We were on the Upper West Side doing some serious shoe shopping when our hunger got in the way! Time for lunch. After searching for Mexican food on Yelp, we discovered that Santa Fe was nearby and had good reviews. We ambled in and were quickly greeted and seated. Our server was very friendly - even if the food hadn't been good (it was), the great service would have brought us back again. I ordered the Chopped Romaine Salad with Grilled Chicken (roasted corn, red onions, black beans, diced tomatoes, Cotija cheese & avocado dressing) and once ordered, our lunch arrived promptly. The salad was a nice big portion, definitely a meal. Overall, it was quite good - the only drawback was that the Cotija cheese made the whole thing a little too salty. Other than that, great flavor! If you've a hankering for Tex-Mex, Santa Fe is your place. read more

Cute and popular Mexican-Latin American place off Columbus Avenue. Nice looking bar that was busy with the after-work crowd. A few seniors from the 'hood were just as welcomed. The servers could have passed for models. It was around 6 p.m.,yet I was the only "single" person amid couples. I was hungry and needed a quick bit before being late for my poetry workshop. I had to say a "table for one" twice before my waiter got the message. Come on, this is New York. Not all of us are married, on a hot date, or expecting friends for dinner. Service was on the slow side. Liked the addictive fresh salsa with chips. The prices for dinner are a bit on the pricy side, but my Enchilada Suizas--Two enchiladas, one spiced chicken and one cheese, topped with red enchilada sauce, salsa verde, crema fresca, and scallions and served with rice and refried beans for $18.50, was almost perfect. A+ for the spices and flavor. But the chicken inside its enchilada was a little hard. Big disappointment. read more

I'm surprised this restaurant is only averaging 3 stars. Its a pretty solid spot! Good food... great drinks and sort of cozy and upscale and clean looking on the inside. I've been here a handful of times for dinner and this morning for brunch because they were open during the early hours of 'Hurricane Irene.' I've had a pretty good but not outstanding meal each time. In terms of reliability it doesn't get much better. Some of my favs are the margaritas and the guacamole. The burritos are really good too. The restaurant is divided into two areas: a front bar with a large counter where you can eat and drink and a few casual tables next to the bar area. If you walk straight back, there is a more formal dining room with no windows but a large skylight in the middle. I like windowless dining rooms because they always feel sort of intimate, like you're dining in someone's home. I'll definitely be back and recommend checking out this spot if you live on the UWS. read more

Hard to find fault with a reliable neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It's not a place to bring the kids, but for delicious standards that aren't dripping in bean sauce or melted cheese, Santa Fe is my go-to stop. The staff and kitchen are professional and clearly understand that UWS clientele wants healthy, flavorful, seasonal cuisine, not Mexican fast food. Decor is pleasing but not south-of-the-border kitsch. The menu of Margarita's has something that will strike your fancy, regardless of what that is... read more

I have two favorite restaurants in Manhattan. Sante Fe is one and Bourbon Street is another. Santa Fe is great is for a special occasion or just an average night out. The food is always good quality, good price, and I have always had good service. The owner or manager of the restaurant has always treated us nice as well. He gave my wife and myself complimentary champagne on our wedding anniversary... a nice touch. With all that said, I have only ever tried the fajitas. But, you know when you like something so much you don't really want to try anything else. And on Monday's they are only 10 bucks. The best bargain in NYC as far as I am concerned. I am hesitant to share this great UWS secret, but on the other hand I hope others continue going as I wish the best for one of my favorite restaurants. read more

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants. The food is delicious, margaritas fresh & yummy and the ambiance warm & cozy. Located on a quite side street (West 71st) just off Columbus Avenue making it a perfect UWS neighborhood spot. read more

Great fajitas, terrible margaritas. The frozen "mango"margarita tasted like Tropicana orange juice.

Have gone to Santa Fe a number of times. Food is always good. Staff and service are always great. I recommend and can't wait to go back!

