The Ultimate Guide to Patio Dining in Santa Fe: Where to Eat & Drink Outside
Looking for a patio to dine, drink, and relax in? On a hot summer afternoon, nothing hits the spot like a shady patio, a cool drink, and a good meal. From the casual to the upscale, classic New Mexican to innovative American cuisine, Santa Fe has a little something to offer everyone. Below are some of our top picks for patio dining in Santa Fe this summer.
Rooftop Views
These rooftop restaurants have ample outdoor seating and gorgeous views of the historic Santa Fe plaza and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or just want to sip on a cocktail and enjoy the sunset, these venues will do the trick!
Draft Station
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe and overlooking the Plaza, Draft Station’s outdoor seating is perfect for people watching, and has great views of the Plaza and beyond. Draft Station champions local New Mexican craft breweries like Blue Corn and La Cumbre, and has an eclectic menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and pizza from nearby Rooftop Pizzeria. For dedicated fans, they even have a Brew Club membership that gets you discounts on food, drinks, and more.
Thunderbird
A great spot for tourists and locals alike, Thunderbird Bar & Grill is right downtown, with patio seating that overlooks the Plaza and faces the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Since the rooftop seating area is often crowded, try arriving earlier in the evening in order to snag a seat with a good view. Their menu features classic American and New Mexican fare, and they make a mean margarita to boot!
Beer and Burgers
These breweries and burger joints feature casual outdoor patios, a wide selection of craft beers, and upscale American comfort food, perfect for a laid-back summer afternoon.
Second Street Brewery
While Second Street Brewery started out on the eponymous Second Street, they’ve since expanded to several other locations, including the Rufina Taproom and a bustling spot in the Santa Fe Railyard. While all three have great patios, the Railyard location stands out for outdoor seating that opens directly onto the Railyard Plaza. On Saturday afternoons, you can watch people meander by with their farmers market hauls, and in the evenings there are often an eclectic selection of free concerts.
Violet Crown
In the mood for a drink and a bite before your movie date? Violet Crown doubles as a cinema, bar, and restaurant, and features a vast selection of craft brews from local and international breweries, with over thirty rotating options. The patio looks out across the Railyard, where you can spy the Railrunner train pulling into the station, and locals and tourists alike out for an evening stroll. If you’re not done by the time the show starts, you can even take your food and drink into the theater!
The Burger Stand
Located just a few blocks off the Plaza, the Burger Stand features delicious burgers, a rotating selection of craft beer, and an easygoing outdoor atmosphere. The back patio has casual picnic table seating, an outdoor bar, and plenty of rustic flair. In addition to burgers, they also offer sandwiches, salads, and even milkshakes. If you visit, make sure to try the legendary duck fat fries!
Outdoor Ambience
These spots mix cozy outdoor vibes with delicious menu offerings that are sure to delight. If you’re looking for French, Italian, Persian, American, or something in between, you can enjoy Santa Fe’s surprisingly diverse food scene alongside stellar patio seats.
Milad Persian Bistro
Whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean tapas or more hearty fare, Milad Persian Bistro offers an original take on Persian classics like kabobs, tabouli, falafel, and more. The patio seating overlooks the galleries of Canyon Road, the historic art hub of the city, and is great for people watching. Milad also boasts an extensive wine list, and has a selection of innovative rotating specials.
La Casa Sena
If you’re looking for a magical outdoor spot, La Casa Sena has it all: an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, delicious food, and a woodsy patio complete with leafy trees strung with fairy lights. The atmosphere of the inner courtyard is enchanting and upscale, with a menu to match. The restaurant also boasts a neighboring wine shop with bottles sourced from all over the world, and is ideally located whether you’re returning to your hotel after dinner or want to continue the party elsewhere.
Chez Mamou
A little slice of the French countryside in the heart of Santa Fe, Chez Mamou serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features charming patio seating that feels like a little hidden oasis from the summer sun. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back brunch, lazy afternoon, or romantic evening, Chez Mamou won’t disappoint. The restaurant also features a variety of French pastries and baked goods at the counter, perfect for sating your sweet tooth.
The Teahouse
At the tail end of the famous galleries of Canyon Road, the Teahouse makes the perfect pit stop whether you’re resting your feet after an afternoon of gallery hopping or are just starting out in the morning. The outdoor patio seating is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon with friends, or even just a good book and a cup of tea. The menu features upscale Italian-inspired cuisine, as well as a vast array of teas and lattes. The relaxed atmosphere, laid-back attitude, and stylish flair of the Teahouse makes it a favorite for long-time Santa Feans and newcomers alike!
Want to Explore the Santa Fe Food Scene? Join One Our Walking Tours!
Summer in Santa Fe is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy patio dining at its finest. Visitors to the City Different can take a break from the hot Santa Fe sun and savor creative cocktails, craft beer, and food inspired by cultures all over the world. No matter what kind of meal you’re looking for, Santa Fe has a wealth of options to choose from!
