La Choza

In years past, La Choza was one of our favorite little Santa Fe spots, mostly resembling the Fodor's review above. Then a year ago it was less magical, a bit dull and impersonal. And this year on our visit: disaster. Wrong food items, bland messy flavors, slipshod service, and unfriendly front desk staff. Even the clientele seemed a bit off. Are they losing it? We probably won't go back to find out, but maybe Fodor's will...

There are minor differences between La Choza and its more famous sister, The Shed. First, they both have great chile—red and green—and great New Mexican food. La Choza provides salsa and chips, it is less expensive, it probably serves a little more food, and it is not doing business in a historic old building. The service, like the Shed's is prompt and courteous, but not particularly friendly.

Unbelievably bad! Quite bland for "New Mexican" food, and mushy, watery, overcooked food. The rice was pink, that was the only resemblance to "Spanish rice," it was literally floating in liquid. Very small amount of green chile sauce that was not spicy, tasted more like ham. The wine Margerita was a waste of money in every way. Why in the world would Fodor's call this a "Choice." Terrible!