Santa Fe's Best Breakfast Spots
It's no surprise that so many travelers to Santa Fe list food as one of their top reasons for visiting. Whether it's fine dining or cheap eats, traditional New Mexican or inventive modern cuisine, Santa Fe offers visitors countless opportunities to indulge in great food - and breakfast is no exception. To fuel up for a day of sightseeing, shopping, or outdoor adventures, you'll want to head to one of Santa Fe's best breakfast spots. Whether you're craving hearty fare that will keep you satisfied until dinner, or something on the lighter side, we've got you covered. Here are our favorite places for breakfast/brunch in Santa Fe.
Big Breakfasts/Brunches
Plaza Cafe
When a restaurant has been around since 1905, you know they're doing something right. Plaza Cafe continues to serve up hearty, delicious, and no-frills dishes in their prime location on the plaza, reminiscent of a 1950s-style diner. Their New Mexican breakfasts (and lunches, and dinners) are a favorite on many locals' lists - try the blue corn piñon pancakes or breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs. They also serve classic American-style breakfast items, like biscuits & gravy and French toast. Prices are reasonable, the service is prompt and friendly, and you definitely won't leave hungry.
54 Lincoln Ave. // (505) 982-1664
Cafe Pasqual's
This one goes without saying - it's a longtime favorite of both locals and visitors. Cafe Pasqual's offers some seriously satisfying breakfast & brunch fare. You might have a hard time choosing between squash blossom quesadillas, smoked trout hash, or griddled marscapone polenta with chorizo and red chile. The small but cozy restaurant is decked out with local art (if you like what you see, head next door to their gallery to check out more). Given its perennial popularity, be prepared for a wait during peak times - get there early!
121 Don Gaspar Ave. // (505) 983-9340
Tune Up Cafe
This cheerful, eclectic neighborhood spot offers a mix of New Mexican classics like huevos rancheros and chile-smothered breakfast burritos, and dishes with influences from Central America (the owners hail from El Salvador), like huevos el salvadorenos with scrambled eggs, fried bananas, and homemade tortillas. Tune Up's rotating specials - like a delicious duck hash on a recent visit - round out the menu. It's a friendly, affordable spot with a colorful shaded patio that's perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.
1115 Hickox St. // (505) 983-7060
Bodega Prime
Bodega Prime serves up what is probably the most creative brunch fare in Santa Fe. The menu changes frequently, with deliciously decadent options like pork cheek breakfast poutine and waffles with ricotta, rhubarb chutney & blood orange syrup. They make their own breads, baked goods, and condiments as well as homemade sodas and iced teas. Plus, their chic, light-filled bar and dining area is a great spot to while away a couple hours.
1291 San Felipe Ave. // (505) 303-3535
Lighter Breakfasts/Brunches
Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen
The first thing you notice about Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen is how beautiful it is - a light, airy space with lots of natural wood, hanging paper lanterns, and tables with built-in succulent planters. The food is just as beautiful - not to mention delicious and (mostly) healthy. Think buckwheat banana pancakes, baked eggs with sweet potato and red chile, and a matcha smoothie bowl. Sweetwater Harvest puts a big emphasis on sustainability, milling their own organic flour on-site, composting food scraps, and sourcing responsibly produced seasonal ingredients. Although they feature some meat dishes (you can add bacon or sausage to most dishes), vegetarians and vegans will find many satisfying options here.
1512 Pacheco St., Bldg. B // (505) 795-7383
Modern General
Modern General is the trendiest of the breakfast options in Santa Fe, and it's the place to go when you don't want anything smothered in green chile or cheese. Their all-day menu features "modcakes," which are pancakes made from either corn, wheat, or teff (an Ethiopian grain), and topped with savory options like kale, cabbage, dashi, scallions, and egg, or sweet ones like lemon curd and raspberry compote. They also serve a great avocado toast, as well as excellent smoothies and juices. Modern General also sells a range of kitchen and garden items, books, and prepared foods, so you may walk out with more than just breakfast.
637 Cerrillos Rd. // (505) 930 5462
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