Reasonably moderate food in Santa Fe: Breakfast at Tia Sophia's, a couple of blocks from Plaza. The Shed is slightly pricier, but not much; sit in the courtyard and arrive by 10:55 to avoid lines. Get the mocha cake and split it. Then order another one. I hear they have a cheaper place and just as good place out off Cerillos Rd, but never got to check it out.

When I started hanging out in Santa Fe eons ago, Tomasita's Cafe was in a funky little house on the wrong side of Paseo de Peralta, and had moved to the old train station by the time I went to college there. It's always packed. On my last trip back, I discovered Dave's Not Here in the same little house on Hickox St and in the same spirit as the old Tomasita's. Funky, but delicious.

Whenever we go to Santa Fe, unlike anywhere else in the world, there is a list of restaurants I must visit and green and red chile I must eat.

On Friday evenings, the museums near the Plaza are free, including the Palace of the Governors. Check out the beautiful Georgia O'Keefe Museum. If Catholic, consider going to Spanish language mass at the cathedral, early Sun.

I must mention our really fine accommodations last fall, found through craigslist. It's in a great residential neighborhood with fine coffeehouse 1/2 block away. 10 min walk to Plaza. You have 2 bedrooms and a living room, private bath, microwave, small fridge. The owner is long time Santa Fean and very friendly and knowlegeable. Price was quite reasonable for us four, less for fewer people.
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Taos: Be sure to have one breakfast at the Taos Inn. Other meals probably just as good, or drinks in the lobby, but my husband always refers to it as the best breakfast he's ever had.

Both towns deserve lingering in the Plaza and watching the scene. Consider taking the High Road and stopping by Chimayo and the Santuario. The low road is wonderful along the Rio Grande, but getting through Espanola and past the casinos is a tad dispiriting, especially if you knew it pre-casino.

Whenever we go to Santa Fe, unlike anywhere else in the world, there is a list of restaurants I must visit and green and red chile I must eat.

stokebailey, GMTA!!! It's all the about the next meal!! We are settling for a 5:30 dinner tonight at La Boca as they couldn't accommodate us at a later seating before they close for a week. We'll take it.

If you really need your chile fix, Hatch ships frozen chiles straight to your door. And if you have a attachment to the charred tomato salsa at The Ore House they, too, will ship.

The Ore House had samples of salsa and chips available at street level when we were there in the fall. It almost lured me in, but we were on our way to another place. Thanks for understanding, BeachGirl.
I'll check out the Hatch angle. I do prefer to have it set in front of me with a: "The plate's hot!"

May La Boca treat you well tonight; will put that on my list for next time.

Try the Don Gaspar Inn. It is not right in the thick of things, but is an easy walk, and it is within your price range and very charming.

traveler22, what are you leaning towards? El Faralito is an excellent choice, I agree, for Santa Fe.

stokebailey: "the plate's hot!" That says it all for us!!

If you are going to spend a week in one place or the other, have you considered renting a casita or other self-catering place? We spent a week in Santa Fe a while ago, and found a 2-bedroom place just off Canyon Road. It was about the same or less than the B&Bs we considered (I just checked, it's not available in June, already booked, but it is currently priced at $800/week in high season). We didn't need the second bedroom, but really appreciated having a kitchen and living room to relax in.

Oops, just saw that you've already decided where to stay...

I'm a little slow on the uptake, too!