You have to go to Pasqual's. Go there for breakfast. Go there for lunch. You won't find higher quality and better flavors anywhere. It's really good. This time, I was amazed at how good there hamburger is. Seriously. I never thought Cafe Pasqual's was a place to get a burger, but it was amazing. I would not recommend taking young kids. It's a tight place and, quite frankly, the staff didn't seem to appreciate their presence.
(5)
Morgan P.
I love the polenta smothered in a delicious red chile sauce, with a poached egg on top! My husband's corned beef & hash was very good. We also got one of their pancakes on the side - perfect! The ambiance is great - colorful decorations, and fun vibe. The downside: so packed, takes a while to get in AND it is very pricey. Staff is hurried, but nice.
(4)
Lauren C.
[They are not off to a good impression. We were on time for our 7:30 reservation...it's 7:42. There's an empty table. It's been empty since we got here. No one is talking to us...7:47, my friend just asked the hostess when we'd be seated for our 7:30 reservation...hostess was annoyed and said we'd be seated when they were ready. There's only one empty table, already set...] The portion in brackets (above) was me typing as we stood, waiting for our table. I waited to type the rest of this review until after we'd eaten and I wasn't so annoyed in the moment about the horrible service. REST OF REVIEW The hostess eventually came over and said another group had asked to be seated at our table, and they were going to bump us from our reservation, but since the other group was a half hour late, she would seat us. She acted like honoring our reservation was doing us a grand favor. She then seated us at the only empty table. It had been set and empty this whole time. No apology. I was really hoping some good food would make up for it. The food is underwhelming. For the prices quoted, I assumed it would be much better. I live in SF and these prices aren't surprising in and of themselves...but I'd never pay this much for the quality (or lack thereof) here. It was very underwhelming. It sounds great on the menu, but the execution is lacking. Sad to say that I don't recommend this place due to the rude service and mediocre food. I'm so, so close to giving them a single star because of their poor service, but will give them the benefit of the doubt that the hostess was having an off night or has been replaced with someone who was appropriately trained.
(2)
Adele F.
Came here for brunch last Monday at around 10 am. At that time, wait was only about 15 minutes for three people. I would recommend coming here on a weekday unless you are willing to go hangry for a long time. Pros: - fun atmosphere, especially when seated at the communal table - great Mocha latte (with almond milk) - good intro to Santa Fe flavors - inexpensive - good, quick service Cons: - great that it's funky and artsy but it's one of those places that's not entirely clean/spotless -wait can be long
(4)
Maisha R.
To me, this place had kind of a hippie vibe going on with very eccentric green and yellow paint, ceiling hangings, and a very relaxed atmosphere. It looked different than what I'd anticipated but I was really looking forward to trying the food. We started with the brie, green and red salsa, and roasted garlic appetizer that we spread on small pieces of baguette. The combination sounded a little odd but it worked well. For my entree, I ordered the plato supremo - chile relleno, mole chicken enchilada, and taco with beef - so that I could try a few different items on their menu. I've never been a fan of chile relleno, but this one, in an "omelet style" was more about the cheese than the chile, which was right up my alley. The chicken in the enchilada and the 12-hour braised beef in the taco were so flavorful that I ended up eating the meat out of the tortillas, as they were a little overcooked and hard. I asked for all of the sauces on the side, which was nice so I could experiment with different flavor combinations. Others enjoyed the tamales, carne asada skewers, and cochinita pibil- yucan style. For dessert, we enjoyed a couple of slices of strawberry rhubarb pie and chocolate mousse. The portions were generous, service was adequate, and the food was solid. It wasn't the best place we tried in Santa Fe but we enjoyed our evening.
(4)
Sam E.
Our first meal in Santa Fe and I must say - it was a great one! Friendly staff, fast service and great food! They were able to accommodate for gluten free and even warned us of items that have gluten in them. The space is quaint and cute and perfect after a stroll through the city and feels like someone's home. Very cozy! Mole enchiladas were excellent and taste light and not heavy at all. Carne asada was excellent with a side of grilled vegetables, corn tortillas and black beans. Def recommend!
(5)
Nick C.
Quality, expensive ($25-40 entrees) food in a casual setting with great service. I probably wouldn't go back, since I can have an almost as good experience at a fraction of the price elsewhere (or cook most of the dishes at home, there's nothing exotic here), but if you're not price sensitive sure, why not, grab a bite there.
(4)
Calin D.
Thoughful, well sourced, high quality food here. Upon entering Cafe Pasqual's you'll find lots of bright colors, particularly greens in a variety of shades, and an atmosphere that speaks of a well tended garden. While the seating is limited, the location manages to merge a variety of tables into a cozy space filled with many things to hold your visual interest while sharing it with other patrons. The friendly wait staff definitely follow the healthy guidelines that the menu here supports, and it was nice to find folks who believe in what they do in all aspects of their lives. The patrons dining when I visited were all well-kept professionals, (with me as the somewhat scruffy touristy exception of course), though I was happy to find out that most were locals. The green chili tamales were quite good, though priced a bit steep even for organic fare. If I visit again, I'll be sure to bring my friends Ben and Grant, and next time I'll dress up a bit more than down, though I can say that I was not made to feel unwelcome, for which I was grateful. Salud
(4)
K G.
On a busy Christmas Eve lunch hour, we got a friendlier greeting at the host desk than other reviews have reported, and were given the option to wait a long time or sit at the community table; we dropped in on the community table, which is not our favorite thing to do. The food didn't quite live up to the hype, and was not a standout memory during a 5-day visit to town in which we did a lot of restaurant-hopping. We had the breakfast burrito that others found so amazing, and we really liked it - but with this place's reputation, I expected something more special. The huevos rancheros was fine, but not particularly memorable. For overall food taste, we thought Maria's, Tune-Up Cafe and the Casa Sena Cantina were each better than this. Prices seemed high for what we got. Service was friendly, but on the slow side; we needed to flag down our waiter a few times, and she was confused for a bit about who was with whom at the community table. My wife liked the pastel decor, but I found it unattractive. The restroom area is also worth mentioning in that the hallway and men's restroom were perhaps the most claustrophobic I've ever seen.
(3)
Heidi F.
This place was VERY pricey; however the food was fabulous. They had very interesting combinations of food. I hope to go to this restaurant every time I am in Santa Fe. It's not authentic Santa Fe food, but the chef's certainly know how to impress people. The bathroom area was an experience. It was like being on a ship with narrow halls. It really was a cool hang. I would consider this place dressy if you are going to dine there for dinner.
(5)
Maritza K.
WOW how far can you go on your 'old' reputation... Resting on their laurels, this place needs a new menu, a new chef, a new something. Their packaged granola to go is still the best I had, YET they have escalated the price to about 3 times to what I used to pay 9 yrs ago. Seriously? Whenever I see a line of tourists waiting I want to scream at them to go spend their money elsewhere, maybe buy one of their quaint old style Mexican calendars, I recommend those :)
(1)
LINDA R.
Went for a early Sunday breakfast. VERY tiny crowded place, put name in: 30 min wait - only place to do so is out on the street. While waiting for hubby to park car, took a good look at breakfast menu - prices appeared very steep for eggs & toast, ect. After 10 mins, hubby went in to get menu - well, i was looking at wrong menu - now serving: SUNDAY BRUNCH - same items - 35% higher prices! $15 for eggs, potaoes, & toast? $10 for granola?! Me thinks not! So we walked around corner to the BEST decision ever: The Plaza Cafe!! $4 pancakes, $7 GIGANTIC breakfast - sooo glad we changed venues!
(1)
Alan T.
Wow, went here for dinner and had an awesome meal. I had to stop myself and stare at the chicken mole enchilada for a minute - it was SO good. I had the Plato Supremo (Chile Relleno, Chicken Mole Enchilada & Barbacoa Taco) - highly recommended. We also had the Halibut Ceviche for appetizer - yum. All the people complaining about the wait: deal with it. Either call for reservations (dinner) or put your name in, get a cup of coffee and walk around for a little while (and relax, you're in the art mecca of the Southwest remember).
(5)
joe r.
Their cornmeal bread is perfect as is everything else. I am from San Francisco find this to be on par with our best breakfast places
(4)
Rachel L.
Here's the thing...when you're at 7000 feet and decide to drink multiple margaritas/sangria at every meal...you need fluids in the morning. By fluids, I mean coffee, water AND iced tea. Maybe they should have known when we came in with Starbucks in hand but maybe we should have known when they asked if we wanted to sit at a communal table. I understand the whole organic thing but my biggest beef with this place was that you couldn't get a pack of sugar to save your life. The lady gave me some weird sugar substitute made from wood chips - WTF??? I mean come on - can't a girl get some Splenda? I would have settled for good old fashioned raw sugar...NOPE - wood chips disguised as sugar!!! LAME!!!! Food was OK. I liked my breakfast quesadilla with bacon and green chili but it was kinda overpriced for what you got. My friend had some nice looking potatoes - I missed out on that one. I do think this place is really cute and they do a serious business because the line was out the door and the wait was over 30 minutes. We lucked out and were seated in 5 minutes. Not sure if it's a local or tourist crowd but it was definitely bustling. There on tons of places to eat in Santa Fe...not sure I would come back to this one for breakfast - maybe dinner though when I don't need sugar for my beverage!!
(2)
Elizabeth Y.
I was visiting Santa Fe with my mom and sister, and was told this was the place for the breakfast. So, we decided to go there on our first morning in town, and it definitely set the tone for an awesome trip! We got there around 9am on a Saturday morning, and only had to wait around 20 min. for a table. Based on the previous reviews I'd read, I had mentally prepared myself to wait much longer, so, pleasant surprise there on the short wait. It did get even more packed though as we were leaving. They do apparently take reservations for dinner, but for breakfast it's first come first serve. The wheat pancakes were fluffier than any other pancakes I've ever had (soooo good) and the french toast was coated with corn flakes and extremely crispy and delicious. I also loved their selection of organic fresh squeezed juices; can't beat that first thing in the morning! Coffee/espresso drinks were also good. The place was super accommodating (had no problems changing out a few things here and there for us), and everyone we met there was extremely friendly. Overall, wish we had been able to go back one more time before we left! Our other breakfast experiences in Santa Fe couldn't compete.
(4)
Michelle C.
This place is one of the best I have ever experienced We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the communal table which is really cool, you get to see all the delicious food and meet your neighbors. We started with the baked brie with red and green sauce with home made bread a must eat if you come here The mole Enchiladas are so good and you can get them vegetarian which I always thought was unheard of. The Osso Bucco was cooked perfectly and was falling off the bone. I am pretty sure you can't make a mistake here... The desserts looked amazing and I heard a lot of mmm's coming from the table
(5)
Mindi s.
We waited an hour for a seat. We were clearly at THE place to have breakfast because there were several other restaurants surrounding Cafe Pasqual's offering breakfast but there were a ton a people huddled around the entrance waiting like we were. We got to sit at the community table which was cool but the food was just ok and incredibly expensive. I had the corned beef hash. The meat was tender and tasty but the potatoes were like home fries and too big to be part of the hash. My husband had a traditional breakfast with bacon, eggs, and pancakes but we certainly weren't wowed by either of our dishes. Breakfast for 2 people including tip ended up being almost $50! They are probably so used to catering to tourist that they had to dumb down the flavor of everything and it has been so hyped up (hence the crowd) they can charge whatever they like and get away with it. I'd skip it and try to find another place with less of a wait. The only redeeming quality was the decor. It was eclectic and Santa Fe-ish but had some inventive pieces on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.
(2)
Kaoru S.
Great breakfast place. i like the community table, enjoying food together with others, fun way to meet locals and travelers. Dinner also delicious, one of favorite places in town.
(5)
gert m.
I travel a fair amount and am always hoping to find great food experiences. This was not one of them. The food was just OK and the price was - well, outrageous. $29 for a plate with 2 chicken enchiladas and a splotch of mediocre bland "cilantro" rice! I don't know if there are a lot of locals that frequent this place, but with all the tourists trying to find a good meal it's always packed. Save your time and money and find another restaurant unless you can get the espresso milkshake to go. A good option is the Tesuque Market, a short drive out of town. Better food for half the price.
(2)
Chas D.
Cafe Pasqual's is the other place I return to when I'm in Santa Fe (along with Plaza Cafe) and they are two blocks and world's apart. Where the Plaza is solidly traditional New Mexico-style Mexican, Pasqual's is innovative and experimental within the same genre. The diners at the Plaza are mostly down-to-earth locals -- at Pasqual's they're mostly upscale tourists. The cost of dinner at Pasqual's is double or triple that of the Plaza. But I Iove them both. Along with the terrific food, one thing I especially like about Pasqual's is the central "commons" table. A large table that seats 12-15 people. If you don't have a reservation and there's a spot, Pasqual's seats you at the "commons" (my word, not theirs), assuming you're willing, of course. Here you get a chance to meet new people and if you're traveling alone for work, it makes for a nice change from solo dining. The common table also works well for me as Pasqual's fills it's reservations early and I can never make up my mind where I want to eat that far in advance . . .
(4)
N. C.
I know, I know, 16 bucks for a chicken sandwich sounds appalling to the uninitiated, but when you take into consideration the local, free range, organic, fresh, delicious goodness of said sandwich, you may just be mollified and give it a try. The desserts are divine, the service is knowledgeable and friendly, and I've never been disappointed by a meal there.
This restaurant serves New Mexican cuisine. Unfortunately, for my taste, it was a little too "New" and not enough "Mexican." I had the enchilada plate. The sauce tasted almost like a bland mole. Had this dish been a little more "Mexican," the sauce would have had some heat to it. Also, charging $21 for a plate of meatless enchiladas is utterly ridiculous. I don't dislike New Mexican cuisine and I'm fully aware that New Mexican food, although based on Mexican food, is not Mexican food. That said, I do like my food, be it New Mexican or Old Mexican, to be flavorful, which my meal at Cafe Pasqual's was not. All in all, I feel this restaurant has been seriously overrated here on Yelp.
(2)
Adriane T.
Delicious. Loved the chipotle sweet potato soup and kale salad. Everything I saw go by from the kitchen looked great. Want to return and try more of the menu.
(5)
Jim P.
Excellent food
(5)
Pat C.
On our first visit to Santa Fe we had both a dinner and a breakfast at Pasqual's. both meals were great. The service was better than great with friendly and interesting staff. Excellent!!
(5)
Rebecca S.
The food was fine. The place was small but charming. Our server was nice and helpful. This place gets talked about a lot and although there wasn't anything that I didn't like, I wasn't completely blown away, either. With so many other restaurants in Santa Fe I probably won't be back for a second visit. For awhile, anyways.
(3)
Tell Y.
Santa Fe is an extension of Disneyland, but with genuinely nice people, not characters being paid to be nice. The entire town is staged authenticity, beautifully merchandised for tourists, and somehow, unexpectedly, I found myself to be one on a particular evening. Cafe Pasqual's? Over-priced terrible food. How could you screw up a $15 salad with amazing ingredients? How could you charge $29 for a flavorless mole? No, wait, how could you kill and waste an 'organic' chicken, which probably had a very happy free-range life too, only to cover it with the crap you call mole? I got trapped with a large group-none of which enjoyed their meals, seriously- otherwise, I stay away from tourist joints. Decent service though.
(1)
Amy G.
What a lovely break to find tofu and teriayaki sauce on a downtown Santa Fe menu. We stepped in shortly before they were closing, apparently, but service was still attentive and pleasant. We started with a snap pea salad which they courteously divided for us individually. It came with flavorful crostini. My plate of tofu/pasta was cramped with colorful vegetables and more crustini dipped in various tapenades. Bottles of wine were pricey so we opted for beer and a glass of sparkling white. Pasquals, which obviously has been pleasing customers for 30 years, had the best mix of laid-back/classy, romantic, and friendly ambiance of any Santa Fe restaurant I tried. It is how I imagined more would be...a small dining room illuminated by quaint, colorful strung lights highlighting the best of both Southwest cuisine and decor without shoving it down your throat. You can taste the subtle influences of Spain, Japan and France and oh yes, New Mexico.
(4)
Ken K.
Expect a thirty minute wait, but this place is worth it. The food is creative and amazing. I had a salmon burrito for breakfast with a wholewheat tortilla and fresh squeezed orange juice. The fish was delightful, well-cooked, and matched well with the fresh greens and cheese in my burrito. The orange juice was also excellent.
(4)
Bruce E.
Yes.. All of you are accurate. They are extremely expensive. But they can be, located in the heart of Santa Fe. Sit at the communal table and order chicken mole enchiladas and you will feel better about your $17 dollor lunch, because it is pretty good.
(4)
Travis B.
Insanely good food in DT Santa Fe. Whenever I'm around I have to go there. Fresh, real ingredients, well prepared new-american/new mexican style cuisine. Not cheap, but very good. Veggie friendly as well.
(5)
Kd D.
Had huevos dish with sauteed banana, feta, tomatillo sauce, peas & black beans - sounds weird, right? It is amazing!!! Best flavor ever. Love this place. Sooooo worth the wait. Makes the Blue Corn Cafe taste like school lunch.
(5)
Allison H.
Breakfast is amazing. Their coffee bar is inventive and delicious. I had the Pasquals omelette which I loved since I love anything with Guac. My father got this omlette that had beans and bananas! Weird, but the combo was good. The emphasis on wholesome/local ingredients was refreshing, although expensive at dinner. Also the wait was about 25 minutes on a weekday.
(5)
Mukur H.
My fiance and I both had amazing meals here. She had the Huevos Rancheros with Green Chili sauce and it was beyond delicious. It was a bit spicy for her since she doesn't eat as spicy food as I or folks in New Mexico, but none the less she finished it since it was soo good. I had the Carne Asada and well that was delicious as well. I can't wait to go here again! I bought one of their cook books to take home with me, although it was pricy.
(5)
Kasey O.
It takes a lot for me to say this since I'm from the South but those were absolutely the best Cheese Grits I have ever had in my life. They were spicy but not overpowering. Served in a huge skillet so I split them and the French Toast, which was just as good, with my friend. Like any restaurant in Santa Fe, I found that going early or way later is good so you don't have to wait. Went right when they opened for breakfast and seated right away. Friendly service, cute decor. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Bruce B.
Expensive - yes; but always delicious. We go at least once on every visit. I get the smoked trout hash (potatoes, tomatillo sauce, poached eggs, cheese - very low cal, I'm sure!); Deanna the breakfast quesadillas. I've also enjoyed the huevos rancheros, cheese omelet, fried yellow and blue cornmeal mush - never a disappointment. Go!
(4)
Sammy G.
Okay, it's a little pricey and always a long wait no matter the time of the day....but the food is absolutely awesome and authentic NEW Mexican cuisine....My personal favorite is the Corned Beef Hash with Eggs...made with big chunks of corned beef....and I always order a side of New Mexico Red Chile Sauce and just pour it over the top. Love the food here every time I visit...and I've had probably 25 meals here over the years. Not one disappointment. My cousin actually passed through town a few years ago and bought me their cookbook......I've made the Green Chile Stew a few times (I drive to Hatch, NM every August to buy roasted chiles and then freeze them).....the recipe is totally authentic and worth the 4 hour cooking time....Great REAL spot in Santa Fe.
(5)
Yuki M.
We received Baaaad service. Granted it was lunch time, we waited 10 min to be seated even there were a couple of tables available. Another 10 min past by before we got menus. We felt deserted and neglected in a jam packed restaurant. After another 30 min past by before our Burittos showed and it was a wrong order! Our waiter was friendly but looked like he totally had hang-over... Food was nice, but would I come back to eat?? Maybe take out only for future...
(1)
Bill E.
Cafe Pasqual's offers an outstanding breakfast and lunch that is well worth the wait. We waited about 1h 20m on a Saturday for brunch -- about 25 mins longer than originally quoted. Your best bet is to park in the public parking that is across the street, go put your name in, and go check out the city for an hour. The food was quite good. My breakfast burrito was good. BTW, everything is organic... you're not going to find diet coke or splenda here. The atmosphere is fun, and definitely special. No question about it, put this gem on your must list for Santa Fe!
(5)
Rich R.
Highly placed in my top 10 anywhere on the planet, this is the jewel of Southwest Fusion. We'd travel to Santa Fe more often if we could, with meals at Pascual's topping the local destinations alongside of Taos, Ojo Caliente, Abiquiu, and Eagle Bear Ranch. Every dish at dinner last night was amazing, with the piece-de-resistance being the Lamb Chops in Pomegranate Molasses and Steamed Sugar Snap Peas. Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at Pascual's. Don't miss their new cookbook with 66 original, new recipes.
(5)
Steven M.
Went here for breakfast July 7th - 2 people - small wait. Service was good - but the food was better. Huveos Rachero with both green and red chili sauce and black beans! Perfection in my book. Partner had the most amazing corned beef hash!! Large sizes! We could easily ave split either order but wanted to try both. Homemade whole heat toast too and fresh jam. I'll go back
(4)
Levi B.
Came here for lunch and sat at the community table - very fun! My blue corn enchiladas were stellar... My parents weren't so fortunate - they ordered well-done buffalo burgers that ended up being very dry. Maybe blame that partly on prep, but also on them ordering them well-done in the first place (might have been ok if they ordered them medium - not sure). On the whole, it was a nice place for lunch in old town. Also saw some breakfast orders that looked pretty tasty...
(3)
Elizabeth G.
Possibly my favorite restaurant (at least for lunch or brunch) in Santa Fe. Yes, you'll have to wait a while but it's definitely worth your time. Love: Huevos Motulenos Smoked Trout Hash Garlic Fries Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Chile Cornbread Anything with their tomatillo sauce I have had the same server many times and she is always delightful. I look forward to trying their dinner menu sometime soon.
(5)
Stephanie H.
My favorite restaurant meal in the past... year... Wonderful vegetarian options and the best mole sauce I have ever had, including what I have made for myself. When mole is not good, I think it is inedible, and when it is good, it is something that is heavenly. Excellent service, high-quality and thoughtful ingredients, and a wine menu that is good and also pretty inexpensive for what you get.
(5)
Jennifer B.
This is a great, charming place in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. The wait can be quite long, but certainly worth it! I had the half portion of the Lonche quesadilla which was great. Also with that I had the soup of the day, watermelon gazpacho. It was a little heavy on the onions, but great nonetheless. My absolute favorite was the kale salad. Shredded kale, pine nuts, ricotta salata, with a light, flavorful lemon and olive oil dressing was a delight!
(4)
Jess M.
An all around perfect breakfast dining experience from start to finish. We arrived at this Santa Fe institution for a late Friday morning breakfast and the line was out the door. No problem, we stuck our name on the list and walked around the corner to a great photography gallery. Upon our return we were seated immediately and the service throughout the meal was timely, warm and extremely friendly. Cute decor, an amazing homey feel, just the sort of restaurant you want to hang out in for a long lazy meal. My Mexican Hot Chocolate was probably hands down the best hot cocoa i can remember drinking in recent history. Every single thing on the menu looked delectable, but I had to make a choice- so I choose two! The cheese blintzes were fabulous- just the right amount of savory and sweet, as was the super hearty breakfast quesedilla with delicious homemade avocado. Although these were both great choices- the king of the table was my friend's Huevos Moltulenos, a very interesting combo topped off by banana, feta cheese and green peas. Amazing flavor combinations all around, I wished we would have been in Santa Fe longer so we could have eaten dinner here as well!
(5)
Julie P.
Egad! What happened to Cafe Pasqual's? My husband and I have eagerly dined at this restaurant every time we visited the Santa Fe area for the past 15 years. We noticed a downward trend in overall quality last year, but hoped it was just a phase that would be corrected. Sadly, our lunch experience this past Monday will be our last visit to this restaurant. My husband ordered one of the daily specials, Turkey Chile with a Corn Torta. I ordered Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad with Roasted Tomato-Poblano Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. We each had a glass of white wine from the Loire and split a Cannele and had two espressos for dessert. Check total: $62.00. First, my husband's review of the Turkey Chile and Corn Torta... I asked our waiter to describe one of the daily specials, turkey chili. He replied "it has turkey, beans, and is in a bowl. I think he looked in the mirror that morning and said, " today I will challenge myself to higher levels of eloquence." Ok, I thought, a $15 bowl of chili should be pretty special given Pasqual's reputation for great chili. So I enquired, what type of chili was in the dish? I got a deadpan answer: "red." Now for $15, you would think the chili description would be: "the turkey was named Sam and he had a great free range life in the foothills of Santa Fe or Taos, the heirloom beans were hand harvested from an organic, employee-owned farm, the chili was from Chimayo's September harvest, and I clipped the organic cilantro myself this morning from the rooftop garden." The chili comes, and it's just ok. It's served in about the same sized bowl that the cappuccino comes in. The cappuccinos are on the large side, but this was a fairly small serving of chili. It seemed more green than red, and was accompanied by some cornbread that was more oily than moist, something my wife would call underdone. Right about then a famous Travel Channel chef's voice (you know who I'm referring to) channeled into my brain, "only an idiot orders the special, particularly on a Monday at lunch. Everyone knows its recycled leftovers from the weekend or even from last Thursday." So was I the idiot? Was the waiter's terse description the equivalent of, "avoid this at all costs?" I must state that I have had many good, some even great meals here in the 15 years I have been eating at Pasqual's. Most of these more than justified the spendiness. Then I started looking around. The inside of the restaurant and the staff just looked tired and worn out. The light sconces on the wall all have large dark stained sections that look like they haven't be cleaned since day one. The furniture is in need of an update. Way beyond shabby chic. This place needs a fresh breeze of caring and much lower prices to regain the stature it once had and to lure me back. One final note to the positive, the wine list is good and I had a nice Loire white for $10 a glass. The waiter opened a fresh bottle to assure a full pour which was appreciated. Now for the salad review... Where to start? When I read the description of the Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad it sounded healthy, full of organic greens and veggies, and just the ticket to get the week off to a good start after a weekend of indulging in some really fine Santa Fe cuisine. Boy, was I wrong. There were two size choices available: $8 for the small and $12 for the large. Since I was only having a salad for lunch, I treated myself to the large portion. I figured a $12 salad would be more than enough for me and was planning to share some with my husband. Not a chance. When the salad arrived, it was served in a pasta bowl style of plate and consisted of the following ingredients: approximately 1.5 cups of spring mix greens, two slices of radish (no, not whole radishes, just slices), one half of a red cherry tomato, one half of a yellow pear tomato, 4 small shavings of fennel, 8 pomegranate seeds, and 4 small slices of avocado. No dressing. (The waiter did bring the dressing after I pointed out that the greens were completely undressed.) The salad was accompanied by a very salty, slightly stale tasting triangle of seeded cheese pastry on the order of a cheese straw. I was gobsmacked. I know a restaurant needs to make a profit on every dish, but COME ON! This was one of the most pitiful restaurant salads that I have ever experienced, especially for the price. In comparison, the airline salad that I received that night on my journey home was done quite well. Go figure! In retrospect, we both should have sent our lunches back to the kitchen. Perhaps we are to blame for ordering incorrectly. Who knows. It's just a shame that this one-time award winning restaurant has fallen to this level.
(1)
Jason M.
Nice casual, cozy corner spot. I got there at 5:30 so there's no wait. Staff was very friendly. We ordered butternet squash and Moroccan braised lamb, and we enjoyed both. The real surprise is the espresso coffee milkshake. It was delicious!
(5)
Bonnie L.
Amazing, innovative menu with the expertise to carry it out. I haven,t had meals out this wonderful ... Maybe ever! And the service matched the food ... Fabulous!
(5)
Lauren D.
You must must must come here if you are in Santa Fe. And you must prepare yourself for the wait. And it is ok to say you will sit at the community table because you don't want to be that guy. It's crowded, loud and a little crazy, but the breakfast food is delicious. Plus they sell fun schwag like coffee cups and donkey calendars (yes I have both).
(5)
Leila F.
Amazing! So good! Our waiter was nice as ever too. we had the Chorizo burrito and huevos motulenos both of which are amazing. The huevos rancheros looked amazing as well and I can't wait to go back to order them again. Love this place-I always go there when I pass through Santa, Fe.
(5)
Andrew M.
I was a jealous diner at Cafe Pasqual's. Don't get me wrong, I liked my cheese blintzes just fine. Not like bubby made, but hey, this is Santa Fe New Mexico not gammy's house. But my wife had the right idea. She ordered the cheesy grits. Oh baby were they good. She became very protective of her individual iron skillet filled goodness. Top them off with the house made sausage patties and waiting 30 minutes for a table in this classic Santa Fe eatery is a no brainer.
(4)
Carlos J.
F'in deelish. Bread is to die for.
(5)
Penelope B.
I've never had anything short of delicious food from Cafe Pasqual's. We have only been for breakfast/brunch. This time, the day after Thanksgiving, we arrived right at 8am and were in the first batch of diners. Good thing, too! By 8:30 there was a line out the door. For faster seating, try the community table, or tell the staff you're willing to sit with others (there was a four-top seated with two parties while we were there). This time i had the smoked trout on a bed of gruyere hash-browns along with some Mexican hot chocolate. We love their red chili and got a side of it. So good! We've tried many things on the breakfast menu. It's all good! Their chili is delicious.
(5)
Helen T.
Great little restaurant in downtown Sante Fe. Very casual and laid back. Had breakfast one day during my trip and the huevos rancheros was great. Liked the communal table atmosphere and most of the tourists and locals were very friendly. I didn't mind the communal table since I'm usually travelling alone when in Santa Fe. It does get very busy there on weekends during the breakfast rush though. The menu is classic Santa Fe but if you prefer to avoid the downtown crowds and want a more classic diner experience try Telacote Cafe.
(4)
Mike F.
I've been eating at this restaurant for 25 years. It serves , far and away, the best breakfast in Santa Fe--or anywhere. Try the buckwheat pancakes.
(5)
Catherine T.
Very good ingredients. Beautiful but crowded space. Not good for kids despite the reviews. Nice servers. Pancakes and french toast slightly disappointing which is why I am docking one star.
(4)
Ed M.
This is simply my favorite place in Santa Fe. They serve vegatarian and Mexican food in a truly innovative way. The menu items are unique. the huevos rancheros are simply to die for. In addition, it's a fun place. It's busy and noisy and very brightly painted. Get a seat at the community table if possible you just never know who you might find seated there. A real five star treat.
(5)
B K.
If you find out you're going to die...go to Santa Fe, eat here...keep eating until you die. You'll definitely die with a smile on your face, trust me. This is my vote for America's most perfect Mexican restaurant -- I dream that they will open an outpost in Vegas -- I pray to the Mexican food gods and goddesses -- yes, I'm a passionate foodie with simple dreams really. What dishes, you ask? Order anything -- eat -- sigh -- I still dream of the food I ate here...nothing has ever come close...ever...and I love Mexican -- but this bite of heaven screwed it all up for me because I don't get to Santa Fe nearly enough -- and no one anymore comes close. When I do get to SF, even though there are other restaurants that I swear to myself I'll check out -- I don't -- I can't -- it would be wrong...cheating...I'd be unfaithful...I'd go home mad at myself for actually missing a meal at Pasqual's... I know, it's a sickness...and there is no cure... Unless you move to Vegas...hint, hint... I love the "Good for Groups" question here -- NO -- you'll take up too many seats and piss off the folks in line...go home, and save a seat for me!!!
(5)
Julia E.
We loved this place!! My husband and I went here on our honeymoon for breakfast and really enjoyed it. The place was crowded but we sat down right away. I had the hand-held breakfast burrito which was incredible (although they charge $4 extra for bacon) and my husband had the breakfast quasedilla, also really good. Everything is organic which makes it worth how expensive it is (the average breakfast meals is probably $12-13). The service was fast, and everyone was incredibly friendly. Well worth stopping by!!
(5)
Nathan C.
This place lives up to the hype. Fantastic smoked trout, with hash and poached eggs- so perfect. Best green chile I have had anywhere. The service was very friendly and attentive. Wonderful coffee and latte's too. Love the decor and vibe and bought a signed print, and some cookies and pastries for the road. If I lived nearby, I would eat here everyday. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
(5)
Courtney S.
Well Yelpers, I think you built this place up a bit much. The wait was FOREVER, and while the food was good, I'm really not sure this dining experience topped the other place I ate. That said, however, the food really is delicious. I ordered the heuvos moutelenos which were alright but breakfast at Bagelmania a few days before was almost as good... although I don't think the ingredients there were as fresh and organic as at Pasqual's. My husband had his socks knocked off by his Durango omelette-- he loved it. Service was kind of spotty-- our waitresses (we couldn't tell which one was actually supposed to take care of us) weren't as available as I would have liked, but it worked out ok. Overall, this place is worth a visit; it is a Santa Fe landmark. If you can make reservations, do it! The wait is annoying. (And a quick tip from our visit-- we noticed the line diminished greatly around 10:45 am-- before lunch and after breakfast. Might be good to try it then!)
(4)
Joshua R.
Excellent quesadillas, though not cheap. Was less impressed with the breakfast burrito.
(4)
Christine H.
Best food in downtown! This charming, organic restaurant has a corner on the best breakfast & lunch in downtown Santa Fe. Try the Huevos Mulenos or anything with pancakes, they're extraordinarily light and served with authentic maple syrup.
(5)
Kurt T.
Cafe Pasquals is the restaurant I have to visit every time I get to Santa Fe. Everything is good, but the chicken mole enchiladas are fantastic.
(5)
John M.
This is not strictly a vegetarian restaurant but the lunch menu has several veggie options. The food was excellent and very fresh. Friendly staff as well. A great experience
(5)
David S.
Food and service were outstanding. Definitely the best meal we had during our stay in Santa Fe.
(5)
Lynn L.
Awwwww yeah....Cafe Pasqual's. I've only ever been here for breakfast and brunch, but boy is this food GOOD. There is such fantastic variety on their menu, and everything is fresh and delicious. Yes, you are going to have to wait for a table, but try and go during off-peak times when your wait is less than a half hour. On Sundays for brunch, you can wait well over an hour for a table. ugh. I agree with a previous reviewer - if you're with a big group, don't come here and mess up the table mojo. If you are more than a party of four and you want their delicious food, just get take out, please! Their mexican hot chocolate is amazing, and a luxurious treat. All fresh juices (ginger-pineapple = yum!), and a menu to labor over. Both sweet selections and savory dishes are equally flavorful and expertly prepared. I don't think I've ever had anything I didn't love. I'm also happy to see that they have soy chorizo on their menu (much healthier and remarkably similar in flavor!). I'm happy to visit Cafe Pasqual's each and every time I'm in Santa Fe.
(5)
juju d.
The food was a C- in my opinion especially for the outrageous prices. They claim to be healthy and organic yet my boyfriend and my food came out within 6 minutes of ordering and looked like it had been nuked in the microwave. We ordered the Plato supremo and the Mole chicken enchiladas. The tables were too close together and we could hear everything both of the table conversations next to us were having. Not quite intimate. Not to forget after being sat, ordering, eating, and paying the bill we were out of the cafe within 35 minutes. Looks like they are trying to give people their ridiculous bills and then scoot them along. After dinner by boyfriend and I went to see a movie, we went back to our bed and breakfast and I had a terrible stomach ache. I laid down and quickly arose to the nearest trashcan. There I vomited about four times. Yep not only did I spend too much on dinner and didn't enjoy it, Neither did my stomach. I just threw up a $30 plate of mediocre food!!! Mole sauce shot out threw the nostrils, boy did it sting. Yum. Enjoy with caution.
(1)
m w.
Went in as an excited tourist, left as a disappointed guest. Was there for breakfast/lunch not much of a selection on the menu. I understand that everything is local, organic and good for me. I appreciate all of that, but it wasn't tasty. I had the carrot cumin soup, it was okay, but not a WOW. My friends had an egg burrito and another had waffles. Not one of the six of us were impressed. It was busy and crowded. The place only holds so many people, and the space is cramped. Won't go back, won't recommend as a one time experience. They have a loyal following, but I can't see why. It is overpriced. No parking. No outdoor seating. Server, host and cashier not friendly or welcoming. It was stuffing in the place. Never mind the hype, skip this place and go to Denny's.
(2)
J L.
Everyone raves about this place - it was recomended for breakfast by locals and friends, but we decided to go for dinner instead. Great atmosphere, above average service. We wanted to try several dishes on the menu, so instead of ordering entrees, we chose to split 4 appetizers for two of us...here's what we had: Grilled Chipotle Shrimp dish was $17 - very unimpressive with 3 pieces of medium-sized grilled shrimp sitting on top of guac with some chips on the side. $5.67 per shirmp. Describing this dish as disappointing and totally over-priced would be an understatement. Tacos Barbacoa - nothing more than just that. 2 flour tortilla tacos with tender beef and a side of decent salsa. I actually didn't care for the texture or flavor of the meat. Average. Warm Brie with Roasted Garlic with Salsa - loved this dish. Great flavor in the 2 salsas and the roasted garlic was fantastic. Grilled Corn Masa Cake - this was delicious and incredibly flavorful. Overall we had 2 great dishes and 2 below-average and over-priced dishes. That's the reason for the 3 stars. Next time we go, we'll definitely wait in line for breakfast, but for now, 3 stars.
(3)
heather g.
We had high expectations for Pasqual's but while the food was okay, it felt to be overpriced. Many better restaurants to visit in Santa Fe.
(3)
Brooke E.
Order the Warm French Brie and Whole Roasted Garlic with Salsas of Roasted Tomato~Jalapeo and Tomatillo! It is not something you will soon forget. My mouth waters at the thought. Make reservations! We go back to Santa Fe about once a year and we always plan a date to go there. Leave the kids with the grandparents and enjoy a great night out! If you go for brunch, try a pomegranate orange juice to drink with your meal.
(5)
Kurt B.
Heavenly red chili. Heavenly flavor from the peppers. Bright colorful cafe for breakfast. Do it.
(5)
Roberta L.
Look, the truth is that, given the frequency of my visits, Pasqual's would have been out of business many years ago, BUT, I have frequented Pasqual's over the course of at least 15 years and I am so sorry to have to say, Hasta la Vista, Baby! So looked forward to another fabulous meal when we visited yesterday but that will be my last visit. The pricing is just outrageous!!!!! I know and understand and am prepared to pay more for fine quality, organic, but this was way out of the realm of reality. E.g, I ordered a (Tuscan) panzanella salad. Folks I got about 1/2 slice of bread, some delicious heirloom tomatoes (total of about one), some cucumber a bit of cheese and some nice herbs and dressing-a really SMALL portion, for, are you ready? almost $15.00. The desserts, which we opted to skip, were, are you ready? $9.00 (for a piece of pie, for example) How do they come up with these prices? Always before, the food was good, pricey and plentiful and I was delighted to pay. No more. Just gouge the tourist who will ostensibly never return. BOOOOOO! AND BYE-BYE.
(2)
Julia S.
Fresh & organic Southwestern cooking. We love this place. Amazing breakfasts. Huevos Barbacoa with Niman Ranch beef = delicious. Try the Huevos Motulenos. Sounds like a strange combo -- eggs, black beans, feta, green peas and green chile (with fried bananas on the side) but was awesome. Wait staff was a tad too cool for school, but given the general tastiness, I'm willing to overlook.
(4)
Stacey B.
First, if you're a vegetarian and in Santa Fe, this seems to be the place to go. I was in Santa Fe on a business trip, and we wanted some southwestern fare. Our first two attempts didn't quite fit the bill, but this place did. Kind of pricey for a casual place (my sandwich at lunchtime was $16), but the food was very good. I got the portabello mushroom burger after my server explained that the Mole Vegetarian Enchiladas were spicy due to red chilis in the mole. The server was very helpful all around. My boss ordered the squash enchiladas and was very pleased. The place itself seems to be an institution. For example, they sell cookbooks and t-shirts and a few other things. Well, so do many places, and people seldom buy them. But in the hour or whatever that I was here, SEVERAL people bought t-shirts and cookbooks. Back to the vegetarian thing -- other places in Santa Fe seemed to have only one vegetarian thing and not be very veggie-friendly, but this place rocked. There were multiple vegetarian things for lunch. Plus, they serve breakfast anytime, and there were lots of vegetarian breakfast entrees, and some of them sounded pretty neat. A hot cereal make from multiple whole grains (umm, let's see, ... quinoa, amaranthe... can't remember the others but there were 5), cornmeal mush, and lots of other things. If I go back, I will get breakfast for sure. There is a Community Table in the center of the place where single and couple diners eat. Great so that one person doesn't take up a whole table, and sort of a friendly concept. Also, makes it less likely you'll have to wait for a table. The place is overall a bit crowded, and getting to the bathroom would be tricky if you are fat. Luckily, I'm not, so it was fun sneaking through the narrow passage to the bathroom, after snaking through the tables to get there. The bathroom was very clean and had a sink that looked like copper. The counter was turquoise tiles and very pretty and southwestern. The bathroom was also well-appointed, with paper towels out of a motion sensor dispenser, a hook for your coat (though you'd have to look for it), and nice soap. Even though the place seemed crowded in, TWO different people in wheelchairs ate there while I was there, so it is definitely wheelchair-accessible, though I'm sure they couldn't get to the bathroom. There is a small portion of the restaurant that is raised a few steps or so, but more than half the place is ground-level.
(5)
DONNA K.
BAD SERVICE, UNSANITARY, EXPENSIVE, AND TERRIBLE FOOD!!! I had one of the worst dining experience of my life at Cafe Pasqual. What a waste of money! How are people giving good reviews for this place I still can't figure out. Stay as far as you can from this place.
(1)
June P.
Hmmmm..... after all the hype about this place I was a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps because of the wait, even though we had a reservation, or because of my high expectations, dinner kind of fell flat for me. There are so many great Mexican/New Mexican places in New Mexico, that this place was for me, just over priced, regular (New) Mexican food.
(3)
H M.
Only tourists eat here. $$$$ for breakfast? The corned-beef hash is delicious... But sitting at the community table Surrounded by tourquise earrings Makes you wonder Where the locals eat. "Not Here."
(3)
Sarah B.
Skip the tacos - the meat is really fatty - and go straight for the mole plate. One of those rare meals where every last morsel is eaten, and if it wasn't taboo to lick a plate clean, I would have done it! (Also skip the flan)
(3)
Rich C.
Definitely one of the best breakfasts in SF. I loved the atmosphere and the food was super fresh and very flavorful and well prepared. Just look at the pictures to prove my point. We will definitely be going back when we are in town!
(4)
Nathaniel B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed in an uncomfortably small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than at their community table.
I have heard wonderful things about Cafe Pasqual's over the years and had a chance to try it last week when I was in Santa Fe. We were able to get right in for breakfast since it was a week day. I understand why there are always so many people waiting to get in on the weekends. The place it TINY. I ordered the breakfast quesadilla with home made chorizo. When the food came boy was I disappointed by the presentation. There was a quesadilla slapped on a large plate. For $11.00 I found it to be totally uninspired. It would have been nice if they made it look a little more attractive by adding a garnish or two. I found the food to be OK but not as good as everyone proclaims it to be. I would give this restaurant a second try but there are so many other great restaurants in Santa Fe it may be awhile before I get around to trying it again. Side Note: I found the staff to be a little surly. Our waitress did not seem to be very interested in giving us food recommendations or ask us how we were enjoying our meal. We had to search her out to get the check when we were ready to leave.
(2)
Donna R.
This is a must for breakfast when visiting Santa Fe. The breakfast menu is extensive. The community table that invites the most interesting conversations in the house should be the most coveted seat in the house. The food is fabulous, a locals favorite!
(5)
John K.
Our top destination every time we come to Santa Fe. This is the Chez Pannisse of New Mexico. Delicous food from scratch and healthy too. We eat breakfast and lunch whenever we can and have never walked away disappointed. Large menu with something for all tastes. My god, I've been away for a day now and am missing Pascual's already. Been going here for over 20 years, and they still come through. I drink coffee out of one of their mugs and dream about the food every day.
(5)
Susan L.
We had dinner at Cafe Pasqual on November 4 (reservations are critical, and in fact I'd made the reservation more than a month in advance; I'd long known of that restaurant's reputation). It's a very small and crowded place, with lots of wild/funky items on the walls and ceiling. The cooking is very inventive and most of their food is organic. We ordered the roasted pumpkin (a seasonal dish) and it was really good (stuffed with mushrooms & a wonderful cream sauce), and their famous "haystack" of garlic french fries were a treat (one order is enough for several people, and we couldn't manage to eat nearly all of them). Our server had a great sense of humor and he was also attentive. I didn't like the hostess, though; she ignored us initially, and she was a little condescending when we said we were too full for dessert.
(5)
Ken H.
This is NOT an Asian restaurant... and NOT Chinese !
(3)
L K.
Wow. The blue lady enchilada's= amazing, the mole=fantastic. Service was fast and food piping hot. Beer=Yum. This was the first place we ate on our trip to New Mexico and it set the bar impossibly high-nothing else we had in Santa Fe came close (even at 3X the price). Wait was long on a Saturday afternoon (45 minutes) but worth it all. Love, love, love.
(5)
Alika Marie W.
Do yourself a favor go on a weekday for breakfast try the Huevos Motulenos-go early or you wait all day. Go for Lunch have Carne Asada...at 11:30 once again packed! Forget dinner, its painfully tightly reserved, buy the cookbook and go home. Tourists! But its Yummy!
(4)
Jaime A.
Food is good, but it is overpriced for breakfast. The chili Relleno with eggs and black beans was a little undercooked but salsa was good-would have liked it to be a little spicier. Their homemade granola is delicious but $14 when you add yogurt and strawberries to it. Service is friendly and cute place.
(3)
Jedi M.
Believe the hype! I always worry about a place that is talked about so much and in the end usually disappointed - not here. The place was packed and there was a line out the door the whole time we were there (another good sign of a great place) it took 15 min to read through the menu and decide, every thing sounded so good. Our meal was spectacular, and the cilantro green rice was probably the best rice dish I have ever had! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Christina H.
Not too shabby, definitely over-rated and a bit overpriced but so is everything else in Santa Fe. They are a very bustling business but still managed decent service while being understaffed and packed to the gills for breakfast. I was disappointed in their green chili but I have to admit I am very very particular about my green chili. Actually with few exceptions the only green chili I adore is outta my grandmother's greasy pot. Anyway, its a pretty good breakfast destination but try to book a reservation or plan on waiting a long time to be seated.
(3)
Christine M.
Fantastic food, fantastic service. This place has such a great vibe. A must when in Santa Fe. Great breakfast!
(4)
Louise O.
Generous portions and welcoming, bright ambiance. Carne Asada with Niman ranch beef -- absolutely delicious. The meat was grilled very simply but you could taste the natural flavor of the beef. The guac that came on the side was very good as well. Pancakes -- very fluffy and light. Corned beef hash -- not too dry, this was very tasty. Service: a little un-attentive and I had to ask for refills of water several times.
(4)
dawson s.
Cafe Pasqual's is indeed a New Mexican institution. Anytime I'm in Santa Fe, Pasqual's is a must for brunch. The space is small, reservations are nearly always booked, but there's a communal table in the center of the dining room you can almost always sneak into (so long as you don't mind being elbow to elbow with strangers). Everything on the menu - from the southwestern specialties like the Tamal Dulce (sweet tamale), Durango Omelet (jack cheese, scallions, guacamole, mushrooms, sour cream and tomatillo d'arbol salsa) and Huevos Motulenos (eggs over easy on corn tortillas with black beans, sauted bananas, feta cheese, green peas, and green chile - trust me, it's yummm) to the classics like their Wholegrain Pancakes and homemade Hot Five Grain Cereal served with butter and maple syrup - will make your mouth water. If you want a serious breakfast, order up the El Presidente - smoked poblano chiles and Niman Ranch beef on fresh white corn tortillas, with a couple of eggs, pinto beans and cotija cheese - and a side of whole wheat pancakes. You'll have to walk it off, but it's worth it :) I've been here for dinner too which was very good, but something about going to a cafe style restaurant and paying more than $30 for a very petite filet in a small town never rubbed me the right way. For brek and brunch though, this is the only place to be. In the winter months when Santa Fe gets ice and even some serious snow, Pasqual's takes on an even more magical quality. Be sure to pick up one of their cookbooks while you're here. If you like to cook it'll quickly become one of your favorites. If not, you'll probably enjoy looking at the pictures :)
(4)
Steve E.
This place is small but very delicious!
(5)
Josh O.
When Jessi M. and I were driving cross country last year we stopped in Santa Fe to visit my mom. She took us here for dinner. It was fantastic. The food was simply amazing. I loved everything I had, and I tried a little bit of everyone's orders. A little pricey for a casual meal, but the food is totally worth it. They also sell a cookbook with their recipes in it, which is pretty cool.
(5)
Inari T.
soup of the day was AWESOME. it was this chilled cucumber gazpatcho that was really spicy and awesome. yummy. enchilada was pretty good, i wasn't big fan of it. kale salad was yummy. overall, alright.
(3)
Alexis F.
Lunch visit on a Saturday, waited about 30 minutes for 3 at the community table around noon. My dad had the only local wine offered, a sparkling wine that was actually surprisingly good (who knew NM could do sparkling?) I had a Pinkus Pils that was lovely and Germany and Beery and good. I had the chicken mole enchiladas, and the mole was really well balanced and tasty, with a little bit of heat. The soup of the day was delicious- a chilled green chile and avocado soup. nom nom nom. The decor is intentionally funky and festive, the community table was very quiet and introverted for our visit (despite our attempts, community conversation was stilted at best), and the bathrooms are tiny. Service is very friendly and mostly attentive, my water glass sat empty a few times for longer than I would have liked but it was very busy and I did not die of dehydration :)
(4)
A. T.
Decent food. Certainly 1 star above nearby dives like the Atomic Grill. But definitely not worth the crazy wait.
(3)
Sam P.
Probably would not go back. Too expensive and a little too touristy. Food was plentiful and tolerably well executed. We were disappointed, but not nearly as we were by Coyote Cafe down the street.
(3)
Lianne M.
Awesome. On a recent trip to Santa Fe, we ate here twice! Once for breakfast (which had been highly reccomended) and once for lunch. I can't decide which was best, but I do know we will return to Cafe Pasqual's. I had the chicken enchiladas mole for lunch and they were superb. The chorizo breakfast burrito (with red and green or "christmas" sauce) was also excellent. Great service, fun atmosphere. You must visit Pasqual's if you are in Santa Fe!!!!!
(5)
s r c.
Overrated,, Over hyped, and DEFINATELY Overpriced. You cant get out of there for less than $20-$25 a head for LUNCH !! This place has one thing going for it...... A downtown location with a 25+ year legacy. As a native Santa fean who has lived in the Bay Area for 30 years and traveled extensively seeking interesting restaurants that deliver fresh honest flavorful food I found Pasquals on a recent visit to be beyond disappointing. The mushy lamb burger was indeed rare (from frozen meat) but tasteless even adorned with the glop of "white fat" slather on top. The bun was airy "Bimbo" bread toasted to perfection with seeds on top. The whole wheat quesadilla was grilled to crispy melding the scant cheese filling to the only flavorful ingredient I could taste ... the guacamole. But wait! it was garnished with a few sprigs of cilantro to give it that oh so cosmo presentation & flair for only .... $11+ !!?? Among my pet peeves is going out to eat and leaving the establishment feeling not satisfied .... and also ripped off. skip this place, not worth it.
(1)
yelper s.
Have always wanted to try Cafe Pasqual's and finally did it on this trip. We went for lunch and had to wait about 25 minutes at about 11:20. We walked back and sat on the plaza while we waited, then returned. My daughter had the watermelon gazpacho (even my husband loved it -- and he doesn't like watermelon) and a BLT with the MOST amazing bacon ever. I had a new salad that was incredible. And my husband had enchiladas and said if he had to pay $16 for enchiladas (as we had the night before at Maria's too), those were the ones. A lively, fun atmosphere and decent service. We took some cookies to go for dessert. Best meal of our trip.
(5)
Paige H.
The food was excellent. I had the BLT with cornbread as the sandwich bread. It was very good. The place is super busy so either get a reservation or they let us put our names on a wait list then walk around for awhile and come back which was fine. I'd certainly return there. Service was good as well.
(4)
Chase K.
Although the food wasn't bad, the 'tude could have been checked at the do. When we got our bill the orange juice that was ordered by my gorgeous, intelligent and funny dining partner was a staggering $4.75. Now, this is acceptable if it is fresh squeezed. But this oj was not. I inquired about this and was told it was because it was organic. Boo. The same guy came back later and said that they have to charge more and began explaining his business model and cost structure. No thanks. Again food was ok but the prices were ridic.
i had two very good dinners here on two consecutive nights! i would be hesitant to go to the same place twice but felt it was a place my boss should try while we were in santa fe. both nights we walked up fairly late 6ish w/o reservations and they were able to seat us at a private table. they act all huffy about it but whatever. i think this was on a tues and a wed. very interesting decor which eventually we asked the waitress about and apparently alot of the hanging stuff is for sale. yes you could be the proud owner of those paper mache pants for 90 dollars! very cool murals. the bathroom is tiny but kinda fits the ambiance. i like the ground level window! the food and service was excellent both nights. the price wasnt really a factor as i wasnt paying but yes it is expensive. a coworker and i tues night 1 app 2 entrees and beers was around a hundred. wed night we had a vey nice bottle of wine alot of appetizers and three entrees and it was up near 400 i think. both nights were absolutely worth it as the food was wonderful! the first night i had the sampler and the second night the filet. both were great as was the corn fritter appetizer thing. i loved the cabbage w beets that accompanied the corn fritter appetizer thing! small, quirky, little place w a lot of character which i would love to go back to. if you have a problem w tourists then you might want to run from santa fe as it seemed a bit like a southwestern art adobe disneyland.
(4)
Nina H.
This place is very small. It has a nice kitschy feel and the menu choices seem imaginative but are poorly executed. The food is overpriced and bland. I ordered the special which was a shrimp tostada. Everything needed salt and there were about three shrimp on there cut into tiny pieces. There was no spice or sauce to speak of .. is this not the land of spicy well seasoned chile? Back in the day this chef was well renowned.. now I do not know what he is doing. This chef needs to better monitor this restaurant becasue the food is overpriced and mediocre. The food is not horrible.. I just expected well seasoned and well executed food when I am paying $15 for a tiny shrimp salad. If this was Top Chef Tom Colicchio would have ripped them a new (you know what). If you are a foodie this is NOT the place for you! It may have been THE place to be back in the 90's but now is just overhyped and overpriced. I guess I should have known better when we walked in at noon and our party of 8 was promptly seated. A better bet is La Fonda in the hotel. The food was well seasoned and the service was great.
(2)
Josh M.
Pasqual's is a true Santa Fe institution. It is pretty much THE brunch place in town and weekend and holiday waits for a table can extend past 1hr if you don't get there pretty darned early. Why is this? Well, since you ask, it's because the food is extraordinary and unusual. They do have traditional New Mexican classics like Huevos Rancheros (with particularly good red and/or green chile), but they also have great alternatives like blintzes, whole-wheat pancakes, Huevos Moultenos (with black beans, bananas, sour cream, etc.- yum) and their own ab-fab five-grain hot cereal that's just the ticket on a cool morning. They have a small number of tables, so there's usually a wait, but if you're the social type, they do have a community table that seats about 10 people, so you can sneak in faster if you're up for that.
(4)
Dawn G.
We were told there would be a 30 minute wait, but our table of five watched people come and go for an hour before we finally asked to be seated separately. My daughters sat at the communal table, and Stacy and I sat at a table for two. We were happy to be seated with the girls after 10 minutes when another couple finished at the same group table. But the wait was worth it. We started with a hot Mexican Chocolate and a hot White Chocolate. Both were superb! Later, I added a shot of espresso to the White Chocolate that made a delightful mocha. For breakfast, I had a trout hash that was fantastic! Large pieces of smoked trout with two poached eggs atop a stack of fried potatoes with salsa verde. The girls had a basil pesto omelet and breakfast quesadillas filled with eggs, cheese, and guacamole in a crispy (yet not greasy) tortilla. Stacy was disappointed with her heuvos moutelenos especially since she was told this was a "house favorite". I thought it had far to many black beans, so the rest of the dish was lost in them. All in all, this place is worth the visit, but get there early for breakfast or plan to wait an hour. Oh, and at $90 for a breakfast for 5 with the 18% gratuity added at checkout, there's no doubt that Pasqual's is on the high end. Good breakfasts can be had for nearly half this price.
(4)
Christian N.
Festive ambiance. Quality food and friendly service. Very popular and crowded, yet we did not feel rushed. Had a nice experience here. Would recommend this place to anyone, ONLY if you don't have to wait FOREVER in line. Do what we did and make reservations ahead of time. They said they don't take reservations, but if you have a large group, call and reserve, they'll take it! ;)
(4)
Joe M.
Not really a vegetarian restaurant, though vegetarians will find plenty of menu choices. Great for dinner (reservations help) and singles are welcome to sit at the shared table. A good place to have luscious dessert & coffee at 9 after most places in Santa Fe have closed for the night.
(4)
A C.
As recommended by other yelpers, I ordered the mole chicken enchiladas-- but took it to go. Probably one of best moles I've had, though the chicken was a bit dry. Loved the cilantro rice. Price was steep. Minus one star.
(3)
Larry F.
Great food, mole and pie
(5)
Amy B.
Extremely disapointing experience...have been here before, but did not like it this time at all. Even though we had a reservation, had to wait at least 25 minutes for our table...other diners probably running behind due to slow service!! At one point, there were 15 people trying to cram into the TINY entry way. On a cold night...who wants to wait outside?? It took 35 minutes between appetizer and entree!?! Tables that had been seated much later after we arrived were served their entrees before our table. Waiter seemed to disappear for long intervals and was not very friendly. My mom had the fish and it was very dry...my sister and I had the chicken mole....way too spicy and not very flavorful. Would not go back again even if "reputation' seem to keep it going. It was my mom's 75th BD dinner...took so long that the "surprise" dessert we had planned almost didn't make it as my mom wanted to leave restautant...as she was tired of waiting for the waiter to come back with a dessert menu (20 minutes after entrees were taken away). I say Adios to Cafe Pasquals...too many other good restaurants to go to that don't cost $170.00 for 4 people and respect your time and business!
(1)
Jeff H.
We had a fantastic breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Everything was fresh and tasted great. Service was wonderful. We will be back on every trip to Santa Fe.
(5)
J W.
Beautiful New Mexican cuisine! A Santa Fe landmark that is worth the wait and the crowd.
(5)
Fen Z.
Wow is this place expensive. The wait was a bit too long for 9:30 in the evening, and the food was somewhat uninteresting, though the best I've had in my little trip to Santa Fe. The desserts however were delicious; I recommend the French pastry with ice cream.
(3)
Sarah S.
I was visiting Santa Fe, NM last week and had a beautiful meal at Cafe Pasqual's. We walked in just before the dinner rush and were quickly ushered to the "Pretty Booth" which was very pretty and a perfect perch to enjoy the restaurant fill up as soon as we were seated. The diners were a mixture of mostly locals and a few out-of-towners. The Staff was as friendly and attentive as could be, we both enjoyed a local Santa Fe, Nut Brown with our meal. We had Tamales steamed in a Banana Leaf to start, I had a delightful Dandelion Salad as a light main; which was perfectly composed, and had great flavor play between savory and acidic. My friend had Enchiladas with a Mole Sauce we both licked our plates clean! I also loved the Orange Chiffon Cake, It was so fluffy. Can't wait to visit again !
(4)
Rochelle R.
Yummy! I ordered the tofu enchilada....I'm from LA, what do you expect? :) Actually, I ordered it because it sounded different. It was very good and inspired me to make my own version. The atmosphere was very good; it was crowded even on a weeknight around 9PM.
(5)
greg r.
expensive but very good. their huevos rancheros and everything else on the menu is fantastic. though in santa fe it is really hard to find a place with bad food. seriously.
(4)
Kate B.
This place was awesome! We came on the recommendation of my dad's barber, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong! The restaurant is small and simple, but the food is delicious. We showed up ~20 minutes before opening and there was already a line. Luckily, we managed to get in during the first wave. The service was efficient, the coffee kept coming and all 5 of us loved our meals. I decided to be adventurous and try the Huevos Moutelenos (bananas and eggs - sounded interesting) and it was delicious! We tried to come back the next day, but the line was ridiculously long. My only complaint about this place would be that they need to expand!
(5)
laurie c.
we stopped in for a dinner with no reservations (how are we to know, we're from out of town) but luckily got seated pretty quickly. Although the food and service was good, it was so busy and loud that we felt kind of rushed. It also seemed pretty pricey for what you get. After I returned home a few months later, I stumbled upon a cookbook and realized this place must be pretty famous. Hmm, perhaps it's gone to their heads?
(3)
Amy E.
Comfortable casual spot for lunch with a very extensive menu. We had no trouble getting a seat at the communal table. The food was very good, but it definitely caters to tourists -- $13 for huevos rancheros?!?
(4)
Daniel C.
We have been to Pasqual's a couple of times. While it is a Santa Fe institution and is known as a "must go to" location, that could be a little bit of an exaggeration. Yes, the food can be incredible. I had a veggie mole burrito with tofu and the first time I had it it was unbeatable. But sometimes just a little inconsistent. My wife's dishes were a little bit of a disappointment. With the prices being relatively high, I would like to see a little more consistency in the dishes. But when they are on, they are almost unbeatable.
(4)
Jessy B.
Okay, this is a must go for dinner - maybe even for a 2nd time. Food is really tasty - the mole tasted like chocolate. Nice ambience. Our waiter was very attentive, knowledgeable and nice. Yum Yum. My only complaint is that there is no hard alcohol - read: tequila. The wine list is good though. The lack of margaritas is my only reason for not giving this place 5 stars...
(4)
luke e.
i've enjoyed one of the best meals i can remember here. i had the filet mignon(niman ranch beef, google it) and my date had the ahi tuna. the filet(medium rare) could be cut with a fork, and could nearly be eaten without chewing...it literally melted in your mouth. the tuna was equally delicious, and again, took little effort to eat...everything just melted in your mouth. high quality food, and a high quality talented chef make this a memorable meal. the downside is that for two people, after the appetizers, entrees and drinks, the bill is well over $100. money well spent in my opinion, just a forewarning to those that may be on a budget. if you're passing through santa fe, and would like a memorable and delicious meal, be sure to stop here, you won't regret it.
(5)
abby z.
We got a reservation for 5:30 and we were lucky to have gotten anything at all. Pasqual's is kind of emblamatic of Santa Fe - it's small and crowded but beautiful with great, organic fun food that's a little on the steep side pricewise and very friendly service. I had the tofu mole enchiladas, which I wasn't too thrilled with, but that is because of personal issues where I was trying to give mole another chance but whups, no, still not too crazy about it. Our appetizers of warm brie and pupula (a corn cake) were wonderful though, and my mother's stuffed pepper was light and creamy and tasty. Definitely worth coming here, if only to scope out the metaphor.
(4)
Eric P.
had to wait a long time for a table for one for a late dinner, then the service was slow initially. however, once the wait staff hit its stride it was top notch for the rest of the evening. had the Nieman beef skewers, which were about the most tender and succulent beef I have ever had. the corn cake were an interesting pancake/crepe-like interpretation on the dish, with wonderfully inventive and tasty filling. the orange flan was a fittingly satisfying finish to a very good meal. noisy and busy for sure, but probably the best meal I had in my week in Santa Fe.
(4)
Suzanne K.
I expected a really good meal here, but my experience was totally unimpressive. I ordered the chili relleno and egg dish. To say it was ordinary may be giving it too much credit - there was no flavor at all. We sat at the community table which had the potential to be enjoyable, but It was so-so. According to the waiter, the chili relleno breakfast is one of their more popular dishes. Don't fall for it! If you go, pick something else. My tab came to $20 for 2 eggs, and one chili relleno with a side of black beans and coffee. Far and away the worst value of all the meals in my 5 days in the area. When the waiter picked up our check and payment, he asked us if we needed change (we put down $60 for a $44 bill), and after we told him that we did, he proceeded to pocket the whole amount. We had to ask for our change a second time, and gave him a lighter tip than we would have had he not presumed that we would be okay with him taking a 35% tip.
(1)
Hannah L.
Oh deliciousness. The coffee was a bit blah, but everything else was so delicous that I could barely care. Even the english muffin and the marmalade was spectacular. Ang and I sat at the big community table and there was such a feeling of togetherness that I almost asked the guy next to me if I could have a bite of his omelet with the plaintains in it. But the main event was the huevos rancheros. Goodness. The flavors were split into four quadrants with salsas with different tomatillos. It was like the fourth of July in my mouth. There was a party in there so large that it moved upstairs to me brain and made me so happy from head to toe. This is what huevos rancheros should be. And the restaurant was lovely. Bustling and a little bit chaotic, but still at its most crazed it doesnt have that energy that fills the air around the crass and entitled New Yorker. I loved it.
(5)
Benjamin K R.
Just a note most of the reviewers seem to have come here for lunch or dinner but Pasqual's absolutely shines as Santa Fe's spot for uspcale brunch.
(4)
Tom C.
We got luckier and were seated IMMEDIATELY when we got in there for lunch yesterday. Every other time we'd come by their little street corner, the line was out the door and sometimes around the block and that convinced us to make other plans, but I guess we hit the jackpot yesterday. Glad we hit it right because it was all jam packed by the time we left. Still, we got in there with the toddler and had a SUPER lunch out of it. I had the carnitas burrito special with green chili, and it had just the right amount of heat and oodles of supporting flavor to make me a happy luncher. The wife had a chicken sandwich, and my mom got the enchiladas. Everyone went away happy. The atmosphere is cozy and very Santa Fe. Overall, it was a lot of fun and worth the time. I'd love to go back again and focus more on the breakfast items that everyone is raving about. I know that they serve breakfast stuff right through lunch, but we were definitely in lunch mode yesterday. Someday...
(4)
R R.
This is some of the best food in Santa Fe and it's no wonder you will have to line up at the door, perusing a well-worn copy of their cookbook while you decide exactly what delicious thing to eat (mole enchiladas, corn bread chicken sandwich). While unbelievably expensive, especially for dinner, the food is always way beyond great. There is a breakfast dish that has green peas and bananas and it might sound weird, yes, but it is one of the best breakfasts I have ever had!
(5)
Maura P.
the chicken mole enchilada was amazing the corn pudding wedge served with it was so fantastic and the plaintains...my goodness! the servings are very decent in size and I couldn't even fit a dessert in after 3/4 of my enchilada. the hostess was a bit absent, but our waiter was fine. the leftover bags are adorable
(4)
Sophie S.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. Pasqual's is always satisfying. The communal table makes for interesting people watching and conversation, and the tables are great for an intimate dinner. Strangely this was one of the first places I ever had sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf, and it touched off a lifelong obsession. A great break/mix-up on the traditional Santa Fe cuisine.
(5)
J B.
Having arrived in Santa Fe very hungry, we decided to follow our nose to the closest place that looks good. The schnoz led us to the front door of Cafe Pasqual's. Apparently, during the tourist season the place is always packed but we are not in the "season" and went right in and sat down. New Mexican style food and decor is something that you will enjoy here. The food is top notch and breakfast is served all day. The Huevos Rancheros and the Lamb Burger were our dishes and we were immensely satisfied. I will probably go back there again before I leave.
(4)
Andrew J.
Wow... everyone gives this place 5 stars! i wish my experience was that good! It wasn't horrible... but I have quite a few complaints. First off, we were seated in the most cramped corner in the restaurant, we had to climb over each others chairs to get to our seats (we had to forget about using the restrooms at any point). I start to look at the wine list and pick out the Sutcliffe Colorado Pinot Nior, and when I go to order it, the waiter assumes I am ordering the merlot, and I QUICKLY correct him and tell him "no no no, definitely not the merlot, so the waiter cracks a bad joke referencing the movie "Sideways", which is a horrible movie... he made it seem like we were too young to know what good wine was... if he only knew. After this, the waiter disappears for quite a while after we are all quite eager to order. We finally flag down another waiter who is more than willing to take our order... I get the "Plato Supremo" ($34) which is a chile relleno, a chicken mole enchilada, red chile veggie tamale and a skewer of carne asada. Also ordered by the dining companions was a Thai green curry tofu dish ($28), a lamb chop/mashed potato dish ($38) and a seared rare ahi tuna dish($32). Now I mention the price because what we got, was in no way worth the price we paid, the portions were a bit off, and the flavor was a little lacking. There was a piece of paper found in the mashed potatoes, they gave me a green chile chicken tamale instead of the red chile veggie, the tuna was slightly overcooked and the curry had too much basil. But, the carrot soup that accompanied the tuna was amazing, as was the wine we picked. Also, another good experience was the host, she was the nicest person in the place, when she found out that we were locals, she came to our table and thanked us and gave us a bag of cookies! Now, one last problem that I MUST mention. When we were all just about finished, the busser came by and asked if we were finished, and all but one of us said yes (there was still some curry to be eaten). So he starts to walk away, and my friend says, "you can still take my plate though". He turns around and tells her, "no, I will come get them all together." then just walks away! Okay, now I understand that the proper way to bus a table is to take all of the plates at once when everyone is finished... but if the customer asks you to please take their plate, YOU NEVER REFUSE!!!! EVER! I had to keep myself from turning around and scolding him! I don't think I will EVER come back to this place... an extremely nice host doesn't make up for the things that went wrong.
(2)
Heather T.
It's been too long since I've been to Pasquale's. This is usually my must do for food in Santa Fe. The hubs and I planned this for a Sunday morning breakfast. We arrived fifteen minutes before opening and got seated right away. Within 30 minutes the place was packed. We started with a coffee and chai latte. The chai latte came in a large glass and was too much for me to finish. I also got a pineapple ginger juice to go which was cold and refreshing. For the main event I ordered the papas bravas with Christmas chili and 2 over easy eggs. The potatoes were cooked almost to the point of being too overdone. But the chili with melted cheese and over easy eggs was perfection. The hubs ordered the smoked trout hash. The fish was perfect and the saltiest thing on the plate. The rest of the ingredients were not salty which made for a really nice balance. We really enjoyed our brunch even if it was on the pricey side for what we ordered.
(4)
Matt M.
Such an unassuming place on the outside, but the people inside are so warm and welcoming and more than accommodating for larger parties. It's a bit cramped inside, and we were able to get in quick because of reservations, but I think the small atmosphere lends to the homey ambiance of the restaurant. I ordered the housemade tamales (one chicken, one cheese) with the Christmas sauce. I actually liked the cheese one more than the chicken, as the chicken had a little too much bitter taste to it (still good though). The sauces were really nice though, and the tamales were cooked perfectly (not too dry or too wet). yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe… For dessert I ordered the meyer lemon meringue tart. I love lemon meringue, and meyer lemons are one of my favorites. Take a look at the peaks on the meringue (see picture)! I've tried at home to get nice looking peaks like that, but have never been able to get them to look like this. The tart was not overly sweet, and I loved every bite. yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe…
(4)
Steve T.
The restaurant is small and during events like the Indian Market almost impossible to get into for breakfast and lunch but easy to make dinner reservations which is what we did. Cafe Pasqual's came highly recommended by people we met on our plane so we went despite that it is very pricey for dinner. The restaurant leans toward organic food so we expected good things. Our dinner was delicious and the service was attentive without being over bearing. There are some strange food pairings on their menu but they are happy to substitute which is nice. Desserts here are stellar. I would definitely return.
(4)
Rich C.
We love Cafe Pasqualles! They have great food, friendly and attentive waiters, and a quirky atmosphere that's, well, very Santa Fe! We always have the toasted Brie appetizer and a glass or two of the house wine, which has always been very good, but our entrees vary from them to time depending upon what's on the menu. The last trip I had salmon with a yellow coconut curry sauce which was outstanding. I was a little weary to order it; curry can be delicious or it can be overpowering. In this case, the coconut curry was subtle and delicious. I just love the atmosphere, I wish Pasqualles was here in Albuquerque, but it's definitely worth the drive."!
(5)
Tanner P.
Second time going here. This time was not as good as the first. It was Easter morning, I'll give them....but there was only a 5 minute wait to be seated and the service literally took forever before we could even order ... (about 35 minutes of sitting at a table with only a glass of water). The server was friendly. The food quality depended on what we ordered. I ordered pancakes, eggs, bacon and a Bhakti chai tea. Ok, so everything I ordered aside from the bacon tasted completely watered down and was nearly tasteless. The chai was basically water with a shy hint of actual chia. The pancakes were dry... Oh and they charge $3 for extra syrup (it says directly on the menu). Though ordered at the same time, my partner's chai was forgotten about, then delivered after we had been waiting for it for about 20 minutes after I got mine. His tasted just as bad as mine. I realize one doesn't travel to Santa Fe, NM to have the world's best Bhakti chai, but if you can't get it right, just take it off the menu and stick to the traditional foods of the area. Overall, I expected better because I've had better at this establishment. The staff did not seem stressed or busy at all (they were very casual and easy going), though they were definitely working all about. I'd give it a "meh" because I HAVE experienced better in Santa Fe with that same price range.
(2)
Kelsey C.
Usually when I believe a place deserves five stars it's because they really deserve five stars, here I wish I could give more than a four but still less than four and a half for three reasons, they re-use glasses that have already touched the tables on other tables without cleaning them and they have these water containers that got left on our table twice and reused so the cleaning standards aren't perfect and two when we first walked in and then we got seated about ten minutes after I checked in (with reservation of course ten minutes without reservation here is as far as I can see unheard of at 7:15) and we got our water and then we were left alone no drinks besides water which was fine for me but the person I was with wanted a glass of wine, now I'm from Texas so as she said things are a little different, but from my (perhaps spoiled view of good service standards) perspective we were left alone for too long and to be honest I was a little peeved before we even met our waiter. Now the reason I can't give this place five stars is not based off of my experience however of these five peoples' who waited for their reservation right in front of us - for around an hour after their reservation. Now if this was based off my own experience I'd probably bump it up one more star but seeing as how they stood for an hour after their reservation, I personally think that this is at least worth note. I mean they were offered some other options and they chose to wait for the right sized table but I watched the clock it was an hour so if you're having a party with approximately ten people this is perfect and for small tables of two, three, and four are perfect but anything over that all the way up to ten you should probably go somewhere else unless the incident I saw was isolated which I don't believe it was as even small groups with reservations have to wait at least ten minutes, we got really lucky. The people that waited for an hour were a group of five and I think only two or three of the tables are equipped to seat exactly that, any bigger and they will try to save it, unless someone takes too long with dinner and they're desperate. Now onto the rest of the evening and other tips for this place. I got the reservations three and a half weeks in advance which as most people will tell you is recommended and I asked for seven but that time was already gone, this wasn't a big deal as I got one for fifteen minutes later but if you want to eat here at a decent time you need to reserve at least two weeks in advance because walk ins had to make reservations for times like ten thirty. They're booked. The party in particular that I'm talking about was a party of two who walked in two hours before their "reservation". Anyhow after our waiter finally remembered us things picked up. We actually way over ordered - but it all sounded so good that we couldn't resist - we ordered that day's appetizer which were fried squash blossoms stuffed with cream cheese served over arugula. We also got some tamales where we got the choice between the green chile and the red sauce tamales we got one of each, but dug into it before I could get a picture. Now the green chile tamale had a little bit of a bite to me but I love spicy food, and have the tolerance for it the person I was eating with does not and thought that they were moderately spicy, this was her favorite of the two, I personally liked the other one more but then again it was too hot for her to barely stand and she couldn't eat her half. Anyhow the fried blossoms were amazing as well, and I think it was worth feeling stuffed afterwards. Next our entree, we both had to get the mole chicken enchiladas because we both really wanted them, and I for some stupid reason didn't think sharing was a good idea these are not normal enchiladas, these are burrito sized enchiladas. We should have shared we both had an enchilada left over so sharing would've been perfect and we both liked different sides but I thought I was too hungry for that, dear goodness. The mole was fantastic as were the enchiladas. All of the sides fantastic, I devoured the torte as soon as I tasted it. It's sweet and really rounds out the spicy mole and that's coming from me, my companion didn't complain about the spiciness but she loved the mole so much I imagine no amount of spiciness could have deterred her she loved the rice served with it which I personally thought was a little bland but we both loved the jimica salad, which added a lot of freshness. Honestly I thought the rice could have been left off the dish, it didn't add anything. Then I broke and ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate. I was already stuffed but I read on here that it is amazing so I had to try it. I would do it again, it was worth having to be rolled out of there. Also the owner and or manager (I suspect a little bit of both) came up and talked to us, will be going back. Great food, good service.
(4)
Julie T.
This brunch place place probably doesn't need my review. By the time we got there when it opened, it was already a 20 mins wait. The food was the best I had in nm so if you have a layover or limited time, this is the one place you must go. Their red and green chile with eggs and stewed bananas were a great mouthful of flavor! Their chorizo was a burst of spiciness that makes you want to keep digging in. Go there and you won't regret it.
(4)
Susan B.
I do not throw five stars out lightly. I've only done it at one other restaurant, my local favorite. This was where my daughter and I ate our first night in Santa Fe this spring. It was, we agree, one of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. Great atmosphere, good service, good wine and the food was just simply amazing. Reservations are essential and it is absolutely worth the time you'll wait to get a table.
(5)
Tallie T.
We have been going to this restaurant for 20 years. Every time I wonder if it is worth going back. The prices are insane for what you get and I do not think they spend a lot of effort cleaning. One patron sitting next to us was allowed to bring in her dog (on its own chair). That said their Mole sauce is excellent and they always have a few dishes that are perfect - so - excellent on food but...
(3)
Alli A.
This has become my favorite breakfast spot in Santa Fe. Great cup of coffee! Great atmosphere and love the community table.
(5)
Amy R.
It's been 7 years since my last visit to Santa Fe and to Cafe Pasqual's and I wondered if it would still live up to the amazing meals in my memory. The answer is a big yes. We visited earlier tonight. I forgot to make a reservation until one day earlier so the only dinner options were 5:30 or 8:30. Early bird special, it is! Nina was our server and we were in excellent and kind hands. We ordered the pupusa to start and it looked small but was extraordinary. Every component worked and was delicious. We shared the scallop entree and it came with only two scallops but the portion turned out to be satisfying. It was served with what seems like a simple saffron rice, naked sugar snap peas and crispy leeks (these were very yummy). We debated ordering more food but opted to go right to dessert. Nina gave us recommendations and we were torn. There's a dessert sampler..,pastry chef's choice. Lucky us...it included generous servings of the three most suggested items! (We ordered the small.) Wow! My husband is not a chocolate lover in the slightest but he fell hard for the chocolate budino. I was surprised by the tres leches cake that was, by far, the best version of this I've ever had. The peach blueberry pie had a whipped cream with vanilla bean specks that was so good. On the 4 or 5 trips I've made up Santa Fe in my life, I have visited Cafe Pasqual's once or twice on each trip and have never had anything but raves across the board.
(5)
Pe A.
Very unique restaurant. We were referred here. Very tiny. Bathroom hallway is very claustrophobic lol. The drink menu was extensive but was really made up of non-mainstream stuff. Tried 3 of their beverages and ended up asking for coke and they didn't offer it so I just got water. The drink situation really was frustrating but the food was totally amazing. We had the enchilada lady blue and the carne asada. Both so delicious. However, near the end of my meal I found a gray hair...then another gray hair. Both short. Don't think we will return. But the staff was nice.
(3)
Matt H.
Had breakfast at this small joint - lucky to get the last table before the line started forming since they don't take recommendations for anything but dinner. I had the chorizo burrito and my wife had huevos rancheros with tofu instead of eggs. Overall, the food was tasty. I would have preferred no potatoes but next time. The service was very attentive, friendly and inviting. Would definitely go back for another meal.
(4)
M B.
So everyone says this place is great. I have been twice...the menu is quirky, and inventive but you will be amazed. Try something new! The food is awesome, the atmosphere is busy, eclectic and welcoming. If you are not sure try it...this place doesn't disappoint.
(5)
Roy H.
Lively atmosphere, great food, friendly service. We'd go back in a minute when visiting Santa Fe!
(4)
Ellen G.
Really good. I had the green chili BLT. It was outstanding and the kale salad was soooooooo delicious as a side. Hubs had the blue lady enchiladas. Those were really good but the BLT was the showstopper.
(5)
Erica L.
I visit Santa Fe every few months for work, and this is always at the top of my list as a must visit. Especially coming alone, the communal table is a gem. Great conversations and awesome people are pretty much guaranteed. I've stuck with more traditionally Santa Fe options because I'm always in the hunt for green chile. The tamales, mole enchiladas, and zucchini red and or green chile enchiladas are really to die for. The latter comes with a deliciously moist, sweet corn bread, steamed spinach, cilantro rice, and some corn sprinkled on the spicy but flavorful green chile smothered enchiladas. I can't get enough and I'm tempted to come here every night!
(5)
Jocelyn B.
While driving across the country, delicious meals are my top priority, rivaling a clean bed and avoiding car trouble. So we take restaurant choice really seriously. This was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had in my life, and that's really saying something. Deep, complex, rich spiced flavors without too much heat in the Chile rellenos, perfectly complemented by poached eggs. I would have bought a vat of the salsa if they sold it. Dark, roasty coffee. The corn bread is completely different from what we expected, but wow so delicious and crumbly and toasty and yum. Adorably decorated, with what I've gathered is quintessential Santa Fe kitsch-decor, including a (claustrophobic) but truly gorgeous bathroom. We went around 11ish and were seated right away, but it would have been worth the wait if we'd arrived at a busier time. Perhaps the was our server, Arturo, who shamelessly and sweetly hit on my wife. I'd say he didn't bat an eyelash when we explained that we're married to each other, but he did bat his eyelashes in the most charming of ways. He gave us great recommendations for how to spend our sole day in Santa Fe, and his dessert suggestions were outstanding: a chocolate walnut brownie masquerading as a cookie, and this little creamy chimney custard situation whose proper name I can't recall. Wowee wow wow this was a spectacular meal. Highly recommend!
(5)
Tony Y.
very friendly service. the $5 coffee, being organic at all, was actually pretty worth it. Definitely one of the better breakfast i've had overall. but then mexican food is great all meals a day. it was really cool to have the owner come by and check on us. very healthy menu, and great place to get out of the cold.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
Super-tasty pancakes, delicious grilled polenta with red chile, but not-so-great breakfast quesadilla. To be fair, that quesadilla was probably a dumb thing to order in the first place. I really wanted to try the BLT, but they wouldn't serve it to me before 11a, so our sweet waitress said she would put the chili bacon in a quesadilla. The chili bacon was the only good thing about it. Aside from the food, this place is way over-priced and the decor is unappetizing.
(3)
Amber A.
Super cool, eclectic restaurant in Sante Fe. Food was awesome, service was great. Left full and happy.....and with a cookbook and the best chocolate bar I have ever had. I was with coworkers and we got salads, split the Mole Enchilada and Fish dishes. De-licious!!
(4)
Tess B.
Delicious, I had the lamb and it was so incredibly flavorful. Plus the atmosphere there is so great. Adorable corner of Santa Fe.
(5)
Dawn W.
This place is so amazing that we went twice in two days. Enough said. Just go, trust me.
(5)
Xavier R.
This restaurant is in the middle of the plaza area and was a great find. The decorations are very Mexican inspired and the food was very good. I tried the quinoa burger with a side salad- very tasty. The place is busy but the staff are attentive and polite.
(4)
Wendy B.
We finally got into to eat here since there is usually a long wait. I loved my dish with the chili Relleno and a chicken enchilada. Next time I will try their tamales. Very good but very expensive!!!
(4)
Matt D.
I'm so glad we got to come eat here while in town. Everything from the wine selection to the quality of food was dialed in. The portion size was good and great for sharing with a significant other. There's a reason this place has been around for as long as it has and won so many awards.
(5)
Taffany H.
Cafe Pasquale came highly recommended to us by two locals who were total strangers to us. First was a guy we sat next to on the plane while traveling to NM, the second was the Bandelier NPS volunteer. When we finally made our way to Pasquale Cafe, parking could be a bit challenging but not a formidable task. Getting a seat during a rush Sunday Brunch/Lunch hours, however, required a bit of patience. After putting our name down on the wait-list, the really friendly host called us in after the 30 minutes wait and we were seated in a very bustling cafe with tables occupied by locals and tourists alike. The sights and smells of great food and good looking green chile made us indecisive for what the one thing we could order since this would be the one and only meal we'd have in Santa Fe. We deferred the judgement to our friendly waiter who promptly suggested the Blue Lady Enchiladas and the Polenta bowl. OMG, this was the best enchiladas I've ever had in my life!!! I had mine with carne asada that was sandwiched in between two corn tortillas, and blanketed with red sauce,gooey cheese, and green chile. The carne asada was juicy, tender and perfectly seasoned. I just couldn't believe that I've finally found the best enchiladas worth a 3 hour plane ride and an hour drive just for a taste. And yes, the polenta with red chile chorizo, sweet corn and two over easy eggs was just as good, the red chile sauce was savory with a little kick of spice to keep you awake. The service was super friendly, New Mexico Nice--which is quite on par with Minnesota Nice. Definitely worth a trip and the wait. Can't wait to come back again soon!
(5)
Sherry C.
Very tiny restaurant. Food was great and costy, the green juice tastes pretty good. The service was poor.
(4)
Sandy F.
30 min wait for good food but very over priced for breakfast. Service was fair to poor.
(3)
Keith B.
That Hurt Pasqual's has been around for many years and is quite popular. It is definitely best to make reservations for dinner. Ours was for 8:30pm and we still had to wait a while for a table. For a casual, fun place, the prices are very high. Across the board the food was good, but not great, especially for what was charged. The best item was the Carne Asada appetizer. Oh yeah, also the chocolate meringue cookie that came with our dessert. Service was a mish-mash. It was hard to know who our waiter was since we were visited by several different servers. Because of that we were double-charged for one item and since they hand-write their bills, it was hard to see. I would not go back for dinner. $155 was way too much for what the two of us got. I might try breakfast or lunch, but I wouldn't wait if there was a line. I just don't get the popularity of this place. It is a drive, but go instead to "Jambo's" which has more flavor for less than half the price.
(3)
Deane L.
For our final night in Santa Fe, we decided to return to Cafe Pasqual's for the first time in about 8 years. I ordered the pan-seared Scallops and, though I have eaten them all over the world, I can attest that they were the finest I have ever eaten. My wife had a wonderful salmon dish, and the couple with us also loved their meals. We enjoyed a nice Sauvignon Blanc and finished the evening with some wonderful flan and French press coffee with wonderful service and a nice atmosphere. All together a night to remember. Deane L
(5)
Pete H.
We were driving across country with one night in Santa Fe so we wanted a meal that was memorable. Based on reviews and suggestions from locals we came here and were not disappointed. All of the food was delicious. The waiter was awesome giving us many tips on places to visit. We left with a hand drawn map on a napkin. But the best part was sitting at the communal table where we met members of a cult who invited us to pray with them and told us all about their "philosophy" and in the end tried to recruit us making for the quintessential Santa Fe experience.
(4)
Esteban R.
My wife and I love this place! It not only some of the best breakfast/brunch/lunch in Santa Fe but Ivan and Arturo are by far our favorite servers in town. My 2 favorite items on the menu are the quinoa burger and the BLT. I always get them with the kale salad which is a must have. My wife always gets something new and is never disappointed. Pasquale's is always packed and whether your a local or tourist you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Dominic S.
Excellent food, excellent wine, a little on the pricey side. We went for dinner and had a great experience. Lots of people we talked to recommended breakfast but we did not make it there as we looked for places where we could take our dog. This was not one of them. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Santa Fe. I'd recommend a reservation for dinner as the place is quite small and there really is no waiting area to speak of.
(4)
Cynthia C.
Fantastic meal in Santa Fe! Make sure to make reservations. The menu, while not extensive, appears to have something for everyone. Waitstaff was very nice and helpful. Can't wait to go again when next in Santa Fe!
(5)
Arwen O.
The food is really quite good but I have seldom encountered such appalling service. We went for dinner and I was quite taken aback at how rude and unhelpful the hostess was. She almost refused to seat us away from a briskly blowing air conditioner, and even had the temerity to tell me it was colder at our eventual table, which blatantly wasn't true. Then, when I tried to help out by bringing some of our table settings over to the new table, she actually snapped at me and told me not to approach the table until it was set for us. We'd heard such great things about the place that we stayed anyway, and the food was wonderful (salmon baked in a banana leaf with sticky rice and green papaya salad) and our waiter helpful. We decided to give it a try for brunch later that weeked (their specialty) and our waiter was almost as snarky and rude as the hostess had been, and the famed corned beef hash was dry to boot. It may be some of the best food in Santa Fe, but I won't be back.
(3)
James H.
EXCELLENT and unique meals, but be ready: it is EXPENSIVE. $13-18 per breakfast plate. So, a splurge, but worth it.
(4)
Thomas B.
My family enjoyed a wonderful meal here tonight during our spring break holiday in New Mexico. The food is advertised as being locally sourced. All of it was quite good. I had an appetizer of dates wrapped in prosciutto that was unusual but the flavors really came together. My son had the carne a dada and polished it off. My wife loved her quinoa burger. Desserts were also very good. My espresso milkshake was amazing. My only suggestion would be to encourage them to expand their beer selection. It was a bit limited.
(5)
Patron X.
Love, love, love to brunch here, and so does everyone else so prepare for an absurdly long wait. If you have the time then it's worth it. Everything I've had from egg dishes, to salads, to sandwiches have been delicious and the place is super cute with friendly servers. Whether you're a meat eater or vegetarian you'll find something on the menu that you'll love. I haven't ever been for dinner because the pricing for dinner seems absurdly high for the casualness of the restaurant but maybe one day.
(5)
Amaryl P.
We LOVED Pasqual's! The food was the best mole sauce we've had since we've been on our vacation. The atmosphere is very European: small, quaint, it's our pleasure to be here. We loved our time there. Our best food in Sanfa Fe!
(5)
Zia L.
Huevos Barbacoa was amazing and you get a lot of food. Lattes are pretty good too.
(5)
J S.
Came across this place by accident while we were headed to another restaurant. The dishes were delicious and we enjoyed the dining atmosphere. A little pricey but it was a nice treat. We ordered the Plato Supremo but the Barbacoa was definitely our favorite.
(5)
Isabelle L.
This was very overrated and overpriced. The food was just ok as well as the service. They didn't have diet coke which is worth a star haha.
(2)
Jak K.
We have eaten here two nights in succession and the food is terrific. Service is excellent as well. Amazing and inventive combinations drawing from all kinds of cuisines. We are hooked. Portions are very generous. Only eaten about half both nights but wished I could have eaten more.
(5)
Grass W.
a little bit over priced, but the food was good!
(4)
Maresa T.
Possibly my favorite Santa Fe restaurant. Amazing vegetarian selection that is seasonal and changing. I like to go there for dinner even though it is known for breakfast/brunch. Fabulous wine list too.
(5)
Anthony R.
Great food but overall wayyyyy to expensive for a small crowded restaurant with a diner atmosphere. It's great that everything is organic but overpriced small portions are incredibly hard to deal with. I don't know what makes Pasqual's such a hot spot in Santa Fe beside the reputation.
(1)
Adriana M.
Arrived when they opened for dinner. We were sat immediately but they did ask if we had a reservation. Staff was friendly enough. Loved that the menu had vegetarian and gluten free options for most of the items on the menu. Wine and beer list was good too. Our food was delicious. The gazpacho was the best thing we had. Thought it was a little pricey for the portion size but would probably still go back.
(4)
H R.
Delicious! Cubano Sammy with tomatillo salsa and red cabbage slaw was terrific, as we're the fish tacos with kale salad. Cozy place and busy at lunch, but efficient as well. I'd come here again.
(5)
Sheba G.
First of all, the wait wasn't that bad...we only waited 20 minutes for a table of 4. I started off with the elderberry spritzer (non-alcoholic). It was so refreshing and different (in a good way) since it's not a drink typically seen on menus. Our family had the lamb tacos specials, carne asana tacos and the vegetarian chile relleno and enchilada combo. The lamb tacos were so tasty! The cilantro rice was killer! The chile relleno had so much cheese oozing out....everything was deli push. Service was great too - friendly & helpful. I loved that they didn't rush us out even though there was a wait too.
(5)
Sandy G.
Ate here today and had a great time. We were seated at the community table, OTW we would have had to wait. I ordered the quinoa burger with kale salad in the side. It was fresh, organic, and savory. Yum. We also shared a press pot of coffee and were treated to macaroon style cookie to finish off the meal, which was delicious. The service was good and the food super satisfying!
(5)
Vic T.
Expectations for a flavorful sante fe breakfast will be well fulfilled here, along with great menu suggestions. We will return for more this visit and next
(5)
John C.
Solid breakfast choice, went with the Christmas style chorizo breakfast burrito and wasn't disappointed. Would come again
(4)
Mr G.
Really enjoyed both our meals here. Breakfast was next level... I would recommend the Polenta (has green chiles inside) with chorizo with red chile and corn. It came with two eggs which I got poached. Amazing meal, and even though they were very busy.. our waiter was calm, relaxed, and professional. He never once made us feel rushed or that we should leave in order to seat more folks. That's pretty classy b/c this place gets very busy. No lie, it's a tight squeeze in there.. but it's not a huge place, so it actually makes sense. I loved it, and we went back for dinner the following night.. equally good. Thanks for the meal's pasqual's people!
(5)
Elle L.
During our 2 days in Santa Fe, we ate here as well as at The Shed and Luminaria (inside Inn and Spa at Loretto). All were good meals, but our favorite was Cafe Pasqual's. A friend of mine said that her favorite was breakfast. I liked lunch better. I wish I could go back for the dinner menu.
(5)
Jennifer D.
While walking through the plaza, the boyfriend and I passed a large crowd and long line for Pasqual's. Once again, we were attracted to the crowdedness and made note to come back for lunch. We came back on a Saturday around noon. The restaurant was already full, but there was only 1 party ahead of us, and we were told that our wait would be about 5 - 10 minutes. The host also offered communal seating if that opened up first. Not too shabby. The ambiance of the restaurant is very "Santa Fe" - lots of artsy Native American decor, lots of patrons in yoga gear, and I'm pretty sure I saw an iPad at various tables. We were quickly seated at a small table. I quickly scanned the many local, organic New Mexican options, but went straight to Yelp to help me decide. I finally decided on the huevos rancheros and SO THANKFUL that the boyfriend decided to get the smoked trout hash. He is getting better mind reading. The huevos rancheros tasted average. Two over-easy eggs nesting on top of a bed black beans that hide a layer of melted jack cheese and corn tortilla. It was difficult to get ALL of those elements into one bite since the eggs and beans were runny and the corn tortilla was difficult to "slice." Also, I asked for a side of green and red chile, so the small saucers that contained them were set right on the eggs. When I tried to move the saucers off the plate, it revealed broken egg whites, so the yolk ran everywhere. The smoked trout hash was delicious, though more potato than smoked trout. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but a BIIIIT overhyped.
(3)
Maggie P.
You will probably have to wait about half an hour or more, but it is definitely worth it. The staff are all extremely friendly and accommodating. My mom and I went across the street into a shop while we waited, and the host came in calling our name to find us before going on to the next person. The food is absolutely marvelous; I had the mango chicken quesadilla and wouldn't have changed a thing. The place is small with a lot of traditional-looking decorations and has just wonderful ambiance. Sit at the community table if you can! You meet neat people.
(5)
Rachel E.
We came for breakfast on Friday expecting to beat the crowds...no such luck. We were told the wait would be about 20 minutes - it was more like 30. (I have a hard time holding that against them since it's SO hard to estimate, but we were hungry so I'm going to anyway.) Coffee was ok, a little weak for my personal taste. But they did come by to refill it frequently along with our waters. But then, my chile relleno came out. O.M.G. It was really that good. My boyfriend ordered the huevos rancheros and said it was good, although he did agree my food was better (shocking, I know). We left stuffed and happy. Would definitely recommend for breakfast.
(4)
Joe S.
$25 for a plate of enchiladas and they don't have a full liquor license? Soooo overrated.
(1)
Al Z.
Two reviews: Breakfast and Dinner.... Don't let the "vegetarian" word in the descriptor scare are you away- there's plenty of meat here. And if there's no line, it means you got lucky. There's almost always a line (and for dinner- get reservations!). The menu has not changed much over the years, and neither has the decor. But for some reason, it still works. It's like coming home. You anticipate the meal, the flavors, the welcoming dining room and staff. Breakfast: Coffee (excellent), juice that certainly tasted fresh, and 3 different entrees. Pasqual's is THE place to trust the chef and kitchen for ingredient blends you wouldn't normally consider. Bananas, peas, black beans, eggs and "Christmas" chile (red and green), excellent. Corned beef hash with chile? Mmmm. And "basics" like a chorizo burrito served Christmas-style is tasty and you'll want more- but you're too full for now. Service is quick and if there's a line, take a seat at the community table. Dinner: you need reservations. But if you don't, the staff tries real hard to get you in...but it might be a while. But when you get your table, the service rivals any. Top notch. I believe it's hard to find a "miss" on the menu (can't speak to the vegetarian menu). The nopales salad is a must, tacos, lamb, yucatan pork- all hits, including the sides. Great blends of flavors, colors and textures. Definitely has the flavors you are looking for in the southwest without being just a plate of tacos or enchiladas. It's creative and tasty, and pulls influences from every corner of the globe. Dessert? Portions large enough that you may want to give up- but try to save room for one. On the way out, pick up some cookies that are made in-house. Best around. Yes, it's been here forever, and yes, every tourist goes here, and yes, parts of the menu haven't changed forever. That said, if you are going through Santa Fe, cafe Pasqual is a must-stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Strike that. Make it "and" instead of "or"
(5)
Karen W.
Good food, nice espresso - great place to come for breakfast. Food was flavorful, espresso was bold with nice crema. Service was excellent. Espresso very nice but expensive - 4 dollars per cup.
(4)
Robin S.
Very yummy breakfast food after a long wait - definitely falls into the same category as Mama's in San Francisco (Is it worth it?). We got there on a Sunday 10 minutes after opening, and we were told it would be 40 minutes. We browsed a nearby shop for 20 minutes and came back to find out they had called us and had been bumped. We were assured it wouldn't be another 40 minutes, but it was. The service was very good, but the food did take its time, making the entire experience about 2 and a half hours (for eggs!). The chile relleno was amazing, probably the best I've ever had. The Huevos Montulenos were weird and, in the right mouth, good - but I was on the fence. The Rancheros were awesome though. The orange juice was from concentrate, unfortunately, but I guess that's to be expected inland. If you ain't got shit else to do, I recommend going.
(3)
Sarah F.
After all of my years of going here...I have never considered giving it anything below 5 stars. I've been for brunch, lunch, & dinner and am never disappointed. The menu stays fresh with new specials but concrete with it's old time favorites. Pasqual's stays true to New Mexican cuisine traditionals but always adds it's own twist. I am and will always be in love with this place. A must go to if you are in Santa Fe. I suck (or maybe rock) and always order the Free range chicken breast sandwich. It is so good I bought the cookbook so I could try and recreate this masterpiece in center city Philadelphia...still working on it though. What makes the sandwich is the homemade green chili corn bread and the caramelized onions and jalapenos. A must have. You also can't go wrong with the corn beef hash or juevos montulenos for breakfast. Dessert: Order a date shake if they have it. It will blow your mind. The most savory caramely taste you will ever experience Now with every good place you have to wait to get a table. Truly anticipate a 45 min wait if you are going for brunch when they don't take reservations. Put your name in and enjoy being a block away from the plaza. Enjoy!
(5)
Sadie C.
How I wish Pasquals had a little outpost in Vancouver. The high ceilings, the cozy feelings, the well established restaurant vibes and the FOOD! 6 months later, I am still thinking about that cornbread BLT with watermelon gazpacho. It just felt like a treat to be there and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
claire g.
Some dishes really good (veg chile relleno) some blah (veg enchilada - unseasoned tofu and spinach) Kids dishes very overpriced - $10 for a simple burrito but it was large so could be split. Great service and nice atmosphere.
(4)
Tony S.
Another great meal at Pasqual's. The food (see details below) was top notch as always, the service was professional, and we finally got a window table. ;-) It's pricey, but felt it's worth it. But, you should expect a wait for table (see note at bottom). FOOD & DRINK: Ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate with Soy Milk served in a pint glass. It was to die for! Great balance of sweet & creamy. GRIDDLED POLENTA WITH SAUTÉED CHORIZO, CORN & RED CHILE I get this every time because it's that good. Simple, but perfectly made. Pricey, but oh so tasty. The portion is large enough to share - $15 MAGA'S CHEESE BLINTZES - OMG! The best blintzes we've ever had a restaurant, including Jewish Delis in NYC. Light, fluffy and perfectly done. They even rivaled my Mom's recipe for Russian Blintzes from the Old Country (she doesn't Yelp, so please don't tell her!) - $14 and they were totally worth every mouthful! PASQUAL'S WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES - very good pancakes with lots of body, texture and good jam & syrup. But, given the price of $10, we would probably order something more exotic next time. NOTE: There is nearly always a wait. For Sunday breakfast, we arrived 30 minutes before they opened. Got a nice table, but still had to wait another 15 minutes since the entire restaurant filled up at once (we were, however, pre-warned about this possibility when we called the night before. Thought you should know too!) But, we're willing to wait for this food. Enjoy!
Not a great experience. I came to Santa Fe solo for a few days. I loved their menu and the casual atmosphere. But the entire staff seemed to go out of their way to make me feel unwelcome for dining alone. The hostess asked me twice what I wanted before she gave me a table. I am a fairly well-dressed guy with means, who tips very well. So its not like I looked homeless. They just didn't seem to want me there, even on a very slow Wednesday night. I ended up leaving before ordering (after the third waiter gave me a few rude comments). Very disappointing. Oh well, I took my business elsewhere.
