MacSantaFe Gourmet Mac & Cheese — Restaurant in Santa Fe

"Theo Gio's Mac & Cheese" (formerly known as Macalicious) is truly a hidden gem of the city different. Nested on North Guadalupe Street, this small eatery can be difficult to find, but it's only about a twenty-foot walking distance north from "Fire & Hops Gastropub". Walk inside and be immediately bombarded with local artwork and posters plastered on every wall. Though not particularly big, Theo Gio's nonetheless has a lot to offer in the realm of cheesy and carb-rich goodness. Prices vary depending on how large and extravagant a mac and cheese dish you choose to get. It's important to note while looking at the menu that Theo's offers their mac & cheese platters in different sizes: the small (14 oz.), and the large (22 oz.) If eating alone or wanting your own order; I recommend that you just stick with the small as it's more than enough to quell your hunger. In terms of prices: the basic (i.e. small plain mac & cheese) hovers at around ten dollars, while the more lavish offerings range between thirteen to sixteen. As for me, I chose what the owner described as his personal favorite: "the shroom and truffle" mac & cheese. After waiting for about ten minutes my food arrived in what can be best described as a hot and sizzling mess of cheese filled glory. Once a few minutes had passed for my food to cool down, I dug in. The texture was ideal, the mushrooms were not too strong, and the cheese blend of ricotta and mozzarella had just the right balance. The service wasn't bad either. The owner appeared to be the only one working during my visit and was certainly gracious whenever attending to me. Also, I couldn't help but notice when looking around the dining room or peering into the kitchen from my barstool seat; that Theo Gio's appears to be a restaurant well-managed. Everything was pristine, well-stocked, and in its proper place. A good and reassuring sign for any eating...

I accidentally happened across this place at the perfect hungry time in my day after exploring the town center for a few hours. I LOVE mac & cheese so I was all in to check it out. I was greeted by a very friendly and helpful employee that took my order behind the counter after helping me find the right thing to try. (Side note: It's an impressive menu and one of those places where you just want to order everything because it ALL looks soooo good).

It took a little bit of time (but didn't take too long since it's freshly made from scratch) for it to come out piping hot and looking delicious. The portion was HUGE for the price/quality! I was then excited not only for the taste but for the value! Being located in a heavy/central tourist zone you tend to get over-priced and under-portioned everything so I was impressed.

From the first bite I knew would be back. It was amazing! I sat there and downed the whole thing... savoring every bite.

Fast forward to the next day... I find myself, without question, heading back over there for round 2. The same lovely employee helped me with my order again and this time perfectly guides me to the Frito Pie Mac & Cheese "special of the day". (Unknown to her I had already spent some of my day trying to find a frito pie around town.)

I then sat at the bar and waited for my food. In that short time I quickly befriended some really friendly locals and got involved in great conversation. They recommended all sorts of fun/interesting stuff to check out in the area.

Food came out and it was, once again, excellent. I then spent the next hour chatting it up with the locals and employees while taking my time eating.

It was a great experience and I'm so glad that I was able to find this place with enough time in town to come back again! I'll surely come back next time I...

A mac and cheese restaurant? What's not to love? Unfortunately, my hoped for love for Macalicious ended up being an awkward and tepid "meh." Things started off badly. There is no parking; good luck finding a meter. Assuming you find one, you need to pay for at least an hour, ($1.50) so you don't feel rushed. I found a spot few blocks away. Already not an enjoyable experience. Why should a patron have to go to the trouble and expense? There should be free and convient parking. The restaurant is clean, hip, small; not quite homey enough, though it was once a house. The food menu is great, with a clever and enticing range of man and cheese dishes. The drinks menu, however, is hardly worth the effort. No alcohol. Mac and cheese without beer is like fries without catsup. Even without beer on the menu, you're left with Coke, a few sparkling waters and tea and coffee. First serious "Meh." Ordered hot tea, which arrived luke warm. That took 15 minutes to fix. All the while, the parking meter is ticking. Me and my friend ordered our dishes. Another 10 minute wait. And the dishes were cold, though we were warned when the food arrived that the dishes were hot. Another 5 minutes before we got the server's attention. Another 10 minutes for the new meals to arrive. This time hot. I enjoyed my meal. My friend was underwhelmed with hers. We finished the meal with 2 minutes to spare. The owner comped the tea and apologized for the cold food. Iwanted to like Macalicious. I really did. But it was more trouble and expense than it was worth. I won't be going...