Local Cuisine

Be Sure to Bring your Appetite.

This world-class dining destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re hungry for traditional New Mexico cuisine, Japanese small plates, BBQ big plates or the iconic green chile cheeseburger. Quench your thirst at a local craft brewery or tap room. For years, the James Beard Foundation has handed out prestigious awards in this culinary capital, and The Food Network has filmed so many episodes on location, we’ve lost track. Like Guy Fieri of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” you’ll keep coming back to savor the delicious diversity of our restaurants.

Northside Dining

Arroyo Vino

Dinner in this contemporary, inviting restaurant and wine bar features seasonal small plates that are perfect for sharing, made with fresh ingredients from the two-acre kitchen garden.Pair your meal with excellent wines available by the glass or bottle that you can select in the adjoining wine shop, which carries some 900 bottles from around the world. The seasonal menu changes, but signatures such as Wagyu Flat Iron Steak Frites and Grilled Heritage Pork Chop have put this restaurant on the culinary map.

Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday, starting at 5:30 pm.

218 Camino La Tierra
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505.983.2100
ArroyoVino.com

Arroyo Vino

Cottonwood Kitchen at Tesuque Casino

Featuring an inspired menu and welcoming environment, with an exhibition kitchen, ample lounge and bar area overlooking the casino floor, and a 75-seat outdoor patio – Cottonwood Kitchen is sure to impress.

Its open concept and variety of seating options make it easy to transition from playing your favorite slots or table game, to enjoying your favorite meal or drink. And our staff is dedicated to ensuring your every need is met.

Experience another level of dining by reserving your spot today

7 Tesuque Hill Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
800.462.2635
tesuquecasino.com/dining

El Nido

Housed in a historic building, this iconic fine-dining restaurant in Tesuque Village, 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, serves innovative cuisine in a handsome setting. The menu offers grilled steaks and seafood, handcrafted pasta and wood-fired pizza, featuring fresh ingredients from local farms. What began as a 1920s roadhouse and then became Tesuque's lively dance hall continues to attract visitors from near and far. You can dine on a lush patio surrounded by greenery, or inside, by a cozy kiva fireplace.

Happy Hour, 4:30-6 p.m.; Dinner 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

1577 Bishops Lodge Road
Santa Fe, NM 87506
505.954.1272
ElNidoSantaFe.com

El Nido

El Parasol (Pojoaque)

A local's favorite for some 50 years, this is a place to taste the flavors of northern New Mexico and Mexico. With six locations in three New Mexico counties, El Parasol's beginnings date to 1958, when the young brothers Pedro and Lorenzo Atencio started selling their mother’s beef tacos and red pork tamales under a patio umbrella on the main street in Española, New Mexico. The rest is history, and the family recipes have been published in Gourmet, Bon Appétit and other publications.

Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

30 Cities of Gold Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87506
505.455.7185

Gabriel’s

Serving the cuisine of the Southwest and Old Mexico, this popular restaurant is known for personal attention to service and delicious authentic food. Specialties include fresh guacamole made right at your table, handmade corn tortillas and refreshing margaritas made with freshly squeezed limes and gold tequila. Their spacious garden patio with its fountains, colorful flowers and spectacular view is a diner’s delight on one of Santa Fe's many warm and sunny days and a romantic spot for a dinner beneath the stars.

Open daily for lunch and dinner
Sunday–Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Exit 176, Highway 285/84
Santa Fe, NM 87506
505.455.7000
GabrielsOfSantaFe.com

Gabriel

Izanami Restaurant at Ten Thousand Waves

Creative Japanese bar food is served at this izakaya, on the grounds of a Japanese-style mountain spa. Eclectic small plates of locally-sourced meat and produce emphasize seasonality. Guests love the wagyu beef ishiyaki, cooked on a hot stone at your table, and the bento box dinner, with one version for meat-lovers and another for vegetarians. Izanami's amazing selection of artisanal microbrew cold sake elevates your dining experience, along with your seating choice—a private booth, a tatami room or a patio with spectacular valley views.

21 Ten Thousand Waves Way
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.982.9304
TenThousandWaves.com

Izanami Restaurant At Ten Thousand Waves

Pizza 9 (Pojoaque)

Your local pizza restaurant is a family friendly restaurant with something on the menu for everyone.