(1)
Cyndy L.
We enjoyed breakfast today at Pasqual's although not sure I would brave the crowds again any time soon. If you go to this place with the word "amazing" in your head, you may be slightly disappointed, but if you go simply expecting very good and creative breakfast food, you should come away satisfied. The huevos motuleños and griddled polenta were both tasty with interesting flavors. Kids enjoyed their (big) wheat pancakes. The fantastical piñatas hanging from the ceiling were a fun decorative touch.
(4)
D R.
Very very good food but seemed somewhat inconsistent, service was uneven, and price is expensive. Carne asada was delicious on one visit, just good on another. I see the appeal, but think all the rave reviews are somewhat overrated.
(4)
john a.
Heard good things about the restaurant so stopped by today. Food was good. French press coffee was excellent. Service was slow which only added to the 20 min wait. Place was cramped and hot. I won't frequent the place but may stop by once a month or so...
(3)
Lauren T.
DO NOT believe the hype! The food was very mediocre at best--my $28 vegetarian southwestern combo was bland, mushy, cold and watery. The mole was atrocious and tasted like I ate a bowl of potpourri. Coming from Texas, I have really ridiculously high standards for what constitues good Mexican-inspired dishes. This place...no. Maybe their other items are worthy of the rave reviews, but for this gal, absolutely not. Cafe Pasquale's is a total tourist trap and a "everyone else says it's good, so I will too" kind of place. The worst offense is the PRICE. Oh my god...I am not cheap by any means and will happily pay a pretty penny for a tasty well-prepared meal. However, $30 for a very mediocre Mexican combo plate is obscene, especially when it probably cost them $5 to make. Ugh. I felt ripped off and would love to spare another traveler from that feeling! Don't do it! This is not a real Mexican restaurant!
(2)
RaDar T.
Hands down the most delicious breakfast place in all the land! We dined at a communal table which made for great entertainment. Didn't want to want for a separate table, so we decided to sit there and meet some new people. They recommended the hot chocolate so we had to order. The best choice we made all day! The sweetest and most chocolate filled drink in the world! The pancakes are a must try. They are so flavorful and yummy! Also, the thick turkey bacon was great. Must try this breakfast cafe which is in a great location!
(5)
FortSki G.
One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Fe. We stopped in for a Halloween dinner which by no surprise was wonderful. - stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and pomegranate (one of my families favorites albeit it was a bit bland that evening) - cioppino (the broth base is unbelievable) - figs wrapped in prosciutto - ice cream sunday (homemade ice cream) If you visit Santa Fe, we highly recommend making a reservation or waiting for a meal at Pasqual's. If you are a breakfast lover... you will be blown away.
(4)
Kelly M.
Good breakfast burrito. But the green chili wasn't the stew that I know and love. More like chopped canned green chiles with a little bit of juice. Still good. Oct 31 Yelp Challenge: #18/31
(4)
R B.
There's a reason this place is famous! Try the slow cooked barbacoa breakfast, or the pan fried polenta. The rich sauces really make these dishes. Don't miss the pastries in the case as you're checking out, they're made in-house and just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth after a spicy meal! It's worth waiting if there's a LONG line, trust me!
(5)
Hungry T.
Delicious fun! We ate a late breakfast here and had to wait over an hour to be seated at the communal table in the middle of the restaurant (two things that we always try to avoid!). But at Pasquale's it was all part of the experience. Breakfast burrito, chile relleno and polenta all were amazing! Whole wheat pancakes are also a must have! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jane D.
Everyone told me to go. They all raved about Pasqual's. While the food was okay, the service barely passed as marginal. We went around 1100 and there was about a 20 minute wait, which is typical from what I understand. We sat at the communal table and met the people on either side of us. Everyone was frustrated at the number of flies and the slow service (one man's meal was entirely forgotten about). It seemed as if there was only one server for the entire restaurant and one bus boy. The server looked like he was about to pull his hair out. The food was okay. The toast for my sandwich was burnt and a little too crunchy for my taste. Our neighbor felt his meal was slightly bland. Bland is an overall good description of the entire experience. It has cool ambiance and I can see how it would be a favorite of many if just a few things had been different. I'm counting on the fact that I was just there on an off day and would be willing to try again.
(3)
Jen N.
This is VERY good, higher-end mexican food in Santa Fe. It is a quaint restaurant with a lot of crunchy/earthy characteristics. We started with dates filled with goat cheese and wrapped with grilled prosciutto. Yum. We then shared a sampler plate which consisted of a tamale, chile relleno and an enchilada with mole sauce, accompanied by a sweet plantain. It was a huge plate and plenty to share. Mole here = top two best I have had. It was a classier version of the other mole I like in Austin at some restaurant I cannot remember near the W (helpful, I know). Wine and beer selection was nice as well. It was a cozy, flavorful meal with a menu full of interesting combinations that have a Mexican flare. It's a small restaurant, calling ahead is a good idea.
(5)
JA C.
Really lousy service. Food not cooked as requested. No apology from staff. It was as if we were more of an annoyance than a guest. Will never go back.
(1)
Kathryn B.
Well we five weary travelers had stumbled upon this restaurant. There were many people waiting outside. We were so hungry and hesitated waiting, but IT WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT. All of us had the most amazing meals, and a couple of us had restrictive diets. Not only were the wait staff pleasant, kind, and accommodating, but at the end of the lunch hour, they still seemed to be happy to see us. I had never had mole before, and after stating that, our server promptly left and brought back a ramekin for me to try! I got the mole enchiladas, which were amazing. My friends also loved the BLT and quinoa burger. The chai was so fantastic, not at all sweet but spicy as heck in a good way. We also managed to fit in the small dessert plate, which was a wonderful assortment of cake, pie, and cookie. Delicious! We basically couldn't eat supper bc we enjoyed ourselves a bit too much. Needless to say, we plan on having breakfast here as well!!
(5)
RT S.
Very busy with minimal wait time of 40 minutes for breakfast due to small dinning area. There are some good local breakfast dishes. We ordered french toast w bacon and polento w chirozo. It was a decent breakfast.
(3)
Dan T.
This place was Fantastic, well worth the wait for Breakfast. Fresh food that really shined. Came with high praise from friends and this place absolutely stood up to their recommendations. I would absolutely go back to this place and would love to try their lunch when I come back to Santa Fe. A must try!!
(5)
Darcy W.
Don't pass this place by, it's the best breakfast food, and worth the price, which was reasonable for locally sourced organic ingredients. The smoked trout hash was incredible, in fact everything was incredible! We were in a hurry and there at prime time Saturday morning. The service was fast, courteous, and our wait was minimal (15 minutes) for a good table. Absolutely worth it, the ambience was great too. The personal touches are everywhere. And the coffee is excellent!
(5)
Jessica F.
Wow. Just wow. After seeing reviews on here, I was slightly worried this would be overpriced with poor service. Yes, it was expensive, but extremely worth it. Service was prompt, cordial, and efficient. Ambiance was cheery, unpretentious, and cozy, but still elegant. The food was outstanding. Three of us had the Pupusa as an appetizer, and the Garden Enchiladas and the Plato Supremo with the Tamale and chicken mole. My friends raved about the chile relleno and we all found the mole to be the most delicious, perfectly balanced we've ever had. Everything else was so flavorful, perfectly cooked, and filling without being heavy. We had a couple baked sweets out of the case at the cashier...yum! All of this, combined with fact that they are using organic, locally-sourced ingredients makes this place well worth your time and money,
(5)
Barbara R.
WORST omelette I have ever had in my life. Seriously. Overcooked and rubbery - Jack cheese flavorless - could not even taste the chives. Hash browns on the plate - overcooked, too. Asked for 'fire-roasted' tomato salsa ON THE SIDE - and they smeared it all over the top of the omelette? What cook does that? The salsa itself was more like pureed canned fire-roasted tomatoes. No seasoning or spices at all. Don't call it salsa if it's not salsa. Another person at our table ordered the breakfast burrito and ate about 3 bites - the egg inside was overcooked and the green chili was flavorless. The wait staff looked not happy to be there. The owner (or manager) was rushed, abrupt, and just didn't seem to be handling a breakfast 'crowd' with any grace or patience at all. Get out of the business, then. I can't figure out the 'crowd' part to save my life. The manager got into a little 'tiff' with a customer who wanted to buy some little animal paper mache animals. He bordered on rude and snotty. Couldn't help but hear them as I was 2 feet from the check out register. The guy had no class. The woman who offered (what I thought) was a reasonable amount handled his rudeness with more grace than I would have, I can tell you that. Be an art gallery or be a restaurant. They aren't doing a great job of either, truly. A crowded little place. Still have some 1999 James Beard certificates in their window. That should have been a clue. Would not recommend to anyone or go there again.
(2)
Janice B.
The best meal we had in Santa Fe...food was delicious, our waiter was awesome..a great meal to end our stay in lovely Santa Fe.
(4)
Abi F.
This is a Santa Fe must visit for out of towners. My friend who had lived here recommended it for our visit and in spite of the 1 hour wait time given we chose to put our names on the list. It turned out to be more like 35 minutes and we just walked around nearby art galleries so the time flew. When we did get seated, the menu was full of farm fresh and organically sourced ingredients! It was so hard to choose - but I ended up with the two choice platter - chicken enchiladas and chile rellenos, my mom had the jicama, orange and green chile marinaded chicken salad and my sister had the blue tortilla enchiladas with carne asada. We decided to share one agave wine margarita - which after 1 sip quickly turned into 1 glass each because it was so delicious and refreshing! After we completely finished every last drop on our plates and were way past the point of too full - we slowly finished our margaritas to gear up for the return to galleries and shopping. We have decided that this will be our first stop every time we return to Santa Fe. Well worth the wait. The decor is artsy, quaint and very New Mexico bohemian feeling. It's truly a cool local experience.
(5)
Joshua M.
cozy and intimate you can seat in the shared central table and engage fellow visitors in conversation or have a private table, whatever your preferred seating arrangement it will be comfortable and pleasant as this place is a feels good place. my friend had their omlet I had the Mole, we also enjoyed the fresh brat salad juices and the Hot chocolate. All dishes were excellent and had their own personality, a visit to Pasqual's is a recommended pleasure
(5)
Sadie P.
We were visiting Santa Fe and the staff at the Inn we were staying at suggested this Pasqual's as our 1st dinner. They called ahead for us to get us a table and boy am I glad; two seconds after we walked in the place was packed. It is not a big restaurant so it fills quickly. We had prompt service, but he was not the friendliest guy in the world, I might be picky but in a city that is mainly tourist you would think he would be a little more informative about the menu. We had the warm fresh brie, it was amazing. I love brie but this was fantastic. We also had the lamb and the mole enchiladas, both were great. By far the best meal we had in Santa Fe!! It was a wonderful recommendation from our Inn staff.
(4)
Janet V.
Best meal in Santa Fe, best meal in a long time. Worth the money. A close to perfect dinner experience. We will go to Santa Fe just to eat here. Great staff, great food, comfy atmosphere.
(5)
Matt H.
Tight fit, ecliptic atmosphere, crowded - even in the off season. Food was fantastic, I had the carne asada with a fantastic jalapeño salsa. We were not able to sit at the community table, but the people sitting there looked like they were enjoying each others company.
(4)
James P.
Great spot for Breakfast! I had the Hot Chocolate (Amazing!), and Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs (Homemade and Amazing!) I'll be back for sure!
(5)
C. B.
I just love Pasqual's. Been going there for years and it's home away from home when I'm in the area. I make a special effort to go there because the food is wonderful, they support local growers and organic produce, the atmosphere is happy and welcoming. Of course it's touristy but so what? I'm a tourist. It's a great place to talk to people from other areas. I recommend Pasqual's.
(5)
Eric B.
As good as the reviews say. Get there early to avoid lines. Had a fantastic breakfast here. The rest is just stating what everyone else does. It's really good. It's a fun locations space. The service quick and courteous. We will make this a must go place every time we are in town.
(5)
Michelle R.
First of all, this place is too adorable to adequately describe. If Disney wanted to create a fairytale cafe with a southwestern twist, this would be it. Twinkly lights, gorgeous plants, a stunning mural and interesting art pieces adorned the walls and Ceiling creating a calming and inviting ambiance. I ordered the huevos rancheros with green chile and it did not disappoint! Had a good amount of heat to it, but didn't overwhelm the palette, so you could still taste the rich, warm flavours. The coffee was not swill, and it had been many days on the road with terrible "coffee", so this greatly enhanced the experience. Friendly staff, quality food, and a wonderful aesthetic. Would definitely come back!
(5)
Bud P.
Really great place. We eat here every time we are in Santa Fe. Excellent food and atmosphere.
(5)
Ron D.
Famous restaurant with a large menu. However, found the food to be average pedestrian with flavors other than its obsession with capstan in almost everything. I love spicy food but unintentionally ingested a very hot habanero pepper from the pork dish that was so burning I could not eat anything further. For someone other than like me who can tolerate spicy food, it would be dangerous to their health. It took my breath away for 15 mins. No warning about the actual habanero peppers being in the dish. Did not enjoy the meal and will not likely go back and we are locals. So many other good restaurants in town rather than this overpriced landmark for tourists.
(2)
Keith R.
This place never disappoints. Food is always fresh, hot, delicious and served promptly. There is usually a wait but it is always well worth it!
(5)
laird h.
This place was recommended to us by a friend, and we ended up going for both dinner and breakfast. Indeed, the food was fantastic, as advertised. And we liked the low-key ambiance. But for what we got, it did seem a bit overpriced. Given the waiting lists, obviously their prices are what the market can bear (I guess given the location near the plaza and the lack of competition from similar restaurants locally), but for us Californians used to this type of cuisine, the prices were about 50% more than what we're used to paying.
(4)
Mike E.
Sometimes the stars align and things go better than you could've hoped, such was the case when me and my GF stopped by Cafe Pasqual's for brunch a few weeks ago. We got a late start on the day so by the time we were hungry it was almost 2, which is when many places downtown close for a few hours. We arrived at the door to see a very large group of people obviously waiting for a table. Figuring we had nothing to lose we went in to see how long of a wait it was. The host said he'd seat us right away if we didn't mind sharing a table with a couple of other folks. We said hell yeah, we'll take it! After getting a couple of glasses of wine to toast the awesome road trip we were winding down we looked for something to grab us on the menu. I was in the mood for some New Mexican cuisine of the lunch variety so I went for the Blue Lady Enchiladas with chicken covered with green chile. It also came with black beans and cilantro rice, and was all really good. Afterwards I felt like I'd "done" the Santa Fe type of food thing, so I checked it off the list. My girlfriend went with the Griddled Polenta with Chorizo, Corn, and Red Chile. It came with a couple of eggs in it and was also very good. The service was good, and everyone was very nice. I'm not sure about the dinner service but I can recommend Cafe Pascal's to anyone looking for breakfast or lunch. Just remember they have a public table and don't be afraid of sitting next to a stranger, they ALMOST never bite!
(4)
Ted R.
Always fabulous service. Always a visual delight. Enjoy the posters and the prayer flags. Great wine list too. Incredible food at these prices, 5 stars, please! And the building is an historic treasure. There's no end to the reasons why this is one of my favorite restaurants in the US of A. The enchiladas are really that amazing. The espresso milkshake too. Do lunch at Cafe Pasqual's, it's a little easier to get in without reservation stress if you go in the afternoon. They serve breakfast late...you know, at least once, you've been on that vacation where you don't get rolling till around 2 and you want some brek-brek. Not sure how you could beat this option. I'm counting the days until my next visit to Santa Fe...and Pasqual's!
(5)
Colette R.
Pretty good - should have had the corn cake plate!!! Sampled one with breakfast and it was amazing! Coffee is not good... Get an espresso drink instead.
(3)
D. W.
Went here for breakfast with a friend while we were in town and I must say that the Huevos Motulenos was delicious! The food here is a healthier version of New Mexican cuisine with really fresh flavor. I have only been for breakfast but assume that dinner is quite good as well. This restaurant is also located in a fun part of town but prepare for a lengthy wait. Cheers!
(4)
Lee W.
Had one of our first meals in Santa Fe at Cafe Pasqual's. Met a nice couple who was also visiting from California and decided to share a table and their company. Probably the highlight of the evening. The menu is interesting, typical Santa Fe with a Mediterranean flair. The food was very good. The Zinfandel was excellent, served perfectly. The dessert were over-the-top decadent. We would definitely go there again. It is a small room and a tight squeeze. We were lucky to be in Santa Fe when it wasn't a busy time of year otherwise it is difficult to get in there. Enjoy!
(4)
Eric K.
We had read such good things about Cafe Pasqual from travel magazines, Rachael Ray books, etc. that we wanted to give it a try during our Santa Fe vacation. So, we visited Cafe Pasqual's on a chilly November Friday morning. I gave our name to the man at the door and he asked if we wanted a private or shared table. Hmmm. Well, private is always nice since we're not in high school anymore, but since there was a wait, we offered to take the first available. There was a 20-minute wait on a weekday morning during Santa Fe's non-peak season, and no indoor seating/waiting area. Everyone stood on the street corner like vagabonds waiting for a table. We wondered how crowded it got during the warmer peak season and on weekends. We browsed the menu while we waited in the cold. The breakfast options looked limited compared to other restaurants around town and nothing really stood out as "special" or "exceptional." The only difference was that all the options were twice the price. We really couldn't understand how they might prepare the same egg dish better than other places. A breakfast burrito for $14.95 when others offered them for as low as $5.95? We crossed our name off the list and went next door to the Atomic Grill where there was no wait, delicious food, and the breakfast didn't empty our wallets.
(3)
Dean G.
Although it may not appear to be a fancy-pants restaurant, Pasqual's is actually quite a nice place for dinner (calling it a "cafe" might be a tad misleading). My wife and I went here after several recommendations, and we were not disappointed. First of all, I love the idea of the community table. We did not have reservations (having stumbled upon it one evening without meaning to), and the place was pretty full on that particular Wednesday evening. But they did have space at the community table, where you can sit without reservation and probably eat next to someone you don't know. If strangers scare you, then this is probably not for you. But if you're okay with eating near people you don't know, then go for it! It's a terrific idea. The decor inside is hectic and casual, which, again, makes the prices for the food seem a little odd. The hanging peppers, flags, and murals all add to the homey feel. I liked it: there's no reason you can't pair good food and funky decorations. But really, the food was excellent. We ordered: Baked brie Lamb Burger Plato Supremo You need to order the Brie. For $17? Yes, order it and never look back. It's so, so good. The cheese is warm and gooey, and the head of garlic is perfect with it. The chilis are the perfect amount of spicy. Will your breath stink? Oh yes. Will it be worth it? Oh yes indeed. The Plato was wonderful as well, especially the Tamale. It was thick and had a corn bread consistency. Excellent! The whole plate was beautiful and colorful. But most of all, everything tasted great. The mole sauce was also exceptional: very chocolatey and spicy. We loved it. And oh my goodness, the lamb burger was heavenly. English muffins for the bun are excellent for soaking up the juice. The yogurt sauce is creamy and tangy, and the meat is rich. I loved it so much. We did not have room for desert, but I wish we had! Someday we will return and try the desert. Do yourself a favor and go to Pasqual's when in Santa Fe. Be ready to shell out a few bucks for it, but you will not go away disappointed. (There is also a cookbook from the restaurant that we bought, which has some great photos and excellent recipes we can't wait to try at home.)
(5)
Jimmy G.
Skip this tourist rip off joint.
(1)
Michael O.
Ehhh... I have mixed feelings on this place... This is a restaurant that just doesn't know what it wants to grow up to be. The restaurant had a nice homey feel to it which was surprising given how crowded it is but I would have hated sitting in the middle of the packed house. When we sat down we were greeted by our server reasonably quickly. To say the menu was pretentious would be an understatement. The exclusion of almost anything not deemed "organic" or trendy was a real turn off. The menu is also too pricey for the setting, the food quality, and the ingredients. The have no liquor, which (in my opinion) is ridiculous at a restaurant that charges $30-$40 for most of the entree's. The list of beers was pretty limited and I don't think that wine complemented the menu items well, you may have a different opinion. After scanning the menu almost everyone at the table was concerned they wouldn't find anything they wanted to eat. Only one person out of the five of us ordered from the entree list because it was just so unappetizing sounding. The server couldn't help either - she clearly had no idea what the flavor profiles of the dishes were and hadn't tried some of them. She also was clueless about the flavor profiles of the beer. Four of us ordered appetizers for dinner - not because of the price (heck - even the appetizer were close to $20 each) but because it was the only thing we felt like eating. One of us ordered the pumpkin soup / stew from the entree list. All the food was good (not phenomenal, but good) - the person that ordered the pumpkin dish thought it was great. When I go to a restaurant I expect two things at a minimum - good (not great) food and good (not great) service. When I get both of those things I'll happily give a clean restaurant 3 stars - "Great" earns an extra star in each associated category. I got good food and good service in a clean restaurant, which would normally result in three stars but I have to take away a star for one simple reason - the price. The way the restaurant prices its food takes what should have been "Good" and made me compare it to finer dining establishments, and that's where it just didn't stack up. The food (simple Mexican fare) was "good" at $10, but at nearly twice that it was just not a good value, as important, the service was no where near as polished as it should have been given the pricing. Oh, and in case you're wondering - I judge each restaurant on the merit of its category - equal stars does not mean a burger joint is as good as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Maybe I'll visit again after it grows up.
(2)
Cathy R.
Omg. Every visit to Santa Fe includes a stop here. Crowded, noisy, fun. Food is so original. Never an empty seat and I know why.
(5)
D P.
Still as good as before! I love this place. Mole enchiladas, classy wine list, attentive service, and amazing mexican wedding cookies.
(5)
AVID C.
The two stars are because there are better restaurants in Santa Fe based on the food we ate today. I had the griddled polenta with chorizo in red chile with eggs. Ordered my eggs over medium, but when they arrived they were not runny and close to over hard. Daughter's chicken sandwich: chicken breast was dry, not juicy and mayo and cheese dressing was excessive. Bread was falling apart because of all the mayo so sandwich disintegrated.The kale salad was good. Hubby had potatoes and eggs which he said were okay. Crunchy home fries were good. Service was excellent and attentive. Decor is fun and interesting.
(2)
Tori B.
Though I do understand this is a Santa Fe "must try" I left my breakfast dining experience wondering what the hype is all about. After waiting 45 minutes for a table, we were seated and sort of promptly greeted. The host was very friendly and made sure we got our table as soon as possible, but our waitress wasn't too friendly and didn't provide suggestions on what is "good," much I found quite odd. After an internal debate, I choose the polenta and red chili. It was fine. Didn't blow me away and made my tummy hurt pretty quickly after. My Husband had the huevos with carne asada (I think) and seemed to really like his. I tried the meat and it was flavorful and good. Perhaps we should have come for lunch because more of that appealed to me, but alas maybe next time. The prices here are crazy! Our two meals and drinks was like $50! That's just way too high- and the portions aren't that big. So, not sure what the real buzz is all about, but maybe I just got the wrong thing...
(3)
A K.
Great food, but terrible service. Our server had a passive aggressive attitude to almost every request. "What are your salad dressings?" 4 second pause. "The ones we have are the ones listed on the menu".
(3)
Erica R.
So GOOD
(5)
Billy T B.
Sorta concerned about some of the reviews and statements about long lines but we were pleasantly surprised. We had brioche French toast, Pasqual's favorite, cheese omelette with ham. It was all very good. Cafe Pasqual is a little pricey, especially for breakfast but it was worth it. The coffee was a bit strong and tasted like it was from the bottom if the coffee pot to me. They have xylitol as an alternative to Splenda and it was ok. It was more stout than Starbucks. Great atmosphere, friendly service, walked right in at 8:45am for breakfast. We never saw anyone wait more than a couple of minutes. We will come back and Cafe Pasqual is a must on at least your first Santa Fe.
(4)
Allison L.
Don't get all huffy about my 3 starts until you read the review. Thanks. So as a tourist in a somewhat of a touristy town we heard this place was the bomb! When we walked in, its very bright and friendly. However, most people wait outside for their table as it gets incredibly crowded in the front. I think the place is adorably authentic. Our waiter was decent. Nothing special, I felt like he was getting irritated with us. (Sidenote: The people we were with are from the north, so they didn't know a lot of the Mexican terms for food...) I ordered the Corn cakes with zucchini squash and red peppers. I actually thought it was really bland. The only thing on that plate that had flavor was the corn cakes and even those were a little dry. BF had the mole and thought it was ok, it was like a soup broth. A good mole needs to have a little bit of a thicker consistency, not sure if this is just how they made their mole though. He said he had better at home. The other people we were with enjoyed their meals, they said they had had nothing like it before. For dessert we shared the blueberry pie and the lemon sheet cake with raspberries (AMAZING!!!!!). The wine was delicious, yay. Overall I thought the meal was overpriced for what we received. However, it is a touristy town so they can get away with that. They also sell a cookbook, which actually looked interesting. Good meal. Not great. Had better. If I come back, it'll prolly be just for dessert or wine. Or BOTH!
(3)
Steph C.
My fiance and I came to Cafe Pasqual's for a nice vacation dinner while we were in Santa Fe. It was our spendiest meal in town, but it was well worthwhile, with pleasant atmosphere and great food. We booked a table for two at 8:30 on a Tuesday night, and the place was essentially packed. There were a couple large parties, which filled up a good chunk of the small space. We were one of the only couples, but while I wouldn't call Pasqual's romantic, it didn't lack at all for warmth or intimacy. Service was friendly, and the pace was leisurely but never too slow. We shared a bottle of red zinfandel with our meal, and it amplified Pasqual's natural good vibes. The food was delicious, starting with a big glass of flatbread sticks, crunchy and studded with sesame seeds. We also shared the warm French brie appetizer, which was more than big enough for two. This was a giant platter of half-melted brie served with a roasted head of garlic and roasted tomato-jalapeño and tomatillo salsas, with sliced baguette to carry the bounty. The cheese was gooey and warm and it went beautifully with the salsas and the soft smushable whole cloves of garlic. The entrees ran the gamut in price and genre, and I saw no reason not to order the plato supremo, which was essentially a fancy combination plate. It came with an Anaheim chile relleno, a chicken or tofu mole enchilada, and a choice of beef barbacoa taco or tamale, all served with cilantro rice. Great for the indecisive, with a serving of Pasqual's popular mole as part of the bargain. I chose the chicken enchilada and the beef taco, and these both seemed like good choices to me. The mole enchilada was definitely the highlight of the meal, the dark mole sauce rich and savory with just the softest edge of sweetness. The enchilada underneath it was flavorful in its own right, and both the wet tortilla and tender shredded chicken made good showings. The chile relleno was also excellent, dribbling with cheese and topped with red salsa. The taco was the weak link on the dish, not bad but not memorable, and maybe a bit dry both inside and out. The cilantro rice was great - I will say, though, that I can never really hate on cilantro rice. While I tackled my giant entree, Matt B. dined on seared sea scallops, served with orange-saffron butter, creamy spinach, and fried onion strips over saffron rice. The scallops were cooked just right, tender but firm and plenty meaty. All the sides were great as well - picky Matt left a lot of the rice and spinach and onions alone, and I went to town. We were pretty full by dessert, but we powered through, ordering a peach crisp and an espresso milkshake to send us off with bellies bursting. The desserts weren't the high point of the meal, but they were tasty enough. The peach crisp was warm with a nice oaty top, with a heap of whipped cream on the side. It wasn't sweet at all, and I thought it would actually have benefited from riper peaches or a little more sugar. The espresso milkshake was gritty and thick and very good, dessert and coffee in one. The meal was expensive enough that I think it'd be hard to be a regular, even if I lived in town. I'm glad we went, though, and I'd recommend Pasqual's for a splurge. The food hit the spot, and the space was friendly. I'd consider coming again on a future trip to Santa Fe.
(4)
Felita S.
LOVE CAFE PASQUAL'S! I'd want to eat there every day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. First came here for a family dinner - and ordered family-style, and raved over all the food! Then came here for breakfast twice in a row - and wanted to eat here daily. So cozy and delicious and a fabulous variety of awesome breakfast foods. Super fabulous lattes in a huge white bowl. I wanted to order everything on the menu! Highly recommend. Yes, very busy on weekends - so be prepared to wait in line. Worth the wait. Also bought the Cookbook!
(5)
Erika A.
From the friendly, personalized service to the chorizo burrito smothered with green and red chile, this place certainly did not disappoint! Try the chorizo breakfast burrito with red AND green chile, and definitely don't miss the small treasure trove of a dessert case with French pastries that rival those I've had in many other cities. A must try is the canelle- a tiny little bundt cake cooked in a beeswax coated copper tin. It's divine. Pasquale's is a cozy unique respite from the overly stiff and expensive hotel restaurants and chains nearby. Must visit!
(4)
Audra S.
Fresh, organic, delicious food in a fun, colorful and artistic atmosphere. I had the "Plato Primo" with a chili relleno, Oaxacan tamale, beans and cilantro rice. The Oaxacan tamale had black beans, corn and some amazing spices. The rest of my party enjoyed their meals too: a goat cheese omelet with pine nuts and the breakfast quesadilla. All the sauces were delicious, especially the chipotle salsa. Service was excellent and everyone was pleasant. The art on the walls is spectacular (one would expect no less in Santa Fe) and there were fresh flowers on the tables. Going to the ladies' room was an adventure, it feels like stepping back in time because the building is very old and the passageways to the restrooms are narrow.
(4)
Lynn H.
Anaheim chili relleno with fire roasted tomato salsa, enchilada with chicken in a wonderful mole, beef barbacoa taco slow cooked with chili d'arbol salsa and lime. Beautiful art--the walls and the food. So glad I ate here.
(5)
Rachael P.
Way too expensive for breakfast. The overcharge fees for everything being organic is absolutely ridiculous!!! $5.25 for a certified organic cup of chai tea as a reference or how about a side of (count them) 13 blueberries and a half banana sliced for $7. And the wait. Come close to an hour earlier than when you are hungry because that's how long the wait will be. And it's just not worth it for what you order. The special is blah, the corn beef hash just like jerky, and the grand pancakes simply just whole wheat bisquick. And also the blintz are filled with cottage cheese not ricotta or mascarpone. This is never disclosed. Overall. Not worth a second visit.
(2)
Samay J.
We went here for breakfast about one week ago. Food: We ordered the vegetarian polenta with corn and red chile, as well as the huevos motulenos. The red chile is spicy and tasty. Both dishes were excellent. The organic coffee was excellent as well. Service: excellent as well. Service was prompt, professional and with a smile. You felt very welcome as soon as you stepped into the door. Environment: Clean and cozy. Seating is limited so come early if you don't want to wait. Overall: excellent. Good vegetarian and organic options.
(5)
Todd C.
The best spot in Santa Fe for breakfast! I had HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS; she had the DURANGO OMELETTE. Both were unique and delicious. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We highly recommend!
(5)
Whitney M.
No complaints here! The cafe was cute, cozy, and very friendly! I had the five grain hot cereal for breakfast. It was delicious, but I couldn't finish it all. My travel partner had the breakfast quesadillas. She was kind enough to share. It's such a simple dish, but absolutely awesome!
(5)
Armando Z.
Merry Christmas !! I am giving you a present and it is this place! A menu that tracks the full range of New Mexican cuisine,. If your a ding dong that thinks us New Mexican food is burrito's and nachos go elsewhere and make my wait shorter.
(5)
Bryce K.
You're probably going to have to wait in line, but it's worth it. I ordered the huevos rancheros. I wanted to try the huevos barbacoa, but wanted to save my meat-eating quota for later in the day. The huevos rancheros were good, but I was more impressed by the girlfriend's chile relleno. Darn it, her order is better than mine again!
(4)
John G.
The huevos rancheros con chorizo was good but not as life changing as the photos implied.
Good, just doesn't live up to the ridiculous hype. We came here for breakfast and dinner, and I would say I liked the dinner better. The breakfast was good, but soooooooo heavy. Eating lunch later in the day was basically a mistake because we were still full, although I will say that this was basically par for the course our whole week in Santa Fe so I shouldn't blame Pasqual's too much. We had the smoked trout hash and huevos motulenos, both were tasty. For dinner, I really liked sitting at the communal table, there were some odd birds offering us fliers for their self-realization seminar or whatever, but overall it was fun. Their menu seems to change frequently (looks different online from when we were there) so I can't say everything we had but there was definitely a very good soup (black beans or lentils maybe?) and we had the pupusa which was also good. Other things we had were certainly tasty but I can't remember them specifically, so... We had some good local beer too. I get the feeling that their focus is first and foremost on the ingredients and second on the recipes, which I definitely can appreciate because I care about where my food comes from. If you're visiting Santa Fe, you should pay them a visit, just don't over-order like we did.
(3)
Daniel C.
Homemade style mexican food.. but at a price... I'd definitely go back again... mmm..
(5)
Jamie W.
Made a very last minute reservation for Pasqual's and was kind of given a bit of a "I'm doing you a favor" attitude over the phone. That kind of thing usually really irks me so good thing that the food was delicious or I wouldn't be able to recommend this place. The good: excellent food, excellent wine list. Good service. We had the tacos barbacoa, tamales and the plato supremo. The tacos weren't as great as the rest of our meal but okay. The bad/ugly: I like my space. I don't like to rub elbows with my fellow diners. This place is CRAMPED. The bathroom is panic attack inducing and HOT. When people complain that this place is small and cramped, they aren't kidding. I don't think Pasqual's is overpriced for the quality and caliber of cooking and ingredients. It may not be fancy, but they're not going for a "diner" feel either, especially not at dinner service. As for overhyped... I don't know, I'd never heard of it before and tend not to get myself too hyped for any dining experience. We hit up a lot of great restaurants in Santa Fe but the food here was definitely high on my list. If it were a little more roomy, it'd be my favorite!
(4)
Suzanne C.
This place is fantastic! Loved it! We went twice, once for lunch & once for late night snacks - The restaurant is casual, but cute, and the staff is VERY friendly! All VERY Yummy: TWO MOLE ENCHILADAS (Chicken) GRILLED FREE-RANGE CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH NAPO'S PUPUSA MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE ORGANIC GINGER ALE NECTARINE PIE WITH BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM I only have two negative comments: 1.)PIGS AND FIGS: Skip This! They were stingy with the bacon and figs. They only give you 1 bacon-wrapped fig with the salad for $11 (or 2 if you pay $16) There are too many other good dishes there to waste your time with this one. However, the 1 bacon-wrapped fig I tasted was good. 2.)GRILLED GREEN CHILE CHEESE BURGER: They don't have it on the dinner menu ... so we couldn't try it :( Note: Certain Dishes are not meant for sensitive stomachs, mostly the spicy ones, especially if you are not used to eating New Mexican food. Certain Friends of mine learned the hard way ... argh!
(4)
Laura K.
Excellent tacos barbacoas!
(4)
Hana V.
High quality ingredients, original recipes (they sell their own cookbook), fun and colorful decor. Lots of organic goodies. Their mole is particularly delicious, although I really don't think you can go wrong with their fantastic menu which spoils you for choice upon delicious choice. Service pretty good, friendly server. Make a reservation unless you are OK with sitting at the community table (there aren't that many private tables and they fill up).
(5)
Prabin S.
We found this place in Yelp and decided to try before heading out to Grand Canyon. The food was extremely good. I ordered Quinoa Burger and it hit the spot.
(4)
Lynn D.
Had the Yucatan chicken salad and it was good. A bit overpriced. Flies were an annoying problem. I wish I had gone there for breakfast instead of lunch. I think breakfast might have been more deserving of the hype
(3)
Greg S.
Food is fantastic. Loved the scallops cooked perfect. Tasted the fish tacos also fantastic.
(4)
Kelly K.
Saw a line of people waiting for the 8am opening. Figured it must be good. Got in line and waited 15 minutes. The waitstaff was great at getting everyone settled. Unfortunately, things went downhill. I ordered coffee in a press pot for a pricey 5.45. The coffee was lukewarm and too many grinds got into my coffee. Sent it back and got a standard cup of coffee which had refills and was pricey at 2.75. Ordered the platter of wheat pancakes, applewood bacon, and an egg over hard. Wait was long as they sat the whole place at once-around 25 minutes. The pancakes were tasty and I appreciated the real maple syrup and butter. The two strips of bacon were rubbery and not worth eating. The egg was overcooked. Sent egg back and next version was runny. Sent that back and got a nasty version of scrambled egg. This platter was overpriced at 15 dollars and with quality lacking I was not impressed. I appreciated the waiter knocking off around 6 dollars for my bill when he saw that I did not eat the egg or bacon. The waiters are doing a great job. The cooking needs improving.
(2)
Stan P.
OMG the food here was so damn good! Make a reservation today and go. A small hole in the wall space, but with the saving grace of an 8 top Community Table for those that did not make a reservation.
(5)
Jen G.
This place is great! FIrst, it is so sweet. The inside is really cozy with lights and different levels. I LOVED the atmosphere. It was also super cheery. And the service was excellent -- the servers were super nice. The food was also excellent. It was torture picking. Everything we had was great! Including dessert.
(4)
Lisa P.
If you are with a man for dinner prepare to be totally ignored.
(2)
Lee P.
Finally made it in here for breakfast. Not a long wait. Extremely interesting crowd including a diner next to us who ordered a glass of Cabernet with his eggs. A killer menu of southwest-inspired recipes. I had the Durango omelet with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, chorizo and green chiles. Fantastic. Great coffee. The best quality meal we had in Santa Fe.
(5)
Shelley M.
Get there early to avoid a long wait, they do not take reservations. I've enjoyed every meal here to the fullest! Go ahead and sit at the community table if you are alone or with one other. You'll get seated more quickly and it's fun to dine with others who love great food. I really enjoy their breakfast meals, check those out even if it's lunch time. The Mexican cocoa is very good. The bathroom always has a queue and is tiny, but clean. Plan accordingly. If you must wait to be seated, go across the street to The Spirit of the Earth shop.
(5)
Chris U.
The meal was rather expensive for kind of average food...we are vegetarians, so we had a limited choice. The people on either side of us really liked their meat dishes. The plates were generous. We had breakfast here 10 years ago, and it was wonderful! The dinner was kind of average southwestern food, with beans and rice and cooked vegetables. The bread was good, but we expected more for one of the more expensive restaurants we went to in Santa Fe.
(3)
Alicia K.
This is a tough review to write b/c the FOOD IS PHENOMENAL, but it's INSANELY OVERPRICED!!! Went here today for brunch with 3 other adults. Super cute place, lots of color and natural light, and very nice servers, even though they're pretty much always busy as this place is a tourist trap. We ordered the following: 1. Eggs Barbacoa w/Chile d'arbol - amazing flavor overall and the eggs on top just sealed the deal. It could have used a little more tortilla & eggs and a little less beans, but it was delicious. 2. Huevos Motulenos - this is their signature dish, and while it reads strangely on the meny, it tastes AMAZING in your mouth! Crazy mix of ingredients (bananas, eggs, peas, cheese, beans...) that really just work. Could have used a bit more cheese to be able to have some with every bite, but good none the less. 3. Huevos Rancheros - some of the best I've ever had! Amazing sauce. 4. Pasqual's Favorite - was like eating dessert for breakfast! They're pancakes are truly awesome w/a grainy texture that really works and a flavor that is fantastic! Applewood smoked bacon was cooked perfectly -- a little crispy for that nice crunch, but still full of flavor and most definitely NOT burnt. So ok, the food was great, but the dishes were $18+ each and the portions weren't huge. They looked big b/c there are normally beans taking up much of the large plate, but the two males in our group were still hungry afterward, and for $18 per person for BREAKFAST, that seemed a little unreasonable. Why not 2 stars? Because the food is amazing AND they use almost ALL ORGANIC ingredients! This is something I value and it brings a freshness you can taste to the table. Should you go here? Sure -- if money isn't an object and you're looking for a super tasty, Mexican food style breakfast, then this is the place for you! Trying to work on a budget? Try someplace else.
(3)
Erik B.
Great for breakfast but a flop for dinner. Three of us ended up having three appetizers and a salad - no alcohol - a soft drink, a sparkling water and a lemonade and it came to over $80. Might have been palatable if the food was extraordinary but sadly it was only mediocre. A healthy price to be paid for the name, location, crowded space and noise. A real let down.
(1)
slapaham s.
our favorite place to eat in Santa Fe. We had an amazing brunch here and had to come back the next day for lunch. Seriously jaw-droppingly good food. Fresh green chiles, smoked trout hash, a huge huge omelette, great service, great everything. not cheap, but that didn't stop us from multiple visits....
(5)
Geoff And Jenni G.
Superb! Organic, tasty ingredients... Very friendly staff and interesting decor... Lots of healthy options that taste fantastic. Would not hesitate to recommend... but get there early to avoid a long wait...
(5)
B B.
Another great meal at this iconic Santa Fe restaurant. Service was prompt, waitstaff cordial and attentive. Atmosphere always bustling and a bit loud, but that is the nature of this must-eat-at-restaurant-when-in-Santa-Fe. Everything we've tried so far (over several visits) has been delicious. Great location within waling distance to everything in downtown.
(5)
Laura N.
We were not overly impressed with the food. Their signature dish is the mole burrito, however it was almost drowning in the sauce which, though it was good, was just too much. They served with it a corn torte. This was also on the sweet side. My husband had the Plato Supremo, which included an excellent Chile relleno, however the beef barbecoa taco was quite bland. The salad nopal was excellent. Service was good and decor beautiful.
(3)
Johnny T.
Breakfast schmeakfast. Come for dinner. Towards the latter seatings of the evening. Call ahead for reservations. Make your way in. Realize that the place *is* as small as rumored. Make nice with the hostess (owner?). Get a choice table atop the small staircase (all the better to look down upon your subjects). Order a glass of white wine. Begin to realize you're in for a treat. Pasqual's is the bee's knees. Locals know it. Tourists know it. Before you start to get bent out of shape for paying $23 for enchiladas, know that a.) the ingredients are local, b.) the product is delicious and c.) it's money well spent. For me, I settled in with an extremely generous pour of white wine by a server with a big smile and patient heart. She walked me through the menu and helped me come up with courses that not only would give me a definitive CP experience, but highlight the mouth-watering qualities of Santa Fe fare. I began with the papusa. The griddled masa cake with zucchini, jack cheese and chiles was served with a smoky salsa and escabeche. Escabeche!! Wow. Who serves that? And, in the States? Every bite was joyous, a mood I conveyed to my hostess who smiled back and me and toasted to my happiness. Yep. Small restaurants do the small things that make big impacts. I made it through my appetizer to be presented with my chicken mole enchiladas. The plate was ginormous. I have a big mouth, big hands and a big appetite and I was, initially, overwhelmed by the presentation. Two Paul Bunyan-sized enchiladas were packed to the brim with shredded organic chicken and topped with a black mole that smelled of chocolate, whispered of heat and tasted of savory perfection. Meat eater that I am, though, my favorite parts of the plate were the sides. The cilantro rice was a verdant delight of grains that popped with every chew. The orange-jicama salad almost made me forget that I had a return flight to Chicago. Fragrant as it was beautiful to look at, the texture of the jicama blended naturally with the punch of the citrus. What a brilliant way to cut through the substance of a large meat dish. These were $30 enchiladas that *should* have cost $30. But, you're not done. You're on vacation, live a little. Get dessert. Odds are you're stuffed, so go light. Anything made with fruit will be a sure bet. The night I was there, my life was changed by a watermelon granita. This is shaved ice for adults. This is cool, refreshing fruit made even cooler, sweeter and more enticing by a skilled chef. The dish comes with almond cookies. Save them for later. By the time I finished, had an extended conversation with the hostess, hugged (!), and stumbled into the night, I was fully sated and completely happy. Breakfast schmeakfast. Dinner's where it's at.
(5)
ruth a.
Had dinner there on friday evening with 4 friends. This was the first time for dinner there, my prior experience was breakfast which was pretty good. Dinner, not so much. We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and were seated about 15 minutes late, that was understandable, it was very busy and we were seated on a raised area at a table that could only seat 4 but they apparently felt that the person sitting at the end of the table could straddle the center table leg. The waiter took our order for drinks and advised he would be back soon to take our dinner order. 20 minutes later no drinks, no waiter, finally a nice woman came and apologized and said the waiter would be right there. We ordered the lamb burger with greens, the Moroccan lamb, scallops and the elk filet. Finally our orders came out and it was apparent that the scallops were the only dish that was hot. Everything else had been sitting in the kitchen waiting for the scallops, which were very good. Conversation was impossible because of the noise and the amount of people crammed into much to small an area. I am at a loss to understand this restaurants popularity. Will stick to breakfast only in the future.
(2)
Jed B.
Great as always. Buffalo burger with maytag blue ( the best). But I going for breakfast, my favorite meal there, next trip
(4)
Kari F.
Delicious food and great service. Came to Santa Fe for a long weekend from CA and ending up heading to Cafe Pasqual's twice. First visit I had the smoked trout hash with the gruyere potato cake--a great combination of flavors and still with a Southwestern flare. Second time, a basic vegetable omelette with potatoes and I was still impressed. The food is fresh and organic and has Santa Fe flavors with out the heaviness of many of the other food options in the area. And while the restaurant is described as vegetarian, there are many delicious non-vegetarian options. Cafe Pasqual's is a local favorite so try to come early for breakfast and make reservations for dinner.
(5)
Marina N.
Very nice staff! Worth a 15 min wait. About 2 blocks from the plaza. The niman ranch beef with huevos was delicious. I would go again to have this dish. The huevos rancheros with your choice of sauce (I got tomatilla salsa) were good. Also got a Mexican hot chocolate and organic pomegranate juice.
(3)
Jay S.
Understand that I hate everything. I am not a gourmet and I think most of the yelp reviews are silly. I was totally unprepared to find out how bitchen' this place was. We arrived an hour early and less one in our party; and were made welcome anyway (the town was pretty empty, which helped). We started by splitting a nopales salad, which was still gigantic (I noticed that almost everyrestaurantt in NM serves gigantic portionss) and delicious: kind of a re-imagined nopales salad with a really light vinagrette that was spectacular. We split the vegetarian combo and a stew of vegetables in a squash gourd., which was really awesome. We got a cookie plate to take back to our place that was indescribably great. To top it off, the wait staff was as good as any I've experienced at any restaurant, anywhere. I was really, really happy to have had the opportunity to eat at Pasqual's.
(5)
Lisa P.
There are not enough words in the English language to properly describe how delectable Pasqual's Smoked Trout Hash tastes and that is saying a lot. This dish is a must have for me every time I go to Santa Fe. Even if I have to wait 2 hours in line to have the dish it is well worth the time in my opinion.
(5)
Garen M.
I've never waited an hour for breakfast before, but it was worth it. The food and service was excellent.
(4)
Alex M.
I don't think I can report more than anyone else. This place is awesome. I sat at the communal table where I talked with other tourists and indulged in the Hippie Dippy Green Drink and some dish with fried plantains. This place isn't cheap but it is tasty.
(4)
Denise N.
Interesting place. Expensive, but I suppose it was worth it. The food was tasty, fresh and creative and the cooks were not afraid of spices! Their margaritas are made from agave wine, not tequila (no hard liqueur license), but they were still pretty tasty. Walk-ins typically get seated at a communal table in the center of the restaurant. Expect to pay around $25 to $30 an entree (and $10+ per drink).
(3)
Patty K.
Pasqual's has always been a "must eat at" each year when we visit Santa Fe. We have always loved it until this year. We brought 4 other "newbies" and were all so disappointed by the food and service. Six of us were squished into a 4 top table after waiting 20 minutes for our table (we had reservations). The wait was understandable but the tight quarters were not okay. We had to get out of our chairs and move aside everytime someone around us needed to get out. The food was very so-so compared to years past. Definately not an enjoyable evening.
(2)
Jennifer R.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world...not just in New Mexico! We don't live in Santa Fe anymore, but whenever we're back to visit, Pasqual's is a must (Pasqual's is probably the main reasons we come back to visit). We have had breakfast, lunch, dinner...all excellent, fresh...not pretentious, just well executed. I've lived in some very good places for food (San Francisco, New York, etc.) but if I had to name a favorite restaurant, this would be it. The downside is that they are very popular with locals and tourists alike, and it is not a big place, so make reservations if you can (the up side is that they do take reservations) but we have also had a fun time sitting at the community table as you can meet people from all over.
(5)
Bill V.
Intimate little restaurant with some serous local food. I had dinner here and it was an exceptional experience. The service was polished, friendly, and professional without being intrusive. The food was creative and thoughtful without being overdone. I ordered a dish humbly-described as haddock fish tacos, and was treated with a beautiful filet of haddock, perfectly cook in a delicate chili sauce, and accompanied with a variety of crisp slaws. I love it when a restaurant under-sells and then surprises. I guess that reflects the confidence that comes with a bunch of James Beard Awards.
(5)
Dennis U.
This place is worth a visit to see the work of a master of squeezing the most income out of a small space as possible. First its a high end "foody" restaurant with people waiting out in the street to get in for the interesting and tasty eats. Inside the use of space is maximized to the limits allowed by fire code, including a communal table where you never know who you will be dining with... lots more efficient use of space than a whole bunch of two tops. Finally there is the Cafe Pasqual's merchandising. Cook books, t shirts calenders.... I must have seen the cookbooks in a dozen stores outside of the restaurant. I'm surprised that there isn't a cable TV show as well. All of this around a restaurant that seats 40 people! So when they are seated what do they get? ...a fascinating selection of good food. Around the table we had Huevos Rancheros, Cheese Grits with chorizo, and Huevos Motulenos. I had the latter and it was interesting. eggs with black beans, peas, feta and a banana over a tortilla with a bit of each of the chili sauces on top. The beans were a touch too runny for my taste and the bananas could have been plantains but it was pretty good. The rancheros and the cheese grits were great as well. The menu has lots of exotic things to choose from, smoked trout hash and the five grained cereal among the many. I was a bit scared off by the "vegetarian" category of the restaurant but from what I saw it only means you can get a decent vegetarian entree. A lot of folks grouse about the prices but they obviously have not dined in a hotel recently... besides this is good and interesting food. Well worth the trip and worth many revisits.
(4)
Walt S.
Your in Santa Fe so you expect a beautiful colorful happy restaurant with great food for breakfast or lunch. This is the one. If you are visiting, sit at the community table, you will meet nice folks and have great conversation. Anything on the menu is great, won't be disappointed.
(5)
Robyn R.
It sounds like I should have gone here for breakfast instead of dinner. The food was ok but not worth the $$. In the end we had an expensive dinner and we didn't think it was worth it. It didn't help that the couple sitting beside us was very loud so it was hard for me and my husband to have a conversation. Cool atmosphere/decorations inside.
(2)
Angela K.
The food was creative and delicious, but after waiting for so long, and paying so much, I just don't think I'd recommend this spot.
(3)
Eddie C.
Easily the most over rated restaurant in Santa Fe,NM. The sides that came with the lamb chops were downright disgusting. The artichoke hearts tasted like soap water, then when I mentioned this to the waiter & manager they told me "I must not know what balsamic tastes like". The only thing worse than the sides were the service.
(2)
Carol T.
I found this restaurant on Yelp when we were looking for a place to have dinner. Unfortunately, they were totally booked and the hostess wasn't terribly friendly about it...we found somewhere else to eat that night. We went back again for lunch the next day and were happy we did! It was packed again, but they have a big, communal table in the middle and we were happy to sit there. We were surrounded by nice, friendly people and a woman next to us was swooning about how delicious her sandwich was. It's their grilled free-range chicken breast on cornbread, with caramelized onions, grilled jalapenos and mayonnaise. Unbelievably delicious! I only ordered a half sandwich - it was really filling since it came with soup and salad, but now I wish I'd had a whole one! It was one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten! It came with a yummy chili-tomato soup, equally delicious! The price was right, the food was fabulous! The service was friendly and fun. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in Santa Fe! And I'm going to buy their cookbook online - I hope this recipe is in there!
(5)
Wholewheatwaffle S.
Went here for lunch, food is solid! It has a healthy Mexican appeal and....they don't just pile on loads of cheap food to make the plate look full; rather, they give you enough quality food to leave you more than satisfied. I love the environment of the place as well. It is worth the wait, a line out the door when we went. Oh, for a drink I had "Amie's Green Drink" and it was super healthy and yummy! Service was friendly.
(5)
Spidermonkey J.
Stopped in while visiting from San Francisco. Yes, the food was prepared well and with fresh organic ingredients but I was so turned off by the price I would never go back. Seriously? San Francisco prices in Santa Fe? Get over yourselves...It's not that good.
(3)
Ted S.
Went for dinner last night. Had the cauliflower appetizer shared amongst the 3 of us. We had the Spinach Quinoa salad, sampler plate, and lamb chops as our selections Food was delicious and well prepared. Will definitely return. highly recommend reservations. Service was good, attentive wait staff and helpful on questions. Portions were nicely sized and we felt like we got value for our money
(4)
Christina V.
Amazing food, from Brunch to Dinner. The wait is worth it--the local flavors and home cooking make Pasqual's the best meal in Santa Fe.
(5)
Kristen D.
My friends and I were a bit hesitant to sit at the communal table but it turned out to be fine.Everyone in my group loved their food. I had the lamb burger on an english muffin. I'm not usually the biggest fan of lamb but I have to say it was probably one of the best burtgers i've had.
(4)
Annie S.
We give 5 stars for the food but 3 stars for service. We went on a Saturday night right when it opened and it was already packed. We could only sit at the communal table since we did not make a reservation. There were 8 other couples at the table. We ordered the dos tacos (amazing), carna asada skewers (also amazing and enough to be an entree) and scallops with snap peas and rice. Like I said, the food is really great and so fresh. However, what I did not like was the service. There were so many different staff that we did not know who was taking care of us. What really made it horrible is that one couple's order was completely forgotten about! We were already done eating and waiting for the check when they did not even get their entree! I could not believe that happened. They did not even apologize to the couple. It also took 20 minutes from requesting the check to actually getting it. Annoying. Another annoying thing is that they charge for every little item. I asked for a small side of pico de gallo and they charged $2. I mean is that a joke?! It was a 1 oz portion. I would go back again since the food was so good but I will definitely make a reservation and sit at my own table.
(4)
Anne J.
The food here is good, but it's not exceptional...and especially not for the price. $7 to add bacon to your burger!? $11 milkshakes? $30 veggie enchiladas? You're better off going somewhere else where you can get food just as good for half the price.
This place could be 5-stars but for two things. First, it is terribly overpriced. $30+ for entrees is simply too much to pay for a casual place in Santa Fe. The food was great, the menu innovative, and the ingredients all fresh, but the quality simply doesn't match the high price. Second, and on top of that, is that they made us share a table! Granted, we had a nice conversation with our table mates, but again -- for the price they are charging, I would expect private tables to be the norm. The restaurant is tightly crowded and loud, and the menu too eclectic to have a single theme (where else can you find Indian dhal, Thai tom ka gai soup, and Mexican enchiladas all on the same menu? Maybe too eclectic. Again, if we were paying in the $15-$20 range for this food, casual atmosphere, and shared table, I would happily give Cafe Pasqual 5 stars. But it is simply way overpriced.
(3)
Melissa M.
My dearest Pasqual - How I love thee!!! I was introduced to Pasqual's for my first trip to Santa Fe this past weekend. We waited about half an hour to eat and I ordered the griddled polenta with red chile sauce, chorizo and eggs. It was life-changing. Yes, Pasqual's is on the expensive side and yes, you'll have to wait....but when you wait for perfection it's worth it. It was a perfect amount of food, I was stuffed halfway through but coud not bear to not eat every morsel. Only my manners saved me from licking the plate, which is exactly what I wanted to do and thought it would be wierd if I asked for my last few crumbs of polenta and sauce to be put in a doggy bag. My boyfriend ordered the Chorizo burrito with red and green chile. My four pounds gained in Santa Fe was worth every single ounce. :)
(5)
Amy H.
Better have a reservation. We were turned away and told unless we had a reservation they could not take us, wouldn't even let us wait for a table. Bad customer service
(1)
jessica m.
They must have a great hype man...somewhere. Cuz it's not at the front door. The aging hippy with the thin grey ponytail was super elitist when we went for breakfast. When I asked (way prior to us even being seated) about the possibility of being seated if one of our party (of 4) would be a minute, I got a huuuuge lecture about how there are other diners waiting for a seat and if they did that for everyone what a problem they would have blah blah blah. And I understand, in a really busy place, sure. But guess what- they couldn't get us menus for the first 10 minutes after we were seated! And our coffee came....but no cream. Sooo we couldn't *actually* consume that for about 10 minutes too. I even had to send my poor guy out on a hunting expedition for some because I finally got so fed up. Point: if you're going to act like this is high-level shit, I'm going to expect some high-level ass shit. And here's the other thing, the food was overprice and overrated. There, I said it. BOO. pps, if you got an award 17 years ago, that's cool and all, but like, forreal you should put some updated stuff in your window. Unless you like, don't get awards now....hmm...
(1)
DJ V.
Cafe Pasqual's is my favorite go to place for lunch when I visit Santa Fe a couple of times a year. I have been 3 tmes during this visit and hope to finally try breakfast tomorrow. As mentioned by others, it is a bit of a tight squeeze but I have enjoyed sitting at the communial table and meeting some local folks. I am giving this place because of the decor, the friendliness of the servers but most importantly because all of the ingredients are good quality (and organic) and everything is really tasty. I have been doing the "1/2 time" lunch special which is 1/2 a sandwich, a cup of soup and a side of salad - kale or field greens. The BLT was to die for and the chicken breast with manchego cheese & carmalizd onions was outstanding. Yesterday, I tried the green chile chicken enchiladas which came with lots of white meat and at my request, a side of kale salad instead of the rice and beans.
(5)
Susie B.
Very tasty. Can be a long wait and cramped quarters, but it's fun talking to others.
(4)
Tamara M.
If you only go to one place to eat in Santa Fe GO HERE.
(5)
Paul P.
Favorite place to eat in Santa Fe! I ate here five days in a row when visiting my Uncle in the Hospital and the fifth time it was still as awesome as the first.
(5)
A D.
We were told that you MUST go to Cafe Pasqual's if you happen to be in Santa Fe. So we did. We did not make any reservations but, we were there before 5:30 before the doors open for dinner. There was a line outside when we got there. Because we didn't have any reservations, we were seated at a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. (Seats 10). I am not a big fan of communal table but, it was a good way of meeting new friends. We all had a good time learning new things, hearing funny stories aside from seeing what the others had ordered. I had the conchinita pibil and paired with a spanish wine. My friend had the lamb chops prepared with pomegranate sauce. Both were very delicious! For dessert, we shared a mango sorbet with meringue cookie on the side and that was divine! Service was good. But, you can feel that they are in a bit of a rush because there is a huge group coming in (with reservations) and they need the table. I could have enjoyed my tea but, that was not going to happen. Place is a tight including the small hallway to the restroom. This place is worth a try if you happen to be visiting Santa Fe. It is $$$$, though.
(4)
Greg D.
I've eaten here a dozen times over the past 25 years and every time the food and the service are exceptional.
(5)
Andrew N.
The foods pretty good but there's lots of great breakfast joints in Santa Fe that have better service and no hour long wait for a cramped table. If you need to eat somewhere by the Plaza this will work if you have the time to wait.
(3)
Martha S.
Offering vegetarian Mexican food, Cafe Pasqual's is what I would define as "comfort food." The environment (decor and people) and the food speaks to my soul. How I would love it if Cafe Pasqual's could be my Sunday morning tradition. But I digress. Do I recommend their food? Absolutely. Admittedly, of the three times I've been we've only eaten breakfast. Nonetheless, I'm confident that all the food is delicious. Nothing I've ordered (or the service) has ever failed me. Por ejemplo: HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS -- Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sauteed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla. The only sad thing about it was that it came with one tortilla. MM'S PAPAS FRITAS A Bowl of Home Fries Sauced with Red or Green Chile (I choose green), or Tomatillo d'Arbol Salsa, with Melted Jack, Sour Cream and Scallions and a Corn Tortilla I added two sunny-side up eggs and hubbs gave me his tortilla (that's love, ladies and gentlemen). Sad part of this meal is when it's over. BOULETTE'S YOGURT Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt with Toasted Pistachios, House Sesame Brittle and a Drizzle of Honey. I first tried this pre-vegetarian and when I was eating yogurt with mountains of sugar. I want this now: so clean, simple and healthful. If you're in Santa Fe, please get up early to have some delicious comfort food. Otherwise you will wait in line but it is most certainly worth the wait. For photos, go to: wp.me/p11jOD-IL
(5)
David T.
For thirty some odd years Katherine Kagel's little breakfast/lunch spot has been a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. I remember the day she opened and I think that there has been a line out the door ever since. It's a cute, bright spot. Katherine is a creative chef with a commitment to quality ingredients. Mostly organic with lots of choices for vegetarians. So far, so good, right? Well yeah, except it is crazy expensive for what it is. The food is usually, not always, very good but I'm just not sure it's worth the cost anymore. Seriously, a plain cheese omelette is $9.00 - oh, you want guac, sausage, or ham in that - add $3.25 EACH. You can easily order a $20 omelette. Just two eggs, potatoes and toast - $8.00 - that's the $2.99 breakfast special all over town. Basically, breakfast starts at $9 and goes up to $17ish. Ouch. Lunch is just as bad. $15.75 for a plate of enchiladas or a burrito. So, basically by the time you add a beverage or maybe dessert, tax and tip you're looking at $25 a head. And, I just don't think it is ALL that special. They are open for dinner now (and you can make a reservation). But prices are similarly expensive. $15ish for first courses, mid $20s to high $30s for mains. For those prices you could be dining in style not in a diner. So, adios Pasqual mi amor. It was nice while it lasted. You'll find me down the street at Tia Sophia's if you want to hook up. Quick update Summer 2012: Prices have continued to soar. Better check out their menus and prices on-line or you may be in for a real surprise. Easy to blow through $25 or more a head for breakfast plus tax and tip. Seriously they nickel and dime you to death - $3 for toast - $1 for a tortilla. Total silliness.
(3)
Ed F.
Came in for a late breakfast while in town - amazing SW eggs - ordered a quesadilla - I wish I could have that every day for breakfast. Could be busy in the AM so expect a short wait.
Yum yum yum yum yum! And one more yum!!! This place is it!! Cafe Pasquel's is so good I wanted to eat every meal there while I was in Santa Fe (and trust me - after trying a neighboring cafe - I should have stuck with what I know is good!). I had the huevos motuleños and WOW! The black beans were cooked to perfection (cooked like my host mom in Oaxaca makes them) with a rich and creamy flavor that complimented the delicious tomatillo chili. The sauteed bananas were a surprising but outstanding addition to the meal. The rest of my table also raved their meals. Try the mole and the kale salad if you get the chance. The decor of Cafe Pasqual's is also delightful, fun and enjoyable. I will be back and I bought their cookbook to tide me over until I venture down to Santa Fe again. YUM!
(5)
t b.
Trick me once, shame on you. Trick me twice, shame on me. Pasquale's obviously has a really good marketing machine. Food was average. Prices were OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. Avoid it. I won't be back. There are plenty of places within 3 minute walk that are just as good (or better) and don't require a 2nd mortgage.
(1)
Maria D.
Unconventional menu and very flavorable. The wait for a table is well worth it. We will be back.
(5)
Richard M.
I will admit, I have a pretty simplistic palate. I like what I like. So, when I first got a look at the crunchy hippy vibe at Pasqual's, I was turned off. Sorry, but I'm the kind of guy that rolls his eyes at the word, "organic." If Pasqual's served humble pie, I'd be eating it. After perusing the menu and becoming more and more depressed about the situation, I ordered the quesadilla. I am not lying when I say, it was the best quesadilla I have ever had. Every ingredient was so fresh and pure that even my limited taste buds could appreciate its perfection. It tasted like it had just been plucked off the quesadilla tree. In addition to my best damn quesadilla ever, our party of four experienced their best tamale ever and best grilled chicken sandwich ever. The place is cramped, the wait is long, but the staff is so friendly I felt my hunger-induced crankiness melt away after a minute or so. Definitely worth a try, even if you're a big baby like me.
(4)
Annie M.
I had the scallops wrapped in bacon, my husband had the enchilladas. Delicious! And we walked away feeling full but not oily and heavy. The decor is really fun and lively, and the staff is so friendly. Definitely somewhere we look forward to returning to on our next visit to Santa Fe.
(5)
Bryan R.
While in Santa Fe for only a day, I was recommended by a friend to head to Cafe Pasqual's. I was even told to tell them "The Duke" sent me. I don't believe this had any effect on the food or the service, positive or negative (although who knows, they could owe him a lot of money or something, haha). Aaaaaanyway... Pasqual's has the best chorizo I've ever had!!!! The blue corn enchiladas were fantastic as was the mammoth cappuccino that was served in a soup bowl. With only two meals in Santa Fe, I can't imagine I could've had anything better than Pasqual's. Though a tad pricey and apparently there is usually a long wait, the food and experience are absolutely worth it! If I were a more frequent visitor, I'd petition for some cool nickname myself. The Duke was right on about the food and the experience and I can see why he still raves about this fantastic restaurant. Unfortunately for The Duke, they surely have too many regulars to remember him.
(5)
Christine S.
We had a great dinner here! I strongly recommend making reservations here. It isn't a very big place and it fills up fast. Luckily we did make our reservations. Great menu and great wine list. For their wines, they had a great variety of wines and there some great bottles. We were able to order a few different types of wines for the table. For dinner we ordered a Roasted Acorn Squash filled with Portobello and Porcini Mushrooms, Oven Roasted Niman Ranch Pork Chop and a Niman Ranch Port Stew Simmered in Cote du Rhone. YUM. What makes this place super special is the atmosphere and the sunset! This is a super romantic place to go at sunset. Next time I am there I am most definetly going to go there for Brunch...The menu looked great!
(5)
Victoria Y.
Absolutely adorable setting for a restaurant! Reservations are a must but even if you don't make it and you come early enough, you can put your name down and then browse the nearby shops while you wait. The staff are wonderful and you should check out their gallery just around the corner and up the elevator. While some of the food could have used an extra kick (in my mind), my friend really enjoyed her dishes. We had the pupusa, tamale, carne asada skewers, and the tacos barbacoa. The carne asada skewers were delicious, the pupusa and tamale could have used a bit more chili I think. My favorite part though, was the dessert! We had this chocolate mousse cake, very thick with olive oil and salt, absolutely delicious! Overall four stars for tasty food and a wonderful ambiance.
(4)
Scotty V.
It was good, but compared to the Shed or Tia Sophia's, I would rather spend my time there. EXPENSIVE for portions. Again, it was good food, but expected better value and taste for all the hype!
(3)
Random D.
Pasqual's reminded me of some very informal tiny eating place that you would normally find in either in Berkeley or Santa Cruz - except that the menu was an expensive one. I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive "vegetarian" options in Cafe Pasqual's. Reservations are definitely needed if you are headed out for dinner. The French Brie was pretty decent - and the bread that came with it was fresh. The vegetarian enchillada was ok - not great. Overall, a nice experience. I wouldn't mind going in there and trying some other vegetarian options that are out there.
(3)
Lisa R.
Before heading to Santa Fe, we got lots of people's recommendations on where to eat -- Pasqual's made everyone's list, so we had to try it. We came for brunch on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised to only wait about 10 minutes for a table. You feel instantly at ease when you walk in... it's bright and bustling and everyone there (patrons AND employees) seem to be enjoying themselves. Love it already!! : ) Since we were on vacation, we of course started with mimosas that were the perfect juice to champagne ratio. Yum! Boyfriend had the huevos motulenos (a house specialty, apparently) - eggs and beans with sauteed bananas, feta cheese, green peas and chile. Sounds odd. But tasted pretty darn good. I went with the smoked trout hash that came highly recommended by a friend, and it was delicious! Everything about this place was just lovely - the food, the drinks, the service, even the sweet ladies sitting at the table next to us! Couldn't recommend this place more... I just wished we'd had time to come by and try more stuff on the menu!
(5)
Brooke L.
Delicious! Buy the pottery, amazing bakeware.
(5)
William W.
Their cheese grits are worth it all by themselves. Also, excellent pancakes and breakfast quesadilla. Coffee has room for improvement though.
(5)
J W.
I heart Cafe Pasqual's! We ordered the daily special salad, consisted of mangoes, beets, greens and shredded mint leaves. Amazing!!!!!! All of the ingredients were ripe, super fresh and the salad was refreshing as expected! The lightness of the dressing went perfect with the salad and I think the beets were one of the best I've tasted :) Also tried the grilled squash and red onion enchilada, yum!!!!! Loved the green chile, it's got a nice kick! You'd appreciate it :) Cilantro rice was tasty as well, we devoured the whole plate with pleasure :P I also enjoyed my Mexican hot chocolate, and if you were wondering, their fruit liquado was just smoothie :) Another cute NM restaurants with interesting interior decors! FUN!
(4)
Membrane S.
My boyfriend and I were delighted to find this lovely organic restaurant in downtown Santa Fe after being turned away by the pretentious Trattoria Nastoria (see review). Although the food is WAY pricier than the atmosphere would suggest, we found the restaurant cozy, charming, and yummy. My boyfriend got the baby back ribs and I got the mole enchiladas. Both dishes were fabulous. You can never go wrong with organic food because it is so fresh; the cornbread torte that comes with the meals is fabulous. The place was nearly full on a Tuesday night, so if you're going on a weekend night, I would highly suggest reservations. Our waiter was this adorably nice man, and their hostesses are excellent and deliver great customer service. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Matt H.
I'll make this short. Pasquals could be a sucky restaurant and still make money due to its location . . . but it isn't sucky. In fact it rocks! Breakfast is always good and I've had great meals later in the day as well. Especially dinner. Minus one star for weak coffee. I need stronger stuff after a night of drinking.
(4)
Abby A.
Delicious dinner. Everything we ordered was delicious -- kale salad app, entrees, assorted cookies dessert. It was intimate, classy but casual, a great all around restaurant.
(5)
Tony P.
My wife and I were lucky enough to get into Pasqual's on a Friday night after someone missed their reservation. We're very happy we ate there and it was the best food we've had in a while. I do thing the place is a little pricey overall, but not totally unreasonable compared to some of the better restaurants in San Francisco. We enjoyed the apricot and mushroom appetizer they brought to us while we were waiting to order. It was an interesting mix of savory and fruity flavors, but would have been a little better with a slightly riper apricot. For appetizers we chose the Halibut Ceviche and the Heirloom Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella, Balsamic vinegar and Basil. Both were absolutely wonderful and made a nice contrasting combination. We ate the Ceviche first and then the tomatoes. For our main courses I had the Tofu Mole Enchiladas and my wife had the Lamb Chops. The enchiladas were wonderful and it was great having a mole that didn't have chicken in it. It was served with a cilantro rice that complimented the dish perfectly. My wife said her lamb chops were amazing and she really enjoyed them. For dessert we ordered the chef's sampler and had a great combination of desserts including German Chocolate Cake, Cantaloupe Sorbet, Dark Chocolate Almond Bark and two others I don't remember. It was all very enjoyable and a little too much overall. We had it with coffee that was very good as well. We ordered the cheapest red wine on their menu a Chilean Carmenere for $30 a bottle that was very good. I thought their wine list was rather overpriced, but that might be because I'm from California and the local wines are cheaper here. I would recommend this place, but it is pricey. For dinner I consider it a $$$ restaurant rather than the $$ listed in the summary when I wrote this review. The staff was friendly and I enjoyed the fact that the wait staff didn't seem to be tied to particular tables. Each person helped us as we needed things and it worked well. The ambiance was nice and the decor is somewhat eclectic.
(5)
Natalie D.
Teeny tiny! They take reservations for dinner (not sure about lunch or breakfast) and I would highly recommend making them. The combo plate with the relleno, chicken mole enchilada, and barbacoa taco was delicious - the relleno was one of the best I've ever had. Yum yum yum. This place came highly recommended and I can see why. Again, try to make reservations or expect to wait.
(4)
Sarah P.
Cafe Pasqual's is definitely a cute, hip, little restaurant. We dined there for lunch with six adults, four kids and one infant. It was a tight squeeze, but they were able to seat us within 10 minutes (they only have one table to accomodate a group of this size). I ordered the cheese quesadilla and it was AWESOME! They used a little oil on the outside of the tortilla so it was crunchy on the outside. My husband ordered their whole wheat pancakes and LOVED them. I stole a bite from him and was extremely impressed with their taste and texture. Because we were visiting Santa Fe we purchased the restaurants cookbook and I am VERY eager to try out some of the recipes.
(4)
Gretchen J.
On my endless quest for corned beef hash made from scratch, we were led to this place by the concierge at our hotel. Boy were we in for a treat! Be prepared to wait as this is such a popular place. The line fortunately moved pretty fast on a Saturday morning. The place boast a menu resulting from organic foods. Yes, I did ordered the corned beef hash that was delectable! The eggs came perfectly poached , potatoes perfectly creamy and with whole wheat toast ( baked on premises ) that is to die for. My husband ordered the smoke trout breakfast and it also was perfectly smoked and flaky soft topped by perfect poached eggs.
(5)
D V.
Had a very nice dinner for four- wonderful brie appetizer and all of us were impressed with the size and quality of our entrees. The atmosphere is fun and charming. Our waiter was great. The cost was higher than expected, though, and seems to be mis-categorized on yelp- should be 3-4 $$signs. (One entree was priced at $38!)
(4)
Adam S.
Been here three times now, and have yet to be disappointed. I really enjoy the mashed potatos with mole. Very unique. The beef is always top quality here.
(4)
Susan E.
came for dinner and returned for breakfast and if i didn't live on the other end of the country, i'd join the line out the door as much as possible. a winner.
(5)
Tony O.
Loved it, came with quite a reputation and lived up to it. Charming.
(4)
Renee O.
I always have breakfast here when I'm in Santa Fe. The corned beef hash is wonderful, and I don't even like [other] corned beef hash.
(5)
Ronald H.
Got to Sante Fe late in the day. Tired and being a first time visitor, we asked a friendly woman on the street where she liked to eat. If you have read other reviews of Cafe Pasqual's you know what happened next. We entered without a reservation and were offered seating at the community table immediately. The folks that came and went on either side of us were more than friendly. To top off the great conversation, I had the best (by far) bison burger I have ever had! When I get back to Santa Fe, I will not only return, but I will make a point of not getting a reservation so I might meet more great people.
(5)
Kristin K.
So overpriced. I work with organic produce and proteins and know intimately their cost and I am deeply familiar with both real estate and labor costs. That being said, the bathroom was super cute but I felt like the floor wasn't quite level and the restaurant seating was rather tight. At our table we ordered the brie appetizer ($16), the small Maytag blue, beet and romaine salad ($11), the beef taco app ($17), the beef skewers w/guacamole ($16 and really tasty), we also had the filet entree plus mushrooms ($49) and finally espresso and bread pudding ($9) for dessert. Flavors all very good and portion sizes all very, very small. I found there to be great food at great prices elsewhere...(everyone else at my table was happy)
(3)
Sam A.
The food aside, a big reason why so many tourists have come to this over-hyped restaurant is because Rachel Ray did a review of the place two years ago... The review was noteable because she ordered the blandest meal on the menu, and then was visibly shocked at the power of the green chili on the broadcast... Making her pretty much a laughingstock with the locals. On the same episode, Rachel Ray became visibly inebriated at another restaurant after drinking like a quarter margarita drink... You may be able to see the hilarity on Youtube, but as a food taster, it showed that she just doesn't have the stamina to review southwestern food.
(3)
Megan T.
Delicious Christmas enchiladas! Love that they support local/ organic. Mexican hot chocolate was also high quality. Only reason not a 5 star in my book is that they were a bit overpriced. Chicken enchiladas for $18 or $15 for a chorizo breakfast burrito is a bit steep. A cozy and artsy establishment
(4)
Sonya D.
Had to make reservations, food was good, but not quite worth the prices
(3)
Gregory E.
Definitely not worth it. The bad experience started with the host (some guy in a ponytail) being completely rude upon confirming our name on the wait list. Next, the appetizer was returned because it was not cooked. And finally we both left with upset stomachs. It is one thing to pay high prices for good food but to pay top dollar for below average food especially in these economic times is ridiculous. It used to be a decent place to eat but don't waste your time and money now.
(1)
De D.
It was all tasty. One recommendation DO NOT add carne asada. Chewiest little gross meats. Huge regret.
(4)
Laurie H.
The bacon sandwich and kale salad is to die for. I don't mind the wait for a table. We put our name on the list and go walk around the plaza. I love love this restaurant
(5)
Jenna B.
Avoid Cafe Pasqual's! Overrated and WAY overpriced! I am definitely a "foodie" and was not impressed. The restaurant is extremely tight and cramped (just look down the bathroom hallway for a laugh). Our food arrived less than 5 minutes after we ordered it- seemed like they were just trying to turn tables and get more people in and the server hardly said 10 words to us in between rushing from table to table. 2 beers + 2 entrees + 1 coffee + 1 dessert = $100... :( We had better food and ambiance in Tucson at Cafe Poca Cosa.
(2)
Greg L.
This cafe has both excellent food and service. The quality of the food (they serve both pasture-raised and grass-fed products) is simply outstanding and you can taste the difference. It's worth noting that the atmosphere is very pleasant and relaxed too.
(5)
David T.
The bottom line: Rich, complicated and luxurious mole. Good service and nice atmosphere. 4.5 stars. My father has been raving about Cafe Pasquale's mole for about 10 years. Needless to say, we had a reservation even before we landed in Albuquerque. On our first visit (we ended up going twice during our week-long visit to Santa Fe) my wife and I both ordered the "Plato Supremo," a sampler of sorts. I had the meaty option and she, the veggie. The chili relleno was tasty but the tacos, tamale and meat skewer were somewhat forgettable. The star, however, was the organic chicken mole enchilada. It was phenomenal, perfectly balanced spice and richness. The second time around, my wife and I split the halibut ceviche cocktail as a starter. The citrus and jalapeño spice were extremely well balanced and the fish was (slightly) chewy-textured and delicious. We then split the organic chicken mole enchiladas for dinner, spectacular again. The service was knowledgeable, friendly and relatively fast. The restaurant was small but well decorated (with much recycle-art). I look forward to my next visit and helping of mole.
(4)
Ella L.
Two vegetarian mole enchiladas stuffed with zucchini, spinach, grilled tofu!! The mole is perfection as are the black beans topped with homemade sour cream. Chai latte is yummy spice and sweet combined, well-balanced indeed. To top it all is the chocolate budino tartlet with sea salt and olive oil... So rich and unique decadence that we had to share with our neighbor table. Love this place, everything hit the spot!
(5)
Albert K.
Every person we spoke with that came through or from Santa Fe said that I had to go here. And this quaint little cafe restaurant in downtown was definitely the best restaurant we went to during our stay in SFe. My gf and I actually dined for dinner there twice as it was one of the few restaurants that was open late. Being used to late 9-10pm meals and with La Choza and the Shed both closed on Sunday night (restaurant closed on Sunday night??? wtf?) this ended being our choice two nights in a row. First night we waited and the second night we had a reservation. Both nights the staff was nice and friendly although not as attentive as they should have been. Water glasses were empty and they didn't really check up on us. First night we both had big plates, the Plata Supremo with a very tasty chicken mole for the gf and the filet mignon for myself. The filet mignon was not as tender as I'm used to (it didn't seem like it was aged) but the sauce was good as were the potatoes. I was a bit underwhelmed by the steak though the plata was quite good. Second night we had the halibut ceviche cocktail and the papusa... this time was much better choice of dish for me. And surprisingly, the seafood was good! People complain again that it's crowded or small... it didn't bother me. Noisy but not so much that you can't carry a conversation. All in all a solid restaurant, but I'd stick to the straight NM specialties and you'll have a better experience. I almost gave this place a 3 star due to lackluster service but the quality of the food versus the scarcity of good restaurants puts it back up there. PQR on this place isn't as good as it should be, but it still was the best overall that I had in Santa Fe.
We love this place, and it's a must when we are staying in Santa Fe. This visit, we even went twice. The decor is cool and colorful, and if you can catch it at a time when there isn't a wait, the experience is much better (go early or past the morning rush - it gets busy and is in demand). We had the Durango omelet and the special chile and brown sugar bacon. YUM. Really without compare. The espresso milkshake is also highly recommended. Our service was also good, with the exception of one forgotten juice. The only negative here is the price - you're going to buy a $17 omelet or a $5 small juice or an $11 milkshake - it's very expensive. But the food is delicious and it's an authentic Santa Fe experience. I also highly recommend the wedding cookies as a snack for later!
(5)
Kathy M.
This felt a lot like a local spot that all the tourists go to. We were lucky and did not have to wait for a table, but if we would have had to wait, there was definitely a lot to look at! There were various items hanging everywhere. Hubby said the coffee was really, really good. I ordered a breakfast burrito and thought it was good, but the green chili sauce was not all that hot, just had a mild green chili flavor. Hubby ordered the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS and thought it had a unique taste and was very good. We thought it was a little overpriced, but what you tend to pay when on vacation.
(4)
Julie S.
I liked Cafe Pasqual's so much that I visited twice during my stay in Santa Fe. You could tell they use very fresh ingredients, and aren't afraid to kick up the spice! I love that. There are tons of items on the menu, which is why I had to come back to try another dish. The first time I was there, I had the chicken mole enchiladas. I don't usually like mole sauce because I find savory chocolate dishes a bit strange and outside my comfort level. But at Pasquals, the mole is so amazingly delicious that I gobbled up the entire dish without a drop of leftovers. I highly recommend this dish. The second time I was there, I tried their cheese enchiladas with "Christmas style" sauce (half red/half green sauce). It was delicious as well, but I managed not to gorge myself that time. The bf tried their chorizo breakfast burrito. Also very yummy. If you're in town, Cafe Pasqual's is definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Erin H.
Great food with great flavor. Had breakfast there & you can't go wrong. We will be back!!
(4)
Mae S.
Absolutely wonderful food & service. We remembered eating here years ago and found it still wonderful this month. My smoked trout with poached egg was superb! Wish I could come back more often.
(5)
Mel D.
Love this place. Friendly service, wonderful food and great wines. We had fried plantains as an app, wonderful dipping sauce! Then chicken mole enchiladas, amazing and it is one of their specialties, the scallops and the pigs n figs. Everything was wonderful! My husband had one of the best glasses of granacha I've ever tried and they serve the delightful New Mexican Gruet (champagne). Truly worth the price and the wait. Make your reservations well in advance!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
This is a fabulous breakfast place, and was actually worth the 30+ minutes we waited for a table. I had the chile relleno and my partner had the huevos rancheros. Big portions but we almost finished them, the food was so good! Just the right amount of spicy, and the beans were delicious. The restaurant itself has a great vibe and tons of handicrafts on the walls. We were there just before Easter so it was all decorated for spring. Very cute and a fun, lively place for weekend brunch.
(5)
Libbie C.
Good food. I had the corn cakes and they were awesome. They were one of the specials featured ($23). The service was splendid and not pushy. My mom loves this place and it seems to attract an older crowd. If I were to come back I think I would want to try their brunch menu.
(4)
Sophia O.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon during Indian Market, so I was prepared for a crowded, less than enjoyable experience. Yes, the place was crowded, yes, the wait was long, but the food was amazing. We waited about 50 minutes for a table and were finally squished in next to two couples who wouldn't stop gabbing about Los Angeles real estate. I had the quinoa burger on a brioche bun, which was topped with guacamole, fried shallots, tomato chutney, and sprouts. It was one of the best vegetarian burgers I've had in Santa Fe, and I really appreciated how they actually put thought into the toppings (something you don't see everywhere with veggie burgers). The potatoes were good, but came out cold. I know this place is famous for its Mexican food - my mom and brother got the mole enchiladas and blue lady enchiladas respectively, and said both were delicious. The food came quickly, and our waiter was funny and attentive even though the place was packed. The only downside was that you're seated so close to other tables that it's difficult to have your own conversation. It's also a busy atmosphere, so even though we weren't hurried out of there by the staff, it was difficult to not feel rushed. If you can get in here on a weekday afternoon, I definitely recommend visiting.
(4)
Jen H.
My husband and I just finished having dinner here. I ordered the carne asada and hubby ordered the opened faced steak sandwich. My steak was pretty tasteless. It was served with cilantro rice, guacamole and grilled veggies. I didn't taste a hint of cilantro in the rice. It was extremely bland. The guac was just okay. The veggies weren't that great either. Husband's meal was pretty good but not worth recommending. I think this place was extremely overpriced. I sure wish we had picked a different place for dinner.
(2)
Rob W.
Only had 2 days in Santa Fe and ate here for breakfast both times. Very very tasty. Wife loved the huevos barbacoa, nicely cooked meat. I really enjoyed the huevos motulenos. Had the combo green red christmas chile and both were very good. Couldn't pick one color over the other the next time either. Really liked the banana in this dish which I can sometimes take or leave. Tried the cactus salad, which was nice. Not spectacular but good. Had the plato primo with the garden enchilada which was also good, but the huevos motulenos were better.
(4)
Solomon W.
Cafe Pasqual's incites all sorts of emotions of nostalgia for the Texas boy who has gone skiing once or twice. The vibe of old Santa Fe reminds you of a ski town, yet with adobe-Spanish flare; CP's menu wields classic breakfast dishes (huevos rancheros and corned beef hash) with "made in-house" aspects; and the upscale pricing on traditional dishes brings me back to the fancy breakfasts in many a Texas city. For starters, the $15 bowl of fried potatoes, smothered in salsa, though pricey triggers so many childhood memories--from the love for potatoes... that are fried...to the first taste of salsa... perhaps even the growing love for cheese and sour cream. With not a care in the world on how this type of dish would affect your health long-term. On the other end, the brisket and eggs, though pricier, certainly gives you more bang for your buck--didn't momma always say to have meat with your breakfast to keep your tummy full? Slow-cooked beef... runny eggs... can't lose. This classic eatery set on the well-traveled Don Gaspar (totally made that last part up) provides quality food with a very New-Mexican feel.
(4)
Don J.
One of the best you will find in Santa Fe....I had the free range chicken sandwich and loved it....highly recommend
(4)
Amanda S.
Hands down the BEST breakfast restaurant in Santa Fe. This place is small- I love the community table- but efficiently run. I have been here twice now, and while it is a little pricey for breakfast (it was about $50 for two people, including tip) I think it is worth it. The flavors are incredible, and the freshness wonderful. The ingredients are mostly organic and truly New Mexican.
(5)
Unica V.
After having Pasqual's on our "still need to try" restaurant list for some time, we finally dined there last night. The food: My husband had the Lamb Chops which were cooked very well. The pomegranate sauce added a very unique and good taste. The potatoes and tomato/cucumber salad that accompanied the dish were spiced up in a way I've never had before. Very good! I had the Cochinita pork which came shredded and wrapped in a banana leaf. The pork was very tender, but a bit sweet for my liking. However, when you took a bite of the fried plantains with the pork, they complimented eachother nicely. Overall a very tasty dish. The service: Very attentive and friendly staff. The waitress was there when we needed her and not overbearing. The price: Ouch! Compared to most restaurants in Santa Fe, the food is overpriced. For our two dishes the bill was $80 which didn't include drinks. That's a bit much. We did enjoy our dinner and can now check it off our lost.
(4)
Kate M.
Nice little place in city plaza. Got breakfast here and ordered the huevos barbacoa. Nice hearty ingredients with the right amount of spice and flavor. Service here was really quick and friendly! The decor was probably my favorite part of the restaurant. Lots of charming eclectic Santa Fe architecture and decorations. The place felt slightly touristy, but that's expected in this part of town. The dishes were a bit pricey, and the latte my friend got was $5.50 (more expensive than Starbucks!).
(4)
Jennifer L.
Us weary campers stumbled in here after The Shed had a 45 minute wait. This came up on my yelp app, but I had no idea it was kind of fancy and expensive. The space is very tiny and filled with wealthy Santa Fe elite covered in turquoise and pashmina shawls. We probably would have walked out and left, but the hostess was so cordial and nice we decided to stay. The menu was refreshingly not exclusively NM cuisine. Since plates are around $18 we decided to share everything. We split the pupusa appetizer and the bison burger. Both were stunningly delicious. Then we had the fig cookie with carmel salt ice cream that was divine. The cookie was surprisingly delicious and fresh. There really aren't any affordable/cheap options in the downtown area so either drive out of downtown or buck up and treat yo self!
(4)
David L.
Excellent experience today. Our check was generously adjusted after we explained the error from our previous visit. Bill did an outstanding job, my Durango omlette was prepared perfectly, and our meal was priced appropriately. Kudos for a genuine interest in customer satisfaction.
(5)
Monika W.
I was recently in Santa Fe for a spa conference and one of my scheduled activities was a group dinner at Cafe Pasqual's. I was very excited to see so many locally grown items on the menu! Chard? Really? Awesome! I opted for the special, Moroccan chicken tajine with preserved lemons and artichokes and was not disappointed. My entire group was equally pleased with their choices...cannot say the same for our colleagues sent to other restaurants. And to satisfy a group of professional spa operators who are accustomed to eating and drinking the finest the world has to offer, is saying an awful lot! So grateful to the event planner who steered me toward Pasqual's, otherwise I would have missed it. I am Yelping to keep other travelers from that horrible possibility! Space is tight and we made it work...but if you are interested in going with a large group be sure to call in advance to work out the details.
(5)
Anne M.
It's nice to know that some things never change. We had brunch at Pasqual's this morning. The one hour wait was so worth it! The food was simply fabulous. Enough said.
(5)
John M.
My last visit consisted of pancakes, 2 eggs and turkey bacon. i love places that serve pure maple syrup. No wait this time! The menu is great and so is the staff.
(4)
Nancy D.
Yes, the reviews are all over the place. As a critical diner, I have to say: go try it. We arrived at lunch to a completely full dining room. The host (not a particularly friendly chap) said we could wait for "a while" or sit at the community dining table. Well, color me happy! While I don't consider myself particularly fond of chatting with strangers, community tables are always a can't-miss for me. Where else can you get free reviews and opinions of others experiencing the city (well, except for Yelp)? If you get stuck with a particularly annoying individual, keep in mind it is only for a meal. Our table included a couple from Santa Fe, a couple from our home town, a solo traveler and some other people we didn't really talk to. Our fellow diners steered us to other great dining and local attractions. Enough about that. I had the carne asada. It was a solid dish served with every tasty beans and accompanying pepperss but had the disappointment of pre-made tortillas (why don't restaurants in Santa Fe make fresh tortillas?!). Hubby had the BLT and thank goodness he is generous with his food! This "sandwich" is served on cornbread, so get ready to pull out your forks halfway through. But tasty? Absolutely. Everyone at our table was pleased with their food, ranging from satisfied to thrilled. There was even a little sharing going on, food and recommendations alike. If you are walking around the plaza, tired and dazed and looking for a good meal, open the screen door and let it slam.
(4)
Oscar the Death Cat B.
We picked Cafe Pasquals for our first dinner on our Santa Fe trip. If you have read any other reviews, you will already know that their dining room is mighty small, and even on an off-peak-season Wednesday night, with the rest of the plaza pretty much dead by 6 PM, there was still a wait to get into Pasquals. Reservations are recommended. We tried the pupusa, lamb barbacoa tacos, and a combo platter consisting of a chile relleno, mole enchilada, tamal, and a beef skewer. For dessert we shared a blackberry pie with homemade ice cream. All the dishes were satisfying, though not especially innovative. Pasqual's might be worth a stop for dinner if you plan ahead with reservations, but it's not worth a long wait to get in. If you are indifferent about how organic your food is, you could probably find similarly satisying fare elswehere for a lower price. Breakfast and brunch seem to be where they really excel, but unfortunately our vacation schedule did not provide time for a return trip.
(3)
Greg A.
My wife had the Enchiladas and thought they were awesome. I had the sole filet which was also great, BUT, neither the menu nor the waiter mentioned that this $29 entree included nothing but meat. The waiter later told me that that's what "sole" meant. For $29 they could have at least thrown a few veggies on my plate. My most wonderful wife shared her plate with me and saved me from leaving hungry.
(3)
Jerome W.
Pretty dang good for breakfast in Santa Fe! It's a bit cramped inside when you first walk in and get seated, but everyone in Santa Fe is super nice. They actually smile and say hello which is quite refreshing when you come from the bowels of southern California. So don't be afraid to cuddle up to your neighbors. I had the Pasqual's favorite which comes with wheat pancakes, sausage, and two eggs. My friend got the breakfast quesedilla which was delicious as well. Their lattes and hot chocolate looked really good too. The bacon is a bit over priced, but overall it was good and would definitely come back next time we're in town. Thanks Cafe Pasqual! You put the A in Santa Fe!
(4)
Cheryl S.
Have never been disappointed with breakfast at Pasqual's! We have been stopping as often as possible for over 10 years on our travels thru Santa Fe and have never regretted the time it sometimes take to get a table. Count on a wait and if you get right in as we did on a Monday morning, just be thrilled. We try to sit at the communal table when possible, always meet interesting people who love to share other great places to eat. This trip I had the smoked trout hash and my husband had his favorite dish (can't remember name) which is plantains, peas, eggs, etc.. To die for! You leave raving about the food and planning on when you can return.
(5)
Jill B.
Expensive for what it is. I never understood there popularity unless all you care about is a place to be seen, tradition, and organic food. Their tortillas are dry and awful, sauces under seasoned and you will wait an hour to eat there.
(1)
Morgan S.
Worth the wait for their delicious breakfast. Everything I tasted was great--durango omelette, huevos rancheros, chorizo burrito. Good latte as well.
Just ate at Cafe Pasqual's again, this time brunch/lunch. The place was way too crowded and the service was not keeping up. Definitely try it at dinnertime for a more predictable experience. Service is better at night, when reservations are encouraged. The food is still good and worth the hassle, but you don't want to feel like you're eating and running in a place like this. One thing that makes lunch special is the offering of the healthy veggie "Licuado" (shake). A shot is more than enough ($3).
(4)
Shannon G.
Cute atmosphere! Fortunately we had reservations (they were booked solid until after 9 p.m). We had great service and the food was tasty but pricey. I appreciate organic food but if you are vegan, your options are limited to 2-3 items and not any cheaper. Options for kid friendly food was very limited. My girls enjoyed the roasted corn and would of loved more than just one ear. I would of loved more than one for them as well since it was $8! Overall, we enjoyed our evening there but I don't think we would return.
(3)
Mary Ann T.
Party of 6. The food was great. Had the Plato Supremo. The service was wonderful, but I forget his name. The evening was a bit ruined , except for the company, when we saw a roach go up the wall and hide under the print beside our booth which was right next to the kitchen door. That does it for me.
(2)
Khuyen P.
This was my 3rd visit to Cafe Pasqual's and is always totally worth the wait and the splurge. I'm not a morning person and I especially don't have an appetite at 8 a.m....and I was not feeling that great but I was leaving Santa Fe and my friends wanted to eat breakfast before they left as well. I had talked this place up so much they wanted to come here. SO we got here early and the wait was non existent for us. 15 minutes later and it was full to capacity. I wasn't really feeling food ready but something simple sounded good. I ordered the Two Egg breakfast: poached on home made English Muffins and strawberry ham and home fries. The eggs were terrific and the english muffins rocked my world. It was so fresh and clean tasting..something my palate doesn't get acquainted with that often. The potatoes were okay, but not as good as they could have been...sort of bland. The Huevos Rancheros, Brioche French Toast and Durango Omelet were all declared DELICIOUS by my friends and here's where the story ends. Do Come here and Do come back.
(5)
Rosemarie F.
Loved, loved, loved this place! Came here for breakfast and the place was packed! It was only me and had to wait about 20 minutes. The place is relatively small, but they sat me at a 'group' table of 10. We were a mixed crew of 6 locals, a couple from NOLA, and me, the Damned Yankee! I had the huevos rancheros with red chili, blue corn tortilla. Yummy, yummy. Service was attentive, friendly. Only giving this a 4 as, well, it was breakfast. Wished I had more time to try Cafe Pasqual's for lunch or dinner. Bought both their cookbooks and everything I have tried so far is delicious. Stopped by several times to buy one of their cookies. Shortbread with rosemary! Unique, but I got hooked. New Mexican food, with a unique and creative twist! Lovely artsy Santa Fe decor! Definately a must stop next trip!!
(4)
D G.
A great place to grab a tasty breakfast. Somewhat hectic with out of towners, but they know how to handle the crowds as they boast a large public seating table for walk-ins. Food was tasty and hot with plenty of vegetarian options. We'll be back.
(4)
Angelica C.
definitely a must if you are visiting Santa Fe regardless of whether or not you're vegetarian this place is consistent! Please make a reservation as they are always very busy! as someone mention in the previous review, the acorn squash quinoa and pomegranate is to die for. Attentive service.
(5)
Travis R.
Probably best Mexican meal I've ever had. The mole, the tamales, the chile relleno - it was all stunning. Be warned, however, everything is much spicer than the typical Mexican that you're used to (as it should be). The grilled prosciutto app will blow your mind. Do yourself a favor and visit this wonderful Santa Fe establishment.
(5)
Karen C.
Poor ambiance and crowded seating and food too pretentious and pricey. My lamb cooked perfect but glaze sauce too sweet my husbands Combo Mexican platter as one of their signature dishes really not very tasty. Thought over priced for food offered and was disappointed as was told a 'must' eat place. Maybe lunch better
(3)
Holly B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed into a small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than their communal table Food was ok, certainly not worth the price. It tries to come off as an authentic cultural hole in the wall but misses the mark. Instead looks like every other restaurant in Austin TX and Santa Cruz CA except more expensive without the culinary expertise.
(1)
Jo M.
WAAAAAAY over rated. After waiting for 20 minutes, we sat in the corner at a tiny overcrowded table, waited way too long for an over priced mediocre breakfast. It's great that their organic, but I think at this point they are just coasting on their reputation. There is much better food to be had out there, with out the snobby staff making you wait for each and everything you ask for.
(2)
Nancy M.
This is another smaller restaurant but it has great food and a loyal following. We were seated just as it opened for dinner and the place was packed nonstop until we left. They have a large community table so you can be seated sooner if you aren't waiting for a private one. They always have specials with a great wine list to choose from. We loved the flat bread sticks and gobbled them up with our wine. I ordered a warm mushroom spinach tart with melted cheese over a bed of greens and my friend had the appetizer order of muscles. Both dishes were delightful and we had a hard time finishing everything on our plates. The room is very cozy with some quirky decorating but the food is to die for. The staff worked hard to see that everyone is served and waited on even during a busy dinner hour. I had to order the strawberry shortcake but asked for ice cream instead of the whipped cream and it was fabulous. The sweetest strawberries ever and we ate the whole thing. Don't miss out on this if you are in town. Just try and get their early or don't mind a little wait. It is worth the time.
(4)
Gilbert C.
Pompous menu and service and obscenely over priced . Stay away from this place and visit other fine restaurants in Santa Fe's plaza area. I would recommend The Shed or Tia Sophia's, The Ore House, Coyote Cafe, Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery all within walking distance of the plaza.
(1)
Phil L.
Great spot for breakfast. Wish they had fresh squeeze orange juice but my juevos rancheros (actually were spicy which is how they're supposed to be I believe) were as good as it gets - I really don't think that I've had better. Very decent coffee here as well. And right in the middle of town - a super convenient location.
(5)
Candy W.
We had a reservation for 5:30, when they first opened for dinner. Within 10 minutes the place was packed. All the staff worked well in tandem. Several stopped by our table many times to check on us. We shared the Vietnamese scallop salad (unbelievably tasty) and the lamb tangine (fantastic flavors but not usually on the menu). Then we ended with the Meyer lemon ice cream and meringue cookie. We should have skipped the dessert, only because we were so full already (and the cookie was a bit dry). But the entire dinner, atmosphere, and attention were so superlative, who cared about a cookie?! We will definitely come here again if we ever return to Santa Fe.
(5)
Sandy K.
Still one of the best restaurant experiences in all of Santa Fe! The food is absolutely incredible and the service and atmosphere are exceptional. I will keep coming here again and again and again!
(5)
Erica V.
The food was fantastic. The service, not so much. Hostess was snotty when we got there for out reservation (it would be a miracle to get in here on a weekend with one as we found out the night before). We were seated for 15 minutes before out waiter came over. He just asked "what's for dinner?" Never asked about drinks. When I asked him to modify a dish to make it vegan, he wanted to argue about how it wouldn't taste as good without the cheese. For the record, the enchiladas were heaven without any cheese. His service continued to disappoint until it time to pay the bill.
(3)
C. H.
I thought it was great. Had the smoked trout hash and my husband had the red chili barlacoa. Man that hash was to die for! I'd like to try the whole menu. Had mexican hot chocolate which was also very good. Well worth it.
(5)
Charito S.
I came here last night for dinner with a group, and ate the Vietnamese scallops, Mexican hot chocolate, and the tomato soup. Everything was delicious, I all the morsels of food on my plate. The Vietnamese scallops came with a jicama type salad...I'm not a jicama type of person but that salad was delicious! Their food comes from their farmer's market, and they ensure that the food isn't treated with antibiotics and pesticides, organic and fresh. The atmosphere is warm and the staff are so friendly towards our group! I think I will go there for breakfast tomorrow and skip all the other restaurants that I want to try. I highly recommend! Call in advance for dinner, we got reservations a couple of days after our call...now I know why!
(5)
Katy M.
Perhaps the meal I most look forward to whenever we head to Santa Fe. Sometimes we eat two meals a day here. Everything about it - the cozy space with the vibrant decor, the hosts who calmly manage the crazy wait on weekends, the warm and efficient service and most importantly, the delicious, creative cuisine (both New Mexican and not) is a homerun. Stand-out dishes include the mole enchiladas (don't tell them I told you, but they'll make them with chicken if you ask, even though they recently switched to turkey on the menu) - one of the best moles I've tasted - pancakes, huevos barbacoa (written up in Cooking Light a few years back - who knew this was diet food?), huevos rancheros, and if you're craving something healthy, the nine-grain cereal (packages of which you can buy to take home). Famous for brunch but if you don't feel like waiting, they take dinner reservations and the food is equally crave-worthy.
