4 Best Restaurants in Taos, New Mexico

This family-owned, family-run establishment is a cultural landmark of Arroyo Seco. Named after proprietor Abe Garcia, the place has been in operation since the 1940s and serves as a community focal point. Abe's food is consistently delicious and very reasonably priced. Order a burrito, bowl of chile, or homemade tamales for take-out, or better yet, sit down and enjoy some friendly neighborhood conversation over a cold beer.

Chef Antonio Matus has been delighting diners in the Taos area for many years with his authentic, boldly flavorful, and beautifully plated regional Mexican cuisine. In this intimate art-filled restaurant with a slate courtyard, Matus focuses more on regional Mexican than New Mexican fare. Specialties include chile en nogada (poblano peppers stuffed with pork, pears, and raisins and topped with a walnut-cream sauce) and Mexico City–style tacos al pastor with shaved, seasoned pork, pineapple, and cilantro, plus a fantastic tres leches cake and a rich chipotle-chocolate cake. Local favorites such as pork-stuffed sopaipillas are also served.

A standout amid the strip of mostly unmemorable fast-food restaurants along Paseo del Pueblo on the south side of town, this airy, high-ceiling contemporary space—part of a regional chain with locations in Albuquerque as well—serves stellar burgers using hormone-free Angus beef from respected Harris Ranch; turkey, veggie, Colorado lamb, bison, and salmon burgers are also available. You can also choose from an assortment of novel toppings, including fried eggs, wild mushrooms, grilled onions, and crispy jalapeños. Beer and wine are also served.

This lively indoor/outdoor café is a popular place for locals and tourists alike, serving coffee, desserts and pastries, smoothies, and a full breakfast and lunch menu with omelets, salads, and sandwiches. Next door is the market, staffed by a friendly crew, and packed full of gourmet as well as affordably priced fresh produce, dairy products, local meats, dry goods, frozen foods, snacks, treats, pet foods, household products, body care and personal items, and gift and boutique items.