Papas Fritas at the Plaza Cafe

I wanted to write a blog post about what one must absolutely NOT miss when visiting the Plaza. I might even need to make is a series. And you know me.  I had to start with food.

Breakfast Burrito at the Plaza Cafe

If you’ve never had a Chile Relleno Omelette, or the best posole in Santa Fe, or Green Chile Meatloaf, read on. And yes, I’ve written before about the Plaza Café. Love it. I get to write over and over about the things I love in New Mexico, don’t I?

The Plaza Café, at 54 Lincoln Avenue on the west side of the Plaza, is by far one of our favorite places to start the day.  Established in 1918, it’s been owned and operated by the Razatos family since 1947. These folks have been at this a long time, and it shows.

From the amazing Chile Relleno Omelette to the Pinon Pepita Granola for breakfast (check out this menu!), everything in the menu is hand-crafted and guaranteed to be delicious.  Want lunch or dinner? I highly recommend the Cashew Mole Enchiladas, the Crispy Fish Tacos, the Green Chile Meatloaf. . .okay, I recommend it all. I have yet to have a bad meal at the Plaza Café. Just beware – if you order the posole with red and green chile, you might want the chile on the side. I have a pretty tolerant palate and I’ve had to stop eating that particular combination because it was sooooooooo hot!

And if you’re (heaven forbid) not interested in traditional New Mexican fare, the Razatos family has included dishes like Chicken Fried Steak and Spaghetti Marinara on the menu. There are even Greek dishes – gyros and moussaka.

Plaza Cafe, circa 1947

The Plaza Café suffered a kitchen fire in September 2010 that resulted in a subsequent closing, which resulted in a long drawn-out withdrawal period for some of us.  Thankfully they reopened in July 2012, keeping the retro/diner décor and charm of the café intact.  Formica tables, red vinyl booths, black and gray floor tiles, friendly wait staff, and a white tile roof make you feel right at home.

The Plaza Café is the real deal, people.  Amazing food, fun atmosphere, a local favorite and home to some of the tastiest desserts you’ll find in Santa Fe (red velvet cake, key lime pie, caramel-apple pecan pie. . .I am making my own mouth water).  Sit near the window and watch what’s happening across the street at the Plaza. And order dessert.  Life’s short!

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