
La Choza Restaurant
A beloved Santa Fe staple since 1983, La Choza serves authentic New Mexican comfort food in a vibrant setting.

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La Choza Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Santa Fe staple since 1983, La Choza serves authentic New Mexican comfort food in a vibrant setting.
"Experience outstanding traditional Southwestern food with a kick and a great bar selection."
Anticipate a Wait
They don't take reservations; arrive early or expect a wait, especially during peak hours.
Bar Seating for Efficiency
Consider dining at the bar for quicker service when the restaurant is busy.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic New Mexican Cuisine
Experience traditional Southwestern flavors with a focus on hearty dishes, inspired by Pueblo, Spanish, and Mexican influences.

Vibrant Atmosphere & Patio
Enjoy colorful decor indoors or relax on the lovely, dog-friendly patio surrounded by flowers and trees.

Exceptional Margaritas & Drinks
Savor a wide selection of tequilas, mezcals, and creatively crafted margaritas, perfect for any occasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Anticipate a Wait
They don't take reservations; arrive early or expect a wait, especially during peak hours.
Bar Seating for Efficiency
Consider dining at the bar for quicker service when the restaurant is busy.
Embrace the Spice
Many dishes have a kick, especially the red chile. Flavor is outstanding even for those who avoid spice.
Patio Dining Delight
Opt for the outdoor patio for a lovely, often quieter dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Anticipate a Wait
They don't take reservations; arrive early or expect a wait, especially during peak hours.
Bar Seating for Efficiency
Consider dining at the bar for quicker service when the restaurant is busy.
Embrace the Spice
Many dishes have a kick, especially the red chile. Flavor is outstanding even for those who avoid spice.
Patio Dining Delight
Opt for the outdoor patio for a lovely, often quieter dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Choza is celebrated for its authentic and flavorful New Mexican cuisine, with many praising the exceptional chiles and generous portions. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service add to the positive dining experience. However, some diners have noted long wait times and inconsistencies in food quality.
"We really enjoyed dining at their sister property, The Shed, on a previous visit to Santa Fe. La Choza was walking distance to where we were staying (near the Railyard) and is a must-try for anyone looking for authentic and delicious traditional Southwestern food. We ordered the red chile pork tamale plate and the blue corn fish tacos, along with a side of sopapillas, and every dish was outstanding. The red chile pork tamale definitely had a kick, but the flavor was so incredible that I (someone who usually avoids overly spicy food) couldn't stop eating it. The blue corn fish tacos were also fantastic.
We didn't have a reservation and we chose to eat at the bar - the service was both efficient and incredibly friendly."
Carolyn O'Dell
"Such a great local place! The portions are big enough to share and you can’t go wrong with the margarita selection. I never steer from the blue corn tacos, and request one beef, one chicken christmas! Love sitting at the bar watching the bar tenders amongst the hustle and bustle."
Laura Henry-Hand
"I have lived in New Mexico for 35 years. This is the best New Mexican restaurant I have ever been to and I have tried most of them. Excellent red and green chiles. I appreciate that they have several vegetarian options including posole, enchiladas and the chiles. The outdoor patio is lovely."
Barbara G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, La Choza does not take reservations. It is recommended to arrive early or be prepared for a wait, especially during peak dining hours.
Popular dishes include the red chile pork tamale, blue corn fish tacos, enchiladas, and posole. The sopapillas are also highly recommended.
Yes, La Choza offers a separate vegetarian menu with options like posole, enchiladas, and more.
Yes, La Choza features a lovely outdoor patio that is dog-friendly and offers a pleasant dining experience.
Many dishes, particularly those with red chile, can be quite spicy. However, the flavors are complex and well-balanced.
Absolutely! La Choza has a great bar with a large selection of tequilas, mezcals, and creative margaritas.
Yes, it is generally considered a family-friendly restaurant, and its casual atmosphere makes it suitable for children.
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La Choza (Spanish for “the shed”), an unfussy eatery which happens to be the longtime sibling of its famed Plaza restaurant – also called The Shed – has maintained its Railyard District locale since 1983. And for good reason. A down-home haunt known for its mostly locals vibe, a sprawl of authentic New Mexican grub makes use of its owners – the Cardwell’s – family recipes: an earthy dark red chili and a vibrantly smooth green chili.
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Located in the Railyard District, the friendly and efficient La Choza (Spanish for “the shed”) doles out traditional New Mexican fare. Start with the satisfying posole (a hominy). Try the stuffed sopapillas with an earthy red chile, and classic huevos rancheros.
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Arrive early to chow down at colorful La Choza, which is worth the wait. Or dig into Cafe Pasqual's huevos motuleños, made with feta cheese and sautéed bananas. Almost anywhere you go, red or green chiles get involved in some fashion.
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Its sister restaurant, La Choza, which you also have on your list, is more casual and would probably be better suited for kids. Both have really good food.
