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    Café Castro

    4.1 (336 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Café Castro Takeout or Delivery

    Café Castro Photos

    CAFÉ CASTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Café Castro

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    Green Chile Cheeseburger on sopaipilla
    Alice F.

    Nice, family run place with exceptional food. Service was friendly and attentive, and my partner got to practice his Spanish. We ordered a variety of items: the green chile cheeseburger on a sopaipilla, a side of posole (Christmas), a pork tamal, chicken enchilada, and chile relleno, and the green chile pork stew. The star of the table was the one thing I didn't get a picture of: the green chile stew! Meltingly tender pork and potatoes were delicious and the chile flavor was yummy. My next favorite was the tamal, which had quite a bit of meat in it. I preferred it with the green chile, but my partner preferred the red chile. The posole was probably my third favorite, with fluffy hominy and great texture. Really, there wasn't a bad plate or bowl on the table. I wasn't expecting much when I entered, but I would definitely return.

    disgusting slop of goo. GROSS

    When you search up this "restaurant" on google a video pops up of some weird woman talking about how the food has layers but in my honest and well thought opinion the chef clearly attempted to give this dish "depth" through layering, however no amount of structural stacking can distract from the fact that it looks like a culinary recreation of SpongeBob's Goo Lagoon. The main component possesses a thick, viscous sheen reminiscent of industrial molasses, creating an oily, marbled abyss that feels more like a geological sample than a meal. The way the melted cheese streaks across the dark, heavy sludge only reinforces the "primordial ooze" aesthetic, making the plate look less like a dinner and more like something dredged from the murky depths of a cartoon swamp. Ultimately, the visual heaviness is so overwhelming that the "layers" feel less like a gourmet technique and more like a warning, resulting in a dish that looks genuinely exhausting to consume.

    Laurel A.

    I can't say enough amazing things about Cafe Castro! Came to NM on vacation and this was our first meal - Boy, this set the bar high! We got some local beers, chile relleno, enchilada plate, side taco and complimentary sopapillos (I believe that's the correct name, ha!) Hands down the BEST Chile relleno I've ever had. WOW. The green sauce was amazing. Every person working was soo incredible. Everyone was so nice and hospitable. The restaurant is so cute, with such a great aesthetic and some beautiful art! Wish I could eat here again!! 10/10

    Nom Nom Nom Tacos!
    Donn D.

    I had the Flight of Tacos, which were pretty darn good. After a long day on the road they really hit the spot like my old man used to say. The inside isn't much to look at, but it's got great reviews for a reason. The food is good, but not overpriced. More importantly it's a place you don't have to dress up to go to, which in Santa Fe can be more difficult than you would think unless you just want fast food or Outback. So sort of a happy medium between The Paloma and Filiberto's. The sopapillas didn't have much flavor unfortunately, and you don't get free chips and salsa when you order. Not even a single basket. You have to pay for them. At a Mexican food restaurant? Rookie mistake in my opinion.

    John P.

    Another great dining experience! Great service, food and price. Had the Wednesday vlue corn enchiladas special.

    Menu
    Donna C.

    Met a friend here for lunch. She's new to town and this was her first time to dine here. We enjoyed the trio of dips and chips and both ordered the blue corn chicken enchiladas special. I'm pretty sure it was her first time trying Posole, and she loved it. She enjoyed everything. Whew!! So much pressure when I recommend a place. The cafe is charming inside and out. Ample parking. Lovely staff. Prices are great and the traditional New Mexico cuisine is delicious.

    Entrance
    Melissa H.

    Found this place through Yelp. It's family/local owned which really caught my attention. When I have a stay over in Santa Fe, I always have to treat myself to authentic NM cuisine. I caught them right before they closed, but they were still very welcoming. I decided to take out, since I wanted to just relax in my hotel room. The guy that assisted me recommended the flautas. They were excellent. Their red sauce and green sauce equally good. True to NM tradition (one of my faves) I also received a complimentary sopapilla, which was delicious! Next time I'm in town, I hope to sit down at the restaurant and enjoy it. It was quaint and welcoming with wonderful aroma all around. Ps... very reasonably priced.