Pizza 9 Pojoaque offers many ways for you to enjoy your favorite pizza. And don’t forget to check out our Pizza Deals & Specials!

68 Cities of Gold Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
505.455.0999
pizzanine.com/pojoaque

Rancho de Chimayó

This longtime favorite for traditional New Mexican dishes prepared from family recipes is famous for its signature dishes of spicy guacamole, hand rolled tamales, blue corn enchiladas, carne adovada and chile rellenos. Housed in a restored century-old adobe home, Rancho de Chimayó is a winner of the prestigious James Beard Foundation America's Classic award. Be sure to try the refreshing prickly pear margarita and leave room for a fluffy sopapilla dipped in fresh local honey or a seasonal dessert.

300 Juan Medina Road
Chimayo, NM 87522
505.351.4444
RanchoDeChimayo.com

Rancho de Chimayó

Red Sage at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder

Steaks finished to perfection in a wood-fired oven are a specialty at this progressive New American Grill. You'll also find salads, seafood and other fare, made with local produce from Pojoaque Pueblo's Tewa Farms. The extensive wine list earned the restaurant a Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Stop by for the daily Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Red Sage is a perfect spot for a romantic night out as well as for drinks and a business dinner.

20 Buffalo Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87506
505.819.2056
RedSage-sf.com/menu

Roadrunner Cafe

Dine with the locals at this friendly, family-run restaurant, serving authentic New Mexican cuisine, and some delicious American dishes, since 1980. They are known for their delicious breakfast and New Mexico combination plate. Don't miss the famous whole wheat sopaipillas, made from an original family recipe. Hearty New Mexican vegetarian fare is also on the menu. Visit the Roadrunner Cafe when you're on your way to Bandelier National Monument, El Santuario de Chimayó and other sites north of Santa Fe.

Open daily for breakfast and lunch, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

43 Ogo Wii Road
Santa Fe, NM 87506
505.455.3012
RoadRunnerCafeNM.com

Skyfire at Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection

Savor inspired Southwestern cuisine in a handsome Santa Fe style setting at this exciting new restaurant and bar, part of a state-of-the-art re-envisioning of Bishop's Lodge, an iconic Santa Fe resort. Acclaimed Chef Dean Fearing created the menu concept which spotlights local ingredients. Start your visit with a smoky craft mezcal cocktail at the bar, then enjoy chile oil pairing suggestions with your meal, from the on-site Chile Host.

1297 Bishops Lodge Road
Santa Fe, NM 87506
888.741.0480
BishopsLodge.com/experiences/skyfire/

Skyfire At Bishop

Sopaipilla Factory

This friendly gathering place draws locals and visitors alike to savor cuisine inspired by northern New Mexico. The Sopaipilla Factory is renowned for the flavorful fare of the region, from tamales to enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada and many other dishes. Be sure to try the signature sopaipillas, stuffed with meat or vegetables and garnished with sweet corn cake. Refreshing margaritas make the perfect accompaniment. For dessert? More sopaipillas, of course, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar or stuffed with ice cream.

Open Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

7 West Gutierrez Street
Santa Fe, NM 87506
505.455.2855
SopaipillaFactory.com

Sopaipilla Factory

Terra at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

New Mexican culinary traditions combined with ultra-fresh local produce and Southwestern influences elevate the cuisine of this fine dining restaurant. Start your day with blue corn pancakes and end it with a perfectly pinon-herb-crusted rack of lamb or green chile bison stew. Dine on the terrace or courtyard and take in majestic views along with creative cuisine that offers an inventive interpretation of classic Southwestern dishes and regional influences. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Daily hours: Breakfast  7 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.- 2:30p.m.; Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Cozy up with a cocktail at The Bar at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Enjoy a casual dining menu along with a sophisticated selection of martinis and an extensive wine list, either indoors or on the outdoor terrace, taking in magnificent mountain and valley views.

Open daily, 12:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.

