Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Plaza Cafe Downtown

    4.1 (1.4k reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Plaza Cafe Downtown Takeout

    Plaza Cafe Downtown Photos

    PLAZA CAFE DOWNTOWN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Plaza Cafe Downtown

    Recommended Reviews - Plaza Cafe Downtown

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Blue Corn Enchiladas
    Cassie B.

    Was told this is one of the oldest cafes in Santa Fe and wanted to check it out. We were seated and served fairly quickly especially for a busy Sunday morning . I got the blue corn enchiladas with a side of impossible sausage, I'm glad they had a plant based meat option. Out of all the green and red chilles I've tried in Santa Fe this one had a good amount of heat but it wasn't too overwhelming so it was the perfect balance. The blue corn enchilada was also really tasty. I like that they gave you cookies and stickers at the end of the meal. Overall I would recommend this spot to anyone visiting the plaza in Santa Fe

    Chicken Wrap
    Amanda L.

    My band played the Santa Fe Summer Scene and had dinner at the Plaza Cafe before the show. We wanted to sit on the patio, but it was full, so we were seated inside. (The patio was cute, so I recommend it if it's open.) One of my bandmates ordered the fish tacos (pictured) and I had their daily special, which was a chicken wrap. The food was solid and our server was attentive, checking in regularly. If we visit the area again, we'll give it another try.

    Pancakes, hash browns, toast and bacon
    Melissa O.

    Read this was the oldest cafe in Santa Fe so of course I had to stop in. Super cute place right in the heart of downtown. old school diner and has outdoor seating as well. The people were so nice here. Very hospitable and helpful. Food was good. We just grabbed a quick breakfast to start our day. Would def go back next time I'm in town.

    Cool mural inside restaurant
    Stewart J.

    Is it harder to properly judge a restaurant when it is extremely busy? Maybe. Maybe I can judge it by how everything appeared around me. Normally I like to try and focus on my own eating experience but this review will be a bit different. I went on Mother's Day with my wife and our two daughters. One daughter was a fussy baby that didn't want to sit in the provided high chair. I can say that the food was somewhat standard south western Mexican fare. I had the blue corn enchiladas with chicken. The chicken was very tasty and had a good spice level. Some might consider it on the spicy side but I liked it. Everything else on my plate (rice, refried beans, and the outside of the enchiladas) seemed somewhat flavorless. Not in a bad way but in a way that seemed slightly off putting. The rice was not cooked well either. I ordered a Paloma and I hate when a Paloma doesn't come with carbonation. When this happens I assume that they just served a margarita instead. It was good tasting whatever it was. Otherwise, this place is really nice looking on the inside. It looks like a normal cafe or diner but has been jazzed up with character. The service was spotty as they were extremely busy. We didn't have reservations though and they sat us right away. The servers were always nice and friendly but I always needed to initiate getting something from them. We took a tres leches (or their version) back to our hotel and it was incredible.

    Plain Stuffed Sopaipilla
    Nancy A W.

    The service was helpful and restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating which is great. This place has great vibes. I had the stuffed sopapilla without sauce because I couldn't handle the red sauce. The blue corn enchiladas were savory and chicken burrito was delicious. Great place just expect a wait to get a table.

    Blue Corn Piñon Pancake
    Melissa M.

    Plaza Cafe was exactly what we were looking for during our visit to Santa Fe... a casual, welcoming spot to enjoy the flavors of New Mexico without the formality of a fine dining restaurant. We ended up coming here twice for breakfast, which says a lot. The waitstaff were consistently friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. The food was good across the board, but one dish stood out above everything else: the Blue Corn Pancake with pine nuts and orange zest butter. It was so delicious that it was the reason we came back a second time. The combination of flavors was uniquely New Mexican and absolutely worth ordering. The restaurant also has a nostalgic old-diner feel that adds to its charm. Between the comfortable atmosphere, central location, friendly service, and memorable food, Plaza Cafe is a great choice for a quick sit-down meal while exploring Santa Fe.

    Crispy Fish Tacos
    Marleen M.

    The food was delicious! I loved the beans and even though I ordered to-go and drove a bit, the fish was still crispy and delicious. The place inside was cute as well. The only thing I had a complaint about was the hospitality; they seemed to be bothered by the interruption of the conversation. If in Santa Fe again, I would definitely be back!

    Fresh Pressed Prickly Pear Lemonade
    Sabrina C.