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As is usually the case, Thrillist used “Mexican restaurant” as an overarching umbrella term for all restaurants on its list, citing the “incredible diversity within the regional cuisines of Mexico and the different directions they’ve taken as they’ve crossed the border, mingled with American palates.” Two of the Land of Enchantment’s very best made the list: Santa Fe’s La Choza and Albuquerque’s Zacatecas which actually closed just a few weeks after the Thrillist honor. Here’s what Thrillist had to say about La Choza: “Spanish for “shed” — a nod to its iconic sister restaurant in Santa Fe Plaza, The Shed — adobe-style La Choza specializes in the New Mexican take on Mexican cuisine. There are homey enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos, carne adovada, and the like, served with whole pinto beans and hominy.
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LUNCH & DINNERThe sister restaurant to The Shed, La Choza, at 905 Alarid St., has been providing comfort food to Santa Fe locals since 1983. Like many others on this list, La Choza and The Shed have been around for decades, with the third generation of Carswell’s taking charge of the expanded operation. The bright, colorful décor at La Choza is a charming counterpoint to the secluded, cozy, historic setting of The Shed; however, both restaurants draw on the traditional cuisine of northern New Mexico, a unique combination of Pueblo, Spanish and Mexican influence.
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New Mexico is famous for its green chile, the slightly sweet, subtly spicy treat that locals throw on everything, and nobody does it better than the Shed and its sister restaurant, La Choza. For a breakfast dose, try Tia Sophia’s or The Pantry—and be sure to save room for sopaipillas (a fried pastry usually served with butter and honey). For lunch, grab a bison or chicken mole taco at Taco Fundacion or pretty much anything on the menu at the Tune-Up, a local favorite that serves up everything from burgers to Salvadoran pupusas.
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La Choza: A favorite of both locals and visitors, you'll need a reservation whether you're hungry for lunch or dinner. This place is busy, busy, busy and the hustle and bustle are part of it's charm. The sister restaurant to The Shed, La Choza has all of the same New Mexican favorites (try the green chile clam chowder, please) but because it's not in a historic building it also has a deep fryer which means...SOPAIPILLAS!
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La Choza takes pride in bringing you generations of tradition, “from our family to yours.” Award winning red and green chile, summer patio dining, full bar and long-standing quality & consistency have made La Choza a local favorite for delicious traditional food of the Southwest since 1983. New Mexican, authentic, award winning, beer, wine, cocktails, casual, family, bar, local favorite, long established, patio
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If you really need us to tell you about the top-notch local cuisine at La Choza, you’re either not from around here or haven’t braved the parking lot recently. In either case, let us remind you that all the hype is real. It’s not about fancy twists or innovative ingredients—it’s about taking time to perfect the simplest elements, from posole tender enough to melt on the spoon to perfectly seasoned pinto beans.
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Voted by readers of the Santa Fe Reporter, La Choza Restaurant is the #1 New Mexican restaurant in the area. Enjoy lunch or dinner in an establishment dedicated to preserving generations of traditional cooking, including their award-winning red and green chile. One of the best things about dining at La Choza Restaurant is enjoying the outdoor patio during the summer and grabbing a margarita from the bar.
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La Choza, The Shed’s laid-back, down-home sibling, offers almost the exact menu as its Plaza-located big sister, including fork-and-knife soft blue corn tacos. The trio of blue corn tortillas laid flat bearing mildly seasoned ground beef is served with a coat of melted white and orange cheese and smothered with red or green chile. A standard order is a great example of a New Mexico specialty.
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The Shed’s sister restaurant, La Choza, is also a must-visit. The two restaurants’ menus are almost identical, save for a few items (warm, pillowy sopapillas are served only at La Choza); highlights include the heart-warming green chile stew, enchiladas, and award-winning green and red chile. Wash it all down with the potent St. Rita margarita, which replaced orange liqueur with St. Germain.
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LA CHOZA AND THE SHED: The sister restaurants that are an institution in the city of Santa Fe. It is dining that reflects the heritage of past & present and is yet another locals’ favorite. Their award-winning red and green chile, summer patio dining, full bar, and long-standing quality and consistency have made La Choza a local favorite for delicious traditional Southwest food since 1983.
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The list of recommendations is endless, but several places you’re guaranteed an excellent meal include: The Pantry, Tecolote, or Palacio Cafe for breakfast; Tune-Up, Cowgirl (get their green chile cheeseburger), Caffe Greco, or Shohko for lunch; and La Choza, The Shed, El Farol, Paloma, or Cafe Pasqual’s for dinner. For an uber-special night out, try Sazon, the Compound, or Geronimo.
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La Choza, the sister restaurant of The Shed, may not have a James Beard Foundation Award, but it offers equally delectable food minus the throngs of tourists. Summer squash, zucchini, mushrooms and petite broccoli florets are rolled inside dense blue corn tortillas. The cheese contributes a dash of saltiness but, to really dial up the flavor, dribble chile sauce over the enchiladas.