198 State Road 592
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505.946.5700
FourSeasons.com/santafe/dining

Terra At Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Tesuque Village Market

This bustling market has been the hub of Tesuque life since 1989. Enjoy al fresco dining on the patio or take a seat inside and watch the action. The menu includes salads, burgers, pizza and dinner entreés like grilled tilapia and tomatillo shrimp enchiladas. There's a bakery and a full bar as well. For a scenic drive from Santa Fe, take Bishop’s Lodge Road rather than the highway. The market is on the left as you approach the center of the village.

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

138 Tesuque Village Road
Tesuque, NM 87506
505.988.8848
TesuqueVillageMarket.com

Tesuque Village Market

The Brakeroom

Small, historic building in downtown Santa Fe with 18 tap handles, cider and wine. Food trucks nightly. Great beer minute-ly.

If you’re downtown and can’t make the trek out to the main brewery, this is your place. The Brakeroom is actually housed in an old cabin where railroad brakemen used to sleep. You can read all about them while you’re there. Available for rental. 

510 Galisteo St.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.780.8648
The Brakeroom

The Bar At Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

After a long day of exploring or pampering (or both), settle in at The Bar and enjoy one of our delicious, signature cocktails, or choose from our extensive wine list. We’ll save you a seat around the fire.

HOURS

Daily

11:30 am – 10:00 pm

198 State Road 592
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
505.946.5800
fourseasons.com/ santafe/dining

Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery

Tumbleroot’s taproom and restaurant features a large indoor and outdoor seating area including community tables and more intimate seating as well. Come visit us for live music, Tumbleroot’s food truck, spirits, beer and more. Lots of parking makes it easy to stop by for samples, stay for a cocktail or pint, get a bite to eat and grab something to go.

Hours of Operation: Wednesday 4 to 8 pm, Thursday, and Friday from 4 to 11 pm  Saturdays, Shows Only please see calendar for details.

2797 Agua Fria Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505.393.5135
tumblerootbreweryanddistillery.com

Southside Dining

Blue Heron Restaurant at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Celebrate the flavors of the season as well as locally grown ingredients with the vibrant and flavorful cuisine at this renowned spa restaurant. Incorporating ingredients from the resort's farm and from local farmers, Blue Heron's offerings pay tribute to the idea that food is a potent elixir for the body, mind and spirit. Begin the day with avocado toast or huevos rancheros and wind it down with truffle shrimp risotto or buffalo short ribs, as you dine overlooking the spring-fed pond.

Open daily; Lunch: noon-2 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday & Thursday, 6–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday Brunch: 11a.m.–2 p.m.
Reservations recommended

242 Los Pinos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
1.800.704.0531
OjoSantaFe.ojospa.com

Blue Heron Restaurant At Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Black Bird Saloon

Got spurs? You'll want to wear 'em, along with your ten-gallon hat, when you stroll through the crooked doors of this rustic restaurant and travel back in time to the Wild West. Housed in a saloon built in the 1880s in the old mining town of Cerrillos, The Black Bird serves up local craft ale on tap and mighty good grub, like the Black Jack Ketchum burger spiked with gun-powder rub. Cozy up to the wood stove in winter or take a summertime seat on the patio.

Thursday, 4-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

28 Main Street
Cerrillos, NM 87010
505.438.1821
BlackBirdSaloon.com

Black Bird Saloon

Bourbon Grill at El Gancho

When you're ready for surf and turf, head to this traditional steakhouse brandishing a Santa Fe twist. Whether you're hungry for steak, seafood or both, The Bourbon Grill has a menu to satisfy. Start with fried oysters then move on to a Surf & Turf combo, maybe lobster and sirloin. Or park yourself at the bar and sample a selection of the finest bourbons from Kentucky and Tennessee. But leave room for the ridiculously delicious bread pudding.

Monday-Wednesday, 4-9 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 4- 10 p.m.; Sun: 4 –9 p.m.

104B Old Las Vegas Highway
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505.984.8000
BourbonGrillSantaFe.com

The Bourbon Grill

Cafe Fina

This bright and bustling eatery is a great place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ricotta pancakes and breakfast burrito will give you a good start on the day. Fina's green chile cheeseburgers are stellar and the salads are generous servings of goodness. The dinner entrees rotate, and every dish is delicious. The bakery churns out quiche, pies, scones and many another treat. Fina is a favorite with locals, out-of-towners and any other diners who happily stumble upon this sweet spot.