The service was great besides the lack of small plates for the guacamole to start. The dish I had gotten for my meal was an overly sized sweet potato burrito. It was so large it had to be eaten with a fork and knife. Due to this difficulty it made the experience less enjoyable and forced less engagement in the table conversation. The food was extremely fresh and well prepared. read more

I haven't been here in 20 years. I remember it was better. Fish tacos tasted more like falafel. Santa Fe salad with shrimp ($26) pretty boring. Service was good. Noise level high. read more

This Mexican restaurant has some non-traditional meals which make it unique. The food is delicious, the staff is attentive, and the restaurant itself is large and fun to hang out with friends in. Prices are average to slightly high for good mexican. read more

Santa Fe - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Just down the block from me. I don't get why Mexican food would take so long. I thought the 1st time was a fluke; but, the second time it was just way too long. Food was bland too. read more

I went to Santa Fe with a friend before catching a movie a few weeks ago. This was a Sunday night around 7pm. He arrived before me and I expected to have to search for him. When I walked in I was greeted with "Oh, your friend is waiting in the back". Aside from one other small group the whole place was empty. The food was of average quality. I had the shrimp quesadilla, which had an interesting combination of flavors that worked pretty well. There was ample shrimp too. We ordered a side of guacamole that was less than tasty. In fact, it had to be some of the most plain tasting guacamole that I've ever had. It didn't taste bad, it's just that there was absolutely no taste to it -- but hey, at least they gave us lots of chips, right? It's a solid restaurant and wouldn't be a horrible place to take a group -- you're not going to have people complaining about food being too spicy or exotic flavors -- but some of us like that. Also, for the price, it seems like you can do a lot better. read more

I think Santa Fe serve best Margaritas on Upper West Side. Mushroom Quesadilla appetizers is most delicious! Staff is extremely attentive and friendly. This is one of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood. Tried to keep it a secret so that it doesn't get too crowded like others, but they deserve some recognition. Thank you Alex, Tito... still learning names... read more

Little hole in the ground of a restaurant. Honestly we only went there because of the great yelp reviewa. Good ambience, not pretentious. Good service, good food, good drinks. Neighborhood feel. Bar was full with regulars judging from the conversation. A lady with her little daughter sat next to us ordering only a margarita and a banana pudding and got same great service as everyone. The lady even told us abt their $10 Monday fahita special. Definitely a neighborhood regular. We are from DC so this is not the big marquee NY restaurant a tourist may look out for, but the lucky ones living along 71st and Columbus Ave. it's definitely a great place. read more

Santa Fe - Fahitas and Peruvian Ceviche. Both yummy! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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My bf and I like to come here on Friday nights. It easy, food has great flavor (good size portions also- always have leftovers) prices are fair and the drinks are great. It's easy. Staff is friendly and they honor your reservations. Come here sometimes to sit at the bar and the bartender is always great!! Would recommend if you're looking for a good neighbor spot! read more

Pros: close, convenient, can get a table pretty much anytime, good chips & salsa (gratis), shrimp is fresh not previously frozen (as it obviously should be, but not always the case in all restaurants), and is a mexican/latin-ish place my husband can get fajitas he enjoys. Cons: sangria, weak service, ordered the chiptole shrimp which you would think was a hot dish but yet it was served over cold black beans & corn, and slightly overpriced read more

The black bean dip is to die for! So good! The sweet potato and black bean burrito is good. It is a mashed sweet potato, I wasn't expecting that. Great margaritas! read more

Santa Fe is a great place to grab dinner on the Upper West Side. I was recently there on a Saturday night in July with my family. We had a reservation but the restaurant didn't seem overly packed. The decor is festive and the seating doesn't make you feel crowded. We started with chips, masa crusted shrimp, and the wild mushroom quesadilla. The shrimp were cooked well and served with a delicious take on cocktail sauce. I particularly enjoyed the quesadilla, it didn't have the overpowering mushroom taste that some dishes have. For my main course I had the chimichangas. It is served with once steak one and one chicken one. Both were delicious although I preferred the steak one. The chicken has a sauce inside that can drown the meat a little bit. All around a very good dish. For dessert I would definitely recommend the Flan, it's flavorful and not too heavy. I ordered two margaritas over the course of dinner, one pomegrante and one grapefruit. They were both a little strong but good. The grapefruit one was probably my favorite although next time I'll ask for them without salt since there was a lot on the glass. Santa Fe is an all around great place to get dinner with family or friends. read more