(5)
Sonny L.
After reading all of the superstar reviews, I booked a reservation at Cafe Pasqual's on a recent trip to Santa Fe. Needless to say I was sorely disappointed. The service was mediocre, the vibe was utterly pretentious and the food was outrageously overpriced. If I'm going to pay $27 for a vegetarian Chile en Nogada, it better be orgasmic. It was not. It was super dull and not complex as one would have anticipated with all the ingredients listed. Napo's Pupusa had the texture of cardboard. I have no problem paying extra at a restaurant that touts organic seasonal ingredients. I understand the reality of growing your own organic food and the care it takes. However, I expect the beauty of the ingredients to speak for themselves. I was hoping to fine a tiny slice of New Mexico meets Chez Panisse in Santa Fe. All I found was a restaurant full of stuffy rich tourists. On a side note, our waiter ordered the wrong entree for one of our guests and instead of comping it, he brought us 2 cookies at the end of the meal. The only problem is that we had a table of 3, not 2. And really, who on earth would pay $14 for 2 tiny freakin' tacos. Call me spoiled, but I live in the land of bad ass tacos. On a final note, I did like the interior design. The cafe is beautiful and reminded me of Katahdin Restaurant in Portland, Maine, but I would not recommend this place.
Cafe Pasqual's is a pretty decent Mexican restaurant on the corner of a very busy "intersection" (quotes because the streets are small but still handle a great deal of traffic). The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner and when dinner time starts rolling around there is usually a small crowd gathered outside the door wanting to beat the rush for tables. Knowing this, we came for an early lunch. Mwahah! I have no complaints on the food. It was very tasty! However, the prices are pretty high and the servings are minuscule. Meh.. Is it just me or do most Mexican restaurants usually give outrageously humongous portions? I guess Pasqual's missed the memo...
(3)
timm s.
Did not live up to the hype.... I was visiting Santa Fe this past weekend and wanted to soak up all of the great food hots spots while in town. We were staying at the newly remodeled Hotel St. Francis so the restaurant was VERY close (right across the street). It does not have a prominent sign .... but the LARGE crowd outside gives it away. We were VERY lucky to by pass the crowd and get seated at a small table on the side of the colorful dinning room right away. NO WAIT (apparently that is unheard of)!!! The service was mediocre. I had the whole wheat pancakes with one egg. The pancakes .... DELICIOUS!! The eggs .... not so much. The price .... EXPENSIVE! It was around $12 for 3 pancakes and one egg. YIKES!! I know it is Santa Fe.... and I am not cheap by any means .... but that seems a weeeeeeeeeeeee-bit over priced. If I had to wait for 45 minutes.... I'm afraid I would have to bump the rating down to two stars. Don't wait... It's not THAT great!!
(3)
Katy B.
I have eaten here 2 times, both for special occasions as it is on the pricy side. First time I went for dinner.. I got the chicken mole enchiladas i think it was..., It was smothered and drenched in the sauce that was just ok.. and didn't really come wtih anything...really left something to be desired..and NOT cheap.. (I know these ingredients aren't expensive...)Second time i decided to go on my b-day for brunch(as ive heard so many things about the breakfast). Waited 45 min to then sit at a communal table..2 inches from the other people and we were sitting side by side.(which is fine for a hot dog joint... but for a pricey romantic bday brunch with my boyfriend i was a little disappointed.)Again, the food was just ok, and it was sooo expensive..100% not worth it. Not to mention it was SUPER loud in there. I found the staff Snooty, rushed and unconcerned. Mind not blown... especially with all the hype. Actually it is mind blowing, how they get away with this stuff.
(1)
S K.
If you like being packed in like sardines and paying for over priced mediocre food...this place is for you!! Do not recommend. 0 star
(1)
Lauren E.
With the very friendly staff and delicious food, Cafe Pasqual's is an amazing find! The osso bucco was very good and unique. It had wonderful citrus overtones. The carrot ginger soup was very well balanced. The scallops were cooked perfectly and wrapped in flavorful bacon. The pear sorbet was an absolute delight! Very refreshing and delicious! We would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Santa Fe. We were able to get in on a Friday night at around 7:30pm after about 20 minutes without a reservation. It is a small place, but the ambiance is fun and colorful!
(5)
Amanda R.
My boyfriend and I ate here during a three day vacation to Santa Fe. Not only was it a waste of money and a night out, the entree he ordered was visually disgusting. He ordered pork that was served inside a cocoon like leaf. When he opened the leaf mashed pork and gooey juice came pouring out all over the other food in his plate. It gave the impression of camping trip gone terribly wrong. What might happen if someone took a laxative and had only a leaf to catch their watery stool. The site of this made us so sick neither one of us could eat. When we expressed this to the manager there, she couldn't seem to understand so she just kept asking us what was wrong. She did take my boyfriend's entree off the check but over charged us for the other items we ordered.None of the food our was exactly superb and surly not worth the money. We went there expecting a wonderful experience based on the reviews, instead we left disappointed and nauseated. None of the staff ever really apologized or tried to compensate for our poor experience. They just acted as though they had their culinary brilliance had been forsaken;never mind sour stomachs and ruined dinner. By the way the place is too small don't go and expect to have elbow room if your arm is over a foot long. In sum this place is best for you if you are blind, short and have a steel stomach. I do however; highly recommend the restaurant across the street, Tabla de Los Santos.
(1)
Jessica R.
Amazing. Seriously amazing. Came for dinner on vacation with my husband. We both left stuffed and satisfied! If I lived in Santa Fe, I'd come here all the time. The food is fantastic; the best Mexican I've ever had. Staff is friendly and prompt. And the ambiance is captivating, somewhere between authentic southwest and kitsch. Loved it!
(5)
F. P.
Got to Santa Fe before 10am and first thing on the list was to check out the much acclaimed Cafe Pasqual's. Was told there was a 45-minute wait (already?!) but that was fine because it gave us time to check out the plaza. Verdict? Pretty good but way overpriced. Couldn't help but feel that I was in a tourist trip (we were seated at the community table and everyone was from elsewhere). I had the huevos motulenos (eggs with black beens, sauteed bananas, feta cheese, salsa and Christmas chile). Pretty good but I actually wasn't too fond of the bananas which were mushy and over-ripe and sweet. What this dish did do was confirm that I was more a fan of green chile than red. I also had a bite of the breakfast quesadilla with applewood bacon, which was delicious. I probably wouldn't return to this place only because it's near impossible to get seated and simply overpriced ($50 w tax & tip for a quesadilla, huevos, OJ and coffee is kind of ridiculous). People had recommended Tia Sophia as an alternative (just as good but at half the price) ... maybe will give that a shot next time.
(3)
Robert C.
Lunch 30th October 2012 - Ratings: A = Excellent, C = Mediocre, E = Awful. Food B Service B- Ambience B Value for Money C We sat at the communal table in the middle because all the individual tables were full. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I had the smoked trout salad, my wife the chicken sandwich, and our friend the buffalo burger. All these were good but somewhat overpriced for what they were. The service was good. The bathrooms were very small.
(3)
Chuck C.
My wife and I have visited Santa Fe several times...and have tried a number of local eateries. Today we ate breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Both the atmosphere and cuisine are quintessential Santa Fe. The staff was friendly and attentive. We will be back. My wife had the Maga's Cheese Blintzes with strawberry jam and sour cream. It was rich and scrumptious. I had the Huevos Barbacoa con Chile D'Arbol Salsa, a stunningly flavorful combination of slow-cooked marinated shredded beef, eggs, pintos and Cotija cheese atop corn tortillas. I posted the pics here. If you're looking for food and ambiance that capture the essence of Santa Fe, along with the friendliest service staff in town, check out Cafe Pasqual's. You won't regret it! CJC, Jr.
(5)
Natasha M.
I have been to a LOT of wonderful restaurants from San Francisco to NYC. Some inexpensive or reasonable, and some very expensive (but amazing!) I have NEVER been as offended at the prices of items on a menu than I was at this place. Corn on the Cob for $9? Add chicken to a Caesar salad for $12? Are you kidding me? I was so upset that I would have left had I not been a guest of my father's whom I was visiting. I chose the tacos on the appetizer menu (2 for $14), and ended up eating 2 corn/steak tacos (with no side of rice or beans or anything) that were mediocre at best. The apricots w/mushrooms and nuts were gross (they served them at the beginning) no one at the table could finish theirs, and my daughters Thai noodles weren't all that imaginative. Edible, yes, but not $19 worthy. They advertise being an all-organic restaurant, but do they really need to insult by their ridiculous prices? It wasn't even worth paying "regular" prices for me to return. I'm happy back in San Francisco where you can have the most amazing dishes every few feet!
(1)
Brad B.
Authentic, friendly but tight quarters. The bison green chili burger is a must and the pigs n figs are great. Taco starters ok not great. Would go back.
(4)
Doug P.
Hands down the best breakfast i have ever had! Grilled polenta, spicy chorizo, sweet corn and amazing red chili. GO!
(5)
J L.
I don't get all the rave reviews. We tried this small, upscale cafe out after many locals insisted it's the best. Not impressed in the least. Far too pretentious with food that's as boring as the personality of our waitress. The good thing, however, is that the service is fast and attentive. They work together as a team to move people in and out quickly. We were here for dinner and found the menu odd. Yes, it's local and organic and that demands a much higher price, but seriously, the items on the menu are plain weird and do not taste all that great. We are small people who get full easily but we left here hungry and broke. The grilled artichoke appetizer tasted just like the grill and while I don't know what type of grill they use, I very much tasted heavy doses of propane. It was inedible. Their version of the wine margarita is mostly margarita mix, very little, if any wine, and the Green Goddess salad dressing tasted like fish. Husband got the Buffalo burger and some kind of over-seasoned potatoes; he said it was just okay. Nothing special, especially for the price. (If you want mushrooms on that it's an additional $7. Laughable.) There are much better places to eat in Santa Fe for that price and it's not even about the money. It's just plain weird food.
(2)
Andrea S.
This restaurant is A+ Mexican cuisine with some other options mixed in (think salads, sandwiches and a dinner menu we did not peruse). My husband and I ate at the community table for Sunday breakfast (a shared table with other guests -- recommended if you don't mind some casual chatting with fellow diners and a shorter wait time). I had the blue lady enchilada (vegetarian lunch item) with sauteed zucchini and onion. Other than not actually being blue, the enchilada was absolutely fabulous! I would order this again in a heartbeat. My husband was also very impressed with his meal, the Durango omelet. The only two negatives about this place are the prices (total was $50 for breakfast for two people) and the coffee. I had regular drip coffee and was underwhelmed by its strength and quality, and my husband had a vanilla latte and was similarly disappointed. However, the food is good enough that we will probably go back when we have guests in town, even though the prices make it cost-prohibitive for a weekly dining spot for just the two of us. This chef is also a James Beard Award nominee, which is impressive to say the least.
(4)
Kim P.
Cafe Pasqual's provided the most sublime plate of scrambled eggs, toast and home fries I have ever had in my life. The eggs (with scallions) were carefully cooked to absolute fluffy perfection, not a brown spot in in sight. The housemade nut toast was glorious, the housemade salsa a delectable rich brown, and the potatoes perfectly crunchy-tender and beautifully seasoned. Of course, it was also freakin' $15.75, with a 20-minute wait to be seated on a weekday mid-morning. I suppose I should detract a star for the questionable value, but it seems unfair, since we knew what we were getting into and the service was also amazing. If you don't mind waiting and dropping some bucks, Cafe Pasqual's will provide a blissful version of your usual proletarian meal.
(5)
Jen N.
Fantastic mole chicken enchiladas. Nothing but shredded chicken inside. My sister had the veggie enchiladas with green chile sauce and I must say these were delicious, too. Very generous portions. We didn't have to wait at noon on a weekday - that made us pretty happy, too.
(4)
Jennifer B.
As an out-of-towner with a vacation planning disability, I'm a little bit high off myself for picking a "hot on Yelp!" restaurant without consulting Yelp. That's what you get with your veteran status I guess. You can spot 'em a mile away. What tipped me off to its hotness, and my later satisfaction, was the mention of organic ingredients, a pretty scarce entity in these parts. That plus all the colorful tile, and an unusual mezzanine set up on the floor that let in lots of light. I ended up liking my brunch dish quite a bit - the use of feta cheese and bananas with a huevos rancheros-style dish was novel and wonderfully pulled-off - AND the "Christmas" red chile, green chile, and mole sauces satisfied my boyfriend's spicy quotient, which is no easy feat. Good coffee too. I really thought the ambiance was cute enough. For some reason it irritated my boyfriends sense of authenticity, but I'm not convinced he knows what he's talking about when it comes to things that irritate him...I mean, authenticity.
(4)
Lindsay D.
This was pitched as the best restaurant in Santa Fe and it had great food. I was traveling alone and appreciated the "communal table" option, which resulted in sharing dinner with folks from across the country. A small place with a great vibe, you'll need to make reservations. I had the Plato Supremo which was lovely, the chile was the best. Expensive, but good food.
(4)
Niamh O.
Om nom nom. My boyfriend took me here for a birthday dinner when we were traveling through Santa Fe. The restaurant was wonderfully eclectic, noisy, and casual. The food was out-of-this-world, and the service was beyond friendly. In fact, the waiter recommended a whole syllabus of excellent restaurants for us to try while we were in town. The wine list wasn't extensive, but it was solid. And the kitsch factor was excellent. Our dinner was so delicious, we went back for breakfast (having heard that Pasqual's breakfast was unbeatable). I'm a New Mexican cuisine noob, but holy heck, that was amazing. While I loved the dinner, it was a bit pricey for our grad student budgets. I would instantly recommend the breakfast to a budget traveler, looking to get a taste of the famous joint. Go! Eat eggs and chile! And enjoy.
(5)
Jacob K.
Very fresh food with healthy options. Excellent service. Very unique and cozy atmosphere. Pricey. i.e., a restaurant in downtown Santa Fe.
(4)
Albert M.
great atmosphere for the casual, laid back personality. There is even a community table, how's that for social networking. The Blue Lady Enchilada was exceptional, surely a dish to have if you will only be here once. Also don't miss an opportunity to try their corn bread. I believe you can buy a loaf to take home, if it makes it that far without you eating all of it.
(4)
HoustonBuffalo S.
Phenomenal! I was in SF for 6 days and ate breakfast here 3 of them, and only ate breakfast other places the other 3 because of our group size. Small, quirky, attentive, delicious! Servers are all smiling, there when you need them, proffesionals. Food is inspiring! Huevos Multenanos is a dish you have to try to believe. Polenta cake with eggs is excellent. Others had quesadillas, cinnamon toast, bacon, never a complaint. The community table is a great idea for such a small restaurant. If you prefer artificial sweetener for your coffee you need to bring it with you. Really really worth both the wait and price.
(5)
Eduardo M.
Had lunch here last week and really enjoyed the Half-Time with the kale salad, a 1/2 BLT and a cup of chilled tomato/chipotle soup of the day. Wow, what a meal! Best BLT I've ever had, and the salad and soup rounded out a great dish. My wife ordered the fish tacos which she couldn't finish. Apparently the pickled onions served on the tacos had a very off flavor to them. I thought it was odd that she didn't finish her pickled onions because she usually loves them and devours every last bit whenever she come across them. Her smoothie, however, was quite tasty and nutritious.
(4)
Marina V.
Why does Pasqual's not have a five star average?? I went here twice... a year ago... so this review is not going to be very detail-oriented. But I felt the need to put my 5 stars in because it is JUST THAT GOOD. C and I were in Santa Fe and looking for a place to eat dinner. Having already dropped a dime to stay at 10,000 Waves (Japanese bathhouse) and with many more miles to travel, we didn't have much money to spend. But my friend Buster, who's been to Santa Fe mucho, had highly recommended Pasqual's. After traipsing through town several rounds, we saw right through the tourist traps of some of the other restaurants. It had to be Pasqual's. After a bit of a wait, we were seated in the *ahem* cozy dining room (you can sort of rub elbows with your neighbor, NYC-style.. but it really does just add to the ambiance of the place! the room was colorful, eclectic, and charming) Broke as we were, we split a plate (not typical of us.. but it was pretty late too). We chose the Plato Supremo, and proceeded to eat the most delicious chile relleno I've ever had to date. There was a scrumptious mole enchilada and a tamal of some sort too.. and a carne asada skewer. Not to downplay the entire plate-- it was all incredible! But the chile relleno is still something I dream about.. After some direct deposit action, we returned THE NEXT MORNING and threw down for brunch.. I had the smoked trout hash and I believe C had the huevo rancheros but I can't quite remember (it was a whole year ago..) and fresh squeezed mimosas...mmm... I ordered the cookbook ("Cooking with Cafe Pasqual's") as soon as we returned to Austin.
(5)
Jim B.
We were intrigued. Cafe Pasquale's is always packed. Always. Reservations are hard to get unless you like dining early or late. Especially when they make you call to get one. Yes, they refused to give us a reservation in person. We're fairly certain the same person who forced us to call from the corner outside answered the phone. This should have been our first warning. But, we decided to forgive them their eccentricities and lock in reservations for dinner the next day. The menu looks appealing. Fresh, organic, etc. Expensive, yes. (Think $50/person minimum.) But, I assumed they would be worth it. Impossible to get reservations, remember? I was wrong. Appetizer: papusas. Verdict: Good. But, no better than my local (and much cheaper) papusas cart (on the corner of South Boulder and 42 in Lousville.) Entree: Mexican sampler plate. Verdict: mediocre. Lunch at Antojito's Maria was vastly superior, and much cheaper.) Leaving the seeds in the chili relleno is not the latest taste and texture sensation. It's laziness. Last I checked, chicken mole wasn't a dessert. So, perhaps less sugar next time. Dessert: beet cake. Verdict: huge waste of calories. I really wanted the homemade toasted pinon ice cream. (I had a teeny tiny bit of hope the recipe would be worth copying.) But, they had none. So, I went for the "weirdest" item on the menu. "What's beet cake?" I asked. The waiter responded, "Beets have as much sugar as carrots. And, you'd think carrot cake was weird if you had never heard of it before." So enticing. And, so disappointing. You have to really pay attention to taste the beet. Granted I had just had poorly balanced Mexican food, so my palate was a bit damaged. Still, it's not so much beet cake as bland cake with too much cream cheese frosting. Ambiance: poor. This is a tiny restaurant with tables so close together it's more claustrophobic than intimate. Having to shout to be heard didn't add to the charm. Cafe Pasqual's should be ashamed. I could've assembled a better meal for half the cost with a trip to Antojito's Maria and Whole Foods.
(2)
Lauren M.
We were in town and luckily could come in on a Friday morning around 11am so while the place was full, we were able to sit down at the community table without a wait. Service is quick and the menu is great - almost too much to choose from. My husband went with the Durango omelet and I got the Huevos Barbacoa. Mine was very good, lots of flavor. He also enjoyed his - it came with this delicious, almost sweet thick wheat bread - i need some of that to soak up my dish. My husband ordered a capuccino and it came in this big bowl - too much for him. The fresh OJ is good. We enjoyed our meal so much (and everything else coming out around us looked so good), that we made a reservation for dinner the next night, but then had to cancel. Regardless, highly recommended, and from what I hear, for any meal.
(5)
Spoon G.
Awesome for breakfast and dinner but it is expensive! I am from San Francisco and these prices were high. I guess all the publicity and TV shows help fuel the hype. I liked the mole and the squash with quinoa. Juices also very fresh, desserts awesome too. Host with pony tail was a bit creepy though.
(4)
Ryan D.
Super Duper Yummy is pretty much all I can say. I am only reviewing the breakfast/lunch/brunch but wow so good. Went with three friends and we ordered 2 Huevos Montelenos, One Genova Omlette, and the Trout hash. While my personal favorite was the monetlenos all dishes were excellent. Do not be deterred by the bananas on the montelenos as they work well with the dish. I ordered it with Christmas (red and green) chile and both had excellent flavor and not too spicy. I did a little change up and got eggs scrambled as I am not a runny eggs person. The trout hash was my second favorite with perfectly done potatoes and delicious trout. Yes I know the place is a little touristy...and the line can be a bit long but it is worth the wait. Put your name on the list, go check out a gallery in the plaza and come back to fill your tummy with deliciousness!
(5)
Steve K.
Great food, too much food...we are stuffed. They gave us the window table. Well done. Steve and Cindy
(5)
David M.
I loved Pasqual's- ate here 2 times in 3 days during my stay. The cowboy waiter sounded like the narrator from Lebowski, and the food was top notch from basics like oatmeal and pancakes to flourishes like the huevos motulenos. The decor is very festive and the prices right. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Raina F.
A-maze-ing. Seriously, everything we ate was to die for. Make reservations - we walked in at 11 and made a reservation for 1pm, however it is generally very busy. There was no kids menu but they were very willing to work with us and the french toast I ordered my toddler made him, and the rest of us picking off his plate, very happy. The Caesar salad dressing is made in house and was perfectly creamy and tangy. The pineapple/ginger juice was pleasantly refreshing. We also ordered an assortment of cookies at the end and I ate way too much trying to have a bit of each. I would definitely go there again, in fact it would be my first stop in Santa Fe.
The meal was superb and the dessert was wonderful. Actually, never had anything I would not recommend.
(5)
Carl P.
this place is always jammin', but the service is right there with the demand - and the food is fantastic. the menu is pretty unique, so don't come here looking for your run of the mill items...they take the basics and run with it, creating some fun and enjoyable breakfast and lunch items. it's worth a try, at least once, just to say you were here...but chances are, like me, you'll be back for more. my only complaint is the cost - when two people go for breakfast and it's $50, damn...
(4)
Emily U.
We don't go to Santa Fe without at least one meal here. Affordable for breakfast- pricey for dinner. At dinner you MUST have a reservation or you'll never get in. We were there for breakfast in the morning and made reservations for that night. Glad we did because they were turning people away at the door. Don't turn your nose up at the Community Table- it will get you eating faster in the morning and you can meet some really interesting people and locals. Amazing food. its really enough said. If I could pick a last meal, it would be here.
(5)
N O.
We had a late breakfast given the long wait to get a table. But it was worth it. With 2 kids and 2 adults, you are bound to hear some complaints, but none from our group! We raved about it all. I will say that this place was described as moderately priced, but we left there with over a $100 tab for breakfast-yikes.
(4)
Jill V.
My friend and I recently visited here while on vacation. We visited for breakfast and were seated right away. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. We both loved the coffee (I even bought some to take home). I had the crepes stuffed with cheese with fruit on top - amazing! I took some baked goods to go too (cookies) which were all really tasty. After breakfast we visited the little shop upstairs and really enjoyed looking at the art and gift trinkets. A must see place while in Santa Fe!
(5)
Krista F.
This place is tiny, but worthy of the wait. It is a bustling atmosphere, so if that is not your thing, I would venture elsewhere. We went to Cafe Pasqual's on a recommendation from our hotel concierge. It was too packed, so returned on a Monday morning. We checked out of our hotel and rolled down to the restaurant around 10:30am. It was still crowded, but we had a very short 10 minute wait before being seated in the "community seating" area. Basically, we sat at a great big table in the middle of the restaurant with other diners. Not a big deal because we are talkers and didn't mind conversing with others enjoying breakfast. But, it did tend to get a little hectic with waiters squeezing behind your seat to wait on other customers. I ordered the chorizo burrito with no cheese. The chorizo is their own special blend and was delicious. I topped it with the tomatillo sauce, and it was out of this world. There are potatoes included within the burrito, and it was a little mushy for me. I would have removed the potatoes too. My boyfriend had the breakfast quesadillas, and they were fantastic. They add guacamole as a layer, and it was refreshing and tasty. Good: Fantastic food. Hands down best breakfast food if you like the savory type. Bad: Holy Crowded Space, Batman! On top of it being a very small place (with one of the smallest bathroom hallways I have seen in the world), merchandise and decorations hang on anything that stands still. I feel a little bit sketchy on the cleanliness of places that do this because, really, how often are they selling that stuff to diners? It didn't seem to be flying of the shelves and dust tends to gather.
(4)
Scott N.
We've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. We've only eaten breakfast here, however. We love their breakfasts. My go to breakfast is Huevos Rancheros & their's is excellent. The atmosphere is excellent and the service has always been great.
(4)
Chirag P.
Highly recommended and we saw the constant long lines, so on the morning of our departure from Santa Fe, we got up early and stood in line... it was definitely worth the wait. All Organic food, we got to sit at a Family table with 6 strangers and in no time, we were all cracking jokes and having a good ole time while enjoying when of the better brunches I've had. I tried the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS, which if you read the description, sounds funky, but it tastes damn good. My wife had the Huevos Rancheros and was quite pleased as well. They have some outstanding breakfast drinks/shakes so give those a shot as well. Really crazy creative decor and very small, but seem to move people in/out quickly. Very friendly staff as well.
(5)
Jean Y.
Few good things happened here while we're having breakfast right before the Christmas. 1) We got the booth right away. 10 minutes later people waiting outside on a very cold morning. 2) Menu with lots of healthy, gluten free stuffs was cool, especially a green smoothie with the fruit vege mixed. It took a while,' cause it wax first drink that morning, meaning they have to find all of the parts of the blender. Understandable excuse. 3) coffee was good. 4) the place was so cozy with lots of stuffs hanging. 5) my hash brown was unbelievable! 6) we are all super happy with our drinks and food. 7) save the best for the last: our server was too cool and nice. He was so funny. Didn't get his his name, though he'll be there when we come back for sure.. He's been Santa Fe for 33 years! He gave us such a great feeling that super cold morning in Santa Fe...Thanks..
(4)
Benjamin P.
Amazing brunch food. I haven't been for lunch or dinner ever but have been 3-4 times visiting Santa Fe over the past 10 years. The breakfast food is always incredible, and this most recent trip was the best yet. Everything our table had, from coffee to syrup to omelet was amazing. Everything. The jam was amazing. The bread was amazing. The pancakes were amazing. You get the point. Go to Cafe Pasqual's. Stop reading this review and go eat. NOW. You won't be disappointed
(5)
Mark F.
Always a line and you'll want to know why Extremely friendly team put on a good meal. I felt like family but maybe that's because I was sat at a community table rather than waiting for my own. Good way to make friends and take a look at what they're eating. MIxed with locals and visitors is nice to see they like their own. I chose wisely with the Griddled Polenta with red chili sauce and chorizo topped with two eggs my way, over easy. Wow that's good stuff. The heartiness of the polenta is broken down only slightly by the chili and chorizo. This is a big, fill dish and perfect for a cool morning to keep you work. It was amazing and luckily, in their cook book, Spirited Recipes from Santa Fe. Light background music did not distract from the conversation nor drown out others chatter in the air with many "wow", "this is great" and "fantastic" as I listened to other happy eaters. No kidding my friends, this stuff is great.
(4)
Juan G.
Best breakfast in the Northern Hemisphere!
(5)
M H.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. It's some of the most inventive, delicious food I've had and the atmosphere is a great deal of fun. You can share a table with strangers, which makes for a quirky, enjoyable experience. The decor is very charming, as is the location in an historic structure near the Santa Fe Plaza.
(5)
Lucia N.
Amazing food with unique flavors and quality ingredients. The prices are pretty high for the casual atmosphere. Cozy but crowed atmosphere, probably hard to navigate in a wheelchair.
(4)
Rachel S.
Small intimate restaurant with something for everyone. We went on a Saturday and while it looked crowded it was still only about a 20min wait. They have a community table but we sat at one of benches. The food came out fast and was delicious. It was a little pricey. They also sell a cookbook with some tasty recipes.
(4)
Crystal F.
My favorite in Santa Fe! Delicious, creative, and fun. Big fan!
(5)
Cheryl S.
Amazing quinoa burger! Fast and sincerely friendly service...I am so thankful nobody gave me an attitude when I came in 8 minutes before the kitchen closed. I will definitely be back and hopefully bring friends and family for breakfast. Cute atmosphere too!
(5)
K P.
They do things with a banana that you would not believe. But seriously, Cafe Pasqual's is great. It's rare that an upscale restaurant has both delicious food, great service, great atmosphere, great location. A must during a trip to Santa Fe.
(5)
Kristofer Y.
Really great food! Somebody knows spices and cooking! Service was excellent, caring and sincere!
(5)
Laurie P.
All the hype about this little hotspot is so true! The atmosphere is vibrant and fun -- and although the restaurant is small, we didn't have to wait long for a table for breakfast. The menu is full of New Mexican dishes and some traditional favorites like homemade pancakes (omg, so yum) and the best English muffins we've had in a long time. Definitely try the corned beef hash if you are in the mood for something hearty. But the pancakes have definitely won my heart. We'll have this place on our list for every future visit to Santa Fe!
(5)
Caitlin L.
Awesome huevos rancheros! Super tiny and long wait, but once we were seated, they did not rush us out. Really great place.
(4)
Constant C.
I love Pasqual's! I've been eating here since 1992 and it's still good. The menu is varied and interesting, and all the ingredients are of the best quality and flavor. You can get GF, vegetarian, meat.. whatever you need. They will even turn you on to new recipes you didn't know you would need from that point forward. Be prepared to wait, or maybe try an off time if you can't stand waiting. This place is always busy and it is small. There is a community table and private tables. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. The staff have always been helpful and efficient, no matter how swamped they are. They are like restaurant super heroes! You might also want to prepare yourself for the prices. It is a little spendy, especially for dinner, but it is a completely reasonable and fair exchange for the quality of food and service you get. It is well worth the planning, the wait and the price.
(4)
Rohn G.
A wonderful breakfast as always. I have the chorizo burrito and it was perfect. I also recommend a side of wheat toast, really wonderful bread.
(5)
Paul T.
No better sight than my sweet wife across the table at Pascual's, early in the morning, she with her Durango Omelet and me with my Smoked Trout Hash. We pass through Santa Fe every summer on the way home from Montana to renew our love affair with Pascual's. If they ever change the menu I'll know the end of the world is at hand.
(5)
Maria F.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, forever, the end. There are so many things that are annoying about Pasqual's: zillions of tourists, almost always a wait, crowded, carpeted, and for some reason the past several times I've been there it smells faintly sour, like mildew or sour milk? (Maybe stuff is embedded in the carpet?) But I don't even care, because the food is amazing. Breakfast is the best, I think, followed by lunch and then dinner. (Which is fortunate, because breakfast is much more affordable!) Breakfast quesadilla (light cheese) and a Mexican mocha are my jam. Soups are always delicious. (There's a pear/butternut squash one I die for.) The garlic salsa brie thing is delicious, the warm squid salad is too, oh god the chorizo, I could go on and on. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. ' Service is professional, down-to-earth, and friendly.
(5)
Teema C.
This place was good, but I didn't think the taste of the food was spectacular. It is great however that they use local, organic foods, this also equates to pricer dishes. I had the breakfast burrito with both red and green chili and hubby had the huevos motulenos, both dishes were good. The place was packed and more ppl just kept pouring in.
(3)
Ira Y.
Food is awesome qua tasty but way overpriced with small portions. Breakfast is less egregious but for dinner be prepared to spend a lot and feel a bit uncomfortable with your portions.
(3)
Diana M.
Only the most amazing Southwestern food Santa Fe has to offer. The homemade chili cornbread chicken sandwich is inspired. The green chili is smoky and warm. The green "Hippie" drink is fresh and energizing! They are farm to table with a passion for providing only the highest quality organic options. The service is friendly and we left so full just to return in a heartbeat the next day! We will definitely return. This is a MUST visit in Santa Fe. The weekends are sure to be a long wait for this gem of a quaint spot!
(5)
Leland T.
Second time in as many months weve waited 45 minutes to get a meal here. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff super friendly, the food is very lacking and over priced. My wifey ordered a burger rare...... it came out burnt i was extremely disapointed in this because the presentation looked amazing. My chile was fairly bland and for a 25 dollar combo plate I was very unimpressed. I guess that pretty much somes up both experiences. I think I'll stick with The Pantry, way better food for a third of the price!
(2)
Caley D.
This is my favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. The food is consistent and always great. The service is spot on. Occasionally it takes a while for my food to come, but not much longer than restaurants half as packed. I normally go for breakfast/brunch, and there is always a wait. Be prepared for an hour+ wait for brunch unless you get there EARLY. Get a reservation for dinner. Eat here. It's the best. The chicken sandwich and smoked trout hash (side of x-mas!!), are my favorites.
(5)
Jim M.
We are foodies and love southwestern food. The food was very good in flavor, however the cumulative effect of all the slow burn dishes (tacos, tamales and rice) overwhelmed us. We stopped eating and left hungry. Would have helped to have a non spicy rice or some condiment to cut the heat. Staff was pleasant but not terribly receptive to our situation.
(2)
Nick P.
Fantastic! We all had great meals, great service, and great ambience. I sampled the food from everyone's plates and would like to try all the plates next time. The enchiladas were tasty as were the tamales and the blue corn enchiladas were amazing. I would come back again soon.
Appetizers great...Dessert way too sweet. I came here with my mom and we decided to order three appetizers and share rather than getting two separate entrees. Boy of boy was I glad that we did that. We got the ceviche, pupusa, & the tamales. Every one of these were just delicious. The Ceviche was unique because it had flounder which is something I have never seen or tried. It had just the right amount of everything in it and I would definitely have to say that it is the best one I have ever had. The tamale and pupusa were both delicious as well. The pupusa was crispy and not overly cheesy and greasy. It was just the right amount. The tamales on the other hand were drenched in red and green chile that was just perfect. All the flavors balanced each other out extremely well. Lastly we decided to end the meal with the goat cheese ice cream and it's house made sauce. Right when I tasted it I knew I didn't like it. The ice cream was not smooth or creamy at all. Instead it had a grainy crumbly like texture. This is supposed to be ice cream not actual frozen goat cheese! And to top it off it was drenched in an overly sweet sauce that pretty much ruined the whole dessert. I took one bite and I was done. Other than the dessert I would definitely come back for the brunch and dinner.
(4)
Alittle G.
Sensory overload when you walk in the door. A riot of colors, lively diners having a truly fun time, and delicious, sensuous smells. Love it. The dishes were lovingly prepared, with attention to detail. Great Santa Fe cuisine. It was like taqueria food, but more refined, with quality, fresh and organic ingredients. Still, I was expecting a little more from a James Beard restaurant, in comparison to some of the other mind blowing experiences with award winners. I think I wanted the spices to be stronger, or have more of a creative punch. Came here with the girlfriends, and laughed and had a fun time all nite. Service was great. Excellent place for high spirits, laughter, happiness, great drinks, and solid enjoyable food.
(4)
Molly E.
I think this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe because they use organic ingredients. Their food is delicious and everything sounded so good, it was difficult to decide. I wanted to keep coming back to try more of their offerings, but unfortunately everyone seems to know this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe, and there is always a wait of at least 30 minutes, sometimes a full hour.
(4)
Mark Richard B.
What an amazing restaurant with contemporary Southwest cooking. The chili-rubbed bacon is awesome. Every dish is cooked with the finest ingredients even something simple as cilantro rice perfectly made. Mole is perfect. Definitely worth a visit if you visit Santa Fe.
(5)
Kaitlin H.
Chicken sandwich is good, with sweet onion inside. Satay is good to try too. Not really like their smoothies.
(4)
Susan R.
Been here many times on our frequent visits to Santa Fe. Every dish is delicious! Pies are amazing. Huevos Rancheros indescribably tantalizing!
(5)
Sue S.
Have been eating here every trip to SF since 2006. Great breakfast and lunches. 15-20 minute waits every time. That tells you it is good eats.
(4)
Kristi W.
Excellent food and great ambiance. Best chili rellano we've ever had. The rib eye steak was one of the specials and deliciously served with smashed potatoes covered in mole sauce. We also had the mole enchiladas which were fabulous and served with some sort of cornbread that was to die for! The Plato supreme was a favorite dish among our group. Others in our party have eaten there for brunch and shared it was delicious as well. You will need a reservation.
(4)
Kerstyn P.
One of my very favorite spots for brunch. I like that they serve organic produce - the salads are crispy fresh with just the right amount of dressing.The red and green chile are very decent and the Cappuchinos are the best! The community table is a great plus, since I can go for a quick (healthy) lunch anytime by myself. Great people watching is gratis! The only minus: it is so popular, you have to calculate in some waiting time...but just opposite is the marvelous Doodlets Store and your waiting time is transformed into fun time!
(5)
Lisa S.
Everyone in Santa Fe said you must go to Pasqual's. We went for dinner, although have heard the breakfast is fantastic. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. We went relatively late (around 8-8:30 in the evening) and were seated right away. The squash blossoms were fantastic, the wine (some local) was very good. Great experience all the way! if you are doing dessert, do the Chef's sampler. You won't know which ones you'll get until it is served, but they are all so good!
(5)
Jenn S.
This has to be my favorite restaurant EVER. We had a slightly snooty waitress at first who almost ruined the experience-I was with my younger niece and nephew and made the foolish mistake of asking if they had any kid options. She rolled her eyes, kind of snorted at me but then a nicer (more experienced) waitress stepped in to say that we could place half orders for them. Thank You, that's all I really wanted to know! Aside from that sort of rude moment it was heaven! I would drive back to Santa Fe every weekend to experience the breakfast I ate here...If I didn't purchase their cookbooks I just might!
(5)
Erin M.
I went here while traveling. The food was very tasty but the wait was killer. It's definitely worth a visit if you don't mind waiting.
(4)
Mark W.
Innovative southwestern-style breakfast place in center of purist area. Fresh and unique offerings. This placed was packed with customers every time I walked by. Lookd like a local crowd to me.
(5)
Savannah G.
Hmmm...food is really good, but over priced and still reaching for the stars...oh wait... is that why we all go? If your in town making a film, why then of course you'll go but can the locals still afford to eat here? I fear not. Unless of course you have a trust, plane, east side palace or are otherwise re-inventing your self in Santa Fe and are from the "city". Again the food is great, mostly organic, somewhat creative new mexican inspired smallish portions. But why in the hundred plus times Ive been there do I never see any really Native people eating here? Why can't it be this good and be affordable in the off season too? Just saying a restaurant with it's namesake the patron saint of kitchens should be available to "la gente popular".
(3)
Jane V.
I loved this place! It was everything that I was looking for during my recent trip to Santa Fe... Perfect ambiance (intimate and charming interior with southwestern tiles and decor), and even better food. I had the Christmas enchiladas and the BEST Hot chocolate of my life. Service a little slow, but didn't even care as I was enjoying the setting.
(5)
N S.
I loved this place so much, I wished that I lived in Santa Fe. Hmm . . . I'd be there all the time. I ordered the enchiladas with red and green chilis, which were flavorful and complex. One of my friends raved about his salad with blood oranges and pine nuts. Not super fancy, but quaint and really, really good. P.S. Make a reservation.
(4)
Jimie D.
This place is the JAM! Amazing selection of food, awesome atmosphere, just the right amount of spice, and the most innovative ways I've ever seen chills & other peppers worked into dishes. Mmmm, can't wait to go back! Staff is extremely nice and attentive as well!
(5)
Rich G.
We have enjoyed at least one meal on every visit to Santa Fe over several years and always loved Cafe Pasqual's. We ate there last week and although it was good, I can not honestly say it was great, or even on par with past visits. My wife and son both enjoyed their meals, however I had the Halibut and it was ok..... but not what I have come to expect at Cafe Pasqual's. We will certainly return, but I will stick with the more traditional Southwest plates in the future.
(4)
Steven P.
Went there recently on my trip to Santa Fe. The food was awesome, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fun. We did not make reservations, which is recommended, however we were able to get seated at the community table which was surprisingly fun. Met some cool people and we all recommended food to each other. Definitely would eat there all the time if I lived closer!
(5)
Nathan H.
Excellent. Had the burrito with bacon and wife had the french toast. The french toast was crunchy but soft in the center. Sat at the community table and had excellent conversation. Love this place
(5)
Kimberly W.
I had a great dinner last night! The mole enchiladas were amazing, as was the date shake for dessert. My friend's Asada was absolutely perfect as well. The host and our waiter were super sweet - I'll definitely come back!
(5)
Nikki B.
I have heard tremendous things about Pasqual's from my step mom. Every time she visits Santa Fe, she HAS to go! Everything was great. The service, the food, the MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE!!! I had about 4 different mexican hot chocolates while I was visiting for a long weekend, and theirs was by far the best. I had an enchilada (I think?) and it was awesome. we were so full by the time we left... it was just a great experience.
(5)
maryanne S.
I ordered the free-range chicken enchiladas and the server asked how I liked it. I asked for another. Another plate. As good as it gets. Hardest part is getting in. Best part is any meal there and the communal table is great! Dinner now is the staple it didn't used to be. Go there now!
(5)
Chris P.
Great breakfast, just be prepared to wait for a table. Very small dining room area, so it's a bit crowded waiting for your table and sometimes while eating too. But the food was excellent - my entire party was very happy with the food. Would rec and go back.
(4)
Elaine B.
Beer & wine only. Locals, quaint & quiet. It being a cafe.. Smelled like coffee--if you're ok w/that smell for dinner. Farm to table concept. Food was good, but pricey: $24 for enchiladas! We actually decided to only have a drink & go somewhere else..but we had to order food, so had an appetizer..
(4)
Christina I.
This was the last place we ate before leaving Santa Fe and we were so glad we did the neatly hour wait and tried it. The Mocha Latte was very good in my opinion not being too sweet. Breakfast tasted fresh and had good flavor. I had the Chili Relleno and think this was favorite breakfast choice out of all I had in Santa Fe. It is on pricy side but great good!
(5)
vicken h.
we had been to Pasqual's 10 years ago and 5 years ago...and were looking forward to it again. What a big disappointment!!. the food was below average at best. my carne asada was soaked / over marinated, the grilled vegetables were almost raw and not grilled, my tortilla was half soaked. The lamb chops with pomegranate molasses had no seasoning to offset the tartness of the molasses. The lentil stew was something you get at a diner. The service was very good and the waiter was informed. Overall for the prices you are paying I would expect everything to be perfect.
(1)
J. Christopher E.
I've been here several times across the years. What could be said about this place that hasn't already been said? How bout this - the best place to sit, I think, is at one of the two tables by the window. How do you get one of these tables? Best bet is to show up during the week instead of the weekend, not be in a rush, and to note to the host that you're willing to wait to get one of the tables. (when sitting there, if it gets too hot, ask them to lower the blinds) Of course, if you're the social type, then sit at the communal table instead. How bout this - the meals are pretty big. If there's only two of you, how about ordering 'Pasqual's Favorite' with chorizo. Also order an extra tortilla. Share the main meal and then use the tortilla to make your own chorizo with scrambled egg burrito. And share a hot chocolate; you definitely need one, but very rich and heavy so you don't need two. This way you leave full but not too stuffed. How bout this - when sitting at the table by the window, take a picture of yourself with the geranium plants next to you and the tiles behind you and the morning sunlight coming in. It's a nice picture. How bout this - if nice outside, after breakfast, walk around the plaza to work off your breakfast and then after about 1 hour and fifteen minutes head over to the Coyote Cafe Cantina (mostly across the street from Pasqual's) for a bucket of Coronitas. Even if you followed the above advice and shared a breakfast you're likely still too full to order food so just have the beer.
(4)
Bob H.
Cafe Pasqual's is a small intimate restaurant in the downtown part of Santa Fe. Reservations are recommended, preferably a few days ahead of your visit. Because it only has about 15 tables the wait could be long if you don't have reservations. The food and service was very good and the desserts looked great, but I was too full to have one. They only serve beer and wine, but if you arrive early you can go across the street to the hotel, which has a full bar. I would return to Cafe Pasqual's and I recommend it.
(4)
Lisa H.
After reading many outstanding reviews of Cafe Pasqual's on various website and travel books, we decided to book a table two days in advance in this place. The first impression of this place is that of a cozy small place with creative decor and oversized pinatas. The tables were close to each other, but still had the privacy. The menu represented quality rather than quantity, which I highly appreciate in restaurants. We finally made the wine choice (they had some wine by glass) and decided to have the Yucatan Style Pork and The Plato Supreme and my son had the Chicken Quesadilla. The pork was wrapped up in a banana leaf and was presented with fried plantains and calabacitas. The Plato Supreme had Chille Relleno, Chicken Tamales and Mole Enchilada. All the dishes were superb and tasted excellent. Specially the pork was shredded well and marinated with the right amount of spices before it was cooked and it had the smoked flavor of the banana leaf which made is very tasteful. The Chile Relleno with the green chille sauce was succulent and almost melted in the mouth. Overall a great restaurant with very well made food. I loved the feel of the restaurant, our servers were great and was happy to have tasted one of Santa Fe's great restaurants.
(5)
Raven C.
Am at home sick because of their breakfast. I didn't eat much because it didn't taste well. Found cracked egg shells on my plate with pancakes... really gross. Potatoes were ones u probably would find in county jail they were so bad. Not to mention the host omitted the special which he kindly let the other people next to me know about. So I asked the other waiters about the special and they just looked at me turned their head and walked away. Now I'm home sick with diarrhea and all I can say is beware.
(1)
Pat M.
A Santa Fe classic. Great creative dishes that are a pleasure to the palette. The restaurant is small, or "cozy", so you have to get their early and put your name. The last time I checked they did not take reservations. I found the wait staff to be very friendly. The cookies they sell at the front desk are awesome.
(4)
E. M.
Very delicious and exceptional flavors delighted us amid a busy lunch stop..all tables were full n the staff was booking it! Not a quiet peaceful place! It is a bit tight and I recommend you stagger your dining time slightly to avoid feeling rushed. The food is the center of the universe here! Recommend fish or haddock taco, any of the chili preparations, and the kale on the side. Wine varies.
(4)
Adrienne G.
This place rocks hands down we had dinner the other night and had a variety of things did not dissapointment the potato pancake was out of this world I want to try the breakfast out!
(5)
S Z.
Excellent food friendly atmosphere. Quite a busy small place! Party of 5 went at 2pm and was promptly seated after 15 min wait. Had to flag waiter down for water refills but other than that it's a great place to eat. Food was tasty. We would definitely stop by again.
(5)
Kraig W.
Food was great and love the community table. Went by myself, able to meet two friendly people, and have a good conversation.
(5)
Mike O.
Oh, woe. Cafe Pasqual's perhaps does not deserve this low rating, but perhaps I did not deserve the wait for overpriced, pretentiously made and described food. Let me make my case. I visited here one weeknight with a colleague, and we saw open tables and a nice menu. We were told that the wait would be up to two hours or more since we didn't have a reservation. I was puzzled by the open tables... I called the next day to make a reservation, and they again had nothing open until 8:30. "How about the following night?" I asked. Still, no openings, except for 5:30 and 8:30. Huh? Fine, we went with the 8:30. We were seated at a table that gave you about as much space as you'll get in places like NYC, which, strangely, was comforting, but what was not was that our server couldn't hold onto the fact that we had ordered two drinks. Not a stretch for the short-term memory I might have assumed, but you never know. The best part of the meal was the appetizer. We ordered tamales with Christmas chiles, and it was quite good. What is dismaying is that we paid four times as much for these little guys as I would at the local Mexican food truck for something as good if not better. Not sooner had we finished the tamales did the entrees arrive, which made me wonder: is stuff just sitting under heat lamps back in the kitchen? I had the mole enchiladas, and at a price of $28, I assumed I would be eating it with flakes and nuggets of gold in the meal. No such luck. The meal was just mediocre, and I couldn't finish it. At least the portions weren't small. I'm mildly dismayed at my own thoughts on this place, because I love organic, locally sourced food that is done artfully and has a new twist on local cuisine, but Cafe Pasqual's didn't work for me. This place isn't really as bad as the two-star rating I gave it, but it is certainly NOT worth the overrated Yelp reviews. It is overpriced, overpretentious, and it underdelivers. Here is a simple algorithm for eating in Santa Fe: if you have to get a reservation and it's not cheap but the menu does look promising, be very careful. If you have to get a reservation and it's cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO! If you don't have to get a reservation and it looks cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO!
(2)
Laura G.
Absolutely delicious, best food so far in Santa Fe. The best thing we had was the carne asada, which was cooked to perfection, spicy salsa with guacamole for sauces. Also recommend whatever kind of fruit pie they have for dessert, ours was raspberry and apricot. Atmosphere is lovely, it is busy but not particularly noisy. Definitely get a reservation or you may not get a table though.
(5)
Leahi M.
I enjoy coming here when my "rich" friends want to eat here, other than that I think it's a little pricey for my taste and don't mind if it's all organic or not...I can make organic food at home for way cheaper. The tables are very close to one another it felt like I was practically sitting on the woman's lap next to me, the food is delicious though. Service was also great, the atmosphere is a little busy for me, but it's always about the company your with that provides for the entertainment. I don't mind coming here, but it's not a place I'm super excited to go to when I think of New Mexican
(4)
Susie E.
Ok place to eat. Lines can be long. Food is alright, nothing to write home to. Can't seem to figure out why all the tourists seem to flock to this place? nothing bad though.
(2)
Nancy I.
I had one of the most imaginative, hi-quality, meals ever! I was a few minutes early, and had to wait a little, but I didn't mind, as at the stroke of the hour, I was seated.The atmosphere was straight out of the 70's, kind of hip, which is my generation. I felt right at home. There is a gallery upstairs; I did not have time to visit, but appreciate a restaurant that promotes local artists. My waiter was friendly and attentive. I mentioned that I was just getting used to the altitude, and slightly dehydrated; without my prompting, he kindly kept filling my water glass. I ordered the quinoa burger, as so many yelpies had sung its praises. I was not disappointed. The restaurant uses organic ingredients, which, of course, enhances the health benefits and fresh taste. I am not a vegetarian, but this was a delicious, complex burger. I never missed the meat. Usually the texture of veggie burgers ruin the eating pleasure for me, but this burger had the mouth-feel of a real beef burger. I can just imagine the painstaking hours of experimentation it took to get the taste and texture just right. This was served with guac, and tomato chutney. A side of beautiful field greens, watermellon radishes and other fresh, crisp veggies complemented the burger. The vinigrette was lovely and light. The portions were ample, and the prices reasonable. For dessert, I had a house-made fresh apricot galette.The crust was golden brown, light, and the apricots were sweet and a vibrant color. I would have loved to return to sample other delicious things. The restaurant puts out 2 cookbooks, and I will have to look into this. Make sure you check this restaurant out if you go to Santa Fe.
(5)
John Jah F.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. All of the ingredients are fresh and used perfectly. The service is great! We had a friend from out of town and the server brought him water (in addition to his beer) and told him "out here in New Mexico you need to stay hydrated". It was very sweet. Speaking of sweets...the dessert cabinet (which is beautiful and mounted on the front desk) holds a little treasure trove of hand made sweets to choose from. All of them are delicious, I should know....I took one of each back to the hotel room. Hey, I'm on vacation and its ok if I want to go fat bastard style. The local beers are also a treat. They also have Sammy Smiths Nut Brown ale which goes great with green chile! The Agave wine margaritas are really a great mid day drink to have before strolling around the plaza. Spending the day with the girlfriend looking at shoes is a lot easier when you have one or two of those in ya. I recommend sitting at the community table, its really fun to talk to complete strangers about their lives....did that sound sarcastic? Because it really is fun!
(5)
Lawrence P.
Easy review to write. Dinner Great food friendly service. Food well prepared. All organic. Outstanding
(5)
joe j.
We are usually fans of this restaurant however recently it did not measure up. The burgers (Bison and Lamb) we ordered arrived medium and well done, not rare side of medium rare as we had ordered. They were running late seating us (we had a reservation) so we didn't want to send back. The starter came with jalapeno avocado dipping sauce that was pretty bland, which was a surprise. We have had good enchiladas with mole etc. on prior occasions so perhaps burgers aren't he way to go. On the other hand getting a burger temp right is pretty basic and the prices are on the higher side. Service was fine though.
(3)
Giancarlo B.
Charming and quaint restaurant with fantastic service and out of this world food. We were visiting Santa Fe on our way to Colorado and decided to try Cafe Pasqual's. I had the Plato Supremo and my significant other ordered the cohinita. We both had to share because we couldn't take our eyes off of all the delicious food. Our server was the most professional and well serving gentleman we've ever had the pleasure of meeting at a restaurant. He gave us wonderful recommendations and was very amiable to converse with. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Kent W.
A friend recommended this place. We ate here two times in 5 days. Plato supremo is delicious. Has the best chile Relleno ever. Mole was complex and tasty. Service was attentive yet not pretentious. I recommend reservations as this place is popular. We arrived 5 minutes after opening and they were already half full.
(5)
Amber H.
Amazing food! Easy, casual atmosphere. Eclectic and creative dishes. Breakfast lunch or dinner... Delicious!!!
Food: I tried the lamb quesadilla, which was included in their dinner specials menu. The food was seasoned well and the meat tender. The taste itself was delicious, but the serving size (at least for this dish) could have been a little more generous. I also tried their chocolate pecan pie, which I enjoyed. It was on the sweeter side, but totally satisfied my dessert craving. Price: I would have liked a larger portion size to compensate for the price. Atmosphere: The restaurant was very lively and I love their eclectic decorations. They serve small as well as larger groups. Service: Our server was actually hard to get a hold of. He spent a lot of time speaking to some of the tables and then disappear again. I know it was a busy evening, but my group and I would have appreciated it if he checked in on us after our entrees and desserts were served.
(3)
Rob K.
We had one hour to spare, getting from Taos to Albuquerque to catch our plane home. Based on advice from a friend we can to Cafe Paquals and was it worth it. OMIGOD! Incredibly tasty food that's organic AND local. I made a detour on my vegetarian journey for the carne Asada-- skirt steak-- and it was worth it. Mmmmm good. My friend had the Mole enchiladas and said the mole sauce was probably the best he ever tasted. I grabbed four different pastries and they were out of this world, particularly the chocolate ones. While we had lunch, ALL of the breakfasts we saw being served looked absolutely amazing. There was a wait for lunch. The wait was worth it. This place is a treasure. BTW, while the place is in the downtown district, there's a municipal parking lot around the corner for $2 an hour. One last thing-- the people working there were great.
(5)
Katherine M.
The best mole enchiladas I've ever had! Hands down! Very good tacos barbacoas. Amazing house Malbec. Warm and inviting decor. The place was packed, but the service was still outstanding. Unfortunately we left no room for dessert. I'm sure it would have been amazing.
(5)
Morgan W.
Well, I know what's going to take me out of my way and driving for several minutes around the Square every single time I pass through Santa Fe. My husband and I stopped here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area. This is actually the first experience that I know of, of eating a restaurant run by a James Beard Award Winner. And now, I must seek out more of these individuals, and the eateries they run, and eat the living daylights out of their food. The portions are Just Right(tm). The plates arrive looking full but you don't feel like you need to be rolled out the front door, even when you're scrambling to mop up the last of the mole sauce with the edge of your fork, and begin to wonder how many looks you would get for licking the plates. The menu is large with lots of variety. Vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters will feel at home here. Great variety of breakfast and lunch dishes and SO MANY drink choices. Kudos for serving Blue Sky brand colas, they are definitely more delicious than conventional soda products. My husband and I both opted for the chicken mole enchiladas. I wish we'd each gotten something different but, it is what it is. The chicken tasted beautiful, moist and meaty and fresh, not rubbery or dry or stringy. Nice chocolate and red chile flavors in the mole sauce. Side of cilantro rice was well cooked and portioned well. The jicama-orange salad on the side was really neat: Triangle slabs of jicama with small orange pieces with the membrane peeled. I need to remember this presentation for the future. My husband and I absolutely destroyed our dishes. We were finished before tables who had gotten their food before us were even halfway finished. We opted to split a dessert of fresh mango and chili-lime salsa. The salsa was more like a sauce, which perfectly complimented the sliced mango. We wound up buying the book they had for sale which is full of the restaurant's recipes, and in fact right now there is a 4-quart stock pot of the restaurant's signature green chili simmering on the stove. So grateful we can continue to eat this incredible food at home!
(5)
D. S.
Really delicious! We went here for breakfast 2 days in a row. Good customer service. Authentic atmosphere. Murals on the walls.
(5)
Samuel C.
Right downtown. Park in the public lot across the street and do yourself a favor. Pretty good food, especially breakfast. Drawback is the line you usually have to wait in to get a table most weekend mornings.
(3)
Donna K.
We were told that this was a must-eat place when in Santa Fe. The food was very good, the service was great and the wait wasn't as long as I had expected, however, the prices were crazy expensive! We spent $50 on a basic breakfast for two of Huevos Rancheros and pancakes, bacon and 1 egg. Two OJs were $11!!! Who charges $5.50 for a small glass of juice? If you have that kind of money to spend on breakfast, you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Ryan H.
Great little spot in Santa Fe. Great food, great service, but at a price. Be prepared to pay high end downtown Santa Fe prices and make sure to call ahead or you might have to wait 30+ min for a table.
(4)
C G.
I rarely write reviews, but this place deserves it. Cozy little joint with friendly staff that are clearly used to the frenzy and deal with it well. Food was hot, delicious if not a little pricey but worth it in my book. A local sitting next to us let us know that this is the perennial fave of the locals. I'd have to agree.
(5)
Ryan O.
Our favorite breakfast place in all of Santa Fe. And maybe beyond! I had the griddled polenta and wish it had never ended. My wife had the rellena and loved it. Even the kiddo loved his pancakes, eggs, and bacon. An annual tradition - see you again next summer!
(5)
Margab M.
The staff add a lot of flare-calling some customers code names, which was a turn off and awkward (i.e. "Southwest is now paying"). Overall, quaint, delicious, and very crowded. It would not be a mistake to come here for delicious, tasty food- just be ok with the wait and uncomfortable customer favoritism in terms of wait time.
(2)
Bobby S.
We are visiting Santa Fe for just two days and this place is so good that we ate here three times in those two day - cancelling reservations at La Boca even. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They are happy to make any substitution that you'd like and to make your meal perfect for you in every way. I had the Trout Hash and every last bite was amazing.I was stuffed but wanted more. The coffee is great which I find unusual for a place like this. And the vegan burger will rock your world. maybe I should move to santa fe just so that i can eat here more......
(5)
Christen N.
The food was pretty good, and the menu was very friendly to those with dietary restrictions. But the prices were higher than was reasonable, even when taking into account the responsibly sourced ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and chic. If you go, avoid going around 5; there is a big crowd when they reopen for dinner and you will wait forever.
(3)
Allen P.
Cafe Pasqual's was recommended to us by a friend born in Santa Fe but living in our Austin, TX. Our expectations were high and this place exceeded them in every category. My wife had the corn beef hash and I had the griddled polenta with chorizo and red chile. They added a bit of jalapano since I prefer a bit more heat .. our server was down to earth with absolutely no attitude that is so common in the touristy areas. The food (and even the coffee) was amazing to compliment the personable service and great ambiance. This place has found a spot on our must visit list for whenever we're back this way.
(5)
Pat S.
We stopped by here for lunch and had a great meal. We sat at the communal table and enjoyed visiting with interesting people (and seeing what they ordered). The menu is interesting and there is plenty to choose from. We had lunch for breakfast, which was nice because we had skipped breakfast. Several people were having desserts and they looked fabulous, but we were too full. We stopped by later that evening for coffee and dessert and stood there for over 5 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge us and seat us. Several wait persons walked by and glared at us and the hostess behind the desk glanced our way, but no one said anything. Finally, the hostess said "do you have reservations?" It was 9 pm on a Wednesday night - no. When I told her we didn't have reservations, but just wanted coffee and dessert - would there be a table opening soon, we'd be happy to wait - she dismissed us rudely with "if you don't have reservations, we can't help you." Gee, thanks. It would have been nice to know that FIVE MINUTES ago! Although the food is good there, based on our experience the other night, we went elsewhere for breakfast this morning. I'd rather spend my time and money where they appreciate it.
(4)
Serena T.
PHENOMENAL! Despite having a minor issue with our hostess the service that followed and the food overcompensated for any minor irritation we had earlier regarding our dinner reservation. Definitely make a reservation as this place was jumping and granted it was a Saturday but during our stay in Santa Fe we often passed this place and always saw a line out the door. My friend and I weren't famished so we ordered appetizers as entrees as our meals. The portion was more than enough to fill our stomachs even if we had been ravenous. I ordered the Carne Asada skewers - they should call it heaven on a stick. The flavor was sooooo good - there was a smokiness and rich flavor to the meat that was complimented well with the fresh salsa and guacamole. It completely hit the spot. I couldn't resist ordering dessert and our waiter recommended the Tres Leche cake - not a big fan of tres leche but our waiter assured us that it was very light and even he wasn't a fan of tres leche but highly recommended this dessert option. So we pushed our reluctance aside and jumped in with high hopes and we were not disappointed. I could have dreams about this cake, that's how good it was. It was light, moist and filled fresh sliced strawberries in the middle. It was everything a cake should be...I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it. This is a MUST if you are going to Santa Fe. Definitely the highlight meal of my entire trip to New Mexico!
(5)
Brent S.
Crazy overpriced. Decent food. Extremely slow service, it took us 2.5 hours to have 1 course.
(1)
Orlando S.
A must try while in Santa Fe! Food , ambiance and service is superb. Try the community table and dine with some of the most interesting new friends that have come from around the globe to visit northern New Mexico.
(5)
Craig B.
I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. Very nice and attentive staff. Had the breakfast burrito and juice = $20!!!! So for two people plus tip you could be looking at $50 breakfast.
(3)
Michael J.
Kicking and screaming, we finally succumbed to trying one of the hottest foodie restaurants in Old Santa Fe. We chose Cafe Pasqual's because of several friends' recommendations. Oh what a prissy experience it turned out to be. Our greeter and waitress both were efficient, but lacked the friendliness gene. The whole room had a weird vibe: cozy but cold, festive in its colorful decorations, but austere in its attitude and service. It was like they were doing you a favor for taking your reservation and serving you. This was also reflected in the menu. For starters, Abbe ordered the Nopales Cactus salad, accurately described as coming with Strips of Poblano Chiles, Tomato, & Red Onion on Butter Lettuce with Red Wine Vinegar and Cotija Cheese ($12). Despite the interesting description, she found it samey and a bit boring. I started with the intriguing Salad of Match Stick Celery Root Remoulade with Pomegranate Seeds ($11), which turned out to be a very generous serving of celery roots topped with a topping of very, very salty capers that overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients, including the poor pomegranate seeds. This salad was interesting but I felt like I'd endured it rather than enjoyed it. Alas, was a recurring theme for the remainder of our meal. When Abbe's Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Tomatoes, Saffron, Prunes, Sultana Raisins, Ginger and Toasted Almonds on Lemon Parsley Couscous ($27) arrived, after a couple of bites she exclaimed "Boy is this...rich." She too, endured the entree, but was not a very happy camper. I took the plunge on something truly different, and ordered the Roasted Sugar Pumpkin filled with Chipotle Cream Stew of Portobello and Button Mushrooms, Carrots, Zucchini, Corn and Quinoa, served with Toasted Crostini ($27). What I got was a small soccer ball of a pumpkin filled with a very rich not tremendously interesting stew. And the whole pumpkin was plunked on top of some quite dry quinoa, as kind of an afterthought. All this was accompanied by 2 small and sad looking crostini for dipping, but a few healthy chunks of some nice French bread would have been more satisfying. In our minds, we both felt good about eating at a place whose menu states: "We buy from certified organic farmers and producers who do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs. We offer Wheat-Free Green Chile and Mole Sauces. All our water is filtered and served upon request." But in our souls, we felt like we had been served uncompromisingly "interesting" food. A meal whose sole purpose was to strenuously illustrate how daring and creative the chef was, but at expense (which was indeed considerable) of the diners' enjoyability. Management should spend less time watching the Food Channel, and try, instead, cooking more accessible, and more satisfying food. Our hostess brought us a dessert menus. She seemed surprised, and almost hurt, when we declined any of the slightly tortured offerings. When she brought our check, she gave us a small mound of chocolate fudge, on the house. More sugary than chocolately, but it's the thought that counts. And it was the nicest thing about our experience at this strangely austere and vastly overrated restaurant.
(2)
Joanna G.
Love this place every time. It's a great spot to chat with people- I recommend sitting at the community table! We have only done breakfast here, but have never been disappointed. My favorite dish hands down is the huevos barbacoa con chile d'arbol salsa! It is amazing! This place can get very busy so you may have to wait to be seated but it's worth it. Fun atmosphere!
(4)
Pat S.
We stopped by here for lunch and had a great meal. We sat at the communal table and enjoyed visiting with interesting people (and seeing what they ordered). The menu is interesting and there is plenty to choose from. We had lunch for breakfast, which was nice because we had skipped breakfast. Several people were having desserts and they looked fabulous, but we were too full. We stopped by later that evening for coffee and dessert and stood there for over 5 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge us and seat us. Several wait persons walked by and glared at us and the hostess behind the desk glanced our way, but no one said anything. Finally, the hostess said "do you have reservations?" It was 9 pm on a Wednesday night - no. When I told her we didn't have reservations, but just wanted coffee and dessert - would there be a table opening soon, we'd be happy to wait - she dismissed us rudely with "if you don't have reservations, we can't help you." Gee, thanks. It would have been nice to know that FIVE MINUTES ago! Although the food is good there, based on our experience the other night, we went elsewhere for breakfast this morning. I'd rather spend my time and money where they appreciate it.
(4)
Serena T.
PHENOMENAL! Despite having a minor issue with our hostess the service that followed and the food overcompensated for any minor irritation we had earlier regarding our dinner reservation. Definitely make a reservation as this place was jumping and granted it was a Saturday but during our stay in Santa Fe we often passed this place and always saw a line out the door. My friend and I weren't famished so we ordered appetizers as entrees as our meals. The portion was more than enough to fill our stomachs even if we had been ravenous. I ordered the Carne Asada skewers - they should call it heaven on a stick. The flavor was sooooo good - there was a smokiness and rich flavor to the meat that was complimented well with the fresh salsa and guacamole. It completely hit the spot. I couldn't resist ordering dessert and our waiter recommended the Tres Leche cake - not a big fan of tres leche but our waiter assured us that it was very light and even he wasn't a fan of tres leche but highly recommended this dessert option. So we pushed our reluctance aside and jumped in with high hopes and we were not disappointed. I could have dreams about this cake, that's how good it was. It was light, moist and filled fresh sliced strawberries in the middle. It was everything a cake should be...I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it. This is a MUST if you are going to Santa Fe. Definitely the highlight meal of my entire trip to New Mexico!
(5)
Brent S.
Crazy overpriced. Decent food. Extremely slow service, it took us 2.5 hours to have 1 course.
(1)
Orlando S.
A must try while in Santa Fe! Food , ambiance and service is superb. Try the community table and dine with some of the most interesting new friends that have come from around the globe to visit northern New Mexico.
(5)
Craig B.
I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. Very nice and attentive staff. Had the breakfast burrito and juice = $20!!!! So for two people plus tip you could be looking at $50 breakfast.
(3)
Michael J.
Kicking and screaming, we finally succumbed to trying one of the hottest foodie restaurants in Old Santa Fe. We chose Cafe Pasqual's because of several friends' recommendations. Oh what a prissy experience it turned out to be. Our greeter and waitress both were efficient, but lacked the friendliness gene. The whole room had a weird vibe: cozy but cold, festive in its colorful decorations, but austere in its attitude and service. It was like they were doing you a favor for taking your reservation and serving you. This was also reflected in the menu. For starters, Abbe ordered the Nopales Cactus salad, accurately described as coming with Strips of Poblano Chiles, Tomato, & Red Onion on Butter Lettuce with Red Wine Vinegar and Cotija Cheese ($12). Despite the interesting description, she found it samey and a bit boring. I started with the intriguing Salad of Match Stick Celery Root Remoulade with Pomegranate Seeds ($11), which turned out to be a very generous serving of celery roots topped with a topping of very, very salty capers that overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients, including the poor pomegranate seeds. This salad was interesting but I felt like I'd endured it rather than enjoyed it. Alas, was a recurring theme for the remainder of our meal. When Abbe's Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Tomatoes, Saffron, Prunes, Sultana Raisins, Ginger and Toasted Almonds on Lemon Parsley Couscous ($27) arrived, after a couple of bites she exclaimed "Boy is this...rich." She too, endured the entree, but was not a very happy camper. I took the plunge on something truly different, and ordered the Roasted Sugar Pumpkin filled with Chipotle Cream Stew of Portobello and Button Mushrooms, Carrots, Zucchini, Corn and Quinoa, served with Toasted Crostini ($27). What I got was a small soccer ball of a pumpkin filled with a very rich not tremendously interesting stew. And the whole pumpkin was plunked on top of some quite dry quinoa, as kind of an afterthought. All this was accompanied by 2 small and sad looking crostini for dipping, but a few healthy chunks of some nice French bread would have been more satisfying. In our minds, we both felt good about eating at a place whose menu states: "We buy from certified organic farmers and producers who do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs. We offer Wheat-Free Green Chile and Mole Sauces. All our water is filtered and served upon request." But in our souls, we felt like we had been served uncompromisingly "interesting" food. A meal whose sole purpose was to strenuously illustrate how daring and creative the chef was, but at expense (which was indeed considerable) of the diners' enjoyability. Management should spend less time watching the Food Channel, and try, instead, cooking more accessible, and more satisfying food. Our hostess brought us a dessert menus. She seemed surprised, and almost hurt, when we declined any of the slightly tortured offerings. When she brought our check, she gave us a small mound of chocolate fudge, on the house. More sugary than chocolately, but it's the thought that counts. And it was the nicest thing about our experience at this strangely austere and vastly overrated restaurant.
(2)
Joanna G.
Love this place every time. It's a great spot to chat with people- I recommend sitting at the community table! We have only done breakfast here, but have never been disappointed. My favorite dish hands down is the huevos barbacoa con chile d'arbol salsa! It is amazing! This place can get very busy so you may have to wait to be seated but it's worth it. Fun atmosphere!
(4)
Jennifer D.
While walking through the plaza, the boyfriend and I passed a large crowd and long line for Pasqual's. Once again, we were attracted to the crowdedness and made note to come back for lunch. We came back on a Saturday around noon. The restaurant was already full, but there was only 1 party ahead of us, and we were told that our wait would be about 5 - 10 minutes. The host also offered communal seating if that opened up first. Not too shabby. The ambiance of the restaurant is very "Santa Fe" - lots of artsy Native American decor, lots of patrons in yoga gear, and I'm pretty sure I saw an iPad at various tables. We were quickly seated at a small table. I quickly scanned the many local, organic New Mexican options, but went straight to Yelp to help me decide. I finally decided on the huevos rancheros and SO THANKFUL that the boyfriend decided to get the smoked trout hash. He is getting better mind reading. The huevos rancheros tasted average. Two over-easy eggs nesting on top of a bed black beans that hide a layer of melted jack cheese and corn tortilla. It was difficult to get ALL of those elements into one bite since the eggs and beans were runny and the corn tortilla was difficult to "slice." Also, I asked for a side of green and red chile, so the small saucers that contained them were set right on the eggs. When I tried to move the saucers off the plate, it revealed broken egg whites, so the yolk ran everywhere. The smoked trout hash was delicious, though more potato than smoked trout. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but a BIIIIT overhyped.
(3)
Maggie P.
You will probably have to wait about half an hour or more, but it is definitely worth it. The staff are all extremely friendly and accommodating. My mom and I went across the street into a shop while we waited, and the host came in calling our name to find us before going on to the next person. The food is absolutely marvelous; I had the mango chicken quesadilla and wouldn't have changed a thing. The place is small with a lot of traditional-looking decorations and has just wonderful ambiance. Sit at the community table if you can! You meet neat people.
(5)
Mr G.
Really enjoyed both our meals here. Breakfast was next level... I would recommend the Polenta (has green chiles inside) with chorizo with red chile and corn. It came with two eggs which I got poached. Amazing meal, and even though they were very busy.. our waiter was calm, relaxed, and professional. He never once made us feel rushed or that we should leave in order to seat more folks. That's pretty classy b/c this place gets very busy. No lie, it's a tight squeeze in there.. but it's not a huge place, so it actually makes sense. I loved it, and we went back for dinner the following night.. equally good. Thanks for the meal's pasqual's people!
(5)
Elle L.
During our 2 days in Santa Fe, we ate here as well as at The Shed and Luminaria (inside Inn and Spa at Loretto). All were good meals, but our favorite was Cafe Pasqual's. A friend of mine said that her favorite was breakfast. I liked lunch better. I wish I could go back for the dinner menu.
(5)
Al Z.
Two reviews: Breakfast and Dinner.... Don't let the "vegetarian" word in the descriptor scare are you away- there's plenty of meat here. And if there's no line, it means you got lucky. There's almost always a line (and for dinner- get reservations!). The menu has not changed much over the years, and neither has the decor. But for some reason, it still works. It's like coming home. You anticipate the meal, the flavors, the welcoming dining room and staff. Breakfast: Coffee (excellent), juice that certainly tasted fresh, and 3 different entrees. Pasqual's is THE place to trust the chef and kitchen for ingredient blends you wouldn't normally consider. Bananas, peas, black beans, eggs and "Christmas" chile (red and green), excellent. Corned beef hash with chile? Mmmm. And "basics" like a chorizo burrito served Christmas-style is tasty and you'll want more- but you're too full for now. Service is quick and if there's a line, take a seat at the community table. Dinner: you need reservations. But if you don't, the staff tries real hard to get you in...but it might be a while. But when you get your table, the service rivals any. Top notch. I believe it's hard to find a "miss" on the menu (can't speak to the vegetarian menu). The nopales salad is a must, tacos, lamb, yucatan pork- all hits, including the sides. Great blends of flavors, colors and textures. Definitely has the flavors you are looking for in the southwest without being just a plate of tacos or enchiladas. It's creative and tasty, and pulls influences from every corner of the globe. Dessert? Portions large enough that you may want to give up- but try to save room for one. On the way out, pick up some cookies that are made in-house. Best around. Yes, it's been here forever, and yes, every tourist goes here, and yes, parts of the menu haven't changed forever. That said, if you are going through Santa Fe, cafe Pasqual is a must-stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Strike that. Make it "and" instead of "or"
(5)
Karen W.
Good food, nice espresso - great place to come for breakfast. Food was flavorful, espresso was bold with nice crema. Service was excellent. Espresso very nice but expensive - 4 dollars per cup.
(4)
Robin S.
Very yummy breakfast food after a long wait - definitely falls into the same category as Mama's in San Francisco (Is it worth it?). We got there on a Sunday 10 minutes after opening, and we were told it would be 40 minutes. We browsed a nearby shop for 20 minutes and came back to find out they had called us and had been bumped. We were assured it wouldn't be another 40 minutes, but it was. The service was very good, but the food did take its time, making the entire experience about 2 and a half hours (for eggs!). The chile relleno was amazing, probably the best I've ever had. The Huevos Montulenos were weird and, in the right mouth, good - but I was on the fence. The Rancheros were awesome though. The orange juice was from concentrate, unfortunately, but I guess that's to be expected inland. If you ain't got shit else to do, I recommend going.
(3)
Sarah F.
After all of my years of going here...I have never considered giving it anything below 5 stars. I've been for brunch, lunch, & dinner and am never disappointed. The menu stays fresh with new specials but concrete with it's old time favorites. Pasqual's stays true to New Mexican cuisine traditionals but always adds it's own twist. I am and will always be in love with this place. A must go to if you are in Santa Fe. I suck (or maybe rock) and always order the Free range chicken breast sandwich. It is so good I bought the cookbook so I could try and recreate this masterpiece in center city Philadelphia...still working on it though. What makes the sandwich is the homemade green chili corn bread and the caramelized onions and jalapenos. A must have. You also can't go wrong with the corn beef hash or juevos montulenos for breakfast. Dessert: Order a date shake if they have it. It will blow your mind. The most savory caramely taste you will ever experience Now with every good place you have to wait to get a table. Truly anticipate a 45 min wait if you are going for brunch when they don't take reservations. Put your name in and enjoy being a block away from the plaza. Enjoy!
(5)
Sadie C.
How I wish Pasquals had a little outpost in Vancouver. The high ceilings, the cozy feelings, the well established restaurant vibes and the FOOD! 6 months later, I am still thinking about that cornbread BLT with watermelon gazpacho. It just felt like a treat to be there and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
claire g.
Some dishes really good (veg chile relleno) some blah (veg enchilada - unseasoned tofu and spinach) Kids dishes very overpriced - $10 for a simple burrito but it was large so could be split. Great service and nice atmosphere.
(4)
Tony S.
Another great meal at Pasqual's. The food (see details below) was top notch as always, the service was professional, and we finally got a window table. ;-) It's pricey, but felt it's worth it. But, you should expect a wait for table (see note at bottom). FOOD & DRINK: Ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate with Soy Milk served in a pint glass. It was to die for! Great balance of sweet & creamy. GRIDDLED POLENTA WITH SAUTÉED CHORIZO, CORN & RED CHILE I get this every time because it's that good. Simple, but perfectly made. Pricey, but oh so tasty. The portion is large enough to share - $15 MAGA'S CHEESE BLINTZES - OMG! The best blintzes we've ever had a restaurant, including Jewish Delis in NYC. Light, fluffy and perfectly done. They even rivaled my Mom's recipe for Russian Blintzes from the Old Country (she doesn't Yelp, so please don't tell her!) - $14 and they were totally worth every mouthful! PASQUAL'S WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES - very good pancakes with lots of body, texture and good jam & syrup. But, given the price of $10, we would probably order something more exotic next time. NOTE: There is nearly always a wait. For Sunday breakfast, we arrived 30 minutes before they opened. Got a nice table, but still had to wait another 15 minutes since the entire restaurant filled up at once (we were, however, pre-warned about this possibility when we called the night before. Thought you should know too!) But, we're willing to wait for this food. Enjoy!
Not a great experience. I came to Santa Fe solo for a few days. I loved their menu and the casual atmosphere. But the entire staff seemed to go out of their way to make me feel unwelcome for dining alone. The hostess asked me twice what I wanted before she gave me a table. I am a fairly well-dressed guy with means, who tips very well. So its not like I looked homeless. They just didn't seem to want me there, even on a very slow Wednesday night. I ended up leaving before ordering (after the third waiter gave me a few rude comments). Very disappointing. Oh well, I took my business elsewhere.
(1)
Cyndy L.
We enjoyed breakfast today at Pasqual's although not sure I would brave the crowds again any time soon. If you go to this place with the word "amazing" in your head, you may be slightly disappointed, but if you go simply expecting very good and creative breakfast food, you should come away satisfied. The huevos motuleños and griddled polenta were both tasty with interesting flavors. Kids enjoyed their (big) wheat pancakes. The fantastical piñatas hanging from the ceiling were a fun decorative touch.
(4)
D R.
Very very good food but seemed somewhat inconsistent, service was uneven, and price is expensive. Carne asada was delicious on one visit, just good on another. I see the appeal, but think all the rave reviews are somewhat overrated.
(4)
Rachel E.
We came for breakfast on Friday expecting to beat the crowds...no such luck. We were told the wait would be about 20 minutes - it was more like 30. (I have a hard time holding that against them since it's SO hard to estimate, but we were hungry so I'm going to anyway.) Coffee was ok, a little weak for my personal taste. But they did come by to refill it frequently along with our waters. But then, my chile relleno came out. O.M.G. It was really that good. My boyfriend ordered the huevos rancheros and said it was good, although he did agree my food was better (shocking, I know). We left stuffed and happy. Would definitely recommend for breakfast.
(4)
Lauren T.
DO NOT believe the hype! The food was very mediocre at best--my $28 vegetarian southwestern combo was bland, mushy, cold and watery. The mole was atrocious and tasted like I ate a bowl of potpourri. Coming from Texas, I have really ridiculously high standards for what constitues good Mexican-inspired dishes. This place...no. Maybe their other items are worthy of the rave reviews, but for this gal, absolutely not. Cafe Pasquale's is a total tourist trap and a "everyone else says it's good, so I will too" kind of place. The worst offense is the PRICE. Oh my god...I am not cheap by any means and will happily pay a pretty penny for a tasty well-prepared meal. However, $30 for a very mediocre Mexican combo plate is obscene, especially when it probably cost them $5 to make. Ugh. I felt ripped off and would love to spare another traveler from that feeling! Don't do it! This is not a real Mexican restaurant!
(2)
RaDar T.
Hands down the most delicious breakfast place in all the land! We dined at a communal table which made for great entertainment. Didn't want to want for a separate table, so we decided to sit there and meet some new people. They recommended the hot chocolate so we had to order. The best choice we made all day! The sweetest and most chocolate filled drink in the world! The pancakes are a must try. They are so flavorful and yummy! Also, the thick turkey bacon was great. Must try this breakfast cafe which is in a great location!
(5)
FortSki G.
One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Fe. We stopped in for a Halloween dinner which by no surprise was wonderful. - stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and pomegranate (one of my families favorites albeit it was a bit bland that evening) - cioppino (the broth base is unbelievable) - figs wrapped in prosciutto - ice cream sunday (homemade ice cream) If you visit Santa Fe, we highly recommend making a reservation or waiting for a meal at Pasqual's. If you are a breakfast lover... you will be blown away.
(4)
Kelly M.
Good breakfast burrito. But the green chili wasn't the stew that I know and love. More like chopped canned green chiles with a little bit of juice. Still good. Oct 31 Yelp Challenge: #18/31
(4)
R B.
There's a reason this place is famous! Try the slow cooked barbacoa breakfast, or the pan fried polenta. The rich sauces really make these dishes. Don't miss the pastries in the case as you're checking out, they're made in-house and just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth after a spicy meal! It's worth waiting if there's a LONG line, trust me!
(5)
Hungry T.
Delicious fun! We ate a late breakfast here and had to wait over an hour to be seated at the communal table in the middle of the restaurant (two things that we always try to avoid!). But at Pasquale's it was all part of the experience. Breakfast burrito, chile relleno and polenta all were amazing! Whole wheat pancakes are also a must have! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jane D.
Everyone told me to go. They all raved about Pasqual's. While the food was okay, the service barely passed as marginal. We went around 1100 and there was about a 20 minute wait, which is typical from what I understand. We sat at the communal table and met the people on either side of us. Everyone was frustrated at the number of flies and the slow service (one man's meal was entirely forgotten about). It seemed as if there was only one server for the entire restaurant and one bus boy. The server looked like he was about to pull his hair out. The food was okay. The toast for my sandwich was burnt and a little too crunchy for my taste. Our neighbor felt his meal was slightly bland. Bland is an overall good description of the entire experience. It has cool ambiance and I can see how it would be a favorite of many if just a few things had been different. I'm counting on the fact that I was just there on an off day and would be willing to try again.
(3)
Jen N.
This is VERY good, higher-end mexican food in Santa Fe. It is a quaint restaurant with a lot of crunchy/earthy characteristics. We started with dates filled with goat cheese and wrapped with grilled prosciutto. Yum. We then shared a sampler plate which consisted of a tamale, chile relleno and an enchilada with mole sauce, accompanied by a sweet plantain. It was a huge plate and plenty to share. Mole here = top two best I have had. It was a classier version of the other mole I like in Austin at some restaurant I cannot remember near the W (helpful, I know). Wine and beer selection was nice as well. It was a cozy, flavorful meal with a menu full of interesting combinations that have a Mexican flare. It's a small restaurant, calling ahead is a good idea.
(5)
JA C.
Really lousy service. Food not cooked as requested. No apology from staff. It was as if we were more of an annoyance than a guest. Will never go back.
(1)
Kathryn B.
Well we five weary travelers had stumbled upon this restaurant. There were many people waiting outside. We were so hungry and hesitated waiting, but IT WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT. All of us had the most amazing meals, and a couple of us had restrictive diets. Not only were the wait staff pleasant, kind, and accommodating, but at the end of the lunch hour, they still seemed to be happy to see us. I had never had mole before, and after stating that, our server promptly left and brought back a ramekin for me to try! I got the mole enchiladas, which were amazing. My friends also loved the BLT and quinoa burger. The chai was so fantastic, not at all sweet but spicy as heck in a good way. We also managed to fit in the small dessert plate, which was a wonderful assortment of cake, pie, and cookie. Delicious! We basically couldn't eat supper bc we enjoyed ourselves a bit too much. Needless to say, we plan on having breakfast here as well!!
(5)
RT S.
Very busy with minimal wait time of 40 minutes for breakfast due to small dinning area. There are some good local breakfast dishes. We ordered french toast w bacon and polento w chirozo. It was a decent breakfast.
(3)
Dan T.
This place was Fantastic, well worth the wait for Breakfast. Fresh food that really shined. Came with high praise from friends and this place absolutely stood up to their recommendations. I would absolutely go back to this place and would love to try their lunch when I come back to Santa Fe. A must try!!
(5)
Jessica F.
Wow. Just wow. After seeing reviews on here, I was slightly worried this would be overpriced with poor service. Yes, it was expensive, but extremely worth it. Service was prompt, cordial, and efficient. Ambiance was cheery, unpretentious, and cozy, but still elegant. The food was outstanding. Three of us had the Pupusa as an appetizer, and the Garden Enchiladas and the Plato Supremo with the Tamale and chicken mole. My friends raved about the chile relleno and we all found the mole to be the most delicious, perfectly balanced we've ever had. Everything else was so flavorful, perfectly cooked, and filling without being heavy. We had a couple baked sweets out of the case at the cashier...yum! All of this, combined with fact that they are using organic, locally-sourced ingredients makes this place well worth your time and money,
(5)
Barbara R.
WORST omelette I have ever had in my life. Seriously. Overcooked and rubbery - Jack cheese flavorless - could not even taste the chives. Hash browns on the plate - overcooked, too. Asked for 'fire-roasted' tomato salsa ON THE SIDE - and they smeared it all over the top of the omelette? What cook does that? The salsa itself was more like pureed canned fire-roasted tomatoes. No seasoning or spices at all. Don't call it salsa if it's not salsa. Another person at our table ordered the breakfast burrito and ate about 3 bites - the egg inside was overcooked and the green chili was flavorless. The wait staff looked not happy to be there. The owner (or manager) was rushed, abrupt, and just didn't seem to be handling a breakfast 'crowd' with any grace or patience at all. Get out of the business, then. I can't figure out the 'crowd' part to save my life. The manager got into a little 'tiff' with a customer who wanted to buy some little animal paper mache animals. He bordered on rude and snotty. Couldn't help but hear them as I was 2 feet from the check out register. The guy had no class. The woman who offered (what I thought) was a reasonable amount handled his rudeness with more grace than I would have, I can tell you that. Be an art gallery or be a restaurant. They aren't doing a great job of either, truly. A crowded little place. Still have some 1999 James Beard certificates in their window. That should have been a clue. Would not recommend to anyone or go there again.
(2)
Janice B.
The best meal we had in Santa Fe...food was delicious, our waiter was awesome..a great meal to end our stay in lovely Santa Fe.
(4)
C. B.
I just love Pasqual's. Been going there for years and it's home away from home when I'm in the area. I make a special effort to go there because the food is wonderful, they support local growers and organic produce, the atmosphere is happy and welcoming. Of course it's touristy but so what? I'm a tourist. It's a great place to talk to people from other areas. I recommend Pasqual's.
(5)
Eric B.
As good as the reviews say. Get there early to avoid lines. Had a fantastic breakfast here. The rest is just stating what everyone else does. It's really good. It's a fun locations space. The service quick and courteous. We will make this a must go place every time we are in town.
(5)
Abi F.
This is a Santa Fe must visit for out of towners. My friend who had lived here recommended it for our visit and in spite of the 1 hour wait time given we chose to put our names on the list. It turned out to be more like 35 minutes and we just walked around nearby art galleries so the time flew. When we did get seated, the menu was full of farm fresh and organically sourced ingredients! It was so hard to choose - but I ended up with the two choice platter - chicken enchiladas and chile rellenos, my mom had the jicama, orange and green chile marinaded chicken salad and my sister had the blue tortilla enchiladas with carne asada. We decided to share one agave wine margarita - which after 1 sip quickly turned into 1 glass each because it was so delicious and refreshing! After we completely finished every last drop on our plates and were way past the point of too full - we slowly finished our margaritas to gear up for the return to galleries and shopping. We have decided that this will be our first stop every time we return to Santa Fe. Well worth the wait. The decor is artsy, quaint and very New Mexico bohemian feeling. It's truly a cool local experience.
(5)
Joshua M.
cozy and intimate you can seat in the shared central table and engage fellow visitors in conversation or have a private table, whatever your preferred seating arrangement it will be comfortable and pleasant as this place is a feels good place. my friend had their omlet I had the Mole, we also enjoyed the fresh brat salad juices and the Hot chocolate. All dishes were excellent and had their own personality, a visit to Pasqual's is a recommended pleasure
(5)
Sadie P.
We were visiting Santa Fe and the staff at the Inn we were staying at suggested this Pasqual's as our 1st dinner. They called ahead for us to get us a table and boy am I glad; two seconds after we walked in the place was packed. It is not a big restaurant so it fills quickly. We had prompt service, but he was not the friendliest guy in the world, I might be picky but in a city that is mainly tourist you would think he would be a little more informative about the menu. We had the warm fresh brie, it was amazing. I love brie but this was fantastic. We also had the lamb and the mole enchiladas, both were great. By far the best meal we had in Santa Fe!! It was a wonderful recommendation from our Inn staff.
(4)
Janet V.
Best meal in Santa Fe, best meal in a long time. Worth the money. A close to perfect dinner experience. We will go to Santa Fe just to eat here. Great staff, great food, comfy atmosphere.
(5)
Matt H.
Tight fit, ecliptic atmosphere, crowded - even in the off season. Food was fantastic, I had the carne asada with a fantastic jalapeño salsa. We were not able to sit at the community table, but the people sitting there looked like they were enjoying each others company.
(4)
James P.
Great spot for Breakfast! I had the Hot Chocolate (Amazing!), and Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs (Homemade and Amazing!) I'll be back for sure!
(5)
Michelle R.
First of all, this place is too adorable to adequately describe. If Disney wanted to create a fairytale cafe with a southwestern twist, this would be it. Twinkly lights, gorgeous plants, a stunning mural and interesting art pieces adorned the walls and Ceiling creating a calming and inviting ambiance. I ordered the huevos rancheros with green chile and it did not disappoint! Had a good amount of heat to it, but didn't overwhelm the palette, so you could still taste the rich, warm flavours. The coffee was not swill, and it had been many days on the road with terrible "coffee", so this greatly enhanced the experience. Friendly staff, quality food, and a wonderful aesthetic. Would definitely come back!
(5)
Bud P.
Really great place. We eat here every time we are in Santa Fe. Excellent food and atmosphere.
(5)
Mae S.
Absolutely wonderful food & service. We remembered eating here years ago and found it still wonderful this month. My smoked trout with poached egg was superb! Wish I could come back more often.
(5)
Adele F.
Came here for brunch last Monday at around 10 am. At that time, wait was only about 15 minutes for three people. I would recommend coming here on a weekday unless you are willing to go hangry for a long time. Pros: - fun atmosphere, especially when seated at the communal table - great Mocha latte (with almond milk) - good intro to Santa Fe flavors - inexpensive - good, quick service Cons: - great that it's funky and artsy but it's one of those places that's not entirely clean/spotless -wait can be long
(4)
Hana V.
High quality ingredients, original recipes (they sell their own cookbook), fun and colorful decor. Lots of organic goodies. Their mole is particularly delicious, although I really don't think you can go wrong with their fantastic menu which spoils you for choice upon delicious choice. Service pretty good, friendly server. Make a reservation unless you are OK with sitting at the community table (there aren't that many private tables and they fill up).
(5)
Prabin S.
We found this place in Yelp and decided to try before heading out to Grand Canyon. The food was extremely good. I ordered Quinoa Burger and it hit the spot.
(4)
Oscar the Death Cat B.
We picked Cafe Pasquals for our first dinner on our Santa Fe trip. If you have read any other reviews, you will already know that their dining room is mighty small, and even on an off-peak-season Wednesday night, with the rest of the plaza pretty much dead by 6 PM, there was still a wait to get into Pasquals. Reservations are recommended. We tried the pupusa, lamb barbacoa tacos, and a combo platter consisting of a chile relleno, mole enchilada, tamal, and a beef skewer. For dessert we shared a blackberry pie with homemade ice cream. All the dishes were satisfying, though not especially innovative. Pasqual's might be worth a stop for dinner if you plan ahead with reservations, but it's not worth a long wait to get in. If you are indifferent about how organic your food is, you could probably find similarly satisying fare elswehere for a lower price. Breakfast and brunch seem to be where they really excel, but unfortunately our vacation schedule did not provide time for a return trip.
(3)
Greg A.
My wife had the Enchiladas and thought they were awesome. I had the sole filet which was also great, BUT, neither the menu nor the waiter mentioned that this $29 entree included nothing but meat. The waiter later told me that that's what "sole" meant. For $29 they could have at least thrown a few veggies on my plate. My most wonderful wife shared her plate with me and saved me from leaving hungry.
(3)
Jerome W.
Pretty dang good for breakfast in Santa Fe! It's a bit cramped inside when you first walk in and get seated, but everyone in Santa Fe is super nice. They actually smile and say hello which is quite refreshing when you come from the bowels of southern California. So don't be afraid to cuddle up to your neighbors. I had the Pasqual's favorite which comes with wheat pancakes, sausage, and two eggs. My friend got the breakfast quesedilla which was delicious as well. Their lattes and hot chocolate looked really good too. The bacon is a bit over priced, but overall it was good and would definitely come back next time we're in town. Thanks Cafe Pasqual! You put the A in Santa Fe!
(4)
Cheryl S.
Have never been disappointed with breakfast at Pasqual's! We have been stopping as often as possible for over 10 years on our travels thru Santa Fe and have never regretted the time it sometimes take to get a table. Count on a wait and if you get right in as we did on a Monday morning, just be thrilled. We try to sit at the communal table when possible, always meet interesting people who love to share other great places to eat. This trip I had the smoked trout hash and my husband had his favorite dish (can't remember name) which is plantains, peas, eggs, etc.. To die for! You leave raving about the food and planning on when you can return.
(5)
Jill B.
Expensive for what it is. I never understood there popularity unless all you care about is a place to be seen, tradition, and organic food. Their tortillas are dry and awful, sauces under seasoned and you will wait an hour to eat there.
(1)
Morgan S.
Worth the wait for their delicious breakfast. Everything I tasted was great--durango omelette, huevos rancheros, chorizo burrito. Good latte as well.
Just ate at Cafe Pasqual's again, this time brunch/lunch. The place was way too crowded and the service was not keeping up. Definitely try it at dinnertime for a more predictable experience. Service is better at night, when reservations are encouraged. The food is still good and worth the hassle, but you don't want to feel like you're eating and running in a place like this. One thing that makes lunch special is the offering of the healthy veggie "Licuado" (shake). A shot is more than enough ($3).
(4)
Shannon G.
Cute atmosphere! Fortunately we had reservations (they were booked solid until after 9 p.m). We had great service and the food was tasty but pricey. I appreciate organic food but if you are vegan, your options are limited to 2-3 items and not any cheaper. Options for kid friendly food was very limited. My girls enjoyed the roasted corn and would of loved more than just one ear. I would of loved more than one for them as well since it was $8! Overall, we enjoyed our evening there but I don't think we would return.
(3)
Mary Ann T.
Party of 6. The food was great. Had the Plato Supremo. The service was wonderful, but I forget his name. The evening was a bit ruined , except for the company, when we saw a roach go up the wall and hide under the print beside our booth which was right next to the kitchen door. That does it for me.
(2)
Holly B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed into a small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than their communal table Food was ok, certainly not worth the price. It tries to come off as an authentic cultural hole in the wall but misses the mark. Instead looks like every other restaurant in Austin TX and Santa Cruz CA except more expensive without the culinary expertise.
(1)
Jo M.
WAAAAAAY over rated. After waiting for 20 minutes, we sat in the corner at a tiny overcrowded table, waited way too long for an over priced mediocre breakfast. It's great that their organic, but I think at this point they are just coasting on their reputation. There is much better food to be had out there, with out the snobby staff making you wait for each and everything you ask for.
(2)
Khuyen P.
This was my 3rd visit to Cafe Pasqual's and is always totally worth the wait and the splurge. I'm not a morning person and I especially don't have an appetite at 8 a.m....and I was not feeling that great but I was leaving Santa Fe and my friends wanted to eat breakfast before they left as well. I had talked this place up so much they wanted to come here. SO we got here early and the wait was non existent for us. 15 minutes later and it was full to capacity. I wasn't really feeling food ready but something simple sounded good. I ordered the Two Egg breakfast: poached on home made English Muffins and strawberry ham and home fries. The eggs were terrific and the english muffins rocked my world. It was so fresh and clean tasting..something my palate doesn't get acquainted with that often. The potatoes were okay, but not as good as they could have been...sort of bland. The Huevos Rancheros, Brioche French Toast and Durango Omelet were all declared DELICIOUS by my friends and here's where the story ends. Do Come here and Do come back.
(5)
Rosemarie F.
Loved, loved, loved this place! Came here for breakfast and the place was packed! It was only me and had to wait about 20 minutes. The place is relatively small, but they sat me at a 'group' table of 10. We were a mixed crew of 6 locals, a couple from NOLA, and me, the Damned Yankee! I had the huevos rancheros with red chili, blue corn tortilla. Yummy, yummy. Service was attentive, friendly. Only giving this a 4 as, well, it was breakfast. Wished I had more time to try Cafe Pasqual's for lunch or dinner. Bought both their cookbooks and everything I have tried so far is delicious. Stopped by several times to buy one of their cookies. Shortbread with rosemary! Unique, but I got hooked. New Mexican food, with a unique and creative twist! Lovely artsy Santa Fe decor! Definately a must stop next trip!!
(4)
D G.
A great place to grab a tasty breakfast. Somewhat hectic with out of towners, but they know how to handle the crowds as they boast a large public seating table for walk-ins. Food was tasty and hot with plenty of vegetarian options. We'll be back.
(4)
Angelica C.
definitely a must if you are visiting Santa Fe regardless of whether or not you're vegetarian this place is consistent! Please make a reservation as they are always very busy! as someone mention in the previous review, the acorn squash quinoa and pomegranate is to die for. Attentive service.
(5)
Travis R.
Probably best Mexican meal I've ever had. The mole, the tamales, the chile relleno - it was all stunning. Be warned, however, everything is much spicer than the typical Mexican that you're used to (as it should be). The grilled prosciutto app will blow your mind. Do yourself a favor and visit this wonderful Santa Fe establishment.
(5)
Karen C.
Poor ambiance and crowded seating and food too pretentious and pricey. My lamb cooked perfect but glaze sauce too sweet my husbands Combo Mexican platter as one of their signature dishes really not very tasty. Thought over priced for food offered and was disappointed as was told a 'must' eat place. Maybe lunch better
(3)
Nancy M.
This is another smaller restaurant but it has great food and a loyal following. We were seated just as it opened for dinner and the place was packed nonstop until we left. They have a large community table so you can be seated sooner if you aren't waiting for a private one. They always have specials with a great wine list to choose from. We loved the flat bread sticks and gobbled them up with our wine. I ordered a warm mushroom spinach tart with melted cheese over a bed of greens and my friend had the appetizer order of muscles. Both dishes were delightful and we had a hard time finishing everything on our plates. The room is very cozy with some quirky decorating but the food is to die for. The staff worked hard to see that everyone is served and waited on even during a busy dinner hour. I had to order the strawberry shortcake but asked for ice cream instead of the whipped cream and it was fabulous. The sweetest strawberries ever and we ate the whole thing. Don't miss out on this if you are in town. Just try and get their early or don't mind a little wait. It is worth the time.
(4)
Gilbert C.
Pompous menu and service and obscenely over priced . Stay away from this place and visit other fine restaurants in Santa Fe's plaza area. I would recommend The Shed or Tia Sophia's, The Ore House, Coyote Cafe, Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery all within walking distance of the plaza.
(1)
Phil L.
Great spot for breakfast. Wish they had fresh squeeze orange juice but my juevos rancheros (actually were spicy which is how they're supposed to be I believe) were as good as it gets - I really don't think that I've had better. Very decent coffee here as well. And right in the middle of town - a super convenient location.
(5)
Candy W.
We had a reservation for 5:30, when they first opened for dinner. Within 10 minutes the place was packed. All the staff worked well in tandem. Several stopped by our table many times to check on us. We shared the Vietnamese scallop salad (unbelievably tasty) and the lamb tangine (fantastic flavors but not usually on the menu). Then we ended with the Meyer lemon ice cream and meringue cookie. We should have skipped the dessert, only because we were so full already (and the cookie was a bit dry). But the entire dinner, atmosphere, and attention were so superlative, who cared about a cookie?! We will definitely come here again if we ever return to Santa Fe.
(5)
Sandy K.
Still one of the best restaurant experiences in all of Santa Fe! The food is absolutely incredible and the service and atmosphere are exceptional. I will keep coming here again and again and again!
(5)
Erica V.
The food was fantastic. The service, not so much. Hostess was snotty when we got there for out reservation (it would be a miracle to get in here on a weekend with one as we found out the night before). We were seated for 15 minutes before out waiter came over. He just asked "what's for dinner?" Never asked about drinks. When I asked him to modify a dish to make it vegan, he wanted to argue about how it wouldn't taste as good without the cheese. For the record, the enchiladas were heaven without any cheese. His service continued to disappoint until it time to pay the bill.
(3)
Charito S.