Open daily; Breakfast and Lunch; Monday­–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner: Thursday–Saturday: 5:30–9pm

624 Old Las Vegas Highway
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505.466.3886
CafeFinaSantaFe.com

El Parasol (South)

A local's favorite for some 50 years, this is a place to taste the flavors of northern New Mexico and Mexico. With six locations in three New Mexico counties, El Parasol's beginnings date to 1958, when the young brothers Pedro and Lorenzo Atencio started selling their mother’s beef tacos and red pork tamales under a patio umbrella on the main street in Española, New Mexico. The rest is history, and the family recipes have been printed by Gourmet, Bon Appétit and many others.

Monday –Friday, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-8p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

298 Dinosaur Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87508
505.995.8226
ElParasol.com/santa-fe-south

Eldorado Coffee Corral

We are a local, family owned Coffee Shop in the most literal sense. Comprised of a father and son who teamed up to provide Eldorado with the best coffee, pastries, donuts and real New York Bagels this side of the Rio Grande!

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:00pm   Saturday 8:00am - 2:00pm

7 Caliente Road, Unit A4
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
505.466.3510
eldoradocoffeecorral.com

Harry’s Roadhouse

Stop by this popular spot, for breakfast, lunch or dinner—the food is always fantastic. The atmosphere is, too, filled with happy diners, colorful art and friendly servers loaded with plates of New Mexican fare as well as eclectic cuisine. Try the carne asada tacos and gourmet pizzas, but leave room for the world's best desserts. A great gluten-free menu's available, too. Harry's consistently wins Locals “Best of” awards, including “Restaurant of the Year,” “Best Patio,” “Best Desserts,” and “Best Sunday Brunch.”

Open daily, 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

96 B Old Las Vegas Highway
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505.989.4629
HarrysRoadhouseSantaFe.com

Java Junction

When in Madrid, do like the locals do and head to the perfect spot on Main Street to kick back and relax with a fresh-brewed cup of Joe. Choose from espresso, cappuccino, Border mocha, latte, frappuccino, hot chocolate, herbal teas and more, made with locally roasted coffee beans, Italy’s finest Illy espresso and Ghirardelli chocolate. A great selection of freshly baked goods goes well with your beverage, including pastries, pies, brownies and cookies as well as savory breakfast burritos, sandwiches, breads and bagels.

2855 Highway 14
Madrid, NM 87010
877.308.8884
Java-Junction.com

Java Junction

Jezebel Soda Fountain

Get an extra scoop of nostalgia when you order ice cream at Madrid’s original 1920s soda fountain. Saddle up to the bar for a cone or a milkshake in this historic spot, or dig into delicious pies, pastries, cookies and more. Or dine on hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, soft pretzels and curly fries. The deli sandwiches are made fresh and on-site. Step inside for a great big blast from the past, and bring the whole family. There's something for everyone to enjoy.

2860 Highway 14
Madrid, NM 87010
(505)471-3915
JezebelGallery.com

San Marcos Cafe

Colorful and whimsical, rustic and revered by locals and visitors alike, this locally owned home-style eatery serves breakfast anytime, as well as great burgers, burritos and specials that will keep you coming back. The gloriously gooey cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy are favorites, and so is the green chile stew. Heck, everything on the menu is lip-smacking good. Keep an eye out for the peacocks strutting around the property and the movie stars filming nearby who often stop in to dine.

Open daily, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

3877 Highway 14
Santa Fe, NM 87508
505.471.9298
TurquoiseTrail.org

San Marcos Cafe

Shugarman’s Little Chocolate Shop

Seek out Madrid's hidden oasis of chocolate for some of the best sweet treats anywhere. Green chile cashew and Thai lemongrass bark are just a few of the delectable confections handcrafted with fair trade and organic ingredients. Known for exotic flavors like Dark Matcha with Strawberry, and Dark Hibiscus Flowers with Lemon and Ginger, this shop may be small, but the flavors are big. Each chocolate gem is “made with a little magic, a lot of love and the finest ingredients.”