Hail to the chef. Service is absolutely atrocious. Drop your food (not server) server shows back up in 15 minutes asking if you need anything. Yes. Water Salsa (ordered) Dip (ordered) Tortillas Tortilla chips Servers are absent. It's unfortunate chef and line cooks know their Tex Mex. Suggestion: they cook and deliver. Get rid of the middle man. read more

Designed to make you feel as though you are in Santa Fe, service is terrific as is food. Price very fair. This was the first time we've been to Santa Fe and we'll be back read more

I went to Santa Fe for lunch. The staff was friendly, polite and efficient. The food was fresh, flavorful and appropriately portioned. The enchiladas suizas are their signature dish and the churros for dessert were delicious. read more

come here for brunch on sunday and the place looks totally amazing, quiet and relaxing excellent for a date or go by yourself, delicious food and amazing margaritas! read more

Santa Fe - The best huevos rancheros, amazing margaritas! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Fish tacos and black bean soup were awesome. Blend of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. And so thankful they're open late and accommodating to keep the kitchen open when we called and were coming in close to closing time. read more

One of my favorites spots on the Upper west side. Best classic Margaritas and very good food. Love seating in the area across from the bar. Service is good and the food is excellent. The fresh made guac is also excellent. read more

Don't expect too much especially for the price. Unlike many people on Yelp, I was not impressed with the margaritas; my wife got one called En Fuego and there was hardly any heat. Enchiladas were pretty bland and there wasn't much chicken in there for the $. Steak fajitas were fine. Masa shrimp app was a bland rip-off but I guess most shrimp appetizers tend to be rip-offs. I will say the staff was very nice and attentive. Basically, if you live on the UWS and want this type of food with the convenience of staying in your neighborhood then go for it. Otherwise I'd skip it. read more

Brunch is pretty good here. Haven't had dinner, but I imagine it's fair too. Not really mind blowing food or service. But a decent place to eat. read more

Wow, those margaritas were strong! Definitely go for the Monday night special: $10 fajitas (beef isn't extra!). Our waitress was very accommodating and fun (she actually laughed at my jokes). The chips are okay, salty, but the salsa is good. I had the chicken fajita, was really good. The beef eaters at my table seemed to really enjoy their beef fajitas as well. Summary: 1. Go Monday for the $10 fajita special 2. Get the Margarita on the rocks (very strong) 3. Test your waiter/waitress with some awkward jokes to see if you will get along read more

Mediocre and way overpriced. Me and my friend got fish tacos and roasted chicken w pumpkin sauce. Food was just not interesting but for $22 it should at least be quality. Also service was slow and our order got messed up. The free chips for the table were only a half step above the ballpark variety, though the salsa was tasty I'll give them that. Sorry Santa Fe (the city), you deserve better. read more

Pretty disappointing. The back room has no ambience whatsoever and it is so loud that I couldn't hear my friends. The salsa was very tasty and the front of the restaurant may provide a different experience but......We were underwhelmed with the drinks and The shrimp fajitas come with four teeny shrimp and the guacamole was minuscule and not that tasty. Our wAiter was nice and accommodating but when we returned our awful churro dessert, the manager came by smirking sarcastically saying, "I guess you ladies didn't like your dessert" and walked away. It was very condescending because he was obviously implying that we were complainers when we hadn't said a word!!! Definitely a one time visit. Next time I'll walk five blocks to the sweet and tasty Cafe Frida. read more

We come to this neighborhood place for a couple of "standby" dishes we crave, namely the chimichangas and the chipotle chicken. These dishes come with rice and salad or rice and refried beans; the staff will cheerfully allow to you choose which two you prefer even if it's off-menu. The salad is always a pleasant pile of field greens, never iceberg as one reviewer here claims. The margaritas are lovely, if overpriced, and the Dox Equis is always freezing cold. The guacamole has that fermented off-taste that guacamole gets when it's prepared way ahead of time; avoid. There is a cozy front section where the bar is located and an airy back room, beautifully designed. However, some undefinable something was lost when Santa Fe moved to this space from its brownstone-like digs on West 69th Street some years ago. That space had three cozy dining areas and a couple of working fireplaces with tables near. It was closer to Lincoln Center and very lively. This place is more "high design" but less soulful; it does not appear to be succeeding. read more

