Santa Fe Southwest Grill — Restaurant in Rock Springs

Tex-Mex Delight: Santa Fe

Restaurant Review: Santa Fe Southwest Grill - A Tex-Mex Delight in Rock Springs, Wyoming

Located in the heart of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Santa Fe Southwest Grill is a hidden gem that promises a delightful culinary journey through Tex-Mex and American flavors. As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I couldn't wait to try out their renowned Border Burger, which I had heard countless rave reviews about. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat.

Ambiance: Stepping into Santa Fe Southwest Grill, I was immediately captivated by its warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant was adorned with vibrant Southwestern-inspired decor, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. The rustic wooden accents and subtle lighting set the stage for a pleasant dining experience, making it the perfect place to unwind with family and friends.

Service: One of the highlights of my visit to Santa Fe was the exceptional service provided by our server, Andrea. Her professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine friendliness were evident from the moment she greeted us at the table. She patiently answered all our questions and offered helpful recommendations, making our dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Menu and Food: The menu at Santa Fe Southwest Grill boasts a tempting selection of Tex-Mex and American dishes, catering to a variety of taste preferences. After much contemplation, I decided to go for their highly-acclaimed Border Burger, and boy, was it a wise choice!

The Border Burger was simply extraordinary. The first bite sent my taste buds into a frenzy of flavors, and I immediately understood why people couldn't stop talking about it. The patty, made from their freshly ground hamburger, was cooked to perfection, exuding juiciness and a smoky char that hinted at the quality of their ingredients. The accompanying toppings, such as pulled pork, bacon, and zesty fried onions, all complemented each other brilliantly, creating a symphony of flavors in every mouthful. To top it off, the brioche bun was soft, yet sturdy enough to hold everything together without getting soggy.

Chips and Salsa: Before the main course, we were served a basket of crispy, freshly fried tortilla chips alongside a bowl of vibrant salsa. The chips were addictively crunchy, and the salsa was a revelation. Bursting with the freshness of ripe tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and just the right amount of spice, it was an ideal accompaniment to whet our appetites.

Drinks: I decided to pair my Border Burger with a refreshing glass of unsweetened tea. It was evident that the tea had been freshly brewed, as its subtle, natural flavors worked wonders in balancing the richness of the burger. Moreover, it was a perfect choice to beat the Wyoming heat.

Final Thoughts: Santa Fe Southwest Grill surpassed all my expectations, leaving me with a memorable dining experience. The attention to detail in their food preparation, especially grinding their hamburger in-house, sets them apart from the rest. Coupled with the inviting ambiance and exceptional service from Andrea, this restaurant deserves every bit of praise it receives.

If you find yourself in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and have a hankering for some Tex-Mex and American goodness, don't miss the chance to dine at Santa Fe Southwest Grill. I highly recommend indulging in their delectable Border Burger, alongside their outstanding chips and salsa. Be prepared to savor every moment as you embark on a culinary journey that showcases the best of Southwest flavors and...

First off, these hungry Texas travelers thank this restaurant for feeding us while on the road. But we must leave this review as a heads up to anyone else from our neck of the woods and hopefully as a helpful critique. Our only expertise is that we are Texans, but with that comes eating a lot of southwestern food. So why did we pick this place to begin with? It has good reviews and a menu that allowed for us to get things that met dietary needs/preferences. And why not give it a chance? Alas, as southwestern food it sorely disappoints. First, the salsa: it’s bland and reminded us of bean dip. Salsa does not have to be overly spicy to be good, but it does have to be flavorful. This was not salsa. Next, the “torts” - we don’t call them that (if anyone from another southwestern state wants to correct me here please inform me). Nevertheless, they were decent flour tortillas. Of course, the menu is missing the question essential to southwestern cooking - flour, or corn? The beans: you need to offer refried, charro, and black just to cover all basics. And what’s served now was disgusting. That’s it. There’s a seasoning and texture that just doesn’t belong, please figure it out. The pico: at first I thought it was ok, but then I realized the absence of tears or burning sensation, because it was missing the essential jalapeño! And then the rice: the rice belongs next to a Salisbury steak TV dinner, not on a plate of Mexican food.

Also- a note on menu layout. All of the “non Mexican” food doesn’t go on central display. It goes on the back-flap of shame. It’s where children and white people who can’t cut it order from.

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Unfortunately, the food wasn't as great as the service. Several people in my party of about a dozen were unhappy with some aspect of their meal, particularly refried beans a few of them had that looked, consisted, and tasted far worse than you would get from a can. They were likely cooked too long and should have been replaced in the kitchen. They were so bad that they should have substituted them instead of serving them simple because they came with the Black Bean Burrito.

I had the Margarita Chicken, which was decent but rather plain. The amount of cilantro and pico de gallo left the chicken tasting dull, not something you typically expect from a Mexican restaurant.

Our waitress was amazing despite the place being completely packed. The rest of the staff was great as well. We came into contact with them when they sang Happy Birthday to my sister. One also helped with some makeshift wrapping paper, giving me some fry basket liners to wrap a group gift in.

It was an overall good experience, but the food had some issues. I do recommend this place, though you may run into some triple refried...