capable of, and each time we've left disappointed. Valentine's day was the straw that broke the camels back. Took our two teens to dinner there. Ordered drinks, appetizers, four main courses, desserts, and spent a couple hundred dollars. Disappointed in what Blade's gave in return, one rare and one well done $30 steak, when we ordered medium. Not to mention we waited an hour and a half, literally. Two fruit of the sea pasta dishes, one very lemony in a non-edible kind of way, and the other was perfect. Appetizers and desserts were just okay. Waiter apologized for the food and that no one was available to talk to us about our service. We were okay with that because we didn't ask them to, he felt we were do that. He didn't know we had already decided this was the last time we'd come here. read more

Food was good, prices reasonable. Our service was ridiculous. We showed up on the dot for our reservations, handed over our coats and were promptly seated... and then we waited, and waited, and waited... after 20 minutes our waitress took our drink and food order. Fifteen minutes later we got her attention and asked if we could have the wine we ordered. Then we prompted her for bread. I was watching as others around us had food, drinks, dessert and checks promptly served up. I suspect our waitress simply forgot to place our order. More than 45 minutes after we ordered, I think the owner had noticed that we were being grossly neglected and jumped in to lend a hand to serve our food. By then 5 tables seated AFTER us were finishing dessert.. Our check finally came at the 2 hour mark. It's a long drive out to Blades from the city. Not sure the poor service makes it worthwhile. read more

Amazing French inspired menu, with a New Mexico twist - green chile of course! Great wine selection and several custom cocktails as well! You won't regret the drive if you're coming from town. read more

We hadn't eaten at Blades for several years. Today we were going to a Placitas Artists' Series concert and I noted that Blades was open for Brunch, with a fairly extensive menu. We made reservations and were very pleased with the food. Had very good calamari appetizer. My wife had the Chicken Piquant special and I had the Fettuccini alla Carbonara. They weren't very busy, but the service was a little laggard. The manager did check in with us several times to make sure that the food was to our liking. read more

Blades Bistro is a hidden gem. If you have not tried it yet I would recommend you do. I live in Placitas and surprised to find a restaurant with this caliber. The owners take pride in the meals they prepare and creative cocktails. The owner comes by your table to see how things are and they make you feel like a regular even if it your first time dining with them. I had one of their cocktail special and it was very good, it was called New York I love you. Yes...it was an interesting name For my meal I ordered a smoked Cesar salad, which has smoked salmon in it, and I had the sole. Both very good and not too heavy. They have a Sunday brunch which I have not tried yet but it is on my list to try. I work in Santa Fe and when I tell people I live in Placitas they say I hear there is a good restaurant there, so Blades Bistro name is getting out there. I recommend going for dinner and you won't be disappointed. Good food, friendly and unpretentious. read more

This place might be a little drive out of the city but it's definitely worth it!! It is absolutely a hidden gem. We've been here twice for special occasions and it never disappoints. The staff is friendly and knows their stuff. The food is delicious and they have specials on bottles of wine. We will of course be back and will be recommending it to others! read more

This place is amazing! The food is wonderful! We are so happy that we have one of New Mexico's best restaurants in our own neighborhood. Everything is good! I am not sure why it is described as a sandwich spot. This is gourmet with out pretentious attitudes. Casual dining but fabulous food. Lobster, pastas, steak, quality produce, house made desserts, fine wines, a bar, and a beautiful patio with outdoor seating. Bravo Blades! Bravo! read more

Love love love it here. It's your best bet. Everything on the menu is exquisite. Anya gives great wine advice. Kevin's salad. Sole meunière. Cucumber mint sorbet. read more

Stopped by when it was closed but was still greeted by the owners , who were sitting outside . Came back two days later to pick up a take out dinner for 2 -and the owners remembered me, how sweet :-) Husband and I ordered green Chile burger , fish and chips , spinach salad , and calamari. Everything was excellent, nice presentation even though it was take out. . All staff very friendly . Place was fairly busy for a Thursday night so that's a good sign. I'm giving four stars instead of five because portions are a little on the small side .... but in their defense that's very typical bistro-style. I liked the atmosphere and the vibe. I didn't' try any- but it appeared the bar had some awesome artisanal cocktails . I waited a bit to be billed for my takeout, but I didn't mind because It was a cool place to just sit and enjoy. Not snobby or pretentious- loved that. I will definitely try again- hopefully dining in, and update my review. No doubt it will be good though! P.S. Love the seasonal menus and local farm support. I would say yes , check this place out . read more

All the 5-star ratings this restaurant has received baffle me. I can only assume that it is because there aren't a lot of other choices at this particular location. Or else it is truly, in the words of another reviewer, simply a "hit or miss" restaurant. My friend and I had dinner there tonight (steak frites and fish/chips) and both dishes were just OK. Prices were on the high side for what we got ($50.00) and the service might best be described as "meh". We won't be back. Rather we will opt to drive to Santa Fe and spend the same amount of money on much higher quality food at Rio Chama. read more

This is our go-to restaurant! Consistently wonderful food! Been going regularly for about 7 years and never disappointed! Highly recommend!

I just simply love this place. The owners working there are great, the food is wonderful, and the atmosphere is great. Great family and friends restuarant. read more