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It’s not fancy, but La Choza Restaurant is THE place to go if you want to experience some of the best tacos and enchiladas in Santa Fe. La Choza is the sister restaurant to The Shed, a local go-to for downtown dining in Santa Fe. It has been serving authentic New Mexico cuisine— a hybrid regional cuisine that is not-quite-Tex-Mex, not quite Mexican food– since the early 1980s.
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La Choza is a locals’ favorite for traditional New Mexican cuisine located near Railyard Park. Just like its older, uptown sister, The Shed, the restaurant serves hand shaken margaritas and made from scratch foods. I enjoyed the Roca Bonita Margarita created from Roca Patron Reposado Tequila, Bauchant, a French orange liqueur and sour mix made with real lime and lemon juices.
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La Choza is one of the most renowned New Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe and also one of the best overall places to eat in Santa Fe. Don’t miss this place if you have the chance and make sure to arrive early as waits easily can get longer than 2 hours. La Choza’s location isn’t perfect as parking is limited and in a one-way in, one-way out parking lot.
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If you’re with very young children, I recommend keeping it casual at La Choza, Del Charro, The Shed, The Famous Plaza Cafe, Casa Chimayo, Santa Fe Bar & Grill, or Cowgirl. At Cowgirl the kids can play on the jungle gym outside, while the grown-ups taste the favorites from the Margarita Trail, or choose from a menu of 24 craft beers at the bar.
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La Choza is perfect for classic New Mexican cuisine and great margaritas, while Paper Dosa stands out with its unique South Indian menu. Sasella offers inspired modern Italian cuisine, though it comes with a higher price tag. Cafe Pasquals, reminiscent of Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse, serves fantastic food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Sister restaurant to the ever popular Shed Restaurant, our pick for traditional New Mexican cuisine is La Choza!. Locals and visitors alike enjoy their dog-friendly summer patio dining, full bar with extensive tequila & margarita offerings and award-winning chili!. Reservations are necessary especially during high season.
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La Choza – they have a delicious vegan posole, a fairly good vegan tostada, and my husband says their fish tacos are the best he’s ever had. Great service and tons of locals; definitely worth your stop. On the days that I am drinking booze, their margaritas and their bar are fantastic to partake in.
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La Choza is one of the top Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe, as evidenced by its flavorful menu and colorful atmosphere. Make sure to save room for their mocha cake — a combination of coffee and chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream, for an authentic taste of New Mexico at the end of your meal.
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Owned by the same group as The Shed, La Choza is off the beaten path, less touristed with authentic food full of spice and heat. Gluten-free diners will find options here and the staff was able to help navigate the menu for our dietary needs. The pork Carne Adovada was some serious good business.
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The Shed's Understated Sibling Located in the Railyard District, the friendly and efficient La Choza (Spanish for “the shed") doles out traditional New Mexican fare. Start with the satisfying posole (a hominy). Try the stuffed sopapillas with an earthy red chile , and classic huevos rancheros.
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La Choza ("the shack"), specializing in northern New Mexican cuisine, is a great place for groups. The vibe is high energy, the ambiance is casual and portions plentiful. Off season, the restaurant says they can usually handle a group of up to 20 or 25 with little notice.
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For classic New Mexican fare, try La Choza or its sister restaurant, The Shed. James Beard Award–winning chef Fernando Olea is behind Sazón, which serves dishes based on indigenous Mexican tradition. In between meals, sip a cortado at Iconik Coffee’s Lupe location.
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La Choza: Serving lunch and dinner from Monday through Saturday, this casual, colorful restaurant located in an old adobe home, serves New Mexican specialties. The blue corn tacos with chicken were excellent. It is a local’s spot a short distance from the Plaza.
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One of the best Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is La Choza, as proven by its delectable food and vibrant ambiance. A blend of coffee and chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream, their mocha cake is a must-try.
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For traditional New Mexican cuisine in a relaxed setting, La Choza is a top choice. From carne adovada to blue corn enchiladas, every dish is packed with authentic flavor and spice. Location: 905 Alarid St
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In La Choza Restaurant, all the dishes are fresh and delicious. Do not let the long wait stop you from eating here because the food in this restaurant is delicious!. The long wait is sure worth it.
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We ordered to-go several nights from here (for good reason). Several locals said this was their favorite go-to, and we have to agree. The food was authentic, and everything we tried was delicious!
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Looking for a more low-key spot that’s packed with local flavor?. Head to La Choza, the sister restaurant to The Shed. It’s got a relaxed, rustic feel and serves up dishes that locals swear by.
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La Choza—Owned by the family that owns The Shed, this is the sister restaurant located on the outskirts of downtown. At the corner of Cerrillos and St. Francis hides La Choza and
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La Choza (New Mexican)—this is one of our favorite New Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe. Some of the best margaritas and enchiladas in town!. Located near the Railyard district.
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