City: Chimayó, NM

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (505) 984-2100, (505) 351-4444

Address: 3 miles from the Highway 76 intersection

Description: The drive from Santa Fe is part of the pleasure of dining in this touristy but worthwhile New Mexican mainstay. Plan your reservations for just after sunset and you’ll have a chance to see the Jémez Mountains against a wonderful golden, crimson, or peach-colored sky. Housed in a sprawling old hacienda, the restaurant sits near apple orchards and the Santuario de Chimayó. It offers patio dining and a lovely bar with a fireplace. You’ll find strolling musicians here most weekends. The fare is New Mexican with a few other choices for nonchile eaters, such as steak and trout. The sopaipillas here are light and crisp and they refill the basket as often as you ask. From mid-May through October, the restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner; otherwise it’s closed Monday. Breakfast is served only on weekends.