I came here last night for dinner with a group, and ate the Vietnamese scallops, Mexican hot chocolate, and the tomato soup. Everything was delicious, I all the morsels of food on my plate. The Vietnamese scallops came with a jicama type salad...I'm not a jicama type of person but that salad was delicious! Their food comes from their farmer's market, and they ensure that the food isn't treated with antibiotics and pesticides, organic and fresh. The atmosphere is warm and the staff are so friendly towards our group! I think I will go there for breakfast tomorrow and skip all the other restaurants that I want to try. I highly recommend! Call in advance for dinner, we got reservations a couple of days after our call...now I know why!
(5)
Katy M.
Perhaps the meal I most look forward to whenever we head to Santa Fe. Sometimes we eat two meals a day here. Everything about it - the cozy space with the vibrant decor, the hosts who calmly manage the crazy wait on weekends, the warm and efficient service and most importantly, the delicious, creative cuisine (both New Mexican and not) is a homerun. Stand-out dishes include the mole enchiladas (don't tell them I told you, but they'll make them with chicken if you ask, even though they recently switched to turkey on the menu) - one of the best moles I've tasted - pancakes, huevos barbacoa (written up in Cooking Light a few years back - who knew this was diet food?), huevos rancheros, and if you're craving something healthy, the nine-grain cereal (packages of which you can buy to take home). Famous for brunch but if you don't feel like waiting, they take dinner reservations and the food is equally crave-worthy.
(5)
Sonny L.
After reading all of the superstar reviews, I booked a reservation at Cafe Pasqual's on a recent trip to Santa Fe. Needless to say I was sorely disappointed. The service was mediocre, the vibe was utterly pretentious and the food was outrageously overpriced. If I'm going to pay $27 for a vegetarian Chile en Nogada, it better be orgasmic. It was not. It was super dull and not complex as one would have anticipated with all the ingredients listed. Napo's Pupusa had the texture of cardboard. I have no problem paying extra at a restaurant that touts organic seasonal ingredients. I understand the reality of growing your own organic food and the care it takes. However, I expect the beauty of the ingredients to speak for themselves. I was hoping to fine a tiny slice of New Mexico meets Chez Panisse in Santa Fe. All I found was a restaurant full of stuffy rich tourists. On a side note, our waiter ordered the wrong entree for one of our guests and instead of comping it, he brought us 2 cookies at the end of the meal. The only problem is that we had a table of 3, not 2. And really, who on earth would pay $14 for 2 tiny freakin' tacos. Call me spoiled, but I live in the land of bad ass tacos. On a final note, I did like the interior design. The cafe is beautiful and reminded me of Katahdin Restaurant in Portland, Maine, but I would not recommend this place.
Cafe Pasqual's is a pretty decent Mexican restaurant on the corner of a very busy "intersection" (quotes because the streets are small but still handle a great deal of traffic). The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner and when dinner time starts rolling around there is usually a small crowd gathered outside the door wanting to beat the rush for tables. Knowing this, we came for an early lunch. Mwahah! I have no complaints on the food. It was very tasty! However, the prices are pretty high and the servings are minuscule. Meh.. Is it just me or do most Mexican restaurants usually give outrageously humongous portions? I guess Pasqual's missed the memo...
(3)
timm s.
Did not live up to the hype.... I was visiting Santa Fe this past weekend and wanted to soak up all of the great food hots spots while in town. We were staying at the newly remodeled Hotel St. Francis so the restaurant was VERY close (right across the street). It does not have a prominent sign .... but the LARGE crowd outside gives it away. We were VERY lucky to by pass the crowd and get seated at a small table on the side of the colorful dinning room right away. NO WAIT (apparently that is unheard of)!!! The service was mediocre. I had the whole wheat pancakes with one egg. The pancakes .... DELICIOUS!! The eggs .... not so much. The price .... EXPENSIVE! It was around $12 for 3 pancakes and one egg. YIKES!! I know it is Santa Fe.... and I am not cheap by any means .... but that seems a weeeeeeeeeeeee-bit over priced. If I had to wait for 45 minutes.... I'm afraid I would have to bump the rating down to two stars. Don't wait... It's not THAT great!!
(3)
Katy B.
I have eaten here 2 times, both for special occasions as it is on the pricy side. First time I went for dinner.. I got the chicken mole enchiladas i think it was..., It was smothered and drenched in the sauce that was just ok.. and didn't really come wtih anything...really left something to be desired..and NOT cheap.. (I know these ingredients aren't expensive...)Second time i decided to go on my b-day for brunch(as ive heard so many things about the breakfast). Waited 45 min to then sit at a communal table..2 inches from the other people and we were sitting side by side.(which is fine for a hot dog joint... but for a pricey romantic bday brunch with my boyfriend i was a little disappointed.)Again, the food was just ok, and it was sooo expensive..100% not worth it. Not to mention it was SUPER loud in there. I found the staff Snooty, rushed and unconcerned. Mind not blown... especially with all the hype. Actually it is mind blowing, how they get away with this stuff.
(1)
S K.
If you like being packed in like sardines and paying for over priced mediocre food...this place is for you!! Do not recommend. 0 star
(1)
Amanda R.
My boyfriend and I ate here during a three day vacation to Santa Fe. Not only was it a waste of money and a night out, the entree he ordered was visually disgusting. He ordered pork that was served inside a cocoon like leaf. When he opened the leaf mashed pork and gooey juice came pouring out all over the other food in his plate. It gave the impression of camping trip gone terribly wrong. What might happen if someone took a laxative and had only a leaf to catch their watery stool. The site of this made us so sick neither one of us could eat. When we expressed this to the manager there, she couldn't seem to understand so she just kept asking us what was wrong. She did take my boyfriend's entree off the check but over charged us for the other items we ordered.None of the food our was exactly superb and surly not worth the money. We went there expecting a wonderful experience based on the reviews, instead we left disappointed and nauseated. None of the staff ever really apologized or tried to compensate for our poor experience. They just acted as though they had their culinary brilliance had been forsaken;never mind sour stomachs and ruined dinner. By the way the place is too small don't go and expect to have elbow room if your arm is over a foot long. In sum this place is best for you if you are blind, short and have a steel stomach. I do however; highly recommend the restaurant across the street, Tabla de Los Santos.
(1)
Jessica R.
Amazing. Seriously amazing. Came for dinner on vacation with my husband. We both left stuffed and satisfied! If I lived in Santa Fe, I'd come here all the time. The food is fantastic; the best Mexican I've ever had. Staff is friendly and prompt. And the ambiance is captivating, somewhere between authentic southwest and kitsch. Loved it!
(5)
F. P.
Got to Santa Fe before 10am and first thing on the list was to check out the much acclaimed Cafe Pasqual's. Was told there was a 45-minute wait (already?!) but that was fine because it gave us time to check out the plaza. Verdict? Pretty good but way overpriced. Couldn't help but feel that I was in a tourist trip (we were seated at the community table and everyone was from elsewhere). I had the huevos motulenos (eggs with black beens, sauteed bananas, feta cheese, salsa and Christmas chile). Pretty good but I actually wasn't too fond of the bananas which were mushy and over-ripe and sweet. What this dish did do was confirm that I was more a fan of green chile than red. I also had a bite of the breakfast quesadilla with applewood bacon, which was delicious. I probably wouldn't return to this place only because it's near impossible to get seated and simply overpriced ($50 w tax & tip for a quesadilla, huevos, OJ and coffee is kind of ridiculous). People had recommended Tia Sophia as an alternative (just as good but at half the price) ... maybe will give that a shot next time.
(3)
vicken h.
we had been to Pasqual's 10 years ago and 5 years ago...and were looking forward to it again. What a big disappointment!!. the food was below average at best. my carne asada was soaked / over marinated, the grilled vegetables were almost raw and not grilled, my tortilla was half soaked. The lamb chops with pomegranate molasses had no seasoning to offset the tartness of the molasses. The lentil stew was something you get at a diner. The service was very good and the waiter was informed. Overall for the prices you are paying I would expect everything to be perfect.
(1)
Chuck C.
My wife and I have visited Santa Fe several times...and have tried a number of local eateries. Today we ate breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Both the atmosphere and cuisine are quintessential Santa Fe. The staff was friendly and attentive. We will be back. My wife had the Maga's Cheese Blintzes with strawberry jam and sour cream. It was rich and scrumptious. I had the Huevos Barbacoa con Chile D'Arbol Salsa, a stunningly flavorful combination of slow-cooked marinated shredded beef, eggs, pintos and Cotija cheese atop corn tortillas. I posted the pics here. If you're looking for food and ambiance that capture the essence of Santa Fe, along with the friendliest service staff in town, check out Cafe Pasqual's. You won't regret it! CJC, Jr.
(5)
Natasha M.
I have been to a LOT of wonderful restaurants from San Francisco to NYC. Some inexpensive or reasonable, and some very expensive (but amazing!) I have NEVER been as offended at the prices of items on a menu than I was at this place. Corn on the Cob for $9? Add chicken to a Caesar salad for $12? Are you kidding me? I was so upset that I would have left had I not been a guest of my father's whom I was visiting. I chose the tacos on the appetizer menu (2 for $14), and ended up eating 2 corn/steak tacos (with no side of rice or beans or anything) that were mediocre at best. The apricots w/mushrooms and nuts were gross (they served them at the beginning) no one at the table could finish theirs, and my daughters Thai noodles weren't all that imaginative. Edible, yes, but not $19 worthy. They advertise being an all-organic restaurant, but do they really need to insult by their ridiculous prices? It wasn't even worth paying "regular" prices for me to return. I'm happy back in San Francisco where you can have the most amazing dishes every few feet!
(1)
Brad B.
Authentic, friendly but tight quarters. The bison green chili burger is a must and the pigs n figs are great. Taco starters ok not great. Would go back.
(4)
Doug P.
Hands down the best breakfast i have ever had! Grilled polenta, spicy chorizo, sweet corn and amazing red chili. GO!
(5)
J L.
I don't get all the rave reviews. We tried this small, upscale cafe out after many locals insisted it's the best. Not impressed in the least. Far too pretentious with food that's as boring as the personality of our waitress. The good thing, however, is that the service is fast and attentive. They work together as a team to move people in and out quickly. We were here for dinner and found the menu odd. Yes, it's local and organic and that demands a much higher price, but seriously, the items on the menu are plain weird and do not taste all that great. We are small people who get full easily but we left here hungry and broke. The grilled artichoke appetizer tasted just like the grill and while I don't know what type of grill they use, I very much tasted heavy doses of propane. It was inedible. Their version of the wine margarita is mostly margarita mix, very little, if any wine, and the Green Goddess salad dressing tasted like fish. Husband got the Buffalo burger and some kind of over-seasoned potatoes; he said it was just okay. Nothing special, especially for the price. (If you want mushrooms on that it's an additional $7. Laughable.) There are much better places to eat in Santa Fe for that price and it's not even about the money. It's just plain weird food.
(2)
Andrea S.
This restaurant is A+ Mexican cuisine with some other options mixed in (think salads, sandwiches and a dinner menu we did not peruse). My husband and I ate at the community table for Sunday breakfast (a shared table with other guests -- recommended if you don't mind some casual chatting with fellow diners and a shorter wait time). I had the blue lady enchilada (vegetarian lunch item) with sauteed zucchini and onion. Other than not actually being blue, the enchilada was absolutely fabulous! I would order this again in a heartbeat. My husband was also very impressed with his meal, the Durango omelet. The only two negatives about this place are the prices (total was $50 for breakfast for two people) and the coffee. I had regular drip coffee and was underwhelmed by its strength and quality, and my husband had a vanilla latte and was similarly disappointed. However, the food is good enough that we will probably go back when we have guests in town, even though the prices make it cost-prohibitive for a weekly dining spot for just the two of us. This chef is also a James Beard Award nominee, which is impressive to say the least.
(4)
Kim P.
Cafe Pasqual's provided the most sublime plate of scrambled eggs, toast and home fries I have ever had in my life. The eggs (with scallions) were carefully cooked to absolute fluffy perfection, not a brown spot in in sight. The housemade nut toast was glorious, the housemade salsa a delectable rich brown, and the potatoes perfectly crunchy-tender and beautifully seasoned. Of course, it was also freakin' $15.75, with a 20-minute wait to be seated on a weekday mid-morning. I suppose I should detract a star for the questionable value, but it seems unfair, since we knew what we were getting into and the service was also amazing. If you don't mind waiting and dropping some bucks, Cafe Pasqual's will provide a blissful version of your usual proletarian meal.
(5)
Jen N.
Fantastic mole chicken enchiladas. Nothing but shredded chicken inside. My sister had the veggie enchiladas with green chile sauce and I must say these were delicious, too. Very generous portions. We didn't have to wait at noon on a weekday - that made us pretty happy, too.
(4)
Jennifer B.
As an out-of-towner with a vacation planning disability, I'm a little bit high off myself for picking a "hot on Yelp!" restaurant without consulting Yelp. That's what you get with your veteran status I guess. You can spot 'em a mile away. What tipped me off to its hotness, and my later satisfaction, was the mention of organic ingredients, a pretty scarce entity in these parts. That plus all the colorful tile, and an unusual mezzanine set up on the floor that let in lots of light. I ended up liking my brunch dish quite a bit - the use of feta cheese and bananas with a huevos rancheros-style dish was novel and wonderfully pulled-off - AND the "Christmas" red chile, green chile, and mole sauces satisfied my boyfriend's spicy quotient, which is no easy feat. Good coffee too. I really thought the ambiance was cute enough. For some reason it irritated my boyfriends sense of authenticity, but I'm not convinced he knows what he's talking about when it comes to things that irritate him...I mean, authenticity.
(4)
Niamh O.
Om nom nom. My boyfriend took me here for a birthday dinner when we were traveling through Santa Fe. The restaurant was wonderfully eclectic, noisy, and casual. The food was out-of-this-world, and the service was beyond friendly. In fact, the waiter recommended a whole syllabus of excellent restaurants for us to try while we were in town. The wine list wasn't extensive, but it was solid. And the kitsch factor was excellent. Our dinner was so delicious, we went back for breakfast (having heard that Pasqual's breakfast was unbeatable). I'm a New Mexican cuisine noob, but holy heck, that was amazing. While I loved the dinner, it was a bit pricey for our grad student budgets. I would instantly recommend the breakfast to a budget traveler, looking to get a taste of the famous joint. Go! Eat eggs and chile! And enjoy.
(5)
Jacob K.
Very fresh food with healthy options. Excellent service. Very unique and cozy atmosphere. Pricey. i.e., a restaurant in downtown Santa Fe.
(4)
Albert M.
great atmosphere for the casual, laid back personality. There is even a community table, how's that for social networking. The Blue Lady Enchilada was exceptional, surely a dish to have if you will only be here once. Also don't miss an opportunity to try their corn bread. I believe you can buy a loaf to take home, if it makes it that far without you eating all of it.
(4)
HoustonBuffalo S.
Phenomenal! I was in SF for 6 days and ate breakfast here 3 of them, and only ate breakfast other places the other 3 because of our group size. Small, quirky, attentive, delicious! Servers are all smiling, there when you need them, proffesionals. Food is inspiring! Huevos Multenanos is a dish you have to try to believe. Polenta cake with eggs is excellent. Others had quesadillas, cinnamon toast, bacon, never a complaint. The community table is a great idea for such a small restaurant. If you prefer artificial sweetener for your coffee you need to bring it with you. Really really worth both the wait and price.
(5)
Marina V.
Why does Pasqual's not have a five star average?? I went here twice... a year ago... so this review is not going to be very detail-oriented. But I felt the need to put my 5 stars in because it is JUST THAT GOOD. C and I were in Santa Fe and looking for a place to eat dinner. Having already dropped a dime to stay at 10,000 Waves (Japanese bathhouse) and with many more miles to travel, we didn't have much money to spend. But my friend Buster, who's been to Santa Fe mucho, had highly recommended Pasqual's. After traipsing through town several rounds, we saw right through the tourist traps of some of the other restaurants. It had to be Pasqual's. After a bit of a wait, we were seated in the *ahem* cozy dining room (you can sort of rub elbows with your neighbor, NYC-style.. but it really does just add to the ambiance of the place! the room was colorful, eclectic, and charming) Broke as we were, we split a plate (not typical of us.. but it was pretty late too). We chose the Plato Supremo, and proceeded to eat the most delicious chile relleno I've ever had to date. There was a scrumptious mole enchilada and a tamal of some sort too.. and a carne asada skewer. Not to downplay the entire plate-- it was all incredible! But the chile relleno is still something I dream about.. After some direct deposit action, we returned THE NEXT MORNING and threw down for brunch.. I had the smoked trout hash and I believe C had the huevo rancheros but I can't quite remember (it was a whole year ago..) and fresh squeezed mimosas...mmm... I ordered the cookbook ("Cooking with Cafe Pasqual's") as soon as we returned to Austin.
(5)
Jim B.
We were intrigued. Cafe Pasquale's is always packed. Always. Reservations are hard to get unless you like dining early or late. Especially when they make you call to get one. Yes, they refused to give us a reservation in person. We're fairly certain the same person who forced us to call from the corner outside answered the phone. This should have been our first warning. But, we decided to forgive them their eccentricities and lock in reservations for dinner the next day. The menu looks appealing. Fresh, organic, etc. Expensive, yes. (Think $50/person minimum.) But, I assumed they would be worth it. Impossible to get reservations, remember? I was wrong. Appetizer: papusas. Verdict: Good. But, no better than my local (and much cheaper) papusas cart (on the corner of South Boulder and 42 in Lousville.) Entree: Mexican sampler plate. Verdict: mediocre. Lunch at Antojito's Maria was vastly superior, and much cheaper.) Leaving the seeds in the chili relleno is not the latest taste and texture sensation. It's laziness. Last I checked, chicken mole wasn't a dessert. So, perhaps less sugar next time. Dessert: beet cake. Verdict: huge waste of calories. I really wanted the homemade toasted pinon ice cream. (I had a teeny tiny bit of hope the recipe would be worth copying.) But, they had none. So, I went for the "weirdest" item on the menu. "What's beet cake?" I asked. The waiter responded, "Beets have as much sugar as carrots. And, you'd think carrot cake was weird if you had never heard of it before." So enticing. And, so disappointing. You have to really pay attention to taste the beet. Granted I had just had poorly balanced Mexican food, so my palate was a bit damaged. Still, it's not so much beet cake as bland cake with too much cream cheese frosting. Ambiance: poor. This is a tiny restaurant with tables so close together it's more claustrophobic than intimate. Having to shout to be heard didn't add to the charm. Cafe Pasqual's should be ashamed. I could've assembled a better meal for half the cost with a trip to Antojito's Maria and Whole Foods.
(2)
Lauren M.
We were in town and luckily could come in on a Friday morning around 11am so while the place was full, we were able to sit down at the community table without a wait. Service is quick and the menu is great - almost too much to choose from. My husband went with the Durango omelet and I got the Huevos Barbacoa. Mine was very good, lots of flavor. He also enjoyed his - it came with this delicious, almost sweet thick wheat bread - i need some of that to soak up my dish. My husband ordered a capuccino and it came in this big bowl - too much for him. The fresh OJ is good. We enjoyed our meal so much (and everything else coming out around us looked so good), that we made a reservation for dinner the next night, but then had to cancel. Regardless, highly recommended, and from what I hear, for any meal.
(5)
Spoon G.
Awesome for breakfast and dinner but it is expensive! I am from San Francisco and these prices were high. I guess all the publicity and TV shows help fuel the hype. I liked the mole and the squash with quinoa. Juices also very fresh, desserts awesome too. Host with pony tail was a bit creepy though.
(4)
Ryan D.
Super Duper Yummy is pretty much all I can say. I am only reviewing the breakfast/lunch/brunch but wow so good. Went with three friends and we ordered 2 Huevos Montelenos, One Genova Omlette, and the Trout hash. While my personal favorite was the monetlenos all dishes were excellent. Do not be deterred by the bananas on the montelenos as they work well with the dish. I ordered it with Christmas (red and green) chile and both had excellent flavor and not too spicy. I did a little change up and got eggs scrambled as I am not a runny eggs person. The trout hash was my second favorite with perfectly done potatoes and delicious trout. Yes I know the place is a little touristy...and the line can be a bit long but it is worth the wait. Put your name on the list, go check out a gallery in the plaza and come back to fill your tummy with deliciousness!
(5)
Steve K.
Great food, too much food...we are stuffed. They gave us the window table. Well done. Steve and Cindy
(5)
David M.
I loved Pasqual's- ate here 2 times in 3 days during my stay. The cowboy waiter sounded like the narrator from Lebowski, and the food was top notch from basics like oatmeal and pancakes to flourishes like the huevos motulenos. The decor is very festive and the prices right. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Raina F.
A-maze-ing. Seriously, everything we ate was to die for. Make reservations - we walked in at 11 and made a reservation for 1pm, however it is generally very busy. There was no kids menu but they were very willing to work with us and the french toast I ordered my toddler made him, and the rest of us picking off his plate, very happy. The Caesar salad dressing is made in house and was perfectly creamy and tangy. The pineapple/ginger juice was pleasantly refreshing. We also ordered an assortment of cookies at the end and I ate way too much trying to have a bit of each. I would definitely go there again, in fact it would be my first stop in Santa Fe.
The meal was superb and the dessert was wonderful. Actually, never had anything I would not recommend.
(5)
Carl P.
this place is always jammin', but the service is right there with the demand - and the food is fantastic. the menu is pretty unique, so don't come here looking for your run of the mill items...they take the basics and run with it, creating some fun and enjoyable breakfast and lunch items. it's worth a try, at least once, just to say you were here...but chances are, like me, you'll be back for more. my only complaint is the cost - when two people go for breakfast and it's $50, damn...
(4)
Emily U.
We don't go to Santa Fe without at least one meal here. Affordable for breakfast- pricey for dinner. At dinner you MUST have a reservation or you'll never get in. We were there for breakfast in the morning and made reservations for that night. Glad we did because they were turning people away at the door. Don't turn your nose up at the Community Table- it will get you eating faster in the morning and you can meet some really interesting people and locals. Amazing food. its really enough said. If I could pick a last meal, it would be here.
(5)
N O.
We had a late breakfast given the long wait to get a table. But it was worth it. With 2 kids and 2 adults, you are bound to hear some complaints, but none from our group! We raved about it all. I will say that this place was described as moderately priced, but we left there with over a $100 tab for breakfast-yikes.
(4)
Jill V.
My friend and I recently visited here while on vacation. We visited for breakfast and were seated right away. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. We both loved the coffee (I even bought some to take home). I had the crepes stuffed with cheese with fruit on top - amazing! I took some baked goods to go too (cookies) which were all really tasty. After breakfast we visited the little shop upstairs and really enjoyed looking at the art and gift trinkets. A must see place while in Santa Fe!
(5)
Krista F.
This place is tiny, but worthy of the wait. It is a bustling atmosphere, so if that is not your thing, I would venture elsewhere. We went to Cafe Pasqual's on a recommendation from our hotel concierge. It was too packed, so returned on a Monday morning. We checked out of our hotel and rolled down to the restaurant around 10:30am. It was still crowded, but we had a very short 10 minute wait before being seated in the "community seating" area. Basically, we sat at a great big table in the middle of the restaurant with other diners. Not a big deal because we are talkers and didn't mind conversing with others enjoying breakfast. But, it did tend to get a little hectic with waiters squeezing behind your seat to wait on other customers. I ordered the chorizo burrito with no cheese. The chorizo is their own special blend and was delicious. I topped it with the tomatillo sauce, and it was out of this world. There are potatoes included within the burrito, and it was a little mushy for me. I would have removed the potatoes too. My boyfriend had the breakfast quesadillas, and they were fantastic. They add guacamole as a layer, and it was refreshing and tasty. Good: Fantastic food. Hands down best breakfast food if you like the savory type. Bad: Holy Crowded Space, Batman! On top of it being a very small place (with one of the smallest bathroom hallways I have seen in the world), merchandise and decorations hang on anything that stands still. I feel a little bit sketchy on the cleanliness of places that do this because, really, how often are they selling that stuff to diners? It didn't seem to be flying of the shelves and dust tends to gather.
(4)
Scott N.
We've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. We've only eaten breakfast here, however. We love their breakfasts. My go to breakfast is Huevos Rancheros & their's is excellent. The atmosphere is excellent and the service has always been great.
(4)
Chirag P.
Highly recommended and we saw the constant long lines, so on the morning of our departure from Santa Fe, we got up early and stood in line... it was definitely worth the wait. All Organic food, we got to sit at a Family table with 6 strangers and in no time, we were all cracking jokes and having a good ole time while enjoying when of the better brunches I've had. I tried the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS, which if you read the description, sounds funky, but it tastes damn good. My wife had the Huevos Rancheros and was quite pleased as well. They have some outstanding breakfast drinks/shakes so give those a shot as well. Really crazy creative decor and very small, but seem to move people in/out quickly. Very friendly staff as well.
(5)
Jean Y.
Few good things happened here while we're having breakfast right before the Christmas. 1) We got the booth right away. 10 minutes later people waiting outside on a very cold morning. 2) Menu with lots of healthy, gluten free stuffs was cool, especially a green smoothie with the fruit vege mixed. It took a while,' cause it wax first drink that morning, meaning they have to find all of the parts of the blender. Understandable excuse. 3) coffee was good. 4) the place was so cozy with lots of stuffs hanging. 5) my hash brown was unbelievable! 6) we are all super happy with our drinks and food. 7) save the best for the last: our server was too cool and nice. He was so funny. Didn't get his his name, though he'll be there when we come back for sure.. He's been Santa Fe for 33 years! He gave us such a great feeling that super cold morning in Santa Fe...Thanks..
(4)
Mark F.
Always a line and you'll want to know why Extremely friendly team put on a good meal. I felt like family but maybe that's because I was sat at a community table rather than waiting for my own. Good way to make friends and take a look at what they're eating. MIxed with locals and visitors is nice to see they like their own. I chose wisely with the Griddled Polenta with red chili sauce and chorizo topped with two eggs my way, over easy. Wow that's good stuff. The heartiness of the polenta is broken down only slightly by the chili and chorizo. This is a big, fill dish and perfect for a cool morning to keep you work. It was amazing and luckily, in their cook book, Spirited Recipes from Santa Fe. Light background music did not distract from the conversation nor drown out others chatter in the air with many "wow", "this is great" and "fantastic" as I listened to other happy eaters. No kidding my friends, this stuff is great.
(4)
Juan G.
Best breakfast in the Northern Hemisphere!
(5)
M H.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. It's some of the most inventive, delicious food I've had and the atmosphere is a great deal of fun. You can share a table with strangers, which makes for a quirky, enjoyable experience. The decor is very charming, as is the location in an historic structure near the Santa Fe Plaza.
(5)
Lucia N.
Amazing food with unique flavors and quality ingredients. The prices are pretty high for the casual atmosphere. Cozy but crowed atmosphere, probably hard to navigate in a wheelchair.
(4)
Rachel S.
Small intimate restaurant with something for everyone. We went on a Saturday and while it looked crowded it was still only about a 20min wait. They have a community table but we sat at one of benches. The food came out fast and was delicious. It was a little pricey. They also sell a cookbook with some tasty recipes.
(4)
Crystal F.
My favorite in Santa Fe! Delicious, creative, and fun. Big fan!
(5)
Cheryl S.
Amazing quinoa burger! Fast and sincerely friendly service...I am so thankful nobody gave me an attitude when I came in 8 minutes before the kitchen closed. I will definitely be back and hopefully bring friends and family for breakfast. Cute atmosphere too!
(5)
K P.
They do things with a banana that you would not believe. But seriously, Cafe Pasqual's is great. It's rare that an upscale restaurant has both delicious food, great service, great atmosphere, great location. A must during a trip to Santa Fe.
(5)
Kristofer Y.
Really great food! Somebody knows spices and cooking! Service was excellent, caring and sincere!
(5)
Constant C.
I love Pasqual's! I've been eating here since 1992 and it's still good. The menu is varied and interesting, and all the ingredients are of the best quality and flavor. You can get GF, vegetarian, meat.. whatever you need. They will even turn you on to new recipes you didn't know you would need from that point forward. Be prepared to wait, or maybe try an off time if you can't stand waiting. This place is always busy and it is small. There is a community table and private tables. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. The staff have always been helpful and efficient, no matter how swamped they are. They are like restaurant super heroes! You might also want to prepare yourself for the prices. It is a little spendy, especially for dinner, but it is a completely reasonable and fair exchange for the quality of food and service you get. It is well worth the planning, the wait and the price.
(4)
Rohn G.
A wonderful breakfast as always. I have the chorizo burrito and it was perfect. I also recommend a side of wheat toast, really wonderful bread.
(5)
Paul T.
No better sight than my sweet wife across the table at Pascual's, early in the morning, she with her Durango Omelet and me with my Smoked Trout Hash. We pass through Santa Fe every summer on the way home from Montana to renew our love affair with Pascual's. If they ever change the menu I'll know the end of the world is at hand.
(5)
Maria F.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, forever, the end. There are so many things that are annoying about Pasqual's: zillions of tourists, almost always a wait, crowded, carpeted, and for some reason the past several times I've been there it smells faintly sour, like mildew or sour milk? (Maybe stuff is embedded in the carpet?) But I don't even care, because the food is amazing. Breakfast is the best, I think, followed by lunch and then dinner. (Which is fortunate, because breakfast is much more affordable!) Breakfast quesadilla (light cheese) and a Mexican mocha are my jam. Soups are always delicious. (There's a pear/butternut squash one I die for.) The garlic salsa brie thing is delicious, the warm squid salad is too, oh god the chorizo, I could go on and on. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. ' Service is professional, down-to-earth, and friendly.
(5)
Teema C.
This place was good, but I didn't think the taste of the food was spectacular. It is great however that they use local, organic foods, this also equates to pricer dishes. I had the breakfast burrito with both red and green chili and hubby had the huevos motulenos, both dishes were good. The place was packed and more ppl just kept pouring in.
(3)
Ira Y.
Food is awesome qua tasty but way overpriced with small portions. Breakfast is less egregious but for dinner be prepared to spend a lot and feel a bit uncomfortable with your portions.
(3)
Tanner P.
Second time going here. This time was not as good as the first. It was Easter morning, I'll give them....but there was only a 5 minute wait to be seated and the service literally took forever before we could even order ... (about 35 minutes of sitting at a table with only a glass of water). The server was friendly. The food quality depended on what we ordered. I ordered pancakes, eggs, bacon and a Bhakti chai tea. Ok, so everything I ordered aside from the bacon tasted completely watered down and was nearly tasteless. The chai was basically water with a shy hint of actual chia. The pancakes were dry... Oh and they charge $3 for extra syrup (it says directly on the menu). Though ordered at the same time, my partner's chai was forgotten about, then delivered after we had been waiting for it for about 20 minutes after I got mine. His tasted just as bad as mine. I realize one doesn't travel to Santa Fe, NM to have the world's best Bhakti chai, but if you can't get it right, just take it off the menu and stick to the traditional foods of the area. Overall, I expected better because I've had better at this establishment. The staff did not seem stressed or busy at all (they were very casual and easy going), though they were definitely working all about. I'd give it a "meh" because I HAVE experienced better in Santa Fe with that same price range.
(2)
Kelsey C.
Usually when I believe a place deserves five stars it's because they really deserve five stars, here I wish I could give more than a four but still less than four and a half for three reasons, they re-use glasses that have already touched the tables on other tables without cleaning them and they have these water containers that got left on our table twice and reused so the cleaning standards aren't perfect and two when we first walked in and then we got seated about ten minutes after I checked in (with reservation of course ten minutes without reservation here is as far as I can see unheard of at 7:15) and we got our water and then we were left alone no drinks besides water which was fine for me but the person I was with wanted a glass of wine, now I'm from Texas so as she said things are a little different, but from my (perhaps spoiled view of good service standards) perspective we were left alone for too long and to be honest I was a little peeved before we even met our waiter. Now the reason I can't give this place five stars is not based off of my experience however of these five peoples' who waited for their reservation right in front of us - for around an hour after their reservation. Now if this was based off my own experience I'd probably bump it up one more star but seeing as how they stood for an hour after their reservation, I personally think that this is at least worth note. I mean they were offered some other options and they chose to wait for the right sized table but I watched the clock it was an hour so if you're having a party with approximately ten people this is perfect and for small tables of two, three, and four are perfect but anything over that all the way up to ten you should probably go somewhere else unless the incident I saw was isolated which I don't believe it was as even small groups with reservations have to wait at least ten minutes, we got really lucky. The people that waited for an hour were a group of five and I think only two or three of the tables are equipped to seat exactly that, any bigger and they will try to save it, unless someone takes too long with dinner and they're desperate. Now onto the rest of the evening and other tips for this place. I got the reservations three and a half weeks in advance which as most people will tell you is recommended and I asked for seven but that time was already gone, this wasn't a big deal as I got one for fifteen minutes later but if you want to eat here at a decent time you need to reserve at least two weeks in advance because walk ins had to make reservations for times like ten thirty. They're booked. The party in particular that I'm talking about was a party of two who walked in two hours before their "reservation". Anyhow after our waiter finally remembered us things picked up. We actually way over ordered - but it all sounded so good that we couldn't resist - we ordered that day's appetizer which were fried squash blossoms stuffed with cream cheese served over arugula. We also got some tamales where we got the choice between the green chile and the red sauce tamales we got one of each, but dug into it before I could get a picture. Now the green chile tamale had a little bit of a bite to me but I love spicy food, and have the tolerance for it the person I was eating with does not and thought that they were moderately spicy, this was her favorite of the two, I personally liked the other one more but then again it was too hot for her to barely stand and she couldn't eat her half. Anyhow the fried blossoms were amazing as well, and I think it was worth feeling stuffed afterwards. Next our entree, we both had to get the mole chicken enchiladas because we both really wanted them, and I for some stupid reason didn't think sharing was a good idea these are not normal enchiladas, these are burrito sized enchiladas. We should have shared we both had an enchilada left over so sharing would've been perfect and we both liked different sides but I thought I was too hungry for that, dear goodness. The mole was fantastic as were the enchiladas. All of the sides fantastic, I devoured the torte as soon as I tasted it. It's sweet and really rounds out the spicy mole and that's coming from me, my companion didn't complain about the spiciness but she loved the mole so much I imagine no amount of spiciness could have deterred her she loved the rice served with it which I personally thought was a little bland but we both loved the jimica salad, which added a lot of freshness. Honestly I thought the rice could have been left off the dish, it didn't add anything. Then I broke and ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate. I was already stuffed but I read on here that it is amazing so I had to try it. I would do it again, it was worth having to be rolled out of there. Also the owner and or manager (I suspect a little bit of both) came up and talked to us, will be going back. Great food, good service.
(4)
Julie T.
This brunch place place probably doesn't need my review. By the time we got there when it opened, it was already a 20 mins wait. The food was the best I had in nm so if you have a layover or limited time, this is the one place you must go. Their red and green chile with eggs and stewed bananas were a great mouthful of flavor! Their chorizo was a burst of spiciness that makes you want to keep digging in. Go there and you won't regret it.
(4)
Susan B.
I do not throw five stars out lightly. I've only done it at one other restaurant, my local favorite. This was where my daughter and I ate our first night in Santa Fe this spring. It was, we agree, one of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. Great atmosphere, good service, good wine and the food was just simply amazing. Reservations are essential and it is absolutely worth the time you'll wait to get a table.
(5)
Tallie T.
We have been going to this restaurant for 20 years. Every time I wonder if it is worth going back. The prices are insane for what you get and I do not think they spend a lot of effort cleaning. One patron sitting next to us was allowed to bring in her dog (on its own chair). That said their Mole sauce is excellent and they always have a few dishes that are perfect - so - excellent on food but...
(3)
Alli A.
This has become my favorite breakfast spot in Santa Fe. Great cup of coffee! Great atmosphere and love the community table.
(5)
Laura K.
Excellent tacos barbacoas!
(4)
Amy R.
It's been 7 years since my last visit to Santa Fe and to Cafe Pasqual's and I wondered if it would still live up to the amazing meals in my memory. The answer is a big yes. We visited earlier tonight. I forgot to make a reservation until one day earlier so the only dinner options were 5:30 or 8:30. Early bird special, it is! Nina was our server and we were in excellent and kind hands. We ordered the pupusa to start and it looked small but was extraordinary. Every component worked and was delicious. We shared the scallop entree and it came with only two scallops but the portion turned out to be satisfying. It was served with what seems like a simple saffron rice, naked sugar snap peas and crispy leeks (these were very yummy). We debated ordering more food but opted to go right to dessert. Nina gave us recommendations and we were torn. There's a dessert sampler..,pastry chef's choice. Lucky us...it included generous servings of the three most suggested items! (We ordered the small.) Wow! My husband is not a chocolate lover in the slightest but he fell hard for the chocolate budino. I was surprised by the tres leches cake that was, by far, the best version of this I've ever had. The peach blueberry pie had a whipped cream with vanilla bean specks that was so good. On the 4 or 5 trips I've made up Santa Fe in my life, I have visited Cafe Pasqual's once or twice on each trip and have never had anything but raves across the board.
(5)
Pe A.
Very unique restaurant. We were referred here. Very tiny. Bathroom hallway is very claustrophobic lol. The drink menu was extensive but was really made up of non-mainstream stuff. Tried 3 of their beverages and ended up asking for coke and they didn't offer it so I just got water. The drink situation really was frustrating but the food was totally amazing. We had the enchilada lady blue and the carne asada. Both so delicious. However, near the end of my meal I found a gray hair...then another gray hair. Both short. Don't think we will return. But the staff was nice.
(3)
Matt H.
Had breakfast at this small joint - lucky to get the last table before the line started forming since they don't take recommendations for anything but dinner. I had the chorizo burrito and my wife had huevos rancheros with tofu instead of eggs. Overall, the food was tasty. I would have preferred no potatoes but next time. The service was very attentive, friendly and inviting. Would definitely go back for another meal.
(4)
M B.
So everyone says this place is great. I have been twice...the menu is quirky, and inventive but you will be amazed. Try something new! The food is awesome, the atmosphere is busy, eclectic and welcoming. If you are not sure try it...this place doesn't disappoint.
(5)
Roy H.
Lively atmosphere, great food, friendly service. We'd go back in a minute when visiting Santa Fe!
(4)
Ellen G.
Really good. I had the green chili BLT. It was outstanding and the kale salad was soooooooo delicious as a side. Hubs had the blue lady enchiladas. Those were really good but the BLT was the showstopper.
(5)
Jocelyn B.
While driving across the country, delicious meals are my top priority, rivaling a clean bed and avoiding car trouble. So we take restaurant choice really seriously. This was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had in my life, and that's really saying something. Deep, complex, rich spiced flavors without too much heat in the Chile rellenos, perfectly complemented by poached eggs. I would have bought a vat of the salsa if they sold it. Dark, roasty coffee. The corn bread is completely different from what we expected, but wow so delicious and crumbly and toasty and yum. Adorably decorated, with what I've gathered is quintessential Santa Fe kitsch-decor, including a (claustrophobic) but truly gorgeous bathroom. We went around 11ish and were seated right away, but it would have been worth the wait if we'd arrived at a busier time. Perhaps the was our server, Arturo, who shamelessly and sweetly hit on my wife. I'd say he didn't bat an eyelash when we explained that we're married to each other, but he did bat his eyelashes in the most charming of ways. He gave us great recommendations for how to spend our sole day in Santa Fe, and his dessert suggestions were outstanding: a chocolate walnut brownie masquerading as a cookie, and this little creamy chimney custard situation whose proper name I can't recall. Wowee wow wow this was a spectacular meal. Highly recommend!
(5)
Tony Y.
very friendly service. the $5 coffee, being organic at all, was actually pretty worth it. Definitely one of the better breakfast i've had overall. but then mexican food is great all meals a day. it was really cool to have the owner come by and check on us. very healthy menu, and great place to get out of the cold.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
Super-tasty pancakes, delicious grilled polenta with red chile, but not-so-great breakfast quesadilla. To be fair, that quesadilla was probably a dumb thing to order in the first place. I really wanted to try the BLT, but they wouldn't serve it to me before 11a, so our sweet waitress said she would put the chili bacon in a quesadilla. The chili bacon was the only good thing about it. Aside from the food, this place is way over-priced and the decor is unappetizing.
(3)
Amber A.
Super cool, eclectic restaurant in Sante Fe. Food was awesome, service was great. Left full and happy.....and with a cookbook and the best chocolate bar I have ever had. I was with coworkers and we got salads, split the Mole Enchilada and Fish dishes. De-licious!!
(4)
Tess B.
Delicious, I had the lamb and it was so incredibly flavorful. Plus the atmosphere there is so great. Adorable corner of Santa Fe.
(5)
Dawn W.
This place is so amazing that we went twice in two days. Enough said. Just go, trust me.
(5)
Xavier R.
This restaurant is in the middle of the plaza area and was a great find. The decorations are very Mexican inspired and the food was very good. I tried the quinoa burger with a side salad- very tasty. The place is busy but the staff are attentive and polite.
(4)
Taffany H.
Cafe Pasquale came highly recommended to us by two locals who were total strangers to us. First was a guy we sat next to on the plane while traveling to NM, the second was the Bandelier NPS volunteer. When we finally made our way to Pasquale Cafe, parking could be a bit challenging but not a formidable task. Getting a seat during a rush Sunday Brunch/Lunch hours, however, required a bit of patience. After putting our name down on the wait-list, the really friendly host called us in after the 30 minutes wait and we were seated in a very bustling cafe with tables occupied by locals and tourists alike. The sights and smells of great food and good looking green chile made us indecisive for what the one thing we could order since this would be the one and only meal we'd have in Santa Fe. We deferred the judgement to our friendly waiter who promptly suggested the Blue Lady Enchiladas and the Polenta bowl. OMG, this was the best enchiladas I've ever had in my life!!! I had mine with carne asada that was sandwiched in between two corn tortillas, and blanketed with red sauce,gooey cheese, and green chile. The carne asada was juicy, tender and perfectly seasoned. I just couldn't believe that I've finally found the best enchiladas worth a 3 hour plane ride and an hour drive just for a taste. And yes, the polenta with red chile chorizo, sweet corn and two over easy eggs was just as good, the red chile sauce was savory with a little kick of spice to keep you awake. The service was super friendly, New Mexico Nice--which is quite on par with Minnesota Nice. Definitely worth a trip and the wait. Can't wait to come back again soon!
(5)
Sherry C.
Very tiny restaurant. Food was great and costy, the green juice tastes pretty good. The service was poor.
(4)
Sandy F.
30 min wait for good food but very over priced for breakfast. Service was fair to poor.
(3)
Keith B.
That Hurt Pasqual's has been around for many years and is quite popular. It is definitely best to make reservations for dinner. Ours was for 8:30pm and we still had to wait a while for a table. For a casual, fun place, the prices are very high. Across the board the food was good, but not great, especially for what was charged. The best item was the Carne Asada appetizer. Oh yeah, also the chocolate meringue cookie that came with our dessert. Service was a mish-mash. It was hard to know who our waiter was since we were visited by several different servers. Because of that we were double-charged for one item and since they hand-write their bills, it was hard to see. I would not go back for dinner. $155 was way too much for what the two of us got. I might try breakfast or lunch, but I wouldn't wait if there was a line. I just don't get the popularity of this place. It is a drive, but go instead to "Jambo's" which has more flavor for less than half the price.
(3)
Deane L.
For our final night in Santa Fe, we decided to return to Cafe Pasqual's for the first time in about 8 years. I ordered the pan-seared Scallops and, though I have eaten them all over the world, I can attest that they were the finest I have ever eaten. My wife had a wonderful salmon dish, and the couple with us also loved their meals. We enjoyed a nice Sauvignon Blanc and finished the evening with some wonderful flan and French press coffee with wonderful service and a nice atmosphere. All together a night to remember. Deane L
We love this place, and it's a must when we are staying in Santa Fe. This visit, we even went twice. The decor is cool and colorful, and if you can catch it at a time when there isn't a wait, the experience is much better (go early or past the morning rush - it gets busy and is in demand). We had the Durango omelet and the special chile and brown sugar bacon. YUM. Really without compare. The espresso milkshake is also highly recommended. Our service was also good, with the exception of one forgotten juice. The only negative here is the price - you're going to buy a $17 omelet or a $5 small juice or an $11 milkshake - it's very expensive. But the food is delicious and it's an authentic Santa Fe experience. I also highly recommend the wedding cookies as a snack for later!
(5)
Kathy M.
This felt a lot like a local spot that all the tourists go to. We were lucky and did not have to wait for a table, but if we would have had to wait, there was definitely a lot to look at! There were various items hanging everywhere. Hubby said the coffee was really, really good. I ordered a breakfast burrito and thought it was good, but the green chili sauce was not all that hot, just had a mild green chili flavor. Hubby ordered the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS and thought it had a unique taste and was very good. We thought it was a little overpriced, but what you tend to pay when on vacation.
(4)
Julie S.
I liked Cafe Pasqual's so much that I visited twice during my stay in Santa Fe. You could tell they use very fresh ingredients, and aren't afraid to kick up the spice! I love that. There are tons of items on the menu, which is why I had to come back to try another dish. The first time I was there, I had the chicken mole enchiladas. I don't usually like mole sauce because I find savory chocolate dishes a bit strange and outside my comfort level. But at Pasquals, the mole is so amazingly delicious that I gobbled up the entire dish without a drop of leftovers. I highly recommend this dish. The second time I was there, I tried their cheese enchiladas with "Christmas style" sauce (half red/half green sauce). It was delicious as well, but I managed not to gorge myself that time. The bf tried their chorizo breakfast burrito. Also very yummy. If you're in town, Cafe Pasqual's is definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Erin H.
Great food with great flavor. Had breakfast there & you can't go wrong. We will be back!!
(4)
Sophia O.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon during Indian Market, so I was prepared for a crowded, less than enjoyable experience. Yes, the place was crowded, yes, the wait was long, but the food was amazing. We waited about 50 minutes for a table and were finally squished in next to two couples who wouldn't stop gabbing about Los Angeles real estate. I had the quinoa burger on a brioche bun, which was topped with guacamole, fried shallots, tomato chutney, and sprouts. It was one of the best vegetarian burgers I've had in Santa Fe, and I really appreciated how they actually put thought into the toppings (something you don't see everywhere with veggie burgers). The potatoes were good, but came out cold. I know this place is famous for its Mexican food - my mom and brother got the mole enchiladas and blue lady enchiladas respectively, and said both were delicious. The food came quickly, and our waiter was funny and attentive even though the place was packed. The only downside was that you're seated so close to other tables that it's difficult to have your own conversation. It's also a busy atmosphere, so even though we weren't hurried out of there by the staff, it was difficult to not feel rushed. If you can get in here on a weekday afternoon, I definitely recommend visiting.
(4)
Jen H.
My husband and I just finished having dinner here. I ordered the carne asada and hubby ordered the opened faced steak sandwich. My steak was pretty tasteless. It was served with cilantro rice, guacamole and grilled veggies. I didn't taste a hint of cilantro in the rice. It was extremely bland. The guac was just okay. The veggies weren't that great either. Husband's meal was pretty good but not worth recommending. I think this place was extremely overpriced. I sure wish we had picked a different place for dinner.
(2)
Rob W.
Only had 2 days in Santa Fe and ate here for breakfast both times. Very very tasty. Wife loved the huevos barbacoa, nicely cooked meat. I really enjoyed the huevos motulenos. Had the combo green red christmas chile and both were very good. Couldn't pick one color over the other the next time either. Really liked the banana in this dish which I can sometimes take or leave. Tried the cactus salad, which was nice. Not spectacular but good. Had the plato primo with the garden enchilada which was also good, but the huevos motulenos were better.
(4)
Solomon W.
Cafe Pasqual's incites all sorts of emotions of nostalgia for the Texas boy who has gone skiing once or twice. The vibe of old Santa Fe reminds you of a ski town, yet with adobe-Spanish flare; CP's menu wields classic breakfast dishes (huevos rancheros and corned beef hash) with "made in-house" aspects; and the upscale pricing on traditional dishes brings me back to the fancy breakfasts in many a Texas city. For starters, the $15 bowl of fried potatoes, smothered in salsa, though pricey triggers so many childhood memories--from the love for potatoes... that are fried...to the first taste of salsa... perhaps even the growing love for cheese and sour cream. With not a care in the world on how this type of dish would affect your health long-term. On the other end, the brisket and eggs, though pricier, certainly gives you more bang for your buck--didn't momma always say to have meat with your breakfast to keep your tummy full? Slow-cooked beef... runny eggs... can't lose. This classic eatery set on the well-traveled Don Gaspar (totally made that last part up) provides quality food with a very New-Mexican feel.
(4)
Unica V.
After having Pasqual's on our "still need to try" restaurant list for some time, we finally dined there last night. The food: My husband had the Lamb Chops which were cooked very well. The pomegranate sauce added a very unique and good taste. The potatoes and tomato/cucumber salad that accompanied the dish were spiced up in a way I've never had before. Very good! I had the Cochinita pork which came shredded and wrapped in a banana leaf. The pork was very tender, but a bit sweet for my liking. However, when you took a bite of the fried plantains with the pork, they complimented eachother nicely. Overall a very tasty dish. The service: Very attentive and friendly staff. The waitress was there when we needed her and not overbearing. The price: Ouch! Compared to most restaurants in Santa Fe, the food is overpriced. For our two dishes the bill was $80 which didn't include drinks. That's a bit much. We did enjoy our dinner and can now check it off our lost.
(4)
Kate M.
Nice little place in city plaza. Got breakfast here and ordered the huevos barbacoa. Nice hearty ingredients with the right amount of spice and flavor. Service here was really quick and friendly! The decor was probably my favorite part of the restaurant. Lots of charming eclectic Santa Fe architecture and decorations. The place felt slightly touristy, but that's expected in this part of town. The dishes were a bit pricey, and the latte my friend got was $5.50 (more expensive than Starbucks!).
(4)
Jennifer L.
Us weary campers stumbled in here after The Shed had a 45 minute wait. This came up on my yelp app, but I had no idea it was kind of fancy and expensive. The space is very tiny and filled with wealthy Santa Fe elite covered in turquoise and pashmina shawls. We probably would have walked out and left, but the hostess was so cordial and nice we decided to stay. The menu was refreshingly not exclusively NM cuisine. Since plates are around $18 we decided to share everything. We split the pupusa appetizer and the bison burger. Both were stunningly delicious. Then we had the fig cookie with carmel salt ice cream that was divine. The cookie was surprisingly delicious and fresh. There really aren't any affordable/cheap options in the downtown area so either drive out of downtown or buck up and treat yo self!
(4)
David L.
Excellent experience today. Our check was generously adjusted after we explained the error from our previous visit. Bill did an outstanding job, my Durango omlette was prepared perfectly, and our meal was priced appropriately. Kudos for a genuine interest in customer satisfaction.
(5)
C. H.
I thought it was great. Had the smoked trout hash and my husband had the red chili barlacoa. Man that hash was to die for! I'd like to try the whole menu. Had mexican hot chocolate which was also very good. Well worth it.
(5)
Monika W.
I was recently in Santa Fe for a spa conference and one of my scheduled activities was a group dinner at Cafe Pasqual's. I was very excited to see so many locally grown items on the menu! Chard? Really? Awesome! I opted for the special, Moroccan chicken tajine with preserved lemons and artichokes and was not disappointed. My entire group was equally pleased with their choices...cannot say the same for our colleagues sent to other restaurants. And to satisfy a group of professional spa operators who are accustomed to eating and drinking the finest the world has to offer, is saying an awful lot! So grateful to the event planner who steered me toward Pasqual's, otherwise I would have missed it. I am Yelping to keep other travelers from that horrible possibility! Space is tight and we made it work...but if you are interested in going with a large group be sure to call in advance to work out the details.
(5)
Anne M.
It's nice to know that some things never change. We had brunch at Pasqual's this morning. The one hour wait was so worth it! The food was simply fabulous. Enough said.
(5)
John M.
My last visit consisted of pancakes, 2 eggs and turkey bacon. i love places that serve pure maple syrup. No wait this time! The menu is great and so is the staff.
(4)
Nancy D.
Yes, the reviews are all over the place. As a critical diner, I have to say: go try it. We arrived at lunch to a completely full dining room. The host (not a particularly friendly chap) said we could wait for "a while" or sit at the community dining table. Well, color me happy! While I don't consider myself particularly fond of chatting with strangers, community tables are always a can't-miss for me. Where else can you get free reviews and opinions of others experiencing the city (well, except for Yelp)? If you get stuck with a particularly annoying individual, keep in mind it is only for a meal. Our table included a couple from Santa Fe, a couple from our home town, a solo traveler and some other people we didn't really talk to. Our fellow diners steered us to other great dining and local attractions. Enough about that. I had the carne asada. It was a solid dish served with every tasty beans and accompanying pepperss but had the disappointment of pre-made tortillas (why don't restaurants in Santa Fe make fresh tortillas?!). Hubby had the BLT and thank goodness he is generous with his food! This "sandwich" is served on cornbread, so get ready to pull out your forks halfway through. But tasty? Absolutely. Everyone at our table was pleased with their food, ranging from satisfied to thrilled. There was even a little sharing going on, food and recommendations alike. If you are walking around the plaza, tired and dazed and looking for a good meal, open the screen door and let it slam.
(4)
Lindsay D.
This was pitched as the best restaurant in Santa Fe and it had great food. I was traveling alone and appreciated the "communal table" option, which resulted in sharing dinner with folks from across the country. A small place with a great vibe, you'll need to make reservations. I had the Plato Supremo which was lovely, the chile was the best. Expensive, but good food.
(4)
Jonathan B.
You have to go to Pasqual's. Go there for breakfast. Go there for lunch. You won't find higher quality and better flavors anywhere. It's really good. This time, I was amazed at how good there hamburger is. Seriously. I never thought Cafe Pasqual's was a place to get a burger, but it was amazing. I would not recommend taking young kids. It's a tight place and, quite frankly, the staff didn't seem to appreciate their presence.
(5)
Morgan P.
I love the polenta smothered in a delicious red chile sauce, with a poached egg on top! My husband's corned beef & hash was very good. We also got one of their pancakes on the side - perfect! The ambiance is great - colorful decorations, and fun vibe. The downside: so packed, takes a while to get in AND it is very pricey. Staff is hurried, but nice.
(4)
Lauren C.
[They are not off to a good impression. We were on time for our 7:30 reservation...it's 7:42. There's an empty table. It's been empty since we got here. No one is talking to us...7:47, my friend just asked the hostess when we'd be seated for our 7:30 reservation...hostess was annoyed and said we'd be seated when they were ready. There's only one empty table, already set...] The portion in brackets (above) was me typing as we stood, waiting for our table. I waited to type the rest of this review until after we'd eaten and I wasn't so annoyed in the moment about the horrible service. REST OF REVIEW The hostess eventually came over and said another group had asked to be seated at our table, and they were going to bump us from our reservation, but since the other group was a half hour late, she would seat us. She acted like honoring our reservation was doing us a grand favor. She then seated us at the only empty table. It had been set and empty this whole time. No apology. I was really hoping some good food would make up for it. The food is underwhelming. For the prices quoted, I assumed it would be much better. I live in SF and these prices aren't surprising in and of themselves...but I'd never pay this much for the quality (or lack thereof) here. It was very underwhelming. It sounds great on the menu, but the execution is lacking. Sad to say that I don't recommend this place due to the rude service and mediocre food. I'm so, so close to giving them a single star because of their poor service, but will give them the benefit of the doubt that the hostess was having an off night or has been replaced with someone who was appropriately trained.
(2)
Maisha R.
To me, this place had kind of a hippie vibe going on with very eccentric green and yellow paint, ceiling hangings, and a very relaxed atmosphere. It looked different than what I'd anticipated but I was really looking forward to trying the food. We started with the brie, green and red salsa, and roasted garlic appetizer that we spread on small pieces of baguette. The combination sounded a little odd but it worked well. For my entree, I ordered the plato supremo - chile relleno, mole chicken enchilada, and taco with beef - so that I could try a few different items on their menu. I've never been a fan of chile relleno, but this one, in an "omelet style" was more about the cheese than the chile, which was right up my alley. The chicken in the enchilada and the 12-hour braised beef in the taco were so flavorful that I ended up eating the meat out of the tortillas, as they were a little overcooked and hard. I asked for all of the sauces on the side, which was nice so I could experiment with different flavor combinations. Others enjoyed the tamales, carne asada skewers, and cochinita pibil- yucan style. For dessert, we enjoyed a couple of slices of strawberry rhubarb pie and chocolate mousse. The portions were generous, service was adequate, and the food was solid. It wasn't the best place we tried in Santa Fe but we enjoyed our evening.
(4)
Sam E.
Our first meal in Santa Fe and I must say - it was a great one! Friendly staff, fast service and great food! They were able to accommodate for gluten free and even warned us of items that have gluten in them. The space is quaint and cute and perfect after a stroll through the city and feels like someone's home. Very cozy! Mole enchiladas were excellent and taste light and not heavy at all. Carne asada was excellent with a side of grilled vegetables, corn tortillas and black beans. Def recommend!
(5)
Nick C.
Quality, expensive ($25-40 entrees) food in a casual setting with great service. I probably wouldn't go back, since I can have an almost as good experience at a fraction of the price elsewhere (or cook most of the dishes at home, there's nothing exotic here), but if you're not price sensitive sure, why not, grab a bite there.
(4)
Rich C.
We love Cafe Pasqualles! They have great food, friendly and attentive waiters, and a quirky atmosphere that's, well, very Santa Fe! We always have the toasted Brie appetizer and a glass or two of the house wine, which has always been very good, but our entrees vary from them to time depending upon what's on the menu. The last trip I had salmon with a yellow coconut curry sauce which was outstanding. I was a little weary to order it; curry can be delicious or it can be overpowering. In this case, the coconut curry was subtle and delicious. I just love the atmosphere, I wish Pasqualles was here in Albuquerque, but it's definitely worth the drive."!
(5)
Wendy B.
We finally got into to eat here since there is usually a long wait. I loved my dish with the chili Relleno and a chicken enchilada. Next time I will try their tamales. Very good but very expensive!!!
(4)
Matt D.
I'm so glad we got to come eat here while in town. Everything from the wine selection to the quality of food was dialed in. The portion size was good and great for sharing with a significant other. There's a reason this place has been around for as long as it has and won so many awards.
(5)
Dominic S.
Excellent food, excellent wine, a little on the pricey side. We went for dinner and had a great experience. Lots of people we talked to recommended breakfast but we did not make it there as we looked for places where we could take our dog. This was not one of them. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Santa Fe. I'd recommend a reservation for dinner as the place is quite small and there really is no waiting area to speak of.
(4)
Cynthia C.
Fantastic meal in Santa Fe! Make sure to make reservations. The menu, while not extensive, appears to have something for everyone. Waitstaff was very nice and helpful. Can't wait to go again when next in Santa Fe!
(5)
Ron D.
Famous restaurant with a large menu. However, found the food to be average pedestrian with flavors other than its obsession with capstan in almost everything. I love spicy food but unintentionally ingested a very hot habanero pepper from the pork dish that was so burning I could not eat anything further. For someone other than like me who can tolerate spicy food, it would be dangerous to their health. It took my breath away for 15 mins. No warning about the actual habanero peppers being in the dish. Did not enjoy the meal and will not likely go back and we are locals. So many other good restaurants in town rather than this overpriced landmark for tourists.
(2)
Keith R.
This place never disappoints. Food is always fresh, hot, delicious and served promptly. There is usually a wait but it is always well worth it!
(5)
laird h.
This place was recommended to us by a friend, and we ended up going for both dinner and breakfast. Indeed, the food was fantastic, as advertised. And we liked the low-key ambiance. But for what we got, it did seem a bit overpriced. Given the waiting lists, obviously their prices are what the market can bear (I guess given the location near the plaza and the lack of competition from similar restaurants locally), but for us Californians used to this type of cuisine, the prices were about 50% more than what we're used to paying.
(4)
D. W.
Went here for breakfast with a friend while we were in town and I must say that the Huevos Motulenos was delicious! The food here is a healthier version of New Mexican cuisine with really fresh flavor. I have only been for breakfast but assume that dinner is quite good as well. This restaurant is also located in a fun part of town but prepare for a lengthy wait. Cheers!
(4)
Lee W.
Had one of our first meals in Santa Fe at Cafe Pasqual's. Met a nice couple who was also visiting from California and decided to share a table and their company. Probably the highlight of the evening. The menu is interesting, typical Santa Fe with a Mediterranean flair. The food was very good. The Zinfandel was excellent, served perfectly. The dessert were over-the-top decadent. We would definitely go there again. It is a small room and a tight squeeze. We were lucky to be in Santa Fe when it wasn't a busy time of year otherwise it is difficult to get in there. Enjoy!
(4)
Mike E.
Sometimes the stars align and things go better than you could've hoped, such was the case when me and my GF stopped by Cafe Pasqual's for brunch a few weeks ago. We got a late start on the day so by the time we were hungry it was almost 2, which is when many places downtown close for a few hours. We arrived at the door to see a very large group of people obviously waiting for a table. Figuring we had nothing to lose we went in to see how long of a wait it was. The host said he'd seat us right away if we didn't mind sharing a table with a couple of other folks. We said hell yeah, we'll take it! After getting a couple of glasses of wine to toast the awesome road trip we were winding down we looked for something to grab us on the menu. I was in the mood for some New Mexican cuisine of the lunch variety so I went for the Blue Lady Enchiladas with chicken covered with green chile. It also came with black beans and cilantro rice, and was all really good. Afterwards I felt like I'd "done" the Santa Fe type of food thing, so I checked it off the list. My girlfriend went with the Griddled Polenta with Chorizo, Corn, and Red Chile. It came with a couple of eggs in it and was also very good. The service was good, and everyone was very nice. I'm not sure about the dinner service but I can recommend Cafe Pascal's to anyone looking for breakfast or lunch. Just remember they have a public table and don't be afraid of sitting next to a stranger, they ALMOST never bite!
(4)
Ted R.
Always fabulous service. Always a visual delight. Enjoy the posters and the prayer flags. Great wine list too. Incredible food at these prices, 5 stars, please! And the building is an historic treasure. There's no end to the reasons why this is one of my favorite restaurants in the US of A. The enchiladas are really that amazing. The espresso milkshake too. Do lunch at Cafe Pasqual's, it's a little easier to get in without reservation stress if you go in the afternoon. They serve breakfast late...you know, at least once, you've been on that vacation where you don't get rolling till around 2 and you want some brek-brek. Not sure how you could beat this option. I'm counting the days until my next visit to Santa Fe...and Pasqual's!
(5)
Colette R.
Pretty good - should have had the corn cake plate!!! Sampled one with breakfast and it was amazing! Coffee is not good... Get an espresso drink instead.
(3)
Erika A.
From the friendly, personalized service to the chorizo burrito smothered with green and red chile, this place certainly did not disappoint! Try the chorizo breakfast burrito with red AND green chile, and definitely don't miss the small treasure trove of a dessert case with French pastries that rival those I've had in many other cities. A must try is the canelle- a tiny little bundt cake cooked in a beeswax coated copper tin. It's divine. Pasquale's is a cozy unique respite from the overly stiff and expensive hotel restaurants and chains nearby. Must visit!
(4)
Eric K.
We had read such good things about Cafe Pasqual from travel magazines, Rachael Ray books, etc. that we wanted to give it a try during our Santa Fe vacation. So, we visited Cafe Pasqual's on a chilly November Friday morning. I gave our name to the man at the door and he asked if we wanted a private or shared table. Hmmm. Well, private is always nice since we're not in high school anymore, but since there was a wait, we offered to take the first available. There was a 20-minute wait on a weekday morning during Santa Fe's non-peak season, and no indoor seating/waiting area. Everyone stood on the street corner like vagabonds waiting for a table. We wondered how crowded it got during the warmer peak season and on weekends. We browsed the menu while we waited in the cold. The breakfast options looked limited compared to other restaurants around town and nothing really stood out as "special" or "exceptional." The only difference was that all the options were twice the price. We really couldn't understand how they might prepare the same egg dish better than other places. A breakfast burrito for $14.95 when others offered them for as low as $5.95? We crossed our name off the list and went next door to the Atomic Grill where there was no wait, delicious food, and the breakfast didn't empty our wallets.
(3)
Dean G.
Although it may not appear to be a fancy-pants restaurant, Pasqual's is actually quite a nice place for dinner (calling it a "cafe" might be a tad misleading). My wife and I went here after several recommendations, and we were not disappointed. First of all, I love the idea of the community table. We did not have reservations (having stumbled upon it one evening without meaning to), and the place was pretty full on that particular Wednesday evening. But they did have space at the community table, where you can sit without reservation and probably eat next to someone you don't know. If strangers scare you, then this is probably not for you. But if you're okay with eating near people you don't know, then go for it! It's a terrific idea. The decor inside is hectic and casual, which, again, makes the prices for the food seem a little odd. The hanging peppers, flags, and murals all add to the homey feel. I liked it: there's no reason you can't pair good food and funky decorations. But really, the food was excellent. We ordered: Baked brie Lamb Burger Plato Supremo You need to order the Brie. For $17? Yes, order it and never look back. It's so, so good. The cheese is warm and gooey, and the head of garlic is perfect with it. The chilis are the perfect amount of spicy. Will your breath stink? Oh yes. Will it be worth it? Oh yes indeed. The Plato was wonderful as well, especially the Tamale. It was thick and had a corn bread consistency. Excellent! The whole plate was beautiful and colorful. But most of all, everything tasted great. The mole sauce was also exceptional: very chocolatey and spicy. We loved it. And oh my goodness, the lamb burger was heavenly. English muffins for the bun are excellent for soaking up the juice. The yogurt sauce is creamy and tangy, and the meat is rich. I loved it so much. We did not have room for desert, but I wish we had! Someday we will return and try the desert. Do yourself a favor and go to Pasqual's when in Santa Fe. Be ready to shell out a few bucks for it, but you will not go away disappointed. (There is also a cookbook from the restaurant that we bought, which has some great photos and excellent recipes we can't wait to try at home.)
(5)
Michael O.
Ehhh... I have mixed feelings on this place... This is a restaurant that just doesn't know what it wants to grow up to be. The restaurant had a nice homey feel to it which was surprising given how crowded it is but I would have hated sitting in the middle of the packed house. When we sat down we were greeted by our server reasonably quickly. To say the menu was pretentious would be an understatement. The exclusion of almost anything not deemed "organic" or trendy was a real turn off. The menu is also too pricey for the setting, the food quality, and the ingredients. The have no liquor, which (in my opinion) is ridiculous at a restaurant that charges $30-$40 for most of the entree's. The list of beers was pretty limited and I don't think that wine complemented the menu items well, you may have a different opinion. After scanning the menu almost everyone at the table was concerned they wouldn't find anything they wanted to eat. Only one person out of the five of us ordered from the entree list because it was just so unappetizing sounding. The server couldn't help either - she clearly had no idea what the flavor profiles of the dishes were and hadn't tried some of them. She also was clueless about the flavor profiles of the beer. Four of us ordered appetizers for dinner - not because of the price (heck - even the appetizer were close to $20 each) but because it was the only thing we felt like eating. One of us ordered the pumpkin soup / stew from the entree list. All the food was good (not phenomenal, but good) - the person that ordered the pumpkin dish thought it was great. When I go to a restaurant I expect two things at a minimum - good (not great) food and good (not great) service. When I get both of those things I'll happily give a clean restaurant 3 stars - "Great" earns an extra star in each associated category. I got good food and good service in a clean restaurant, which would normally result in three stars but I have to take away a star for one simple reason - the price. The way the restaurant prices its food takes what should have been "Good" and made me compare it to finer dining establishments, and that's where it just didn't stack up. The food (simple Mexican fare) was "good" at $10, but at nearly twice that it was just not a good value, as important, the service was no where near as polished as it should have been given the pricing. Oh, and in case you're wondering - I judge each restaurant on the merit of its category - equal stars does not mean a burger joint is as good as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Maybe I'll visit again after it grows up.
(2)
Cathy R.
Omg. Every visit to Santa Fe includes a stop here. Crowded, noisy, fun. Food is so original. Never an empty seat and I know why.
(5)
D P.
Still as good as before! I love this place. Mole enchiladas, classy wine list, attentive service, and amazing mexican wedding cookies.
(5)
AVID C.
The two stars are because there are better restaurants in Santa Fe based on the food we ate today. I had the griddled polenta with chorizo in red chile with eggs. Ordered my eggs over medium, but when they arrived they were not runny and close to over hard. Daughter's chicken sandwich: chicken breast was dry, not juicy and mayo and cheese dressing was excessive. Bread was falling apart because of all the mayo so sandwich disintegrated.The kale salad was good. Hubby had potatoes and eggs which he said were okay. Crunchy home fries were good. Service was excellent and attentive. Decor is fun and interesting.
(2)
Tori B.
Though I do understand this is a Santa Fe "must try" I left my breakfast dining experience wondering what the hype is all about. After waiting 45 minutes for a table, we were seated and sort of promptly greeted. The host was very friendly and made sure we got our table as soon as possible, but our waitress wasn't too friendly and didn't provide suggestions on what is "good," much I found quite odd. After an internal debate, I choose the polenta and red chili. It was fine. Didn't blow me away and made my tummy hurt pretty quickly after. My Husband had the huevos with carne asada (I think) and seemed to really like his. I tried the meat and it was flavorful and good. Perhaps we should have come for lunch because more of that appealed to me, but alas maybe next time. The prices here are crazy! Our two meals and drinks was like $50! That's just way too high- and the portions aren't that big. So, not sure what the real buzz is all about, but maybe I just got the wrong thing...
(3)
Allison L.
Don't get all huffy about my 3 starts until you read the review. Thanks. So as a tourist in a somewhat of a touristy town we heard this place was the bomb! When we walked in, its very bright and friendly. However, most people wait outside for their table as it gets incredibly crowded in the front. I think the place is adorably authentic. Our waiter was decent. Nothing special, I felt like he was getting irritated with us. (Sidenote: The people we were with are from the north, so they didn't know a lot of the Mexican terms for food...) I ordered the Corn cakes with zucchini squash and red peppers. I actually thought it was really bland. The only thing on that plate that had flavor was the corn cakes and even those were a little dry. BF had the mole and thought it was ok, it was like a soup broth. A good mole needs to have a little bit of a thicker consistency, not sure if this is just how they made their mole though. He said he had better at home. The other people we were with enjoyed their meals, they said they had had nothing like it before. For dessert we shared the blueberry pie and the lemon sheet cake with raspberries (AMAZING!!!!!). The wine was delicious, yay. Overall I thought the meal was overpriced for what we received. However, it is a touristy town so they can get away with that. They also sell a cookbook, which actually looked interesting. Good meal. Not great. Had better. If I come back, it'll prolly be just for dessert or wine. Or BOTH!
(3)
Jimmy G.
Skip this tourist rip off joint.
(1)
Felita S.
LOVE CAFE PASQUAL'S! I'd want to eat there every day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. First came here for a family dinner - and ordered family-style, and raved over all the food! Then came here for breakfast twice in a row - and wanted to eat here daily. So cozy and delicious and a fabulous variety of awesome breakfast foods. Super fabulous lattes in a huge white bowl. I wanted to order everything on the menu! Highly recommend. Yes, very busy on weekends - so be prepared to wait in line. Worth the wait. Also bought the Cookbook!
(5)
Steph C.
My fiance and I came to Cafe Pasqual's for a nice vacation dinner while we were in Santa Fe. It was our spendiest meal in town, but it was well worthwhile, with pleasant atmosphere and great food. We booked a table for two at 8:30 on a Tuesday night, and the place was essentially packed. There were a couple large parties, which filled up a good chunk of the small space. We were one of the only couples, but while I wouldn't call Pasqual's romantic, it didn't lack at all for warmth or intimacy. Service was friendly, and the pace was leisurely but never too slow. We shared a bottle of red zinfandel with our meal, and it amplified Pasqual's natural good vibes. The food was delicious, starting with a big glass of flatbread sticks, crunchy and studded with sesame seeds. We also shared the warm French brie appetizer, which was more than big enough for two. This was a giant platter of half-melted brie served with a roasted head of garlic and roasted tomato-jalapeño and tomatillo salsas, with sliced baguette to carry the bounty. The cheese was gooey and warm and it went beautifully with the salsas and the soft smushable whole cloves of garlic. The entrees ran the gamut in price and genre, and I saw no reason not to order the plato supremo, which was essentially a fancy combination plate. It came with an Anaheim chile relleno, a chicken or tofu mole enchilada, and a choice of beef barbacoa taco or tamale, all served with cilantro rice. Great for the indecisive, with a serving of Pasqual's popular mole as part of the bargain. I chose the chicken enchilada and the beef taco, and these both seemed like good choices to me. The mole enchilada was definitely the highlight of the meal, the dark mole sauce rich and savory with just the softest edge of sweetness. The enchilada underneath it was flavorful in its own right, and both the wet tortilla and tender shredded chicken made good showings. The chile relleno was also excellent, dribbling with cheese and topped with red salsa. The taco was the weak link on the dish, not bad but not memorable, and maybe a bit dry both inside and out. The cilantro rice was great - I will say, though, that I can never really hate on cilantro rice. While I tackled my giant entree, Matt B. dined on seared sea scallops, served with orange-saffron butter, creamy spinach, and fried onion strips over saffron rice. The scallops were cooked just right, tender but firm and plenty meaty. All the sides were great as well - picky Matt left a lot of the rice and spinach and onions alone, and I went to town. We were pretty full by dessert, but we powered through, ordering a peach crisp and an espresso milkshake to send us off with bellies bursting. The desserts weren't the high point of the meal, but they were tasty enough. The peach crisp was warm with a nice oaty top, with a heap of whipped cream on the side. It wasn't sweet at all, and I thought it would actually have benefited from riper peaches or a little more sugar. The espresso milkshake was gritty and thick and very good, dessert and coffee in one. The meal was expensive enough that I think it'd be hard to be a regular, even if I lived in town. I'm glad we went, though, and I'd recommend Pasqual's for a splurge. The food hit the spot, and the space was friendly. I'd consider coming again on a future trip to Santa Fe.
(4)
Audra S.
Fresh, organic, delicious food in a fun, colorful and artistic atmosphere. I had the "Plato Primo" with a chili relleno, Oaxacan tamale, beans and cilantro rice. The Oaxacan tamale had black beans, corn and some amazing spices. The rest of my party enjoyed their meals too: a goat cheese omelet with pine nuts and the breakfast quesadilla. All the sauces were delicious, especially the chipotle salsa. Service was excellent and everyone was pleasant. The art on the walls is spectacular (one would expect no less in Santa Fe) and there were fresh flowers on the tables. Going to the ladies' room was an adventure, it feels like stepping back in time because the building is very old and the passageways to the restrooms are narrow.
(4)
Lynn H.
Anaheim chili relleno with fire roasted tomato salsa, enchilada with chicken in a wonderful mole, beef barbacoa taco slow cooked with chili d'arbol salsa and lime. Beautiful art--the walls and the food. So glad I ate here.
(5)
Rachael P.
Way too expensive for breakfast. The overcharge fees for everything being organic is absolutely ridiculous!!! $5.25 for a certified organic cup of chai tea as a reference or how about a side of (count them) 13 blueberries and a half banana sliced for $7. And the wait. Come close to an hour earlier than when you are hungry because that's how long the wait will be. And it's just not worth it for what you order. The special is blah, the corn beef hash just like jerky, and the grand pancakes simply just whole wheat bisquick. And also the blintz are filled with cottage cheese not ricotta or mascarpone. This is never disclosed. Overall. Not worth a second visit.
(2)
Samay J.
We went here for breakfast about one week ago. Food: We ordered the vegetarian polenta with corn and red chile, as well as the huevos motulenos. The red chile is spicy and tasty. Both dishes were excellent. The organic coffee was excellent as well. Service: excellent as well. Service was prompt, professional and with a smile. You felt very welcome as soon as you stepped into the door. Environment: Clean and cozy. Seating is limited so come early if you don't want to wait. Overall: excellent. Good vegetarian and organic options.
(5)
Todd C.
The best spot in Santa Fe for breakfast! I had HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS; she had the DURANGO OMELETTE. Both were unique and delicious. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We highly recommend!
(5)
Whitney M.
No complaints here! The cafe was cute, cozy, and very friendly! I had the five grain hot cereal for breakfast. It was delicious, but I couldn't finish it all. My travel partner had the breakfast quesadillas. She was kind enough to share. It's such a simple dish, but absolutely awesome!
(5)
Armando Z.
Merry Christmas !! I am giving you a present and it is this place! A menu that tracks the full range of New Mexican cuisine,. If your a ding dong that thinks us New Mexican food is burrito's and nachos go elsewhere and make my wait shorter.
(5)
J E.
Good, just doesn't live up to the ridiculous hype. We came here for breakfast and dinner, and I would say I liked the dinner better. The breakfast was good, but soooooooo heavy. Eating lunch later in the day was basically a mistake because we were still full, although I will say that this was basically par for the course our whole week in Santa Fe so I shouldn't blame Pasqual's too much. We had the smoked trout hash and huevos motulenos, both were tasty. For dinner, I really liked sitting at the communal table, there were some odd birds offering us fliers for their self-realization seminar or whatever, but overall it was fun. Their menu seems to change frequently (looks different online from when we were there) so I can't say everything we had but there was definitely a very good soup (black beans or lentils maybe?) and we had the pupusa which was also good. Other things we had were certainly tasty but I can't remember them specifically, so... We had some good local beer too. I get the feeling that their focus is first and foremost on the ingredients and second on the recipes, which I definitely can appreciate because I care about where my food comes from. If you're visiting Santa Fe, you should pay them a visit, just don't over-order like we did.
(3)
Daniel C.
Homemade style mexican food.. but at a price... I'd definitely go back again... mmm..
(5)
Jamie W.
Made a very last minute reservation for Pasqual's and was kind of given a bit of a "I'm doing you a favor" attitude over the phone. That kind of thing usually really irks me so good thing that the food was delicious or I wouldn't be able to recommend this place. The good: excellent food, excellent wine list. Good service. We had the tacos barbacoa, tamales and the plato supremo. The tacos weren't as great as the rest of our meal but okay. The bad/ugly: I like my space. I don't like to rub elbows with my fellow diners. This place is CRAMPED. The bathroom is panic attack inducing and HOT. When people complain that this place is small and cramped, they aren't kidding. I don't think Pasqual's is overpriced for the quality and caliber of cooking and ingredients. It may not be fancy, but they're not going for a "diner" feel either, especially not at dinner service. As for overhyped... I don't know, I'd never heard of it before and tend not to get myself too hyped for any dining experience. We hit up a lot of great restaurants in Santa Fe but the food here was definitely high on my list. If it were a little more roomy, it'd be my favorite!
(4)
Suzanne C.
This place is fantastic! Loved it! We went twice, once for lunch & once for late night snacks - The restaurant is casual, but cute, and the staff is VERY friendly! All VERY Yummy: TWO MOLE ENCHILADAS (Chicken) GRILLED FREE-RANGE CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH NAPO'S PUPUSA MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE ORGANIC GINGER ALE NECTARINE PIE WITH BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM I only have two negative comments: 1.)PIGS AND FIGS: Skip This! They were stingy with the bacon and figs. They only give you 1 bacon-wrapped fig with the salad for $11 (or 2 if you pay $16) There are too many other good dishes there to waste your time with this one. However, the 1 bacon-wrapped fig I tasted was good. 2.)GRILLED GREEN CHILE CHEESE BURGER: They don't have it on the dinner menu ... so we couldn't try it :( Note: Certain Dishes are not meant for sensitive stomachs, mostly the spicy ones, especially if you are not used to eating New Mexican food. Certain Friends of mine learned the hard way ... argh!
(4)
Alicia K.
This is a tough review to write b/c the FOOD IS PHENOMENAL, but it's INSANELY OVERPRICED!!! Went here today for brunch with 3 other adults. Super cute place, lots of color and natural light, and very nice servers, even though they're pretty much always busy as this place is a tourist trap. We ordered the following: 1. Eggs Barbacoa w/Chile d'arbol - amazing flavor overall and the eggs on top just sealed the deal. It could have used a little more tortilla & eggs and a little less beans, but it was delicious. 2. Huevos Motulenos - this is their signature dish, and while it reads strangely on the meny, it tastes AMAZING in your mouth! Crazy mix of ingredients (bananas, eggs, peas, cheese, beans...) that really just work. Could have used a bit more cheese to be able to have some with every bite, but good none the less. 3. Huevos Rancheros - some of the best I've ever had! Amazing sauce. 4. Pasqual's Favorite - was like eating dessert for breakfast! They're pancakes are truly awesome w/a grainy texture that really works and a flavor that is fantastic! Applewood smoked bacon was cooked perfectly -- a little crispy for that nice crunch, but still full of flavor and most definitely NOT burnt. So ok, the food was great, but the dishes were $18+ each and the portions weren't huge. They looked big b/c there are normally beans taking up much of the large plate, but the two males in our group were still hungry afterward, and for $18 per person for BREAKFAST, that seemed a little unreasonable. Why not 2 stars? Because the food is amazing AND they use almost ALL ORGANIC ingredients! This is something I value and it brings a freshness you can taste to the table. Should you go here? Sure -- if money isn't an object and you're looking for a super tasty, Mexican food style breakfast, then this is the place for you! Trying to work on a budget? Try someplace else.
(3)
Erik B.
Great for breakfast but a flop for dinner. Three of us ended up having three appetizers and a salad - no alcohol - a soft drink, a sparkling water and a lemonade and it came to over $80. Might have been palatable if the food was extraordinary but sadly it was only mediocre. A healthy price to be paid for the name, location, crowded space and noise. A real let down.
(1)
slapaham s.
our favorite place to eat in Santa Fe. We had an amazing brunch here and had to come back the next day for lunch. Seriously jaw-droppingly good food. Fresh green chiles, smoked trout hash, a huge huge omelette, great service, great everything. not cheap, but that didn't stop us from multiple visits....
(5)
Geoff And Jenni G.
Superb! Organic, tasty ingredients... Very friendly staff and interesting decor... Lots of healthy options that taste fantastic. Would not hesitate to recommend... but get there early to avoid a long wait...
(5)
B B.
Another great meal at this iconic Santa Fe restaurant. Service was prompt, waitstaff cordial and attentive. Atmosphere always bustling and a bit loud, but that is the nature of this must-eat-at-restaurant-when-in-Santa-Fe. Everything we've tried so far (over several visits) has been delicious. Great location within waling distance to everything in downtown.
(5)
Laura N.
We were not overly impressed with the food. Their signature dish is the mole burrito, however it was almost drowning in the sauce which, though it was good, was just too much. They served with it a corn torte. This was also on the sweet side. My husband had the Plato Supremo, which included an excellent Chile relleno, however the beef barbecoa taco was quite bland. The salad nopal was excellent. Service was good and decor beautiful.
(3)
Johnny T.
Breakfast schmeakfast. Come for dinner. Towards the latter seatings of the evening. Call ahead for reservations. Make your way in. Realize that the place *is* as small as rumored. Make nice with the hostess (owner?). Get a choice table atop the small staircase (all the better to look down upon your subjects). Order a glass of white wine. Begin to realize you're in for a treat. Pasqual's is the bee's knees. Locals know it. Tourists know it. Before you start to get bent out of shape for paying $23 for enchiladas, know that a.) the ingredients are local, b.) the product is delicious and c.) it's money well spent. For me, I settled in with an extremely generous pour of white wine by a server with a big smile and patient heart. She walked me through the menu and helped me come up with courses that not only would give me a definitive CP experience, but highlight the mouth-watering qualities of Santa Fe fare. I began with the papusa. The griddled masa cake with zucchini, jack cheese and chiles was served with a smoky salsa and escabeche. Escabeche!! Wow. Who serves that? And, in the States? Every bite was joyous, a mood I conveyed to my hostess who smiled back and me and toasted to my happiness. Yep. Small restaurants do the small things that make big impacts. I made it through my appetizer to be presented with my chicken mole enchiladas. The plate was ginormous. I have a big mouth, big hands and a big appetite and I was, initially, overwhelmed by the presentation. Two Paul Bunyan-sized enchiladas were packed to the brim with shredded organic chicken and topped with a black mole that smelled of chocolate, whispered of heat and tasted of savory perfection. Meat eater that I am, though, my favorite parts of the plate were the sides. The cilantro rice was a verdant delight of grains that popped with every chew. The orange-jicama salad almost made me forget that I had a return flight to Chicago. Fragrant as it was beautiful to look at, the texture of the jicama blended naturally with the punch of the citrus. What a brilliant way to cut through the substance of a large meat dish. These were $30 enchiladas that *should* have cost $30. But, you're not done. You're on vacation, live a little. Get dessert. Odds are you're stuffed, so go light. Anything made with fruit will be a sure bet. The night I was there, my life was changed by a watermelon granita. This is shaved ice for adults. This is cool, refreshing fruit made even cooler, sweeter and more enticing by a skilled chef. The dish comes with almond cookies. Save them for later. By the time I finished, had an extended conversation with the hostess, hugged (!), and stumbled into the night, I was fully sated and completely happy. Breakfast schmeakfast. Dinner's where it's at.
(5)
ruth a.
Had dinner there on friday evening with 4 friends. This was the first time for dinner there, my prior experience was breakfast which was pretty good. Dinner, not so much. We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and were seated about 15 minutes late, that was understandable, it was very busy and we were seated on a raised area at a table that could only seat 4 but they apparently felt that the person sitting at the end of the table could straddle the center table leg. The waiter took our order for drinks and advised he would be back soon to take our dinner order. 20 minutes later no drinks, no waiter, finally a nice woman came and apologized and said the waiter would be right there. We ordered the lamb burger with greens, the Moroccan lamb, scallops and the elk filet. Finally our orders came out and it was apparent that the scallops were the only dish that was hot. Everything else had been sitting in the kitchen waiting for the scallops, which were very good. Conversation was impossible because of the noise and the amount of people crammed into much to small an area. I am at a loss to understand this restaurants popularity. Will stick to breakfast only in the future.
(2)
Jed B.
Great as always. Buffalo burger with maytag blue ( the best). But I going for breakfast, my favorite meal there, next trip
(4)
Kari F.
Delicious food and great service. Came to Santa Fe for a long weekend from CA and ending up heading to Cafe Pasqual's twice. First visit I had the smoked trout hash with the gruyere potato cake--a great combination of flavors and still with a Southwestern flare. Second time, a basic vegetable omelette with potatoes and I was still impressed. The food is fresh and organic and has Santa Fe flavors with out the heaviness of many of the other food options in the area. And while the restaurant is described as vegetarian, there are many delicious non-vegetarian options. Cafe Pasqual's is a local favorite so try to come early for breakfast and make reservations for dinner.
(5)
Marina N.
Very nice staff! Worth a 15 min wait. About 2 blocks from the plaza. The niman ranch beef with huevos was delicious. I would go again to have this dish. The huevos rancheros with your choice of sauce (I got tomatilla salsa) were good. Also got a Mexican hot chocolate and organic pomegranate juice.
(3)
Jay S.
Understand that I hate everything. I am not a gourmet and I think most of the yelp reviews are silly. I was totally unprepared to find out how bitchen' this place was. We arrived an hour early and less one in our party; and were made welcome anyway (the town was pretty empty, which helped). We started by splitting a nopales salad, which was still gigantic (I noticed that almost everyrestaurantt in NM serves gigantic portionss) and delicious: kind of a re-imagined nopales salad with a really light vinagrette that was spectacular. We split the vegetarian combo and a stew of vegetables in a squash gourd., which was really awesome. We got a cookie plate to take back to our place that was indescribably great. To top it off, the wait staff was as good as any I've experienced at any restaurant, anywhere. I was really, really happy to have had the opportunity to eat at Pasqual's.
(5)
Lisa P.
There are not enough words in the English language to properly describe how delectable Pasqual's Smoked Trout Hash tastes and that is saying a lot. This dish is a must have for me every time I go to Santa Fe. Even if I have to wait 2 hours in line to have the dish it is well worth the time in my opinion.
(5)
Garen M.
I've never waited an hour for breakfast before, but it was worth it. The food and service was excellent.
(4)
Alex M.
I don't think I can report more than anyone else. This place is awesome. I sat at the communal table where I talked with other tourists and indulged in the Hippie Dippy Green Drink and some dish with fried plantains. This place isn't cheap but it is tasty.
(4)
Denise N.
Interesting place. Expensive, but I suppose it was worth it. The food was tasty, fresh and creative and the cooks were not afraid of spices! Their margaritas are made from agave wine, not tequila (no hard liqueur license), but they were still pretty tasty. Walk-ins typically get seated at a communal table in the center of the restaurant. Expect to pay around $25 to $30 an entree (and $10+ per drink).
(3)
Patty K.
Pasqual's has always been a "must eat at" each year when we visit Santa Fe. We have always loved it until this year. We brought 4 other "newbies" and were all so disappointed by the food and service. Six of us were squished into a 4 top table after waiting 20 minutes for our table (we had reservations). The wait was understandable but the tight quarters were not okay. We had to get out of our chairs and move aside everytime someone around us needed to get out. The food was very so-so compared to years past. Definately not an enjoyable evening.
(2)
Jennifer R.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world...not just in New Mexico! We don't live in Santa Fe anymore, but whenever we're back to visit, Pasqual's is a must (Pasqual's is probably the main reasons we come back to visit). We have had breakfast, lunch, dinner...all excellent, fresh...not pretentious, just well executed. I've lived in some very good places for food (San Francisco, New York, etc.) but if I had to name a favorite restaurant, this would be it. The downside is that they are very popular with locals and tourists alike, and it is not a big place, so make reservations if you can (the up side is that they do take reservations) but we have also had a fun time sitting at the community table as you can meet people from all over.
(5)
Bill V.
Intimate little restaurant with some serous local food. I had dinner here and it was an exceptional experience. The service was polished, friendly, and professional without being intrusive. The food was creative and thoughtful without being overdone. I ordered a dish humbly-described as haddock fish tacos, and was treated with a beautiful filet of haddock, perfectly cook in a delicate chili sauce, and accompanied with a variety of crisp slaws. I love it when a restaurant under-sells and then surprises. I guess that reflects the confidence that comes with a bunch of James Beard Awards.
(5)
Dennis U.
This place is worth a visit to see the work of a master of squeezing the most income out of a small space as possible. First its a high end "foody" restaurant with people waiting out in the street to get in for the interesting and tasty eats. Inside the use of space is maximized to the limits allowed by fire code, including a communal table where you never know who you will be dining with... lots more efficient use of space than a whole bunch of two tops. Finally there is the Cafe Pasqual's merchandising. Cook books, t shirts calenders.... I must have seen the cookbooks in a dozen stores outside of the restaurant. I'm surprised that there isn't a cable TV show as well. All of this around a restaurant that seats 40 people! So when they are seated what do they get? ...a fascinating selection of good food. Around the table we had Huevos Rancheros, Cheese Grits with chorizo, and Huevos Motulenos. I had the latter and it was interesting. eggs with black beans, peas, feta and a banana over a tortilla with a bit of each of the chili sauces on top. The beans were a touch too runny for my taste and the bananas could have been plantains but it was pretty good. The rancheros and the cheese grits were great as well. The menu has lots of exotic things to choose from, smoked trout hash and the five grained cereal among the many. I was a bit scared off by the "vegetarian" category of the restaurant but from what I saw it only means you can get a decent vegetarian entree. A lot of folks grouse about the prices but they obviously have not dined in a hotel recently... besides this is good and interesting food. Well worth the trip and worth many revisits.
(4)
Walt S.
Your in Santa Fe so you expect a beautiful colorful happy restaurant with great food for breakfast or lunch. This is the one. If you are visiting, sit at the community table, you will meet nice folks and have great conversation. Anything on the menu is great, won't be disappointed.
(5)
Robyn R.
It sounds like I should have gone here for breakfast instead of dinner. The food was ok but not worth the $$. In the end we had an expensive dinner and we didn't think it was worth it. It didn't help that the couple sitting beside us was very loud so it was hard for me and my husband to have a conversation. Cool atmosphere/decorations inside.
(2)
Angela K.
The food was creative and delicious, but after waiting for so long, and paying so much, I just don't think I'd recommend this spot.
(3)
Eddie C.
Easily the most over rated restaurant in Santa Fe,NM. The sides that came with the lamb chops were downright disgusting. The artichoke hearts tasted like soap water, then when I mentioned this to the waiter & manager they told me "I must not know what balsamic tastes like". The only thing worse than the sides were the service.
(2)
Carol T.
I found this restaurant on Yelp when we were looking for a place to have dinner. Unfortunately, they were totally booked and the hostess wasn't terribly friendly about it...we found somewhere else to eat that night. We went back again for lunch the next day and were happy we did! It was packed again, but they have a big, communal table in the middle and we were happy to sit there. We were surrounded by nice, friendly people and a woman next to us was swooning about how delicious her sandwich was. It's their grilled free-range chicken breast on cornbread, with caramelized onions, grilled jalapenos and mayonnaise. Unbelievably delicious! I only ordered a half sandwich - it was really filling since it came with soup and salad, but now I wish I'd had a whole one! It was one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten! It came with a yummy chili-tomato soup, equally delicious! The price was right, the food was fabulous! The service was friendly and fun. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in Santa Fe! And I'm going to buy their cookbook online - I hope this recipe is in there!
(5)
Wholewheatwaffle S.
Went here for lunch, food is solid! It has a healthy Mexican appeal and....they don't just pile on loads of cheap food to make the plate look full; rather, they give you enough quality food to leave you more than satisfied. I love the environment of the place as well. It is worth the wait, a line out the door when we went. Oh, for a drink I had "Amie's Green Drink" and it was super healthy and yummy! Service was friendly.
(5)
Spidermonkey J.
Stopped in while visiting from San Francisco. Yes, the food was prepared well and with fresh organic ingredients but I was so turned off by the price I would never go back. Seriously? San Francisco prices in Santa Fe? Get over yourselves...It's not that good.
(3)
Ted S.
Went for dinner last night. Had the cauliflower appetizer shared amongst the 3 of us. We had the Spinach Quinoa salad, sampler plate, and lamb chops as our selections Food was delicious and well prepared. Will definitely return. highly recommend reservations. Service was good, attentive wait staff and helpful on questions. Portions were nicely sized and we felt like we got value for our money
(4)
Christina V.
Amazing food, from Brunch to Dinner. The wait is worth it--the local flavors and home cooking make Pasqual's the best meal in Santa Fe.
(5)
Kristen D.
My friends and I were a bit hesitant to sit at the communal table but it turned out to be fine.Everyone in my group loved their food. I had the lamb burger on an english muffin. I'm not usually the biggest fan of lamb but I have to say it was probably one of the best burtgers i've had.
(4)
Annie S.
We give 5 stars for the food but 3 stars for service. We went on a Saturday night right when it opened and it was already packed. We could only sit at the communal table since we did not make a reservation. There were 8 other couples at the table. We ordered the dos tacos (amazing), carna asada skewers (also amazing and enough to be an entree) and scallops with snap peas and rice. Like I said, the food is really great and so fresh. However, what I did not like was the service. There were so many different staff that we did not know who was taking care of us. What really made it horrible is that one couple's order was completely forgotten about! We were already done eating and waiting for the check when they did not even get their entree! I could not believe that happened. They did not even apologize to the couple. It also took 20 minutes from requesting the check to actually getting it. Annoying. Another annoying thing is that they charge for every little item. I asked for a small side of pico de gallo and they charged $2. I mean is that a joke?! It was a 1 oz portion. I would go back again since the food was so good but I will definitely make a reservation and sit at my own table.
(4)
Anne J.
The food here is good, but it's not exceptional...and especially not for the price. $7 to add bacon to your burger!? $11 milkshakes? $30 veggie enchiladas? You're better off going somewhere else where you can get food just as good for half the price.
This place could be 5-stars but for two things. First, it is terribly overpriced. $30+ for entrees is simply too much to pay for a casual place in Santa Fe. The food was great, the menu innovative, and the ingredients all fresh, but the quality simply doesn't match the high price. Second, and on top of that, is that they made us share a table! Granted, we had a nice conversation with our table mates, but again -- for the price they are charging, I would expect private tables to be the norm. The restaurant is tightly crowded and loud, and the menu too eclectic to have a single theme (where else can you find Indian dhal, Thai tom ka gai soup, and Mexican enchiladas all on the same menu? Maybe too eclectic. Again, if we were paying in the $15-$20 range for this food, casual atmosphere, and shared table, I would happily give Cafe Pasqual 5 stars. But it is simply way overpriced.
(3)
Melissa M.
My dearest Pasqual - How I love thee!!! I was introduced to Pasqual's for my first trip to Santa Fe this past weekend. We waited about half an hour to eat and I ordered the griddled polenta with red chile sauce, chorizo and eggs. It was life-changing. Yes, Pasqual's is on the expensive side and yes, you'll have to wait....but when you wait for perfection it's worth it. It was a perfect amount of food, I was stuffed halfway through but coud not bear to not eat every morsel. Only my manners saved me from licking the plate, which is exactly what I wanted to do and thought it would be wierd if I asked for my last few crumbs of polenta and sauce to be put in a doggy bag. My boyfriend ordered the Chorizo burrito with red and green chile. My four pounds gained in Santa Fe was worth every single ounce. :)
(5)
Amy H.
Better have a reservation. We were turned away and told unless we had a reservation they could not take us, wouldn't even let us wait for a table. Bad customer service
(1)
jessica m.
They must have a great hype man...somewhere. Cuz it's not at the front door. The aging hippy with the thin grey ponytail was super elitist when we went for breakfast. When I asked (way prior to us even being seated) about the possibility of being seated if one of our party (of 4) would be a minute, I got a huuuuge lecture about how there are other diners waiting for a seat and if they did that for everyone what a problem they would have blah blah blah. And I understand, in a really busy place, sure. But guess what- they couldn't get us menus for the first 10 minutes after we were seated! And our coffee came....but no cream. Sooo we couldn't *actually* consume that for about 10 minutes too. I even had to send my poor guy out on a hunting expedition for some because I finally got so fed up. Point: if you're going to act like this is high-level shit, I'm going to expect some high-level ass shit. And here's the other thing, the food was overprice and overrated. There, I said it. BOO. pps, if you got an award 17 years ago, that's cool and all, but like, forreal you should put some updated stuff in your window. Unless you like, don't get awards now....hmm...
(1)
DJ V.
Cafe Pasqual's is my favorite go to place for lunch when I visit Santa Fe a couple of times a year. I have been 3 tmes during this visit and hope to finally try breakfast tomorrow. As mentioned by others, it is a bit of a tight squeeze but I have enjoyed sitting at the communial table and meeting some local folks. I am giving this place because of the decor, the friendliness of the servers but most importantly because all of the ingredients are good quality (and organic) and everything is really tasty. I have been doing the "1/2 time" lunch special which is 1/2 a sandwich, a cup of soup and a side of salad - kale or field greens. The BLT was to die for and the chicken breast with manchego cheese & carmalizd onions was outstanding. Yesterday, I tried the green chile chicken enchiladas which came with lots of white meat and at my request, a side of kale salad instead of the rice and beans.
(5)
Susie B.
Very tasty. Can be a long wait and cramped quarters, but it's fun talking to others.
(4)
Tamara M.
If you only go to one place to eat in Santa Fe GO HERE.
(5)
Paul P.
Favorite place to eat in Santa Fe! I ate here five days in a row when visiting my Uncle in the Hospital and the fifth time it was still as awesome as the first.
(5)
A D.
We were told that you MUST go to Cafe Pasqual's if you happen to be in Santa Fe. So we did. We did not make any reservations but, we were there before 5:30 before the doors open for dinner. There was a line outside when we got there. Because we didn't have any reservations, we were seated at a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. (Seats 10). I am not a big fan of communal table but, it was a good way of meeting new friends. We all had a good time learning new things, hearing funny stories aside from seeing what the others had ordered. I had the conchinita pibil and paired with a spanish wine. My friend had the lamb chops prepared with pomegranate sauce. Both were very delicious! For dessert, we shared a mango sorbet with meringue cookie on the side and that was divine! Service was good. But, you can feel that they are in a bit of a rush because there is a huge group coming in (with reservations) and they need the table. I could have enjoyed my tea but, that was not going to happen. Place is a tight including the small hallway to the restroom. This place is worth a try if you happen to be visiting Santa Fe. It is $$$$, though.
(4)
Greg D.
I've eaten here a dozen times over the past 25 years and every time the food and the service are exceptional.
(5)
Andrew N.
The foods pretty good but there's lots of great breakfast joints in Santa Fe that have better service and no hour long wait for a cramped table. If you need to eat somewhere by the Plaza this will work if you have the time to wait.
(3)
Martha S.
Offering vegetarian Mexican food, Cafe Pasqual's is what I would define as "comfort food." The environment (decor and people) and the food speaks to my soul. How I would love it if Cafe Pasqual's could be my Sunday morning tradition. But I digress. Do I recommend their food? Absolutely. Admittedly, of the three times I've been we've only eaten breakfast. Nonetheless, I'm confident that all the food is delicious. Nothing I've ordered (or the service) has ever failed me. Por ejemplo: HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS -- Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sauteed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla. The only sad thing about it was that it came with one tortilla. MM'S PAPAS FRITAS A Bowl of Home Fries Sauced with Red or Green Chile (I choose green), or Tomatillo d'Arbol Salsa, with Melted Jack, Sour Cream and Scallions and a Corn Tortilla I added two sunny-side up eggs and hubbs gave me his tortilla (that's love, ladies and gentlemen). Sad part of this meal is when it's over. BOULETTE'S YOGURT Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt with Toasted Pistachios, House Sesame Brittle and a Drizzle of Honey. I first tried this pre-vegetarian and when I was eating yogurt with mountains of sugar. I want this now: so clean, simple and healthful. If you're in Santa Fe, please get up early to have some delicious comfort food. Otherwise you will wait in line but it is most certainly worth the wait. For photos, go to: wp.me/p11jOD-IL
(5)
David T.
