We've just returned from a month in Taos (and surrounding areas) and I thought I'd post our restaurant experiences first.

ABQ
Flying Star
www.flyingstarcafe.com
Have been to the downtown/gas building location before and loved it; tried the location near UNM campus this trip. Found it more expensive than I remembered! Food was fine but nothing special. Not bad, just not great. Place is starting to show wear and tear. Not sure I'd seek out another Flying Star next time for a meal. However, I would stop for dessert - great selection!

Santa Fe
Cowgirl BBQ
www.cowgirlsantafe.com
Service was efficient & BBQ was good (most of us had pulled bbq pork sandwiches). We sat on the patio and the people watching was good as well. Everyone liked their meal and it was 'easy in, easy out', but nothing over the top. Lots of action in the neighborhood; trendy shops, other restaurants; fun area.

Restaurant at the Inn of the Anasazi
www.innoftheanasazi.com
A return trip; we like Chef Oliver. Started w/drinks on the sidewalk patio. Restaurant interior is adobe walled; dimly lit & cozy & calming w/latillas as shutters on windows and vigas on ceiling. Wait staff is attentive and we LOVED ALL of our selections. (Duck enchiladas and yellow corn-crusted salmon were my favorites!) Great spot for couples, families with older children or business dinners.

Bumble Bee's Baja Grill
www.bumbelbeesbajagrill.com
Another repeat trip; stopped for lunch @ Santa Fe location just off the plaza. They've added a drive-thru. I would call it 'fast food Mexican with restaurant quality food and flavors'. FRESH, FRESH FOOD! Liked it just as much this trip. Kids like the chip/salsa bar while you wait for your freshly made meal. Not inexpensive (i.e., not fast food prices), but again, fresh tasty Mexican food with a good variety to choose from!

Cafe at Museum Hill
www.museumhillcafe.com
Friendly, efficient service, good lunch menu/food, free WiFi, outdoor seating facing Museum Hill plaza. Great spot to stop between visits to the amazing collection of museums at this location.

Harry's Roadhouse
Several locals recommended this spot out on the Old Las Vegas Highway (just shy of BobCat Bite headed out of town). GREAT FOOD! Cool ambiance! We sat inside next to the counter (great home-cooked-meal vibe), but bar &other rooms inside are 'neat' and patio is a great spot, too. Comfort food. Friendly Service. Don't let the CROWDS or a full parking lot chase you away; they get people in the door quickly. Everyone enjoyed this meal!

And finally, in Santa Fe, get a tamale from the guy with the cart in the plaza! You won't be disappointed!

More later on TAOS and areas North (and whatever else I forgot!).

Thanks!
5OHS