    Everything here was absolutely delicious!!! So much so I had to eat here several times while visiting. There's something on the menu for everyone, it's homemade, and service is friendly and prompt. Both breakfast and lunch have tons of options. I would highly recommend this place and look forward to going back!

    Haiyang H.

    It is a good cafe, situated right in the plaza. We came in for a late lunch one day around 1pm. They got my number. We went to check out a few vendors nearby. Got a text soon after and got an indoor seating. The interior is very retro. Christmas decorations were up. Seats are big and comfortable. Waitress was helpful and attentive. I ordered posole with green chile with coffee. Kids received kids menu and colored pencils. One got fish and chips and the other got impossible chicken nuggets. Both got their drinks. My posole was solid! Loved it. The hearty soup was nicely flavored. First day of soup came in with onions, cilantro, herb blend (heavy oregano) and a side of puffed tortillas along with butter. The pork was so tender and the pork flavor went deep into the flavor. The tortilla was good too. Kids enjoyed their food. We received complimentary cookies after. We loved it so much that we went back the next day ordering the same food. I got additional cabbage for my posole on the second day. Got extra fried eggs and switched my carbs from tortillas to wheat toasts. Yummy yummy. We sat outside the second day and got to enjoy watching some dances on the plaza. Waiter was excellent. Great service. We would love coming back again if we revisit. Nice cafe with history, solid food and wonderful service!

    Bloody Mary
    Dan D.

    Plaza Cafe has been serving awesome meals since 1905 Had a delicious breakfast / brunch there over the weekend. They were *packed* with people, so there was a waiting list. Easy enough to get on the list & share your cell # The inside is updated, clean and buzzing with good energy. The service is fast, friendly, & efficient. Located right on the Plaza, [hence the name :) ] I imagine they're almost always busy. Definitely worth a try

    Michael S.

    We stopped for lunch at the Plaza Café and couldn't have picked a better spot. Sitting outside right on the square was perfect -- great people-watching, warm sun, and we even caught live Native American performers nearby, which made the whole experience feel extra authentic and fun. I had the sopapillas with ground beef, Christmas-style chiles (both red and green) -- absolutely delicious. Perfect balance of spice and flavor, and the sopapillas were light and fresh. Jen had the upside-down Frito pie and loved it -- hearty, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. Service was quick and friendly, and everything came out hot and fresh. You really can't beat this spot for a true Santa Fe lunch: great food, perfect location, and classic local atmosphere. Highly recommend grabbing an outdoor table if you can -- it's the best seat in town for soaking in the Santa Fe Plaza energy!

    Chile rellenos omlet
    Barry M.

    WOW!!. A friend recommended eating here while we were in town and she was spot on. We love Mexican cuisine and this is food heaven. We had breakfast here the options were hard to decide between. The other cool part was they still have a counter service with stools. It's hard to find that anymore and it was fun watching the staff navigate the small space, almost like a dance. I had the MEXICAN SHAKSHUKA and it was freaking amazing. What a huge amount of flavor with a bit of a kick. It was seven with a fresh made flour tortilla and hash browns. Loved it and will definitely go back and have it again before we leave. My wife had the special which was a Chill Rellenos Omlet. A very flavorful dish with green chills sauce on the top. YUM! Our waiter was super friendly although super busy. This place rocks so expect to wait, but it well worth it.

    Chicken Fried Steak
    Jerry F.

    Excellent chicken fried steak, great focaccia bread, and pretty decent potatoes. I didn't touch the veggies this time around so I can't speak for them. The place had a pretty good windchill for the constant entering and exiting from the waiters. I didn't care for the curtain as it seemed to me like a health and food hazard but perhaps it does something (super small) to mitigate the intense wind. Unlikely. Service was pretty great, with our server being on top of refills and a fast turn around on the check. Ambiance was unique, with white tiles on the ceiling, and some mural/artworks around the place. The cookies at the end was a very nice touch! Impossible upcharge of $3.50 was a bit weird considering the price for a frito pie but my partner really enjoyed it nonetheless!