For thirty some odd years Katherine Kagel's little breakfast/lunch spot has been a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. I remember the day she opened and I think that there has been a line out the door ever since. It's a cute, bright spot. Katherine is a creative chef with a commitment to quality ingredients. Mostly organic with lots of choices for vegetarians. So far, so good, right? Well yeah, except it is crazy expensive for what it is. The food is usually, not always, very good but I'm just not sure it's worth the cost anymore. Seriously, a plain cheese omelette is $9.00 - oh, you want guac, sausage, or ham in that - add $3.25 EACH. You can easily order a $20 omelette. Just two eggs, potatoes and toast - $8.00 - that's the $2.99 breakfast special all over town. Basically, breakfast starts at $9 and goes up to $17ish. Ouch. Lunch is just as bad. $15.75 for a plate of enchiladas or a burrito. So, basically by the time you add a beverage or maybe dessert, tax and tip you're looking at $25 a head. And, I just don't think it is ALL that special. They are open for dinner now (and you can make a reservation). But prices are similarly expensive. $15ish for first courses, mid $20s to high $30s for mains. For those prices you could be dining in style not in a diner. So, adios Pasqual mi amor. It was nice while it lasted. You'll find me down the street at Tia Sophia's if you want to hook up. Quick update Summer 2012: Prices have continued to soar. Better check out their menus and prices on-line or you may be in for a real surprise. Easy to blow through $25 or more a head for breakfast plus tax and tip. Seriously they nickel and dime you to death - $3 for toast - $1 for a tortilla. Total silliness.
(3)
Ed F.
Came in for a late breakfast while in town - amazing SW eggs - ordered a quesadilla - I wish I could have that every day for breakfast. Could be busy in the AM so expect a short wait.
Yum yum yum yum yum! And one more yum!!! This place is it!! Cafe Pasquel's is so good I wanted to eat every meal there while I was in Santa Fe (and trust me - after trying a neighboring cafe - I should have stuck with what I know is good!). I had the huevos motuleños and WOW! The black beans were cooked to perfection (cooked like my host mom in Oaxaca makes them) with a rich and creamy flavor that complimented the delicious tomatillo chili. The sauteed bananas were a surprising but outstanding addition to the meal. The rest of my table also raved their meals. Try the mole and the kale salad if you get the chance. The decor of Cafe Pasqual's is also delightful, fun and enjoyable. I will be back and I bought their cookbook to tide me over until I venture down to Santa Fe again. YUM!
(5)
t b.
Trick me once, shame on you. Trick me twice, shame on me. Pasquale's obviously has a really good marketing machine. Food was average. Prices were OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. Avoid it. I won't be back. There are plenty of places within 3 minute walk that are just as good (or better) and don't require a 2nd mortgage.
(1)
Maria D.
Unconventional menu and very flavorable. The wait for a table is well worth it. We will be back.
(5)
Richard M.
I will admit, I have a pretty simplistic palate. I like what I like. So, when I first got a look at the crunchy hippy vibe at Pasqual's, I was turned off. Sorry, but I'm the kind of guy that rolls his eyes at the word, "organic." If Pasqual's served humble pie, I'd be eating it. After perusing the menu and becoming more and more depressed about the situation, I ordered the quesadilla. I am not lying when I say, it was the best quesadilla I have ever had. Every ingredient was so fresh and pure that even my limited taste buds could appreciate its perfection. It tasted like it had just been plucked off the quesadilla tree. In addition to my best damn quesadilla ever, our party of four experienced their best tamale ever and best grilled chicken sandwich ever. The place is cramped, the wait is long, but the staff is so friendly I felt my hunger-induced crankiness melt away after a minute or so. Definitely worth a try, even if you're a big baby like me.
(4)
Annie M.
I had the scallops wrapped in bacon, my husband had the enchilladas. Delicious! And we walked away feeling full but not oily and heavy. The decor is really fun and lively, and the staff is so friendly. Definitely somewhere we look forward to returning to on our next visit to Santa Fe.
(5)
Bryan R.
While in Santa Fe for only a day, I was recommended by a friend to head to Cafe Pasqual's. I was even told to tell them "The Duke" sent me. I don't believe this had any effect on the food or the service, positive or negative (although who knows, they could owe him a lot of money or something, haha). Aaaaaanyway... Pasqual's has the best chorizo I've ever had!!!! The blue corn enchiladas were fantastic as was the mammoth cappuccino that was served in a soup bowl. With only two meals in Santa Fe, I can't imagine I could've had anything better than Pasqual's. Though a tad pricey and apparently there is usually a long wait, the food and experience are absolutely worth it! If I were a more frequent visitor, I'd petition for some cool nickname myself. The Duke was right on about the food and the experience and I can see why he still raves about this fantastic restaurant. Unfortunately for The Duke, they surely have too many regulars to remember him.
(5)
Christine S.
We had a great dinner here! I strongly recommend making reservations here. It isn't a very big place and it fills up fast. Luckily we did make our reservations. Great menu and great wine list. For their wines, they had a great variety of wines and there some great bottles. We were able to order a few different types of wines for the table. For dinner we ordered a Roasted Acorn Squash filled with Portobello and Porcini Mushrooms, Oven Roasted Niman Ranch Pork Chop and a Niman Ranch Port Stew Simmered in Cote du Rhone. YUM. What makes this place super special is the atmosphere and the sunset! This is a super romantic place to go at sunset. Next time I am there I am most definetly going to go there for Brunch...The menu looked great!
(5)
Victoria Y.
Absolutely adorable setting for a restaurant! Reservations are a must but even if you don't make it and you come early enough, you can put your name down and then browse the nearby shops while you wait. The staff are wonderful and you should check out their gallery just around the corner and up the elevator. While some of the food could have used an extra kick (in my mind), my friend really enjoyed her dishes. We had the pupusa, tamale, carne asada skewers, and the tacos barbacoa. The carne asada skewers were delicious, the pupusa and tamale could have used a bit more chili I think. My favorite part though, was the dessert! We had this chocolate mousse cake, very thick with olive oil and salt, absolutely delicious! Overall four stars for tasty food and a wonderful ambiance.
(4)
Scotty V.
It was good, but compared to the Shed or Tia Sophia's, I would rather spend my time there. EXPENSIVE for portions. Again, it was good food, but expected better value and taste for all the hype!
(3)
Random D.
Pasqual's reminded me of some very informal tiny eating place that you would normally find in either in Berkeley or Santa Cruz - except that the menu was an expensive one. I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive "vegetarian" options in Cafe Pasqual's. Reservations are definitely needed if you are headed out for dinner. The French Brie was pretty decent - and the bread that came with it was fresh. The vegetarian enchillada was ok - not great. Overall, a nice experience. I wouldn't mind going in there and trying some other vegetarian options that are out there.
(3)
Lisa R.
Before heading to Santa Fe, we got lots of people's recommendations on where to eat -- Pasqual's made everyone's list, so we had to try it. We came for brunch on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised to only wait about 10 minutes for a table. You feel instantly at ease when you walk in... it's bright and bustling and everyone there (patrons AND employees) seem to be enjoying themselves. Love it already!! : ) Since we were on vacation, we of course started with mimosas that were the perfect juice to champagne ratio. Yum! Boyfriend had the huevos motulenos (a house specialty, apparently) - eggs and beans with sauteed bananas, feta cheese, green peas and chile. Sounds odd. But tasted pretty darn good. I went with the smoked trout hash that came highly recommended by a friend, and it was delicious! Everything about this place was just lovely - the food, the drinks, the service, even the sweet ladies sitting at the table next to us! Couldn't recommend this place more... I just wished we'd had time to come by and try more stuff on the menu!
(5)
Brooke L.
Delicious! Buy the pottery, amazing bakeware.
(5)
William W.
Their cheese grits are worth it all by themselves. Also, excellent pancakes and breakfast quesadilla. Coffee has room for improvement though.
(5)
J W.
I heart Cafe Pasqual's! We ordered the daily special salad, consisted of mangoes, beets, greens and shredded mint leaves. Amazing!!!!!! All of the ingredients were ripe, super fresh and the salad was refreshing as expected! The lightness of the dressing went perfect with the salad and I think the beets were one of the best I've tasted :) Also tried the grilled squash and red onion enchilada, yum!!!!! Loved the green chile, it's got a nice kick! You'd appreciate it :) Cilantro rice was tasty as well, we devoured the whole plate with pleasure :P I also enjoyed my Mexican hot chocolate, and if you were wondering, their fruit liquado was just smoothie :) Another cute NM restaurants with interesting interior decors! FUN!
(4)
Membrane S.
My boyfriend and I were delighted to find this lovely organic restaurant in downtown Santa Fe after being turned away by the pretentious Trattoria Nastoria (see review). Although the food is WAY pricier than the atmosphere would suggest, we found the restaurant cozy, charming, and yummy. My boyfriend got the baby back ribs and I got the mole enchiladas. Both dishes were fabulous. You can never go wrong with organic food because it is so fresh; the cornbread torte that comes with the meals is fabulous. The place was nearly full on a Tuesday night, so if you're going on a weekend night, I would highly suggest reservations. Our waiter was this adorably nice man, and their hostesses are excellent and deliver great customer service. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Matt H.
I'll make this short. Pasquals could be a sucky restaurant and still make money due to its location . . . but it isn't sucky. In fact it rocks! Breakfast is always good and I've had great meals later in the day as well. Especially dinner. Minus one star for weak coffee. I need stronger stuff after a night of drinking.
(4)
Abby A.
Delicious dinner. Everything we ordered was delicious -- kale salad app, entrees, assorted cookies dessert. It was intimate, classy but casual, a great all around restaurant.
(5)
Tony P.
My wife and I were lucky enough to get into Pasqual's on a Friday night after someone missed their reservation. We're very happy we ate there and it was the best food we've had in a while. I do thing the place is a little pricey overall, but not totally unreasonable compared to some of the better restaurants in San Francisco. We enjoyed the apricot and mushroom appetizer they brought to us while we were waiting to order. It was an interesting mix of savory and fruity flavors, but would have been a little better with a slightly riper apricot. For appetizers we chose the Halibut Ceviche and the Heirloom Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella, Balsamic vinegar and Basil. Both were absolutely wonderful and made a nice contrasting combination. We ate the Ceviche first and then the tomatoes. For our main courses I had the Tofu Mole Enchiladas and my wife had the Lamb Chops. The enchiladas were wonderful and it was great having a mole that didn't have chicken in it. It was served with a cilantro rice that complimented the dish perfectly. My wife said her lamb chops were amazing and she really enjoyed them. For dessert we ordered the chef's sampler and had a great combination of desserts including German Chocolate Cake, Cantaloupe Sorbet, Dark Chocolate Almond Bark and two others I don't remember. It was all very enjoyable and a little too much overall. We had it with coffee that was very good as well. We ordered the cheapest red wine on their menu a Chilean Carmenere for $30 a bottle that was very good. I thought their wine list was rather overpriced, but that might be because I'm from California and the local wines are cheaper here. I would recommend this place, but it is pricey. For dinner I consider it a $$$ restaurant rather than the $$ listed in the summary when I wrote this review. The staff was friendly and I enjoyed the fact that the wait staff didn't seem to be tied to particular tables. Each person helped us as we needed things and it worked well. The ambiance was nice and the decor is somewhat eclectic.
(5)
Natalie D.
Teeny tiny! They take reservations for dinner (not sure about lunch or breakfast) and I would highly recommend making them. The combo plate with the relleno, chicken mole enchilada, and barbacoa taco was delicious - the relleno was one of the best I've ever had. Yum yum yum. This place came highly recommended and I can see why. Again, try to make reservations or expect to wait.
(4)
Sarah P.
Cafe Pasqual's is definitely a cute, hip, little restaurant. We dined there for lunch with six adults, four kids and one infant. It was a tight squeeze, but they were able to seat us within 10 minutes (they only have one table to accomodate a group of this size). I ordered the cheese quesadilla and it was AWESOME! They used a little oil on the outside of the tortilla so it was crunchy on the outside. My husband ordered their whole wheat pancakes and LOVED them. I stole a bite from him and was extremely impressed with their taste and texture. Because we were visiting Santa Fe we purchased the restaurants cookbook and I am VERY eager to try out some of the recipes.
(4)
Gretchen J.
On my endless quest for corned beef hash made from scratch, we were led to this place by the concierge at our hotel. Boy were we in for a treat! Be prepared to wait as this is such a popular place. The line fortunately moved pretty fast on a Saturday morning. The place boast a menu resulting from organic foods. Yes, I did ordered the corned beef hash that was delectable! The eggs came perfectly poached , potatoes perfectly creamy and with whole wheat toast ( baked on premises ) that is to die for. My husband ordered the smoke trout breakfast and it also was perfectly smoked and flaky soft topped by perfect poached eggs.
(5)
D V.
Had a very nice dinner for four- wonderful brie appetizer and all of us were impressed with the size and quality of our entrees. The atmosphere is fun and charming. Our waiter was great. The cost was higher than expected, though, and seems to be mis-categorized on yelp- should be 3-4 $$signs. (One entree was priced at $38!)
(4)
Adam S.
Been here three times now, and have yet to be disappointed. I really enjoy the mashed potatos with mole. Very unique. The beef is always top quality here.
(4)
Susan E.
came for dinner and returned for breakfast and if i didn't live on the other end of the country, i'd join the line out the door as much as possible. a winner.
(5)
Tony O.
Loved it, came with quite a reputation and lived up to it. Charming.
(4)
Renee O.
I always have breakfast here when I'm in Santa Fe. The corned beef hash is wonderful, and I don't even like [other] corned beef hash.
(5)
Ronald H.
Got to Sante Fe late in the day. Tired and being a first time visitor, we asked a friendly woman on the street where she liked to eat. If you have read other reviews of Cafe Pasqual's you know what happened next. We entered without a reservation and were offered seating at the community table immediately. The folks that came and went on either side of us were more than friendly. To top off the great conversation, I had the best (by far) bison burger I have ever had! When I get back to Santa Fe, I will not only return, but I will make a point of not getting a reservation so I might meet more great people.
(5)
Kristin K.
So overpriced. I work with organic produce and proteins and know intimately their cost and I am deeply familiar with both real estate and labor costs. That being said, the bathroom was super cute but I felt like the floor wasn't quite level and the restaurant seating was rather tight. At our table we ordered the brie appetizer ($16), the small Maytag blue, beet and romaine salad ($11), the beef taco app ($17), the beef skewers w/guacamole ($16 and really tasty), we also had the filet entree plus mushrooms ($49) and finally espresso and bread pudding ($9) for dessert. Flavors all very good and portion sizes all very, very small. I found there to be great food at great prices elsewhere...(everyone else at my table was happy)
(3)
Sam A.
The food aside, a big reason why so many tourists have come to this over-hyped restaurant is because Rachel Ray did a review of the place two years ago... The review was noteable because she ordered the blandest meal on the menu, and then was visibly shocked at the power of the green chili on the broadcast... Making her pretty much a laughingstock with the locals. On the same episode, Rachel Ray became visibly inebriated at another restaurant after drinking like a quarter margarita drink... You may be able to see the hilarity on Youtube, but as a food taster, it showed that she just doesn't have the stamina to review southwestern food.
(3)
Megan T.
Delicious Christmas enchiladas! Love that they support local/ organic. Mexican hot chocolate was also high quality. Only reason not a 5 star in my book is that they were a bit overpriced. Chicken enchiladas for $18 or $15 for a chorizo breakfast burrito is a bit steep. A cozy and artsy establishment
(4)
Sonya D.
Had to make reservations, food was good, but not quite worth the prices
(3)
Gregory E.
Definitely not worth it. The bad experience started with the host (some guy in a ponytail) being completely rude upon confirming our name on the wait list. Next, the appetizer was returned because it was not cooked. And finally we both left with upset stomachs. It is one thing to pay high prices for good food but to pay top dollar for below average food especially in these economic times is ridiculous. It used to be a decent place to eat but don't waste your time and money now.
(1)
De D.
It was all tasty. One recommendation DO NOT add carne asada. Chewiest little gross meats. Huge regret.
(4)
Laurie H.
The bacon sandwich and kale salad is to die for. I don't mind the wait for a table. We put our name on the list and go walk around the plaza. I love love this restaurant
(5)
Jenna B.
Avoid Cafe Pasqual's! Overrated and WAY overpriced! I am definitely a "foodie" and was not impressed. The restaurant is extremely tight and cramped (just look down the bathroom hallway for a laugh). Our food arrived less than 5 minutes after we ordered it- seemed like they were just trying to turn tables and get more people in and the server hardly said 10 words to us in between rushing from table to table. 2 beers + 2 entrees + 1 coffee + 1 dessert = $100... :( We had better food and ambiance in Tucson at Cafe Poca Cosa.
(2)
Greg L.
This cafe has both excellent food and service. The quality of the food (they serve both pasture-raised and grass-fed products) is simply outstanding and you can taste the difference. It's worth noting that the atmosphere is very pleasant and relaxed too.
(5)
David T.
The bottom line: Rich, complicated and luxurious mole. Good service and nice atmosphere. 4.5 stars. My father has been raving about Cafe Pasquale's mole for about 10 years. Needless to say, we had a reservation even before we landed in Albuquerque. On our first visit (we ended up going twice during our week-long visit to Santa Fe) my wife and I both ordered the "Plato Supremo," a sampler of sorts. I had the meaty option and she, the veggie. The chili relleno was tasty but the tacos, tamale and meat skewer were somewhat forgettable. The star, however, was the organic chicken mole enchilada. It was phenomenal, perfectly balanced spice and richness. The second time around, my wife and I split the halibut ceviche cocktail as a starter. The citrus and jalapeño spice were extremely well balanced and the fish was (slightly) chewy-textured and delicious. We then split the organic chicken mole enchiladas for dinner, spectacular again. The service was knowledgeable, friendly and relatively fast. The restaurant was small but well decorated (with much recycle-art). I look forward to my next visit and helping of mole.
(4)
Ella L.
Two vegetarian mole enchiladas stuffed with zucchini, spinach, grilled tofu!! The mole is perfection as are the black beans topped with homemade sour cream. Chai latte is yummy spice and sweet combined, well-balanced indeed. To top it all is the chocolate budino tartlet with sea salt and olive oil... So rich and unique decadence that we had to share with our neighbor table. Love this place, everything hit the spot!
(5)
Albert K.
Every person we spoke with that came through or from Santa Fe said that I had to go here. And this quaint little cafe restaurant in downtown was definitely the best restaurant we went to during our stay in SFe. My gf and I actually dined for dinner there twice as it was one of the few restaurants that was open late. Being used to late 9-10pm meals and with La Choza and the Shed both closed on Sunday night (restaurant closed on Sunday night??? wtf?) this ended being our choice two nights in a row. First night we waited and the second night we had a reservation. Both nights the staff was nice and friendly although not as attentive as they should have been. Water glasses were empty and they didn't really check up on us. First night we both had big plates, the Plata Supremo with a very tasty chicken mole for the gf and the filet mignon for myself. The filet mignon was not as tender as I'm used to (it didn't seem like it was aged) but the sauce was good as were the potatoes. I was a bit underwhelmed by the steak though the plata was quite good. Second night we had the halibut ceviche cocktail and the papusa... this time was much better choice of dish for me. And surprisingly, the seafood was good! People complain again that it's crowded or small... it didn't bother me. Noisy but not so much that you can't carry a conversation. All in all a solid restaurant, but I'd stick to the straight NM specialties and you'll have a better experience. I almost gave this place a 3 star due to lackluster service but the quality of the food versus the scarcity of good restaurants puts it back up there. PQR on this place isn't as good as it should be, but it still was the best overall that I had in Santa Fe.
(4)
K G.
On a busy Christmas Eve lunch hour, we got a friendlier greeting at the host desk than other reviews have reported, and were given the option to wait a long time or sit at the community table; we dropped in on the community table, which is not our favorite thing to do. The food didn't quite live up to the hype, and was not a standout memory during a 5-day visit to town in which we did a lot of restaurant-hopping. We had the breakfast burrito that others found so amazing, and we really liked it - but with this place's reputation, I expected something more special. The huevos rancheros was fine, but not particularly memorable. For overall food taste, we thought Maria's, Tune-Up Cafe and the Casa Sena Cantina were each better than this. Prices seemed high for what we got. Service was friendly, but on the slow side; we needed to flag down our waiter a few times, and she was confused for a bit about who was with whom at the community table. My wife liked the pastel decor, but I found it unattractive. The restroom area is also worth mentioning in that the hallway and men's restroom were perhaps the most claustrophobic I've ever seen.
(3)
Heidi F.
This place was VERY pricey; however the food was fabulous. They had very interesting combinations of food. I hope to go to this restaurant every time I am in Santa Fe. It's not authentic Santa Fe food, but the chef's certainly know how to impress people. The bathroom area was an experience. It was like being on a ship with narrow halls. It really was a cool hang. I would consider this place dressy if you are going to dine there for dinner.
(5)
Maritza K.
WOW how far can you go on your 'old' reputation... Resting on their laurels, this place needs a new menu, a new chef, a new something. Their packaged granola to go is still the best I had, YET they have escalated the price to about 3 times to what I used to pay 9 yrs ago. Seriously? Whenever I see a line of tourists waiting I want to scream at them to go spend their money elsewhere, maybe buy one of their quaint old style Mexican calendars, I recommend those :)
(1)
LINDA R.
Went for a early Sunday breakfast. VERY tiny crowded place, put name in: 30 min wait - only place to do so is out on the street. While waiting for hubby to park car, took a good look at breakfast menu - prices appeared very steep for eggs & toast, ect. After 10 mins, hubby went in to get menu - well, i was looking at wrong menu - now serving: SUNDAY BRUNCH - same items - 35% higher prices! $15 for eggs, potaoes, & toast? $10 for granola?! Me thinks not! So we walked around corner to the BEST decision ever: The Plaza Cafe!! $4 pancakes, $7 GIGANTIC breakfast - sooo glad we changed venues!
(1)
Alan T.
Wow, went here for dinner and had an awesome meal. I had to stop myself and stare at the chicken mole enchilada for a minute - it was SO good. I had the Plato Supremo (Chile Relleno, Chicken Mole Enchilada & Barbacoa Taco) - highly recommended. We also had the Halibut Ceviche for appetizer - yum. All the people complaining about the wait: deal with it. Either call for reservations (dinner) or put your name in, get a cup of coffee and walk around for a little while (and relax, you're in the art mecca of the Southwest remember).
(5)
joe r.
Their cornmeal bread is perfect as is everything else. I am from San Francisco find this to be on par with our best breakfast places
(4)
Rachel L.
Here's the thing...when you're at 7000 feet and decide to drink multiple margaritas/sangria at every meal...you need fluids in the morning. By fluids, I mean coffee, water AND iced tea. Maybe they should have known when we came in with Starbucks in hand but maybe we should have known when they asked if we wanted to sit at a communal table. I understand the whole organic thing but my biggest beef with this place was that you couldn't get a pack of sugar to save your life. The lady gave me some weird sugar substitute made from wood chips - WTF??? I mean come on - can't a girl get some Splenda? I would have settled for good old fashioned raw sugar...NOPE - wood chips disguised as sugar!!! LAME!!!! Food was OK. I liked my breakfast quesadilla with bacon and green chili but it was kinda overpriced for what you got. My friend had some nice looking potatoes - I missed out on that one. I do think this place is really cute and they do a serious business because the line was out the door and the wait was over 30 minutes. We lucked out and were seated in 5 minutes. Not sure if it's a local or tourist crowd but it was definitely bustling. There on tons of places to eat in Santa Fe...not sure I would come back to this one for breakfast - maybe dinner though when I don't need sugar for my beverage!!
(2)
Elizabeth Y.
I was visiting Santa Fe with my mom and sister, and was told this was the place for the breakfast. So, we decided to go there on our first morning in town, and it definitely set the tone for an awesome trip! We got there around 9am on a Saturday morning, and only had to wait around 20 min. for a table. Based on the previous reviews I'd read, I had mentally prepared myself to wait much longer, so, pleasant surprise there on the short wait. It did get even more packed though as we were leaving. They do apparently take reservations for dinner, but for breakfast it's first come first serve. The wheat pancakes were fluffier than any other pancakes I've ever had (soooo good) and the french toast was coated with corn flakes and extremely crispy and delicious. I also loved their selection of organic fresh squeezed juices; can't beat that first thing in the morning! Coffee/espresso drinks were also good. The place was super accommodating (had no problems changing out a few things here and there for us), and everyone we met there was extremely friendly. Overall, wish we had been able to go back one more time before we left! Our other breakfast experiences in Santa Fe couldn't compete.
(4)
Michelle C.
This place is one of the best I have ever experienced We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the communal table which is really cool, you get to see all the delicious food and meet your neighbors. We started with the baked brie with red and green sauce with home made bread a must eat if you come here The mole Enchiladas are so good and you can get them vegetarian which I always thought was unheard of. The Osso Bucco was cooked perfectly and was falling off the bone. I am pretty sure you can't make a mistake here... The desserts looked amazing and I heard a lot of mmm's coming from the table
(5)
Mindi s.
We waited an hour for a seat. We were clearly at THE place to have breakfast because there were several other restaurants surrounding Cafe Pasqual's offering breakfast but there were a ton a people huddled around the entrance waiting like we were. We got to sit at the community table which was cool but the food was just ok and incredibly expensive. I had the corned beef hash. The meat was tender and tasty but the potatoes were like home fries and too big to be part of the hash. My husband had a traditional breakfast with bacon, eggs, and pancakes but we certainly weren't wowed by either of our dishes. Breakfast for 2 people including tip ended up being almost $50! They are probably so used to catering to tourist that they had to dumb down the flavor of everything and it has been so hyped up (hence the crowd) they can charge whatever they like and get away with it. I'd skip it and try to find another place with less of a wait. The only redeeming quality was the decor. It was eclectic and Santa Fe-ish but had some inventive pieces on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.
(2)
Kaoru S.
Great breakfast place. i like the community table, enjoying food together with others, fun way to meet locals and travelers. Dinner also delicious, one of favorite places in town.
(5)
gert m.
I travel a fair amount and am always hoping to find great food experiences. This was not one of them. The food was just OK and the price was - well, outrageous. $29 for a plate with 2 chicken enchiladas and a splotch of mediocre bland "cilantro" rice! I don't know if there are a lot of locals that frequent this place, but with all the tourists trying to find a good meal it's always packed. Save your time and money and find another restaurant unless you can get the espresso milkshake to go. A good option is the Tesuque Market, a short drive out of town. Better food for half the price.
(2)
Chas D.
Cafe Pasqual's is the other place I return to when I'm in Santa Fe (along with Plaza Cafe) and they are two blocks and world's apart. Where the Plaza is solidly traditional New Mexico-style Mexican, Pasqual's is innovative and experimental within the same genre. The diners at the Plaza are mostly down-to-earth locals -- at Pasqual's they're mostly upscale tourists. The cost of dinner at Pasqual's is double or triple that of the Plaza. But I Iove them both. Along with the terrific food, one thing I especially like about Pasqual's is the central "commons" table. A large table that seats 12-15 people. If you don't have a reservation and there's a spot, Pasqual's seats you at the "commons" (my word, not theirs), assuming you're willing, of course. Here you get a chance to meet new people and if you're traveling alone for work, it makes for a nice change from solo dining. The common table also works well for me as Pasqual's fills it's reservations early and I can never make up my mind where I want to eat that far in advance . . .
(4)
N. C.
I know, I know, 16 bucks for a chicken sandwich sounds appalling to the uninitiated, but when you take into consideration the local, free range, organic, fresh, delicious goodness of said sandwich, you may just be mollified and give it a try. The desserts are divine, the service is knowledgeable and friendly, and I've never been disappointed by a meal there.
This restaurant serves New Mexican cuisine. Unfortunately, for my taste, it was a little too "New" and not enough "Mexican." I had the enchilada plate. The sauce tasted almost like a bland mole. Had this dish been a little more "Mexican," the sauce would have had some heat to it. Also, charging $21 for a plate of meatless enchiladas is utterly ridiculous. I don't dislike New Mexican cuisine and I'm fully aware that New Mexican food, although based on Mexican food, is not Mexican food. That said, I do like my food, be it New Mexican or Old Mexican, to be flavorful, which my meal at Cafe Pasqual's was not. All in all, I feel this restaurant has been seriously overrated here on Yelp.
(2)
Adriane T.
Delicious. Loved the chipotle sweet potato soup and kale salad. Everything I saw go by from the kitchen looked great. Want to return and try more of the menu.
(5)
Jim P.
Excellent food
(5)
Pat C.
On our first visit to Santa Fe we had both a dinner and a breakfast at Pasqual's. both meals were great. The service was better than great with friendly and interesting staff. Excellent!!
(5)
Rebecca S.
The food was fine. The place was small but charming. Our server was nice and helpful. This place gets talked about a lot and although there wasn't anything that I didn't like, I wasn't completely blown away, either. With so many other restaurants in Santa Fe I probably won't be back for a second visit. For awhile, anyways.
(3)
Tell Y.
Santa Fe is an extension of Disneyland, but with genuinely nice people, not characters being paid to be nice. The entire town is staged authenticity, beautifully merchandised for tourists, and somehow, unexpectedly, I found myself to be one on a particular evening. Cafe Pasqual's? Over-priced terrible food. How could you screw up a $15 salad with amazing ingredients? How could you charge $29 for a flavorless mole? No, wait, how could you kill and waste an 'organic' chicken, which probably had a very happy free-range life too, only to cover it with the crap you call mole? I got trapped with a large group-none of which enjoyed their meals, seriously- otherwise, I stay away from tourist joints. Decent service though.
(1)
Amy G.
What a lovely break to find tofu and teriayaki sauce on a downtown Santa Fe menu. We stepped in shortly before they were closing, apparently, but service was still attentive and pleasant. We started with a snap pea salad which they courteously divided for us individually. It came with flavorful crostini. My plate of tofu/pasta was cramped with colorful vegetables and more crustini dipped in various tapenades. Bottles of wine were pricey so we opted for beer and a glass of sparkling white. Pasquals, which obviously has been pleasing customers for 30 years, had the best mix of laid-back/classy, romantic, and friendly ambiance of any Santa Fe restaurant I tried. It is how I imagined more would be...a small dining room illuminated by quaint, colorful strung lights highlighting the best of both Southwest cuisine and decor without shoving it down your throat. You can taste the subtle influences of Spain, Japan and France and oh yes, New Mexico.
(4)
Ken K.
Expect a thirty minute wait, but this place is worth it. The food is creative and amazing. I had a salmon burrito for breakfast with a wholewheat tortilla and fresh squeezed orange juice. The fish was delightful, well-cooked, and matched well with the fresh greens and cheese in my burrito. The orange juice was also excellent.
(4)
Bruce E.
Yes.. All of you are accurate. They are extremely expensive. But they can be, located in the heart of Santa Fe. Sit at the communal table and order chicken mole enchiladas and you will feel better about your $17 dollor lunch, because it is pretty good.
(4)
Travis B.
Insanely good food in DT Santa Fe. Whenever I'm around I have to go there. Fresh, real ingredients, well prepared new-american/new mexican style cuisine. Not cheap, but very good. Veggie friendly as well.
(5)
Kd D.
Had huevos dish with sauteed banana, feta, tomatillo sauce, peas & black beans - sounds weird, right? It is amazing!!! Best flavor ever. Love this place. Sooooo worth the wait. Makes the Blue Corn Cafe taste like school lunch.
(5)
Allison H.
Breakfast is amazing. Their coffee bar is inventive and delicious. I had the Pasquals omelette which I loved since I love anything with Guac. My father got this omlette that had beans and bananas! Weird, but the combo was good. The emphasis on wholesome/local ingredients was refreshing, although expensive at dinner. Also the wait was about 25 minutes on a weekday.
(5)
Mukur H.
My fiance and I both had amazing meals here. She had the Huevos Rancheros with Green Chili sauce and it was beyond delicious. It was a bit spicy for her since she doesn't eat as spicy food as I or folks in New Mexico, but none the less she finished it since it was soo good. I had the Carne Asada and well that was delicious as well. I can't wait to go here again! I bought one of their cook books to take home with me, although it was pricy.
(5)
Kasey O.
It takes a lot for me to say this since I'm from the South but those were absolutely the best Cheese Grits I have ever had in my life. They were spicy but not overpowering. Served in a huge skillet so I split them and the French Toast, which was just as good, with my friend. Like any restaurant in Santa Fe, I found that going early or way later is good so you don't have to wait. Went right when they opened for breakfast and seated right away. Friendly service, cute decor. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Bruce B.
Expensive - yes; but always delicious. We go at least once on every visit. I get the smoked trout hash (potatoes, tomatillo sauce, poached eggs, cheese - very low cal, I'm sure!); Deanna the breakfast quesadillas. I've also enjoyed the huevos rancheros, cheese omelet, fried yellow and blue cornmeal mush - never a disappointment. Go!
(4)
Sammy G.
Okay, it's a little pricey and always a long wait no matter the time of the day....but the food is absolutely awesome and authentic NEW Mexican cuisine....My personal favorite is the Corned Beef Hash with Eggs...made with big chunks of corned beef....and I always order a side of New Mexico Red Chile Sauce and just pour it over the top. Love the food here every time I visit...and I've had probably 25 meals here over the years. Not one disappointment. My cousin actually passed through town a few years ago and bought me their cookbook......I've made the Green Chile Stew a few times (I drive to Hatch, NM every August to buy roasted chiles and then freeze them).....the recipe is totally authentic and worth the 4 hour cooking time....Great REAL spot in Santa Fe.
(5)
Yuki M.
We received Baaaad service. Granted it was lunch time, we waited 10 min to be seated even there were a couple of tables available. Another 10 min past by before we got menus. We felt deserted and neglected in a jam packed restaurant. After another 30 min past by before our Burittos showed and it was a wrong order! Our waiter was friendly but looked like he totally had hang-over... Food was nice, but would I come back to eat?? Maybe take out only for future...
(1)
Bill E.
Cafe Pasqual's offers an outstanding breakfast and lunch that is well worth the wait. We waited about 1h 20m on a Saturday for brunch -- about 25 mins longer than originally quoted. Your best bet is to park in the public parking that is across the street, go put your name in, and go check out the city for an hour. The food was quite good. My breakfast burrito was good. BTW, everything is organic... you're not going to find diet coke or splenda here. The atmosphere is fun, and definitely special. No question about it, put this gem on your must list for Santa Fe!
(5)
Rich R.
Highly placed in my top 10 anywhere on the planet, this is the jewel of Southwest Fusion. We'd travel to Santa Fe more often if we could, with meals at Pascual's topping the local destinations alongside of Taos, Ojo Caliente, Abiquiu, and Eagle Bear Ranch. Every dish at dinner last night was amazing, with the piece-de-resistance being the Lamb Chops in Pomegranate Molasses and Steamed Sugar Snap Peas. Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at Pascual's. Don't miss their new cookbook with 66 original, new recipes.
(5)
Steven M.
Went here for breakfast July 7th - 2 people - small wait. Service was good - but the food was better. Huveos Rachero with both green and red chili sauce and black beans! Perfection in my book. Partner had the most amazing corned beef hash!! Large sizes! We could easily ave split either order but wanted to try both. Homemade whole heat toast too and fresh jam. I'll go back
(4)
Levi B.
Came here for lunch and sat at the community table - very fun! My blue corn enchiladas were stellar... My parents weren't so fortunate - they ordered well-done buffalo burgers that ended up being very dry. Maybe blame that partly on prep, but also on them ordering them well-done in the first place (might have been ok if they ordered them medium - not sure). On the whole, it was a nice place for lunch in old town. Also saw some breakfast orders that looked pretty tasty...
(3)
Elizabeth G.
Possibly my favorite restaurant (at least for lunch or brunch) in Santa Fe. Yes, you'll have to wait a while but it's definitely worth your time. Love: Huevos Motulenos Smoked Trout Hash Garlic Fries Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Chile Cornbread Anything with their tomatillo sauce I have had the same server many times and she is always delightful. I look forward to trying their dinner menu sometime soon.
(5)
Stephanie H.
My favorite restaurant meal in the past... year... Wonderful vegetarian options and the best mole sauce I have ever had, including what I have made for myself. When mole is not good, I think it is inedible, and when it is good, it is something that is heavenly. Excellent service, high-quality and thoughtful ingredients, and a wine menu that is good and also pretty inexpensive for what you get.
(5)
Jennifer B.
This is a great, charming place in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. The wait can be quite long, but certainly worth it! I had the half portion of the Lonche quesadilla which was great. Also with that I had the soup of the day, watermelon gazpacho. It was a little heavy on the onions, but great nonetheless. My absolute favorite was the kale salad. Shredded kale, pine nuts, ricotta salata, with a light, flavorful lemon and olive oil dressing was a delight!
(4)
Jess M.
An all around perfect breakfast dining experience from start to finish. We arrived at this Santa Fe institution for a late Friday morning breakfast and the line was out the door. No problem, we stuck our name on the list and walked around the corner to a great photography gallery. Upon our return we were seated immediately and the service throughout the meal was timely, warm and extremely friendly. Cute decor, an amazing homey feel, just the sort of restaurant you want to hang out in for a long lazy meal. My Mexican Hot Chocolate was probably hands down the best hot cocoa i can remember drinking in recent history. Every single thing on the menu looked delectable, but I had to make a choice- so I choose two! The cheese blintzes were fabulous- just the right amount of savory and sweet, as was the super hearty breakfast quesedilla with delicious homemade avocado. Although these were both great choices- the king of the table was my friend's Huevos Moltulenos, a very interesting combo topped off by banana, feta cheese and green peas. Amazing flavor combinations all around, I wished we would have been in Santa Fe longer so we could have eaten dinner here as well!
(5)
Julie P.
Egad! What happened to Cafe Pasqual's? My husband and I have eagerly dined at this restaurant every time we visited the Santa Fe area for the past 15 years. We noticed a downward trend in overall quality last year, but hoped it was just a phase that would be corrected. Sadly, our lunch experience this past Monday will be our last visit to this restaurant. My husband ordered one of the daily specials, Turkey Chile with a Corn Torta. I ordered Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad with Roasted Tomato-Poblano Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. We each had a glass of white wine from the Loire and split a Cannele and had two espressos for dessert. Check total: $62.00. First, my husband's review of the Turkey Chile and Corn Torta... I asked our waiter to describe one of the daily specials, turkey chili. He replied "it has turkey, beans, and is in a bowl. I think he looked in the mirror that morning and said, " today I will challenge myself to higher levels of eloquence." Ok, I thought, a $15 bowl of chili should be pretty special given Pasqual's reputation for great chili. So I enquired, what type of chili was in the dish? I got a deadpan answer: "red." Now for $15, you would think the chili description would be: "the turkey was named Sam and he had a great free range life in the foothills of Santa Fe or Taos, the heirloom beans were hand harvested from an organic, employee-owned farm, the chili was from Chimayo's September harvest, and I clipped the organic cilantro myself this morning from the rooftop garden." The chili comes, and it's just ok. It's served in about the same sized bowl that the cappuccino comes in. The cappuccinos are on the large side, but this was a fairly small serving of chili. It seemed more green than red, and was accompanied by some cornbread that was more oily than moist, something my wife would call underdone. Right about then a famous Travel Channel chef's voice (you know who I'm referring to) channeled into my brain, "only an idiot orders the special, particularly on a Monday at lunch. Everyone knows its recycled leftovers from the weekend or even from last Thursday." So was I the idiot? Was the waiter's terse description the equivalent of, "avoid this at all costs?" I must state that I have had many good, some even great meals here in the 15 years I have been eating at Pasqual's. Most of these more than justified the spendiness. Then I started looking around. The inside of the restaurant and the staff just looked tired and worn out. The light sconces on the wall all have large dark stained sections that look like they haven't be cleaned since day one. The furniture is in need of an update. Way beyond shabby chic. This place needs a fresh breeze of caring and much lower prices to regain the stature it once had and to lure me back. One final note to the positive, the wine list is good and I had a nice Loire white for $10 a glass. The waiter opened a fresh bottle to assure a full pour which was appreciated. Now for the salad review... Where to start? When I read the description of the Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad it sounded healthy, full of organic greens and veggies, and just the ticket to get the week off to a good start after a weekend of indulging in some really fine Santa Fe cuisine. Boy, was I wrong. There were two size choices available: $8 for the small and $12 for the large. Since I was only having a salad for lunch, I treated myself to the large portion. I figured a $12 salad would be more than enough for me and was planning to share some with my husband. Not a chance. When the salad arrived, it was served in a pasta bowl style of plate and consisted of the following ingredients: approximately 1.5 cups of spring mix greens, two slices of radish (no, not whole radishes, just slices), one half of a red cherry tomato, one half of a yellow pear tomato, 4 small shavings of fennel, 8 pomegranate seeds, and 4 small slices of avocado. No dressing. (The waiter did bring the dressing after I pointed out that the greens were completely undressed.) The salad was accompanied by a very salty, slightly stale tasting triangle of seeded cheese pastry on the order of a cheese straw. I was gobsmacked. I know a restaurant needs to make a profit on every dish, but COME ON! This was one of the most pitiful restaurant salads that I have ever experienced, especially for the price. In comparison, the airline salad that I received that night on my journey home was done quite well. Go figure! In retrospect, we both should have sent our lunches back to the kitchen. Perhaps we are to blame for ordering incorrectly. Who knows. It's just a shame that this one-time award winning restaurant has fallen to this level.
(1)
Jason M.
Nice casual, cozy corner spot. I got there at 5:30 so there's no wait. Staff was very friendly. We ordered butternet squash and Moroccan braised lamb, and we enjoyed both. The real surprise is the espresso coffee milkshake. It was delicious!
(5)
Bonnie L.
Amazing, innovative menu with the expertise to carry it out. I haven,t had meals out this wonderful ... Maybe ever! And the service matched the food ... Fabulous!
(5)
Lauren D.
You must must must come here if you are in Santa Fe. And you must prepare yourself for the wait. And it is ok to say you will sit at the community table because you don't want to be that guy. It's crowded, loud and a little crazy, but the breakfast food is delicious. Plus they sell fun schwag like coffee cups and donkey calendars (yes I have both).
(5)
Leila F.
Amazing! So good! Our waiter was nice as ever too. we had the Chorizo burrito and huevos motulenos both of which are amazing. The huevos rancheros looked amazing as well and I can't wait to go back to order them again. Love this place-I always go there when I pass through Santa, Fe.
(5)
Andrew M.
I was a jealous diner at Cafe Pasqual's. Don't get me wrong, I liked my cheese blintzes just fine. Not like bubby made, but hey, this is Santa Fe New Mexico not gammy's house. But my wife had the right idea. She ordered the cheesy grits. Oh baby were they good. She became very protective of her individual iron skillet filled goodness. Top them off with the house made sausage patties and waiting 30 minutes for a table in this classic Santa Fe eatery is a no brainer.
(4)
Carlos J.
F'in deelish. Bread is to die for.
(5)
Penelope B.
I've never had anything short of delicious food from Cafe Pasqual's. We have only been for breakfast/brunch. This time, the day after Thanksgiving, we arrived right at 8am and were in the first batch of diners. Good thing, too! By 8:30 there was a line out the door. For faster seating, try the community table, or tell the staff you're willing to sit with others (there was a four-top seated with two parties while we were there). This time i had the smoked trout on a bed of gruyere hash-browns along with some Mexican hot chocolate. We love their red chili and got a side of it. So good! We've tried many things on the breakfast menu. It's all good! Their chili is delicious.
(5)
Helen T.
Great little restaurant in downtown Sante Fe. Very casual and laid back. Had breakfast one day during my trip and the huevos rancheros was great. Liked the communal table atmosphere and most of the tourists and locals were very friendly. I didn't mind the communal table since I'm usually travelling alone when in Santa Fe. It does get very busy there on weekends during the breakfast rush though. The menu is classic Santa Fe but if you prefer to avoid the downtown crowds and want a more classic diner experience try Telacote Cafe.
(4)
Mike F.
I've been eating at this restaurant for 25 years. It serves , far and away, the best breakfast in Santa Fe--or anywhere. Try the buckwheat pancakes.
(5)
Catherine T.
Very good ingredients. Beautiful but crowded space. Not good for kids despite the reviews. Nice servers. Pancakes and french toast slightly disappointing which is why I am docking one star.
(4)
Ed M.
This is simply my favorite place in Santa Fe. They serve vegatarian and Mexican food in a truly innovative way. The menu items are unique. the huevos rancheros are simply to die for. In addition, it's a fun place. It's busy and noisy and very brightly painted. Get a seat at the community table if possible you just never know who you might find seated there. A real five star treat.
(5)
B K.
If you find out you're going to die...go to Santa Fe, eat here...keep eating until you die. You'll definitely die with a smile on your face, trust me. This is my vote for America's most perfect Mexican restaurant -- I dream that they will open an outpost in Vegas -- I pray to the Mexican food gods and goddesses -- yes, I'm a passionate foodie with simple dreams really. What dishes, you ask? Order anything -- eat -- sigh -- I still dream of the food I ate here...nothing has ever come close...ever...and I love Mexican -- but this bite of heaven screwed it all up for me because I don't get to Santa Fe nearly enough -- and no one anymore comes close. When I do get to SF, even though there are other restaurants that I swear to myself I'll check out -- I don't -- I can't -- it would be wrong...cheating...I'd be unfaithful...I'd go home mad at myself for actually missing a meal at Pasqual's... I know, it's a sickness...and there is no cure... Unless you move to Vegas...hint, hint... I love the "Good for Groups" question here -- NO -- you'll take up too many seats and piss off the folks in line...go home, and save a seat for me!!!
(5)
Julia E.
We loved this place!! My husband and I went here on our honeymoon for breakfast and really enjoyed it. The place was crowded but we sat down right away. I had the hand-held breakfast burrito which was incredible (although they charge $4 extra for bacon) and my husband had the breakfast quasedilla, also really good. Everything is organic which makes it worth how expensive it is (the average breakfast meals is probably $12-13). The service was fast, and everyone was incredibly friendly. Well worth stopping by!!
(5)
Nathan C.
This place lives up to the hype. Fantastic smoked trout, with hash and poached eggs- so perfect. Best green chile I have had anywhere. The service was very friendly and attentive. Wonderful coffee and latte's too. Love the decor and vibe and bought a signed print, and some cookies and pastries for the road. If I lived nearby, I would eat here everyday. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
(5)
Courtney S.
Well Yelpers, I think you built this place up a bit much. The wait was FOREVER, and while the food was good, I'm really not sure this dining experience topped the other place I ate. That said, however, the food really is delicious. I ordered the heuvos moutelenos which were alright but breakfast at Bagelmania a few days before was almost as good... although I don't think the ingredients there were as fresh and organic as at Pasqual's. My husband had his socks knocked off by his Durango omelette-- he loved it. Service was kind of spotty-- our waitresses (we couldn't tell which one was actually supposed to take care of us) weren't as available as I would have liked, but it worked out ok. Overall, this place is worth a visit; it is a Santa Fe landmark. If you can make reservations, do it! The wait is annoying. (And a quick tip from our visit-- we noticed the line diminished greatly around 10:45 am-- before lunch and after breakfast. Might be good to try it then!)
(4)
Joshua R.
Excellent quesadillas, though not cheap. Was less impressed with the breakfast burrito.
(4)
Christine H.
Best food in downtown! This charming, organic restaurant has a corner on the best breakfast & lunch in downtown Santa Fe. Try the Huevos Mulenos or anything with pancakes, they're extraordinarily light and served with authentic maple syrup.
(5)
Kurt T.
Cafe Pasquals is the restaurant I have to visit every time I get to Santa Fe. Everything is good, but the chicken mole enchiladas are fantastic.
(5)
John M.
This is not strictly a vegetarian restaurant but the lunch menu has several veggie options. The food was excellent and very fresh. Friendly staff as well. A great experience
(5)
David S.
Food and service were outstanding. Definitely the best meal we had during our stay in Santa Fe.
(5)
Lynn L.
Awwwww yeah....Cafe Pasqual's. I've only ever been here for breakfast and brunch, but boy is this food GOOD. There is such fantastic variety on their menu, and everything is fresh and delicious. Yes, you are going to have to wait for a table, but try and go during off-peak times when your wait is less than a half hour. On Sundays for brunch, you can wait well over an hour for a table. ugh. I agree with a previous reviewer - if you're with a big group, don't come here and mess up the table mojo. If you are more than a party of four and you want their delicious food, just get take out, please! Their mexican hot chocolate is amazing, and a luxurious treat. All fresh juices (ginger-pineapple = yum!), and a menu to labor over. Both sweet selections and savory dishes are equally flavorful and expertly prepared. I don't think I've ever had anything I didn't love. I'm also happy to see that they have soy chorizo on their menu (much healthier and remarkably similar in flavor!). I'm happy to visit Cafe Pasqual's each and every time I'm in Santa Fe.
(5)
juju d.
The food was a C- in my opinion especially for the outrageous prices. They claim to be healthy and organic yet my boyfriend and my food came out within 6 minutes of ordering and looked like it had been nuked in the microwave. We ordered the Plato supremo and the Mole chicken enchiladas. The tables were too close together and we could hear everything both of the table conversations next to us were having. Not quite intimate. Not to forget after being sat, ordering, eating, and paying the bill we were out of the cafe within 35 minutes. Looks like they are trying to give people their ridiculous bills and then scoot them along. After dinner by boyfriend and I went to see a movie, we went back to our bed and breakfast and I had a terrible stomach ache. I laid down and quickly arose to the nearest trashcan. There I vomited about four times. Yep not only did I spend too much on dinner and didn't enjoy it, Neither did my stomach. I just threw up a $30 plate of mediocre food!!! Mole sauce shot out threw the nostrils, boy did it sting. Yum. Enjoy with caution.
(1)
m w.
Went in as an excited tourist, left as a disappointed guest. Was there for breakfast/lunch not much of a selection on the menu. I understand that everything is local, organic and good for me. I appreciate all of that, but it wasn't tasty. I had the carrot cumin soup, it was okay, but not a WOW. My friends had an egg burrito and another had waffles. Not one of the six of us were impressed. It was busy and crowded. The place only holds so many people, and the space is cramped. Won't go back, won't recommend as a one time experience. They have a loyal following, but I can't see why. It is overpriced. No parking. No outdoor seating. Server, host and cashier not friendly or welcoming. It was stuffing in the place. Never mind the hype, skip this place and go to Denny's.
(2)
J L.
Everyone raves about this place - it was recomended for breakfast by locals and friends, but we decided to go for dinner instead. Great atmosphere, above average service. We wanted to try several dishes on the menu, so instead of ordering entrees, we chose to split 4 appetizers for two of us...here's what we had: Grilled Chipotle Shrimp dish was $17 - very unimpressive with 3 pieces of medium-sized grilled shrimp sitting on top of guac with some chips on the side. $5.67 per shirmp. Describing this dish as disappointing and totally over-priced would be an understatement. Tacos Barbacoa - nothing more than just that. 2 flour tortilla tacos with tender beef and a side of decent salsa. I actually didn't care for the texture or flavor of the meat. Average. Warm Brie with Roasted Garlic with Salsa - loved this dish. Great flavor in the 2 salsas and the roasted garlic was fantastic. Grilled Corn Masa Cake - this was delicious and incredibly flavorful. Overall we had 2 great dishes and 2 below-average and over-priced dishes. That's the reason for the 3 stars. Next time we go, we'll definitely wait in line for breakfast, but for now, 3 stars.
(3)
heather g.
We had high expectations for Pasqual's but while the food was okay, it felt to be overpriced. Many better restaurants to visit in Santa Fe.
(3)
Brooke E.
Order the Warm French Brie and Whole Roasted Garlic with Salsas of Roasted Tomato~Jalapeo and Tomatillo! It is not something you will soon forget. My mouth waters at the thought. Make reservations! We go back to Santa Fe about once a year and we always plan a date to go there. Leave the kids with the grandparents and enjoy a great night out! If you go for brunch, try a pomegranate orange juice to drink with your meal.
(5)
Kurt B.
Heavenly red chili. Heavenly flavor from the peppers. Bright colorful cafe for breakfast. Do it.
(5)
Roberta L.
Look, the truth is that, given the frequency of my visits, Pasqual's would have been out of business many years ago, BUT, I have frequented Pasqual's over the course of at least 15 years and I am so sorry to have to say, Hasta la Vista, Baby! So looked forward to another fabulous meal when we visited yesterday but that will be my last visit. The pricing is just outrageous!!!!! I know and understand and am prepared to pay more for fine quality, organic, but this was way out of the realm of reality. E.g, I ordered a (Tuscan) panzanella salad. Folks I got about 1/2 slice of bread, some delicious heirloom tomatoes (total of about one), some cucumber a bit of cheese and some nice herbs and dressing-a really SMALL portion, for, are you ready? almost $15.00. The desserts, which we opted to skip, were, are you ready? $9.00 (for a piece of pie, for example) How do they come up with these prices? Always before, the food was good, pricey and plentiful and I was delighted to pay. No more. Just gouge the tourist who will ostensibly never return. BOOOOOO! AND BYE-BYE.
(2)
Julia S.
Fresh & organic Southwestern cooking. We love this place. Amazing breakfasts. Huevos Barbacoa with Niman Ranch beef = delicious. Try the Huevos Motulenos. Sounds like a strange combo -- eggs, black beans, feta, green peas and green chile (with fried bananas on the side) but was awesome. Wait staff was a tad too cool for school, but given the general tastiness, I'm willing to overlook.
(4)
Stacey B.
First, if you're a vegetarian and in Santa Fe, this seems to be the place to go. I was in Santa Fe on a business trip, and we wanted some southwestern fare. Our first two attempts didn't quite fit the bill, but this place did. Kind of pricey for a casual place (my sandwich at lunchtime was $16), but the food was very good. I got the portabello mushroom burger after my server explained that the Mole Vegetarian Enchiladas were spicy due to red chilis in the mole. The server was very helpful all around. My boss ordered the squash enchiladas and was very pleased. The place itself seems to be an institution. For example, they sell cookbooks and t-shirts and a few other things. Well, so do many places, and people seldom buy them. But in the hour or whatever that I was here, SEVERAL people bought t-shirts and cookbooks. Back to the vegetarian thing -- other places in Santa Fe seemed to have only one vegetarian thing and not be very veggie-friendly, but this place rocked. There were multiple vegetarian things for lunch. Plus, they serve breakfast anytime, and there were lots of vegetarian breakfast entrees, and some of them sounded pretty neat. A hot cereal make from multiple whole grains (umm, let's see, ... quinoa, amaranthe... can't remember the others but there were 5), cornmeal mush, and lots of other things. If I go back, I will get breakfast for sure. There is a Community Table in the center of the place where single and couple diners eat. Great so that one person doesn't take up a whole table, and sort of a friendly concept. Also, makes it less likely you'll have to wait for a table. The place is overall a bit crowded, and getting to the bathroom would be tricky if you are fat. Luckily, I'm not, so it was fun sneaking through the narrow passage to the bathroom, after snaking through the tables to get there. The bathroom was very clean and had a sink that looked like copper. The counter was turquoise tiles and very pretty and southwestern. The bathroom was also well-appointed, with paper towels out of a motion sensor dispenser, a hook for your coat (though you'd have to look for it), and nice soap. Even though the place seemed crowded in, TWO different people in wheelchairs ate there while I was there, so it is definitely wheelchair-accessible, though I'm sure they couldn't get to the bathroom. There is a small portion of the restaurant that is raised a few steps or so, but more than half the place is ground-level.
(5)
DONNA K.
BAD SERVICE, UNSANITARY, EXPENSIVE, AND TERRIBLE FOOD!!! I had one of the worst dining experience of my life at Cafe Pasqual. What a waste of money! How are people giving good reviews for this place I still can't figure out. Stay as far as you can from this place.
(1)
June P.
Hmmmm..... after all the hype about this place I was a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps because of the wait, even though we had a reservation, or because of my high expectations, dinner kind of fell flat for me. There are so many great Mexican/New Mexican places in New Mexico, that this place was for me, just over priced, regular (New) Mexican food.
(3)
H M.
Only tourists eat here. $$$$ for breakfast? The corned-beef hash is delicious... But sitting at the community table Surrounded by tourquise earrings Makes you wonder Where the locals eat. "Not Here."
(3)
Sarah B.
Skip the tacos - the meat is really fatty - and go straight for the mole plate. One of those rare meals where every last morsel is eaten, and if it wasn't taboo to lick a plate clean, I would have done it! (Also skip the flan)
(3)
Rich C.
Definitely one of the best breakfasts in SF. I loved the atmosphere and the food was super fresh and very flavorful and well prepared. Just look at the pictures to prove my point. We will definitely be going back when we are in town!
(4)
Nathaniel B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed in an uncomfortably small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than at their community table.
I have heard wonderful things about Cafe Pasqual's over the years and had a chance to try it last week when I was in Santa Fe. We were able to get right in for breakfast since it was a week day. I understand why there are always so many people waiting to get in on the weekends. The place it TINY. I ordered the breakfast quesadilla with home made chorizo. When the food came boy was I disappointed by the presentation. There was a quesadilla slapped on a large plate. For $11.00 I found it to be totally uninspired. It would have been nice if they made it look a little more attractive by adding a garnish or two. I found the food to be OK but not as good as everyone proclaims it to be. I would give this restaurant a second try but there are so many other great restaurants in Santa Fe it may be awhile before I get around to trying it again. Side Note: I found the staff to be a little surly. Our waitress did not seem to be very interested in giving us food recommendations or ask us how we were enjoying our meal. We had to search her out to get the check when we were ready to leave.
(2)
Donna R.
This is a must for breakfast when visiting Santa Fe. The breakfast menu is extensive. The community table that invites the most interesting conversations in the house should be the most coveted seat in the house. The food is fabulous, a locals favorite!
(5)
John K.
Our top destination every time we come to Santa Fe. This is the Chez Pannisse of New Mexico. Delicous food from scratch and healthy too. We eat breakfast and lunch whenever we can and have never walked away disappointed. Large menu with something for all tastes. My god, I've been away for a day now and am missing Pascual's already. Been going here for over 20 years, and they still come through. I drink coffee out of one of their mugs and dream about the food every day.
(5)
Susan L.
We had dinner at Cafe Pasqual on November 4 (reservations are critical, and in fact I'd made the reservation more than a month in advance; I'd long known of that restaurant's reputation). It's a very small and crowded place, with lots of wild/funky items on the walls and ceiling. The cooking is very inventive and most of their food is organic. We ordered the roasted pumpkin (a seasonal dish) and it was really good (stuffed with mushrooms & a wonderful cream sauce), and their famous "haystack" of garlic french fries were a treat (one order is enough for several people, and we couldn't manage to eat nearly all of them). Our server had a great sense of humor and he was also attentive. I didn't like the hostess, though; she ignored us initially, and she was a little condescending when we said we were too full for dessert.
(5)
Ken H.
This is NOT an Asian restaurant... and NOT Chinese !
(3)
L K.
Wow. The blue lady enchilada's= amazing, the mole=fantastic. Service was fast and food piping hot. Beer=Yum. This was the first place we ate on our trip to New Mexico and it set the bar impossibly high-nothing else we had in Santa Fe came close (even at 3X the price). Wait was long on a Saturday afternoon (45 minutes) but worth it all. Love, love, love.
(5)
Alika Marie W.
Do yourself a favor go on a weekday for breakfast try the Huevos Motulenos-go early or you wait all day. Go for Lunch have Carne Asada...at 11:30 once again packed! Forget dinner, its painfully tightly reserved, buy the cookbook and go home. Tourists! But its Yummy!
(4)
Jaime A.
Food is good, but it is overpriced for breakfast. The chili Relleno with eggs and black beans was a little undercooked but salsa was good-would have liked it to be a little spicier. Their homemade granola is delicious but $14 when you add yogurt and strawberries to it. Service is friendly and cute place.
(3)
Jedi M.
Believe the hype! I always worry about a place that is talked about so much and in the end usually disappointed - not here. The place was packed and there was a line out the door the whole time we were there (another good sign of a great place) it took 15 min to read through the menu and decide, every thing sounded so good. Our meal was spectacular, and the cilantro green rice was probably the best rice dish I have ever had! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Christina H.
Not too shabby, definitely over-rated and a bit overpriced but so is everything else in Santa Fe. They are a very bustling business but still managed decent service while being understaffed and packed to the gills for breakfast. I was disappointed in their green chili but I have to admit I am very very particular about my green chili. Actually with few exceptions the only green chili I adore is outta my grandmother's greasy pot. Anyway, its a pretty good breakfast destination but try to book a reservation or plan on waiting a long time to be seated.
(3)
Christine M.
Fantastic food, fantastic service. This place has such a great vibe. A must when in Santa Fe. Great breakfast!
(4)
Louise O.
Generous portions and welcoming, bright ambiance. Carne Asada with Niman ranch beef -- absolutely delicious. The meat was grilled very simply but you could taste the natural flavor of the beef. The guac that came on the side was very good as well. Pancakes -- very fluffy and light. Corned beef hash -- not too dry, this was very tasty. Service: a little un-attentive and I had to ask for refills of water several times.
(4)
dawson s.
Cafe Pasqual's is indeed a New Mexican institution. Anytime I'm in Santa Fe, Pasqual's is a must for brunch. The space is small, reservations are nearly always booked, but there's a communal table in the center of the dining room you can almost always sneak into (so long as you don't mind being elbow to elbow with strangers). Everything on the menu - from the southwestern specialties like the Tamal Dulce (sweet tamale), Durango Omelet (jack cheese, scallions, guacamole, mushrooms, sour cream and tomatillo d'arbol salsa) and Huevos Motulenos (eggs over easy on corn tortillas with black beans, sauted bananas, feta cheese, green peas, and green chile - trust me, it's yummm) to the classics like their Wholegrain Pancakes and homemade Hot Five Grain Cereal served with butter and maple syrup - will make your mouth water. If you want a serious breakfast, order up the El Presidente - smoked poblano chiles and Niman Ranch beef on fresh white corn tortillas, with a couple of eggs, pinto beans and cotija cheese - and a side of whole wheat pancakes. You'll have to walk it off, but it's worth it :) I've been here for dinner too which was very good, but something about going to a cafe style restaurant and paying more than $30 for a very petite filet in a small town never rubbed me the right way. For brek and brunch though, this is the only place to be. In the winter months when Santa Fe gets ice and even some serious snow, Pasqual's takes on an even more magical quality. Be sure to pick up one of their cookbooks while you're here. If you like to cook it'll quickly become one of your favorites. If not, you'll probably enjoy looking at the pictures :)
(4)
Steve E.
This place is small but very delicious!
(5)
Josh O.
When Jessi M. and I were driving cross country last year we stopped in Santa Fe to visit my mom. She took us here for dinner. It was fantastic. The food was simply amazing. I loved everything I had, and I tried a little bit of everyone's orders. A little pricey for a casual meal, but the food is totally worth it. They also sell a cookbook with their recipes in it, which is pretty cool.
(5)
Inari T.
soup of the day was AWESOME. it was this chilled cucumber gazpatcho that was really spicy and awesome. yummy. enchilada was pretty good, i wasn't big fan of it. kale salad was yummy. overall, alright.
(3)
Alexis F.
Lunch visit on a Saturday, waited about 30 minutes for 3 at the community table around noon. My dad had the only local wine offered, a sparkling wine that was actually surprisingly good (who knew NM could do sparkling?) I had a Pinkus Pils that was lovely and Germany and Beery and good. I had the chicken mole enchiladas, and the mole was really well balanced and tasty, with a little bit of heat. The soup of the day was delicious- a chilled green chile and avocado soup. nom nom nom. The decor is intentionally funky and festive, the community table was very quiet and introverted for our visit (despite our attempts, community conversation was stilted at best), and the bathrooms are tiny. Service is very friendly and mostly attentive, my water glass sat empty a few times for longer than I would have liked but it was very busy and I did not die of dehydration :)
(4)
A. T.
Decent food. Certainly 1 star above nearby dives like the Atomic Grill. But definitely not worth the crazy wait.
(3)
Sam P.
Probably would not go back. Too expensive and a little too touristy. Food was plentiful and tolerably well executed. We were disappointed, but not nearly as we were by Coyote Cafe down the street.
(3)
Lianne M.
Awesome. On a recent trip to Santa Fe, we ate here twice! Once for breakfast (which had been highly reccomended) and once for lunch. I can't decide which was best, but I do know we will return to Cafe Pasqual's. I had the chicken enchiladas mole for lunch and they were superb. The chorizo breakfast burrito (with red and green or "christmas" sauce) was also excellent. Great service, fun atmosphere. You must visit Pasqual's if you are in Santa Fe!!!!!
(5)
s r c.
Overrated,, Over hyped, and DEFINATELY Overpriced. You cant get out of there for less than $20-$25 a head for LUNCH !! This place has one thing going for it...... A downtown location with a 25+ year legacy. As a native Santa fean who has lived in the Bay Area for 30 years and traveled extensively seeking interesting restaurants that deliver fresh honest flavorful food I found Pasquals on a recent visit to be beyond disappointing. The mushy lamb burger was indeed rare (from frozen meat) but tasteless even adorned with the glop of "white fat" slather on top. The bun was airy "Bimbo" bread toasted to perfection with seeds on top. The whole wheat quesadilla was grilled to crispy melding the scant cheese filling to the only flavorful ingredient I could taste ... the guacamole. But wait! it was garnished with a few sprigs of cilantro to give it that oh so cosmo presentation & flair for only .... $11+ !!?? Among my pet peeves is going out to eat and leaving the establishment feeling not satisfied .... and also ripped off. skip this place, not worth it.
(1)
yelper s.
Have always wanted to try Cafe Pasqual's and finally did it on this trip. We went for lunch and had to wait about 25 minutes at about 11:20. We walked back and sat on the plaza while we waited, then returned. My daughter had the watermelon gazpacho (even my husband loved it -- and he doesn't like watermelon) and a BLT with the MOST amazing bacon ever. I had a new salad that was incredible. And my husband had enchiladas and said if he had to pay $16 for enchiladas (as we had the night before at Maria's too), those were the ones. A lively, fun atmosphere and decent service. We took some cookies to go for dessert. Best meal of our trip.
(5)
Paige H.
The food was excellent. I had the BLT with cornbread as the sandwich bread. It was very good. The place is super busy so either get a reservation or they let us put our names on a wait list then walk around for awhile and come back which was fine. I'd certainly return there. Service was good as well.
(4)
Chase K.
Although the food wasn't bad, the 'tude could have been checked at the do. When we got our bill the orange juice that was ordered by my gorgeous, intelligent and funny dining partner was a staggering $4.75. Now, this is acceptable if it is fresh squeezed. But this oj was not. I inquired about this and was told it was because it was organic. Boo. The same guy came back later and said that they have to charge more and began explaining his business model and cost structure. No thanks. Again food was ok but the prices were ridic.
i had two very good dinners here on two consecutive nights! i would be hesitant to go to the same place twice but felt it was a place my boss should try while we were in santa fe. both nights we walked up fairly late 6ish w/o reservations and they were able to seat us at a private table. they act all huffy about it but whatever. i think this was on a tues and a wed. very interesting decor which eventually we asked the waitress about and apparently alot of the hanging stuff is for sale. yes you could be the proud owner of those paper mache pants for 90 dollars! very cool murals. the bathroom is tiny but kinda fits the ambiance. i like the ground level window! the food and service was excellent both nights. the price wasnt really a factor as i wasnt paying but yes it is expensive. a coworker and i tues night 1 app 2 entrees and beers was around a hundred. wed night we had a vey nice bottle of wine alot of appetizers and three entrees and it was up near 400 i think. both nights were absolutely worth it as the food was wonderful! the first night i had the sampler and the second night the filet. both were great as was the corn fritter appetizer thing. i loved the cabbage w beets that accompanied the corn fritter appetizer thing! small, quirky, little place w a lot of character which i would love to go back to. if you have a problem w tourists then you might want to run from santa fe as it seemed a bit like a southwestern art adobe disneyland.
(4)
Nina H.
This place is very small. It has a nice kitschy feel and the menu choices seem imaginative but are poorly executed. The food is overpriced and bland. I ordered the special which was a shrimp tostada. Everything needed salt and there were about three shrimp on there cut into tiny pieces. There was no spice or sauce to speak of .. is this not the land of spicy well seasoned chile? Back in the day this chef was well renowned.. now I do not know what he is doing. This chef needs to better monitor this restaurant becasue the food is overpriced and mediocre. The food is not horrible.. I just expected well seasoned and well executed food when I am paying $15 for a tiny shrimp salad. If this was Top Chef Tom Colicchio would have ripped them a new (you know what). If you are a foodie this is NOT the place for you! It may have been THE place to be back in the 90's but now is just overhyped and overpriced. I guess I should have known better when we walked in at noon and our party of 8 was promptly seated. A better bet is La Fonda in the hotel. The food was well seasoned and the service was great.
(2)
Josh M.
Pasqual's is a true Santa Fe institution. It is pretty much THE brunch place in town and weekend and holiday waits for a table can extend past 1hr if you don't get there pretty darned early. Why is this? Well, since you ask, it's because the food is extraordinary and unusual. They do have traditional New Mexican classics like Huevos Rancheros (with particularly good red and/or green chile), but they also have great alternatives like blintzes, whole-wheat pancakes, Huevos Moultenos (with black beans, bananas, sour cream, etc.- yum) and their own ab-fab five-grain hot cereal that's just the ticket on a cool morning. They have a small number of tables, so there's usually a wait, but if you're the social type, they do have a community table that seats about 10 people, so you can sneak in faster if you're up for that.
(4)
Dawn G.
We were told there would be a 30 minute wait, but our table of five watched people come and go for an hour before we finally asked to be seated separately. My daughters sat at the communal table, and Stacy and I sat at a table for two. We were happy to be seated with the girls after 10 minutes when another couple finished at the same group table. But the wait was worth it. We started with a hot Mexican Chocolate and a hot White Chocolate. Both were superb! Later, I added a shot of espresso to the White Chocolate that made a delightful mocha. For breakfast, I had a trout hash that was fantastic! Large pieces of smoked trout with two poached eggs atop a stack of fried potatoes with salsa verde. The girls had a basil pesto omelet and breakfast quesadillas filled with eggs, cheese, and guacamole in a crispy (yet not greasy) tortilla. Stacy was disappointed with her heuvos moutelenos especially since she was told this was a "house favorite". I thought it had far to many black beans, so the rest of the dish was lost in them. All in all, this place is worth the visit, but get there early for breakfast or plan to wait an hour. Oh, and at $90 for a breakfast for 5 with the 18% gratuity added at checkout, there's no doubt that Pasqual's is on the high end. Good breakfasts can be had for nearly half this price.
(4)
Christian N.
Festive ambiance. Quality food and friendly service. Very popular and crowded, yet we did not feel rushed. Had a nice experience here. Would recommend this place to anyone, ONLY if you don't have to wait FOREVER in line. Do what we did and make reservations ahead of time. They said they don't take reservations, but if you have a large group, call and reserve, they'll take it! ;)
(4)
Joe M.
Not really a vegetarian restaurant, though vegetarians will find plenty of menu choices. Great for dinner (reservations help) and singles are welcome to sit at the shared table. A good place to have luscious dessert & coffee at 9 after most places in Santa Fe have closed for the night.
(4)
A C.
As recommended by other yelpers, I ordered the mole chicken enchiladas-- but took it to go. Probably one of best moles I've had, though the chicken was a bit dry. Loved the cilantro rice. Price was steep. Minus one star.
(3)
Larry F.
Great food, mole and pie
(5)
Amy B.
Extremely disapointing experience...have been here before, but did not like it this time at all. Even though we had a reservation, had to wait at least 25 minutes for our table...other diners probably running behind due to slow service!! At one point, there were 15 people trying to cram into the TINY entry way. On a cold night...who wants to wait outside?? It took 35 minutes between appetizer and entree!?! Tables that had been seated much later after we arrived were served their entrees before our table. Waiter seemed to disappear for long intervals and was not very friendly. My mom had the fish and it was very dry...my sister and I had the chicken mole....way too spicy and not very flavorful. Would not go back again even if "reputation' seem to keep it going. It was my mom's 75th BD dinner...took so long that the "surprise" dessert we had planned almost didn't make it as my mom wanted to leave restautant...as she was tired of waiting for the waiter to come back with a dessert menu (20 minutes after entrees were taken away). I say Adios to Cafe Pasquals...too many other good restaurants to go to that don't cost $170.00 for 4 people and respect your time and business!
(1)
Jeff H.
We had a fantastic breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Everything was fresh and tasted great. Service was wonderful. We will be back on every trip to Santa Fe.
(5)
J W.
Beautiful New Mexican cuisine! A Santa Fe landmark that is worth the wait and the crowd.
(5)
Fen Z.
Wow is this place expensive. The wait was a bit too long for 9:30 in the evening, and the food was somewhat uninteresting, though the best I've had in my little trip to Santa Fe. The desserts however were delicious; I recommend the French pastry with ice cream.
(3)
Sarah S.
I was visiting Santa Fe, NM last week and had a beautiful meal at Cafe Pasqual's. We walked in just before the dinner rush and were quickly ushered to the "Pretty Booth" which was very pretty and a perfect perch to enjoy the restaurant fill up as soon as we were seated. The diners were a mixture of mostly locals and a few out-of-towners. The Staff was as friendly and attentive as could be, we both enjoyed a local Santa Fe, Nut Brown with our meal. We had Tamales steamed in a Banana Leaf to start, I had a delightful Dandelion Salad as a light main; which was perfectly composed, and had great flavor play between savory and acidic. My friend had Enchiladas with a Mole Sauce we both licked our plates clean! I also loved the Orange Chiffon Cake, It was so fluffy. Can't wait to visit again !
(4)
Rochelle R.
Yummy! I ordered the tofu enchilada....I'm from LA, what do you expect? :) Actually, I ordered it because it sounded different. It was very good and inspired me to make my own version. The atmosphere was very good; it was crowded even on a weeknight around 9PM.
(5)
greg r.
expensive but very good. their huevos rancheros and everything else on the menu is fantastic. though in santa fe it is really hard to find a place with bad food. seriously.
(4)
Kate B.
This place was awesome! We came on the recommendation of my dad's barber, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong! The restaurant is small and simple, but the food is delicious. We showed up ~20 minutes before opening and there was already a line. Luckily, we managed to get in during the first wave. The service was efficient, the coffee kept coming and all 5 of us loved our meals. I decided to be adventurous and try the Huevos Moutelenos (bananas and eggs - sounded interesting) and it was delicious! We tried to come back the next day, but the line was ridiculously long. My only complaint about this place would be that they need to expand!
(5)
laurie c.
we stopped in for a dinner with no reservations (how are we to know, we're from out of town) but luckily got seated pretty quickly. Although the food and service was good, it was so busy and loud that we felt kind of rushed. It also seemed pretty pricey for what you get. After I returned home a few months later, I stumbled upon a cookbook and realized this place must be pretty famous. Hmm, perhaps it's gone to their heads?
(3)
Amy E.
Comfortable casual spot for lunch with a very extensive menu. We had no trouble getting a seat at the communal table. The food was very good, but it definitely caters to tourists -- $13 for huevos rancheros?!?
(4)
Daniel C.
We have been to Pasqual's a couple of times. While it is a Santa Fe institution and is known as a "must go to" location, that could be a little bit of an exaggeration. Yes, the food can be incredible. I had a veggie mole burrito with tofu and the first time I had it it was unbeatable. But sometimes just a little inconsistent. My wife's dishes were a little bit of a disappointment. With the prices being relatively high, I would like to see a little more consistency in the dishes. But when they are on, they are almost unbeatable.
(4)
Jessy B.
Okay, this is a must go for dinner - maybe even for a 2nd time. Food is really tasty - the mole tasted like chocolate. Nice ambience. Our waiter was very attentive, knowledgeable and nice. Yum Yum. My only complaint is that there is no hard alcohol - read: tequila. The wine list is good though. The lack of margaritas is my only reason for not giving this place 5 stars...
(4)
luke e.
i've enjoyed one of the best meals i can remember here. i had the filet mignon(niman ranch beef, google it) and my date had the ahi tuna. the filet(medium rare) could be cut with a fork, and could nearly be eaten without chewing...it literally melted in your mouth. the tuna was equally delicious, and again, took little effort to eat...everything just melted in your mouth. high quality food, and a high quality talented chef make this a memorable meal. the downside is that for two people, after the appetizers, entrees and drinks, the bill is well over $100. money well spent in my opinion, just a forewarning to those that may be on a budget. if you're passing through santa fe, and would like a memorable and delicious meal, be sure to stop here, you won't regret it.
(5)
abby z.
We got a reservation for 5:30 and we were lucky to have gotten anything at all. Pasqual's is kind of emblamatic of Santa Fe - it's small and crowded but beautiful with great, organic fun food that's a little on the steep side pricewise and very friendly service. I had the tofu mole enchiladas, which I wasn't too thrilled with, but that is because of personal issues where I was trying to give mole another chance but whups, no, still not too crazy about it. Our appetizers of warm brie and pupula (a corn cake) were wonderful though, and my mother's stuffed pepper was light and creamy and tasty. Definitely worth coming here, if only to scope out the metaphor.
(4)
Eric P.
had to wait a long time for a table for one for a late dinner, then the service was slow initially. however, once the wait staff hit its stride it was top notch for the rest of the evening. had the Nieman beef skewers, which were about the most tender and succulent beef I have ever had. the corn cake were an interesting pancake/crepe-like interpretation on the dish, with wonderfully inventive and tasty filling. the orange flan was a fittingly satisfying finish to a very good meal. noisy and busy for sure, but probably the best meal I had in my week in Santa Fe.
(4)
Suzanne K.
I expected a really good meal here, but my experience was totally unimpressive. I ordered the chili relleno and egg dish. To say it was ordinary may be giving it too much credit - there was no flavor at all. We sat at the community table which had the potential to be enjoyable, but It was so-so. According to the waiter, the chili relleno breakfast is one of their more popular dishes. Don't fall for it! If you go, pick something else. My tab came to $20 for 2 eggs, and one chili relleno with a side of black beans and coffee. Far and away the worst value of all the meals in my 5 days in the area. When the waiter picked up our check and payment, he asked us if we needed change (we put down $60 for a $44 bill), and after we told him that we did, he proceeded to pocket the whole amount. We had to ask for our change a second time, and gave him a lighter tip than we would have had he not presumed that we would be okay with him taking a 35% tip.
(1)
Hannah L.
Oh deliciousness. The coffee was a bit blah, but everything else was so delicous that I could barely care. Even the english muffin and the marmalade was spectacular. Ang and I sat at the big community table and there was such a feeling of togetherness that I almost asked the guy next to me if I could have a bite of his omelet with the plaintains in it. But the main event was the huevos rancheros. Goodness. The flavors were split into four quadrants with salsas with different tomatillos. It was like the fourth of July in my mouth. There was a party in there so large that it moved upstairs to me brain and made me so happy from head to toe. This is what huevos rancheros should be. And the restaurant was lovely. Bustling and a little bit chaotic, but still at its most crazed it doesnt have that energy that fills the air around the crass and entitled New Yorker. I loved it.
(5)
Benjamin K R.
Just a note most of the reviewers seem to have come here for lunch or dinner but Pasqual's absolutely shines as Santa Fe's spot for uspcale brunch.
(4)
Tom C.
We got luckier and were seated IMMEDIATELY when we got in there for lunch yesterday. Every other time we'd come by their little street corner, the line was out the door and sometimes around the block and that convinced us to make other plans, but I guess we hit the jackpot yesterday. Glad we hit it right because it was all jam packed by the time we left. Still, we got in there with the toddler and had a SUPER lunch out of it. I had the carnitas burrito special with green chili, and it had just the right amount of heat and oodles of supporting flavor to make me a happy luncher. The wife had a chicken sandwich, and my mom got the enchiladas. Everyone went away happy. The atmosphere is cozy and very Santa Fe. Overall, it was a lot of fun and worth the time. I'd love to go back again and focus more on the breakfast items that everyone is raving about. I know that they serve breakfast stuff right through lunch, but we were definitely in lunch mode yesterday. Someday...
(4)
R R.
This is some of the best food in Santa Fe and it's no wonder you will have to line up at the door, perusing a well-worn copy of their cookbook while you decide exactly what delicious thing to eat (mole enchiladas, corn bread chicken sandwich). While unbelievably expensive, especially for dinner, the food is always way beyond great. There is a breakfast dish that has green peas and bananas and it might sound weird, yes, but it is one of the best breakfasts I have ever had!
(5)
Maura P.
the chicken mole enchilada was amazing the corn pudding wedge served with it was so fantastic and the plaintains...my goodness! the servings are very decent in size and I couldn't even fit a dessert in after 3/4 of my enchilada. the hostess was a bit absent, but our waiter was fine. the leftover bags are adorable
(4)
Sophie S.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. Pasqual's is always satisfying. The communal table makes for interesting people watching and conversation, and the tables are great for an intimate dinner. Strangely this was one of the first places I ever had sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf, and it touched off a lifelong obsession. A great break/mix-up on the traditional Santa Fe cuisine.
(5)
J B.
Having arrived in Santa Fe very hungry, we decided to follow our nose to the closest place that looks good. The schnoz led us to the front door of Cafe Pasqual's. Apparently, during the tourist season the place is always packed but we are not in the "season" and went right in and sat down. New Mexican style food and decor is something that you will enjoy here. The food is top notch and breakfast is served all day. The Huevos Rancheros and the Lamb Burger were our dishes and we were immensely satisfied. I will probably go back there again before I leave.
(4)
Andrew J.
Wow... everyone gives this place 5 stars! i wish my experience was that good! It wasn't horrible... but I have quite a few complaints. First off, we were seated in the most cramped corner in the restaurant, we had to climb over each others chairs to get to our seats (we had to forget about using the restrooms at any point). I start to look at the wine list and pick out the Sutcliffe Colorado Pinot Nior, and when I go to order it, the waiter assumes I am ordering the merlot, and I QUICKLY correct him and tell him "no no no, definitely not the merlot, so the waiter cracks a bad joke referencing the movie "Sideways", which is a horrible movie... he made it seem like we were too young to know what good wine was... if he only knew. After this, the waiter disappears for quite a while after we are all quite eager to order. We finally flag down another waiter who is more than willing to take our order... I get the "Plato Supremo" ($34) which is a chile relleno, a chicken mole enchilada, red chile veggie tamale and a skewer of carne asada. Also ordered by the dining companions was a Thai green curry tofu dish ($28), a lamb chop/mashed potato dish ($38) and a seared rare ahi tuna dish($32). Now I mention the price because what we got, was in no way worth the price we paid, the portions were a bit off, and the flavor was a little lacking. There was a piece of paper found in the mashed potatoes, they gave me a green chile chicken tamale instead of the red chile veggie, the tuna was slightly overcooked and the curry had too much basil. But, the carrot soup that accompanied the tuna was amazing, as was the wine we picked. Also, another good experience was the host, she was the nicest person in the place, when she found out that we were locals, she came to our table and thanked us and gave us a bag of cookies! Now, one last problem that I MUST mention. When we were all just about finished, the busser came by and asked if we were finished, and all but one of us said yes (there was still some curry to be eaten). So he starts to walk away, and my friend says, "you can still take my plate though". He turns around and tells her, "no, I will come get them all together." then just walks away! Okay, now I understand that the proper way to bus a table is to take all of the plates at once when everyone is finished... but if the customer asks you to please take their plate, YOU NEVER REFUSE!!!! EVER! I had to keep myself from turning around and scolding him! I don't think I will EVER come back to this place... an extremely nice host doesn't make up for the things that went wrong.
(2)
Arwen O.
The food is really quite good but I have seldom encountered such appalling service. We went for dinner and I was quite taken aback at how rude and unhelpful the hostess was. She almost refused to seat us away from a briskly blowing air conditioner, and even had the temerity to tell me it was colder at our eventual table, which blatantly wasn't true. Then, when I tried to help out by bringing some of our table settings over to the new table, she actually snapped at me and told me not to approach the table until it was set for us. We'd heard such great things about the place that we stayed anyway, and the food was wonderful (salmon baked in a banana leaf with sticky rice and green papaya salad) and our waiter helpful. We decided to give it a try for brunch later that weeked (their specialty) and our waiter was almost as snarky and rude as the hostess had been, and the famed corned beef hash was dry to boot. It may be some of the best food in Santa Fe, but I won't be back.
(3)
James H.
EXCELLENT and unique meals, but be ready: it is EXPENSIVE. $13-18 per breakfast plate. So, a splurge, but worth it.
(4)
Thomas B.
My family enjoyed a wonderful meal here tonight during our spring break holiday in New Mexico. The food is advertised as being locally sourced. All of it was quite good. I had an appetizer of dates wrapped in prosciutto that was unusual but the flavors really came together. My son had the carne a dada and polished it off. My wife loved her quinoa burger. Desserts were also very good. My espresso milkshake was amazing. My only suggestion would be to encourage them to expand their beer selection. It was a bit limited.
(5)
Matt M.
Such an unassuming place on the outside, but the people inside are so warm and welcoming and more than accommodating for larger parties. It's a bit cramped inside, and we were able to get in quick because of reservations, but I think the small atmosphere lends to the homey ambiance of the restaurant. I ordered the housemade tamales (one chicken, one cheese) with the Christmas sauce. I actually liked the cheese one more than the chicken, as the chicken had a little too much bitter taste to it (still good though). The sauces were really nice though, and the tamales were cooked perfectly (not too dry or too wet). yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe… For dessert I ordered the meyer lemon meringue tart. I love lemon meringue, and meyer lemons are one of my favorites. Take a look at the peaks on the meringue (see picture)! I've tried at home to get nice looking peaks like that, but have never been able to get them to look like this. The tart was not overly sweet, and I loved every bite. yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe…
(4)
Steve T.
The restaurant is small and during events like the Indian Market almost impossible to get into for breakfast and lunch but easy to make dinner reservations which is what we did. Cafe Pasqual's came highly recommended by people we met on our plane so we went despite that it is very pricey for dinner. The restaurant leans toward organic food so we expected good things. Our dinner was delicious and the service was attentive without being over bearing. There are some strange food pairings on their menu but they are happy to substitute which is nice. Desserts here are stellar. I would definitely return.
(4)
Anthony R.
Great food but overall wayyyyy to expensive for a small crowded restaurant with a diner atmosphere. It's great that everything is organic but overpriced small portions are incredibly hard to deal with. I don't know what makes Pasqual's such a hot spot in Santa Fe beside the reputation.
(1)
Adriana M.
Arrived when they opened for dinner. We were sat immediately but they did ask if we had a reservation. Staff was friendly enough. Loved that the menu had vegetarian and gluten free options for most of the items on the menu. Wine and beer list was good too. Our food was delicious. The gazpacho was the best thing we had. Thought it was a little pricey for the portion size but would probably still go back.
(4)
Eduardo M.
Had lunch here last week and really enjoyed the Half-Time with the kale salad, a 1/2 BLT and a cup of chilled tomato/chipotle soup of the day. Wow, what a meal! Best BLT I've ever had, and the salad and soup rounded out a great dish. My wife ordered the fish tacos which she couldn't finish. Apparently the pickled onions served on the tacos had a very off flavor to them. I thought it was odd that she didn't finish her pickled onions because she usually loves them and devours every last bit whenever she come across them. Her smoothie, however, was quite tasty and nutritious.
(4)
Benjamin P.
Amazing brunch food. I haven't been for lunch or dinner ever but have been 3-4 times visiting Santa Fe over the past 10 years. The breakfast food is always incredible, and this most recent trip was the best yet. Everything our table had, from coffee to syrup to omelet was amazing. Everything. The jam was amazing. The bread was amazing. The pancakes were amazing. You get the point. Go to Cafe Pasqual's. Stop reading this review and go eat. NOW. You won't be disappointed
(5)
Nick P.
Fantastic! We all had great meals, great service, and great ambience. I sampled the food from everyone's plates and would like to try all the plates next time. The enchiladas were tasty as were the tamales and the blue corn enchiladas were amazing. I would come back again soon.
(5)
Lisa S.
Everyone in Santa Fe said you must go to Pasqual's. We went for dinner, although have heard the breakfast is fantastic. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. We went relatively late (around 8-8:30 in the evening) and were seated right away. The squash blossoms were fantastic, the wine (some local) was very good. Great experience all the way! if you are doing dessert, do the Chef's sampler. You won't know which ones you'll get until it is served, but they are all so good!
(5)
Nikki B.
I have heard tremendous things about Pasqual's from my step mom. Every time she visits Santa Fe, she HAS to go! Everything was great. The service, the food, the MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE!!! I had about 4 different mexican hot chocolates while I was visiting for a long weekend, and theirs was by far the best. I had an enchilada (I think?) and it was awesome. we were so full by the time we left... it was just a great experience.
(5)
maryanne S.
I ordered the free-range chicken enchiladas and the server asked how I liked it. I asked for another. Another plate. As good as it gets. Hardest part is getting in. Best part is any meal there and the communal table is great! Dinner now is the staple it didn't used to be. Go there now!
(5)
Erica L.
I visit Santa Fe every few months for work, and this is always at the top of my list as a must visit. Especially coming alone, the communal table is a gem. Great conversations and awesome people are pretty much guaranteed. I've stuck with more traditionally Santa Fe options because I'm always in the hunt for green chile. The tamales, mole enchiladas, and zucchini red and or green chile enchiladas are really to die for. The latter comes with a deliciously moist, sweet corn bread, steamed spinach, cilantro rice, and some corn sprinkled on the spicy but flavorful green chile smothered enchiladas. I can't get enough and I'm tempted to come here every night!
(5)
Pete H.
We were driving across country with one night in Santa Fe so we wanted a meal that was memorable. Based on reviews and suggestions from locals we came here and were not disappointed. All of the food was delicious. The waiter was awesome giving us many tips on places to visit. We left with a hand drawn map on a napkin. But the best part was sitting at the communal table where we met members of a cult who invited us to pray with them and told us all about their "philosophy" and in the end tried to recruit us making for the quintessential Santa Fe experience.
(4)
Esteban R.
My wife and I love this place! It not only some of the best breakfast/brunch/lunch in Santa Fe but Ivan and Arturo are by far our favorite servers in town. My 2 favorite items on the menu are the quinoa burger and the BLT. I always get them with the kale salad which is a must have. My wife always gets something new and is never disappointed. Pasquale's is always packed and whether your a local or tourist you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Chris P.
Great breakfast, just be prepared to wait for a table. Very small dining room area, so it's a bit crowded waiting for your table and sometimes while eating too. But the food was excellent - my entire party was very happy with the food. Would rec and go back.
(4)
Elaine B.
Beer & wine only. Locals, quaint & quiet. It being a cafe.. Smelled like coffee--if you're ok w/that smell for dinner. Farm to table concept. Food was good, but pricey: $24 for enchiladas! We actually decided to only have a drink & go somewhere else..but we had to order food, so had an appetizer..
(4)
Mel D.
Love this place. Friendly service, wonderful food and great wines. We had fried plantains as an app, wonderful dipping sauce! Then chicken mole enchiladas, amazing and it is one of their specialties, the scallops and the pigs n figs. Everything was wonderful! My husband had one of the best glasses of granacha I've ever tried and they serve the delightful New Mexican Gruet (champagne). Truly worth the price and the wait. Make your reservations well in advance!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
This is a fabulous breakfast place, and was actually worth the 30+ minutes we waited for a table. I had the chile relleno and my partner had the huevos rancheros. Big portions but we almost finished them, the food was so good! Just the right amount of spicy, and the beans were delicious. The restaurant itself has a great vibe and tons of handicrafts on the walls. We were there just before Easter so it was all decorated for spring. Very cute and a fun, lively place for weekend brunch.
(5)
Don J.
One of the best you will find in Santa Fe....I had the free range chicken sandwich and loved it....highly recommend
(4)
Amanda S.
Hands down the BEST breakfast restaurant in Santa Fe. This place is small- I love the community table- but efficiently run. I have been here twice now, and while it is a little pricey for breakfast (it was about $50 for two people, including tip) I think it is worth it. The flavors are incredible, and the freshness wonderful. The ingredients are mostly organic and truly New Mexican.
(5)
Laurie P.
All the hype about this little hotspot is so true! The atmosphere is vibrant and fun -- and although the restaurant is small, we didn't have to wait long for a table for breakfast. The menu is full of New Mexican dishes and some traditional favorites like homemade pancakes (omg, so yum) and the best English muffins we've had in a long time. Definitely try the corned beef hash if you are in the mood for something hearty. But the pancakes have definitely won my heart. We'll have this place on our list for every future visit to Santa Fe!
(5)
Caitlin L.
Awesome huevos rancheros! Super tiny and long wait, but once we were seated, they did not rush us out. Really great place.
(4)
Caley D.
This is my favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. The food is consistent and always great. The service is spot on. Occasionally it takes a while for my food to come, but not much longer than restaurants half as packed. I normally go for breakfast/brunch, and there is always a wait. Be prepared for an hour+ wait for brunch unless you get there EARLY. Get a reservation for dinner. Eat here. It's the best. The chicken sandwich and smoked trout hash (side of x-mas!!), are my favorites.
(5)
Jenn S.
This has to be my favorite restaurant EVER. We had a slightly snooty waitress at first who almost ruined the experience-I was with my younger niece and nephew and made the foolish mistake of asking if they had any kid options. She rolled her eyes, kind of snorted at me but then a nicer (more experienced) waitress stepped in to say that we could place half orders for them. Thank You, that's all I really wanted to know! Aside from that sort of rude moment it was heaven! I would drive back to Santa Fe every weekend to experience the breakfast I ate here...If I didn't purchase their cookbooks I just might!
(5)
Erin M.
I went here while traveling. The food was very tasty but the wait was killer. It's definitely worth a visit if you don't mind waiting.
(4)
Mark W.
Innovative southwestern-style breakfast place in center of purist area. Fresh and unique offerings. This placed was packed with customers every time I walked by. Lookd like a local crowd to me.
(5)
Christina I.
This was the last place we ate before leaving Santa Fe and we were so glad we did the neatly hour wait and tried it. The Mocha Latte was very good in my opinion not being too sweet. Breakfast tasted fresh and had good flavor. I had the Chili Relleno and think this was favorite breakfast choice out of all I had in Santa Fe. It is on pricy side but great good!
(5)
E. M.
Very delicious and exceptional flavors delighted us amid a busy lunch stop..all tables were full n the staff was booking it! Not a quiet peaceful place! It is a bit tight and I recommend you stagger your dining time slightly to avoid feeling rushed. The food is the center of the universe here! Recommend fish or haddock taco, any of the chili preparations, and the kale on the side. Wine varies.
(4)
Adrienne G.
This place rocks hands down we had dinner the other night and had a variety of things did not dissapointment the potato pancake was out of this world I want to try the breakfast out!
(5)
S Z.
Excellent food friendly atmosphere. Quite a busy small place! Party of 5 went at 2pm and was promptly seated after 15 min wait. Had to flag waiter down for water refills but other than that it's a great place to eat. Food was tasty. We would definitely stop by again.
(5)
Kraig W.
Food was great and love the community table. Went by myself, able to meet two friendly people, and have a good conversation.
(5)
Noreen C.
Loved it! Super food, great ambiance and people.
(5)
Amber H.
Amazing food! Easy, casual atmosphere. Eclectic and creative dishes. Breakfast lunch or dinner... Delicious!!!
Cafe Pasqual's was recommended to us by a friend born in Santa Fe but living in our Austin, TX. Our expectations were high and this place exceeded them in every category. My wife had the corn beef hash and I had the griddled polenta with chorizo and red chile. They added a bit of jalapano since I prefer a bit more heat .. our server was down to earth with absolutely no attitude that is so common in the touristy areas. The food (and even the coffee) was amazing to compliment the personable service and great ambiance. This place has found a spot on our must visit list for whenever we're back this way.
(5)
Amaryl P.
We LOVED Pasqual's! The food was the best mole sauce we've had since we've been on our vacation. The atmosphere is very European: small, quaint, it's our pleasure to be here. We loved our time there. Our best food in Sanfa Fe!
(5)
Zia L.
Huevos Barbacoa was amazing and you get a lot of food. Lattes are pretty good too.
(5)
J S.
Came across this place by accident while we were headed to another restaurant. The dishes were delicious and we enjoyed the dining atmosphere. A little pricey but it was a nice treat. We ordered the Plato Supremo but the Barbacoa was definitely our favorite.
(5)
Isabelle L.
This was very overrated and overpriced. The food was just ok as well as the service. They didn't have diet coke which is worth a star haha.
(2)
Jak K.
We have eaten here two nights in succession and the food is terrific. Service is excellent as well. Amazing and inventive combinations drawing from all kinds of cuisines. We are hooked. Portions are very generous. Only eaten about half both nights but wished I could have eaten more.
(5)
Grass W.
a little bit over priced, but the food was good!
(4)
Maresa T.
Possibly my favorite Santa Fe restaurant. Amazing vegetarian selection that is seasonal and changing. I like to go there for dinner even though it is known for breakfast/brunch. Fabulous wine list too.
(5)
Sheba G.
First of all, the wait wasn't that bad...we only waited 20 minutes for a table of 4. I started off with the elderberry spritzer (non-alcoholic). It was so refreshing and different (in a good way) since it's not a drink typically seen on menus. Our family had the lamb tacos specials, carne asana tacos and the vegetarian chile relleno and enchilada combo. The lamb tacos were so tasty! The cilantro rice was killer! The chile relleno had so much cheese oozing out....everything was deli push. Service was great too - friendly & helpful. I loved that they didn't rush us out even though there was a wait too.
(5)
Sandy G.
Ate here today and had a great time. We were seated at the community table, OTW we would have had to wait. I ordered the quinoa burger with kale salad in the side. It was fresh, organic, and savory. Yum. We also shared a press pot of coffee and were treated to macaroon style cookie to finish off the meal, which was delicious. The service was good and the food super satisfying!
(5)
Vic T.
Expectations for a flavorful sante fe breakfast will be well fulfilled here, along with great menu suggestions. We will return for more this visit and next
(5)
John C.
Solid breakfast choice, went with the Christmas style chorizo breakfast burrito and wasn't disappointed. Would come again
(4)
Joe S.
$25 for a plate of enchiladas and they don't have a full liquor license? Soooo overrated.
(1)
A K.
Great food, but terrible service. Our server had a passive aggressive attitude to almost every request. "What are your salad dressings?" 4 second pause. "The ones we have are the ones listed on the menu".
(3)
Erica R.
So GOOD
(5)
Billy T B.
Sorta concerned about some of the reviews and statements about long lines but we were pleasantly surprised. We had brioche French toast, Pasqual's favorite, cheese omelette with ham. It was all very good. Cafe Pasqual is a little pricey, especially for breakfast but it was worth it. The coffee was a bit strong and tasted like it was from the bottom if the coffee pot to me. They have xylitol as an alternative to Splenda and it was ok. It was more stout than Starbucks. Great atmosphere, friendly service, walked right in at 8:45am for breakfast. We never saw anyone wait more than a couple of minutes. We will come back and Cafe Pasqual is a must on at least your first Santa Fe.
(4)
john a.
Heard good things about the restaurant so stopped by today. Food was good. French press coffee was excellent. Service was slow which only added to the 20 min wait. Place was cramped and hot. I won't frequent the place but may stop by once a month or so...
(3)
Darcy W.
Don't pass this place by, it's the best breakfast food, and worth the price, which was reasonable for locally sourced organic ingredients. The smoked trout hash was incredible, in fact everything was incredible! We were in a hurry and there at prime time Saturday morning. The service was fast, courteous, and our wait was minimal (15 minutes) for a good table. Absolutely worth it, the ambience was great too. The personal touches are everywhere. And the coffee is excellent!
(5)
Bryce K.
You're probably going to have to wait in line, but it's worth it. I ordered the huevos rancheros. I wanted to try the huevos barbacoa, but wanted to save my meat-eating quota for later in the day. The huevos rancheros were good, but I was more impressed by the girlfriend's chile relleno. Darn it, her order is better than mine again!
(4)
John G.
The huevos rancheros con chorizo was good but not as life changing as the photos implied.
Finally made it in here for breakfast. Not a long wait. Extremely interesting crowd including a diner next to us who ordered a glass of Cabernet with his eggs. A killer menu of southwest-inspired recipes. I had the Durango omelet with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, chorizo and green chiles. Fantastic. Great coffee. The best quality meal we had in Santa Fe.
(5)
Shelley M.
Get there early to avoid a long wait, they do not take reservations. I've enjoyed every meal here to the fullest! Go ahead and sit at the community table if you are alone or with one other. You'll get seated more quickly and it's fun to dine with others who love great food. I really enjoy their breakfast meals, check those out even if it's lunch time. The Mexican cocoa is very good. The bathroom always has a queue and is tiny, but clean. Plan accordingly. If you must wait to be seated, go across the street to The Spirit of the Earth shop.
(5)
Lynn D.
Had the Yucatan chicken salad and it was good. A bit overpriced. Flies were an annoying problem. I wish I had gone there for breakfast instead of lunch. I think breakfast might have been more deserving of the hype
(3)
Greg S.
Food is fantastic. Loved the scallops cooked perfect. Tasted the fish tacos also fantastic.
(4)
Kelly K.
