I'm heading to Santa Fe at the end of this month - Aug. 26-31. We have opera tickets for one night. We don't think we want to tailgate at the opera. The opera starts at 8:00. How early should we plan on getting there if we're not eating there? Any suggestions on where to go for an early dinner that day?

We're thinking of going to Ten Thousand Waves. Is it worth going just for the private hot tubs? Any particular time of day or night that you would suggest? We're thinking of going early evening or at night.

For restaurants that recommend or require reservations, should I start making them now? How far in advance will most restaurants get fully booked?

Thank you for your help.

I would get to the opera about 1 hour early. The people watching is terrific and so is the scenery. Many people hang out even if they are not tailgating. There's a really great gift shop there, too, but it gets jammed if you arrive late. There are several bars, so you can get a drink and enjoy the gorgeous views. The parking lots get jammed too, so early is always better. I've even just brought desert and drinks and hung out in the parking lot with everyone else. Lots of fun.

Dinner depends on what you like and how much you want to spend. There are many options for fine dining in SF and many threads on Fodors dealing with that subject. Is that the weekend for Indian market? If so, everything will be crowded and it's a good idea to make reservations early. This is the Land of Manana though, so most people wait till the last minute.

10 Thousand waves is worth it just for the hot tubs, IMO. Go early morning or late evening. I find it to be too hot to sit in the hot tub during the summer in the daytime.

Have fun!

Thanks Deb for all the info. We've got lots of restaurant ideas overall for our trip - some from tips I've read here on Fodors. I guess on opera day we'd be looking for something easy that we could go to early - around 4:30-5, don't need reservations for, and would be sure to be in and out before heading to the opera. Nothing too heavy but something authentically New Mexican.

Love 10,000 Waves! We always do the waterfall tub about 6 pm then go somewhere in town for dinner 8 pm. Be sure to make a reservation for the tub you want--and now is not too soon.

It also not too soon to make dinner reservations for any night.

Indian Market is the 22nd and 23rd so you won't be there for the large crowds.

I would make reservations for Ten Thousand Waves as soon as you decide which day you prefer. You may need to be very flexible with this short notice. However, if you are staying over a Sunday, I've found that to be pretty easy to get a reservation ahead of time.

You shouldn't have a problem getting dinner before the opera but know there are many others doing the same thing. Just tell the waiter and they will accommodate your departure time.

Enjoy!

Which day is the opera? Sundays in Santa Fe can be tricky for dinner.

For local flavor and a favorite of locals, La Choza is a winner.

Deb

Are you seeing La Traviata by any chance? If you are, then I'm very jealous as you're in for a great treat with Natalie Dessay singing!

yk, it's her first performance as "Violetta". Very exciting! I wished we could have made opening night for it on the 3rd but we went on the 4th to "Elixir of Love".

Thanks for all info.

We're seeing Don Giovanni on Thursday night.

La Choza and/or The Shed are on our places to eat list.

We are leaning towards doing Ten Thousand Waves on Sunday for our last night of relaxation.

Guess it's time to start making some phone calls.

If I were a visitor (and I am of 20 years) I would go to The Shed. More atmosphere than La Choza. Both are good, I prefer The Shed.

However, neither is open on Sunday so you'll have to try them on a Mon-Sat.

How about Blue Corn Cafe or Tomasita's? I like the chile at Tomasita's and Blue Corn has been very good the last several trips. Both could get you in and out in an hour if you needed.

Not New Mexican, but Andiamo! is wonderful. For pizza and microbrew beer IL Vicino is tops.

Both should be open on Sundays.

http://www.andiamoonline.com/

http://www.ilvicino.com/ilvicino/index.asp

Deb

to Andiamo!

Thanks for the additional restaurant ideas. I know we'll have more places we'll want to eat than meals we'll actually be able to eat.

Which brings me to additional questions:

For tapas - El Farol or La Boca?

Are reservations accepted for Coyote Cantina or just Coyote Cafe? Opentable.com didn't have separate listings for them so I'm wondering if the cantina is just a walk in place.

Hands down:

LA BOCA!!

I got so excited over La Boca I hit send! Ooops.

Make reservations for La Boca, too. I think they are on open table, too. La Boca is a top restaurant in Santa Fe. Very popular and it's very small. If you can't get in for dinner, make a lunch reservation. Same great food & less cost.

Open Table only takes reservations for Coyote Cafe. The Cantina is first come, first served. Get a spot on a stool around the ledge. You can be served from the menu and you also have a great seat for the sunset as well as people-watching below!

Lucky gal.