    Alexis S.

    Great portion sizes. The food was excellent. The decor was nice, the service was nice. The Sopaipillas at the end of the meal were huge. Would definitely come back to this place.

    The side dining room, everything was extremely clean and well kept.

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    3 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Tried this place for the first time. The food was good. Good sopapillas. Nice service too.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    11 months ago

    Great spot for authentic, no nonsense Mexican food. Service was attentive, food was delicious and huge portions.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Service was very good as was the food. The guacamole was nice and a bit spicy - but that might be my personal preference..

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    1 year ago

    Delicious carne adovada, hot and fresh sopapilla. Friendly servers, nice atmosphere. My new favorite New Mexican restaurant in Santa Fe.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Just good Mexican food at very reasonable prices with friendly service. Big dining room and alcohol available. Not much else to say. Yum!

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    1 year ago

    Long time historic restaurant authentic New Mexican food.. great staff. The best sopapillas!!!

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    Page 1 of 9

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    Tres Colores

    Tres Colores

    4.6
    (314 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Tres Colores lives up to its name... In fact, there were multiple colors throughout the restauran…read more As the sun was setting on our day in Santa Fe, a group of hungry geologists stumbled upon its four humble walls. The service? Impeccable. The ambiance? Delightful. The wait for food? Diminutive. Friends say: "Blessed. The only word I can use to describe my experience. My only negative feelings are that no food will ever taste as good." "I'd eat there again, but their jamaica should be like $3.50." "The mole chicken enchilada will have you patting your head and rubbing your stomach for hours!" "Service so good it knocked my boots off!" "The quesadilla ROCKED!" - Geologist Overall, a pleasant experience. We are so thankful for this establishment. Viva de los Tres Colores!

    If you're in Santa Fe and not ordering the tamale plate at Tres Colores, you're doing it wrong…read more This dish is the definition of New Mexico done right--two perfectly steamed tamales, one smothered in rich red chile and the other in savory green chile. The red has that deep, earthy flavor with just the right kick, while the green brings a brighter, roasted heat that balances everything out. Together? That classic "Christmas style" combo that hits on every level. The masa was soft and flavorful (not dry like you get at some places), and the filling was generous and well-seasoned. The sides sealed the deal--fluffy Spanish rice, hearty beans, and a fresh, crisp salad that cut through the richness perfectly. Portion size was solid, presentation was clean, and everything tasted like it was made with care--not rushed, not watered down for tourists. Service was quick, friendly, and exactly what you want when you're trying to keep a night moving. Authentic, satisfying, and exactly what you hope for when you come to Santa Fe. I'd order this again without hesitation!!!

    Photos
    Order up front and food brought to you
    Order up front and food brought to you
    Beet salad.  Fantastic!
    Beet salad. Fantastic!
    Tres Colores