Saw a line of people waiting for the 8am opening. Figured it must be good. Got in line and waited 15 minutes. The waitstaff was great at getting everyone settled. Unfortunately, things went downhill. I ordered coffee in a press pot for a pricey 5.45. The coffee was lukewarm and too many grinds got into my coffee. Sent it back and got a standard cup of coffee which had refills and was pricey at 2.75. Ordered the platter of wheat pancakes, applewood bacon, and an egg over hard. Wait was long as they sat the whole place at once-around 25 minutes. The pancakes were tasty and I appreciated the real maple syrup and butter. The two strips of bacon were rubbery and not worth eating. The egg was overcooked. Sent egg back and next version was runny. Sent that back and got a nasty version of scrambled egg. This platter was overpriced at 15 dollars and with quality lacking I was not impressed. I appreciated the waiter knocking off around 6 dollars for my bill when he saw that I did not eat the egg or bacon. The waiters are doing a great job. The cooking needs improving.
(2)
Pat M.
A Santa Fe classic. Great creative dishes that are a pleasure to the palette. The restaurant is small, or "cozy", so you have to get their early and put your name. The last time I checked they did not take reservations. I found the wait staff to be very friendly. The cookies they sell at the front desk are awesome.
(4)
Bob H.
Cafe Pasqual's is a small intimate restaurant in the downtown part of Santa Fe. Reservations are recommended, preferably a few days ahead of your visit. Because it only has about 15 tables the wait could be long if you don't have reservations. The food and service was very good and the desserts looked great, but I was too full to have one. They only serve beer and wine, but if you arrive early you can go across the street to the hotel, which has a full bar. I would return to Cafe Pasqual's and I recommend it.
(4)
Giancarlo B.
Charming and quaint restaurant with fantastic service and out of this world food. We were visiting Santa Fe on our way to Colorado and decided to try Cafe Pasqual's. I had the Plato Supremo and my significant other ordered the cohinita. We both had to share because we couldn't take our eyes off of all the delicious food. Our server was the most professional and well serving gentleman we've ever had the pleasure of meeting at a restaurant. He gave us wonderful recommendations and was very amiable to converse with. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Kent W.
A friend recommended this place. We ate here two times in 5 days. Plato supremo is delicious. Has the best chile Relleno ever. Mole was complex and tasty. Service was attentive yet not pretentious. I recommend reservations as this place is popular. We arrived 5 minutes after opening and they were already half full.
(5)
Chris U.
The meal was rather expensive for kind of average food...we are vegetarians, so we had a limited choice. The people on either side of us really liked their meat dishes. The plates were generous. We had breakfast here 10 years ago, and it was wonderful! The dinner was kind of average southwestern food, with beans and rice and cooked vegetables. The bread was good, but we expected more for one of the more expensive restaurants we went to in Santa Fe.
(3)
C G.
I rarely write reviews, but this place deserves it. Cozy little joint with friendly staff that are clearly used to the frenzy and deal with it well. Food was hot, delicious if not a little pricey but worth it in my book. A local sitting next to us let us know that this is the perennial fave of the locals. I'd have to agree.
(5)
Ryan O.
Our favorite breakfast place in all of Santa Fe. And maybe beyond! I had the griddled polenta and wish it had never ended. My wife had the rellena and loved it. Even the kiddo loved his pancakes, eggs, and bacon. An annual tradition - see you again next summer!
(5)
Stan P.
OMG the food here was so damn good! Make a reservation today and go. A small hole in the wall space, but with the saving grace of an 8 top Community Table for those that did not make a reservation.
(5)
Jen G.
This place is great! FIrst, it is so sweet. The inside is really cozy with lights and different levels. I LOVED the atmosphere. It was also super cheery. And the service was excellent -- the servers were super nice. The food was also excellent. It was torture picking. Everything we had was great! Including dessert.
(4)
Lisa P.
If you are with a man for dinner prepare to be totally ignored.
(2)
Calin D.
Thoughful, well sourced, high quality food here. Upon entering Cafe Pasqual's you'll find lots of bright colors, particularly greens in a variety of shades, and an atmosphere that speaks of a well tended garden. While the seating is limited, the location manages to merge a variety of tables into a cozy space filled with many things to hold your visual interest while sharing it with other patrons. The friendly wait staff definitely follow the healthy guidelines that the menu here supports, and it was nice to find folks who believe in what they do in all aspects of their lives. The patrons dining when I visited were all well-kept professionals, (with me as the somewhat scruffy touristy exception of course), though I was happy to find out that most were locals. The green chili tamales were quite good, though priced a bit steep even for organic fare. If I visit again, I'll be sure to bring my friends Ben and Grant, and next time I'll dress up a bit more than down, though I can say that I was not made to feel unwelcome, for which I was grateful. Salud
(4)
Heather T.
It's been too long since I've been to Pasquale's. This is usually my must do for food in Santa Fe. The hubs and I planned this for a Sunday morning breakfast. We arrived fifteen minutes before opening and got seated right away. Within 30 minutes the place was packed. We started with a coffee and chai latte. The chai latte came in a large glass and was too much for me to finish. I also got a pineapple ginger juice to go which was cold and refreshing. For the main event I ordered the papas bravas with Christmas chili and 2 over easy eggs. The potatoes were cooked almost to the point of being too overdone. But the chili with melted cheese and over easy eggs was perfection. The hubs ordered the smoked trout hash. The fish was perfect and the saltiest thing on the plate. The rest of the ingredients were not salty which made for a really nice balance. We really enjoyed our brunch even if it was on the pricey side for what we ordered.
Appetizers great...Dessert way too sweet. I came here with my mom and we decided to order three appetizers and share rather than getting two separate entrees. Boy of boy was I glad that we did that. We got the ceviche, pupusa, & the tamales. Every one of these were just delicious. The Ceviche was unique because it had flounder which is something I have never seen or tried. It had just the right amount of everything in it and I would definitely have to say that it is the best one I have ever had. The tamale and pupusa were both delicious as well. The pupusa was crispy and not overly cheesy and greasy. It was just the right amount. The tamales on the other hand were drenched in red and green chile that was just perfect. All the flavors balanced each other out extremely well. Lastly we decided to end the meal with the goat cheese ice cream and it's house made sauce. Right when I tasted it I knew I didn't like it. The ice cream was not smooth or creamy at all. Instead it had a grainy crumbly like texture. This is supposed to be ice cream not actual frozen goat cheese! And to top it off it was drenched in an overly sweet sauce that pretty much ruined the whole dessert. I took one bite and I was done. Other than the dessert I would definitely come back for the brunch and dinner.
(4)
Alittle G.
Sensory overload when you walk in the door. A riot of colors, lively diners having a truly fun time, and delicious, sensuous smells. Love it. The dishes were lovingly prepared, with attention to detail. Great Santa Fe cuisine. It was like taqueria food, but more refined, with quality, fresh and organic ingredients. Still, I was expecting a little more from a James Beard restaurant, in comparison to some of the other mind blowing experiences with award winners. I think I wanted the spices to be stronger, or have more of a creative punch. Came here with the girlfriends, and laughed and had a fun time all nite. Service was great. Excellent place for high spirits, laughter, happiness, great drinks, and solid enjoyable food.
(4)
Molly E.
I think this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe because they use organic ingredients. Their food is delicious and everything sounded so good, it was difficult to decide. I wanted to keep coming back to try more of their offerings, but unfortunately everyone seems to know this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe, and there is always a wait of at least 30 minutes, sometimes a full hour.
(4)
Mark Richard B.
What an amazing restaurant with contemporary Southwest cooking. The chili-rubbed bacon is awesome. Every dish is cooked with the finest ingredients even something simple as cilantro rice perfectly made. Mole is perfect. Definitely worth a visit if you visit Santa Fe.
(5)
Kaitlin H.
Chicken sandwich is good, with sweet onion inside. Satay is good to try too. Not really like their smoothies.
(4)
Susan R.
Been here many times on our frequent visits to Santa Fe. Every dish is delicious! Pies are amazing. Huevos Rancheros indescribably tantalizing!
(5)
Sue S.
Have been eating here every trip to SF since 2006. Great breakfast and lunches. 15-20 minute waits every time. That tells you it is good eats.
(4)
Kristi W.
Excellent food and great ambiance. Best chili rellano we've ever had. The rib eye steak was one of the specials and deliciously served with smashed potatoes covered in mole sauce. We also had the mole enchiladas which were fabulous and served with some sort of cornbread that was to die for! The Plato supreme was a favorite dish among our group. Others in our party have eaten there for brunch and shared it was delicious as well. You will need a reservation.
(4)
Kerstyn P.
One of my very favorite spots for brunch. I like that they serve organic produce - the salads are crispy fresh with just the right amount of dressing.The red and green chile are very decent and the Cappuchinos are the best! The community table is a great plus, since I can go for a quick (healthy) lunch anytime by myself. Great people watching is gratis! The only minus: it is so popular, you have to calculate in some waiting time...but just opposite is the marvelous Doodlets Store and your waiting time is transformed into fun time!
(5)
Savannah G.
Hmmm...food is really good, but over priced and still reaching for the stars...oh wait... is that why we all go? If your in town making a film, why then of course you'll go but can the locals still afford to eat here? I fear not. Unless of course you have a trust, plane, east side palace or are otherwise re-inventing your self in Santa Fe and are from the "city". Again the food is great, mostly organic, somewhat creative new mexican inspired smallish portions. But why in the hundred plus times Ive been there do I never see any really Native people eating here? Why can't it be this good and be affordable in the off season too? Just saying a restaurant with it's namesake the patron saint of kitchens should be available to "la gente popular".
(3)
Jane V.
I loved this place! It was everything that I was looking for during my recent trip to Santa Fe... Perfect ambiance (intimate and charming interior with southwestern tiles and decor), and even better food. I had the Christmas enchiladas and the BEST Hot chocolate of my life. Service a little slow, but didn't even care as I was enjoying the setting.
(5)
N S.
I loved this place so much, I wished that I lived in Santa Fe. Hmm . . . I'd be there all the time. I ordered the enchiladas with red and green chilis, which were flavorful and complex. One of my friends raved about his salad with blood oranges and pine nuts. Not super fancy, but quaint and really, really good. P.S. Make a reservation.
(4)
Jimie D.
This place is the JAM! Amazing selection of food, awesome atmosphere, just the right amount of spice, and the most innovative ways I've ever seen chills & other peppers worked into dishes. Mmmm, can't wait to go back! Staff is extremely nice and attentive as well!
(5)
Rich G.
We have enjoyed at least one meal on every visit to Santa Fe over several years and always loved Cafe Pasqual's. We ate there last week and although it was good, I can not honestly say it was great, or even on par with past visits. My wife and son both enjoyed their meals, however I had the Halibut and it was ok..... but not what I have come to expect at Cafe Pasqual's. We will certainly return, but I will stick with the more traditional Southwest plates in the future.
(4)
Steven P.
Went there recently on my trip to Santa Fe. The food was awesome, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fun. We did not make reservations, which is recommended, however we were able to get seated at the community table which was surprisingly fun. Met some cool people and we all recommended food to each other. Definitely would eat there all the time if I lived closer!
(5)
Nathan H.
Excellent. Had the burrito with bacon and wife had the french toast. The french toast was crunchy but soft in the center. Sat at the community table and had excellent conversation. Love this place
(5)
Kimberly W.
I had a great dinner last night! The mole enchiladas were amazing, as was the date shake for dessert. My friend's Asada was absolutely perfect as well. The host and our waiter were super sweet - I'll definitely come back!
(5)
J. Christopher E.
I've been here several times across the years. What could be said about this place that hasn't already been said? How bout this - the best place to sit, I think, is at one of the two tables by the window. How do you get one of these tables? Best bet is to show up during the week instead of the weekend, not be in a rush, and to note to the host that you're willing to wait to get one of the tables. (when sitting there, if it gets too hot, ask them to lower the blinds) Of course, if you're the social type, then sit at the communal table instead. How bout this - the meals are pretty big. If there's only two of you, how about ordering 'Pasqual's Favorite' with chorizo. Also order an extra tortilla. Share the main meal and then use the tortilla to make your own chorizo with scrambled egg burrito. And share a hot chocolate; you definitely need one, but very rich and heavy so you don't need two. This way you leave full but not too stuffed. How bout this - when sitting at the table by the window, take a picture of yourself with the geranium plants next to you and the tiles behind you and the morning sunlight coming in. It's a nice picture. How bout this - if nice outside, after breakfast, walk around the plaza to work off your breakfast and then after about 1 hour and fifteen minutes head over to the Coyote Cafe Cantina (mostly across the street from Pasqual's) for a bucket of Coronitas. Even if you followed the above advice and shared a breakfast you're likely still too full to order food so just have the beer.
(4)
Lisa H.
After reading many outstanding reviews of Cafe Pasqual's on various website and travel books, we decided to book a table two days in advance in this place. The first impression of this place is that of a cozy small place with creative decor and oversized pinatas. The tables were close to each other, but still had the privacy. The menu represented quality rather than quantity, which I highly appreciate in restaurants. We finally made the wine choice (they had some wine by glass) and decided to have the Yucatan Style Pork and The Plato Supreme and my son had the Chicken Quesadilla. The pork was wrapped up in a banana leaf and was presented with fried plantains and calabacitas. The Plato Supreme had Chille Relleno, Chicken Tamales and Mole Enchilada. All the dishes were superb and tasted excellent. Specially the pork was shredded well and marinated with the right amount of spices before it was cooked and it had the smoked flavor of the banana leaf which made is very tasteful. The Chile Relleno with the green chille sauce was succulent and almost melted in the mouth. Overall a great restaurant with very well made food. I loved the feel of the restaurant, our servers were great and was happy to have tasted one of Santa Fe's great restaurants.
(5)
Raven C.
Am at home sick because of their breakfast. I didn't eat much because it didn't taste well. Found cracked egg shells on my plate with pancakes... really gross. Potatoes were ones u probably would find in county jail they were so bad. Not to mention the host omitted the special which he kindly let the other people next to me know about. So I asked the other waiters about the special and they just looked at me turned their head and walked away. Now I'm home sick with diarrhea and all I can say is beware.
(1)
Mike O.
Oh, woe. Cafe Pasqual's perhaps does not deserve this low rating, but perhaps I did not deserve the wait for overpriced, pretentiously made and described food. Let me make my case. I visited here one weeknight with a colleague, and we saw open tables and a nice menu. We were told that the wait would be up to two hours or more since we didn't have a reservation. I was puzzled by the open tables... I called the next day to make a reservation, and they again had nothing open until 8:30. "How about the following night?" I asked. Still, no openings, except for 5:30 and 8:30. Huh? Fine, we went with the 8:30. We were seated at a table that gave you about as much space as you'll get in places like NYC, which, strangely, was comforting, but what was not was that our server couldn't hold onto the fact that we had ordered two drinks. Not a stretch for the short-term memory I might have assumed, but you never know. The best part of the meal was the appetizer. We ordered tamales with Christmas chiles, and it was quite good. What is dismaying is that we paid four times as much for these little guys as I would at the local Mexican food truck for something as good if not better. Not sooner had we finished the tamales did the entrees arrive, which made me wonder: is stuff just sitting under heat lamps back in the kitchen? I had the mole enchiladas, and at a price of $28, I assumed I would be eating it with flakes and nuggets of gold in the meal. No such luck. The meal was just mediocre, and I couldn't finish it. At least the portions weren't small. I'm mildly dismayed at my own thoughts on this place, because I love organic, locally sourced food that is done artfully and has a new twist on local cuisine, but Cafe Pasqual's didn't work for me. This place isn't really as bad as the two-star rating I gave it, but it is certainly NOT worth the overrated Yelp reviews. It is overpriced, overpretentious, and it underdelivers. Here is a simple algorithm for eating in Santa Fe: if you have to get a reservation and it's not cheap but the menu does look promising, be very careful. If you have to get a reservation and it's cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO! If you don't have to get a reservation and it looks cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO!
(2)
Laura G.
Absolutely delicious, best food so far in Santa Fe. The best thing we had was the carne asada, which was cooked to perfection, spicy salsa with guacamole for sauces. Also recommend whatever kind of fruit pie they have for dessert, ours was raspberry and apricot. Atmosphere is lovely, it is busy but not particularly noisy. Definitely get a reservation or you may not get a table though.
(5)
Leahi M.
I enjoy coming here when my "rich" friends want to eat here, other than that I think it's a little pricey for my taste and don't mind if it's all organic or not...I can make organic food at home for way cheaper. The tables are very close to one another it felt like I was practically sitting on the woman's lap next to me, the food is delicious though. Service was also great, the atmosphere is a little busy for me, but it's always about the company your with that provides for the entertainment. I don't mind coming here, but it's not a place I'm super excited to go to when I think of New Mexican
(4)
Susie E.
Ok place to eat. Lines can be long. Food is alright, nothing to write home to. Can't seem to figure out why all the tourists seem to flock to this place? nothing bad though.
(2)
Nancy I.
I had one of the most imaginative, hi-quality, meals ever! I was a few minutes early, and had to wait a little, but I didn't mind, as at the stroke of the hour, I was seated.The atmosphere was straight out of the 70's, kind of hip, which is my generation. I felt right at home. There is a gallery upstairs; I did not have time to visit, but appreciate a restaurant that promotes local artists. My waiter was friendly and attentive. I mentioned that I was just getting used to the altitude, and slightly dehydrated; without my prompting, he kindly kept filling my water glass. I ordered the quinoa burger, as so many yelpies had sung its praises. I was not disappointed. The restaurant uses organic ingredients, which, of course, enhances the health benefits and fresh taste. I am not a vegetarian, but this was a delicious, complex burger. I never missed the meat. Usually the texture of veggie burgers ruin the eating pleasure for me, but this burger had the mouth-feel of a real beef burger. I can just imagine the painstaking hours of experimentation it took to get the taste and texture just right. This was served with guac, and tomato chutney. A side of beautiful field greens, watermellon radishes and other fresh, crisp veggies complemented the burger. The vinigrette was lovely and light. The portions were ample, and the prices reasonable. For dessert, I had a house-made fresh apricot galette.The crust was golden brown, light, and the apricots were sweet and a vibrant color. I would have loved to return to sample other delicious things. The restaurant puts out 2 cookbooks, and I will have to look into this. Make sure you check this restaurant out if you go to Santa Fe.
(5)
John Jah F.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. All of the ingredients are fresh and used perfectly. The service is great! We had a friend from out of town and the server brought him water (in addition to his beer) and told him "out here in New Mexico you need to stay hydrated". It was very sweet. Speaking of sweets...the dessert cabinet (which is beautiful and mounted on the front desk) holds a little treasure trove of hand made sweets to choose from. All of them are delicious, I should know....I took one of each back to the hotel room. Hey, I'm on vacation and its ok if I want to go fat bastard style. The local beers are also a treat. They also have Sammy Smiths Nut Brown ale which goes great with green chile! The Agave wine margaritas are really a great mid day drink to have before strolling around the plaza. Spending the day with the girlfriend looking at shoes is a lot easier when you have one or two of those in ya. I recommend sitting at the community table, its really fun to talk to complete strangers about their lives....did that sound sarcastic? Because it really is fun!
(5)
Lawrence P.
Easy review to write. Dinner Great food friendly service. Food well prepared. All organic. Outstanding
(5)
joe j.
We are usually fans of this restaurant however recently it did not measure up. The burgers (Bison and Lamb) we ordered arrived medium and well done, not rare side of medium rare as we had ordered. They were running late seating us (we had a reservation) so we didn't want to send back. The starter came with jalapeno avocado dipping sauce that was pretty bland, which was a surprise. We have had good enchiladas with mole etc. on prior occasions so perhaps burgers aren't he way to go. On the other hand getting a burger temp right is pretty basic and the prices are on the higher side. Service was fine though.
(3)
Sherry T.
Food: I tried the lamb quesadilla, which was included in their dinner specials menu. The food was seasoned well and the meat tender. The taste itself was delicious, but the serving size (at least for this dish) could have been a little more generous. I also tried their chocolate pecan pie, which I enjoyed. It was on the sweeter side, but totally satisfied my dessert craving. Price: I would have liked a larger portion size to compensate for the price. Atmosphere: The restaurant was very lively and I love their eclectic decorations. They serve small as well as larger groups. Service: Our server was actually hard to get a hold of. He spent a lot of time speaking to some of the tables and then disappear again. I know it was a busy evening, but my group and I would have appreciated it if he checked in on us after our entrees and desserts were served.
(3)
Rob K.
We had one hour to spare, getting from Taos to Albuquerque to catch our plane home. Based on advice from a friend we can to Cafe Paquals and was it worth it. OMIGOD! Incredibly tasty food that's organic AND local. I made a detour on my vegetarian journey for the carne Asada-- skirt steak-- and it was worth it. Mmmmm good. My friend had the Mole enchiladas and said the mole sauce was probably the best he ever tasted. I grabbed four different pastries and they were out of this world, particularly the chocolate ones. While we had lunch, ALL of the breakfasts we saw being served looked absolutely amazing. There was a wait for lunch. The wait was worth it. This place is a treasure. BTW, while the place is in the downtown district, there's a municipal parking lot around the corner for $2 an hour. One last thing-- the people working there were great.
(5)
Katherine M.
The best mole enchiladas I've ever had! Hands down! Very good tacos barbacoas. Amazing house Malbec. Warm and inviting decor. The place was packed, but the service was still outstanding. Unfortunately we left no room for dessert. I'm sure it would have been amazing.
(5)
Margab M.
The staff add a lot of flare-calling some customers code names, which was a turn off and awkward (i.e. "Southwest is now paying"). Overall, quaint, delicious, and very crowded. It would not be a mistake to come here for delicious, tasty food- just be ok with the wait and uncomfortable customer favoritism in terms of wait time.
(2)
Bobby S.
We are visiting Santa Fe for just two days and this place is so good that we ate here three times in those two day - cancelling reservations at La Boca even. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They are happy to make any substitution that you'd like and to make your meal perfect for you in every way. I had the Trout Hash and every last bite was amazing.I was stuffed but wanted more. The coffee is great which I find unusual for a place like this. And the vegan burger will rock your world. maybe I should move to santa fe just so that i can eat here more......
(5)
Christen N.
The food was pretty good, and the menu was very friendly to those with dietary restrictions. But the prices were higher than was reasonable, even when taking into account the responsibly sourced ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and chic. If you go, avoid going around 5; there is a big crowd when they reopen for dinner and you will wait forever.
(3)
Morgan W.
Well, I know what's going to take me out of my way and driving for several minutes around the Square every single time I pass through Santa Fe. My husband and I stopped here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area. This is actually the first experience that I know of, of eating a restaurant run by a James Beard Award Winner. And now, I must seek out more of these individuals, and the eateries they run, and eat the living daylights out of their food. The portions are Just Right(tm). The plates arrive looking full but you don't feel like you need to be rolled out the front door, even when you're scrambling to mop up the last of the mole sauce with the edge of your fork, and begin to wonder how many looks you would get for licking the plates. The menu is large with lots of variety. Vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters will feel at home here. Great variety of breakfast and lunch dishes and SO MANY drink choices. Kudos for serving Blue Sky brand colas, they are definitely more delicious than conventional soda products. My husband and I both opted for the chicken mole enchiladas. I wish we'd each gotten something different but, it is what it is. The chicken tasted beautiful, moist and meaty and fresh, not rubbery or dry or stringy. Nice chocolate and red chile flavors in the mole sauce. Side of cilantro rice was well cooked and portioned well. The jicama-orange salad on the side was really neat: Triangle slabs of jicama with small orange pieces with the membrane peeled. I need to remember this presentation for the future. My husband and I absolutely destroyed our dishes. We were finished before tables who had gotten their food before us were even halfway finished. We opted to split a dessert of fresh mango and chili-lime salsa. The salsa was more like a sauce, which perfectly complimented the sliced mango. We wound up buying the book they had for sale which is full of the restaurant's recipes, and in fact right now there is a 4-quart stock pot of the restaurant's signature green chili simmering on the stove. So grateful we can continue to eat this incredible food at home!
(5)
D. S.
Really delicious! We went here for breakfast 2 days in a row. Good customer service. Authentic atmosphere. Murals on the walls.
(5)
Samuel C.
Right downtown. Park in the public lot across the street and do yourself a favor. Pretty good food, especially breakfast. Drawback is the line you usually have to wait in to get a table most weekend mornings.
(3)
Donna K.
We were told that this was a must-eat place when in Santa Fe. The food was very good, the service was great and the wait wasn't as long as I had expected, however, the prices were crazy expensive! We spent $50 on a basic breakfast for two of Huevos Rancheros and pancakes, bacon and 1 egg. Two OJs were $11!!! Who charges $5.50 for a small glass of juice? If you have that kind of money to spend on breakfast, you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Ryan H.
Great little spot in Santa Fe. Great food, great service, but at a price. Be prepared to pay high end downtown Santa Fe prices and make sure to call ahead or you might have to wait 30+ min for a table.
(4)
Libbie C.
Good food. I had the corn cakes and they were awesome. They were one of the specials featured ($23). The service was splendid and not pushy. My mom loves this place and it seems to attract an older crowd. If I were to come back I think I would want to try their brunch menu.
(4)
Lauren E.
With the very friendly staff and delicious food, Cafe Pasqual's is an amazing find! The osso bucco was very good and unique. It had wonderful citrus overtones. The carrot ginger soup was very well balanced. The scallops were cooked perfectly and wrapped in flavorful bacon. The pear sorbet was an absolute delight! Very refreshing and delicious! We would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Santa Fe. We were able to get in on a Friday night at around 7:30pm after about 20 minutes without a reservation. It is a small place, but the ambiance is fun and colorful!
(5)
Robert C.
Lunch 30th October 2012 - Ratings: A = Excellent, C = Mediocre, E = Awful. Food B Service B- Ambience B Value for Money C We sat at the communal table in the middle because all the individual tables were full. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I had the smoked trout salad, my wife the chicken sandwich, and our friend the buffalo burger. All these were good but somewhat overpriced for what they were. The service was good. The bathrooms were very small.
(3)
Diana M.
Only the most amazing Southwestern food Santa Fe has to offer. The homemade chili cornbread chicken sandwich is inspired. The green chili is smoky and warm. The green "Hippie" drink is fresh and energizing! They are farm to table with a passion for providing only the highest quality organic options. The service is friendly and we left so full just to return in a heartbeat the next day! We will definitely return. This is a MUST visit in Santa Fe. The weekends are sure to be a long wait for this gem of a quaint spot!
(5)
Leland T.
Second time in as many months weve waited 45 minutes to get a meal here. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff super friendly, the food is very lacking and over priced. My wifey ordered a burger rare...... it came out burnt i was extremely disapointed in this because the presentation looked amazing. My chile was fairly bland and for a 25 dollar combo plate I was very unimpressed. I guess that pretty much somes up both experiences. I think I'll stick with The Pantry, way better food for a third of the price!
(2)
H R.
Delicious! Cubano Sammy with tomatillo salsa and red cabbage slaw was terrific, as we're the fish tacos with kale salad. Cozy place and busy at lunch, but efficient as well. I'd come here again.
(5)
Jim M.
We are foodies and love southwestern food. The food was very good in flavor, however the cumulative effect of all the slow burn dishes (tacos, tamales and rice) overwhelmed us. We stopped eating and left hungry. Would have helped to have a non spicy rice or some condiment to cut the heat. Staff was pleasant but not terribly receptive to our situation.
(2)
Patron X.
Love, love, love to brunch here, and so does everyone else so prepare for an absurdly long wait. If you have the time then it's worth it. Everything I've had from egg dishes, to salads, to sandwiches have been delicious and the place is super cute with friendly servers. Whether you're a meat eater or vegetarian you'll find something on the menu that you'll love. I haven't ever been for dinner because the pricing for dinner seems absurdly high for the casualness of the restaurant but maybe one day.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No By Appointment Only : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Jonathan B.
You have to go to Pasqual's. Go there for breakfast. Go there for lunch. You won't find higher quality and better flavors anywhere. It's really good. This time, I was amazed at how good there hamburger is. Seriously. I never thought Cafe Pasqual's was a place to get a burger, but it was amazing. I would not recommend taking young kids. It's a tight place and, quite frankly, the staff didn't seem to appreciate their presence.
(5)Morgan P.
I love the polenta smothered in a delicious red chile sauce, with a poached egg on top! My husband's corned beef & hash was very good. We also got one of their pancakes on the side - perfect! The ambiance is great - colorful decorations, and fun vibe. The downside: so packed, takes a while to get in AND it is very pricey. Staff is hurried, but nice.
(4)Lauren C.
[They are not off to a good impression. We were on time for our 7:30 reservation...it's 7:42. There's an empty table. It's been empty since we got here. No one is talking to us...7:47, my friend just asked the hostess when we'd be seated for our 7:30 reservation...hostess was annoyed and said we'd be seated when they were ready. There's only one empty table, already set...] The portion in brackets (above) was me typing as we stood, waiting for our table. I waited to type the rest of this review until after we'd eaten and I wasn't so annoyed in the moment about the horrible service. REST OF REVIEW The hostess eventually came over and said another group had asked to be seated at our table, and they were going to bump us from our reservation, but since the other group was a half hour late, she would seat us. She acted like honoring our reservation was doing us a grand favor. She then seated us at the only empty table. It had been set and empty this whole time. No apology. I was really hoping some good food would make up for it. The food is underwhelming. For the prices quoted, I assumed it would be much better. I live in SF and these prices aren't surprising in and of themselves...but I'd never pay this much for the quality (or lack thereof) here. It was very underwhelming. It sounds great on the menu, but the execution is lacking. Sad to say that I don't recommend this place due to the rude service and mediocre food. I'm so, so close to giving them a single star because of their poor service, but will give them the benefit of the doubt that the hostess was having an off night or has been replaced with someone who was appropriately trained.
(2)Adele F.
Came here for brunch last Monday at around 10 am. At that time, wait was only about 15 minutes for three people. I would recommend coming here on a weekday unless you are willing to go hangry for a long time. Pros: - fun atmosphere, especially when seated at the communal table - great Mocha latte (with almond milk) - good intro to Santa Fe flavors - inexpensive - good, quick service Cons: - great that it's funky and artsy but it's one of those places that's not entirely clean/spotless -wait can be long
(4)Maisha R.
To me, this place had kind of a hippie vibe going on with very eccentric green and yellow paint, ceiling hangings, and a very relaxed atmosphere. It looked different than what I'd anticipated but I was really looking forward to trying the food. We started with the brie, green and red salsa, and roasted garlic appetizer that we spread on small pieces of baguette. The combination sounded a little odd but it worked well. For my entree, I ordered the plato supremo - chile relleno, mole chicken enchilada, and taco with beef - so that I could try a few different items on their menu. I've never been a fan of chile relleno, but this one, in an "omelet style" was more about the cheese than the chile, which was right up my alley. The chicken in the enchilada and the 12-hour braised beef in the taco were so flavorful that I ended up eating the meat out of the tortillas, as they were a little overcooked and hard. I asked for all of the sauces on the side, which was nice so I could experiment with different flavor combinations. Others enjoyed the tamales, carne asada skewers, and cochinita pibil- yucan style. For dessert, we enjoyed a couple of slices of strawberry rhubarb pie and chocolate mousse. The portions were generous, service was adequate, and the food was solid. It wasn't the best place we tried in Santa Fe but we enjoyed our evening.
(4)Sam E.
Our first meal in Santa Fe and I must say - it was a great one! Friendly staff, fast service and great food! They were able to accommodate for gluten free and even warned us of items that have gluten in them. The space is quaint and cute and perfect after a stroll through the city and feels like someone's home. Very cozy! Mole enchiladas were excellent and taste light and not heavy at all. Carne asada was excellent with a side of grilled vegetables, corn tortillas and black beans. Def recommend!
(5)Nick C.
Quality, expensive ($25-40 entrees) food in a casual setting with great service. I probably wouldn't go back, since I can have an almost as good experience at a fraction of the price elsewhere (or cook most of the dishes at home, there's nothing exotic here), but if you're not price sensitive sure, why not, grab a bite there.
(4)Calin D.
Thoughful, well sourced, high quality food here. Upon entering Cafe Pasqual's you'll find lots of bright colors, particularly greens in a variety of shades, and an atmosphere that speaks of a well tended garden. While the seating is limited, the location manages to merge a variety of tables into a cozy space filled with many things to hold your visual interest while sharing it with other patrons. The friendly wait staff definitely follow the healthy guidelines that the menu here supports, and it was nice to find folks who believe in what they do in all aspects of their lives. The patrons dining when I visited were all well-kept professionals, (with me as the somewhat scruffy touristy exception of course), though I was happy to find out that most were locals. The green chili tamales were quite good, though priced a bit steep even for organic fare. If I visit again, I'll be sure to bring my friends Ben and Grant, and next time I'll dress up a bit more than down, though I can say that I was not made to feel unwelcome, for which I was grateful. Salud
(4)K G.
On a busy Christmas Eve lunch hour, we got a friendlier greeting at the host desk than other reviews have reported, and were given the option to wait a long time or sit at the community table; we dropped in on the community table, which is not our favorite thing to do. The food didn't quite live up to the hype, and was not a standout memory during a 5-day visit to town in which we did a lot of restaurant-hopping. We had the breakfast burrito that others found so amazing, and we really liked it - but with this place's reputation, I expected something more special. The huevos rancheros was fine, but not particularly memorable. For overall food taste, we thought Maria's, Tune-Up Cafe and the Casa Sena Cantina were each better than this. Prices seemed high for what we got. Service was friendly, but on the slow side; we needed to flag down our waiter a few times, and she was confused for a bit about who was with whom at the community table. My wife liked the pastel decor, but I found it unattractive. The restroom area is also worth mentioning in that the hallway and men's restroom were perhaps the most claustrophobic I've ever seen.
(3)Heidi F.
This place was VERY pricey; however the food was fabulous. They had very interesting combinations of food. I hope to go to this restaurant every time I am in Santa Fe. It's not authentic Santa Fe food, but the chef's certainly know how to impress people. The bathroom area was an experience. It was like being on a ship with narrow halls. It really was a cool hang. I would consider this place dressy if you are going to dine there for dinner.
(5)Maritza K.
WOW how far can you go on your 'old' reputation... Resting on their laurels, this place needs a new menu, a new chef, a new something. Their packaged granola to go is still the best I had, YET they have escalated the price to about 3 times to what I used to pay 9 yrs ago. Seriously? Whenever I see a line of tourists waiting I want to scream at them to go spend their money elsewhere, maybe buy one of their quaint old style Mexican calendars, I recommend those :)
(1)LINDA R.
Went for a early Sunday breakfast. VERY tiny crowded place, put name in: 30 min wait - only place to do so is out on the street. While waiting for hubby to park car, took a good look at breakfast menu - prices appeared very steep for eggs & toast, ect. After 10 mins, hubby went in to get menu - well, i was looking at wrong menu - now serving: SUNDAY BRUNCH - same items - 35% higher prices! $15 for eggs, potaoes, & toast? $10 for granola?! Me thinks not! So we walked around corner to the BEST decision ever: The Plaza Cafe!! $4 pancakes, $7 GIGANTIC breakfast - sooo glad we changed venues!
(1)Alan T.
Wow, went here for dinner and had an awesome meal. I had to stop myself and stare at the chicken mole enchilada for a minute - it was SO good. I had the Plato Supremo (Chile Relleno, Chicken Mole Enchilada & Barbacoa Taco) - highly recommended. We also had the Halibut Ceviche for appetizer - yum. All the people complaining about the wait: deal with it. Either call for reservations (dinner) or put your name in, get a cup of coffee and walk around for a little while (and relax, you're in the art mecca of the Southwest remember).
(5)joe r.
Their cornmeal bread is perfect as is everything else. I am from San Francisco find this to be on par with our best breakfast places
(4)Rachel L.
Here's the thing...when you're at 7000 feet and decide to drink multiple margaritas/sangria at every meal...you need fluids in the morning. By fluids, I mean coffee, water AND iced tea. Maybe they should have known when we came in with Starbucks in hand but maybe we should have known when they asked if we wanted to sit at a communal table. I understand the whole organic thing but my biggest beef with this place was that you couldn't get a pack of sugar to save your life. The lady gave me some weird sugar substitute made from wood chips - WTF??? I mean come on - can't a girl get some Splenda? I would have settled for good old fashioned raw sugar...NOPE - wood chips disguised as sugar!!! LAME!!!! Food was OK. I liked my breakfast quesadilla with bacon and green chili but it was kinda overpriced for what you got. My friend had some nice looking potatoes - I missed out on that one. I do think this place is really cute and they do a serious business because the line was out the door and the wait was over 30 minutes. We lucked out and were seated in 5 minutes. Not sure if it's a local or tourist crowd but it was definitely bustling. There on tons of places to eat in Santa Fe...not sure I would come back to this one for breakfast - maybe dinner though when I don't need sugar for my beverage!!
(2)Elizabeth Y.
I was visiting Santa Fe with my mom and sister, and was told this was the place for the breakfast. So, we decided to go there on our first morning in town, and it definitely set the tone for an awesome trip! We got there around 9am on a Saturday morning, and only had to wait around 20 min. for a table. Based on the previous reviews I'd read, I had mentally prepared myself to wait much longer, so, pleasant surprise there on the short wait. It did get even more packed though as we were leaving. They do apparently take reservations for dinner, but for breakfast it's first come first serve. The wheat pancakes were fluffier than any other pancakes I've ever had (soooo good) and the french toast was coated with corn flakes and extremely crispy and delicious. I also loved their selection of organic fresh squeezed juices; can't beat that first thing in the morning! Coffee/espresso drinks were also good. The place was super accommodating (had no problems changing out a few things here and there for us), and everyone we met there was extremely friendly. Overall, wish we had been able to go back one more time before we left! Our other breakfast experiences in Santa Fe couldn't compete.
(4)Michelle C.
This place is one of the best I have ever experienced We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the communal table which is really cool, you get to see all the delicious food and meet your neighbors. We started with the baked brie with red and green sauce with home made bread a must eat if you come here The mole Enchiladas are so good and you can get them vegetarian which I always thought was unheard of. The Osso Bucco was cooked perfectly and was falling off the bone. I am pretty sure you can't make a mistake here... The desserts looked amazing and I heard a lot of mmm's coming from the table
(5)Mindi s.
We waited an hour for a seat. We were clearly at THE place to have breakfast because there were several other restaurants surrounding Cafe Pasqual's offering breakfast but there were a ton a people huddled around the entrance waiting like we were. We got to sit at the community table which was cool but the food was just ok and incredibly expensive. I had the corned beef hash. The meat was tender and tasty but the potatoes were like home fries and too big to be part of the hash. My husband had a traditional breakfast with bacon, eggs, and pancakes but we certainly weren't wowed by either of our dishes. Breakfast for 2 people including tip ended up being almost $50! They are probably so used to catering to tourist that they had to dumb down the flavor of everything and it has been so hyped up (hence the crowd) they can charge whatever they like and get away with it. I'd skip it and try to find another place with less of a wait. The only redeeming quality was the decor. It was eclectic and Santa Fe-ish but had some inventive pieces on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.
(2)Kaoru S.
Great breakfast place. i like the community table, enjoying food together with others, fun way to meet locals and travelers. Dinner also delicious, one of favorite places in town.
(5)gert m.
I travel a fair amount and am always hoping to find great food experiences. This was not one of them. The food was just OK and the price was - well, outrageous. $29 for a plate with 2 chicken enchiladas and a splotch of mediocre bland "cilantro" rice! I don't know if there are a lot of locals that frequent this place, but with all the tourists trying to find a good meal it's always packed. Save your time and money and find another restaurant unless you can get the espresso milkshake to go. A good option is the Tesuque Market, a short drive out of town. Better food for half the price.
(2)Chas D.
Cafe Pasqual's is the other place I return to when I'm in Santa Fe (along with Plaza Cafe) and they are two blocks and world's apart. Where the Plaza is solidly traditional New Mexico-style Mexican, Pasqual's is innovative and experimental within the same genre. The diners at the Plaza are mostly down-to-earth locals -- at Pasqual's they're mostly upscale tourists. The cost of dinner at Pasqual's is double or triple that of the Plaza. But I Iove them both. Along with the terrific food, one thing I especially like about Pasqual's is the central "commons" table. A large table that seats 12-15 people. If you don't have a reservation and there's a spot, Pasqual's seats you at the "commons" (my word, not theirs), assuming you're willing, of course. Here you get a chance to meet new people and if you're traveling alone for work, it makes for a nice change from solo dining. The common table also works well for me as Pasqual's fills it's reservations early and I can never make up my mind where I want to eat that far in advance . . .
(4)N. C.
I know, I know, 16 bucks for a chicken sandwich sounds appalling to the uninitiated, but when you take into consideration the local, free range, organic, fresh, delicious goodness of said sandwich, you may just be mollified and give it a try. The desserts are divine, the service is knowledgeable and friendly, and I've never been disappointed by a meal there.
(4)Hopeless Coffee A.
What hasn't been said? As far as the prices go... This is an organic restaurant in the most expensive leasing area of Santa Fe. Which is a city with too small of a population to support all the restaurants it has. With that said I feel Pasqual's is pricey but its the cost of doing business. This place is small but more on the cozy side as opposed to crowded. The high ceilings and large windows ad extra dimension to the place taking away from the tiny dining area. The live plants mix well with its bright vibrant interior. My food was great. I got the Carne Asada and that came with some delicious black beans, fire roasted red and green bell peppers, onions, garlic and some very soft and fresh handmade tortillas. I was slightly disappointed in their red chili. It was smooth and smokey but lacked any heat. However, after having Café Guadalupe's rich earthy aromatic red chili everyone's in Santa Fe seemed ok. Everything on my plate had a little char, not burned (think blackened), to it that imparted a great smokey taste. Service was adequate. Pasqual's is the place for someone looking for fresh handmade organic and vegetarian options. If you are on a budget you can probably get the same great taste else where for a little cheaper but not much more cheaper in the most expensive leasing area of Santa Fe.
(4)Miguel M.
This restaurant serves New Mexican cuisine. Unfortunately, for my taste, it was a little too "New" and not enough "Mexican." I had the enchilada plate. The sauce tasted almost like a bland mole. Had this dish been a little more "Mexican," the sauce would have had some heat to it. Also, charging $21 for a plate of meatless enchiladas is utterly ridiculous. I don't dislike New Mexican cuisine and I'm fully aware that New Mexican food, although based on Mexican food, is not Mexican food. That said, I do like my food, be it New Mexican or Old Mexican, to be flavorful, which my meal at Cafe Pasqual's was not. All in all, I feel this restaurant has been seriously overrated here on Yelp.
(2)Adriane T.
Delicious. Loved the chipotle sweet potato soup and kale salad. Everything I saw go by from the kitchen looked great. Want to return and try more of the menu.
(5)Jim P.
Excellent food
(5)Pat C.
On our first visit to Santa Fe we had both a dinner and a breakfast at Pasqual's. both meals were great. The service was better than great with friendly and interesting staff. Excellent!!
(5)Rebecca S.
The food was fine. The place was small but charming. Our server was nice and helpful. This place gets talked about a lot and although there wasn't anything that I didn't like, I wasn't completely blown away, either. With so many other restaurants in Santa Fe I probably won't be back for a second visit. For awhile, anyways.
(3)Tell Y.
Santa Fe is an extension of Disneyland, but with genuinely nice people, not characters being paid to be nice. The entire town is staged authenticity, beautifully merchandised for tourists, and somehow, unexpectedly, I found myself to be one on a particular evening. Cafe Pasqual's? Over-priced terrible food. How could you screw up a $15 salad with amazing ingredients? How could you charge $29 for a flavorless mole? No, wait, how could you kill and waste an 'organic' chicken, which probably had a very happy free-range life too, only to cover it with the crap you call mole? I got trapped with a large group-none of which enjoyed their meals, seriously- otherwise, I stay away from tourist joints. Decent service though.
(1)Amy G.
What a lovely break to find tofu and teriayaki sauce on a downtown Santa Fe menu. We stepped in shortly before they were closing, apparently, but service was still attentive and pleasant. We started with a snap pea salad which they courteously divided for us individually. It came with flavorful crostini. My plate of tofu/pasta was cramped with colorful vegetables and more crustini dipped in various tapenades. Bottles of wine were pricey so we opted for beer and a glass of sparkling white. Pasquals, which obviously has been pleasing customers for 30 years, had the best mix of laid-back/classy, romantic, and friendly ambiance of any Santa Fe restaurant I tried. It is how I imagined more would be...a small dining room illuminated by quaint, colorful strung lights highlighting the best of both Southwest cuisine and decor without shoving it down your throat. You can taste the subtle influences of Spain, Japan and France and oh yes, New Mexico.
(4)Ken K.
Expect a thirty minute wait, but this place is worth it. The food is creative and amazing. I had a salmon burrito for breakfast with a wholewheat tortilla and fresh squeezed orange juice. The fish was delightful, well-cooked, and matched well with the fresh greens and cheese in my burrito. The orange juice was also excellent.
(4)Bruce E.
Yes.. All of you are accurate. They are extremely expensive. But they can be, located in the heart of Santa Fe. Sit at the communal table and order chicken mole enchiladas and you will feel better about your $17 dollor lunch, because it is pretty good.
(4)Travis B.
Insanely good food in DT Santa Fe. Whenever I'm around I have to go there. Fresh, real ingredients, well prepared new-american/new mexican style cuisine. Not cheap, but very good. Veggie friendly as well.
(5)Kd D.
Had huevos dish with sauteed banana, feta, tomatillo sauce, peas & black beans - sounds weird, right? It is amazing!!! Best flavor ever. Love this place. Sooooo worth the wait. Makes the Blue Corn Cafe taste like school lunch.
(5)Allison H.
Breakfast is amazing. Their coffee bar is inventive and delicious. I had the Pasquals omelette which I loved since I love anything with Guac. My father got this omlette that had beans and bananas! Weird, but the combo was good. The emphasis on wholesome/local ingredients was refreshing, although expensive at dinner. Also the wait was about 25 minutes on a weekday.
(5)Mukur H.
My fiance and I both had amazing meals here. She had the Huevos Rancheros with Green Chili sauce and it was beyond delicious. It was a bit spicy for her since she doesn't eat as spicy food as I or folks in New Mexico, but none the less she finished it since it was soo good. I had the Carne Asada and well that was delicious as well. I can't wait to go here again! I bought one of their cook books to take home with me, although it was pricy.
(5)Kasey O.
It takes a lot for me to say this since I'm from the South but those were absolutely the best Cheese Grits I have ever had in my life. They were spicy but not overpowering. Served in a huge skillet so I split them and the French Toast, which was just as good, with my friend. Like any restaurant in Santa Fe, I found that going early or way later is good so you don't have to wait. Went right when they opened for breakfast and seated right away. Friendly service, cute decor. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!
(5)Bruce B.
Expensive - yes; but always delicious. We go at least once on every visit. I get the smoked trout hash (potatoes, tomatillo sauce, poached eggs, cheese - very low cal, I'm sure!); Deanna the breakfast quesadillas. I've also enjoyed the huevos rancheros, cheese omelet, fried yellow and blue cornmeal mush - never a disappointment. Go!
(4)Sammy G.
Okay, it's a little pricey and always a long wait no matter the time of the day....but the food is absolutely awesome and authentic NEW Mexican cuisine....My personal favorite is the Corned Beef Hash with Eggs...made with big chunks of corned beef....and I always order a side of New Mexico Red Chile Sauce and just pour it over the top. Love the food here every time I visit...and I've had probably 25 meals here over the years. Not one disappointment. My cousin actually passed through town a few years ago and bought me their cookbook......I've made the Green Chile Stew a few times (I drive to Hatch, NM every August to buy roasted chiles and then freeze them).....the recipe is totally authentic and worth the 4 hour cooking time....Great REAL spot in Santa Fe.
(5)Yuki M.
We received Baaaad service. Granted it was lunch time, we waited 10 min to be seated even there were a couple of tables available. Another 10 min past by before we got menus. We felt deserted and neglected in a jam packed restaurant. After another 30 min past by before our Burittos showed and it was a wrong order! Our waiter was friendly but looked like he totally had hang-over... Food was nice, but would I come back to eat?? Maybe take out only for future...
(1)Bill E.
Cafe Pasqual's offers an outstanding breakfast and lunch that is well worth the wait. We waited about 1h 20m on a Saturday for brunch -- about 25 mins longer than originally quoted. Your best bet is to park in the public parking that is across the street, go put your name in, and go check out the city for an hour. The food was quite good. My breakfast burrito was good. BTW, everything is organic... you're not going to find diet coke or splenda here. The atmosphere is fun, and definitely special. No question about it, put this gem on your must list for Santa Fe!
(5)Rich R.
Highly placed in my top 10 anywhere on the planet, this is the jewel of Southwest Fusion. We'd travel to Santa Fe more often if we could, with meals at Pascual's topping the local destinations alongside of Taos, Ojo Caliente, Abiquiu, and Eagle Bear Ranch. Every dish at dinner last night was amazing, with the piece-de-resistance being the Lamb Chops in Pomegranate Molasses and Steamed Sugar Snap Peas. Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at Pascual's. Don't miss their new cookbook with 66 original, new recipes.
(5)Steven M.
Went here for breakfast July 7th - 2 people - small wait. Service was good - but the food was better. Huveos Rachero with both green and red chili sauce and black beans! Perfection in my book. Partner had the most amazing corned beef hash!! Large sizes! We could easily ave split either order but wanted to try both. Homemade whole heat toast too and fresh jam. I'll go back
(4)Levi B.
Came here for lunch and sat at the community table - very fun! My blue corn enchiladas were stellar... My parents weren't so fortunate - they ordered well-done buffalo burgers that ended up being very dry. Maybe blame that partly on prep, but also on them ordering them well-done in the first place (might have been ok if they ordered them medium - not sure). On the whole, it was a nice place for lunch in old town. Also saw some breakfast orders that looked pretty tasty...
(3)Elizabeth G.
Possibly my favorite restaurant (at least for lunch or brunch) in Santa Fe. Yes, you'll have to wait a while but it's definitely worth your time. Love: Huevos Motulenos Smoked Trout Hash Garlic Fries Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Chile Cornbread Anything with their tomatillo sauce I have had the same server many times and she is always delightful. I look forward to trying their dinner menu sometime soon.
(5)Stephanie H.
My favorite restaurant meal in the past... year... Wonderful vegetarian options and the best mole sauce I have ever had, including what I have made for myself. When mole is not good, I think it is inedible, and when it is good, it is something that is heavenly. Excellent service, high-quality and thoughtful ingredients, and a wine menu that is good and also pretty inexpensive for what you get.
(5)Jennifer B.
This is a great, charming place in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. The wait can be quite long, but certainly worth it! I had the half portion of the Lonche quesadilla which was great. Also with that I had the soup of the day, watermelon gazpacho. It was a little heavy on the onions, but great nonetheless. My absolute favorite was the kale salad. Shredded kale, pine nuts, ricotta salata, with a light, flavorful lemon and olive oil dressing was a delight!
(4)Jess M.
An all around perfect breakfast dining experience from start to finish. We arrived at this Santa Fe institution for a late Friday morning breakfast and the line was out the door. No problem, we stuck our name on the list and walked around the corner to a great photography gallery. Upon our return we were seated immediately and the service throughout the meal was timely, warm and extremely friendly. Cute decor, an amazing homey feel, just the sort of restaurant you want to hang out in for a long lazy meal. My Mexican Hot Chocolate was probably hands down the best hot cocoa i can remember drinking in recent history. Every single thing on the menu looked delectable, but I had to make a choice- so I choose two! The cheese blintzes were fabulous- just the right amount of savory and sweet, as was the super hearty breakfast quesedilla with delicious homemade avocado. Although these were both great choices- the king of the table was my friend's Huevos Moltulenos, a very interesting combo topped off by banana, feta cheese and green peas. Amazing flavor combinations all around, I wished we would have been in Santa Fe longer so we could have eaten dinner here as well!
(5)Julie P.
Egad! What happened to Cafe Pasqual's? My husband and I have eagerly dined at this restaurant every time we visited the Santa Fe area for the past 15 years. We noticed a downward trend in overall quality last year, but hoped it was just a phase that would be corrected. Sadly, our lunch experience this past Monday will be our last visit to this restaurant. My husband ordered one of the daily specials, Turkey Chile with a Corn Torta. I ordered Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad with Roasted Tomato-Poblano Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. We each had a glass of white wine from the Loire and split a Cannele and had two espressos for dessert. Check total: $62.00. First, my husband's review of the Turkey Chile and Corn Torta... I asked our waiter to describe one of the daily specials, turkey chili. He replied "it has turkey, beans, and is in a bowl. I think he looked in the mirror that morning and said, " today I will challenge myself to higher levels of eloquence." Ok, I thought, a $15 bowl of chili should be pretty special given Pasqual's reputation for great chili. So I enquired, what type of chili was in the dish? I got a deadpan answer: "red." Now for $15, you would think the chili description would be: "the turkey was named Sam and he had a great free range life in the foothills of Santa Fe or Taos, the heirloom beans were hand harvested from an organic, employee-owned farm, the chili was from Chimayo's September harvest, and I clipped the organic cilantro myself this morning from the rooftop garden." The chili comes, and it's just ok. It's served in about the same sized bowl that the cappuccino comes in. The cappuccinos are on the large side, but this was a fairly small serving of chili. It seemed more green than red, and was accompanied by some cornbread that was more oily than moist, something my wife would call underdone. Right about then a famous Travel Channel chef's voice (you know who I'm referring to) channeled into my brain, "only an idiot orders the special, particularly on a Monday at lunch. Everyone knows its recycled leftovers from the weekend or even from last Thursday." So was I the idiot? Was the waiter's terse description the equivalent of, "avoid this at all costs?" I must state that I have had many good, some even great meals here in the 15 years I have been eating at Pasqual's. Most of these more than justified the spendiness. Then I started looking around. The inside of the restaurant and the staff just looked tired and worn out. The light sconces on the wall all have large dark stained sections that look like they haven't be cleaned since day one. The furniture is in need of an update. Way beyond shabby chic. This place needs a fresh breeze of caring and much lower prices to regain the stature it once had and to lure me back. One final note to the positive, the wine list is good and I had a nice Loire white for $10 a glass. The waiter opened a fresh bottle to assure a full pour which was appreciated. Now for the salad review... Where to start? When I read the description of the Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad it sounded healthy, full of organic greens and veggies, and just the ticket to get the week off to a good start after a weekend of indulging in some really fine Santa Fe cuisine. Boy, was I wrong. There were two size choices available: $8 for the small and $12 for the large. Since I was only having a salad for lunch, I treated myself to the large portion. I figured a $12 salad would be more than enough for me and was planning to share some with my husband. Not a chance. When the salad arrived, it was served in a pasta bowl style of plate and consisted of the following ingredients: approximately 1.5 cups of spring mix greens, two slices of radish (no, not whole radishes, just slices), one half of a red cherry tomato, one half of a yellow pear tomato, 4 small shavings of fennel, 8 pomegranate seeds, and 4 small slices of avocado. No dressing. (The waiter did bring the dressing after I pointed out that the greens were completely undressed.) The salad was accompanied by a very salty, slightly stale tasting triangle of seeded cheese pastry on the order of a cheese straw. I was gobsmacked. I know a restaurant needs to make a profit on every dish, but COME ON! This was one of the most pitiful restaurant salads that I have ever experienced, especially for the price. In comparison, the airline salad that I received that night on my journey home was done quite well. Go figure! In retrospect, we both should have sent our lunches back to the kitchen. Perhaps we are to blame for ordering incorrectly. Who knows. It's just a shame that this one-time award winning restaurant has fallen to this level.
(1)Jason M.
Nice casual, cozy corner spot. I got there at 5:30 so there's no wait. Staff was very friendly. We ordered butternet squash and Moroccan braised lamb, and we enjoyed both. The real surprise is the espresso coffee milkshake. It was delicious!
(5)Bonnie L.
Amazing, innovative menu with the expertise to carry it out. I haven,t had meals out this wonderful ... Maybe ever! And the service matched the food ... Fabulous!
(5)Lauren D.
You must must must come here if you are in Santa Fe. And you must prepare yourself for the wait. And it is ok to say you will sit at the community table because you don't want to be that guy. It's crowded, loud and a little crazy, but the breakfast food is delicious. Plus they sell fun schwag like coffee cups and donkey calendars (yes I have both).
(5)Leila F.
Amazing! So good! Our waiter was nice as ever too. we had the Chorizo burrito and huevos motulenos both of which are amazing. The huevos rancheros looked amazing as well and I can't wait to go back to order them again. Love this place-I always go there when I pass through Santa, Fe.
(5)Andrew M.
I was a jealous diner at Cafe Pasqual's. Don't get me wrong, I liked my cheese blintzes just fine. Not like bubby made, but hey, this is Santa Fe New Mexico not gammy's house. But my wife had the right idea. She ordered the cheesy grits. Oh baby were they good. She became very protective of her individual iron skillet filled goodness. Top them off with the house made sausage patties and waiting 30 minutes for a table in this classic Santa Fe eatery is a no brainer.
(4)Carlos J.
F'in deelish. Bread is to die for.
(5)Penelope B.
I've never had anything short of delicious food from Cafe Pasqual's. We have only been for breakfast/brunch. This time, the day after Thanksgiving, we arrived right at 8am and were in the first batch of diners. Good thing, too! By 8:30 there was a line out the door. For faster seating, try the community table, or tell the staff you're willing to sit with others (there was a four-top seated with two parties while we were there). This time i had the smoked trout on a bed of gruyere hash-browns along with some Mexican hot chocolate. We love their red chili and got a side of it. So good! We've tried many things on the breakfast menu. It's all good! Their chili is delicious.
(5)Helen T.
Great little restaurant in downtown Sante Fe. Very casual and laid back. Had breakfast one day during my trip and the huevos rancheros was great. Liked the communal table atmosphere and most of the tourists and locals were very friendly. I didn't mind the communal table since I'm usually travelling alone when in Santa Fe. It does get very busy there on weekends during the breakfast rush though. The menu is classic Santa Fe but if you prefer to avoid the downtown crowds and want a more classic diner experience try Telacote Cafe.
(4)Mike F.
I've been eating at this restaurant for 25 years. It serves , far and away, the best breakfast in Santa Fe--or anywhere. Try the buckwheat pancakes.
(5)Catherine T.
Very good ingredients. Beautiful but crowded space. Not good for kids despite the reviews. Nice servers. Pancakes and french toast slightly disappointing which is why I am docking one star.
(4)Ed M.
This is simply my favorite place in Santa Fe. They serve vegatarian and Mexican food in a truly innovative way. The menu items are unique. the huevos rancheros are simply to die for. In addition, it's a fun place. It's busy and noisy and very brightly painted. Get a seat at the community table if possible you just never know who you might find seated there. A real five star treat.
(5)B K.
If you find out you're going to die...go to Santa Fe, eat here...keep eating until you die. You'll definitely die with a smile on your face, trust me. This is my vote for America's most perfect Mexican restaurant -- I dream that they will open an outpost in Vegas -- I pray to the Mexican food gods and goddesses -- yes, I'm a passionate foodie with simple dreams really. What dishes, you ask? Order anything -- eat -- sigh -- I still dream of the food I ate here...nothing has ever come close...ever...and I love Mexican -- but this bite of heaven screwed it all up for me because I don't get to Santa Fe nearly enough -- and no one anymore comes close. When I do get to SF, even though there are other restaurants that I swear to myself I'll check out -- I don't -- I can't -- it would be wrong...cheating...I'd be unfaithful...I'd go home mad at myself for actually missing a meal at Pasqual's... I know, it's a sickness...and there is no cure... Unless you move to Vegas...hint, hint... I love the "Good for Groups" question here -- NO -- you'll take up too many seats and piss off the folks in line...go home, and save a seat for me!!!
(5)Julia E.
We loved this place!! My husband and I went here on our honeymoon for breakfast and really enjoyed it. The place was crowded but we sat down right away. I had the hand-held breakfast burrito which was incredible (although they charge $4 extra for bacon) and my husband had the breakfast quasedilla, also really good. Everything is organic which makes it worth how expensive it is (the average breakfast meals is probably $12-13). The service was fast, and everyone was incredibly friendly. Well worth stopping by!!
(5)Nathan C.
This place lives up to the hype. Fantastic smoked trout, with hash and poached eggs- so perfect. Best green chile I have had anywhere. The service was very friendly and attentive. Wonderful coffee and latte's too. Love the decor and vibe and bought a signed print, and some cookies and pastries for the road. If I lived nearby, I would eat here everyday. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
(5)Courtney S.
Well Yelpers, I think you built this place up a bit much. The wait was FOREVER, and while the food was good, I'm really not sure this dining experience topped the other place I ate. That said, however, the food really is delicious. I ordered the heuvos moutelenos which were alright but breakfast at Bagelmania a few days before was almost as good... although I don't think the ingredients there were as fresh and organic as at Pasqual's. My husband had his socks knocked off by his Durango omelette-- he loved it. Service was kind of spotty-- our waitresses (we couldn't tell which one was actually supposed to take care of us) weren't as available as I would have liked, but it worked out ok. Overall, this place is worth a visit; it is a Santa Fe landmark. If you can make reservations, do it! The wait is annoying. (And a quick tip from our visit-- we noticed the line diminished greatly around 10:45 am-- before lunch and after breakfast. Might be good to try it then!)
(4)Joshua R.
Excellent quesadillas, though not cheap. Was less impressed with the breakfast burrito.
(4)Christine H.
Best food in downtown! This charming, organic restaurant has a corner on the best breakfast & lunch in downtown Santa Fe. Try the Huevos Mulenos or anything with pancakes, they're extraordinarily light and served with authentic maple syrup.
(5)Kurt T.
Cafe Pasquals is the restaurant I have to visit every time I get to Santa Fe. Everything is good, but the chicken mole enchiladas are fantastic.
(5)John M.
This is not strictly a vegetarian restaurant but the lunch menu has several veggie options. The food was excellent and very fresh. Friendly staff as well. A great experience
(5)David S.
Food and service were outstanding. Definitely the best meal we had during our stay in Santa Fe.
(5)Lynn L.
Awwwww yeah....Cafe Pasqual's. I've only ever been here for breakfast and brunch, but boy is this food GOOD. There is such fantastic variety on their menu, and everything is fresh and delicious. Yes, you are going to have to wait for a table, but try and go during off-peak times when your wait is less than a half hour. On Sundays for brunch, you can wait well over an hour for a table. ugh. I agree with a previous reviewer - if you're with a big group, don't come here and mess up the table mojo. If you are more than a party of four and you want their delicious food, just get take out, please! Their mexican hot chocolate is amazing, and a luxurious treat. All fresh juices (ginger-pineapple = yum!), and a menu to labor over. Both sweet selections and savory dishes are equally flavorful and expertly prepared. I don't think I've ever had anything I didn't love. I'm also happy to see that they have soy chorizo on their menu (much healthier and remarkably similar in flavor!). I'm happy to visit Cafe Pasqual's each and every time I'm in Santa Fe.
(5)juju d.
The food was a C- in my opinion especially for the outrageous prices. They claim to be healthy and organic yet my boyfriend and my food came out within 6 minutes of ordering and looked like it had been nuked in the microwave. We ordered the Plato supremo and the Mole chicken enchiladas. The tables were too close together and we could hear everything both of the table conversations next to us were having. Not quite intimate. Not to forget after being sat, ordering, eating, and paying the bill we were out of the cafe within 35 minutes. Looks like they are trying to give people their ridiculous bills and then scoot them along. After dinner by boyfriend and I went to see a movie, we went back to our bed and breakfast and I had a terrible stomach ache. I laid down and quickly arose to the nearest trashcan. There I vomited about four times. Yep not only did I spend too much on dinner and didn't enjoy it, Neither did my stomach. I just threw up a $30 plate of mediocre food!!! Mole sauce shot out threw the nostrils, boy did it sting. Yum. Enjoy with caution.
(1)m w.
Went in as an excited tourist, left as a disappointed guest. Was there for breakfast/lunch not much of a selection on the menu. I understand that everything is local, organic and good for me. I appreciate all of that, but it wasn't tasty. I had the carrot cumin soup, it was okay, but not a WOW. My friends had an egg burrito and another had waffles. Not one of the six of us were impressed. It was busy and crowded. The place only holds so many people, and the space is cramped. Won't go back, won't recommend as a one time experience. They have a loyal following, but I can't see why. It is overpriced. No parking. No outdoor seating. Server, host and cashier not friendly or welcoming. It was stuffing in the place. Never mind the hype, skip this place and go to Denny's.
(2)J L.
Everyone raves about this place - it was recomended for breakfast by locals and friends, but we decided to go for dinner instead. Great atmosphere, above average service. We wanted to try several dishes on the menu, so instead of ordering entrees, we chose to split 4 appetizers for two of us...here's what we had: Grilled Chipotle Shrimp dish was $17 - very unimpressive with 3 pieces of medium-sized grilled shrimp sitting on top of guac with some chips on the side. $5.67 per shirmp. Describing this dish as disappointing and totally over-priced would be an understatement. Tacos Barbacoa - nothing more than just that. 2 flour tortilla tacos with tender beef and a side of decent salsa. I actually didn't care for the texture or flavor of the meat. Average. Warm Brie with Roasted Garlic with Salsa - loved this dish. Great flavor in the 2 salsas and the roasted garlic was fantastic. Grilled Corn Masa Cake - this was delicious and incredibly flavorful. Overall we had 2 great dishes and 2 below-average and over-priced dishes. That's the reason for the 3 stars. Next time we go, we'll definitely wait in line for breakfast, but for now, 3 stars.
(3)heather g.
We had high expectations for Pasqual's but while the food was okay, it felt to be overpriced. Many better restaurants to visit in Santa Fe.
(3)Brooke E.
Order the Warm French Brie and Whole Roasted Garlic with Salsas of Roasted Tomato~Jalapeo and Tomatillo! It is not something you will soon forget. My mouth waters at the thought. Make reservations! We go back to Santa Fe about once a year and we always plan a date to go there. Leave the kids with the grandparents and enjoy a great night out! If you go for brunch, try a pomegranate orange juice to drink with your meal.
(5)Kurt B.
Heavenly red chili. Heavenly flavor from the peppers. Bright colorful cafe for breakfast. Do it.
(5)Roberta L.
Look, the truth is that, given the frequency of my visits, Pasqual's would have been out of business many years ago, BUT, I have frequented Pasqual's over the course of at least 15 years and I am so sorry to have to say, Hasta la Vista, Baby! So looked forward to another fabulous meal when we visited yesterday but that will be my last visit. The pricing is just outrageous!!!!! I know and understand and am prepared to pay more for fine quality, organic, but this was way out of the realm of reality. E.g, I ordered a (Tuscan) panzanella salad. Folks I got about 1/2 slice of bread, some delicious heirloom tomatoes (total of about one), some cucumber a bit of cheese and some nice herbs and dressing-a really SMALL portion, for, are you ready? almost $15.00. The desserts, which we opted to skip, were, are you ready? $9.00 (for a piece of pie, for example) How do they come up with these prices? Always before, the food was good, pricey and plentiful and I was delighted to pay. No more. Just gouge the tourist who will ostensibly never return. BOOOOOO! AND BYE-BYE.
(2)Julia S.
Fresh & organic Southwestern cooking. We love this place. Amazing breakfasts. Huevos Barbacoa with Niman Ranch beef = delicious. Try the Huevos Motulenos. Sounds like a strange combo -- eggs, black beans, feta, green peas and green chile (with fried bananas on the side) but was awesome. Wait staff was a tad too cool for school, but given the general tastiness, I'm willing to overlook.
(4)Stacey B.
First, if you're a vegetarian and in Santa Fe, this seems to be the place to go. I was in Santa Fe on a business trip, and we wanted some southwestern fare. Our first two attempts didn't quite fit the bill, but this place did. Kind of pricey for a casual place (my sandwich at lunchtime was $16), but the food was very good. I got the portabello mushroom burger after my server explained that the Mole Vegetarian Enchiladas were spicy due to red chilis in the mole. The server was very helpful all around. My boss ordered the squash enchiladas and was very pleased. The place itself seems to be an institution. For example, they sell cookbooks and t-shirts and a few other things. Well, so do many places, and people seldom buy them. But in the hour or whatever that I was here, SEVERAL people bought t-shirts and cookbooks. Back to the vegetarian thing -- other places in Santa Fe seemed to have only one vegetarian thing and not be very veggie-friendly, but this place rocked. There were multiple vegetarian things for lunch. Plus, they serve breakfast anytime, and there were lots of vegetarian breakfast entrees, and some of them sounded pretty neat. A hot cereal make from multiple whole grains (umm, let's see, ... quinoa, amaranthe... can't remember the others but there were 5), cornmeal mush, and lots of other things. If I go back, I will get breakfast for sure. There is a Community Table in the center of the place where single and couple diners eat. Great so that one person doesn't take up a whole table, and sort of a friendly concept. Also, makes it less likely you'll have to wait for a table. The place is overall a bit crowded, and getting to the bathroom would be tricky if you are fat. Luckily, I'm not, so it was fun sneaking through the narrow passage to the bathroom, after snaking through the tables to get there. The bathroom was very clean and had a sink that looked like copper. The counter was turquoise tiles and very pretty and southwestern. The bathroom was also well-appointed, with paper towels out of a motion sensor dispenser, a hook for your coat (though you'd have to look for it), and nice soap. Even though the place seemed crowded in, TWO different people in wheelchairs ate there while I was there, so it is definitely wheelchair-accessible, though I'm sure they couldn't get to the bathroom. There is a small portion of the restaurant that is raised a few steps or so, but more than half the place is ground-level.
(5)DONNA K.
BAD SERVICE, UNSANITARY, EXPENSIVE, AND TERRIBLE FOOD!!! I had one of the worst dining experience of my life at Cafe Pasqual. What a waste of money! How are people giving good reviews for this place I still can't figure out. Stay as far as you can from this place.
(1)June P.
Hmmmm..... after all the hype about this place I was a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps because of the wait, even though we had a reservation, or because of my high expectations, dinner kind of fell flat for me. There are so many great Mexican/New Mexican places in New Mexico, that this place was for me, just over priced, regular (New) Mexican food.
(3)H M.
Only tourists eat here. $$$$ for breakfast? The corned-beef hash is delicious... But sitting at the community table Surrounded by tourquise earrings Makes you wonder Where the locals eat. "Not Here."
(3)Sarah B.
Skip the tacos - the meat is really fatty - and go straight for the mole plate. One of those rare meals where every last morsel is eaten, and if it wasn't taboo to lick a plate clean, I would have done it! (Also skip the flan)
(3)Rich C.
Definitely one of the best breakfasts in SF. I loved the atmosphere and the food was super fresh and very flavorful and well prepared. Just look at the pictures to prove my point. We will definitely be going back when we are in town!
(4)Nathaniel B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed in an uncomfortably small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than at their community table.
(1)Food N.
My favorite breakfast, the Huevos Motuleños, yesterday was so mediocre that I was very disappointed. For the price of a dinner entreé at other NNM cuisine establishments, I expect more. Hope they're not simply resting on their laurels and getting complacent.
(2)Liz E.
I have heard wonderful things about Cafe Pasqual's over the years and had a chance to try it last week when I was in Santa Fe. We were able to get right in for breakfast since it was a week day. I understand why there are always so many people waiting to get in on the weekends. The place it TINY. I ordered the breakfast quesadilla with home made chorizo. When the food came boy was I disappointed by the presentation. There was a quesadilla slapped on a large plate. For $11.00 I found it to be totally uninspired. It would have been nice if they made it look a little more attractive by adding a garnish or two. I found the food to be OK but not as good as everyone proclaims it to be. I would give this restaurant a second try but there are so many other great restaurants in Santa Fe it may be awhile before I get around to trying it again. Side Note: I found the staff to be a little surly. Our waitress did not seem to be very interested in giving us food recommendations or ask us how we were enjoying our meal. We had to search her out to get the check when we were ready to leave.
(2)Donna R.
This is a must for breakfast when visiting Santa Fe. The breakfast menu is extensive. The community table that invites the most interesting conversations in the house should be the most coveted seat in the house. The food is fabulous, a locals favorite!
(5)John K.
Our top destination every time we come to Santa Fe. This is the Chez Pannisse of New Mexico. Delicous food from scratch and healthy too. We eat breakfast and lunch whenever we can and have never walked away disappointed. Large menu with something for all tastes. My god, I've been away for a day now and am missing Pascual's already. Been going here for over 20 years, and they still come through. I drink coffee out of one of their mugs and dream about the food every day.
(5)Susan L.
We had dinner at Cafe Pasqual on November 4 (reservations are critical, and in fact I'd made the reservation more than a month in advance; I'd long known of that restaurant's reputation). It's a very small and crowded place, with lots of wild/funky items on the walls and ceiling. The cooking is very inventive and most of their food is organic. We ordered the roasted pumpkin (a seasonal dish) and it was really good (stuffed with mushrooms & a wonderful cream sauce), and their famous "haystack" of garlic french fries were a treat (one order is enough for several people, and we couldn't manage to eat nearly all of them). Our server had a great sense of humor and he was also attentive. I didn't like the hostess, though; she ignored us initially, and she was a little condescending when we said we were too full for dessert.
(5)Ken H.
This is NOT an Asian restaurant... and NOT Chinese !
(3)L K.
Wow. The blue lady enchilada's= amazing, the mole=fantastic. Service was fast and food piping hot. Beer=Yum. This was the first place we ate on our trip to New Mexico and it set the bar impossibly high-nothing else we had in Santa Fe came close (even at 3X the price). Wait was long on a Saturday afternoon (45 minutes) but worth it all. Love, love, love.
(5)Alika Marie W.
Do yourself a favor go on a weekday for breakfast try the Huevos Motulenos-go early or you wait all day. Go for Lunch have Carne Asada...at 11:30 once again packed! Forget dinner, its painfully tightly reserved, buy the cookbook and go home. Tourists! But its Yummy!
(4)Jaime A.
Food is good, but it is overpriced for breakfast. The chili Relleno with eggs and black beans was a little undercooked but salsa was good-would have liked it to be a little spicier. Their homemade granola is delicious but $14 when you add yogurt and strawberries to it. Service is friendly and cute place.
(3)Jedi M.
Believe the hype! I always worry about a place that is talked about so much and in the end usually disappointed - not here. The place was packed and there was a line out the door the whole time we were there (another good sign of a great place) it took 15 min to read through the menu and decide, every thing sounded so good. Our meal was spectacular, and the cilantro green rice was probably the best rice dish I have ever had! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Christina H.
Not too shabby, definitely over-rated and a bit overpriced but so is everything else in Santa Fe. They are a very bustling business but still managed decent service while being understaffed and packed to the gills for breakfast. I was disappointed in their green chili but I have to admit I am very very particular about my green chili. Actually with few exceptions the only green chili I adore is outta my grandmother's greasy pot. Anyway, its a pretty good breakfast destination but try to book a reservation or plan on waiting a long time to be seated.
(3)Christine M.
Fantastic food, fantastic service. This place has such a great vibe. A must when in Santa Fe. Great breakfast!
(4)Louise O.
Generous portions and welcoming, bright ambiance. Carne Asada with Niman ranch beef -- absolutely delicious. The meat was grilled very simply but you could taste the natural flavor of the beef. The guac that came on the side was very good as well. Pancakes -- very fluffy and light. Corned beef hash -- not too dry, this was very tasty. Service: a little un-attentive and I had to ask for refills of water several times.
(4)dawson s.
Cafe Pasqual's is indeed a New Mexican institution. Anytime I'm in Santa Fe, Pasqual's is a must for brunch. The space is small, reservations are nearly always booked, but there's a communal table in the center of the dining room you can almost always sneak into (so long as you don't mind being elbow to elbow with strangers). Everything on the menu - from the southwestern specialties like the Tamal Dulce (sweet tamale), Durango Omelet (jack cheese, scallions, guacamole, mushrooms, sour cream and tomatillo d'arbol salsa) and Huevos Motulenos (eggs over easy on corn tortillas with black beans, sauted bananas, feta cheese, green peas, and green chile - trust me, it's yummm) to the classics like their Wholegrain Pancakes and homemade Hot Five Grain Cereal served with butter and maple syrup - will make your mouth water. If you want a serious breakfast, order up the El Presidente - smoked poblano chiles and Niman Ranch beef on fresh white corn tortillas, with a couple of eggs, pinto beans and cotija cheese - and a side of whole wheat pancakes. You'll have to walk it off, but it's worth it :) I've been here for dinner too which was very good, but something about going to a cafe style restaurant and paying more than $30 for a very petite filet in a small town never rubbed me the right way. For brek and brunch though, this is the only place to be. In the winter months when Santa Fe gets ice and even some serious snow, Pasqual's takes on an even more magical quality. Be sure to pick up one of their cookbooks while you're here. If you like to cook it'll quickly become one of your favorites. If not, you'll probably enjoy looking at the pictures :)
(4)Steve E.
This place is small but very delicious!
(5)Josh O.
When Jessi M. and I were driving cross country last year we stopped in Santa Fe to visit my mom. She took us here for dinner. It was fantastic. The food was simply amazing. I loved everything I had, and I tried a little bit of everyone's orders. A little pricey for a casual meal, but the food is totally worth it. They also sell a cookbook with their recipes in it, which is pretty cool.
(5)Inari T.
soup of the day was AWESOME. it was this chilled cucumber gazpatcho that was really spicy and awesome. yummy. enchilada was pretty good, i wasn't big fan of it. kale salad was yummy. overall, alright.
(3)Alexis F.
Lunch visit on a Saturday, waited about 30 minutes for 3 at the community table around noon. My dad had the only local wine offered, a sparkling wine that was actually surprisingly good (who knew NM could do sparkling?) I had a Pinkus Pils that was lovely and Germany and Beery and good. I had the chicken mole enchiladas, and the mole was really well balanced and tasty, with a little bit of heat. The soup of the day was delicious- a chilled green chile and avocado soup. nom nom nom. The decor is intentionally funky and festive, the community table was very quiet and introverted for our visit (despite our attempts, community conversation was stilted at best), and the bathrooms are tiny. Service is very friendly and mostly attentive, my water glass sat empty a few times for longer than I would have liked but it was very busy and I did not die of dehydration :)
(4)A. T.
Decent food. Certainly 1 star above nearby dives like the Atomic Grill. But definitely not worth the crazy wait.
(3)Sam P.
Probably would not go back. Too expensive and a little too touristy. Food was plentiful and tolerably well executed. We were disappointed, but not nearly as we were by Coyote Cafe down the street.
(3)Lianne M.
Awesome. On a recent trip to Santa Fe, we ate here twice! Once for breakfast (which had been highly reccomended) and once for lunch. I can't decide which was best, but I do know we will return to Cafe Pasqual's. I had the chicken enchiladas mole for lunch and they were superb. The chorizo breakfast burrito (with red and green or "christmas" sauce) was also excellent. Great service, fun atmosphere. You must visit Pasqual's if you are in Santa Fe!!!!!
(5)s r c.
Overrated,, Over hyped, and DEFINATELY Overpriced. You cant get out of there for less than $20-$25 a head for LUNCH !! This place has one thing going for it...... A downtown location with a 25+ year legacy. As a native Santa fean who has lived in the Bay Area for 30 years and traveled extensively seeking interesting restaurants that deliver fresh honest flavorful food I found Pasquals on a recent visit to be beyond disappointing. The mushy lamb burger was indeed rare (from frozen meat) but tasteless even adorned with the glop of "white fat" slather on top. The bun was airy "Bimbo" bread toasted to perfection with seeds on top. The whole wheat quesadilla was grilled to crispy melding the scant cheese filling to the only flavorful ingredient I could taste ... the guacamole. But wait! it was garnished with a few sprigs of cilantro to give it that oh so cosmo presentation & flair for only .... $11+ !!?? Among my pet peeves is going out to eat and leaving the establishment feeling not satisfied .... and also ripped off. skip this place, not worth it.
(1)yelper s.
Have always wanted to try Cafe Pasqual's and finally did it on this trip. We went for lunch and had to wait about 25 minutes at about 11:20. We walked back and sat on the plaza while we waited, then returned. My daughter had the watermelon gazpacho (even my husband loved it -- and he doesn't like watermelon) and a BLT with the MOST amazing bacon ever. I had a new salad that was incredible. And my husband had enchiladas and said if he had to pay $16 for enchiladas (as we had the night before at Maria's too), those were the ones. A lively, fun atmosphere and decent service. We took some cookies to go for dessert. Best meal of our trip.
(5)Paige H.
The food was excellent. I had the BLT with cornbread as the sandwich bread. It was very good. The place is super busy so either get a reservation or they let us put our names on a wait list then walk around for awhile and come back which was fine. I'd certainly return there. Service was good as well.
(4)Chase K.
Although the food wasn't bad, the 'tude could have been checked at the do. When we got our bill the orange juice that was ordered by my gorgeous, intelligent and funny dining partner was a staggering $4.75. Now, this is acceptable if it is fresh squeezed. But this oj was not. I inquired about this and was told it was because it was organic. Boo. The same guy came back later and said that they have to charge more and began explaining his business model and cost structure. No thanks. Again food was ok but the prices were ridic.
(2)Jordan N.
One of the best breakfast's I have had! A MUST TRY - HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS... Eggs Over Easy on Corn Tortillas with Black Beans Topped with Sauteéd Bananas, Feta Cheese, Green Peas, Salsa Fresca Served with Green Chile or Tomatillo Salsa. Holy goodness! And the cookies were fabulous as well!
(5)monolith ..
i had two very good dinners here on two consecutive nights! i would be hesitant to go to the same place twice but felt it was a place my boss should try while we were in santa fe. both nights we walked up fairly late 6ish w/o reservations and they were able to seat us at a private table. they act all huffy about it but whatever. i think this was on a tues and a wed. very interesting decor which eventually we asked the waitress about and apparently alot of the hanging stuff is for sale. yes you could be the proud owner of those paper mache pants for 90 dollars! very cool murals. the bathroom is tiny but kinda fits the ambiance. i like the ground level window! the food and service was excellent both nights. the price wasnt really a factor as i wasnt paying but yes it is expensive. a coworker and i tues night 1 app 2 entrees and beers was around a hundred. wed night we had a vey nice bottle of wine alot of appetizers and three entrees and it was up near 400 i think. both nights were absolutely worth it as the food was wonderful! the first night i had the sampler and the second night the filet. both were great as was the corn fritter appetizer thing. i loved the cabbage w beets that accompanied the corn fritter appetizer thing! small, quirky, little place w a lot of character which i would love to go back to. if you have a problem w tourists then you might want to run from santa fe as it seemed a bit like a southwestern art adobe disneyland.
(4)Nina H.
This place is very small. It has a nice kitschy feel and the menu choices seem imaginative but are poorly executed. The food is overpriced and bland. I ordered the special which was a shrimp tostada. Everything needed salt and there were about three shrimp on there cut into tiny pieces. There was no spice or sauce to speak of .. is this not the land of spicy well seasoned chile? Back in the day this chef was well renowned.. now I do not know what he is doing. This chef needs to better monitor this restaurant becasue the food is overpriced and mediocre. The food is not horrible.. I just expected well seasoned and well executed food when I am paying $15 for a tiny shrimp salad. If this was Top Chef Tom Colicchio would have ripped them a new (you know what). If you are a foodie this is NOT the place for you! It may have been THE place to be back in the 90's but now is just overhyped and overpriced. I guess I should have known better when we walked in at noon and our party of 8 was promptly seated. A better bet is La Fonda in the hotel. The food was well seasoned and the service was great.
(2)Josh M.
Pasqual's is a true Santa Fe institution. It is pretty much THE brunch place in town and weekend and holiday waits for a table can extend past 1hr if you don't get there pretty darned early. Why is this? Well, since you ask, it's because the food is extraordinary and unusual. They do have traditional New Mexican classics like Huevos Rancheros (with particularly good red and/or green chile), but they also have great alternatives like blintzes, whole-wheat pancakes, Huevos Moultenos (with black beans, bananas, sour cream, etc.- yum) and their own ab-fab five-grain hot cereal that's just the ticket on a cool morning. They have a small number of tables, so there's usually a wait, but if you're the social type, they do have a community table that seats about 10 people, so you can sneak in faster if you're up for that.
(4)Dawn G.
We were told there would be a 30 minute wait, but our table of five watched people come and go for an hour before we finally asked to be seated separately. My daughters sat at the communal table, and Stacy and I sat at a table for two. We were happy to be seated with the girls after 10 minutes when another couple finished at the same group table. But the wait was worth it. We started with a hot Mexican Chocolate and a hot White Chocolate. Both were superb! Later, I added a shot of espresso to the White Chocolate that made a delightful mocha. For breakfast, I had a trout hash that was fantastic! Large pieces of smoked trout with two poached eggs atop a stack of fried potatoes with salsa verde. The girls had a basil pesto omelet and breakfast quesadillas filled with eggs, cheese, and guacamole in a crispy (yet not greasy) tortilla. Stacy was disappointed with her heuvos moutelenos especially since she was told this was a "house favorite". I thought it had far to many black beans, so the rest of the dish was lost in them. All in all, this place is worth the visit, but get there early for breakfast or plan to wait an hour. Oh, and at $90 for a breakfast for 5 with the 18% gratuity added at checkout, there's no doubt that Pasqual's is on the high end. Good breakfasts can be had for nearly half this price.
(4)Christian N.
Festive ambiance. Quality food and friendly service. Very popular and crowded, yet we did not feel rushed. Had a nice experience here. Would recommend this place to anyone, ONLY if you don't have to wait FOREVER in line. Do what we did and make reservations ahead of time. They said they don't take reservations, but if you have a large group, call and reserve, they'll take it! ;)
(4)Joe M.
Not really a vegetarian restaurant, though vegetarians will find plenty of menu choices. Great for dinner (reservations help) and singles are welcome to sit at the shared table. A good place to have luscious dessert & coffee at 9 after most places in Santa Fe have closed for the night.
(4)A C.
As recommended by other yelpers, I ordered the mole chicken enchiladas-- but took it to go. Probably one of best moles I've had, though the chicken was a bit dry. Loved the cilantro rice. Price was steep. Minus one star.
(3)Larry F.
Great food, mole and pie
(5)Amy B.
Extremely disapointing experience...have been here before, but did not like it this time at all. Even though we had a reservation, had to wait at least 25 minutes for our table...other diners probably running behind due to slow service!! At one point, there were 15 people trying to cram into the TINY entry way. On a cold night...who wants to wait outside?? It took 35 minutes between appetizer and entree!?! Tables that had been seated much later after we arrived were served their entrees before our table. Waiter seemed to disappear for long intervals and was not very friendly. My mom had the fish and it was very dry...my sister and I had the chicken mole....way too spicy and not very flavorful. Would not go back again even if "reputation' seem to keep it going. It was my mom's 75th BD dinner...took so long that the "surprise" dessert we had planned almost didn't make it as my mom wanted to leave restautant...as she was tired of waiting for the waiter to come back with a dessert menu (20 minutes after entrees were taken away). I say Adios to Cafe Pasquals...too many other good restaurants to go to that don't cost $170.00 for 4 people and respect your time and business!
(1)Jeff H.
We had a fantastic breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Everything was fresh and tasted great. Service was wonderful. We will be back on every trip to Santa Fe.
(5)J W.
Beautiful New Mexican cuisine! A Santa Fe landmark that is worth the wait and the crowd.
(5)Fen Z.
Wow is this place expensive. The wait was a bit too long for 9:30 in the evening, and the food was somewhat uninteresting, though the best I've had in my little trip to Santa Fe. The desserts however were delicious; I recommend the French pastry with ice cream.
(3)Sarah S.
I was visiting Santa Fe, NM last week and had a beautiful meal at Cafe Pasqual's. We walked in just before the dinner rush and were quickly ushered to the "Pretty Booth" which was very pretty and a perfect perch to enjoy the restaurant fill up as soon as we were seated. The diners were a mixture of mostly locals and a few out-of-towners. The Staff was as friendly and attentive as could be, we both enjoyed a local Santa Fe, Nut Brown with our meal. We had Tamales steamed in a Banana Leaf to start, I had a delightful Dandelion Salad as a light main; which was perfectly composed, and had great flavor play between savory and acidic. My friend had Enchiladas with a Mole Sauce we both licked our plates clean! I also loved the Orange Chiffon Cake, It was so fluffy. Can't wait to visit again !
(4)Rochelle R.
Yummy! I ordered the tofu enchilada....I'm from LA, what do you expect? :) Actually, I ordered it because it sounded different. It was very good and inspired me to make my own version. The atmosphere was very good; it was crowded even on a weeknight around 9PM.
(5)greg r.
expensive but very good. their huevos rancheros and everything else on the menu is fantastic. though in santa fe it is really hard to find a place with bad food. seriously.
(4)Kate B.
This place was awesome! We came on the recommendation of my dad's barber, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong! The restaurant is small and simple, but the food is delicious. We showed up ~20 minutes before opening and there was already a line. Luckily, we managed to get in during the first wave. The service was efficient, the coffee kept coming and all 5 of us loved our meals. I decided to be adventurous and try the Huevos Moutelenos (bananas and eggs - sounded interesting) and it was delicious! We tried to come back the next day, but the line was ridiculously long. My only complaint about this place would be that they need to expand!
(5)laurie c.
we stopped in for a dinner with no reservations (how are we to know, we're from out of town) but luckily got seated pretty quickly. Although the food and service was good, it was so busy and loud that we felt kind of rushed. It also seemed pretty pricey for what you get. After I returned home a few months later, I stumbled upon a cookbook and realized this place must be pretty famous. Hmm, perhaps it's gone to their heads?
(3)Amy E.
Comfortable casual spot for lunch with a very extensive menu. We had no trouble getting a seat at the communal table. The food was very good, but it definitely caters to tourists -- $13 for huevos rancheros?!?
(4)Daniel C.
We have been to Pasqual's a couple of times. While it is a Santa Fe institution and is known as a "must go to" location, that could be a little bit of an exaggeration. Yes, the food can be incredible. I had a veggie mole burrito with tofu and the first time I had it it was unbeatable. But sometimes just a little inconsistent. My wife's dishes were a little bit of a disappointment. With the prices being relatively high, I would like to see a little more consistency in the dishes. But when they are on, they are almost unbeatable.
(4)Jessy B.
Okay, this is a must go for dinner - maybe even for a 2nd time. Food is really tasty - the mole tasted like chocolate. Nice ambience. Our waiter was very attentive, knowledgeable and nice. Yum Yum. My only complaint is that there is no hard alcohol - read: tequila. The wine list is good though. The lack of margaritas is my only reason for not giving this place 5 stars...
(4)luke e.
i've enjoyed one of the best meals i can remember here. i had the filet mignon(niman ranch beef, google it) and my date had the ahi tuna. the filet(medium rare) could be cut with a fork, and could nearly be eaten without chewing...it literally melted in your mouth. the tuna was equally delicious, and again, took little effort to eat...everything just melted in your mouth. high quality food, and a high quality talented chef make this a memorable meal. the downside is that for two people, after the appetizers, entrees and drinks, the bill is well over $100. money well spent in my opinion, just a forewarning to those that may be on a budget. if you're passing through santa fe, and would like a memorable and delicious meal, be sure to stop here, you won't regret it.
(5)abby z.
We got a reservation for 5:30 and we were lucky to have gotten anything at all. Pasqual's is kind of emblamatic of Santa Fe - it's small and crowded but beautiful with great, organic fun food that's a little on the steep side pricewise and very friendly service. I had the tofu mole enchiladas, which I wasn't too thrilled with, but that is because of personal issues where I was trying to give mole another chance but whups, no, still not too crazy about it. Our appetizers of warm brie and pupula (a corn cake) were wonderful though, and my mother's stuffed pepper was light and creamy and tasty. Definitely worth coming here, if only to scope out the metaphor.
(4)Eric P.
had to wait a long time for a table for one for a late dinner, then the service was slow initially. however, once the wait staff hit its stride it was top notch for the rest of the evening. had the Nieman beef skewers, which were about the most tender and succulent beef I have ever had. the corn cake were an interesting pancake/crepe-like interpretation on the dish, with wonderfully inventive and tasty filling. the orange flan was a fittingly satisfying finish to a very good meal. noisy and busy for sure, but probably the best meal I had in my week in Santa Fe.
(4)Suzanne K.
I expected a really good meal here, but my experience was totally unimpressive. I ordered the chili relleno and egg dish. To say it was ordinary may be giving it too much credit - there was no flavor at all. We sat at the community table which had the potential to be enjoyable, but It was so-so. According to the waiter, the chili relleno breakfast is one of their more popular dishes. Don't fall for it! If you go, pick something else. My tab came to $20 for 2 eggs, and one chili relleno with a side of black beans and coffee. Far and away the worst value of all the meals in my 5 days in the area. When the waiter picked up our check and payment, he asked us if we needed change (we put down $60 for a $44 bill), and after we told him that we did, he proceeded to pocket the whole amount. We had to ask for our change a second time, and gave him a lighter tip than we would have had he not presumed that we would be okay with him taking a 35% tip.
(1)Hannah L.
Oh deliciousness. The coffee was a bit blah, but everything else was so delicous that I could barely care. Even the english muffin and the marmalade was spectacular. Ang and I sat at the big community table and there was such a feeling of togetherness that I almost asked the guy next to me if I could have a bite of his omelet with the plaintains in it. But the main event was the huevos rancheros. Goodness. The flavors were split into four quadrants with salsas with different tomatillos. It was like the fourth of July in my mouth. There was a party in there so large that it moved upstairs to me brain and made me so happy from head to toe. This is what huevos rancheros should be. And the restaurant was lovely. Bustling and a little bit chaotic, but still at its most crazed it doesnt have that energy that fills the air around the crass and entitled New Yorker. I loved it.
(5)Benjamin K R.
Just a note most of the reviewers seem to have come here for lunch or dinner but Pasqual's absolutely shines as Santa Fe's spot for uspcale brunch.
(4)Tom C.
We got luckier and were seated IMMEDIATELY when we got in there for lunch yesterday. Every other time we'd come by their little street corner, the line was out the door and sometimes around the block and that convinced us to make other plans, but I guess we hit the jackpot yesterday. Glad we hit it right because it was all jam packed by the time we left. Still, we got in there with the toddler and had a SUPER lunch out of it. I had the carnitas burrito special with green chili, and it had just the right amount of heat and oodles of supporting flavor to make me a happy luncher. The wife had a chicken sandwich, and my mom got the enchiladas. Everyone went away happy. The atmosphere is cozy and very Santa Fe. Overall, it was a lot of fun and worth the time. I'd love to go back again and focus more on the breakfast items that everyone is raving about. I know that they serve breakfast stuff right through lunch, but we were definitely in lunch mode yesterday. Someday...
(4)R R.
This is some of the best food in Santa Fe and it's no wonder you will have to line up at the door, perusing a well-worn copy of their cookbook while you decide exactly what delicious thing to eat (mole enchiladas, corn bread chicken sandwich). While unbelievably expensive, especially for dinner, the food is always way beyond great. There is a breakfast dish that has green peas and bananas and it might sound weird, yes, but it is one of the best breakfasts I have ever had!
(5)Maura P.
the chicken mole enchilada was amazing the corn pudding wedge served with it was so fantastic and the plaintains...my goodness! the servings are very decent in size and I couldn't even fit a dessert in after 3/4 of my enchilada. the hostess was a bit absent, but our waiter was fine. the leftover bags are adorable
(4)Sophie S.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. Pasqual's is always satisfying. The communal table makes for interesting people watching and conversation, and the tables are great for an intimate dinner. Strangely this was one of the first places I ever had sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf, and it touched off a lifelong obsession. A great break/mix-up on the traditional Santa Fe cuisine.
(5)J B.
Having arrived in Santa Fe very hungry, we decided to follow our nose to the closest place that looks good. The schnoz led us to the front door of Cafe Pasqual's. Apparently, during the tourist season the place is always packed but we are not in the "season" and went right in and sat down. New Mexican style food and decor is something that you will enjoy here. The food is top notch and breakfast is served all day. The Huevos Rancheros and the Lamb Burger were our dishes and we were immensely satisfied. I will probably go back there again before I leave.
(4)Andrew J.
Wow... everyone gives this place 5 stars! i wish my experience was that good! It wasn't horrible... but I have quite a few complaints. First off, we were seated in the most cramped corner in the restaurant, we had to climb over each others chairs to get to our seats (we had to forget about using the restrooms at any point). I start to look at the wine list and pick out the Sutcliffe Colorado Pinot Nior, and when I go to order it, the waiter assumes I am ordering the merlot, and I QUICKLY correct him and tell him "no no no, definitely not the merlot, so the waiter cracks a bad joke referencing the movie "Sideways", which is a horrible movie... he made it seem like we were too young to know what good wine was... if he only knew. After this, the waiter disappears for quite a while after we are all quite eager to order. We finally flag down another waiter who is more than willing to take our order... I get the "Plato Supremo" ($34) which is a chile relleno, a chicken mole enchilada, red chile veggie tamale and a skewer of carne asada. Also ordered by the dining companions was a Thai green curry tofu dish ($28), a lamb chop/mashed potato dish ($38) and a seared rare ahi tuna dish($32). Now I mention the price because what we got, was in no way worth the price we paid, the portions were a bit off, and the flavor was a little lacking. There was a piece of paper found in the mashed potatoes, they gave me a green chile chicken tamale instead of the red chile veggie, the tuna was slightly overcooked and the curry had too much basil. But, the carrot soup that accompanied the tuna was amazing, as was the wine we picked. Also, another good experience was the host, she was the nicest person in the place, when she found out that we were locals, she came to our table and thanked us and gave us a bag of cookies! Now, one last problem that I MUST mention. When we were all just about finished, the busser came by and asked if we were finished, and all but one of us said yes (there was still some curry to be eaten). So he starts to walk away, and my friend says, "you can still take my plate though". He turns around and tells her, "no, I will come get them all together." then just walks away! Okay, now I understand that the proper way to bus a table is to take all of the plates at once when everyone is finished... but if the customer asks you to please take their plate, YOU NEVER REFUSE!!!! EVER! I had to keep myself from turning around and scolding him! I don't think I will EVER come back to this place... an extremely nice host doesn't make up for the things that went wrong.
(2)Heather T.
It's been too long since I've been to Pasquale's. This is usually my must do for food in Santa Fe. The hubs and I planned this for a Sunday morning breakfast. We arrived fifteen minutes before opening and got seated right away. Within 30 minutes the place was packed. We started with a coffee and chai latte. The chai latte came in a large glass and was too much for me to finish. I also got a pineapple ginger juice to go which was cold and refreshing. For the main event I ordered the papas bravas with Christmas chili and 2 over easy eggs. The potatoes were cooked almost to the point of being too overdone. But the chili with melted cheese and over easy eggs was perfection. The hubs ordered the smoked trout hash. The fish was perfect and the saltiest thing on the plate. The rest of the ingredients were not salty which made for a really nice balance. We really enjoyed our brunch even if it was on the pricey side for what we ordered.
(4)Matt M.
Such an unassuming place on the outside, but the people inside are so warm and welcoming and more than accommodating for larger parties. It's a bit cramped inside, and we were able to get in quick because of reservations, but I think the small atmosphere lends to the homey ambiance of the restaurant. I ordered the housemade tamales (one chicken, one cheese) with the Christmas sauce. I actually liked the cheese one more than the chicken, as the chicken had a little too much bitter taste to it (still good though). The sauces were really nice though, and the tamales were cooked perfectly (not too dry or too wet). yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe… For dessert I ordered the meyer lemon meringue tart. I love lemon meringue, and meyer lemons are one of my favorites. Take a look at the peaks on the meringue (see picture)! I've tried at home to get nice looking peaks like that, but have never been able to get them to look like this. The tart was not overly sweet, and I loved every bite. yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe…
(4)Steve T.
The restaurant is small and during events like the Indian Market almost impossible to get into for breakfast and lunch but easy to make dinner reservations which is what we did. Cafe Pasqual's came highly recommended by people we met on our plane so we went despite that it is very pricey for dinner. The restaurant leans toward organic food so we expected good things. Our dinner was delicious and the service was attentive without being over bearing. There are some strange food pairings on their menu but they are happy to substitute which is nice. Desserts here are stellar. I would definitely return.
(4)Rich C.
We love Cafe Pasqualles! They have great food, friendly and attentive waiters, and a quirky atmosphere that's, well, very Santa Fe! We always have the toasted Brie appetizer and a glass or two of the house wine, which has always been very good, but our entrees vary from them to time depending upon what's on the menu. The last trip I had salmon with a yellow coconut curry sauce which was outstanding. I was a little weary to order it; curry can be delicious or it can be overpowering. In this case, the coconut curry was subtle and delicious. I just love the atmosphere, I wish Pasqualles was here in Albuquerque, but it's definitely worth the drive."!
(5)Tanner P.
Second time going here. This time was not as good as the first. It was Easter morning, I'll give them....but there was only a 5 minute wait to be seated and the service literally took forever before we could even order ... (about 35 minutes of sitting at a table with only a glass of water). The server was friendly. The food quality depended on what we ordered. I ordered pancakes, eggs, bacon and a Bhakti chai tea. Ok, so everything I ordered aside from the bacon tasted completely watered down and was nearly tasteless. The chai was basically water with a shy hint of actual chia. The pancakes were dry... Oh and they charge $3 for extra syrup (it says directly on the menu). Though ordered at the same time, my partner's chai was forgotten about, then delivered after we had been waiting for it for about 20 minutes after I got mine. His tasted just as bad as mine. I realize one doesn't travel to Santa Fe, NM to have the world's best Bhakti chai, but if you can't get it right, just take it off the menu and stick to the traditional foods of the area. Overall, I expected better because I've had better at this establishment. The staff did not seem stressed or busy at all (they were very casual and easy going), though they were definitely working all about. I'd give it a "meh" because I HAVE experienced better in Santa Fe with that same price range.