Open Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

2842 Highway 14 North
Madrid, NM 87010
505.474.9041
ShugarmansChocolate.com

Shugarman’s Little Chocolate Shop

The Hollar

Fried green tomatoes in New Mexico? You bet, and y'all are going to eat 'em up, coated with cornmeal crust, topped with lavender béchamel and served with cheesy grits. Feel free to add green chile for kicks. A side order of fried pickles is highly recommended. Locals love The Hollar, which blends Southern-style cooking with Madrid's laid-back, friendly vibes. In the summer, the patio is the place to be, especially for Sunday brunch. It's a challenge to leave room for home-baked desserts, but it's so worth it.

Open daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

2849 Highway 14 North
Madrid, NM 87010
505.471.4821
TheHollar.com

The Hollar

The Mine Shaft Tavern

One of the last great American roadhouses, this iconic tavern boasts the longest stand-up bar in New Mexico. It dates to 1946, along with most of the other furnishings, when the Mine Shaft Tavern opened. Built in 1944 as the last of the “company town” structures, little has changed in this unique gathering spot since Madrid's mining heyday. The New Mexico roadhouse cuisine includes green chile cheeseburgers and daily specials along with excellent margaritas and other fitting beverages to enjoy at that long bar.

Kitchen Hours:
Sunday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Friday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Bar open late

2846 Highway 14
North Madrid, NM 87010
505.473.0743
TheMineShaftTavern.com

The Pantry Dos

The Pantry Restaurant, Santa Fe’s meeting and eating place since 1948, is starting a exciting chapter with our new location in Oshara Village!

Daily: 7:30am - 8:30pm

Tuesday: Closed

20 White Feather (In Oshara Village)
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
505.365.2859
thepantrydos.com

Upper Crust Pizza - Eldorado

Discriminating pizza eaters love this family restaurant, next to the gas station across from Eldorado’s Avenida Grande entrance. Don't be fooled by the location. This is gourmet pizza and includes such regional fare as the New Mex, topped with red chile and chorizo, and the Combo, pairing pepperoni and green chile. The menu also features calzones, sandwiches and salads, along with wine and beer. Live music often serenades diners inside and on the patio, when the weather's right.

Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

5 Colina Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87508
505.471.1111
UpperCrustPizza.com

Santa Fe Opera

Tailgating Tips for the Santa Fe Opera

The Santa Fe Opera has long reigned as one of the world’s leading summer opera festivals, held in the stunning open-air Crosby Theatre surrounded by the dramatic foothills of the Rockies. But the pre-opera gatherings in the two-tiered parking lot are equally as famous at the venue’s acclaimed opera performances. Drawing opera aficionados dressed to the nines whose tables are set for royalty, tailgating at the Santa Fe Opera is a longtime and cherished summer tradition.

We’ve compiled some essential Santa Fe Opera tailgating tips to ensure that your tailgate experience is enchanting.

Dress Up, or Down

One of the biggest decisions for a Santa Fe Opera tailgater might be choosing what to wear. Rest assured, the Crosby Theatre has no dress code, and this means almost anything goes. You’ll see women wearing ball gowns and jewels, and others dressed in faded jeans and comfy shirts.  Men may sport tuxedos with waist coats, or jeans and cowboy boots with a Stetson hat to match. Carnival masks, top hats, wigs and other accessories abound. Perhaps the most fun you could have dressing up for this opera is to customize your wardrobe for that night’s performance. For instance, don a sailor’s outfit for Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, about a fated sea captain in search of a bride to break the curse that haunts him. A performance of Bizet’s Carmen would be well-suited by a colorful gypsy outfit. The turquoise sky’s the limit when you’re dressing for the Santa Fe Opera tailgate.

A Moveable Feast

Just about any kind of finger food, from cheese and crackers to chips and dips, works well for a tailgate. But this isn’t just any tailgate, so most opera-goers elevate the fare with elegant multi-course dinners. You’ll see fancy spreads of salads, cold salmon with dill and sliced steaks, as well as colorful pasta dishes and decadent desserts. You can order prepared foods such as these at local restaurants and grocery stores, but making your own tailgate feast can be infinitely more fun. Especially if you create your menus to match the opera of the night. Puccini’s Tosca, which opens the Santa Fe Opera’s 2023 season, calls for a tailgate of Italian fare. Think antipasti platters of fontina and mozzarella cheese, beef carpaccio, olives and roasted vegetables accompanied by crusty bruschetta or pasta fredda, a hearty cold pasta dish tossed with shrimp.