    Santa Fe Green Goddess

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Beth M.
    34
    31
    2

    2 days ago

    Great food; unique, '50s-style diner; helpful and elegant wait staff right on the Santa Fe Plaza.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Olena V.
    0
    303
    128

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan D.
    137
    592
    1407

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Food was superb, the staff was extremely pleasant and friendly and had a happiness about them! If I lived there I would constantly frequent

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian R.
    2013
    2332
    9169

    9 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mary T.
    67
    11
    0

    25 days ago

    Sat outside for relaxed early dinner. Ordered ribeye tacos. Fabulous! Enjoyed coffee and key lime pie afterwards.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Peg D.
    13
    385
    293

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim H.
    0
    13
    30

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    Page 1 of 35

    Plaza Cafe Downtown Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Plaza Cafe Downtown

    Does this restaurant take reservations?

    No. There is no need.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for American 514 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Tune-Up Cafe

    Tune-Up Cafe

    4.3
    (1.6k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    A Santa Fe Treasure - Tune-Up Café…read more Diners like cafe's varied menu, which includes flavorful Salvadoran dishes, delicious pies, and numerous gluten-free options. They also highlight the reasonable prices, generous portions, and the cozy, authentic. I had the Chile Rellenos, and "amazing" feels like an understatement. They were perfectly executed: the chiles were tender yet held their structure, the cheese was beautifully melted, and the batter was light and golden without being greasy. What really sets them apart is the depth of flavor in the sauces. Whether you go red, green, or "Christmas," you can taste the authenticity and the quality of the ingredients in every bite. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor it, yet leaves you planning your next visit before you've even finished. Between the incredible service and the standout flavors, Tune-Up Café is easily one of the best culinary experiences in the city. A must-visit for locals and travelers alike!

    Everything about this place is amazing. The food selections are all good and we have never had a…read morebad meal here. The margaritas were extremely tasty. I had the fish of the day tacos. The fish was moist and flavorful. It came with a side of rice and beans and you could tell the refried beans were made fresh! My spouse had the softshell crab sandwich on brioche which was absolutely incredible. We topped it off with a piece of Pear and raspberry pie. We are both very particular about our crusts and this one did not disappoint. This is one of those places that from the outside looks like a hole in the wall. Do not let that fool you. Stop in and order! You will not be disappointed. Staff are also amazing - very friendly

    Photos
    Patio dining. Super chill low key fun vibe here!!!
    Patio dining. Super chill low key fun vibe here!!!
    Cubano sandwich and sweet potato fries
    Cubano sandwich and sweet potato fries
    Green chili soup

    See all

    Green chili soup
    Cafecito

    Cafecito

    4.5
    (342 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$
    Vegetarian friendly
    Gluten-free friendly

    100% plan to return. Local to table Argentenian meal in Santa Fe. Great service, interesting and…read morebeautiful food presentation at this lovely restaurant. Met the owner by his chance stopping by our table. Loved the meal. Enjoyed by family: PERUVIAN ROAST CHICKEN ARGENTINE STEAK SALAD DE LA TIERRA BOWL & Bread Basket. So good.

    A visit to Santa Fe and after 4 hours at the plaza were the perfect storm to be in the mood for…read moresomething special. Cafecito has been showing up on my reels and it looked like the kind of special I wanted. Just a few steps away from the Railyards, this place seems to be in its own island, in a quiet corner. The place is simple in decoration, with lots of plants, plenty of natural light, and a cozy vibe. The manager or owner greeted us. We started special the right way . Staff took a little longer than I expected to take our order (or I may have been veeeery hungry). However, our order came quite quick! The hubby ordered the Santa Fe and Carne Empanadas with lentil soup. I ordered the Gaucho to get some range. The empanadas were quite good and tasty. They were on the medium size, well packed with protein, with a nice and soft pastry. The Santa Fe had very fragrant green chiles and good seasoning on the chicken. The Carne had an amazing taste on the wagyu with a bit of spice and sweet with those peppers. The lentil soup was thick and tasty with every spoonful. The Gaucho, unfortunately, was not as successful as the empanadas. The sourdough was thinly sliced and perfectly toasted, pairing well with the butter and quince jam. The provolone and tomatoes were confusing, but they were well portioned. The eggs were fluffy and ok, nothing to die for, just well executed. The flank steak relied a lot on the chimichurri, which added great acidity, but without it, the steak did not have its own seasoning or flavor. It was satisfying, but the visuals tricked me into thinking it was going to blow my mind. Overall, this is a nice space to hang with friends for a special occasion and enjoy some tasty options. I'm interested in returning to try other things. I like when a place sparks my curiosity.

    Photos
    Cafecito
    Cafecito space
    Cafecito space
    Cafecito

    See all

    Plaza Cafe Downtown - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...