(2)Kelsey C.
Usually when I believe a place deserves five stars it's because they really deserve five stars, here I wish I could give more than a four but still less than four and a half for three reasons, they re-use glasses that have already touched the tables on other tables without cleaning them and they have these water containers that got left on our table twice and reused so the cleaning standards aren't perfect and two when we first walked in and then we got seated about ten minutes after I checked in (with reservation of course ten minutes without reservation here is as far as I can see unheard of at 7:15) and we got our water and then we were left alone no drinks besides water which was fine for me but the person I was with wanted a glass of wine, now I'm from Texas so as she said things are a little different, but from my (perhaps spoiled view of good service standards) perspective we were left alone for too long and to be honest I was a little peeved before we even met our waiter. Now the reason I can't give this place five stars is not based off of my experience however of these five peoples' who waited for their reservation right in front of us - for around an hour after their reservation. Now if this was based off my own experience I'd probably bump it up one more star but seeing as how they stood for an hour after their reservation, I personally think that this is at least worth note. I mean they were offered some other options and they chose to wait for the right sized table but I watched the clock it was an hour so if you're having a party with approximately ten people this is perfect and for small tables of two, three, and four are perfect but anything over that all the way up to ten you should probably go somewhere else unless the incident I saw was isolated which I don't believe it was as even small groups with reservations have to wait at least ten minutes, we got really lucky. The people that waited for an hour were a group of five and I think only two or three of the tables are equipped to seat exactly that, any bigger and they will try to save it, unless someone takes too long with dinner and they're desperate. Now onto the rest of the evening and other tips for this place. I got the reservations three and a half weeks in advance which as most people will tell you is recommended and I asked for seven but that time was already gone, this wasn't a big deal as I got one for fifteen minutes later but if you want to eat here at a decent time you need to reserve at least two weeks in advance because walk ins had to make reservations for times like ten thirty. They're booked. The party in particular that I'm talking about was a party of two who walked in two hours before their "reservation". Anyhow after our waiter finally remembered us things picked up. We actually way over ordered - but it all sounded so good that we couldn't resist - we ordered that day's appetizer which were fried squash blossoms stuffed with cream cheese served over arugula. We also got some tamales where we got the choice between the green chile and the red sauce tamales we got one of each, but dug into it before I could get a picture. Now the green chile tamale had a little bit of a bite to me but I love spicy food, and have the tolerance for it the person I was eating with does not and thought that they were moderately spicy, this was her favorite of the two, I personally liked the other one more but then again it was too hot for her to barely stand and she couldn't eat her half. Anyhow the fried blossoms were amazing as well, and I think it was worth feeling stuffed afterwards. Next our entree, we both had to get the mole chicken enchiladas because we both really wanted them, and I for some stupid reason didn't think sharing was a good idea these are not normal enchiladas, these are burrito sized enchiladas. We should have shared we both had an enchilada left over so sharing would've been perfect and we both liked different sides but I thought I was too hungry for that, dear goodness. The mole was fantastic as were the enchiladas. All of the sides fantastic, I devoured the torte as soon as I tasted it. It's sweet and really rounds out the spicy mole and that's coming from me, my companion didn't complain about the spiciness but she loved the mole so much I imagine no amount of spiciness could have deterred her she loved the rice served with it which I personally thought was a little bland but we both loved the jimica salad, which added a lot of freshness. Honestly I thought the rice could have been left off the dish, it didn't add anything. Then I broke and ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate. I was already stuffed but I read on here that it is amazing so I had to try it. I would do it again, it was worth having to be rolled out of there. Also the owner and or manager (I suspect a little bit of both) came up and talked to us, will be going back. Great food, good service.
(4)Julie T.
This brunch place place probably doesn't need my review. By the time we got there when it opened, it was already a 20 mins wait. The food was the best I had in nm so if you have a layover or limited time, this is the one place you must go. Their red and green chile with eggs and stewed bananas were a great mouthful of flavor! Their chorizo was a burst of spiciness that makes you want to keep digging in. Go there and you won't regret it.
(4)Susan B.
I do not throw five stars out lightly. I've only done it at one other restaurant, my local favorite. This was where my daughter and I ate our first night in Santa Fe this spring. It was, we agree, one of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. Great atmosphere, good service, good wine and the food was just simply amazing. Reservations are essential and it is absolutely worth the time you'll wait to get a table.
(5)Tallie T.
We have been going to this restaurant for 20 years. Every time I wonder if it is worth going back. The prices are insane for what you get and I do not think they spend a lot of effort cleaning. One patron sitting next to us was allowed to bring in her dog (on its own chair). That said their Mole sauce is excellent and they always have a few dishes that are perfect - so - excellent on food but...
(3)Alli A.
This has become my favorite breakfast spot in Santa Fe. Great cup of coffee! Great atmosphere and love the community table.
(5)Amy R.
It's been 7 years since my last visit to Santa Fe and to Cafe Pasqual's and I wondered if it would still live up to the amazing meals in my memory. The answer is a big yes. We visited earlier tonight. I forgot to make a reservation until one day earlier so the only dinner options were 5:30 or 8:30. Early bird special, it is! Nina was our server and we were in excellent and kind hands. We ordered the pupusa to start and it looked small but was extraordinary. Every component worked and was delicious. We shared the scallop entree and it came with only two scallops but the portion turned out to be satisfying. It was served with what seems like a simple saffron rice, naked sugar snap peas and crispy leeks (these were very yummy). We debated ordering more food but opted to go right to dessert. Nina gave us recommendations and we were torn. There's a dessert sampler..,pastry chef's choice. Lucky us...it included generous servings of the three most suggested items! (We ordered the small.) Wow! My husband is not a chocolate lover in the slightest but he fell hard for the chocolate budino. I was surprised by the tres leches cake that was, by far, the best version of this I've ever had. The peach blueberry pie had a whipped cream with vanilla bean specks that was so good. On the 4 or 5 trips I've made up Santa Fe in my life, I have visited Cafe Pasqual's once or twice on each trip and have never had anything but raves across the board.
(5)Pe A.
Very unique restaurant. We were referred here. Very tiny. Bathroom hallway is very claustrophobic lol. The drink menu was extensive but was really made up of non-mainstream stuff. Tried 3 of their beverages and ended up asking for coke and they didn't offer it so I just got water. The drink situation really was frustrating but the food was totally amazing. We had the enchilada lady blue and the carne asada. Both so delicious. However, near the end of my meal I found a gray hair...then another gray hair. Both short. Don't think we will return. But the staff was nice.
(3)Matt H.
Had breakfast at this small joint - lucky to get the last table before the line started forming since they don't take recommendations for anything but dinner. I had the chorizo burrito and my wife had huevos rancheros with tofu instead of eggs. Overall, the food was tasty. I would have preferred no potatoes but next time. The service was very attentive, friendly and inviting. Would definitely go back for another meal.
(4)M B.
So everyone says this place is great. I have been twice...the menu is quirky, and inventive but you will be amazed. Try something new! The food is awesome, the atmosphere is busy, eclectic and welcoming. If you are not sure try it...this place doesn't disappoint.
(5)Roy H.
Lively atmosphere, great food, friendly service. We'd go back in a minute when visiting Santa Fe!
(4)Ellen G.
Really good. I had the green chili BLT. It was outstanding and the kale salad was soooooooo delicious as a side. Hubs had the blue lady enchiladas. Those were really good but the BLT was the showstopper.
(5)Erica L.
I visit Santa Fe every few months for work, and this is always at the top of my list as a must visit. Especially coming alone, the communal table is a gem. Great conversations and awesome people are pretty much guaranteed. I've stuck with more traditionally Santa Fe options because I'm always in the hunt for green chile. The tamales, mole enchiladas, and zucchini red and or green chile enchiladas are really to die for. The latter comes with a deliciously moist, sweet corn bread, steamed spinach, cilantro rice, and some corn sprinkled on the spicy but flavorful green chile smothered enchiladas. I can't get enough and I'm tempted to come here every night!
(5)Jocelyn B.
While driving across the country, delicious meals are my top priority, rivaling a clean bed and avoiding car trouble. So we take restaurant choice really seriously. This was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had in my life, and that's really saying something. Deep, complex, rich spiced flavors without too much heat in the Chile rellenos, perfectly complemented by poached eggs. I would have bought a vat of the salsa if they sold it. Dark, roasty coffee. The corn bread is completely different from what we expected, but wow so delicious and crumbly and toasty and yum. Adorably decorated, with what I've gathered is quintessential Santa Fe kitsch-decor, including a (claustrophobic) but truly gorgeous bathroom. We went around 11ish and were seated right away, but it would have been worth the wait if we'd arrived at a busier time. Perhaps the was our server, Arturo, who shamelessly and sweetly hit on my wife. I'd say he didn't bat an eyelash when we explained that we're married to each other, but he did bat his eyelashes in the most charming of ways. He gave us great recommendations for how to spend our sole day in Santa Fe, and his dessert suggestions were outstanding: a chocolate walnut brownie masquerading as a cookie, and this little creamy chimney custard situation whose proper name I can't recall. Wowee wow wow this was a spectacular meal. Highly recommend!
(5)Tony Y.
very friendly service. the $5 coffee, being organic at all, was actually pretty worth it. Definitely one of the better breakfast i've had overall. but then mexican food is great all meals a day. it was really cool to have the owner come by and check on us. very healthy menu, and great place to get out of the cold.
(5)Elizabeth H.
Super-tasty pancakes, delicious grilled polenta with red chile, but not-so-great breakfast quesadilla. To be fair, that quesadilla was probably a dumb thing to order in the first place. I really wanted to try the BLT, but they wouldn't serve it to me before 11a, so our sweet waitress said she would put the chili bacon in a quesadilla. The chili bacon was the only good thing about it. Aside from the food, this place is way over-priced and the decor is unappetizing.
(3)Amber A.
Super cool, eclectic restaurant in Sante Fe. Food was awesome, service was great. Left full and happy.....and with a cookbook and the best chocolate bar I have ever had. I was with coworkers and we got salads, split the Mole Enchilada and Fish dishes. De-licious!!
(4)Tess B.
Delicious, I had the lamb and it was so incredibly flavorful. Plus the atmosphere there is so great. Adorable corner of Santa Fe.
(5)Dawn W.
This place is so amazing that we went twice in two days. Enough said. Just go, trust me.
(5)Xavier R.
This restaurant is in the middle of the plaza area and was a great find. The decorations are very Mexican inspired and the food was very good. I tried the quinoa burger with a side salad- very tasty. The place is busy but the staff are attentive and polite.
(4)Wendy B.
We finally got into to eat here since there is usually a long wait. I loved my dish with the chili Relleno and a chicken enchilada. Next time I will try their tamales. Very good but very expensive!!!
(4)Matt D.
I'm so glad we got to come eat here while in town. Everything from the wine selection to the quality of food was dialed in. The portion size was good and great for sharing with a significant other. There's a reason this place has been around for as long as it has and won so many awards.
(5)Taffany H.
Cafe Pasquale came highly recommended to us by two locals who were total strangers to us. First was a guy we sat next to on the plane while traveling to NM, the second was the Bandelier NPS volunteer. When we finally made our way to Pasquale Cafe, parking could be a bit challenging but not a formidable task. Getting a seat during a rush Sunday Brunch/Lunch hours, however, required a bit of patience. After putting our name down on the wait-list, the really friendly host called us in after the 30 minutes wait and we were seated in a very bustling cafe with tables occupied by locals and tourists alike. The sights and smells of great food and good looking green chile made us indecisive for what the one thing we could order since this would be the one and only meal we'd have in Santa Fe. We deferred the judgement to our friendly waiter who promptly suggested the Blue Lady Enchiladas and the Polenta bowl. OMG, this was the best enchiladas I've ever had in my life!!! I had mine with carne asada that was sandwiched in between two corn tortillas, and blanketed with red sauce,gooey cheese, and green chile. The carne asada was juicy, tender and perfectly seasoned. I just couldn't believe that I've finally found the best enchiladas worth a 3 hour plane ride and an hour drive just for a taste. And yes, the polenta with red chile chorizo, sweet corn and two over easy eggs was just as good, the red chile sauce was savory with a little kick of spice to keep you awake. The service was super friendly, New Mexico Nice--which is quite on par with Minnesota Nice. Definitely worth a trip and the wait. Can't wait to come back again soon!
(5)Sherry C.
Very tiny restaurant. Food was great and costy, the green juice tastes pretty good. The service was poor.
(4)Sandy F.
30 min wait for good food but very over priced for breakfast. Service was fair to poor.
(3)Keith B.
That Hurt Pasqual's has been around for many years and is quite popular. It is definitely best to make reservations for dinner. Ours was for 8:30pm and we still had to wait a while for a table. For a casual, fun place, the prices are very high. Across the board the food was good, but not great, especially for what was charged. The best item was the Carne Asada appetizer. Oh yeah, also the chocolate meringue cookie that came with our dessert. Service was a mish-mash. It was hard to know who our waiter was since we were visited by several different servers. Because of that we were double-charged for one item and since they hand-write their bills, it was hard to see. I would not go back for dinner. $155 was way too much for what the two of us got. I might try breakfast or lunch, but I wouldn't wait if there was a line. I just don't get the popularity of this place. It is a drive, but go instead to "Jambo's" which has more flavor for less than half the price.
(3)Deane L.
For our final night in Santa Fe, we decided to return to Cafe Pasqual's for the first time in about 8 years. I ordered the pan-seared Scallops and, though I have eaten them all over the world, I can attest that they were the finest I have ever eaten. My wife had a wonderful salmon dish, and the couple with us also loved their meals. We enjoyed a nice Sauvignon Blanc and finished the evening with some wonderful flan and French press coffee with wonderful service and a nice atmosphere. All together a night to remember. Deane L
(5)Pete H.
We were driving across country with one night in Santa Fe so we wanted a meal that was memorable. Based on reviews and suggestions from locals we came here and were not disappointed. All of the food was delicious. The waiter was awesome giving us many tips on places to visit. We left with a hand drawn map on a napkin. But the best part was sitting at the communal table where we met members of a cult who invited us to pray with them and told us all about their "philosophy" and in the end tried to recruit us making for the quintessential Santa Fe experience.
(4)Esteban R.
My wife and I love this place! It not only some of the best breakfast/brunch/lunch in Santa Fe but Ivan and Arturo are by far our favorite servers in town. My 2 favorite items on the menu are the quinoa burger and the BLT. I always get them with the kale salad which is a must have. My wife always gets something new and is never disappointed. Pasquale's is always packed and whether your a local or tourist you won't be disappointed.
(5)Dominic S.
Excellent food, excellent wine, a little on the pricey side. We went for dinner and had a great experience. Lots of people we talked to recommended breakfast but we did not make it there as we looked for places where we could take our dog. This was not one of them. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Santa Fe. I'd recommend a reservation for dinner as the place is quite small and there really is no waiting area to speak of.
(4)Cynthia C.
Fantastic meal in Santa Fe! Make sure to make reservations. The menu, while not extensive, appears to have something for everyone. Waitstaff was very nice and helpful. Can't wait to go again when next in Santa Fe!
(5)Arwen O.
The food is really quite good but I have seldom encountered such appalling service. We went for dinner and I was quite taken aback at how rude and unhelpful the hostess was. She almost refused to seat us away from a briskly blowing air conditioner, and even had the temerity to tell me it was colder at our eventual table, which blatantly wasn't true. Then, when I tried to help out by bringing some of our table settings over to the new table, she actually snapped at me and told me not to approach the table until it was set for us. We'd heard such great things about the place that we stayed anyway, and the food was wonderful (salmon baked in a banana leaf with sticky rice and green papaya salad) and our waiter helpful. We decided to give it a try for brunch later that weeked (their specialty) and our waiter was almost as snarky and rude as the hostess had been, and the famed corned beef hash was dry to boot. It may be some of the best food in Santa Fe, but I won't be back.
(3)James H.
EXCELLENT and unique meals, but be ready: it is EXPENSIVE. $13-18 per breakfast plate. So, a splurge, but worth it.
(4)Thomas B.
My family enjoyed a wonderful meal here tonight during our spring break holiday in New Mexico. The food is advertised as being locally sourced. All of it was quite good. I had an appetizer of dates wrapped in prosciutto that was unusual but the flavors really came together. My son had the carne a dada and polished it off. My wife loved her quinoa burger. Desserts were also very good. My espresso milkshake was amazing. My only suggestion would be to encourage them to expand their beer selection. It was a bit limited.
(5)Patron X.
Love, love, love to brunch here, and so does everyone else so prepare for an absurdly long wait. If you have the time then it's worth it. Everything I've had from egg dishes, to salads, to sandwiches have been delicious and the place is super cute with friendly servers. Whether you're a meat eater or vegetarian you'll find something on the menu that you'll love. I haven't ever been for dinner because the pricing for dinner seems absurdly high for the casualness of the restaurant but maybe one day.
(5)Amaryl P.
We LOVED Pasqual's! The food was the best mole sauce we've had since we've been on our vacation. The atmosphere is very European: small, quaint, it's our pleasure to be here. We loved our time there. Our best food in Sanfa Fe!
(5)Zia L.
Huevos Barbacoa was amazing and you get a lot of food. Lattes are pretty good too.
(5)J S.
Came across this place by accident while we were headed to another restaurant. The dishes were delicious and we enjoyed the dining atmosphere. A little pricey but it was a nice treat. We ordered the Plato Supremo but the Barbacoa was definitely our favorite.
(5)Isabelle L.
This was very overrated and overpriced. The food was just ok as well as the service. They didn't have diet coke which is worth a star haha.
(2)Jak K.
We have eaten here two nights in succession and the food is terrific. Service is excellent as well. Amazing and inventive combinations drawing from all kinds of cuisines. We are hooked. Portions are very generous. Only eaten about half both nights but wished I could have eaten more.
(5)Grass W.
a little bit over priced, but the food was good!
(4)Maresa T.
Possibly my favorite Santa Fe restaurant. Amazing vegetarian selection that is seasonal and changing. I like to go there for dinner even though it is known for breakfast/brunch. Fabulous wine list too.
(5)Anthony R.
Great food but overall wayyyyy to expensive for a small crowded restaurant with a diner atmosphere. It's great that everything is organic but overpriced small portions are incredibly hard to deal with. I don't know what makes Pasqual's such a hot spot in Santa Fe beside the reputation.
(1)Adriana M.
Arrived when they opened for dinner. We were sat immediately but they did ask if we had a reservation. Staff was friendly enough. Loved that the menu had vegetarian and gluten free options for most of the items on the menu. Wine and beer list was good too. Our food was delicious. The gazpacho was the best thing we had. Thought it was a little pricey for the portion size but would probably still go back.
(4)H R.
Delicious! Cubano Sammy with tomatillo salsa and red cabbage slaw was terrific, as we're the fish tacos with kale salad. Cozy place and busy at lunch, but efficient as well. I'd come here again.
(5)Sheba G.
First of all, the wait wasn't that bad...we only waited 20 minutes for a table of 4. I started off with the elderberry spritzer (non-alcoholic). It was so refreshing and different (in a good way) since it's not a drink typically seen on menus. Our family had the lamb tacos specials, carne asana tacos and the vegetarian chile relleno and enchilada combo. The lamb tacos were so tasty! The cilantro rice was killer! The chile relleno had so much cheese oozing out....everything was deli push. Service was great too - friendly & helpful. I loved that they didn't rush us out even though there was a wait too.
(5)Sandy G.
Ate here today and had a great time. We were seated at the community table, OTW we would have had to wait. I ordered the quinoa burger with kale salad in the side. It was fresh, organic, and savory. Yum. We also shared a press pot of coffee and were treated to macaroon style cookie to finish off the meal, which was delicious. The service was good and the food super satisfying!
(5)Vic T.
Expectations for a flavorful sante fe breakfast will be well fulfilled here, along with great menu suggestions. We will return for more this visit and next
(5)John C.
Solid breakfast choice, went with the Christmas style chorizo breakfast burrito and wasn't disappointed. Would come again
(4)Mr G.
Really enjoyed both our meals here. Breakfast was next level... I would recommend the Polenta (has green chiles inside) with chorizo with red chile and corn. It came with two eggs which I got poached. Amazing meal, and even though they were very busy.. our waiter was calm, relaxed, and professional. He never once made us feel rushed or that we should leave in order to seat more folks. That's pretty classy b/c this place gets very busy. No lie, it's a tight squeeze in there.. but it's not a huge place, so it actually makes sense. I loved it, and we went back for dinner the following night.. equally good. Thanks for the meal's pasqual's people!
(5)Elle L.
During our 2 days in Santa Fe, we ate here as well as at The Shed and Luminaria (inside Inn and Spa at Loretto). All were good meals, but our favorite was Cafe Pasqual's. A friend of mine said that her favorite was breakfast. I liked lunch better. I wish I could go back for the dinner menu.
(5)Jennifer D.
While walking through the plaza, the boyfriend and I passed a large crowd and long line for Pasqual's. Once again, we were attracted to the crowdedness and made note to come back for lunch. We came back on a Saturday around noon. The restaurant was already full, but there was only 1 party ahead of us, and we were told that our wait would be about 5 - 10 minutes. The host also offered communal seating if that opened up first. Not too shabby. The ambiance of the restaurant is very "Santa Fe" - lots of artsy Native American decor, lots of patrons in yoga gear, and I'm pretty sure I saw an iPad at various tables. We were quickly seated at a small table. I quickly scanned the many local, organic New Mexican options, but went straight to Yelp to help me decide. I finally decided on the huevos rancheros and SO THANKFUL that the boyfriend decided to get the smoked trout hash. He is getting better mind reading. The huevos rancheros tasted average. Two over-easy eggs nesting on top of a bed black beans that hide a layer of melted jack cheese and corn tortilla. It was difficult to get ALL of those elements into one bite since the eggs and beans were runny and the corn tortilla was difficult to "slice." Also, I asked for a side of green and red chile, so the small saucers that contained them were set right on the eggs. When I tried to move the saucers off the plate, it revealed broken egg whites, so the yolk ran everywhere. The smoked trout hash was delicious, though more potato than smoked trout. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but a BIIIIT overhyped.
(3)Maggie P.
You will probably have to wait about half an hour or more, but it is definitely worth it. The staff are all extremely friendly and accommodating. My mom and I went across the street into a shop while we waited, and the host came in calling our name to find us before going on to the next person. The food is absolutely marvelous; I had the mango chicken quesadilla and wouldn't have changed a thing. The place is small with a lot of traditional-looking decorations and has just wonderful ambiance. Sit at the community table if you can! You meet neat people.
(5)Rachel E.
We came for breakfast on Friday expecting to beat the crowds...no such luck. We were told the wait would be about 20 minutes - it was more like 30. (I have a hard time holding that against them since it's SO hard to estimate, but we were hungry so I'm going to anyway.) Coffee was ok, a little weak for my personal taste. But they did come by to refill it frequently along with our waters. But then, my chile relleno came out. O.M.G. It was really that good. My boyfriend ordered the huevos rancheros and said it was good, although he did agree my food was better (shocking, I know). We left stuffed and happy. Would definitely recommend for breakfast.
(4)Joe S.
$25 for a plate of enchiladas and they don't have a full liquor license? Soooo overrated.
(1)Al Z.
Two reviews: Breakfast and Dinner.... Don't let the "vegetarian" word in the descriptor scare are you away- there's plenty of meat here. And if there's no line, it means you got lucky. There's almost always a line (and for dinner- get reservations!). The menu has not changed much over the years, and neither has the decor. But for some reason, it still works. It's like coming home. You anticipate the meal, the flavors, the welcoming dining room and staff. Breakfast: Coffee (excellent), juice that certainly tasted fresh, and 3 different entrees. Pasqual's is THE place to trust the chef and kitchen for ingredient blends you wouldn't normally consider. Bananas, peas, black beans, eggs and "Christmas" chile (red and green), excellent. Corned beef hash with chile? Mmmm. And "basics" like a chorizo burrito served Christmas-style is tasty and you'll want more- but you're too full for now. Service is quick and if there's a line, take a seat at the community table. Dinner: you need reservations. But if you don't, the staff tries real hard to get you in...but it might be a while. But when you get your table, the service rivals any. Top notch. I believe it's hard to find a "miss" on the menu (can't speak to the vegetarian menu). The nopales salad is a must, tacos, lamb, yucatan pork- all hits, including the sides. Great blends of flavors, colors and textures. Definitely has the flavors you are looking for in the southwest without being just a plate of tacos or enchiladas. It's creative and tasty, and pulls influences from every corner of the globe. Dessert? Portions large enough that you may want to give up- but try to save room for one. On the way out, pick up some cookies that are made in-house. Best around. Yes, it's been here forever, and yes, every tourist goes here, and yes, parts of the menu haven't changed forever. That said, if you are going through Santa Fe, cafe Pasqual is a must-stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Strike that. Make it "and" instead of "or"
(5)Karen W.
Good food, nice espresso - great place to come for breakfast. Food was flavorful, espresso was bold with nice crema. Service was excellent. Espresso very nice but expensive - 4 dollars per cup.
(4)Robin S.
Very yummy breakfast food after a long wait - definitely falls into the same category as Mama's in San Francisco (Is it worth it?). We got there on a Sunday 10 minutes after opening, and we were told it would be 40 minutes. We browsed a nearby shop for 20 minutes and came back to find out they had called us and had been bumped. We were assured it wouldn't be another 40 minutes, but it was. The service was very good, but the food did take its time, making the entire experience about 2 and a half hours (for eggs!). The chile relleno was amazing, probably the best I've ever had. The Huevos Montulenos were weird and, in the right mouth, good - but I was on the fence. The Rancheros were awesome though. The orange juice was from concentrate, unfortunately, but I guess that's to be expected inland. If you ain't got shit else to do, I recommend going.
(3)Sarah F.
After all of my years of going here...I have never considered giving it anything below 5 stars. I've been for brunch, lunch, & dinner and am never disappointed. The menu stays fresh with new specials but concrete with it's old time favorites. Pasqual's stays true to New Mexican cuisine traditionals but always adds it's own twist. I am and will always be in love with this place. A must go to if you are in Santa Fe. I suck (or maybe rock) and always order the Free range chicken breast sandwich. It is so good I bought the cookbook so I could try and recreate this masterpiece in center city Philadelphia...still working on it though. What makes the sandwich is the homemade green chili corn bread and the caramelized onions and jalapenos. A must have. You also can't go wrong with the corn beef hash or juevos montulenos for breakfast. Dessert: Order a date shake if they have it. It will blow your mind. The most savory caramely taste you will ever experience Now with every good place you have to wait to get a table. Truly anticipate a 45 min wait if you are going for brunch when they don't take reservations. Put your name in and enjoy being a block away from the plaza. Enjoy!
(5)Sadie C.
How I wish Pasquals had a little outpost in Vancouver. The high ceilings, the cozy feelings, the well established restaurant vibes and the FOOD! 6 months later, I am still thinking about that cornbread BLT with watermelon gazpacho. It just felt like a treat to be there and I can't wait to go back.
(5)claire g.
Some dishes really good (veg chile relleno) some blah (veg enchilada - unseasoned tofu and spinach) Kids dishes very overpriced - $10 for a simple burrito but it was large so could be split. Great service and nice atmosphere.
(4)Tony S.
Another great meal at Pasqual's. The food (see details below) was top notch as always, the service was professional, and we finally got a window table. ;-) It's pricey, but felt it's worth it. But, you should expect a wait for table (see note at bottom). FOOD & DRINK: Ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate with Soy Milk served in a pint glass. It was to die for! Great balance of sweet & creamy. GRIDDLED POLENTA WITH SAUTÉED CHORIZO, CORN & RED CHILE I get this every time because it's that good. Simple, but perfectly made. Pricey, but oh so tasty. The portion is large enough to share - $15 MAGA'S CHEESE BLINTZES - OMG! The best blintzes we've ever had a restaurant, including Jewish Delis in NYC. Light, fluffy and perfectly done. They even rivaled my Mom's recipe for Russian Blintzes from the Old Country (she doesn't Yelp, so please don't tell her!) - $14 and they were totally worth every mouthful! PASQUAL'S WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES - very good pancakes with lots of body, texture and good jam & syrup. But, given the price of $10, we would probably order something more exotic next time. NOTE: There is nearly always a wait. For Sunday breakfast, we arrived 30 minutes before they opened. Got a nice table, but still had to wait another 15 minutes since the entire restaurant filled up at once (we were, however, pre-warned about this possibility when we called the night before. Thought you should know too!) But, we're willing to wait for this food. Enjoy!
(5)Marie W.
This is the most amazing food in Santa Fe! Found Café Pasqual's on Yelp and decided to go for lunch. We barely made the 3:00 cut off for lunch and the restaurant was still full, a good sign! We decided on the community table, which was fun because others gave us some good tips for what to order. I decided on the TOASTED BLT WITH GREEN CHILE AND CHILE BACON Chile Rubbed Bacon, Roasted Green Chile Strips, Jack, Tomato, and Mayo on Our Toasted Chile Cornbread with choice of a Field Greens Hubby got: CARNE ASADA Marinated and Grilled Skirt Steak with Guacamole, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Black Beans, Grilled Sweet Red Peppers, Poblano Chile and Onion with Two Yellow Corn Tortillas Yum and Yum! So good, we returned for breakfast the next day: HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sautéed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla (Get the green, the new culinary crack!) GRIDDLED POLENTA WITH SAUTÉED CHORIZO, CORN AND RED CHILE Green Chile-Flecked Fried Polenta on a Pool of Red Chile Sauce, topped with Our Chorizo, Roasted Corn Niblets and Two Eggs Your Way It is said that to achieve mastery in anything, one needs 10,000 hours of practice. Café Pasqual's has been open for 34 years, which means they have achieved culinary mastery 15 times over!
(5)Asher D.
Not a great experience. I came to Santa Fe solo for a few days. I loved their menu and the casual atmosphere. But the entire staff seemed to go out of their way to make me feel unwelcome for dining alone. The hostess asked me twice what I wanted before she gave me a table. I am a fairly well-dressed guy with means, who tips very well. So its not like I looked homeless. They just didn't seem to want me there, even on a very slow Wednesday night. I ended up leaving before ordering (after the third waiter gave me a few rude comments). Very disappointing. Oh well, I took my business elsewhere.
(1)Cyndy L.
We enjoyed breakfast today at Pasqual's although not sure I would brave the crowds again any time soon. If you go to this place with the word "amazing" in your head, you may be slightly disappointed, but if you go simply expecting very good and creative breakfast food, you should come away satisfied. The huevos motuleños and griddled polenta were both tasty with interesting flavors. Kids enjoyed their (big) wheat pancakes. The fantastical piñatas hanging from the ceiling were a fun decorative touch.
(4)D R.
Very very good food but seemed somewhat inconsistent, service was uneven, and price is expensive. Carne asada was delicious on one visit, just good on another. I see the appeal, but think all the rave reviews are somewhat overrated.
(4)john a.
Heard good things about the restaurant so stopped by today. Food was good. French press coffee was excellent. Service was slow which only added to the 20 min wait. Place was cramped and hot. I won't frequent the place but may stop by once a month or so...
(3)Lauren T.
DO NOT believe the hype! The food was very mediocre at best--my $28 vegetarian southwestern combo was bland, mushy, cold and watery. The mole was atrocious and tasted like I ate a bowl of potpourri. Coming from Texas, I have really ridiculously high standards for what constitues good Mexican-inspired dishes. This place...no. Maybe their other items are worthy of the rave reviews, but for this gal, absolutely not. Cafe Pasquale's is a total tourist trap and a "everyone else says it's good, so I will too" kind of place. The worst offense is the PRICE. Oh my god...I am not cheap by any means and will happily pay a pretty penny for a tasty well-prepared meal. However, $30 for a very mediocre Mexican combo plate is obscene, especially when it probably cost them $5 to make. Ugh. I felt ripped off and would love to spare another traveler from that feeling! Don't do it! This is not a real Mexican restaurant!
(2)RaDar T.
Hands down the most delicious breakfast place in all the land! We dined at a communal table which made for great entertainment. Didn't want to want for a separate table, so we decided to sit there and meet some new people. They recommended the hot chocolate so we had to order. The best choice we made all day! The sweetest and most chocolate filled drink in the world! The pancakes are a must try. They are so flavorful and yummy! Also, the thick turkey bacon was great. Must try this breakfast cafe which is in a great location!
(5)FortSki G.
One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Fe. We stopped in for a Halloween dinner which by no surprise was wonderful. - stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and pomegranate (one of my families favorites albeit it was a bit bland that evening) - cioppino (the broth base is unbelievable) - figs wrapped in prosciutto - ice cream sunday (homemade ice cream) If you visit Santa Fe, we highly recommend making a reservation or waiting for a meal at Pasqual's. If you are a breakfast lover... you will be blown away.
(4)Kelly M.
Good breakfast burrito. But the green chili wasn't the stew that I know and love. More like chopped canned green chiles with a little bit of juice. Still good. Oct 31 Yelp Challenge: #18/31
(4)R B.
There's a reason this place is famous! Try the slow cooked barbacoa breakfast, or the pan fried polenta. The rich sauces really make these dishes. Don't miss the pastries in the case as you're checking out, they're made in-house and just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth after a spicy meal! It's worth waiting if there's a LONG line, trust me!
(5)Hungry T.
Delicious fun! We ate a late breakfast here and had to wait over an hour to be seated at the communal table in the middle of the restaurant (two things that we always try to avoid!). But at Pasquale's it was all part of the experience. Breakfast burrito, chile relleno and polenta all were amazing! Whole wheat pancakes are also a must have! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Jane D.
Everyone told me to go. They all raved about Pasqual's. While the food was okay, the service barely passed as marginal. We went around 1100 and there was about a 20 minute wait, which is typical from what I understand. We sat at the communal table and met the people on either side of us. Everyone was frustrated at the number of flies and the slow service (one man's meal was entirely forgotten about). It seemed as if there was only one server for the entire restaurant and one bus boy. The server looked like he was about to pull his hair out. The food was okay. The toast for my sandwich was burnt and a little too crunchy for my taste. Our neighbor felt his meal was slightly bland. Bland is an overall good description of the entire experience. It has cool ambiance and I can see how it would be a favorite of many if just a few things had been different. I'm counting on the fact that I was just there on an off day and would be willing to try again.
(3)Jen N.
This is VERY good, higher-end mexican food in Santa Fe. It is a quaint restaurant with a lot of crunchy/earthy characteristics. We started with dates filled with goat cheese and wrapped with grilled prosciutto. Yum. We then shared a sampler plate which consisted of a tamale, chile relleno and an enchilada with mole sauce, accompanied by a sweet plantain. It was a huge plate and plenty to share. Mole here = top two best I have had. It was a classier version of the other mole I like in Austin at some restaurant I cannot remember near the W (helpful, I know). Wine and beer selection was nice as well. It was a cozy, flavorful meal with a menu full of interesting combinations that have a Mexican flare. It's a small restaurant, calling ahead is a good idea.
(5)JA C.
Really lousy service. Food not cooked as requested. No apology from staff. It was as if we were more of an annoyance than a guest. Will never go back.
(1)Kathryn B.
Well we five weary travelers had stumbled upon this restaurant. There were many people waiting outside. We were so hungry and hesitated waiting, but IT WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT. All of us had the most amazing meals, and a couple of us had restrictive diets. Not only were the wait staff pleasant, kind, and accommodating, but at the end of the lunch hour, they still seemed to be happy to see us. I had never had mole before, and after stating that, our server promptly left and brought back a ramekin for me to try! I got the mole enchiladas, which were amazing. My friends also loved the BLT and quinoa burger. The chai was so fantastic, not at all sweet but spicy as heck in a good way. We also managed to fit in the small dessert plate, which was a wonderful assortment of cake, pie, and cookie. Delicious! We basically couldn't eat supper bc we enjoyed ourselves a bit too much. Needless to say, we plan on having breakfast here as well!!
(5)RT S.
Very busy with minimal wait time of 40 minutes for breakfast due to small dinning area. There are some good local breakfast dishes. We ordered french toast w bacon and polento w chirozo. It was a decent breakfast.
(3)Dan T.
This place was Fantastic, well worth the wait for Breakfast. Fresh food that really shined. Came with high praise from friends and this place absolutely stood up to their recommendations. I would absolutely go back to this place and would love to try their lunch when I come back to Santa Fe. A must try!!
(5)Darcy W.
Don't pass this place by, it's the best breakfast food, and worth the price, which was reasonable for locally sourced organic ingredients. The smoked trout hash was incredible, in fact everything was incredible! We were in a hurry and there at prime time Saturday morning. The service was fast, courteous, and our wait was minimal (15 minutes) for a good table. Absolutely worth it, the ambience was great too. The personal touches are everywhere. And the coffee is excellent!
(5)Jessica F.
Wow. Just wow. After seeing reviews on here, I was slightly worried this would be overpriced with poor service. Yes, it was expensive, but extremely worth it. Service was prompt, cordial, and efficient. Ambiance was cheery, unpretentious, and cozy, but still elegant. The food was outstanding. Three of us had the Pupusa as an appetizer, and the Garden Enchiladas and the Plato Supremo with the Tamale and chicken mole. My friends raved about the chile relleno and we all found the mole to be the most delicious, perfectly balanced we've ever had. Everything else was so flavorful, perfectly cooked, and filling without being heavy. We had a couple baked sweets out of the case at the cashier...yum! All of this, combined with fact that they are using organic, locally-sourced ingredients makes this place well worth your time and money,
(5)Barbara R.
WORST omelette I have ever had in my life. Seriously. Overcooked and rubbery - Jack cheese flavorless - could not even taste the chives. Hash browns on the plate - overcooked, too. Asked for 'fire-roasted' tomato salsa ON THE SIDE - and they smeared it all over the top of the omelette? What cook does that? The salsa itself was more like pureed canned fire-roasted tomatoes. No seasoning or spices at all. Don't call it salsa if it's not salsa. Another person at our table ordered the breakfast burrito and ate about 3 bites - the egg inside was overcooked and the green chili was flavorless. The wait staff looked not happy to be there. The owner (or manager) was rushed, abrupt, and just didn't seem to be handling a breakfast 'crowd' with any grace or patience at all. Get out of the business, then. I can't figure out the 'crowd' part to save my life. The manager got into a little 'tiff' with a customer who wanted to buy some little animal paper mache animals. He bordered on rude and snotty. Couldn't help but hear them as I was 2 feet from the check out register. The guy had no class. The woman who offered (what I thought) was a reasonable amount handled his rudeness with more grace than I would have, I can tell you that. Be an art gallery or be a restaurant. They aren't doing a great job of either, truly. A crowded little place. Still have some 1999 James Beard certificates in their window. That should have been a clue. Would not recommend to anyone or go there again.
(2)Janice B.
The best meal we had in Santa Fe...food was delicious, our waiter was awesome..a great meal to end our stay in lovely Santa Fe.
(4)Abi F.
This is a Santa Fe must visit for out of towners. My friend who had lived here recommended it for our visit and in spite of the 1 hour wait time given we chose to put our names on the list. It turned out to be more like 35 minutes and we just walked around nearby art galleries so the time flew. When we did get seated, the menu was full of farm fresh and organically sourced ingredients! It was so hard to choose - but I ended up with the two choice platter - chicken enchiladas and chile rellenos, my mom had the jicama, orange and green chile marinaded chicken salad and my sister had the blue tortilla enchiladas with carne asada. We decided to share one agave wine margarita - which after 1 sip quickly turned into 1 glass each because it was so delicious and refreshing! After we completely finished every last drop on our plates and were way past the point of too full - we slowly finished our margaritas to gear up for the return to galleries and shopping. We have decided that this will be our first stop every time we return to Santa Fe. Well worth the wait. The decor is artsy, quaint and very New Mexico bohemian feeling. It's truly a cool local experience.
(5)Joshua M.
cozy and intimate you can seat in the shared central table and engage fellow visitors in conversation or have a private table, whatever your preferred seating arrangement it will be comfortable and pleasant as this place is a feels good place. my friend had their omlet I had the Mole, we also enjoyed the fresh brat salad juices and the Hot chocolate. All dishes were excellent and had their own personality, a visit to Pasqual's is a recommended pleasure
(5)Sadie P.
We were visiting Santa Fe and the staff at the Inn we were staying at suggested this Pasqual's as our 1st dinner. They called ahead for us to get us a table and boy am I glad; two seconds after we walked in the place was packed. It is not a big restaurant so it fills quickly. We had prompt service, but he was not the friendliest guy in the world, I might be picky but in a city that is mainly tourist you would think he would be a little more informative about the menu. We had the warm fresh brie, it was amazing. I love brie but this was fantastic. We also had the lamb and the mole enchiladas, both were great. By far the best meal we had in Santa Fe!! It was a wonderful recommendation from our Inn staff.
(4)Janet V.
Best meal in Santa Fe, best meal in a long time. Worth the money. A close to perfect dinner experience. We will go to Santa Fe just to eat here. Great staff, great food, comfy atmosphere.
(5)Matt H.
Tight fit, ecliptic atmosphere, crowded - even in the off season. Food was fantastic, I had the carne asada with a fantastic jalapeño salsa. We were not able to sit at the community table, but the people sitting there looked like they were enjoying each others company.
(4)James P.
Great spot for Breakfast! I had the Hot Chocolate (Amazing!), and Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs (Homemade and Amazing!) I'll be back for sure!
(5)C. B.
I just love Pasqual's. Been going there for years and it's home away from home when I'm in the area. I make a special effort to go there because the food is wonderful, they support local growers and organic produce, the atmosphere is happy and welcoming. Of course it's touristy but so what? I'm a tourist. It's a great place to talk to people from other areas. I recommend Pasqual's.
(5)Eric B.
As good as the reviews say. Get there early to avoid lines. Had a fantastic breakfast here. The rest is just stating what everyone else does. It's really good. It's a fun locations space. The service quick and courteous. We will make this a must go place every time we are in town.
(5)Michelle R.
First of all, this place is too adorable to adequately describe. If Disney wanted to create a fairytale cafe with a southwestern twist, this would be it. Twinkly lights, gorgeous plants, a stunning mural and interesting art pieces adorned the walls and Ceiling creating a calming and inviting ambiance. I ordered the huevos rancheros with green chile and it did not disappoint! Had a good amount of heat to it, but didn't overwhelm the palette, so you could still taste the rich, warm flavours. The coffee was not swill, and it had been many days on the road with terrible "coffee", so this greatly enhanced the experience. Friendly staff, quality food, and a wonderful aesthetic. Would definitely come back!
(5)Bud P.
Really great place. We eat here every time we are in Santa Fe. Excellent food and atmosphere.
(5)Ron D.
Famous restaurant with a large menu. However, found the food to be average pedestrian with flavors other than its obsession with capstan in almost everything. I love spicy food but unintentionally ingested a very hot habanero pepper from the pork dish that was so burning I could not eat anything further. For someone other than like me who can tolerate spicy food, it would be dangerous to their health. It took my breath away for 15 mins. No warning about the actual habanero peppers being in the dish. Did not enjoy the meal and will not likely go back and we are locals. So many other good restaurants in town rather than this overpriced landmark for tourists.
(2)Keith R.
This place never disappoints. Food is always fresh, hot, delicious and served promptly. There is usually a wait but it is always well worth it!
(5)laird h.
This place was recommended to us by a friend, and we ended up going for both dinner and breakfast. Indeed, the food was fantastic, as advertised. And we liked the low-key ambiance. But for what we got, it did seem a bit overpriced. Given the waiting lists, obviously their prices are what the market can bear (I guess given the location near the plaza and the lack of competition from similar restaurants locally), but for us Californians used to this type of cuisine, the prices were about 50% more than what we're used to paying.
(4)Mike E.
Sometimes the stars align and things go better than you could've hoped, such was the case when me and my GF stopped by Cafe Pasqual's for brunch a few weeks ago. We got a late start on the day so by the time we were hungry it was almost 2, which is when many places downtown close for a few hours. We arrived at the door to see a very large group of people obviously waiting for a table. Figuring we had nothing to lose we went in to see how long of a wait it was. The host said he'd seat us right away if we didn't mind sharing a table with a couple of other folks. We said hell yeah, we'll take it! After getting a couple of glasses of wine to toast the awesome road trip we were winding down we looked for something to grab us on the menu. I was in the mood for some New Mexican cuisine of the lunch variety so I went for the Blue Lady Enchiladas with chicken covered with green chile. It also came with black beans and cilantro rice, and was all really good. Afterwards I felt like I'd "done" the Santa Fe type of food thing, so I checked it off the list. My girlfriend went with the Griddled Polenta with Chorizo, Corn, and Red Chile. It came with a couple of eggs in it and was also very good. The service was good, and everyone was very nice. I'm not sure about the dinner service but I can recommend Cafe Pascal's to anyone looking for breakfast or lunch. Just remember they have a public table and don't be afraid of sitting next to a stranger, they ALMOST never bite!
(4)Ted R.
Always fabulous service. Always a visual delight. Enjoy the posters and the prayer flags. Great wine list too. Incredible food at these prices, 5 stars, please! And the building is an historic treasure. There's no end to the reasons why this is one of my favorite restaurants in the US of A. The enchiladas are really that amazing. The espresso milkshake too. Do lunch at Cafe Pasqual's, it's a little easier to get in without reservation stress if you go in the afternoon. They serve breakfast late...you know, at least once, you've been on that vacation where you don't get rolling till around 2 and you want some brek-brek. Not sure how you could beat this option. I'm counting the days until my next visit to Santa Fe...and Pasqual's!
(5)Colette R.
Pretty good - should have had the corn cake plate!!! Sampled one with breakfast and it was amazing! Coffee is not good... Get an espresso drink instead.
(3)D. W.
Went here for breakfast with a friend while we were in town and I must say that the Huevos Motulenos was delicious! The food here is a healthier version of New Mexican cuisine with really fresh flavor. I have only been for breakfast but assume that dinner is quite good as well. This restaurant is also located in a fun part of town but prepare for a lengthy wait. Cheers!
(4)Lee W.
Had one of our first meals in Santa Fe at Cafe Pasqual's. Met a nice couple who was also visiting from California and decided to share a table and their company. Probably the highlight of the evening. The menu is interesting, typical Santa Fe with a Mediterranean flair. The food was very good. The Zinfandel was excellent, served perfectly. The dessert were over-the-top decadent. We would definitely go there again. It is a small room and a tight squeeze. We were lucky to be in Santa Fe when it wasn't a busy time of year otherwise it is difficult to get in there. Enjoy!
(4)Eric K.
We had read such good things about Cafe Pasqual from travel magazines, Rachael Ray books, etc. that we wanted to give it a try during our Santa Fe vacation. So, we visited Cafe Pasqual's on a chilly November Friday morning. I gave our name to the man at the door and he asked if we wanted a private or shared table. Hmmm. Well, private is always nice since we're not in high school anymore, but since there was a wait, we offered to take the first available. There was a 20-minute wait on a weekday morning during Santa Fe's non-peak season, and no indoor seating/waiting area. Everyone stood on the street corner like vagabonds waiting for a table. We wondered how crowded it got during the warmer peak season and on weekends. We browsed the menu while we waited in the cold. The breakfast options looked limited compared to other restaurants around town and nothing really stood out as "special" or "exceptional." The only difference was that all the options were twice the price. We really couldn't understand how they might prepare the same egg dish better than other places. A breakfast burrito for $14.95 when others offered them for as low as $5.95? We crossed our name off the list and went next door to the Atomic Grill where there was no wait, delicious food, and the breakfast didn't empty our wallets.
(3)Dean G.
Although it may not appear to be a fancy-pants restaurant, Pasqual's is actually quite a nice place for dinner (calling it a "cafe" might be a tad misleading). My wife and I went here after several recommendations, and we were not disappointed. First of all, I love the idea of the community table. We did not have reservations (having stumbled upon it one evening without meaning to), and the place was pretty full on that particular Wednesday evening. But they did have space at the community table, where you can sit without reservation and probably eat next to someone you don't know. If strangers scare you, then this is probably not for you. But if you're okay with eating near people you don't know, then go for it! It's a terrific idea. The decor inside is hectic and casual, which, again, makes the prices for the food seem a little odd. The hanging peppers, flags, and murals all add to the homey feel. I liked it: there's no reason you can't pair good food and funky decorations. But really, the food was excellent. We ordered: Baked brie Lamb Burger Plato Supremo You need to order the Brie. For $17? Yes, order it and never look back. It's so, so good. The cheese is warm and gooey, and the head of garlic is perfect with it. The chilis are the perfect amount of spicy. Will your breath stink? Oh yes. Will it be worth it? Oh yes indeed. The Plato was wonderful as well, especially the Tamale. It was thick and had a corn bread consistency. Excellent! The whole plate was beautiful and colorful. But most of all, everything tasted great. The mole sauce was also exceptional: very chocolatey and spicy. We loved it. And oh my goodness, the lamb burger was heavenly. English muffins for the bun are excellent for soaking up the juice. The yogurt sauce is creamy and tangy, and the meat is rich. I loved it so much. We did not have room for desert, but I wish we had! Someday we will return and try the desert. Do yourself a favor and go to Pasqual's when in Santa Fe. Be ready to shell out a few bucks for it, but you will not go away disappointed. (There is also a cookbook from the restaurant that we bought, which has some great photos and excellent recipes we can't wait to try at home.)
(5)Jimmy G.
Skip this tourist rip off joint.
(1)Michael O.
Ehhh... I have mixed feelings on this place... This is a restaurant that just doesn't know what it wants to grow up to be. The restaurant had a nice homey feel to it which was surprising given how crowded it is but I would have hated sitting in the middle of the packed house. When we sat down we were greeted by our server reasonably quickly. To say the menu was pretentious would be an understatement. The exclusion of almost anything not deemed "organic" or trendy was a real turn off. The menu is also too pricey for the setting, the food quality, and the ingredients. The have no liquor, which (in my opinion) is ridiculous at a restaurant that charges $30-$40 for most of the entree's. The list of beers was pretty limited and I don't think that wine complemented the menu items well, you may have a different opinion. After scanning the menu almost everyone at the table was concerned they wouldn't find anything they wanted to eat. Only one person out of the five of us ordered from the entree list because it was just so unappetizing sounding. The server couldn't help either - she clearly had no idea what the flavor profiles of the dishes were and hadn't tried some of them. She also was clueless about the flavor profiles of the beer. Four of us ordered appetizers for dinner - not because of the price (heck - even the appetizer were close to $20 each) but because it was the only thing we felt like eating. One of us ordered the pumpkin soup / stew from the entree list. All the food was good (not phenomenal, but good) - the person that ordered the pumpkin dish thought it was great. When I go to a restaurant I expect two things at a minimum - good (not great) food and good (not great) service. When I get both of those things I'll happily give a clean restaurant 3 stars - "Great" earns an extra star in each associated category. I got good food and good service in a clean restaurant, which would normally result in three stars but I have to take away a star for one simple reason - the price. The way the restaurant prices its food takes what should have been "Good" and made me compare it to finer dining establishments, and that's where it just didn't stack up. The food (simple Mexican fare) was "good" at $10, but at nearly twice that it was just not a good value, as important, the service was no where near as polished as it should have been given the pricing. Oh, and in case you're wondering - I judge each restaurant on the merit of its category - equal stars does not mean a burger joint is as good as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Maybe I'll visit again after it grows up.
(2)Cathy R.
Omg. Every visit to Santa Fe includes a stop here. Crowded, noisy, fun. Food is so original. Never an empty seat and I know why.
(5)D P.
Still as good as before! I love this place. Mole enchiladas, classy wine list, attentive service, and amazing mexican wedding cookies.
(5)AVID C.
The two stars are because there are better restaurants in Santa Fe based on the food we ate today. I had the griddled polenta with chorizo in red chile with eggs. Ordered my eggs over medium, but when they arrived they were not runny and close to over hard. Daughter's chicken sandwich: chicken breast was dry, not juicy and mayo and cheese dressing was excessive. Bread was falling apart because of all the mayo so sandwich disintegrated.The kale salad was good. Hubby had potatoes and eggs which he said were okay. Crunchy home fries were good. Service was excellent and attentive. Decor is fun and interesting.
(2)Tori B.
Though I do understand this is a Santa Fe "must try" I left my breakfast dining experience wondering what the hype is all about. After waiting 45 minutes for a table, we were seated and sort of promptly greeted. The host was very friendly and made sure we got our table as soon as possible, but our waitress wasn't too friendly and didn't provide suggestions on what is "good," much I found quite odd. After an internal debate, I choose the polenta and red chili. It was fine. Didn't blow me away and made my tummy hurt pretty quickly after. My Husband had the huevos with carne asada (I think) and seemed to really like his. I tried the meat and it was flavorful and good. Perhaps we should have come for lunch because more of that appealed to me, but alas maybe next time. The prices here are crazy! Our two meals and drinks was like $50! That's just way too high- and the portions aren't that big. So, not sure what the real buzz is all about, but maybe I just got the wrong thing...
(3)A K.
Great food, but terrible service. Our server had a passive aggressive attitude to almost every request. "What are your salad dressings?" 4 second pause. "The ones we have are the ones listed on the menu".
(3)Erica R.
So GOOD
(5)Billy T B.
Sorta concerned about some of the reviews and statements about long lines but we were pleasantly surprised. We had brioche French toast, Pasqual's favorite, cheese omelette with ham. It was all very good. Cafe Pasqual is a little pricey, especially for breakfast but it was worth it. The coffee was a bit strong and tasted like it was from the bottom if the coffee pot to me. They have xylitol as an alternative to Splenda and it was ok. It was more stout than Starbucks. Great atmosphere, friendly service, walked right in at 8:45am for breakfast. We never saw anyone wait more than a couple of minutes. We will come back and Cafe Pasqual is a must on at least your first Santa Fe.
(4)Allison L.
Don't get all huffy about my 3 starts until you read the review. Thanks. So as a tourist in a somewhat of a touristy town we heard this place was the bomb! When we walked in, its very bright and friendly. However, most people wait outside for their table as it gets incredibly crowded in the front. I think the place is adorably authentic. Our waiter was decent. Nothing special, I felt like he was getting irritated with us. (Sidenote: The people we were with are from the north, so they didn't know a lot of the Mexican terms for food...) I ordered the Corn cakes with zucchini squash and red peppers. I actually thought it was really bland. The only thing on that plate that had flavor was the corn cakes and even those were a little dry. BF had the mole and thought it was ok, it was like a soup broth. A good mole needs to have a little bit of a thicker consistency, not sure if this is just how they made their mole though. He said he had better at home. The other people we were with enjoyed their meals, they said they had had nothing like it before. For dessert we shared the blueberry pie and the lemon sheet cake with raspberries (AMAZING!!!!!). The wine was delicious, yay. Overall I thought the meal was overpriced for what we received. However, it is a touristy town so they can get away with that. They also sell a cookbook, which actually looked interesting. Good meal. Not great. Had better. If I come back, it'll prolly be just for dessert or wine. Or BOTH!
(3)Steph C.
My fiance and I came to Cafe Pasqual's for a nice vacation dinner while we were in Santa Fe. It was our spendiest meal in town, but it was well worthwhile, with pleasant atmosphere and great food. We booked a table for two at 8:30 on a Tuesday night, and the place was essentially packed. There were a couple large parties, which filled up a good chunk of the small space. We were one of the only couples, but while I wouldn't call Pasqual's romantic, it didn't lack at all for warmth or intimacy. Service was friendly, and the pace was leisurely but never too slow. We shared a bottle of red zinfandel with our meal, and it amplified Pasqual's natural good vibes. The food was delicious, starting with a big glass of flatbread sticks, crunchy and studded with sesame seeds. We also shared the warm French brie appetizer, which was more than big enough for two. This was a giant platter of half-melted brie served with a roasted head of garlic and roasted tomato-jalapeño and tomatillo salsas, with sliced baguette to carry the bounty. The cheese was gooey and warm and it went beautifully with the salsas and the soft smushable whole cloves of garlic. The entrees ran the gamut in price and genre, and I saw no reason not to order the plato supremo, which was essentially a fancy combination plate. It came with an Anaheim chile relleno, a chicken or tofu mole enchilada, and a choice of beef barbacoa taco or tamale, all served with cilantro rice. Great for the indecisive, with a serving of Pasqual's popular mole as part of the bargain. I chose the chicken enchilada and the beef taco, and these both seemed like good choices to me. The mole enchilada was definitely the highlight of the meal, the dark mole sauce rich and savory with just the softest edge of sweetness. The enchilada underneath it was flavorful in its own right, and both the wet tortilla and tender shredded chicken made good showings. The chile relleno was also excellent, dribbling with cheese and topped with red salsa. The taco was the weak link on the dish, not bad but not memorable, and maybe a bit dry both inside and out. The cilantro rice was great - I will say, though, that I can never really hate on cilantro rice. While I tackled my giant entree, Matt B. dined on seared sea scallops, served with orange-saffron butter, creamy spinach, and fried onion strips over saffron rice. The scallops were cooked just right, tender but firm and plenty meaty. All the sides were great as well - picky Matt left a lot of the rice and spinach and onions alone, and I went to town. We were pretty full by dessert, but we powered through, ordering a peach crisp and an espresso milkshake to send us off with bellies bursting. The desserts weren't the high point of the meal, but they were tasty enough. The peach crisp was warm with a nice oaty top, with a heap of whipped cream on the side. It wasn't sweet at all, and I thought it would actually have benefited from riper peaches or a little more sugar. The espresso milkshake was gritty and thick and very good, dessert and coffee in one. The meal was expensive enough that I think it'd be hard to be a regular, even if I lived in town. I'm glad we went, though, and I'd recommend Pasqual's for a splurge. The food hit the spot, and the space was friendly. I'd consider coming again on a future trip to Santa Fe.
(4)Felita S.
LOVE CAFE PASQUAL'S! I'd want to eat there every day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. First came here for a family dinner - and ordered family-style, and raved over all the food! Then came here for breakfast twice in a row - and wanted to eat here daily. So cozy and delicious and a fabulous variety of awesome breakfast foods. Super fabulous lattes in a huge white bowl. I wanted to order everything on the menu! Highly recommend. Yes, very busy on weekends - so be prepared to wait in line. Worth the wait. Also bought the Cookbook!
(5)Erika A.
From the friendly, personalized service to the chorizo burrito smothered with green and red chile, this place certainly did not disappoint! Try the chorizo breakfast burrito with red AND green chile, and definitely don't miss the small treasure trove of a dessert case with French pastries that rival those I've had in many other cities. A must try is the canelle- a tiny little bundt cake cooked in a beeswax coated copper tin. It's divine. Pasquale's is a cozy unique respite from the overly stiff and expensive hotel restaurants and chains nearby. Must visit!
(4)Audra S.
Fresh, organic, delicious food in a fun, colorful and artistic atmosphere. I had the "Plato Primo" with a chili relleno, Oaxacan tamale, beans and cilantro rice. The Oaxacan tamale had black beans, corn and some amazing spices. The rest of my party enjoyed their meals too: a goat cheese omelet with pine nuts and the breakfast quesadilla. All the sauces were delicious, especially the chipotle salsa. Service was excellent and everyone was pleasant. The art on the walls is spectacular (one would expect no less in Santa Fe) and there were fresh flowers on the tables. Going to the ladies' room was an adventure, it feels like stepping back in time because the building is very old and the passageways to the restrooms are narrow.
(4)Lynn H.
Anaheim chili relleno with fire roasted tomato salsa, enchilada with chicken in a wonderful mole, beef barbacoa taco slow cooked with chili d'arbol salsa and lime. Beautiful art--the walls and the food. So glad I ate here.
(5)Rachael P.
Way too expensive for breakfast. The overcharge fees for everything being organic is absolutely ridiculous!!! $5.25 for a certified organic cup of chai tea as a reference or how about a side of (count them) 13 blueberries and a half banana sliced for $7. And the wait. Come close to an hour earlier than when you are hungry because that's how long the wait will be. And it's just not worth it for what you order. The special is blah, the corn beef hash just like jerky, and the grand pancakes simply just whole wheat bisquick. And also the blintz are filled with cottage cheese not ricotta or mascarpone. This is never disclosed. Overall. Not worth a second visit.
(2)Samay J.
We went here for breakfast about one week ago. Food: We ordered the vegetarian polenta with corn and red chile, as well as the huevos motulenos. The red chile is spicy and tasty. Both dishes were excellent. The organic coffee was excellent as well. Service: excellent as well. Service was prompt, professional and with a smile. You felt very welcome as soon as you stepped into the door. Environment: Clean and cozy. Seating is limited so come early if you don't want to wait. Overall: excellent. Good vegetarian and organic options.
(5)Todd C.
The best spot in Santa Fe for breakfast! I had HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS; she had the DURANGO OMELETTE. Both were unique and delicious. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We highly recommend!
(5)Whitney M.
No complaints here! The cafe was cute, cozy, and very friendly! I had the five grain hot cereal for breakfast. It was delicious, but I couldn't finish it all. My travel partner had the breakfast quesadillas. She was kind enough to share. It's such a simple dish, but absolutely awesome!
(5)Armando Z.
Merry Christmas !! I am giving you a present and it is this place! A menu that tracks the full range of New Mexican cuisine,. If your a ding dong that thinks us New Mexican food is burrito's and nachos go elsewhere and make my wait shorter.
(5)Bryce K.
You're probably going to have to wait in line, but it's worth it. I ordered the huevos rancheros. I wanted to try the huevos barbacoa, but wanted to save my meat-eating quota for later in the day. The huevos rancheros were good, but I was more impressed by the girlfriend's chile relleno. Darn it, her order is better than mine again!
(4)John G.
The huevos rancheros con chorizo was good but not as life changing as the photos implied.
(3)Laura A.
Great food any time of day, although brunch is best. I highly recommend the smoked trout hash (a friend from Denver still dreams about it) and my favorite is the huevos motulenos (eggs over easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sautéed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla). It may sound like a strange combination of ingredients, but it's absolutely delicious!
(4)J E.
Good, just doesn't live up to the ridiculous hype. We came here for breakfast and dinner, and I would say I liked the dinner better. The breakfast was good, but soooooooo heavy. Eating lunch later in the day was basically a mistake because we were still full, although I will say that this was basically par for the course our whole week in Santa Fe so I shouldn't blame Pasqual's too much. We had the smoked trout hash and huevos motulenos, both were tasty. For dinner, I really liked sitting at the communal table, there were some odd birds offering us fliers for their self-realization seminar or whatever, but overall it was fun. Their menu seems to change frequently (looks different online from when we were there) so I can't say everything we had but there was definitely a very good soup (black beans or lentils maybe?) and we had the pupusa which was also good. Other things we had were certainly tasty but I can't remember them specifically, so... We had some good local beer too. I get the feeling that their focus is first and foremost on the ingredients and second on the recipes, which I definitely can appreciate because I care about where my food comes from. If you're visiting Santa Fe, you should pay them a visit, just don't over-order like we did.
(3)Daniel C.
Homemade style mexican food.. but at a price... I'd definitely go back again... mmm..
(5)Jamie W.
Made a very last minute reservation for Pasqual's and was kind of given a bit of a "I'm doing you a favor" attitude over the phone. That kind of thing usually really irks me so good thing that the food was delicious or I wouldn't be able to recommend this place. The good: excellent food, excellent wine list. Good service. We had the tacos barbacoa, tamales and the plato supremo. The tacos weren't as great as the rest of our meal but okay. The bad/ugly: I like my space. I don't like to rub elbows with my fellow diners. This place is CRAMPED. The bathroom is panic attack inducing and HOT. When people complain that this place is small and cramped, they aren't kidding. I don't think Pasqual's is overpriced for the quality and caliber of cooking and ingredients. It may not be fancy, but they're not going for a "diner" feel either, especially not at dinner service. As for overhyped... I don't know, I'd never heard of it before and tend not to get myself too hyped for any dining experience. We hit up a lot of great restaurants in Santa Fe but the food here was definitely high on my list. If it were a little more roomy, it'd be my favorite!
(4)Suzanne C.
This place is fantastic! Loved it! We went twice, once for lunch & once for late night snacks - The restaurant is casual, but cute, and the staff is VERY friendly! All VERY Yummy: TWO MOLE ENCHILADAS (Chicken) GRILLED FREE-RANGE CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH NAPO'S PUPUSA MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE ORGANIC GINGER ALE NECTARINE PIE WITH BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM I only have two negative comments: 1.)PIGS AND FIGS: Skip This! They were stingy with the bacon and figs. They only give you 1 bacon-wrapped fig with the salad for $11 (or 2 if you pay $16) There are too many other good dishes there to waste your time with this one. However, the 1 bacon-wrapped fig I tasted was good. 2.)GRILLED GREEN CHILE CHEESE BURGER: They don't have it on the dinner menu ... so we couldn't try it :( Note: Certain Dishes are not meant for sensitive stomachs, mostly the spicy ones, especially if you are not used to eating New Mexican food. Certain Friends of mine learned the hard way ... argh!
(4)Laura K.
Excellent tacos barbacoas!
(4)Hana V.
High quality ingredients, original recipes (they sell their own cookbook), fun and colorful decor. Lots of organic goodies. Their mole is particularly delicious, although I really don't think you can go wrong with their fantastic menu which spoils you for choice upon delicious choice. Service pretty good, friendly server. Make a reservation unless you are OK with sitting at the community table (there aren't that many private tables and they fill up).
(5)Prabin S.
We found this place in Yelp and decided to try before heading out to Grand Canyon. The food was extremely good. I ordered Quinoa Burger and it hit the spot.
(4)Lynn D.
Had the Yucatan chicken salad and it was good. A bit overpriced. Flies were an annoying problem. I wish I had gone there for breakfast instead of lunch. I think breakfast might have been more deserving of the hype
(3)Greg S.
Food is fantastic. Loved the scallops cooked perfect. Tasted the fish tacos also fantastic.
(4)Kelly K.
Saw a line of people waiting for the 8am opening. Figured it must be good. Got in line and waited 15 minutes. The waitstaff was great at getting everyone settled. Unfortunately, things went downhill. I ordered coffee in a press pot for a pricey 5.45. The coffee was lukewarm and too many grinds got into my coffee. Sent it back and got a standard cup of coffee which had refills and was pricey at 2.75. Ordered the platter of wheat pancakes, applewood bacon, and an egg over hard. Wait was long as they sat the whole place at once-around 25 minutes. The pancakes were tasty and I appreciated the real maple syrup and butter. The two strips of bacon were rubbery and not worth eating. The egg was overcooked. Sent egg back and next version was runny. Sent that back and got a nasty version of scrambled egg. This platter was overpriced at 15 dollars and with quality lacking I was not impressed. I appreciated the waiter knocking off around 6 dollars for my bill when he saw that I did not eat the egg or bacon. The waiters are doing a great job. The cooking needs improving.
(2)Stan P.
OMG the food here was so damn good! Make a reservation today and go. A small hole in the wall space, but with the saving grace of an 8 top Community Table for those that did not make a reservation.
(5)Jen G.
This place is great! FIrst, it is so sweet. The inside is really cozy with lights and different levels. I LOVED the atmosphere. It was also super cheery. And the service was excellent -- the servers were super nice. The food was also excellent. It was torture picking. Everything we had was great! Including dessert.
(4)Lisa P.
If you are with a man for dinner prepare to be totally ignored.
(2)Lee P.
Finally made it in here for breakfast. Not a long wait. Extremely interesting crowd including a diner next to us who ordered a glass of Cabernet with his eggs. A killer menu of southwest-inspired recipes. I had the Durango omelet with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, chorizo and green chiles. Fantastic. Great coffee. The best quality meal we had in Santa Fe.
(5)Shelley M.
Get there early to avoid a long wait, they do not take reservations. I've enjoyed every meal here to the fullest! Go ahead and sit at the community table if you are alone or with one other. You'll get seated more quickly and it's fun to dine with others who love great food. I really enjoy their breakfast meals, check those out even if it's lunch time. The Mexican cocoa is very good. The bathroom always has a queue and is tiny, but clean. Plan accordingly. If you must wait to be seated, go across the street to The Spirit of the Earth shop.
(5)Chris U.
The meal was rather expensive for kind of average food...we are vegetarians, so we had a limited choice. The people on either side of us really liked their meat dishes. The plates were generous. We had breakfast here 10 years ago, and it was wonderful! The dinner was kind of average southwestern food, with beans and rice and cooked vegetables. The bread was good, but we expected more for one of the more expensive restaurants we went to in Santa Fe.
(3)Alicia K.
This is a tough review to write b/c the FOOD IS PHENOMENAL, but it's INSANELY OVERPRICED!!! Went here today for brunch with 3 other adults. Super cute place, lots of color and natural light, and very nice servers, even though they're pretty much always busy as this place is a tourist trap. We ordered the following: 1. Eggs Barbacoa w/Chile d'arbol - amazing flavor overall and the eggs on top just sealed the deal. It could have used a little more tortilla & eggs and a little less beans, but it was delicious. 2. Huevos Motulenos - this is their signature dish, and while it reads strangely on the meny, it tastes AMAZING in your mouth! Crazy mix of ingredients (bananas, eggs, peas, cheese, beans...) that really just work. Could have used a bit more cheese to be able to have some with every bite, but good none the less. 3. Huevos Rancheros - some of the best I've ever had! Amazing sauce. 4. Pasqual's Favorite - was like eating dessert for breakfast! They're pancakes are truly awesome w/a grainy texture that really works and a flavor that is fantastic! Applewood smoked bacon was cooked perfectly -- a little crispy for that nice crunch, but still full of flavor and most definitely NOT burnt. So ok, the food was great, but the dishes were $18+ each and the portions weren't huge. They looked big b/c there are normally beans taking up much of the large plate, but the two males in our group were still hungry afterward, and for $18 per person for BREAKFAST, that seemed a little unreasonable. Why not 2 stars? Because the food is amazing AND they use almost ALL ORGANIC ingredients! This is something I value and it brings a freshness you can taste to the table. Should you go here? Sure -- if money isn't an object and you're looking for a super tasty, Mexican food style breakfast, then this is the place for you! Trying to work on a budget? Try someplace else.
(3)Erik B.
Great for breakfast but a flop for dinner. Three of us ended up having three appetizers and a salad - no alcohol - a soft drink, a sparkling water and a lemonade and it came to over $80. Might have been palatable if the food was extraordinary but sadly it was only mediocre. A healthy price to be paid for the name, location, crowded space and noise. A real let down.
(1)slapaham s.
our favorite place to eat in Santa Fe. We had an amazing brunch here and had to come back the next day for lunch. Seriously jaw-droppingly good food. Fresh green chiles, smoked trout hash, a huge huge omelette, great service, great everything. not cheap, but that didn't stop us from multiple visits....
(5)Geoff And Jenni G.
Superb! Organic, tasty ingredients... Very friendly staff and interesting decor... Lots of healthy options that taste fantastic. Would not hesitate to recommend... but get there early to avoid a long wait...
(5)B B.
Another great meal at this iconic Santa Fe restaurant. Service was prompt, waitstaff cordial and attentive. Atmosphere always bustling and a bit loud, but that is the nature of this must-eat-at-restaurant-when-in-Santa-Fe. Everything we've tried so far (over several visits) has been delicious. Great location within waling distance to everything in downtown.
(5)Laura N.
We were not overly impressed with the food. Their signature dish is the mole burrito, however it was almost drowning in the sauce which, though it was good, was just too much. They served with it a corn torte. This was also on the sweet side. My husband had the Plato Supremo, which included an excellent Chile relleno, however the beef barbecoa taco was quite bland. The salad nopal was excellent. Service was good and decor beautiful.
(3)Johnny T.
Breakfast schmeakfast. Come for dinner. Towards the latter seatings of the evening. Call ahead for reservations. Make your way in. Realize that the place *is* as small as rumored. Make nice with the hostess (owner?). Get a choice table atop the small staircase (all the better to look down upon your subjects). Order a glass of white wine. Begin to realize you're in for a treat. Pasqual's is the bee's knees. Locals know it. Tourists know it. Before you start to get bent out of shape for paying $23 for enchiladas, know that a.) the ingredients are local, b.) the product is delicious and c.) it's money well spent. For me, I settled in with an extremely generous pour of white wine by a server with a big smile and patient heart. She walked me through the menu and helped me come up with courses that not only would give me a definitive CP experience, but highlight the mouth-watering qualities of Santa Fe fare. I began with the papusa. The griddled masa cake with zucchini, jack cheese and chiles was served with a smoky salsa and escabeche. Escabeche!! Wow. Who serves that? And, in the States? Every bite was joyous, a mood I conveyed to my hostess who smiled back and me and toasted to my happiness. Yep. Small restaurants do the small things that make big impacts. I made it through my appetizer to be presented with my chicken mole enchiladas. The plate was ginormous. I have a big mouth, big hands and a big appetite and I was, initially, overwhelmed by the presentation. Two Paul Bunyan-sized enchiladas were packed to the brim with shredded organic chicken and topped with a black mole that smelled of chocolate, whispered of heat and tasted of savory perfection. Meat eater that I am, though, my favorite parts of the plate were the sides. The cilantro rice was a verdant delight of grains that popped with every chew. The orange-jicama salad almost made me forget that I had a return flight to Chicago. Fragrant as it was beautiful to look at, the texture of the jicama blended naturally with the punch of the citrus. What a brilliant way to cut through the substance of a large meat dish. These were $30 enchiladas that *should* have cost $30. But, you're not done. You're on vacation, live a little. Get dessert. Odds are you're stuffed, so go light. Anything made with fruit will be a sure bet. The night I was there, my life was changed by a watermelon granita. This is shaved ice for adults. This is cool, refreshing fruit made even cooler, sweeter and more enticing by a skilled chef. The dish comes with almond cookies. Save them for later. By the time I finished, had an extended conversation with the hostess, hugged (!), and stumbled into the night, I was fully sated and completely happy. Breakfast schmeakfast. Dinner's where it's at.
(5)ruth a.
Had dinner there on friday evening with 4 friends. This was the first time for dinner there, my prior experience was breakfast which was pretty good. Dinner, not so much. We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and were seated about 15 minutes late, that was understandable, it was very busy and we were seated on a raised area at a table that could only seat 4 but they apparently felt that the person sitting at the end of the table could straddle the center table leg. The waiter took our order for drinks and advised he would be back soon to take our dinner order. 20 minutes later no drinks, no waiter, finally a nice woman came and apologized and said the waiter would be right there. We ordered the lamb burger with greens, the Moroccan lamb, scallops and the elk filet. Finally our orders came out and it was apparent that the scallops were the only dish that was hot. Everything else had been sitting in the kitchen waiting for the scallops, which were very good. Conversation was impossible because of the noise and the amount of people crammed into much to small an area. I am at a loss to understand this restaurants popularity. Will stick to breakfast only in the future.
(2)Jed B.
Great as always. Buffalo burger with maytag blue ( the best). But I going for breakfast, my favorite meal there, next trip
(4)Kari F.
Delicious food and great service. Came to Santa Fe for a long weekend from CA and ending up heading to Cafe Pasqual's twice. First visit I had the smoked trout hash with the gruyere potato cake--a great combination of flavors and still with a Southwestern flare. Second time, a basic vegetable omelette with potatoes and I was still impressed. The food is fresh and organic and has Santa Fe flavors with out the heaviness of many of the other food options in the area. And while the restaurant is described as vegetarian, there are many delicious non-vegetarian options. Cafe Pasqual's is a local favorite so try to come early for breakfast and make reservations for dinner.
(5)Marina N.
Very nice staff! Worth a 15 min wait. About 2 blocks from the plaza. The niman ranch beef with huevos was delicious. I would go again to have this dish. The huevos rancheros with your choice of sauce (I got tomatilla salsa) were good. Also got a Mexican hot chocolate and organic pomegranate juice.
(3)Jay S.
Understand that I hate everything. I am not a gourmet and I think most of the yelp reviews are silly. I was totally unprepared to find out how bitchen' this place was. We arrived an hour early and less one in our party; and were made welcome anyway (the town was pretty empty, which helped). We started by splitting a nopales salad, which was still gigantic (I noticed that almost everyrestaurantt in NM serves gigantic portionss) and delicious: kind of a re-imagined nopales salad with a really light vinagrette that was spectacular. We split the vegetarian combo and a stew of vegetables in a squash gourd., which was really awesome. We got a cookie plate to take back to our place that was indescribably great. To top it off, the wait staff was as good as any I've experienced at any restaurant, anywhere. I was really, really happy to have had the opportunity to eat at Pasqual's.
(5)Lisa P.
There are not enough words in the English language to properly describe how delectable Pasqual's Smoked Trout Hash tastes and that is saying a lot. This dish is a must have for me every time I go to Santa Fe. Even if I have to wait 2 hours in line to have the dish it is well worth the time in my opinion.
(5)Garen M.
I've never waited an hour for breakfast before, but it was worth it. The food and service was excellent.
(4)Alex M.
I don't think I can report more than anyone else. This place is awesome. I sat at the communal table where I talked with other tourists and indulged in the Hippie Dippy Green Drink and some dish with fried plantains. This place isn't cheap but it is tasty.
(4)Denise N.
Interesting place. Expensive, but I suppose it was worth it. The food was tasty, fresh and creative and the cooks were not afraid of spices! Their margaritas are made from agave wine, not tequila (no hard liqueur license), but they were still pretty tasty. Walk-ins typically get seated at a communal table in the center of the restaurant. Expect to pay around $25 to $30 an entree (and $10+ per drink).
(3)Patty K.
Pasqual's has always been a "must eat at" each year when we visit Santa Fe. We have always loved it until this year. We brought 4 other "newbies" and were all so disappointed by the food and service. Six of us were squished into a 4 top table after waiting 20 minutes for our table (we had reservations). The wait was understandable but the tight quarters were not okay. We had to get out of our chairs and move aside everytime someone around us needed to get out. The food was very so-so compared to years past. Definately not an enjoyable evening.
(2)Jennifer R.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world...not just in New Mexico! We don't live in Santa Fe anymore, but whenever we're back to visit, Pasqual's is a must (Pasqual's is probably the main reasons we come back to visit). We have had breakfast, lunch, dinner...all excellent, fresh...not pretentious, just well executed. I've lived in some very good places for food (San Francisco, New York, etc.) but if I had to name a favorite restaurant, this would be it. The downside is that they are very popular with locals and tourists alike, and it is not a big place, so make reservations if you can (the up side is that they do take reservations) but we have also had a fun time sitting at the community table as you can meet people from all over.
(5)Bill V.
Intimate little restaurant with some serous local food. I had dinner here and it was an exceptional experience. The service was polished, friendly, and professional without being intrusive. The food was creative and thoughtful without being overdone. I ordered a dish humbly-described as haddock fish tacos, and was treated with a beautiful filet of haddock, perfectly cook in a delicate chili sauce, and accompanied with a variety of crisp slaws. I love it when a restaurant under-sells and then surprises. I guess that reflects the confidence that comes with a bunch of James Beard Awards.
(5)Dennis U.
This place is worth a visit to see the work of a master of squeezing the most income out of a small space as possible. First its a high end "foody" restaurant with people waiting out in the street to get in for the interesting and tasty eats. Inside the use of space is maximized to the limits allowed by fire code, including a communal table where you never know who you will be dining with... lots more efficient use of space than a whole bunch of two tops. Finally there is the Cafe Pasqual's merchandising. Cook books, t shirts calenders.... I must have seen the cookbooks in a dozen stores outside of the restaurant. I'm surprised that there isn't a cable TV show as well. All of this around a restaurant that seats 40 people! So when they are seated what do they get? ...a fascinating selection of good food. Around the table we had Huevos Rancheros, Cheese Grits with chorizo, and Huevos Motulenos. I had the latter and it was interesting. eggs with black beans, peas, feta and a banana over a tortilla with a bit of each of the chili sauces on top. The beans were a touch too runny for my taste and the bananas could have been plantains but it was pretty good. The rancheros and the cheese grits were great as well. The menu has lots of exotic things to choose from, smoked trout hash and the five grained cereal among the many. I was a bit scared off by the "vegetarian" category of the restaurant but from what I saw it only means you can get a decent vegetarian entree. A lot of folks grouse about the prices but they obviously have not dined in a hotel recently... besides this is good and interesting food. Well worth the trip and worth many revisits.
(4)Walt S.
Your in Santa Fe so you expect a beautiful colorful happy restaurant with great food for breakfast or lunch. This is the one. If you are visiting, sit at the community table, you will meet nice folks and have great conversation. Anything on the menu is great, won't be disappointed.
(5)Robyn R.
It sounds like I should have gone here for breakfast instead of dinner. The food was ok but not worth the $$. In the end we had an expensive dinner and we didn't think it was worth it. It didn't help that the couple sitting beside us was very loud so it was hard for me and my husband to have a conversation. Cool atmosphere/decorations inside.
(2)Angela K.
The food was creative and delicious, but after waiting for so long, and paying so much, I just don't think I'd recommend this spot.
(3)Eddie C.
Easily the most over rated restaurant in Santa Fe,NM. The sides that came with the lamb chops were downright disgusting. The artichoke hearts tasted like soap water, then when I mentioned this to the waiter & manager they told me "I must not know what balsamic tastes like". The only thing worse than the sides were the service.
(2)Carol T.
I found this restaurant on Yelp when we were looking for a place to have dinner. Unfortunately, they were totally booked and the hostess wasn't terribly friendly about it...we found somewhere else to eat that night. We went back again for lunch the next day and were happy we did! It was packed again, but they have a big, communal table in the middle and we were happy to sit there. We were surrounded by nice, friendly people and a woman next to us was swooning about how delicious her sandwich was. It's their grilled free-range chicken breast on cornbread, with caramelized onions, grilled jalapenos and mayonnaise. Unbelievably delicious! I only ordered a half sandwich - it was really filling since it came with soup and salad, but now I wish I'd had a whole one! It was one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten! It came with a yummy chili-tomato soup, equally delicious! The price was right, the food was fabulous! The service was friendly and fun. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in Santa Fe! And I'm going to buy their cookbook online - I hope this recipe is in there!
(5)Wholewheatwaffle S.
Went here for lunch, food is solid! It has a healthy Mexican appeal and....they don't just pile on loads of cheap food to make the plate look full; rather, they give you enough quality food to leave you more than satisfied. I love the environment of the place as well. It is worth the wait, a line out the door when we went. Oh, for a drink I had "Amie's Green Drink" and it was super healthy and yummy! Service was friendly.
(5)Spidermonkey J.
Stopped in while visiting from San Francisco. Yes, the food was prepared well and with fresh organic ingredients but I was so turned off by the price I would never go back. Seriously? San Francisco prices in Santa Fe? Get over yourselves...It's not that good.
(3)Ted S.
Went for dinner last night. Had the cauliflower appetizer shared amongst the 3 of us. We had the Spinach Quinoa salad, sampler plate, and lamb chops as our selections Food was delicious and well prepared. Will definitely return. highly recommend reservations. Service was good, attentive wait staff and helpful on questions. Portions were nicely sized and we felt like we got value for our money
(4)Christina V.
Amazing food, from Brunch to Dinner. The wait is worth it--the local flavors and home cooking make Pasqual's the best meal in Santa Fe.
(5)Kristen D.
My friends and I were a bit hesitant to sit at the communal table but it turned out to be fine.Everyone in my group loved their food. I had the lamb burger on an english muffin. I'm not usually the biggest fan of lamb but I have to say it was probably one of the best burtgers i've had.
(4)Annie S.
We give 5 stars for the food but 3 stars for service. We went on a Saturday night right when it opened and it was already packed. We could only sit at the communal table since we did not make a reservation. There were 8 other couples at the table. We ordered the dos tacos (amazing), carna asada skewers (also amazing and enough to be an entree) and scallops with snap peas and rice. Like I said, the food is really great and so fresh. However, what I did not like was the service. There were so many different staff that we did not know who was taking care of us. What really made it horrible is that one couple's order was completely forgotten about! We were already done eating and waiting for the check when they did not even get their entree! I could not believe that happened. They did not even apologize to the couple. It also took 20 minutes from requesting the check to actually getting it. Annoying. Another annoying thing is that they charge for every little item. I asked for a small side of pico de gallo and they charged $2. I mean is that a joke?! It was a 1 oz portion. I would go back again since the food was so good but I will definitely make a reservation and sit at my own table.
(4)Anne J.
The food here is good, but it's not exceptional...and especially not for the price. $7 to add bacon to your burger!? $11 milkshakes? $30 veggie enchiladas? You're better off going somewhere else where you can get food just as good for half the price.
(2)Ingrid M.
I will go straight to the point: I think this is the best breakfast I have ever had. I take my first meal of the day extremely seriously. It is the reason why I am a morning person. I got the huevos motulenos, described in their menu as "eggs Over Easy on Corn Tortillas with Black Beans Topped with Sauteéd Bananas, Feta Cheese, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Served with Green Chile or Tomatillo Salsa." I ordered mine with the green chile salsa, the most spicy of the salsas. All of those flavors complemented each other so nicely. I particularly like the contrast of the sweet bananas against the overall savory dish. In addition to a burst of flavor, you also get a lot of different textures in each bite. You get the silky eggs over easy, the creamy cheese, the soft corn tortillas, the bite of the beans and green peas, etc... This dish changed my perspective on the definition of breakfast. It no longer has to be omelets, pancakes, or oatmeal and toast. Do not get me wrong, I still love those things, but the huevos montulenos add so much more to your morning. Starting your morning with such flavors and texture- a breakfast with attitude- can only set you up for a magnificent day. The prices were cheap, the portions were perfect (whole or half), and my server Paula was a sweetheart. Everything came together quite lovely in this cozy and colorful place in the center of old Santa Fe. If only they would open one back home in Texas. One can only wish...
(5)J D.
This place could be 5-stars but for two things. First, it is terribly overpriced. $30+ for entrees is simply too much to pay for a casual place in Santa Fe. The food was great, the menu innovative, and the ingredients all fresh, but the quality simply doesn't match the high price. Second, and on top of that, is that they made us share a table! Granted, we had a nice conversation with our table mates, but again -- for the price they are charging, I would expect private tables to be the norm. The restaurant is tightly crowded and loud, and the menu too eclectic to have a single theme (where else can you find Indian dhal, Thai tom ka gai soup, and Mexican enchiladas all on the same menu? Maybe too eclectic. Again, if we were paying in the $15-$20 range for this food, casual atmosphere, and shared table, I would happily give Cafe Pasqual 5 stars. But it is simply way overpriced.
(3)Melissa M.
My dearest Pasqual - How I love thee!!! I was introduced to Pasqual's for my first trip to Santa Fe this past weekend. We waited about half an hour to eat and I ordered the griddled polenta with red chile sauce, chorizo and eggs. It was life-changing. Yes, Pasqual's is on the expensive side and yes, you'll have to wait....but when you wait for perfection it's worth it. It was a perfect amount of food, I was stuffed halfway through but coud not bear to not eat every morsel. Only my manners saved me from licking the plate, which is exactly what I wanted to do and thought it would be wierd if I asked for my last few crumbs of polenta and sauce to be put in a doggy bag. My boyfriend ordered the Chorizo burrito with red and green chile. My four pounds gained in Santa Fe was worth every single ounce. :)
(5)Amy H.
Better have a reservation. We were turned away and told unless we had a reservation they could not take us, wouldn't even let us wait for a table. Bad customer service
(1)jessica m.
They must have a great hype man...somewhere. Cuz it's not at the front door. The aging hippy with the thin grey ponytail was super elitist when we went for breakfast. When I asked (way prior to us even being seated) about the possibility of being seated if one of our party (of 4) would be a minute, I got a huuuuge lecture about how there are other diners waiting for a seat and if they did that for everyone what a problem they would have blah blah blah. And I understand, in a really busy place, sure. But guess what- they couldn't get us menus for the first 10 minutes after we were seated! And our coffee came....but no cream. Sooo we couldn't *actually* consume that for about 10 minutes too. I even had to send my poor guy out on a hunting expedition for some because I finally got so fed up. Point: if you're going to act like this is high-level shit, I'm going to expect some high-level ass shit. And here's the other thing, the food was overprice and overrated. There, I said it. BOO. pps, if you got an award 17 years ago, that's cool and all, but like, forreal you should put some updated stuff in your window. Unless you like, don't get awards now....hmm...
(1)DJ V.
Cafe Pasqual's is my favorite go to place for lunch when I visit Santa Fe a couple of times a year. I have been 3 tmes during this visit and hope to finally try breakfast tomorrow. As mentioned by others, it is a bit of a tight squeeze but I have enjoyed sitting at the communial table and meeting some local folks. I am giving this place because of the decor, the friendliness of the servers but most importantly because all of the ingredients are good quality (and organic) and everything is really tasty. I have been doing the "1/2 time" lunch special which is 1/2 a sandwich, a cup of soup and a side of salad - kale or field greens. The BLT was to die for and the chicken breast with manchego cheese & carmalizd onions was outstanding. Yesterday, I tried the green chile chicken enchiladas which came with lots of white meat and at my request, a side of kale salad instead of the rice and beans.
(5)Susie B.
Very tasty. Can be a long wait and cramped quarters, but it's fun talking to others.
(4)Tamara M.
If you only go to one place to eat in Santa Fe GO HERE.
(5)Paul P.
Favorite place to eat in Santa Fe! I ate here five days in a row when visiting my Uncle in the Hospital and the fifth time it was still as awesome as the first.
(5)A D.
We were told that you MUST go to Cafe Pasqual's if you happen to be in Santa Fe. So we did. We did not make any reservations but, we were there before 5:30 before the doors open for dinner. There was a line outside when we got there. Because we didn't have any reservations, we were seated at a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. (Seats 10). I am not a big fan of communal table but, it was a good way of meeting new friends. We all had a good time learning new things, hearing funny stories aside from seeing what the others had ordered. I had the conchinita pibil and paired with a spanish wine. My friend had the lamb chops prepared with pomegranate sauce. Both were very delicious! For dessert, we shared a mango sorbet with meringue cookie on the side and that was divine! Service was good. But, you can feel that they are in a bit of a rush because there is a huge group coming in (with reservations) and they need the table. I could have enjoyed my tea but, that was not going to happen. Place is a tight including the small hallway to the restroom. This place is worth a try if you happen to be visiting Santa Fe. It is $$$$, though.
(4)Greg D.
I've eaten here a dozen times over the past 25 years and every time the food and the service are exceptional.
(5)Andrew N.
The foods pretty good but there's lots of great breakfast joints in Santa Fe that have better service and no hour long wait for a cramped table. If you need to eat somewhere by the Plaza this will work if you have the time to wait.
(3)Martha S.
Offering vegetarian Mexican food, Cafe Pasqual's is what I would define as "comfort food." The environment (decor and people) and the food speaks to my soul. How I would love it if Cafe Pasqual's could be my Sunday morning tradition. But I digress. Do I recommend their food? Absolutely. Admittedly, of the three times I've been we've only eaten breakfast. Nonetheless, I'm confident that all the food is delicious. Nothing I've ordered (or the service) has ever failed me. Por ejemplo: HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS -- Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sauteed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla. The only sad thing about it was that it came with one tortilla. MM'S PAPAS FRITAS A Bowl of Home Fries Sauced with Red or Green Chile (I choose green), or Tomatillo d'Arbol Salsa, with Melted Jack, Sour Cream and Scallions and a Corn Tortilla I added two sunny-side up eggs and hubbs gave me his tortilla (that's love, ladies and gentlemen). Sad part of this meal is when it's over. BOULETTE'S YOGURT Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt with Toasted Pistachios, House Sesame Brittle and a Drizzle of Honey. I first tried this pre-vegetarian and when I was eating yogurt with mountains of sugar. I want this now: so clean, simple and healthful. If you're in Santa Fe, please get up early to have some delicious comfort food. Otherwise you will wait in line but it is most certainly worth the wait. For photos, go to: wp.me/p11jOD-IL
(5)David T.
For thirty some odd years Katherine Kagel's little breakfast/lunch spot has been a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. I remember the day she opened and I think that there has been a line out the door ever since. It's a cute, bright spot. Katherine is a creative chef with a commitment to quality ingredients. Mostly organic with lots of choices for vegetarians. So far, so good, right? Well yeah, except it is crazy expensive for what it is. The food is usually, not always, very good but I'm just not sure it's worth the cost anymore. Seriously, a plain cheese omelette is $9.00 - oh, you want guac, sausage, or ham in that - add $3.25 EACH. You can easily order a $20 omelette. Just two eggs, potatoes and toast - $8.00 - that's the $2.99 breakfast special all over town. Basically, breakfast starts at $9 and goes up to $17ish. Ouch. Lunch is just as bad. $15.75 for a plate of enchiladas or a burrito. So, basically by the time you add a beverage or maybe dessert, tax and tip you're looking at $25 a head. And, I just don't think it is ALL that special. They are open for dinner now (and you can make a reservation). But prices are similarly expensive. $15ish for first courses, mid $20s to high $30s for mains. For those prices you could be dining in style not in a diner. So, adios Pasqual mi amor. It was nice while it lasted. You'll find me down the street at Tia Sophia's if you want to hook up. Quick update Summer 2012: Prices have continued to soar. Better check out their menus and prices on-line or you may be in for a real surprise. Easy to blow through $25 or more a head for breakfast plus tax and tip. Seriously they nickel and dime you to death - $3 for toast - $1 for a tortilla. Total silliness.
(3)Ed F.
Came in for a late breakfast while in town - amazing SW eggs - ordered a quesadilla - I wish I could have that every day for breakfast. Could be busy in the AM so expect a short wait.
(4)Maryam J.
This restaurant is named after St. Pascual Baylon or San Pasqual, the Patron Saint of the Kitchen. The interior is small and informal, with wooden tables and low-key verve. The food outperforms its setting. I tried the corn cake with mushrooms and chipotle cream sauce and tasted other dishes at the table - an interesting fusion of Southwestern, Central American, and other influences. When the dessert menu appeared we could only feast visually: Passion fruit crème brulée, toasted pinon ice cream with fleur de sel caramel sauce, Oaxacan mango with chili lime salsa, watermelon granita with Mexican wedding cookie.
(4)Rebecca P.
Yum yum yum yum yum! And one more yum!!! This place is it!! Cafe Pasquel's is so good I wanted to eat every meal there while I was in Santa Fe (and trust me - after trying a neighboring cafe - I should have stuck with what I know is good!). I had the huevos motuleños and WOW! The black beans were cooked to perfection (cooked like my host mom in Oaxaca makes them) with a rich and creamy flavor that complimented the delicious tomatillo chili. The sauteed bananas were a surprising but outstanding addition to the meal. The rest of my table also raved their meals. Try the mole and the kale salad if you get the chance. The decor of Cafe Pasqual's is also delightful, fun and enjoyable. I will be back and I bought their cookbook to tide me over until I venture down to Santa Fe again. YUM!
(5)t b.
Trick me once, shame on you. Trick me twice, shame on me. Pasquale's obviously has a really good marketing machine. Food was average. Prices were OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. Avoid it. I won't be back. There are plenty of places within 3 minute walk that are just as good (or better) and don't require a 2nd mortgage.
(1)Maria D.
Unconventional menu and very flavorable. The wait for a table is well worth it. We will be back.
(5)Richard M.
I will admit, I have a pretty simplistic palate. I like what I like. So, when I first got a look at the crunchy hippy vibe at Pasqual's, I was turned off. Sorry, but I'm the kind of guy that rolls his eyes at the word, "organic." If Pasqual's served humble pie, I'd be eating it. After perusing the menu and becoming more and more depressed about the situation, I ordered the quesadilla. I am not lying when I say, it was the best quesadilla I have ever had. Every ingredient was so fresh and pure that even my limited taste buds could appreciate its perfection. It tasted like it had just been plucked off the quesadilla tree. In addition to my best damn quesadilla ever, our party of four experienced their best tamale ever and best grilled chicken sandwich ever. The place is cramped, the wait is long, but the staff is so friendly I felt my hunger-induced crankiness melt away after a minute or so. Definitely worth a try, even if you're a big baby like me.
(4)Annie M.
I had the scallops wrapped in bacon, my husband had the enchilladas. Delicious! And we walked away feeling full but not oily and heavy. The decor is really fun and lively, and the staff is so friendly. Definitely somewhere we look forward to returning to on our next visit to Santa Fe.
(5)Bryan R.
While in Santa Fe for only a day, I was recommended by a friend to head to Cafe Pasqual's. I was even told to tell them "The Duke" sent me. I don't believe this had any effect on the food or the service, positive or negative (although who knows, they could owe him a lot of money or something, haha). Aaaaaanyway... Pasqual's has the best chorizo I've ever had!!!! The blue corn enchiladas were fantastic as was the mammoth cappuccino that was served in a soup bowl. With only two meals in Santa Fe, I can't imagine I could've had anything better than Pasqual's. Though a tad pricey and apparently there is usually a long wait, the food and experience are absolutely worth it! If I were a more frequent visitor, I'd petition for some cool nickname myself. The Duke was right on about the food and the experience and I can see why he still raves about this fantastic restaurant. Unfortunately for The Duke, they surely have too many regulars to remember him.
(5)Christine S.
We had a great dinner here! I strongly recommend making reservations here. It isn't a very big place and it fills up fast. Luckily we did make our reservations. Great menu and great wine list. For their wines, they had a great variety of wines and there some great bottles. We were able to order a few different types of wines for the table. For dinner we ordered a Roasted Acorn Squash filled with Portobello and Porcini Mushrooms, Oven Roasted Niman Ranch Pork Chop and a Niman Ranch Port Stew Simmered in Cote du Rhone. YUM. What makes this place super special is the atmosphere and the sunset! This is a super romantic place to go at sunset. Next time I am there I am most definetly going to go there for Brunch...The menu looked great!
(5)Victoria Y.
Absolutely adorable setting for a restaurant! Reservations are a must but even if you don't make it and you come early enough, you can put your name down and then browse the nearby shops while you wait. The staff are wonderful and you should check out their gallery just around the corner and up the elevator. While some of the food could have used an extra kick (in my mind), my friend really enjoyed her dishes. We had the pupusa, tamale, carne asada skewers, and the tacos barbacoa. The carne asada skewers were delicious, the pupusa and tamale could have used a bit more chili I think. My favorite part though, was the dessert! We had this chocolate mousse cake, very thick with olive oil and salt, absolutely delicious! Overall four stars for tasty food and a wonderful ambiance.
(4)Scotty V.
It was good, but compared to the Shed or Tia Sophia's, I would rather spend my time there. EXPENSIVE for portions. Again, it was good food, but expected better value and taste for all the hype!
(3)Random D.
Pasqual's reminded me of some very informal tiny eating place that you would normally find in either in Berkeley or Santa Cruz - except that the menu was an expensive one. I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive "vegetarian" options in Cafe Pasqual's. Reservations are definitely needed if you are headed out for dinner. The French Brie was pretty decent - and the bread that came with it was fresh. The vegetarian enchillada was ok - not great. Overall, a nice experience. I wouldn't mind going in there and trying some other vegetarian options that are out there.
(3)Lisa R.
Before heading to Santa Fe, we got lots of people's recommendations on where to eat -- Pasqual's made everyone's list, so we had to try it. We came for brunch on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised to only wait about 10 minutes for a table. You feel instantly at ease when you walk in... it's bright and bustling and everyone there (patrons AND employees) seem to be enjoying themselves. Love it already!! : ) Since we were on vacation, we of course started with mimosas that were the perfect juice to champagne ratio. Yum! Boyfriend had the huevos motulenos (a house specialty, apparently) - eggs and beans with sauteed bananas, feta cheese, green peas and chile. Sounds odd. But tasted pretty darn good. I went with the smoked trout hash that came highly recommended by a friend, and it was delicious! Everything about this place was just lovely - the food, the drinks, the service, even the sweet ladies sitting at the table next to us! Couldn't recommend this place more... I just wished we'd had time to come by and try more stuff on the menu!
(5)Brooke L.
Delicious! Buy the pottery, amazing bakeware.
(5)William W.
Their cheese grits are worth it all by themselves. Also, excellent pancakes and breakfast quesadilla. Coffee has room for improvement though.
(5)J W.
I heart Cafe Pasqual's! We ordered the daily special salad, consisted of mangoes, beets, greens and shredded mint leaves. Amazing!!!!!! All of the ingredients were ripe, super fresh and the salad was refreshing as expected! The lightness of the dressing went perfect with the salad and I think the beets were one of the best I've tasted :) Also tried the grilled squash and red onion enchilada, yum!!!!! Loved the green chile, it's got a nice kick! You'd appreciate it :) Cilantro rice was tasty as well, we devoured the whole plate with pleasure :P I also enjoyed my Mexican hot chocolate, and if you were wondering, their fruit liquado was just smoothie :) Another cute NM restaurants with interesting interior decors! FUN!
(4)Membrane S.
My boyfriend and I were delighted to find this lovely organic restaurant in downtown Santa Fe after being turned away by the pretentious Trattoria Nastoria (see review). Although the food is WAY pricier than the atmosphere would suggest, we found the restaurant cozy, charming, and yummy. My boyfriend got the baby back ribs and I got the mole enchiladas. Both dishes were fabulous. You can never go wrong with organic food because it is so fresh; the cornbread torte that comes with the meals is fabulous. The place was nearly full on a Tuesday night, so if you're going on a weekend night, I would highly suggest reservations. Our waiter was this adorably nice man, and their hostesses are excellent and deliver great customer service. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Matt H.
I'll make this short. Pasquals could be a sucky restaurant and still make money due to its location . . . but it isn't sucky. In fact it rocks! Breakfast is always good and I've had great meals later in the day as well. Especially dinner. Minus one star for weak coffee. I need stronger stuff after a night of drinking.
(4)Abby A.
Delicious dinner. Everything we ordered was delicious -- kale salad app, entrees, assorted cookies dessert. It was intimate, classy but casual, a great all around restaurant.