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    The Shed

    The Shed

    3.9
    (2.7k reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    There are very few things in this world that can withstand the test of time while managing to get…read moreundisputedly better, but The Shed in Santa Fe is an absolute masterclass in doing exactly that. I have been coming here for thirty-five years, and it blows my mind that after more than three decades, it keeps reaching new heights while fiercely retaining everything that made it legendary in the first place: the unbeatable high quality, the remarkably affordable prices, and those effortlessly cool, historic vibes. It is a rare, beautiful gem that refuses to compromise its soul, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. This visit was extra special because my fiancé was a first-timer, and he was instantly converted, falling just as madly in love with the magic of this place as I did decades ago. On this particular afternoon, the lines were wrapped around the courtyard and the energy was absolutely electric. It was hella busy, which is a testament to how beloved this institution remains. Rather than waiting for a table, we decided to grab our food to go--a move that turned out to be pure perfection. We took our feast over to the historic plaza square, found a spot to sit, and ate under the shade of the trees while listening to live music drift through the air. With a beautiful, cool mountain breeze rustling through the plaza, it was the most quintessential, magical Santa Fe experience you could ever ask for. As for the food, it remains an absolute revelation. I ordered my enchiladas "Christmas" style, split right down the middle with both their famous, deeply savory red chile and their bright, perfectly spiced green chile. The first bite instantly reminded me why no one else can touch what they do here. The blue corn tortillas were tender, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the chiles carried that robust, earthy, authentic New Mexico heat that warms you from the inside out. It is a flawless execution of culinary tradition. To be able to deliver that level of world-class, scratch-made perfection at a price point that still feels incredibly generous is nothing short of a miracle. Whether you sit in their enchanting, labyrinthine dining rooms or pack it up for a picnic on the square, The Shed is the absolute pinnacle of the Santa Fe spirit.

    We were never able to eat at The Shed, but our experience is worth noting…read more We called there three times to make reservations on separate days and no human being ever picked up the phone. This morning, a few minutes before their scheduling opening time, we walked by; the door was open and a manager was sitting on a chair. My wife entered, said hello, tried to make eye contact, and was ignored. THAT'S the way to make sure diners find their way to other SF restaurants!

    Photos
    The doors from inside to out, showing the low historical door dating back at least a century
    The doors from inside to out, showing the low historical door dating back at least a century
    Carne Adovada Plate
    Carne Adovada Plate
    Exterior/patio area

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    Exterior/patio area
    El Callejon Taqueria and Grill

    El Callejon Taqueria and Grill

    4.3
    (1k reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    OK, I'm giving this place 5 stars for the food. The service actually sucked, but the food was…read moreoutstanding! I had the Pollo Asada Burrito and my wife had the Shrimp Fajitas. The topped the burrito with green and red sauce... delicious!!! The flour tortillas were warm and soft awesome. As for the service... not good! The bartender is a rockstar, but the other server was not good. Forgot to give our drink order, forgot we asked for water, and forgot the beer I ordered. Actually, the food made up for it! Give ECT a try if you're in the Santa Fe Plaza area.

    Don't believe the hype! Seeing that there was such high rating for this restaurant and also voted…read moreone of the best tacos in the country I had to give this place a try! Unfortunately I was highly disappointed by food and service. I ordered fish and shrimp taco. The food wasn't bad but it's didn't come with a side of salsa or any sort of sauce. It did comes with a side of rice which I felt was under seasoned. The service was slow. I walked in around 1pm and door was locked. I was surprised to find them close even though online says that they are open at 11am that day. I checked on google and it was suppose to be open. I called and they said that they are open but waiting for alcohol to be delivered at 3pm. Did they assume that every customer coming in is ordering alcohol? As far as I understand this is a restaurant that serves food and alcohol and not a bar. Shortly after my arrival, there was a large tour with 12 people showed up. I could see that the waiter was a bit flustered because he also had to tend to other customer as well as the tour. I guess this is where the tour take people for authentic taco experience. In my opinion these are more toned down gringo tacos. My taco didn't come with a side of sauce like everyone else. I also noticed that the tour all received a side of salsa which I didn't. I'm not sure if the waiter forgot. I had to flag down the waiter a few time because he also forgot my drink. I also ordered an agua Fresca watermelon and it wasn't made of real watermelon but flavor syrup from the bar. I wished I had known that it wasn't real melon. 2.5 stars for the food and 2 for service. Again food wasn't terrible, but certainly wasn't close to be the best.

    Photos
    View walking in
    View walking in
    Chips, salsa fresca, guacamole
    Chips, salsa fresca, guacamole
    Large bar with minimal restaurant seating.

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    Large bar with minimal restaurant seating.

    Café Castro - newmexican - Updated July 2026

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