Not even close to real Santa Fe food. Basic generic cooking. Expensive for what is served. Uninspired wait staff and kitchen. Food was cold as if it was prepared ahead and not brought to serving temperature. You would find better value and food at Chipotle. First and last time there. Seems to be a retired, area resident typle of place. Sad. read more

Honestly, this place is just super over priced. We went there for lunch, and there was nothing cheaper than $12.50 for a vegetarian quesadilla. It was very small, but pretty good. Something worth, I don't know, $7 maybe? Guacamole wasn't made fresh to order and was $12. Again, small portion. Service was ok. On just a food scale I would give this place a 3.5/4, but the prices are just stupid. So much better food in Manhattan for way cheaper, or, pay a little more and get fantastic food. read more

Even though I've only had take-out from Santa Fe, I am very happy with their dishes! I didn't think the sweet potato bean burrito thing would be very flavorful, but it was so tasty and seasoned to perfection. I will def order again. read more

Years ago this was a great place. It was across the street from its present location. The interior was pretty and the food and service was classy. I don't know why it moved across the street or why it never attained its formal glory. We chose tSanta Fe a few weeks ago because it's quiet and a group of us were celebrating the end of a long year of working together on a committee. We had to wait a long time for the waiter to take our drink orders. He acted as though he was doing us a favor by coming to our table. The waiter was arrogant. The food tasted ok. The drinks were also tasty but something was off because I felt ill all night and had to take off work the following day which I haven't done in years. My stomach was a mess and I felt weak all over. The decor is tired and boring. There are lots of more interesting Mexican restaurants in town. Some of the menu items didn't seem Mexican at all. Some attempt to please customers because the service stinks? Who knows? Please remind me not to come back... read more

Not cool vibe - old guys at bar and empty restaurant, really quiet music, bad decor. Our server was nice, but the food was NOT good and it was way overpriced for bad mexican. It was only edible because the enchiladas were covered in cheese and the crab cake (which was not crab!) was covered in sauce so hot you lost feeling in your mouth. The chips that they brought out were stale and cold. Worst deal ever - do not go - depressing with more depressing food. read more

Santa Fe is my number one go to mexican spot in the city! Their red sangria, margaritas, chicken chimichanga, chopped salad, and chipotle chicken are fan favorites among me and my friends. Service is always on par and the food is always delicious! read more

Stopped here before a show at the Beacon. Wish we had gone to Harry's on the corner instead. Food was not great, not good, but mostly edible. Avoid the fish tacos--taste is too fishy (i.e. not fresh). Mushroom quesadilla was decent. Steak chimi tasted good, but meat was pretty fatty, which kinda killed it. crema fresca? It was straight sour cream! Naughty! Margaritas are NOT the best in NY. Spicy one was too tart. Real lime juice an be a plus, but it needs to be balanced! Frozen marg was generic. Not a hint of tequila in either. And the "large" was small. Can't imagine how small the small ones are! The post-dinner/pre-show make-up margaritas at Dallas BBQ a block up were far better.(I know, I know, but they really were!) And the service sucked. Drinks were ordered and came quickly. Had to call the waiter over after 15+minutes so we could order. Felt a little bad breaking up his chat with the hostess mid-restaurant. Empty water glasses were studiously ignored. After an eventual request for more water, it still took another 15 minutes to rehydrate our parched glasses. Next time we're in the area, it'll be Harry's (or even Dallas BBQ). I've dined in Santa Fe. This was no Santa Fe. read more

Food was horrific, worse than what I could make at home. Margarita was weak and overpriced. If you want reliable Americanized Mexican, try Cancun on 8th Ave. If you want real Mexican, go to an entirely different kind of place (Taco Mix in Harlem is seasoned with Jesus' tears). read more

I almost hate to give this place a good review, since I'd rather it remain our little undiscovered gem, but we've been coming here for years and it's by far our favorite on the UWS. Food is good -- tasty, healthy portions -- but it's the atmosphere that makes it a favorite. Bartenders and wait staff are great, super friendly, and there's almost always a colorful cast of regulars animating the discussions at the bar. Sangria is good and the margaritas are top-notch -- be careful, though, you'll be staggering after two. read more