What to do with limited time
 

I'll be in Santa Fe next week for a conference, so unfortunately, most of the day will be occupied. I will be getting in around 4pm on Monday (the day before the conference start). I'm wondering where should I go or see to get a flavor of Santa Fe. Also, can anyone suggest a low-key restaurant with good food? Thanks.

We liked the Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery. www.bluecorncafe.com

Definitely low-key!

I would head to the Plaza area, Canyon Road, or the Guadalupe / Railyard area and walk around. That'll give you a good introduction to Santa Fe.

One good place to people watch and get a nice view of the Plaza is the Ore House. There is a small deck overlooking the Plaza - you get there through the bar. The food is just ok, but the margaritas & chips & salsa are good. When you're ready to eat, I'd second Caph's recommendation and head over to Blue Corn Cafe. They also have a deck, but with a different view.

In the Railyard area, Tomasita's is good, as is La Choza.

On Canyon Road, I'd recommend El Farol - it's a Tapas restaurant with excellent sangria. The Pink Adobe is nearby too.

You'll probably get a whole lot of restaurant recommendations here and I can honestly say, I have rarely ever had a bad meal anywhere in Santa Fe. Some overrated, overpriced, touristy places, but that's about it. Mostly very good food!

I'm glad CAPH and travel_addict liked the Blue Corn Cafe, but our experience was not good. The night we were there, the food was just OK and our waiter looked like a street person. He was missing front teeth, poorly groomed and he kept winking at me. It was pretty weird and disappointing since we were only in Santa Fe for the night.

I'm really sorry to hear that you had a bad experience, wtm. Especially on your only night there.

Was it the one downtown or the one out on Cerrillos Rd? We ate both places and liked both. But we liked the one downtown better.

I'm sorry too, Wtm. A toothless man winking at me would have probably tainted my meal too! :D

It was the one downtown. It is still a darn weird experience, but at least slighty humorous.

Nancymaat you may want to repost this with Santa Fe in the title.

Or do a search on Santa Fe restaurants - there are plenty of posts on that suject.