Santacafé — Restaurant in Santa Fe

I'm a local person and I did not have a good experience here. My friend and I arrived and were not greeted, we had to wander around the patio area until finally someone told us where to go. We sat outside and there were maybe 8 to 12 other tables, it was a Sunday evening and not busy at all. There were 3 servers on the patio but it took FOREVER for one to acknowledge us. It was at least 15 minutes before we even got water from a sympathetic bus-boy. Then when our server did finally take our drink order they were out of what we wanted (which isn't a big deal). We ordered something else and it was another 10-15 minutes before the drinks arrived. Meanwhile, a middle aged couple that was seated at the same time as us were given water and a bread basket immediately. We were not offered bread at all. As we were starting to get a little fidgety after waiting for so long, we turn around and we see our waiter and some other staff members pointing directly at us and talking. When they saw us looking, they stopped. It was really weird and off-putting. After our drinks arrived, we were ready to order, but our waitress said she'd come back. No kidding, 20 minutes go by and we watch as the middle age couple get their salad, eat it, and then are promptly served their entree. Meanwhile, we haven't even had an opportunity to order. We looked around and everyone else seemed to be getting great service, I even heard the waitress tell ask an older woman 3 or 4 times if she needed anything else - while we were still waiting. So after nearly 45 minutes waiting we got up and left. My friend and I discussed on our way out if the bad services was the result of prejudice because we were the only people of color seated at the time - which is not a conversation I appreciate having or a question I want to entertain, but I can't think of any other reason. But, no matter the reasoning for it, in the end it comes down to the fact that they were clearly not interested in our business or our presence in their establishment. It was really disappointing because it was our first time at SantaCafe and I was really looking forward to having a good experience. We went to Secreto at Hotel St. Francis and it was great - almost made me forget about what...

We had dinner last night at Santa Cafe and this is the sad story. After waiting and asking for the server for 10 minutes we where expecting a list of specials...they had none. My son asked for an explanation on how the lobster salad was made...no mention of mayonaise used in the ingredients and how little of actual lobster was in the the mix. We were led to believe that the lobster would come in whole pieces instead of a potato salad style...the server said..."like chicken in a salad...but lobster insted"...very greassy very little lobster, like it was hiding. The black muscles in white wine and dijon mustard cream sauce where too salty and the mustard was overbearing...any white wine used was not apparent in the sauce. No real care while making the sauce...did the cheff even taste it before setving it? Two of the shells did not open...really? The overly crunchie breads were stale and a mess to break. The halibut over rissoto was the biggers looser of the night. After one bite, which I spitt out, I wanted it out of my sight. The rice was over cooked like it was done a few days ago and reheated barbarely. It was sticky, sawggy and devoid of taste...(not how risdoto is doneat all) and the halibut was also precooked, bland, colorless and badly presented. No taste and very dry...the orange blobbs of sauce was like baby food from Gerber, for $33.00? I sent it back...it resembled vomit on a plate.The creme brule was tasty but made in a deep bowl...not the french way, cookie and meringue on the side were old and hard. The only saving grace of the evening where the classic spring rolls with mushrooms and cacti...but that is fried and supper simple to make. Very dissapointing expensive meal that did not meassure up to my memories of Santa Cafe...if I return...ill stick to the spring rolls and liquor which can't be ruined. Get it...

FABULOUS! My table was filled with high-end foodies and this restaurant delivered excellence to a tough group. Service was impeccable, food was a series of taste explosions with the perfect balance of flavors, spice, and just the right amount of acid. I should note, I’m GLUTEN FREE and they actually have a FULL GF MENU, and provided it without asking based on my Open Table comments. I also have a tomato allergy and everything was absolutely accommodated.

We started with the GF fried calamari and the special carne asada tacos (which we suggest and hope become a regular menu item) shared between us. Both were stunning! Clean, crisp flavors not saturated in oil or unnecessary extras. Moving on to mains, we split the green chili chicken enchiladas and the skirt steak. The enchiladas were flavorful, balanced with just the right amount of spicy green and the chicken was clean and moist. The cilantro rice was a very welcomed accompaniment instead of the overused “Spanish rice.” The skirt steak (usually a slightly tough cut) we tender, cut-with-a-fork, delicious and perfectly prepared delight. The red chili was light and fresh with the perfect heat from the spice. Not your traditional saucy red chili.

The table was filled with delightful sounds and praise during the entire experience and although being stuffed (did I mention the portions are hefty but not excessive and perfect for even the two men to be full) we did journey into dessert and tried the vanilla bean panna cotta . Absolutely fabulous!

We tipped a hefty 30% because we loved the service and food THAT much. Highly recommend sitting on the patio and letting yourself and guest revel in the culinary delight and...