The first performance at the Santa Fe Opera took place on July 3, 1957, with Puccini’s beloved Madama Butterfly, which is set in Japan. It’s been a festival favorite ever since. A tailgate offering of a sushi selection is the perfect fit, along with udon noodles. Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is an equally popular opera at this festival, having been performed for nearly 20 seasons. Spanish tapas would make an ideal tailgate feast before this opera.

For a French opera such as Puccini’s La bohème, set in 1830s Paris and centered on the Bohemian lifestyle of a poor seamstress and her artist friends, you could put together a Parisian meal of St. Andre, Camembert and other gourmet French cheese, country patés and baguettes, followed by quiche Lorraine with bacon and Gruyère, and scrumptious profiteroles for dessert.

If you don’t have time to put together your tailgate food, the Santa Fe Opera offers ready-made tailgate picnics. Order them by 3 p.m. two days before the performance you plan to attend. (These sampler and dinner boxes are not available on August 13 and 20, 2023.)  Find more info here: santafeopera.org

Park It

The best tip for the Santa Fe Opera’s tailgate is to get there early, by 5 p.m., about three hours before performance time, so you can nab a good spot in a parking lot.  Some picnic tables next to the parking lots are available, but it’s more fun to tailgate directly in front, or back, of your vehicle. Either way, the views of majestic mountains and memorable sunsets are just as thrilling as the opera performances themselves. It’s also fascinating to see the table setups, food, and outfits of other tailgaters. (Note that charcoal fires are not permitted.)

The Setup

From two folding chairs set in front of a cooler that doubles as a table to folding tables lined up for 20 or more guests, tailgate setups at the Santa Fe Opera are a far cry from burgers and dogs served out of the back of a station wagon. Experienced hosts cart in everything from candelabras and chandeliers to elaborate flower arrangements. The table settings feature fine china, real silverware, champagne flutes and party favors on linen tablecloths. But you don’t have to compete with the extravagant décor. Some opera-goers simply set up chairs in the back of their pickup trucks and spend more time people-watching than setting up and cleaning up.

The Wrap-up

Most opera performances last three hours, so consider wrapping up your tailgate feast with coffee or black tea. If you’re interested in attending a free Prelude Talk about the opera you’re there to see, they’re held one hour before the performance starts, in the onsite Stieren Hall, so you’ll have to end your tailgate before then.

Once you’ve experienced the pageantry of a Santa Fe Opera tailgate party, set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery, you’ll likely find yourself planning an encore.

 

 

This world-class opera, housed in a spectacular outdoor theater north of Santa Fe, is internationally renowned for cutting-edge production and flawless casting. Enjoy stellar performances beneath a starry New Mexico sky, as the beautiful music and compelling drama are perfectly matched with stunning sunsets.The electronic libretto system is one of only two in the world, and provides audience members with a simultaneous translation of the opera right in their seats. 

For a more intimate opera experience, the Santa Fe Opera offers these exciting opportunities:

Backstage Tour

Discover how an Opera production comes together in a revealing “behind-the-scenes” tour, which explores many of the production and front-of-house areas. 

Meet the Main Players

This weekend of world-class artistry, held both onstage and behind the scenes, introduces you to leading singers, designers and directors over the course of three days in an all-inclusive package.

Family Nights

Family Nights make coming to the Opera a more accessible experience for all, and provide an incredible opportunity for families to purchase tickets that would normally cost $100 or more.

Celebratory Dinner

Celebrate with the creative team at dinner and listen to the stage director share insights on the evening’s opening night performance.

Apprentice Showcase Scenes

The Santa Fe Opera's Apprentice Program for Singers is internationally recognized as one of the finest programs of its type.

For a complete schedule or to reserve a seat, call or visit the website

301 Opera Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87506
800.280.4654
SantaFeOpera.org

Santa Fe Opera