(5)Tony P.
My wife and I were lucky enough to get into Pasqual's on a Friday night after someone missed their reservation. We're very happy we ate there and it was the best food we've had in a while. I do thing the place is a little pricey overall, but not totally unreasonable compared to some of the better restaurants in San Francisco. We enjoyed the apricot and mushroom appetizer they brought to us while we were waiting to order. It was an interesting mix of savory and fruity flavors, but would have been a little better with a slightly riper apricot. For appetizers we chose the Halibut Ceviche and the Heirloom Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella, Balsamic vinegar and Basil. Both were absolutely wonderful and made a nice contrasting combination. We ate the Ceviche first and then the tomatoes. For our main courses I had the Tofu Mole Enchiladas and my wife had the Lamb Chops. The enchiladas were wonderful and it was great having a mole that didn't have chicken in it. It was served with a cilantro rice that complimented the dish perfectly. My wife said her lamb chops were amazing and she really enjoyed them. For dessert we ordered the chef's sampler and had a great combination of desserts including German Chocolate Cake, Cantaloupe Sorbet, Dark Chocolate Almond Bark and two others I don't remember. It was all very enjoyable and a little too much overall. We had it with coffee that was very good as well. We ordered the cheapest red wine on their menu a Chilean Carmenere for $30 a bottle that was very good. I thought their wine list was rather overpriced, but that might be because I'm from California and the local wines are cheaper here. I would recommend this place, but it is pricey. For dinner I consider it a $$$ restaurant rather than the $$ listed in the summary when I wrote this review. The staff was friendly and I enjoyed the fact that the wait staff didn't seem to be tied to particular tables. Each person helped us as we needed things and it worked well. The ambiance was nice and the decor is somewhat eclectic.
(5)Natalie D.
Teeny tiny! They take reservations for dinner (not sure about lunch or breakfast) and I would highly recommend making them. The combo plate with the relleno, chicken mole enchilada, and barbacoa taco was delicious - the relleno was one of the best I've ever had. Yum yum yum. This place came highly recommended and I can see why. Again, try to make reservations or expect to wait.
(4)Sarah P.
Cafe Pasqual's is definitely a cute, hip, little restaurant. We dined there for lunch with six adults, four kids and one infant. It was a tight squeeze, but they were able to seat us within 10 minutes (they only have one table to accomodate a group of this size). I ordered the cheese quesadilla and it was AWESOME! They used a little oil on the outside of the tortilla so it was crunchy on the outside. My husband ordered their whole wheat pancakes and LOVED them. I stole a bite from him and was extremely impressed with their taste and texture. Because we were visiting Santa Fe we purchased the restaurants cookbook and I am VERY eager to try out some of the recipes.
(4)Gretchen J.
On my endless quest for corned beef hash made from scratch, we were led to this place by the concierge at our hotel. Boy were we in for a treat! Be prepared to wait as this is such a popular place. The line fortunately moved pretty fast on a Saturday morning. The place boast a menu resulting from organic foods. Yes, I did ordered the corned beef hash that was delectable! The eggs came perfectly poached , potatoes perfectly creamy and with whole wheat toast ( baked on premises ) that is to die for. My husband ordered the smoke trout breakfast and it also was perfectly smoked and flaky soft topped by perfect poached eggs.
(5)D V.
Had a very nice dinner for four- wonderful brie appetizer and all of us were impressed with the size and quality of our entrees. The atmosphere is fun and charming. Our waiter was great. The cost was higher than expected, though, and seems to be mis-categorized on yelp- should be 3-4 $$signs. (One entree was priced at $38!)
(4)Adam S.
Been here three times now, and have yet to be disappointed. I really enjoy the mashed potatos with mole. Very unique. The beef is always top quality here.
(4)Susan E.
came for dinner and returned for breakfast and if i didn't live on the other end of the country, i'd join the line out the door as much as possible. a winner.
(5)Tony O.
Loved it, came with quite a reputation and lived up to it. Charming.
(4)Renee O.
I always have breakfast here when I'm in Santa Fe. The corned beef hash is wonderful, and I don't even like [other] corned beef hash.
(5)Ronald H.
Got to Sante Fe late in the day. Tired and being a first time visitor, we asked a friendly woman on the street where she liked to eat. If you have read other reviews of Cafe Pasqual's you know what happened next. We entered without a reservation and were offered seating at the community table immediately. The folks that came and went on either side of us were more than friendly. To top off the great conversation, I had the best (by far) bison burger I have ever had! When I get back to Santa Fe, I will not only return, but I will make a point of not getting a reservation so I might meet more great people.
(5)Kristin K.
So overpriced. I work with organic produce and proteins and know intimately their cost and I am deeply familiar with both real estate and labor costs. That being said, the bathroom was super cute but I felt like the floor wasn't quite level and the restaurant seating was rather tight. At our table we ordered the brie appetizer ($16), the small Maytag blue, beet and romaine salad ($11), the beef taco app ($17), the beef skewers w/guacamole ($16 and really tasty), we also had the filet entree plus mushrooms ($49) and finally espresso and bread pudding ($9) for dessert. Flavors all very good and portion sizes all very, very small. I found there to be great food at great prices elsewhere...(everyone else at my table was happy)
(3)Sam A.
The food aside, a big reason why so many tourists have come to this over-hyped restaurant is because Rachel Ray did a review of the place two years ago... The review was noteable because she ordered the blandest meal on the menu, and then was visibly shocked at the power of the green chili on the broadcast... Making her pretty much a laughingstock with the locals. On the same episode, Rachel Ray became visibly inebriated at another restaurant after drinking like a quarter margarita drink... You may be able to see the hilarity on Youtube, but as a food taster, it showed that she just doesn't have the stamina to review southwestern food.
(3)Megan T.
Delicious Christmas enchiladas! Love that they support local/ organic. Mexican hot chocolate was also high quality. Only reason not a 5 star in my book is that they were a bit overpriced. Chicken enchiladas for $18 or $15 for a chorizo breakfast burrito is a bit steep. A cozy and artsy establishment
(4)Sonya D.
Had to make reservations, food was good, but not quite worth the prices
(3)Gregory E.
Definitely not worth it. The bad experience started with the host (some guy in a ponytail) being completely rude upon confirming our name on the wait list. Next, the appetizer was returned because it was not cooked. And finally we both left with upset stomachs. It is one thing to pay high prices for good food but to pay top dollar for below average food especially in these economic times is ridiculous. It used to be a decent place to eat but don't waste your time and money now.
(1)De D.
It was all tasty. One recommendation DO NOT add carne asada. Chewiest little gross meats. Huge regret.
(4)Laurie H.
The bacon sandwich and kale salad is to die for. I don't mind the wait for a table. We put our name on the list and go walk around the plaza. I love love this restaurant
(5)Jenna B.
Avoid Cafe Pasqual's! Overrated and WAY overpriced! I am definitely a "foodie" and was not impressed. The restaurant is extremely tight and cramped (just look down the bathroom hallway for a laugh). Our food arrived less than 5 minutes after we ordered it- seemed like they were just trying to turn tables and get more people in and the server hardly said 10 words to us in between rushing from table to table. 2 beers + 2 entrees + 1 coffee + 1 dessert = $100... :( We had better food and ambiance in Tucson at Cafe Poca Cosa.
(2)Greg L.
This cafe has both excellent food and service. The quality of the food (they serve both pasture-raised and grass-fed products) is simply outstanding and you can taste the difference. It's worth noting that the atmosphere is very pleasant and relaxed too.
(5)David T.
The bottom line: Rich, complicated and luxurious mole. Good service and nice atmosphere. 4.5 stars. My father has been raving about Cafe Pasquale's mole for about 10 years. Needless to say, we had a reservation even before we landed in Albuquerque. On our first visit (we ended up going twice during our week-long visit to Santa Fe) my wife and I both ordered the "Plato Supremo," a sampler of sorts. I had the meaty option and she, the veggie. The chili relleno was tasty but the tacos, tamale and meat skewer were somewhat forgettable. The star, however, was the organic chicken mole enchilada. It was phenomenal, perfectly balanced spice and richness. The second time around, my wife and I split the halibut ceviche cocktail as a starter. The citrus and jalapeño spice were extremely well balanced and the fish was (slightly) chewy-textured and delicious. We then split the organic chicken mole enchiladas for dinner, spectacular again. The service was knowledgeable, friendly and relatively fast. The restaurant was small but well decorated (with much recycle-art). I look forward to my next visit and helping of mole.
(4)Ella L.
Two vegetarian mole enchiladas stuffed with zucchini, spinach, grilled tofu!! The mole is perfection as are the black beans topped with homemade sour cream. Chai latte is yummy spice and sweet combined, well-balanced indeed. To top it all is the chocolate budino tartlet with sea salt and olive oil... So rich and unique decadence that we had to share with our neighbor table. Love this place, everything hit the spot!
(5)Albert K.
Every person we spoke with that came through or from Santa Fe said that I had to go here. And this quaint little cafe restaurant in downtown was definitely the best restaurant we went to during our stay in SFe. My gf and I actually dined for dinner there twice as it was one of the few restaurants that was open late. Being used to late 9-10pm meals and with La Choza and the Shed both closed on Sunday night (restaurant closed on Sunday night??? wtf?) this ended being our choice two nights in a row. First night we waited and the second night we had a reservation. Both nights the staff was nice and friendly although not as attentive as they should have been. Water glasses were empty and they didn't really check up on us. First night we both had big plates, the Plata Supremo with a very tasty chicken mole for the gf and the filet mignon for myself. The filet mignon was not as tender as I'm used to (it didn't seem like it was aged) but the sauce was good as were the potatoes. I was a bit underwhelmed by the steak though the plata was quite good. Second night we had the halibut ceviche cocktail and the papusa... this time was much better choice of dish for me. And surprisingly, the seafood was good! People complain again that it's crowded or small... it didn't bother me. Noisy but not so much that you can't carry a conversation. All in all a solid restaurant, but I'd stick to the straight NM specialties and you'll have a better experience. I almost gave this place a 3 star due to lackluster service but the quality of the food versus the scarcity of good restaurants puts it back up there. PQR on this place isn't as good as it should be, but it still was the best overall that I had in Santa Fe.
(4)GT W.
Type. . . . . . . . . . ..Upscale Mexican/Southwest Location. . . . . . . ..Downtown Santa Fe Prices. . . . . . . . . ..High Beer Selection. . ...Good Wine List, Beer Unknown Food Level. . . . ....Very High Staff. . . . . . . . . . ..Attentive, Professional Noise Level. . . . ...Lively, Medium Décor. . . . . . . . . ..Homely, Local Artsy, Mobiles hanging from ceiling, Spanish Tile Good for Kids. . ...Maybe Parking. . . . . . . ...None, Public Pay Lot Cash Only. . . . . ..No Recommended. ..Yes Comments: We had to put our name on the list to get a table, wait was about 45 minutes. Oustanding, eclectic menu that combines South American and Mexican with Southwest US flair. Incredible mole sauce really stole the show for the enchiladas. Everyone else in my group loved their dishes. Cocktails were also quite good. In short, would return in a heartbeat and was one of the highlights of my road trip.
(5)Jennifer R.
We love this place, and it's a must when we are staying in Santa Fe. This visit, we even went twice. The decor is cool and colorful, and if you can catch it at a time when there isn't a wait, the experience is much better (go early or past the morning rush - it gets busy and is in demand). We had the Durango omelet and the special chile and brown sugar bacon. YUM. Really without compare. The espresso milkshake is also highly recommended. Our service was also good, with the exception of one forgotten juice. The only negative here is the price - you're going to buy a $17 omelet or a $5 small juice or an $11 milkshake - it's very expensive. But the food is delicious and it's an authentic Santa Fe experience. I also highly recommend the wedding cookies as a snack for later!
(5)Kathy M.
This felt a lot like a local spot that all the tourists go to. We were lucky and did not have to wait for a table, but if we would have had to wait, there was definitely a lot to look at! There were various items hanging everywhere. Hubby said the coffee was really, really good. I ordered a breakfast burrito and thought it was good, but the green chili sauce was not all that hot, just had a mild green chili flavor. Hubby ordered the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS and thought it had a unique taste and was very good. We thought it was a little overpriced, but what you tend to pay when on vacation.
(4)Julie S.
I liked Cafe Pasqual's so much that I visited twice during my stay in Santa Fe. You could tell they use very fresh ingredients, and aren't afraid to kick up the spice! I love that. There are tons of items on the menu, which is why I had to come back to try another dish. The first time I was there, I had the chicken mole enchiladas. I don't usually like mole sauce because I find savory chocolate dishes a bit strange and outside my comfort level. But at Pasquals, the mole is so amazingly delicious that I gobbled up the entire dish without a drop of leftovers. I highly recommend this dish. The second time I was there, I tried their cheese enchiladas with "Christmas style" sauce (half red/half green sauce). It was delicious as well, but I managed not to gorge myself that time. The bf tried their chorizo breakfast burrito. Also very yummy. If you're in town, Cafe Pasqual's is definitely worth a visit.
(5)Erin H.
Great food with great flavor. Had breakfast there & you can't go wrong. We will be back!!
(4)Mae S.
Absolutely wonderful food & service. We remembered eating here years ago and found it still wonderful this month. My smoked trout with poached egg was superb! Wish I could come back more often.
(5)Mel D.
Love this place. Friendly service, wonderful food and great wines. We had fried plantains as an app, wonderful dipping sauce! Then chicken mole enchiladas, amazing and it is one of their specialties, the scallops and the pigs n figs. Everything was wonderful! My husband had one of the best glasses of granacha I've ever tried and they serve the delightful New Mexican Gruet (champagne). Truly worth the price and the wait. Make your reservations well in advance!
(5)Elizabeth H.
This is a fabulous breakfast place, and was actually worth the 30+ minutes we waited for a table. I had the chile relleno and my partner had the huevos rancheros. Big portions but we almost finished them, the food was so good! Just the right amount of spicy, and the beans were delicious. The restaurant itself has a great vibe and tons of handicrafts on the walls. We were there just before Easter so it was all decorated for spring. Very cute and a fun, lively place for weekend brunch.
(5)Libbie C.
Good food. I had the corn cakes and they were awesome. They were one of the specials featured ($23). The service was splendid and not pushy. My mom loves this place and it seems to attract an older crowd. If I were to come back I think I would want to try their brunch menu.
(4)Sophia O.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon during Indian Market, so I was prepared for a crowded, less than enjoyable experience. Yes, the place was crowded, yes, the wait was long, but the food was amazing. We waited about 50 minutes for a table and were finally squished in next to two couples who wouldn't stop gabbing about Los Angeles real estate. I had the quinoa burger on a brioche bun, which was topped with guacamole, fried shallots, tomato chutney, and sprouts. It was one of the best vegetarian burgers I've had in Santa Fe, and I really appreciated how they actually put thought into the toppings (something you don't see everywhere with veggie burgers). The potatoes were good, but came out cold. I know this place is famous for its Mexican food - my mom and brother got the mole enchiladas and blue lady enchiladas respectively, and said both were delicious. The food came quickly, and our waiter was funny and attentive even though the place was packed. The only downside was that you're seated so close to other tables that it's difficult to have your own conversation. It's also a busy atmosphere, so even though we weren't hurried out of there by the staff, it was difficult to not feel rushed. If you can get in here on a weekday afternoon, I definitely recommend visiting.
(4)Jen H.
My husband and I just finished having dinner here. I ordered the carne asada and hubby ordered the opened faced steak sandwich. My steak was pretty tasteless. It was served with cilantro rice, guacamole and grilled veggies. I didn't taste a hint of cilantro in the rice. It was extremely bland. The guac was just okay. The veggies weren't that great either. Husband's meal was pretty good but not worth recommending. I think this place was extremely overpriced. I sure wish we had picked a different place for dinner.
(2)Rob W.
Only had 2 days in Santa Fe and ate here for breakfast both times. Very very tasty. Wife loved the huevos barbacoa, nicely cooked meat. I really enjoyed the huevos motulenos. Had the combo green red christmas chile and both were very good. Couldn't pick one color over the other the next time either. Really liked the banana in this dish which I can sometimes take or leave. Tried the cactus salad, which was nice. Not spectacular but good. Had the plato primo with the garden enchilada which was also good, but the huevos motulenos were better.
(4)Solomon W.
Cafe Pasqual's incites all sorts of emotions of nostalgia for the Texas boy who has gone skiing once or twice. The vibe of old Santa Fe reminds you of a ski town, yet with adobe-Spanish flare; CP's menu wields classic breakfast dishes (huevos rancheros and corned beef hash) with "made in-house" aspects; and the upscale pricing on traditional dishes brings me back to the fancy breakfasts in many a Texas city. For starters, the $15 bowl of fried potatoes, smothered in salsa, though pricey triggers so many childhood memories--from the love for potatoes... that are fried...to the first taste of salsa... perhaps even the growing love for cheese and sour cream. With not a care in the world on how this type of dish would affect your health long-term. On the other end, the brisket and eggs, though pricier, certainly gives you more bang for your buck--didn't momma always say to have meat with your breakfast to keep your tummy full? Slow-cooked beef... runny eggs... can't lose. This classic eatery set on the well-traveled Don Gaspar (totally made that last part up) provides quality food with a very New-Mexican feel.
(4)Don J.
One of the best you will find in Santa Fe....I had the free range chicken sandwich and loved it....highly recommend
(4)Amanda S.
Hands down the BEST breakfast restaurant in Santa Fe. This place is small- I love the community table- but efficiently run. I have been here twice now, and while it is a little pricey for breakfast (it was about $50 for two people, including tip) I think it is worth it. The flavors are incredible, and the freshness wonderful. The ingredients are mostly organic and truly New Mexican.
(5)Unica V.
After having Pasqual's on our "still need to try" restaurant list for some time, we finally dined there last night. The food: My husband had the Lamb Chops which were cooked very well. The pomegranate sauce added a very unique and good taste. The potatoes and tomato/cucumber salad that accompanied the dish were spiced up in a way I've never had before. Very good! I had the Cochinita pork which came shredded and wrapped in a banana leaf. The pork was very tender, but a bit sweet for my liking. However, when you took a bite of the fried plantains with the pork, they complimented eachother nicely. Overall a very tasty dish. The service: Very attentive and friendly staff. The waitress was there when we needed her and not overbearing. The price: Ouch! Compared to most restaurants in Santa Fe, the food is overpriced. For our two dishes the bill was $80 which didn't include drinks. That's a bit much. We did enjoy our dinner and can now check it off our lost.
(4)Kate M.
Nice little place in city plaza. Got breakfast here and ordered the huevos barbacoa. Nice hearty ingredients with the right amount of spice and flavor. Service here was really quick and friendly! The decor was probably my favorite part of the restaurant. Lots of charming eclectic Santa Fe architecture and decorations. The place felt slightly touristy, but that's expected in this part of town. The dishes were a bit pricey, and the latte my friend got was $5.50 (more expensive than Starbucks!).
(4)Jennifer L.
Us weary campers stumbled in here after The Shed had a 45 minute wait. This came up on my yelp app, but I had no idea it was kind of fancy and expensive. The space is very tiny and filled with wealthy Santa Fe elite covered in turquoise and pashmina shawls. We probably would have walked out and left, but the hostess was so cordial and nice we decided to stay. The menu was refreshingly not exclusively NM cuisine. Since plates are around $18 we decided to share everything. We split the pupusa appetizer and the bison burger. Both were stunningly delicious. Then we had the fig cookie with carmel salt ice cream that was divine. The cookie was surprisingly delicious and fresh. There really aren't any affordable/cheap options in the downtown area so either drive out of downtown or buck up and treat yo self!
(4)David L.
Excellent experience today. Our check was generously adjusted after we explained the error from our previous visit. Bill did an outstanding job, my Durango omlette was prepared perfectly, and our meal was priced appropriately. Kudos for a genuine interest in customer satisfaction.
(5)Monika W.
I was recently in Santa Fe for a spa conference and one of my scheduled activities was a group dinner at Cafe Pasqual's. I was very excited to see so many locally grown items on the menu! Chard? Really? Awesome! I opted for the special, Moroccan chicken tajine with preserved lemons and artichokes and was not disappointed. My entire group was equally pleased with their choices...cannot say the same for our colleagues sent to other restaurants. And to satisfy a group of professional spa operators who are accustomed to eating and drinking the finest the world has to offer, is saying an awful lot! So grateful to the event planner who steered me toward Pasqual's, otherwise I would have missed it. I am Yelping to keep other travelers from that horrible possibility! Space is tight and we made it work...but if you are interested in going with a large group be sure to call in advance to work out the details.
(5)Anne M.
It's nice to know that some things never change. We had brunch at Pasqual's this morning. The one hour wait was so worth it! The food was simply fabulous. Enough said.
(5)John M.
My last visit consisted of pancakes, 2 eggs and turkey bacon. i love places that serve pure maple syrup. No wait this time! The menu is great and so is the staff.
(4)Nancy D.
Yes, the reviews are all over the place. As a critical diner, I have to say: go try it. We arrived at lunch to a completely full dining room. The host (not a particularly friendly chap) said we could wait for "a while" or sit at the community dining table. Well, color me happy! While I don't consider myself particularly fond of chatting with strangers, community tables are always a can't-miss for me. Where else can you get free reviews and opinions of others experiencing the city (well, except for Yelp)? If you get stuck with a particularly annoying individual, keep in mind it is only for a meal. Our table included a couple from Santa Fe, a couple from our home town, a solo traveler and some other people we didn't really talk to. Our fellow diners steered us to other great dining and local attractions. Enough about that. I had the carne asada. It was a solid dish served with every tasty beans and accompanying pepperss but had the disappointment of pre-made tortillas (why don't restaurants in Santa Fe make fresh tortillas?!). Hubby had the BLT and thank goodness he is generous with his food! This "sandwich" is served on cornbread, so get ready to pull out your forks halfway through. But tasty? Absolutely. Everyone at our table was pleased with their food, ranging from satisfied to thrilled. There was even a little sharing going on, food and recommendations alike. If you are walking around the plaza, tired and dazed and looking for a good meal, open the screen door and let it slam.
(4)Oscar the Death Cat B.
We picked Cafe Pasquals for our first dinner on our Santa Fe trip. If you have read any other reviews, you will already know that their dining room is mighty small, and even on an off-peak-season Wednesday night, with the rest of the plaza pretty much dead by 6 PM, there was still a wait to get into Pasquals. Reservations are recommended. We tried the pupusa, lamb barbacoa tacos, and a combo platter consisting of a chile relleno, mole enchilada, tamal, and a beef skewer. For dessert we shared a blackberry pie with homemade ice cream. All the dishes were satisfying, though not especially innovative. Pasqual's might be worth a stop for dinner if you plan ahead with reservations, but it's not worth a long wait to get in. If you are indifferent about how organic your food is, you could probably find similarly satisying fare elswehere for a lower price. Breakfast and brunch seem to be where they really excel, but unfortunately our vacation schedule did not provide time for a return trip.
(3)Greg A.
My wife had the Enchiladas and thought they were awesome. I had the sole filet which was also great, BUT, neither the menu nor the waiter mentioned that this $29 entree included nothing but meat. The waiter later told me that that's what "sole" meant. For $29 they could have at least thrown a few veggies on my plate. My most wonderful wife shared her plate with me and saved me from leaving hungry.
(3)Jerome W.
Pretty dang good for breakfast in Santa Fe! It's a bit cramped inside when you first walk in and get seated, but everyone in Santa Fe is super nice. They actually smile and say hello which is quite refreshing when you come from the bowels of southern California. So don't be afraid to cuddle up to your neighbors. I had the Pasqual's favorite which comes with wheat pancakes, sausage, and two eggs. My friend got the breakfast quesedilla which was delicious as well. Their lattes and hot chocolate looked really good too. The bacon is a bit over priced, but overall it was good and would definitely come back next time we're in town. Thanks Cafe Pasqual! You put the A in Santa Fe!
(4)Cheryl S.
Have never been disappointed with breakfast at Pasqual's! We have been stopping as often as possible for over 10 years on our travels thru Santa Fe and have never regretted the time it sometimes take to get a table. Count on a wait and if you get right in as we did on a Monday morning, just be thrilled. We try to sit at the communal table when possible, always meet interesting people who love to share other great places to eat. This trip I had the smoked trout hash and my husband had his favorite dish (can't remember name) which is plantains, peas, eggs, etc.. To die for! You leave raving about the food and planning on when you can return.
(5)Jill B.
Expensive for what it is. I never understood there popularity unless all you care about is a place to be seen, tradition, and organic food. Their tortillas are dry and awful, sauces under seasoned and you will wait an hour to eat there.
(1)Morgan S.
Worth the wait for their delicious breakfast. Everything I tasted was great--durango omelette, huevos rancheros, chorizo burrito. Good latte as well.
(4)Cecilia T.
This new Mexican brunch café was simply AMAZING. The atmosphere is super cute and cozy with an open atmosphere and ethnic décor. I love the strings of red chili pepper decorated with Christmas lights! The breakfast burrito was SOOOO GOOD. I MEAN SOOO-OHHHH GOOD. It came in this aluminum wrapping which at first we were like "Uhh this is ghetto." But then you realize it's wrapped to protect the PERFECTLY crisped burrito wrapping that houses this friggin amazing concoction of potato, flavorful cheese to DIEEEEE for, green chilies, etc. It was totally a standout dish and my hubby and I agreed this was strongly THE BEST Breakfast burrito we've ever had. Also had the Brioche French toast which while it was tasty and very good, it couldn't be compared to the breakfast burrito. Crisp corn flakes on a tasty bread, with melted butter and syrup to flavor this melting dish. We cleaned our plates! The service is nice, and as we came in the winter and on a weekday, there was absolutely no wait at 10:30a.m. Coffee is just ok- can't figure out why it's so expensive. Oh man, I wanna go back NOW for more of their food. It's very fresh!
(5)Imo M.
Just ate at Cafe Pasqual's again, this time brunch/lunch. The place was way too crowded and the service was not keeping up. Definitely try it at dinnertime for a more predictable experience. Service is better at night, when reservations are encouraged. The food is still good and worth the hassle, but you don't want to feel like you're eating and running in a place like this. One thing that makes lunch special is the offering of the healthy veggie "Licuado" (shake). A shot is more than enough ($3).
(4)Shannon G.
Cute atmosphere! Fortunately we had reservations (they were booked solid until after 9 p.m). We had great service and the food was tasty but pricey. I appreciate organic food but if you are vegan, your options are limited to 2-3 items and not any cheaper. Options for kid friendly food was very limited. My girls enjoyed the roasted corn and would of loved more than just one ear. I would of loved more than one for them as well since it was $8! Overall, we enjoyed our evening there but I don't think we would return.
(3)Mary Ann T.
Party of 6. The food was great. Had the Plato Supremo. The service was wonderful, but I forget his name. The evening was a bit ruined , except for the company, when we saw a roach go up the wall and hide under the print beside our booth which was right next to the kitchen door. That does it for me.
(2)Khuyen P.
This was my 3rd visit to Cafe Pasqual's and is always totally worth the wait and the splurge. I'm not a morning person and I especially don't have an appetite at 8 a.m....and I was not feeling that great but I was leaving Santa Fe and my friends wanted to eat breakfast before they left as well. I had talked this place up so much they wanted to come here. SO we got here early and the wait was non existent for us. 15 minutes later and it was full to capacity. I wasn't really feeling food ready but something simple sounded good. I ordered the Two Egg breakfast: poached on home made English Muffins and strawberry ham and home fries. The eggs were terrific and the english muffins rocked my world. It was so fresh and clean tasting..something my palate doesn't get acquainted with that often. The potatoes were okay, but not as good as they could have been...sort of bland. The Huevos Rancheros, Brioche French Toast and Durango Omelet were all declared DELICIOUS by my friends and here's where the story ends. Do Come here and Do come back.
(5)Rosemarie F.
Loved, loved, loved this place! Came here for breakfast and the place was packed! It was only me and had to wait about 20 minutes. The place is relatively small, but they sat me at a 'group' table of 10. We were a mixed crew of 6 locals, a couple from NOLA, and me, the Damned Yankee! I had the huevos rancheros with red chili, blue corn tortilla. Yummy, yummy. Service was attentive, friendly. Only giving this a 4 as, well, it was breakfast. Wished I had more time to try Cafe Pasqual's for lunch or dinner. Bought both their cookbooks and everything I have tried so far is delicious. Stopped by several times to buy one of their cookies. Shortbread with rosemary! Unique, but I got hooked. New Mexican food, with a unique and creative twist! Lovely artsy Santa Fe decor! Definately a must stop next trip!!
(4)D G.
A great place to grab a tasty breakfast. Somewhat hectic with out of towners, but they know how to handle the crowds as they boast a large public seating table for walk-ins. Food was tasty and hot with plenty of vegetarian options. We'll be back.
(4)Angelica C.
definitely a must if you are visiting Santa Fe regardless of whether or not you're vegetarian this place is consistent! Please make a reservation as they are always very busy! as someone mention in the previous review, the acorn squash quinoa and pomegranate is to die for. Attentive service.
(5)Travis R.
Probably best Mexican meal I've ever had. The mole, the tamales, the chile relleno - it was all stunning. Be warned, however, everything is much spicer than the typical Mexican that you're used to (as it should be). The grilled prosciutto app will blow your mind. Do yourself a favor and visit this wonderful Santa Fe establishment.
(5)Karen C.
Poor ambiance and crowded seating and food too pretentious and pricey. My lamb cooked perfect but glaze sauce too sweet my husbands Combo Mexican platter as one of their signature dishes really not very tasty. Thought over priced for food offered and was disappointed as was told a 'must' eat place. Maybe lunch better
(3)Holly B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed into a small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than their communal table Food was ok, certainly not worth the price. It tries to come off as an authentic cultural hole in the wall but misses the mark. Instead looks like every other restaurant in Austin TX and Santa Cruz CA except more expensive without the culinary expertise.
(1)Jo M.
WAAAAAAY over rated. After waiting for 20 minutes, we sat in the corner at a tiny overcrowded table, waited way too long for an over priced mediocre breakfast. It's great that their organic, but I think at this point they are just coasting on their reputation. There is much better food to be had out there, with out the snobby staff making you wait for each and everything you ask for.
(2)Nancy M.
This is another smaller restaurant but it has great food and a loyal following. We were seated just as it opened for dinner and the place was packed nonstop until we left. They have a large community table so you can be seated sooner if you aren't waiting for a private one. They always have specials with a great wine list to choose from. We loved the flat bread sticks and gobbled them up with our wine. I ordered a warm mushroom spinach tart with melted cheese over a bed of greens and my friend had the appetizer order of muscles. Both dishes were delightful and we had a hard time finishing everything on our plates. The room is very cozy with some quirky decorating but the food is to die for. The staff worked hard to see that everyone is served and waited on even during a busy dinner hour. I had to order the strawberry shortcake but asked for ice cream instead of the whipped cream and it was fabulous. The sweetest strawberries ever and we ate the whole thing. Don't miss out on this if you are in town. Just try and get their early or don't mind a little wait. It is worth the time.
(4)Gilbert C.
Pompous menu and service and obscenely over priced . Stay away from this place and visit other fine restaurants in Santa Fe's plaza area. I would recommend The Shed or Tia Sophia's, The Ore House, Coyote Cafe, Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery all within walking distance of the plaza.
(1)Phil L.
Great spot for breakfast. Wish they had fresh squeeze orange juice but my juevos rancheros (actually were spicy which is how they're supposed to be I believe) were as good as it gets - I really don't think that I've had better. Very decent coffee here as well. And right in the middle of town - a super convenient location.
(5)Candy W.
We had a reservation for 5:30, when they first opened for dinner. Within 10 minutes the place was packed. All the staff worked well in tandem. Several stopped by our table many times to check on us. We shared the Vietnamese scallop salad (unbelievably tasty) and the lamb tangine (fantastic flavors but not usually on the menu). Then we ended with the Meyer lemon ice cream and meringue cookie. We should have skipped the dessert, only because we were so full already (and the cookie was a bit dry). But the entire dinner, atmosphere, and attention were so superlative, who cared about a cookie?! We will definitely come here again if we ever return to Santa Fe.
(5)Sandy K.
Still one of the best restaurant experiences in all of Santa Fe! The food is absolutely incredible and the service and atmosphere are exceptional. I will keep coming here again and again and again!
(5)Erica V.
The food was fantastic. The service, not so much. Hostess was snotty when we got there for out reservation (it would be a miracle to get in here on a weekend with one as we found out the night before). We were seated for 15 minutes before out waiter came over. He just asked "what's for dinner?" Never asked about drinks. When I asked him to modify a dish to make it vegan, he wanted to argue about how it wouldn't taste as good without the cheese. For the record, the enchiladas were heaven without any cheese. His service continued to disappoint until it time to pay the bill.
(3)C. H.
I thought it was great. Had the smoked trout hash and my husband had the red chili barlacoa. Man that hash was to die for! I'd like to try the whole menu. Had mexican hot chocolate which was also very good. Well worth it.
(5)Charito S.
I came here last night for dinner with a group, and ate the Vietnamese scallops, Mexican hot chocolate, and the tomato soup. Everything was delicious, I all the morsels of food on my plate. The Vietnamese scallops came with a jicama type salad...I'm not a jicama type of person but that salad was delicious! Their food comes from their farmer's market, and they ensure that the food isn't treated with antibiotics and pesticides, organic and fresh. The atmosphere is warm and the staff are so friendly towards our group! I think I will go there for breakfast tomorrow and skip all the other restaurants that I want to try. I highly recommend! Call in advance for dinner, we got reservations a couple of days after our call...now I know why!
(5)Katy M.
Perhaps the meal I most look forward to whenever we head to Santa Fe. Sometimes we eat two meals a day here. Everything about it - the cozy space with the vibrant decor, the hosts who calmly manage the crazy wait on weekends, the warm and efficient service and most importantly, the delicious, creative cuisine (both New Mexican and not) is a homerun. Stand-out dishes include the mole enchiladas (don't tell them I told you, but they'll make them with chicken if you ask, even though they recently switched to turkey on the menu) - one of the best moles I've tasted - pancakes, huevos barbacoa (written up in Cooking Light a few years back - who knew this was diet food?), huevos rancheros, and if you're craving something healthy, the nine-grain cereal (packages of which you can buy to take home). Famous for brunch but if you don't feel like waiting, they take dinner reservations and the food is equally crave-worthy.
(5)Sonny L.
After reading all of the superstar reviews, I booked a reservation at Cafe Pasqual's on a recent trip to Santa Fe. Needless to say I was sorely disappointed. The service was mediocre, the vibe was utterly pretentious and the food was outrageously overpriced. If I'm going to pay $27 for a vegetarian Chile en Nogada, it better be orgasmic. It was not. It was super dull and not complex as one would have anticipated with all the ingredients listed. Napo's Pupusa had the texture of cardboard. I have no problem paying extra at a restaurant that touts organic seasonal ingredients. I understand the reality of growing your own organic food and the care it takes. However, I expect the beauty of the ingredients to speak for themselves. I was hoping to fine a tiny slice of New Mexico meets Chez Panisse in Santa Fe. All I found was a restaurant full of stuffy rich tourists. On a side note, our waiter ordered the wrong entree for one of our guests and instead of comping it, he brought us 2 cookies at the end of the meal. The only problem is that we had a table of 3, not 2. And really, who on earth would pay $14 for 2 tiny freakin' tacos. Call me spoiled, but I live in the land of bad ass tacos. On a final note, I did like the interior design. The cafe is beautiful and reminded me of Katahdin Restaurant in Portland, Maine, but I would not recommend this place.
(2)Anastasia B.
The eggs barbacoa with chile d'arbol was my first meal upon arriving in Santa Fe for the weekend. If I wasn't famished from not eating anything all day except for a salty bag of Southwest peanuts, I'd say that the slow-cooked marinated Niman Ranch beef with onion, cilantro and Cotija cheese on white corn tortillas and two eggs with refried pinto beans and chile d'arbol salsa for $17.45 was tasty enough but nothing too special. But since I was starving to the point that eating a piece of cardboard would've been appetizing, my meal (although pricey) was delicious and satisfying. 3 stars for satiating my hunger pains and entertaining me with funky ceiling décor during my fast 15 minute wait.
(3)Kevin R.
Cafe Pasqual's is a pretty decent Mexican restaurant on the corner of a very busy "intersection" (quotes because the streets are small but still handle a great deal of traffic). The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner and when dinner time starts rolling around there is usually a small crowd gathered outside the door wanting to beat the rush for tables. Knowing this, we came for an early lunch. Mwahah! I have no complaints on the food. It was very tasty! However, the prices are pretty high and the servings are minuscule. Meh.. Is it just me or do most Mexican restaurants usually give outrageously humongous portions? I guess Pasqual's missed the memo...
(3)timm s.
Did not live up to the hype.... I was visiting Santa Fe this past weekend and wanted to soak up all of the great food hots spots while in town. We were staying at the newly remodeled Hotel St. Francis so the restaurant was VERY close (right across the street). It does not have a prominent sign .... but the LARGE crowd outside gives it away. We were VERY lucky to by pass the crowd and get seated at a small table on the side of the colorful dinning room right away. NO WAIT (apparently that is unheard of)!!! The service was mediocre. I had the whole wheat pancakes with one egg. The pancakes .... DELICIOUS!! The eggs .... not so much. The price .... EXPENSIVE! It was around $12 for 3 pancakes and one egg. YIKES!! I know it is Santa Fe.... and I am not cheap by any means .... but that seems a weeeeeeeeeeeee-bit over priced. If I had to wait for 45 minutes.... I'm afraid I would have to bump the rating down to two stars. Don't wait... It's not THAT great!!
(3)Katy B.
I have eaten here 2 times, both for special occasions as it is on the pricy side. First time I went for dinner.. I got the chicken mole enchiladas i think it was..., It was smothered and drenched in the sauce that was just ok.. and didn't really come wtih anything...really left something to be desired..and NOT cheap.. (I know these ingredients aren't expensive...)Second time i decided to go on my b-day for brunch(as ive heard so many things about the breakfast). Waited 45 min to then sit at a communal table..2 inches from the other people and we were sitting side by side.(which is fine for a hot dog joint... but for a pricey romantic bday brunch with my boyfriend i was a little disappointed.)Again, the food was just ok, and it was sooo expensive..100% not worth it. Not to mention it was SUPER loud in there. I found the staff Snooty, rushed and unconcerned. Mind not blown... especially with all the hype. Actually it is mind blowing, how they get away with this stuff.
(1)S K.
If you like being packed in like sardines and paying for over priced mediocre food...this place is for you!! Do not recommend. 0 star
(1)Lauren E.
With the very friendly staff and delicious food, Cafe Pasqual's is an amazing find! The osso bucco was very good and unique. It had wonderful citrus overtones. The carrot ginger soup was very well balanced. The scallops were cooked perfectly and wrapped in flavorful bacon. The pear sorbet was an absolute delight! Very refreshing and delicious! We would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Santa Fe. We were able to get in on a Friday night at around 7:30pm after about 20 minutes without a reservation. It is a small place, but the ambiance is fun and colorful!
(5)Amanda R.
My boyfriend and I ate here during a three day vacation to Santa Fe. Not only was it a waste of money and a night out, the entree he ordered was visually disgusting. He ordered pork that was served inside a cocoon like leaf. When he opened the leaf mashed pork and gooey juice came pouring out all over the other food in his plate. It gave the impression of camping trip gone terribly wrong. What might happen if someone took a laxative and had only a leaf to catch their watery stool. The site of this made us so sick neither one of us could eat. When we expressed this to the manager there, she couldn't seem to understand so she just kept asking us what was wrong. She did take my boyfriend's entree off the check but over charged us for the other items we ordered.None of the food our was exactly superb and surly not worth the money. We went there expecting a wonderful experience based on the reviews, instead we left disappointed and nauseated. None of the staff ever really apologized or tried to compensate for our poor experience. They just acted as though they had their culinary brilliance had been forsaken;never mind sour stomachs and ruined dinner. By the way the place is too small don't go and expect to have elbow room if your arm is over a foot long. In sum this place is best for you if you are blind, short and have a steel stomach. I do however; highly recommend the restaurant across the street, Tabla de Los Santos.
(1)Jessica R.
Amazing. Seriously amazing. Came for dinner on vacation with my husband. We both left stuffed and satisfied! If I lived in Santa Fe, I'd come here all the time. The food is fantastic; the best Mexican I've ever had. Staff is friendly and prompt. And the ambiance is captivating, somewhere between authentic southwest and kitsch. Loved it!
(5)F. P.
Got to Santa Fe before 10am and first thing on the list was to check out the much acclaimed Cafe Pasqual's. Was told there was a 45-minute wait (already?!) but that was fine because it gave us time to check out the plaza. Verdict? Pretty good but way overpriced. Couldn't help but feel that I was in a tourist trip (we were seated at the community table and everyone was from elsewhere). I had the huevos motulenos (eggs with black beens, sauteed bananas, feta cheese, salsa and Christmas chile). Pretty good but I actually wasn't too fond of the bananas which were mushy and over-ripe and sweet. What this dish did do was confirm that I was more a fan of green chile than red. I also had a bite of the breakfast quesadilla with applewood bacon, which was delicious. I probably wouldn't return to this place only because it's near impossible to get seated and simply overpriced ($50 w tax & tip for a quesadilla, huevos, OJ and coffee is kind of ridiculous). People had recommended Tia Sophia as an alternative (just as good but at half the price) ... maybe will give that a shot next time.
(3)Robert C.
Lunch 30th October 2012 - Ratings: A = Excellent, C = Mediocre, E = Awful. Food B Service B- Ambience B Value for Money C We sat at the communal table in the middle because all the individual tables were full. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I had the smoked trout salad, my wife the chicken sandwich, and our friend the buffalo burger. All these were good but somewhat overpriced for what they were. The service was good. The bathrooms were very small.
(3)Chuck C.
My wife and I have visited Santa Fe several times...and have tried a number of local eateries. Today we ate breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Both the atmosphere and cuisine are quintessential Santa Fe. The staff was friendly and attentive. We will be back. My wife had the Maga's Cheese Blintzes with strawberry jam and sour cream. It was rich and scrumptious. I had the Huevos Barbacoa con Chile D'Arbol Salsa, a stunningly flavorful combination of slow-cooked marinated shredded beef, eggs, pintos and Cotija cheese atop corn tortillas. I posted the pics here. If you're looking for food and ambiance that capture the essence of Santa Fe, along with the friendliest service staff in town, check out Cafe Pasqual's. You won't regret it! CJC, Jr.
(5)Natasha M.
I have been to a LOT of wonderful restaurants from San Francisco to NYC. Some inexpensive or reasonable, and some very expensive (but amazing!) I have NEVER been as offended at the prices of items on a menu than I was at this place. Corn on the Cob for $9? Add chicken to a Caesar salad for $12? Are you kidding me? I was so upset that I would have left had I not been a guest of my father's whom I was visiting. I chose the tacos on the appetizer menu (2 for $14), and ended up eating 2 corn/steak tacos (with no side of rice or beans or anything) that were mediocre at best. The apricots w/mushrooms and nuts were gross (they served them at the beginning) no one at the table could finish theirs, and my daughters Thai noodles weren't all that imaginative. Edible, yes, but not $19 worthy. They advertise being an all-organic restaurant, but do they really need to insult by their ridiculous prices? It wasn't even worth paying "regular" prices for me to return. I'm happy back in San Francisco where you can have the most amazing dishes every few feet!
(1)Brad B.
Authentic, friendly but tight quarters. The bison green chili burger is a must and the pigs n figs are great. Taco starters ok not great. Would go back.
(4)Doug P.
Hands down the best breakfast i have ever had! Grilled polenta, spicy chorizo, sweet corn and amazing red chili. GO!
(5)J L.
I don't get all the rave reviews. We tried this small, upscale cafe out after many locals insisted it's the best. Not impressed in the least. Far too pretentious with food that's as boring as the personality of our waitress. The good thing, however, is that the service is fast and attentive. They work together as a team to move people in and out quickly. We were here for dinner and found the menu odd. Yes, it's local and organic and that demands a much higher price, but seriously, the items on the menu are plain weird and do not taste all that great. We are small people who get full easily but we left here hungry and broke. The grilled artichoke appetizer tasted just like the grill and while I don't know what type of grill they use, I very much tasted heavy doses of propane. It was inedible. Their version of the wine margarita is mostly margarita mix, very little, if any wine, and the Green Goddess salad dressing tasted like fish. Husband got the Buffalo burger and some kind of over-seasoned potatoes; he said it was just okay. Nothing special, especially for the price. (If you want mushrooms on that it's an additional $7. Laughable.) There are much better places to eat in Santa Fe for that price and it's not even about the money. It's just plain weird food.
(2)Andrea S.
This restaurant is A+ Mexican cuisine with some other options mixed in (think salads, sandwiches and a dinner menu we did not peruse). My husband and I ate at the community table for Sunday breakfast (a shared table with other guests -- recommended if you don't mind some casual chatting with fellow diners and a shorter wait time). I had the blue lady enchilada (vegetarian lunch item) with sauteed zucchini and onion. Other than not actually being blue, the enchilada was absolutely fabulous! I would order this again in a heartbeat. My husband was also very impressed with his meal, the Durango omelet. The only two negatives about this place are the prices (total was $50 for breakfast for two people) and the coffee. I had regular drip coffee and was underwhelmed by its strength and quality, and my husband had a vanilla latte and was similarly disappointed. However, the food is good enough that we will probably go back when we have guests in town, even though the prices make it cost-prohibitive for a weekly dining spot for just the two of us. This chef is also a James Beard Award nominee, which is impressive to say the least.
(4)Kim P.
Cafe Pasqual's provided the most sublime plate of scrambled eggs, toast and home fries I have ever had in my life. The eggs (with scallions) were carefully cooked to absolute fluffy perfection, not a brown spot in in sight. The housemade nut toast was glorious, the housemade salsa a delectable rich brown, and the potatoes perfectly crunchy-tender and beautifully seasoned. Of course, it was also freakin' $15.75, with a 20-minute wait to be seated on a weekday mid-morning. I suppose I should detract a star for the questionable value, but it seems unfair, since we knew what we were getting into and the service was also amazing. If you don't mind waiting and dropping some bucks, Cafe Pasqual's will provide a blissful version of your usual proletarian meal.
(5)Jen N.
Fantastic mole chicken enchiladas. Nothing but shredded chicken inside. My sister had the veggie enchiladas with green chile sauce and I must say these were delicious, too. Very generous portions. We didn't have to wait at noon on a weekday - that made us pretty happy, too.
(4)Jennifer B.
As an out-of-towner with a vacation planning disability, I'm a little bit high off myself for picking a "hot on Yelp!" restaurant without consulting Yelp. That's what you get with your veteran status I guess. You can spot 'em a mile away. What tipped me off to its hotness, and my later satisfaction, was the mention of organic ingredients, a pretty scarce entity in these parts. That plus all the colorful tile, and an unusual mezzanine set up on the floor that let in lots of light. I ended up liking my brunch dish quite a bit - the use of feta cheese and bananas with a huevos rancheros-style dish was novel and wonderfully pulled-off - AND the "Christmas" red chile, green chile, and mole sauces satisfied my boyfriend's spicy quotient, which is no easy feat. Good coffee too. I really thought the ambiance was cute enough. For some reason it irritated my boyfriends sense of authenticity, but I'm not convinced he knows what he's talking about when it comes to things that irritate him...I mean, authenticity.
(4)Lindsay D.
This was pitched as the best restaurant in Santa Fe and it had great food. I was traveling alone and appreciated the "communal table" option, which resulted in sharing dinner with folks from across the country. A small place with a great vibe, you'll need to make reservations. I had the Plato Supremo which was lovely, the chile was the best. Expensive, but good food.
(4)Niamh O.
Om nom nom. My boyfriend took me here for a birthday dinner when we were traveling through Santa Fe. The restaurant was wonderfully eclectic, noisy, and casual. The food was out-of-this-world, and the service was beyond friendly. In fact, the waiter recommended a whole syllabus of excellent restaurants for us to try while we were in town. The wine list wasn't extensive, but it was solid. And the kitsch factor was excellent. Our dinner was so delicious, we went back for breakfast (having heard that Pasqual's breakfast was unbeatable). I'm a New Mexican cuisine noob, but holy heck, that was amazing. While I loved the dinner, it was a bit pricey for our grad student budgets. I would instantly recommend the breakfast to a budget traveler, looking to get a taste of the famous joint. Go! Eat eggs and chile! And enjoy.
(5)Jacob K.
Very fresh food with healthy options. Excellent service. Very unique and cozy atmosphere. Pricey. i.e., a restaurant in downtown Santa Fe.
(4)Albert M.
great atmosphere for the casual, laid back personality. There is even a community table, how's that for social networking. The Blue Lady Enchilada was exceptional, surely a dish to have if you will only be here once. Also don't miss an opportunity to try their corn bread. I believe you can buy a loaf to take home, if it makes it that far without you eating all of it.
(4)HoustonBuffalo S.
Phenomenal! I was in SF for 6 days and ate breakfast here 3 of them, and only ate breakfast other places the other 3 because of our group size. Small, quirky, attentive, delicious! Servers are all smiling, there when you need them, proffesionals. Food is inspiring! Huevos Multenanos is a dish you have to try to believe. Polenta cake with eggs is excellent. Others had quesadillas, cinnamon toast, bacon, never a complaint. The community table is a great idea for such a small restaurant. If you prefer artificial sweetener for your coffee you need to bring it with you. Really really worth both the wait and price.
(5)Eduardo M.
Had lunch here last week and really enjoyed the Half-Time with the kale salad, a 1/2 BLT and a cup of chilled tomato/chipotle soup of the day. Wow, what a meal! Best BLT I've ever had, and the salad and soup rounded out a great dish. My wife ordered the fish tacos which she couldn't finish. Apparently the pickled onions served on the tacos had a very off flavor to them. I thought it was odd that she didn't finish her pickled onions because she usually loves them and devours every last bit whenever she come across them. Her smoothie, however, was quite tasty and nutritious.
(4)Marina V.
Why does Pasqual's not have a five star average?? I went here twice... a year ago... so this review is not going to be very detail-oriented. But I felt the need to put my 5 stars in because it is JUST THAT GOOD. C and I were in Santa Fe and looking for a place to eat dinner. Having already dropped a dime to stay at 10,000 Waves (Japanese bathhouse) and with many more miles to travel, we didn't have much money to spend. But my friend Buster, who's been to Santa Fe mucho, had highly recommended Pasqual's. After traipsing through town several rounds, we saw right through the tourist traps of some of the other restaurants. It had to be Pasqual's. After a bit of a wait, we were seated in the *ahem* cozy dining room (you can sort of rub elbows with your neighbor, NYC-style.. but it really does just add to the ambiance of the place! the room was colorful, eclectic, and charming) Broke as we were, we split a plate (not typical of us.. but it was pretty late too). We chose the Plato Supremo, and proceeded to eat the most delicious chile relleno I've ever had to date. There was a scrumptious mole enchilada and a tamal of some sort too.. and a carne asada skewer. Not to downplay the entire plate-- it was all incredible! But the chile relleno is still something I dream about.. After some direct deposit action, we returned THE NEXT MORNING and threw down for brunch.. I had the smoked trout hash and I believe C had the huevo rancheros but I can't quite remember (it was a whole year ago..) and fresh squeezed mimosas...mmm... I ordered the cookbook ("Cooking with Cafe Pasqual's") as soon as we returned to Austin.
(5)Jim B.
We were intrigued. Cafe Pasquale's is always packed. Always. Reservations are hard to get unless you like dining early or late. Especially when they make you call to get one. Yes, they refused to give us a reservation in person. We're fairly certain the same person who forced us to call from the corner outside answered the phone. This should have been our first warning. But, we decided to forgive them their eccentricities and lock in reservations for dinner the next day. The menu looks appealing. Fresh, organic, etc. Expensive, yes. (Think $50/person minimum.) But, I assumed they would be worth it. Impossible to get reservations, remember? I was wrong. Appetizer: papusas. Verdict: Good. But, no better than my local (and much cheaper) papusas cart (on the corner of South Boulder and 42 in Lousville.) Entree: Mexican sampler plate. Verdict: mediocre. Lunch at Antojito's Maria was vastly superior, and much cheaper.) Leaving the seeds in the chili relleno is not the latest taste and texture sensation. It's laziness. Last I checked, chicken mole wasn't a dessert. So, perhaps less sugar next time. Dessert: beet cake. Verdict: huge waste of calories. I really wanted the homemade toasted pinon ice cream. (I had a teeny tiny bit of hope the recipe would be worth copying.) But, they had none. So, I went for the "weirdest" item on the menu. "What's beet cake?" I asked. The waiter responded, "Beets have as much sugar as carrots. And, you'd think carrot cake was weird if you had never heard of it before." So enticing. And, so disappointing. You have to really pay attention to taste the beet. Granted I had just had poorly balanced Mexican food, so my palate was a bit damaged. Still, it's not so much beet cake as bland cake with too much cream cheese frosting. Ambiance: poor. This is a tiny restaurant with tables so close together it's more claustrophobic than intimate. Having to shout to be heard didn't add to the charm. Cafe Pasqual's should be ashamed. I could've assembled a better meal for half the cost with a trip to Antojito's Maria and Whole Foods.
(2)Lauren M.
We were in town and luckily could come in on a Friday morning around 11am so while the place was full, we were able to sit down at the community table without a wait. Service is quick and the menu is great - almost too much to choose from. My husband went with the Durango omelet and I got the Huevos Barbacoa. Mine was very good, lots of flavor. He also enjoyed his - it came with this delicious, almost sweet thick wheat bread - i need some of that to soak up my dish. My husband ordered a capuccino and it came in this big bowl - too much for him. The fresh OJ is good. We enjoyed our meal so much (and everything else coming out around us looked so good), that we made a reservation for dinner the next night, but then had to cancel. Regardless, highly recommended, and from what I hear, for any meal.
(5)Spoon G.
Awesome for breakfast and dinner but it is expensive! I am from San Francisco and these prices were high. I guess all the publicity and TV shows help fuel the hype. I liked the mole and the squash with quinoa. Juices also very fresh, desserts awesome too. Host with pony tail was a bit creepy though.
(4)Ryan D.
Super Duper Yummy is pretty much all I can say. I am only reviewing the breakfast/lunch/brunch but wow so good. Went with three friends and we ordered 2 Huevos Montelenos, One Genova Omlette, and the Trout hash. While my personal favorite was the monetlenos all dishes were excellent. Do not be deterred by the bananas on the montelenos as they work well with the dish. I ordered it with Christmas (red and green) chile and both had excellent flavor and not too spicy. I did a little change up and got eggs scrambled as I am not a runny eggs person. The trout hash was my second favorite with perfectly done potatoes and delicious trout. Yes I know the place is a little touristy...and the line can be a bit long but it is worth the wait. Put your name on the list, go check out a gallery in the plaza and come back to fill your tummy with deliciousness!
(5)Steve K.
Great food, too much food...we are stuffed. They gave us the window table. Well done. Steve and Cindy
(5)David M.
I loved Pasqual's- ate here 2 times in 3 days during my stay. The cowboy waiter sounded like the narrator from Lebowski, and the food was top notch from basics like oatmeal and pancakes to flourishes like the huevos motulenos. The decor is very festive and the prices right. Can't wait to return.
(5)Raina F.
A-maze-ing. Seriously, everything we ate was to die for. Make reservations - we walked in at 11 and made a reservation for 1pm, however it is generally very busy. There was no kids menu but they were very willing to work with us and the french toast I ordered my toddler made him, and the rest of us picking off his plate, very happy. The Caesar salad dressing is made in house and was perfectly creamy and tangy. The pineapple/ginger juice was pleasantly refreshing. We also ordered an assortment of cookies at the end and I ate way too much trying to have a bit of each. I would definitely go there again, in fact it would be my first stop in Santa Fe.
(5)Arlene C.
You know you have to go to a restaurant that has been recommended by a native. We had to wait until the next day, as it is impossible to get in without a reservation on the same night. I love the kitchy decor. From the antique French pastry display to the hanging chillies & colorful Mexican cut-outs strung across the room. It made me feel like a kid, it was so lively! I had the ENCHILADAS ~ Sautéed Chard, Grilled Zucchini, & Jack Cheese, under Guajillo, Ancho & Chile d'Arbol Red Chile or Roasted Green Chile, with a Grilled Banana, Fresh Corn Torte & Cilantro Rice 23. We shared the NAPO'S PUPUSA ~ Griddled Corn Masa Cake with Green Chile, Zucchini, Corn, Jack Cheese & Poblanos with Roasted Tomato Salsa & Salvadoran Escabeche 12. Yes, pricey, but wonderful complex flavors! It is a rare occasion that I am too full to get dessert...next time.
(4)Charlotte M.
The meal was superb and the dessert was wonderful. Actually, never had anything I would not recommend.
(5)Carl P.
this place is always jammin', but the service is right there with the demand - and the food is fantastic. the menu is pretty unique, so don't come here looking for your run of the mill items...they take the basics and run with it, creating some fun and enjoyable breakfast and lunch items. it's worth a try, at least once, just to say you were here...but chances are, like me, you'll be back for more. my only complaint is the cost - when two people go for breakfast and it's $50, damn...
(4)Emily U.
We don't go to Santa Fe without at least one meal here. Affordable for breakfast- pricey for dinner. At dinner you MUST have a reservation or you'll never get in. We were there for breakfast in the morning and made reservations for that night. Glad we did because they were turning people away at the door. Don't turn your nose up at the Community Table- it will get you eating faster in the morning and you can meet some really interesting people and locals. Amazing food. its really enough said. If I could pick a last meal, it would be here.
(5)N O.
We had a late breakfast given the long wait to get a table. But it was worth it. With 2 kids and 2 adults, you are bound to hear some complaints, but none from our group! We raved about it all. I will say that this place was described as moderately priced, but we left there with over a $100 tab for breakfast-yikes.
(4)Jill V.
My friend and I recently visited here while on vacation. We visited for breakfast and were seated right away. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. We both loved the coffee (I even bought some to take home). I had the crepes stuffed with cheese with fruit on top - amazing! I took some baked goods to go too (cookies) which were all really tasty. After breakfast we visited the little shop upstairs and really enjoyed looking at the art and gift trinkets. A must see place while in Santa Fe!
(5)Krista F.
This place is tiny, but worthy of the wait. It is a bustling atmosphere, so if that is not your thing, I would venture elsewhere. We went to Cafe Pasqual's on a recommendation from our hotel concierge. It was too packed, so returned on a Monday morning. We checked out of our hotel and rolled down to the restaurant around 10:30am. It was still crowded, but we had a very short 10 minute wait before being seated in the "community seating" area. Basically, we sat at a great big table in the middle of the restaurant with other diners. Not a big deal because we are talkers and didn't mind conversing with others enjoying breakfast. But, it did tend to get a little hectic with waiters squeezing behind your seat to wait on other customers. I ordered the chorizo burrito with no cheese. The chorizo is their own special blend and was delicious. I topped it with the tomatillo sauce, and it was out of this world. There are potatoes included within the burrito, and it was a little mushy for me. I would have removed the potatoes too. My boyfriend had the breakfast quesadillas, and they were fantastic. They add guacamole as a layer, and it was refreshing and tasty. Good: Fantastic food. Hands down best breakfast food if you like the savory type. Bad: Holy Crowded Space, Batman! On top of it being a very small place (with one of the smallest bathroom hallways I have seen in the world), merchandise and decorations hang on anything that stands still. I feel a little bit sketchy on the cleanliness of places that do this because, really, how often are they selling that stuff to diners? It didn't seem to be flying of the shelves and dust tends to gather.
(4)Scott N.
We've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. We've only eaten breakfast here, however. We love their breakfasts. My go to breakfast is Huevos Rancheros & their's is excellent. The atmosphere is excellent and the service has always been great.
(4)Chirag P.
Highly recommended and we saw the constant long lines, so on the morning of our departure from Santa Fe, we got up early and stood in line... it was definitely worth the wait. All Organic food, we got to sit at a Family table with 6 strangers and in no time, we were all cracking jokes and having a good ole time while enjoying when of the better brunches I've had. I tried the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS, which if you read the description, sounds funky, but it tastes damn good. My wife had the Huevos Rancheros and was quite pleased as well. They have some outstanding breakfast drinks/shakes so give those a shot as well. Really crazy creative decor and very small, but seem to move people in/out quickly. Very friendly staff as well.
(5)Jean Y.
Few good things happened here while we're having breakfast right before the Christmas. 1) We got the booth right away. 10 minutes later people waiting outside on a very cold morning. 2) Menu with lots of healthy, gluten free stuffs was cool, especially a green smoothie with the fruit vege mixed. It took a while,' cause it wax first drink that morning, meaning they have to find all of the parts of the blender. Understandable excuse. 3) coffee was good. 4) the place was so cozy with lots of stuffs hanging. 5) my hash brown was unbelievable! 6) we are all super happy with our drinks and food. 7) save the best for the last: our server was too cool and nice. He was so funny. Didn't get his his name, though he'll be there when we come back for sure.. He's been Santa Fe for 33 years! He gave us such a great feeling that super cold morning in Santa Fe...Thanks..
(4)Benjamin P.
Amazing brunch food. I haven't been for lunch or dinner ever but have been 3-4 times visiting Santa Fe over the past 10 years. The breakfast food is always incredible, and this most recent trip was the best yet. Everything our table had, from coffee to syrup to omelet was amazing. Everything. The jam was amazing. The bread was amazing. The pancakes were amazing. You get the point. Go to Cafe Pasqual's. Stop reading this review and go eat. NOW. You won't be disappointed
(5)Mark F.
Always a line and you'll want to know why Extremely friendly team put on a good meal. I felt like family but maybe that's because I was sat at a community table rather than waiting for my own. Good way to make friends and take a look at what they're eating. MIxed with locals and visitors is nice to see they like their own. I chose wisely with the Griddled Polenta with red chili sauce and chorizo topped with two eggs my way, over easy. Wow that's good stuff. The heartiness of the polenta is broken down only slightly by the chili and chorizo. This is a big, fill dish and perfect for a cool morning to keep you work. It was amazing and luckily, in their cook book, Spirited Recipes from Santa Fe. Light background music did not distract from the conversation nor drown out others chatter in the air with many "wow", "this is great" and "fantastic" as I listened to other happy eaters. No kidding my friends, this stuff is great.
(4)Juan G.
Best breakfast in the Northern Hemisphere!
(5)M H.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. It's some of the most inventive, delicious food I've had and the atmosphere is a great deal of fun. You can share a table with strangers, which makes for a quirky, enjoyable experience. The decor is very charming, as is the location in an historic structure near the Santa Fe Plaza.
(5)Lucia N.
Amazing food with unique flavors and quality ingredients. The prices are pretty high for the casual atmosphere. Cozy but crowed atmosphere, probably hard to navigate in a wheelchair.
(4)Rachel S.
Small intimate restaurant with something for everyone. We went on a Saturday and while it looked crowded it was still only about a 20min wait. They have a community table but we sat at one of benches. The food came out fast and was delicious. It was a little pricey. They also sell a cookbook with some tasty recipes.
(4)Crystal F.
My favorite in Santa Fe! Delicious, creative, and fun. Big fan!
(5)Cheryl S.
Amazing quinoa burger! Fast and sincerely friendly service...I am so thankful nobody gave me an attitude when I came in 8 minutes before the kitchen closed. I will definitely be back and hopefully bring friends and family for breakfast. Cute atmosphere too!
(5)K P.
They do things with a banana that you would not believe. But seriously, Cafe Pasqual's is great. It's rare that an upscale restaurant has both delicious food, great service, great atmosphere, great location. A must during a trip to Santa Fe.
(5)Kristofer Y.
Really great food! Somebody knows spices and cooking! Service was excellent, caring and sincere!
(5)Laurie P.
All the hype about this little hotspot is so true! The atmosphere is vibrant and fun -- and although the restaurant is small, we didn't have to wait long for a table for breakfast. The menu is full of New Mexican dishes and some traditional favorites like homemade pancakes (omg, so yum) and the best English muffins we've had in a long time. Definitely try the corned beef hash if you are in the mood for something hearty. But the pancakes have definitely won my heart. We'll have this place on our list for every future visit to Santa Fe!
(5)Caitlin L.
Awesome huevos rancheros! Super tiny and long wait, but once we were seated, they did not rush us out. Really great place.
(4)Constant C.
I love Pasqual's! I've been eating here since 1992 and it's still good. The menu is varied and interesting, and all the ingredients are of the best quality and flavor. You can get GF, vegetarian, meat.. whatever you need. They will even turn you on to new recipes you didn't know you would need from that point forward. Be prepared to wait, or maybe try an off time if you can't stand waiting. This place is always busy and it is small. There is a community table and private tables. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. The staff have always been helpful and efficient, no matter how swamped they are. They are like restaurant super heroes! You might also want to prepare yourself for the prices. It is a little spendy, especially for dinner, but it is a completely reasonable and fair exchange for the quality of food and service you get. It is well worth the planning, the wait and the price.
(4)Rohn G.
A wonderful breakfast as always. I have the chorizo burrito and it was perfect. I also recommend a side of wheat toast, really wonderful bread.
(5)Paul T.
No better sight than my sweet wife across the table at Pascual's, early in the morning, she with her Durango Omelet and me with my Smoked Trout Hash. We pass through Santa Fe every summer on the way home from Montana to renew our love affair with Pascual's. If they ever change the menu I'll know the end of the world is at hand.
(5)Maria F.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, forever, the end. There are so many things that are annoying about Pasqual's: zillions of tourists, almost always a wait, crowded, carpeted, and for some reason the past several times I've been there it smells faintly sour, like mildew or sour milk? (Maybe stuff is embedded in the carpet?) But I don't even care, because the food is amazing. Breakfast is the best, I think, followed by lunch and then dinner. (Which is fortunate, because breakfast is much more affordable!) Breakfast quesadilla (light cheese) and a Mexican mocha are my jam. Soups are always delicious. (There's a pear/butternut squash one I die for.) The garlic salsa brie thing is delicious, the warm squid salad is too, oh god the chorizo, I could go on and on. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. ' Service is professional, down-to-earth, and friendly.
(5)Teema C.
This place was good, but I didn't think the taste of the food was spectacular. It is great however that they use local, organic foods, this also equates to pricer dishes. I had the breakfast burrito with both red and green chili and hubby had the huevos motulenos, both dishes were good. The place was packed and more ppl just kept pouring in.
(3)Ira Y.
Food is awesome qua tasty but way overpriced with small portions. Breakfast is less egregious but for dinner be prepared to spend a lot and feel a bit uncomfortable with your portions.
(3)Diana M.
Only the most amazing Southwestern food Santa Fe has to offer. The homemade chili cornbread chicken sandwich is inspired. The green chili is smoky and warm. The green "Hippie" drink is fresh and energizing! They are farm to table with a passion for providing only the highest quality organic options. The service is friendly and we left so full just to return in a heartbeat the next day! We will definitely return. This is a MUST visit in Santa Fe. The weekends are sure to be a long wait for this gem of a quaint spot!
(5)Leland T.
Second time in as many months weve waited 45 minutes to get a meal here. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff super friendly, the food is very lacking and over priced. My wifey ordered a burger rare...... it came out burnt i was extremely disapointed in this because the presentation looked amazing. My chile was fairly bland and for a 25 dollar combo plate I was very unimpressed. I guess that pretty much somes up both experiences. I think I'll stick with The Pantry, way better food for a third of the price!
(2)Caley D.
This is my favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. The food is consistent and always great. The service is spot on. Occasionally it takes a while for my food to come, but not much longer than restaurants half as packed. I normally go for breakfast/brunch, and there is always a wait. Be prepared for an hour+ wait for brunch unless you get there EARLY. Get a reservation for dinner. Eat here. It's the best. The chicken sandwich and smoked trout hash (side of x-mas!!), are my favorites.
(5)Jim M.
We are foodies and love southwestern food. The food was very good in flavor, however the cumulative effect of all the slow burn dishes (tacos, tamales and rice) overwhelmed us. We stopped eating and left hungry. Would have helped to have a non spicy rice or some condiment to cut the heat. Staff was pleasant but not terribly receptive to our situation.
(2)Nick P.
Fantastic! We all had great meals, great service, and great ambience. I sampled the food from everyone's plates and would like to try all the plates next time. The enchiladas were tasty as were the tamales and the blue corn enchiladas were amazing. I would come back again soon.
(5)Noreen C.
Loved it! Super food, great ambiance and people.
(5)Michael U.
Items sampled include: Canele Coffee Orange Juice Maga's Cheese Blintzes - 3 home made blintzes, golden from the skillet, strawberry jam and sour cream Griddled Polenta with Sauteed Chorizo, Corn, Red Chile - Chile Flecked Fried Polenta in a pool of red chile sauce, piled with house chorizo, roasted corn nibblets, 2 eggs your way Moving on to the Beard Awarded Café Pasqual's, perhaps Santa Fe's most well-known restaurant, for a proper breakfast before completing the final leg of our trip I'd personally like to think that my disappointment with the meal was due to overinflated expectations or ordering incorrectly but in reality the fact of the matter is that Café Pasqual's simply does not execute at the level of a restaurant so well regarded. Beginning first with average coffee served luke warm and paired with an overcooked and gummy canele before progressing to eggs so over-poached that I sent them back to the kitchen there really was not much to like about Pasqual aside from the décor and perhaps the crispy golden blintzes - though I certainly won't tolerate being packed into such a small space to pay $14 for them ever again.
(2)Wayne E.
Well, it has only been about 10 years since I first had the chance to get on the Pasqual bandwagon. The good news...it is better than I remembered. The bad news...I don't think I can go 10 years between these amazing meals! We had the chance to have both Breakfast and Dinner at the Café in our brief visit. I think I like the super relaxed breakfast almost more than the romantic and amazing dinner.....but the food was the star in both occasions. The bacon wrapped figs, the chorizo burrito, the thai salmon (yes, Thai), the carne asada salad, perfect sides, the red sauce, the green sauce, the amazing wine....yes...it is all good! The staff is super attentive, fun, and helpful in helping you select from so many creative dishes....breakfast or dinner! I kept seeing dishes rolling to other tables that I said "I have to try that next time!" Definitely a must hit if your are in Sante Fe! Oh, and if you have time, check out the gallery upstairs...cool art, decorations, and micaceous pottery....very nice.
(5)Jacqueline C.
Appetizers great...Dessert way too sweet. I came here with my mom and we decided to order three appetizers and share rather than getting two separate entrees. Boy of boy was I glad that we did that. We got the ceviche, pupusa, & the tamales. Every one of these were just delicious. The Ceviche was unique because it had flounder which is something I have never seen or tried. It had just the right amount of everything in it and I would definitely have to say that it is the best one I have ever had. The tamale and pupusa were both delicious as well. The pupusa was crispy and not overly cheesy and greasy. It was just the right amount. The tamales on the other hand were drenched in red and green chile that was just perfect. All the flavors balanced each other out extremely well. Lastly we decided to end the meal with the goat cheese ice cream and it's house made sauce. Right when I tasted it I knew I didn't like it. The ice cream was not smooth or creamy at all. Instead it had a grainy crumbly like texture. This is supposed to be ice cream not actual frozen goat cheese! And to top it off it was drenched in an overly sweet sauce that pretty much ruined the whole dessert. I took one bite and I was done. Other than the dessert I would definitely come back for the brunch and dinner.
(4)Alittle G.
Sensory overload when you walk in the door. A riot of colors, lively diners having a truly fun time, and delicious, sensuous smells. Love it. The dishes were lovingly prepared, with attention to detail. Great Santa Fe cuisine. It was like taqueria food, but more refined, with quality, fresh and organic ingredients. Still, I was expecting a little more from a James Beard restaurant, in comparison to some of the other mind blowing experiences with award winners. I think I wanted the spices to be stronger, or have more of a creative punch. Came here with the girlfriends, and laughed and had a fun time all nite. Service was great. Excellent place for high spirits, laughter, happiness, great drinks, and solid enjoyable food.
(4)Molly E.
I think this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe because they use organic ingredients. Their food is delicious and everything sounded so good, it was difficult to decide. I wanted to keep coming back to try more of their offerings, but unfortunately everyone seems to know this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe, and there is always a wait of at least 30 minutes, sometimes a full hour.
(4)Mark Richard B.
What an amazing restaurant with contemporary Southwest cooking. The chili-rubbed bacon is awesome. Every dish is cooked with the finest ingredients even something simple as cilantro rice perfectly made. Mole is perfect. Definitely worth a visit if you visit Santa Fe.
(5)Kaitlin H.
Chicken sandwich is good, with sweet onion inside. Satay is good to try too. Not really like their smoothies.
(4)Susan R.
Been here many times on our frequent visits to Santa Fe. Every dish is delicious! Pies are amazing. Huevos Rancheros indescribably tantalizing!
(5)Sue S.
Have been eating here every trip to SF since 2006. Great breakfast and lunches. 15-20 minute waits every time. That tells you it is good eats.
(4)Kristi W.
Excellent food and great ambiance. Best chili rellano we've ever had. The rib eye steak was one of the specials and deliciously served with smashed potatoes covered in mole sauce. We also had the mole enchiladas which were fabulous and served with some sort of cornbread that was to die for! The Plato supreme was a favorite dish among our group. Others in our party have eaten there for brunch and shared it was delicious as well. You will need a reservation.
(4)Kerstyn P.
One of my very favorite spots for brunch. I like that they serve organic produce - the salads are crispy fresh with just the right amount of dressing.The red and green chile are very decent and the Cappuchinos are the best! The community table is a great plus, since I can go for a quick (healthy) lunch anytime by myself. Great people watching is gratis! The only minus: it is so popular, you have to calculate in some waiting time...but just opposite is the marvelous Doodlets Store and your waiting time is transformed into fun time!
(5)Lisa S.
Everyone in Santa Fe said you must go to Pasqual's. We went for dinner, although have heard the breakfast is fantastic. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. We went relatively late (around 8-8:30 in the evening) and were seated right away. The squash blossoms were fantastic, the wine (some local) was very good. Great experience all the way! if you are doing dessert, do the Chef's sampler. You won't know which ones you'll get until it is served, but they are all so good!
(5)Jenn S.
This has to be my favorite restaurant EVER. We had a slightly snooty waitress at first who almost ruined the experience-I was with my younger niece and nephew and made the foolish mistake of asking if they had any kid options. She rolled her eyes, kind of snorted at me but then a nicer (more experienced) waitress stepped in to say that we could place half orders for them. Thank You, that's all I really wanted to know! Aside from that sort of rude moment it was heaven! I would drive back to Santa Fe every weekend to experience the breakfast I ate here...If I didn't purchase their cookbooks I just might!
(5)Erin M.
I went here while traveling. The food was very tasty but the wait was killer. It's definitely worth a visit if you don't mind waiting.
(4)Mark W.
Innovative southwestern-style breakfast place in center of purist area. Fresh and unique offerings. This placed was packed with customers every time I walked by. Lookd like a local crowd to me.
(5)Savannah G.
Hmmm...food is really good, but over priced and still reaching for the stars...oh wait... is that why we all go? If your in town making a film, why then of course you'll go but can the locals still afford to eat here? I fear not. Unless of course you have a trust, plane, east side palace or are otherwise re-inventing your self in Santa Fe and are from the "city". Again the food is great, mostly organic, somewhat creative new mexican inspired smallish portions. But why in the hundred plus times Ive been there do I never see any really Native people eating here? Why can't it be this good and be affordable in the off season too? Just saying a restaurant with it's namesake the patron saint of kitchens should be available to "la gente popular".
(3)Jane V.
I loved this place! It was everything that I was looking for during my recent trip to Santa Fe... Perfect ambiance (intimate and charming interior with southwestern tiles and decor), and even better food. I had the Christmas enchiladas and the BEST Hot chocolate of my life. Service a little slow, but didn't even care as I was enjoying the setting.
(5)N S.
I loved this place so much, I wished that I lived in Santa Fe. Hmm . . . I'd be there all the time. I ordered the enchiladas with red and green chilis, which were flavorful and complex. One of my friends raved about his salad with blood oranges and pine nuts. Not super fancy, but quaint and really, really good. P.S. Make a reservation.
(4)Jimie D.
This place is the JAM! Amazing selection of food, awesome atmosphere, just the right amount of spice, and the most innovative ways I've ever seen chills & other peppers worked into dishes. Mmmm, can't wait to go back! Staff is extremely nice and attentive as well!
(5)Rich G.
We have enjoyed at least one meal on every visit to Santa Fe over several years and always loved Cafe Pasqual's. We ate there last week and although it was good, I can not honestly say it was great, or even on par with past visits. My wife and son both enjoyed their meals, however I had the Halibut and it was ok..... but not what I have come to expect at Cafe Pasqual's. We will certainly return, but I will stick with the more traditional Southwest plates in the future.
(4)Steven P.
Went there recently on my trip to Santa Fe. The food was awesome, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fun. We did not make reservations, which is recommended, however we were able to get seated at the community table which was surprisingly fun. Met some cool people and we all recommended food to each other. Definitely would eat there all the time if I lived closer!
(5)Nathan H.
Excellent. Had the burrito with bacon and wife had the french toast. The french toast was crunchy but soft in the center. Sat at the community table and had excellent conversation. Love this place
(5)Kimberly W.
I had a great dinner last night! The mole enchiladas were amazing, as was the date shake for dessert. My friend's Asada was absolutely perfect as well. The host and our waiter were super sweet - I'll definitely come back!
(5)Nikki B.
I have heard tremendous things about Pasqual's from my step mom. Every time she visits Santa Fe, she HAS to go! Everything was great. The service, the food, the MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE!!! I had about 4 different mexican hot chocolates while I was visiting for a long weekend, and theirs was by far the best. I had an enchilada (I think?) and it was awesome. we were so full by the time we left... it was just a great experience.
(5)maryanne S.
I ordered the free-range chicken enchiladas and the server asked how I liked it. I asked for another. Another plate. As good as it gets. Hardest part is getting in. Best part is any meal there and the communal table is great! Dinner now is the staple it didn't used to be. Go there now!
(5)Chris P.
Great breakfast, just be prepared to wait for a table. Very small dining room area, so it's a bit crowded waiting for your table and sometimes while eating too. But the food was excellent - my entire party was very happy with the food. Would rec and go back.
(4)Elaine B.
Beer & wine only. Locals, quaint & quiet. It being a cafe.. Smelled like coffee--if you're ok w/that smell for dinner. Farm to table concept. Food was good, but pricey: $24 for enchiladas! We actually decided to only have a drink & go somewhere else..but we had to order food, so had an appetizer..
(4)Christina I.
This was the last place we ate before leaving Santa Fe and we were so glad we did the neatly hour wait and tried it. The Mocha Latte was very good in my opinion not being too sweet. Breakfast tasted fresh and had good flavor. I had the Chili Relleno and think this was favorite breakfast choice out of all I had in Santa Fe. It is on pricy side but great good!
(5)vicken h.
we had been to Pasqual's 10 years ago and 5 years ago...and were looking forward to it again. What a big disappointment!!. the food was below average at best. my carne asada was soaked / over marinated, the grilled vegetables were almost raw and not grilled, my tortilla was half soaked. The lamb chops with pomegranate molasses had no seasoning to offset the tartness of the molasses. The lentil stew was something you get at a diner. The service was very good and the waiter was informed. Overall for the prices you are paying I would expect everything to be perfect.
(1)J. Christopher E.
I've been here several times across the years. What could be said about this place that hasn't already been said? How bout this - the best place to sit, I think, is at one of the two tables by the window. How do you get one of these tables? Best bet is to show up during the week instead of the weekend, not be in a rush, and to note to the host that you're willing to wait to get one of the tables. (when sitting there, if it gets too hot, ask them to lower the blinds) Of course, if you're the social type, then sit at the communal table instead. How bout this - the meals are pretty big. If there's only two of you, how about ordering 'Pasqual's Favorite' with chorizo. Also order an extra tortilla. Share the main meal and then use the tortilla to make your own chorizo with scrambled egg burrito. And share a hot chocolate; you definitely need one, but very rich and heavy so you don't need two. This way you leave full but not too stuffed. How bout this - when sitting at the table by the window, take a picture of yourself with the geranium plants next to you and the tiles behind you and the morning sunlight coming in. It's a nice picture. How bout this - if nice outside, after breakfast, walk around the plaza to work off your breakfast and then after about 1 hour and fifteen minutes head over to the Coyote Cafe Cantina (mostly across the street from Pasqual's) for a bucket of Coronitas. Even if you followed the above advice and shared a breakfast you're likely still too full to order food so just have the beer.
(4)Bob H.
Cafe Pasqual's is a small intimate restaurant in the downtown part of Santa Fe. Reservations are recommended, preferably a few days ahead of your visit. Because it only has about 15 tables the wait could be long if you don't have reservations. The food and service was very good and the desserts looked great, but I was too full to have one. They only serve beer and wine, but if you arrive early you can go across the street to the hotel, which has a full bar. I would return to Cafe Pasqual's and I recommend it.
(4)Lisa H.
After reading many outstanding reviews of Cafe Pasqual's on various website and travel books, we decided to book a table two days in advance in this place. The first impression of this place is that of a cozy small place with creative decor and oversized pinatas. The tables were close to each other, but still had the privacy. The menu represented quality rather than quantity, which I highly appreciate in restaurants. We finally made the wine choice (they had some wine by glass) and decided to have the Yucatan Style Pork and The Plato Supreme and my son had the Chicken Quesadilla. The pork was wrapped up in a banana leaf and was presented with fried plantains and calabacitas. The Plato Supreme had Chille Relleno, Chicken Tamales and Mole Enchilada. All the dishes were superb and tasted excellent. Specially the pork was shredded well and marinated with the right amount of spices before it was cooked and it had the smoked flavor of the banana leaf which made is very tasteful. The Chile Relleno with the green chille sauce was succulent and almost melted in the mouth. Overall a great restaurant with very well made food. I loved the feel of the restaurant, our servers were great and was happy to have tasted one of Santa Fe's great restaurants.
(5)Raven C.
Am at home sick because of their breakfast. I didn't eat much because it didn't taste well. Found cracked egg shells on my plate with pancakes... really gross. Potatoes were ones u probably would find in county jail they were so bad. Not to mention the host omitted the special which he kindly let the other people next to me know about. So I asked the other waiters about the special and they just looked at me turned their head and walked away. Now I'm home sick with diarrhea and all I can say is beware.
(1)Pat M.
A Santa Fe classic. Great creative dishes that are a pleasure to the palette. The restaurant is small, or "cozy", so you have to get their early and put your name. The last time I checked they did not take reservations. I found the wait staff to be very friendly. The cookies they sell at the front desk are awesome.
(4)E. M.
Very delicious and exceptional flavors delighted us amid a busy lunch stop..all tables were full n the staff was booking it! Not a quiet peaceful place! It is a bit tight and I recommend you stagger your dining time slightly to avoid feeling rushed. The food is the center of the universe here! Recommend fish or haddock taco, any of the chili preparations, and the kale on the side. Wine varies.
(4)Adrienne G.
This place rocks hands down we had dinner the other night and had a variety of things did not dissapointment the potato pancake was out of this world I want to try the breakfast out!
(5)S Z.
Excellent food friendly atmosphere. Quite a busy small place! Party of 5 went at 2pm and was promptly seated after 15 min wait. Had to flag waiter down for water refills but other than that it's a great place to eat. Food was tasty. We would definitely stop by again.
(5)Kraig W.
Food was great and love the community table. Went by myself, able to meet two friendly people, and have a good conversation.
(5)Mike O.
Oh, woe. Cafe Pasqual's perhaps does not deserve this low rating, but perhaps I did not deserve the wait for overpriced, pretentiously made and described food. Let me make my case. I visited here one weeknight with a colleague, and we saw open tables and a nice menu. We were told that the wait would be up to two hours or more since we didn't have a reservation. I was puzzled by the open tables... I called the next day to make a reservation, and they again had nothing open until 8:30. "How about the following night?" I asked. Still, no openings, except for 5:30 and 8:30. Huh? Fine, we went with the 8:30. We were seated at a table that gave you about as much space as you'll get in places like NYC, which, strangely, was comforting, but what was not was that our server couldn't hold onto the fact that we had ordered two drinks. Not a stretch for the short-term memory I might have assumed, but you never know. The best part of the meal was the appetizer. We ordered tamales with Christmas chiles, and it was quite good. What is dismaying is that we paid four times as much for these little guys as I would at the local Mexican food truck for something as good if not better. Not sooner had we finished the tamales did the entrees arrive, which made me wonder: is stuff just sitting under heat lamps back in the kitchen? I had the mole enchiladas, and at a price of $28, I assumed I would be eating it with flakes and nuggets of gold in the meal. No such luck. The meal was just mediocre, and I couldn't finish it. At least the portions weren't small. I'm mildly dismayed at my own thoughts on this place, because I love organic, locally sourced food that is done artfully and has a new twist on local cuisine, but Cafe Pasqual's didn't work for me. This place isn't really as bad as the two-star rating I gave it, but it is certainly NOT worth the overrated Yelp reviews. It is overpriced, overpretentious, and it underdelivers. Here is a simple algorithm for eating in Santa Fe: if you have to get a reservation and it's not cheap but the menu does look promising, be very careful. If you have to get a reservation and it's cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO! If you don't have to get a reservation and it looks cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO!
(2)Laura G.
Absolutely delicious, best food so far in Santa Fe. The best thing we had was the carne asada, which was cooked to perfection, spicy salsa with guacamole for sauces. Also recommend whatever kind of fruit pie they have for dessert, ours was raspberry and apricot. Atmosphere is lovely, it is busy but not particularly noisy. Definitely get a reservation or you may not get a table though.
(5)Leahi M.
I enjoy coming here when my "rich" friends want to eat here, other than that I think it's a little pricey for my taste and don't mind if it's all organic or not...I can make organic food at home for way cheaper. The tables are very close to one another it felt like I was practically sitting on the woman's lap next to me, the food is delicious though. Service was also great, the atmosphere is a little busy for me, but it's always about the company your with that provides for the entertainment. I don't mind coming here, but it's not a place I'm super excited to go to when I think of New Mexican
(4)Susie E.
Ok place to eat. Lines can be long. Food is alright, nothing to write home to. Can't seem to figure out why all the tourists seem to flock to this place? nothing bad though.
(2)Nancy I.
I had one of the most imaginative, hi-quality, meals ever! I was a few minutes early, and had to wait a little, but I didn't mind, as at the stroke of the hour, I was seated.The atmosphere was straight out of the 70's, kind of hip, which is my generation. I felt right at home. There is a gallery upstairs; I did not have time to visit, but appreciate a restaurant that promotes local artists. My waiter was friendly and attentive. I mentioned that I was just getting used to the altitude, and slightly dehydrated; without my prompting, he kindly kept filling my water glass. I ordered the quinoa burger, as so many yelpies had sung its praises. I was not disappointed. The restaurant uses organic ingredients, which, of course, enhances the health benefits and fresh taste. I am not a vegetarian, but this was a delicious, complex burger. I never missed the meat. Usually the texture of veggie burgers ruin the eating pleasure for me, but this burger had the mouth-feel of a real beef burger. I can just imagine the painstaking hours of experimentation it took to get the taste and texture just right. This was served with guac, and tomato chutney. A side of beautiful field greens, watermellon radishes and other fresh, crisp veggies complemented the burger. The vinigrette was lovely and light. The portions were ample, and the prices reasonable. For dessert, I had a house-made fresh apricot galette.The crust was golden brown, light, and the apricots were sweet and a vibrant color. I would have loved to return to sample other delicious things. The restaurant puts out 2 cookbooks, and I will have to look into this. Make sure you check this restaurant out if you go to Santa Fe.
(5)John Jah F.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. All of the ingredients are fresh and used perfectly. The service is great! We had a friend from out of town and the server brought him water (in addition to his beer) and told him "out here in New Mexico you need to stay hydrated". It was very sweet. Speaking of sweets...the dessert cabinet (which is beautiful and mounted on the front desk) holds a little treasure trove of hand made sweets to choose from. All of them are delicious, I should know....I took one of each back to the hotel room. Hey, I'm on vacation and its ok if I want to go fat bastard style. The local beers are also a treat. They also have Sammy Smiths Nut Brown ale which goes great with green chile! The Agave wine margaritas are really a great mid day drink to have before strolling around the plaza. Spending the day with the girlfriend looking at shoes is a lot easier when you have one or two of those in ya. I recommend sitting at the community table, its really fun to talk to complete strangers about their lives....did that sound sarcastic? Because it really is fun!
(5)Lawrence P.
Easy review to write. Dinner Great food friendly service. Food well prepared. All organic. Outstanding
(5)joe j.
We are usually fans of this restaurant however recently it did not measure up. The burgers (Bison and Lamb) we ordered arrived medium and well done, not rare side of medium rare as we had ordered. They were running late seating us (we had a reservation) so we didn't want to send back. The starter came with jalapeno avocado dipping sauce that was pretty bland, which was a surprise. We have had good enchiladas with mole etc. on prior occasions so perhaps burgers aren't he way to go. On the other hand getting a burger temp right is pretty basic and the prices are on the higher side. Service was fine though.
(3)Giancarlo B.
Charming and quaint restaurant with fantastic service and out of this world food. We were visiting Santa Fe on our way to Colorado and decided to try Cafe Pasqual's. I had the Plato Supremo and my significant other ordered the cohinita. We both had to share because we couldn't take our eyes off of all the delicious food. Our server was the most professional and well serving gentleman we've ever had the pleasure of meeting at a restaurant. He gave us wonderful recommendations and was very amiable to converse with. Highly recommend this place.
(5)Kent W.
A friend recommended this place. We ate here two times in 5 days. Plato supremo is delicious. Has the best chile Relleno ever. Mole was complex and tasty. Service was attentive yet not pretentious. I recommend reservations as this place is popular. We arrived 5 minutes after opening and they were already half full.
(5)Amber H.
Amazing food! Easy, casual atmosphere. Eclectic and creative dishes. Breakfast lunch or dinner... Delicious!!!
(5)Roberto A.
Very nice meal. It was pretty loud in there, but for some reason my wife and I could hear each other without difficulty. They have a really nice organic English beer and their entrées and desserts are very nice. I had the Buffalo Green Chili Burger with bacon..delicious.
(4)Sherry T.
Food: I tried the lamb quesadilla, which was included in their dinner specials menu. The food was seasoned well and the meat tender. The taste itself was delicious, but the serving size (at least for this dish) could have been a little more generous. I also tried their chocolate pecan pie, which I enjoyed. It was on the sweeter side, but totally satisfied my dessert craving. Price: I would have liked a larger portion size to compensate for the price. Atmosphere: The restaurant was very lively and I love their eclectic decorations. They serve small as well as larger groups. Service: Our server was actually hard to get a hold of. He spent a lot of time speaking to some of the tables and then disappear again. I know it was a busy evening, but my group and I would have appreciated it if he checked in on us after our entrees and desserts were served.
(3)Rob K.
We had one hour to spare, getting from Taos to Albuquerque to catch our plane home. Based on advice from a friend we can to Cafe Paquals and was it worth it. OMIGOD! Incredibly tasty food that's organic AND local. I made a detour on my vegetarian journey for the carne Asada-- skirt steak-- and it was worth it. Mmmmm good. My friend had the Mole enchiladas and said the mole sauce was probably the best he ever tasted. I grabbed four different pastries and they were out of this world, particularly the chocolate ones. While we had lunch, ALL of the breakfasts we saw being served looked absolutely amazing. There was a wait for lunch. The wait was worth it. This place is a treasure. BTW, while the place is in the downtown district, there's a municipal parking lot around the corner for $2 an hour. One last thing-- the people working there were great.
(5)Katherine M.
The best mole enchiladas I've ever had! Hands down! Very good tacos barbacoas. Amazing house Malbec. Warm and inviting decor. The place was packed, but the service was still outstanding. Unfortunately we left no room for dessert. I'm sure it would have been amazing.
(5)Morgan W.
Well, I know what's going to take me out of my way and driving for several minutes around the Square every single time I pass through Santa Fe. My husband and I stopped here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area. This is actually the first experience that I know of, of eating a restaurant run by a James Beard Award Winner. And now, I must seek out more of these individuals, and the eateries they run, and eat the living daylights out of their food. The portions are Just Right(tm). The plates arrive looking full but you don't feel like you need to be rolled out the front door, even when you're scrambling to mop up the last of the mole sauce with the edge of your fork, and begin to wonder how many looks you would get for licking the plates. The menu is large with lots of variety. Vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters will feel at home here. Great variety of breakfast and lunch dishes and SO MANY drink choices. Kudos for serving Blue Sky brand colas, they are definitely more delicious than conventional soda products. My husband and I both opted for the chicken mole enchiladas. I wish we'd each gotten something different but, it is what it is. The chicken tasted beautiful, moist and meaty and fresh, not rubbery or dry or stringy. Nice chocolate and red chile flavors in the mole sauce. Side of cilantro rice was well cooked and portioned well. The jicama-orange salad on the side was really neat: Triangle slabs of jicama with small orange pieces with the membrane peeled. I need to remember this presentation for the future. My husband and I absolutely destroyed our dishes. We were finished before tables who had gotten their food before us were even halfway finished. We opted to split a dessert of fresh mango and chili-lime salsa. The salsa was more like a sauce, which perfectly complimented the sliced mango. We wound up buying the book they had for sale which is full of the restaurant's recipes, and in fact right now there is a 4-quart stock pot of the restaurant's signature green chili simmering on the stove. So grateful we can continue to eat this incredible food at home!
(5)D. S.
Really delicious! We went here for breakfast 2 days in a row. Good customer service. Authentic atmosphere. Murals on the walls.
(5)Samuel C.
Right downtown. Park in the public lot across the street and do yourself a favor. Pretty good food, especially breakfast. Drawback is the line you usually have to wait in to get a table most weekend mornings.
(3)Donna K.
We were told that this was a must-eat place when in Santa Fe. The food was very good, the service was great and the wait wasn't as long as I had expected, however, the prices were crazy expensive! We spent $50 on a basic breakfast for two of Huevos Rancheros and pancakes, bacon and 1 egg. Two OJs were $11!!! Who charges $5.50 for a small glass of juice? If you have that kind of money to spend on breakfast, you won't be disappointed.
(3)Ryan H.
Great little spot in Santa Fe. Great food, great service, but at a price. Be prepared to pay high end downtown Santa Fe prices and make sure to call ahead or you might have to wait 30+ min for a table.
(4)C G.
I rarely write reviews, but this place deserves it. Cozy little joint with friendly staff that are clearly used to the frenzy and deal with it well. Food was hot, delicious if not a little pricey but worth it in my book. A local sitting next to us let us know that this is the perennial fave of the locals. I'd have to agree.
(5)Ryan O.
Our favorite breakfast place in all of Santa Fe. And maybe beyond! I had the griddled polenta and wish it had never ended. My wife had the rellena and loved it. Even the kiddo loved his pancakes, eggs, and bacon. An annual tradition - see you again next summer!
(5)Margab M.
The staff add a lot of flare-calling some customers code names, which was a turn off and awkward (i.e. "Southwest is now paying"). Overall, quaint, delicious, and very crowded. It would not be a mistake to come here for delicious, tasty food- just be ok with the wait and uncomfortable customer favoritism in terms of wait time.
(2)Bobby S.
We are visiting Santa Fe for just two days and this place is so good that we ate here three times in those two day - cancelling reservations at La Boca even. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They are happy to make any substitution that you'd like and to make your meal perfect for you in every way. I had the Trout Hash and every last bite was amazing.I was stuffed but wanted more. The coffee is great which I find unusual for a place like this. And the vegan burger will rock your world. maybe I should move to santa fe just so that i can eat here more......
(5)Christen N.
The food was pretty good, and the menu was very friendly to those with dietary restrictions. But the prices were higher than was reasonable, even when taking into account the responsibly sourced ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and chic. If you go, avoid going around 5; there is a big crowd when they reopen for dinner and you will wait forever.
(3)Allen P.
Cafe Pasqual's was recommended to us by a friend born in Santa Fe but living in our Austin, TX. Our expectations were high and this place exceeded them in every category. My wife had the corn beef hash and I had the griddled polenta with chorizo and red chile. They added a bit of jalapano since I prefer a bit more heat .. our server was down to earth with absolutely no attitude that is so common in the touristy areas. The food (and even the coffee) was amazing to compliment the personable service and great ambiance. This place has found a spot on our must visit list for whenever we're back this way.
(5)Pat S.
We stopped by here for lunch and had a great meal. We sat at the communal table and enjoyed visiting with interesting people (and seeing what they ordered). The menu is interesting and there is plenty to choose from. We had lunch for breakfast, which was nice because we had skipped breakfast. Several people were having desserts and they looked fabulous, but we were too full. We stopped by later that evening for coffee and dessert and stood there for over 5 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge us and seat us. Several wait persons walked by and glared at us and the hostess behind the desk glanced our way, but no one said anything. Finally, the hostess said "do you have reservations?" It was 9 pm on a Wednesday night - no. When I told her we didn't have reservations, but just wanted coffee and dessert - would there be a table opening soon, we'd be happy to wait - she dismissed us rudely with "if you don't have reservations, we can't help you." Gee, thanks. It would have been nice to know that FIVE MINUTES ago! Although the food is good there, based on our experience the other night, we went elsewhere for breakfast this morning. I'd rather spend my time and money where they appreciate it.
(4)Serena T.
PHENOMENAL! Despite having a minor issue with our hostess the service that followed and the food overcompensated for any minor irritation we had earlier regarding our dinner reservation. Definitely make a reservation as this place was jumping and granted it was a Saturday but during our stay in Santa Fe we often passed this place and always saw a line out the door. My friend and I weren't famished so we ordered appetizers as entrees as our meals. The portion was more than enough to fill our stomachs even if we had been ravenous. I ordered the Carne Asada skewers - they should call it heaven on a stick. The flavor was sooooo good - there was a smokiness and rich flavor to the meat that was complimented well with the fresh salsa and guacamole. It completely hit the spot. I couldn't resist ordering dessert and our waiter recommended the Tres Leche cake - not a big fan of tres leche but our waiter assured us that it was very light and even he wasn't a fan of tres leche but highly recommended this dessert option. So we pushed our reluctance aside and jumped in with high hopes and we were not disappointed. I could have dreams about this cake, that's how good it was. It was light, moist and filled fresh sliced strawberries in the middle. It was everything a cake should be...I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it. This is a MUST if you are going to Santa Fe. Definitely the highlight meal of my entire trip to New Mexico!
(5)Brent S.
Crazy overpriced. Decent food. Extremely slow service, it took us 2.5 hours to have 1 course.
(1)Orlando S.
A must try while in Santa Fe! Food , ambiance and service is superb. Try the community table and dine with some of the most interesting new friends that have come from around the globe to visit northern New Mexico.
(5)Craig B.
I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. Very nice and attentive staff. Had the breakfast burrito and juice = $20!!!! So for two people plus tip you could be looking at $50 breakfast.
(3)Michael J.
Kicking and screaming, we finally succumbed to trying one of the hottest foodie restaurants in Old Santa Fe. We chose Cafe Pasqual's because of several friends' recommendations. Oh what a prissy experience it turned out to be. Our greeter and waitress both were efficient, but lacked the friendliness gene. The whole room had a weird vibe: cozy but cold, festive in its colorful decorations, but austere in its attitude and service. It was like they were doing you a favor for taking your reservation and serving you. This was also reflected in the menu. For starters, Abbe ordered the Nopales Cactus salad, accurately described as coming with Strips of Poblano Chiles, Tomato, & Red Onion on Butter Lettuce with Red Wine Vinegar and Cotija Cheese ($12). Despite the interesting description, she found it samey and a bit boring. I started with the intriguing Salad of Match Stick Celery Root Remoulade with Pomegranate Seeds ($11), which turned out to be a very generous serving of celery roots topped with a topping of very, very salty capers that overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients, including the poor pomegranate seeds. This salad was interesting but I felt like I'd endured it rather than enjoyed it. Alas, was a recurring theme for the remainder of our meal. When Abbe's Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Tomatoes, Saffron, Prunes, Sultana Raisins, Ginger and Toasted Almonds on Lemon Parsley Couscous ($27) arrived, after a couple of bites she exclaimed "Boy is this...rich." She too, endured the entree, but was not a very happy camper. I took the plunge on something truly different, and ordered the Roasted Sugar Pumpkin filled with Chipotle Cream Stew of Portobello and Button Mushrooms, Carrots, Zucchini, Corn and Quinoa, served with Toasted Crostini ($27). What I got was a small soccer ball of a pumpkin filled with a very rich not tremendously interesting stew. And the whole pumpkin was plunked on top of some quite dry quinoa, as kind of an afterthought. All this was accompanied by 2 small and sad looking crostini for dipping, but a few healthy chunks of some nice French bread would have been more satisfying. In our minds, we both felt good about eating at a place whose menu states: "We buy from certified organic farmers and producers who do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs. We offer Wheat-Free Green Chile and Mole Sauces. All our water is filtered and served upon request." But in our souls, we felt like we had been served uncompromisingly "interesting" food. A meal whose sole purpose was to strenuously illustrate how daring and creative the chef was, but at expense (which was indeed considerable) of the diners' enjoyability. Management should spend less time watching the Food Channel, and try, instead, cooking more accessible, and more satisfying food. Our hostess brought us a dessert menus. She seemed surprised, and almost hurt, when we declined any of the slightly tortured offerings. When she brought our check, she gave us a small mound of chocolate fudge, on the house. More sugary than chocolately, but it's the thought that counts. And it was the nicest thing about our experience at this strangely austere and vastly overrated restaurant.
(2)Joanna G.
Love this place every time. It's a great spot to chat with people- I recommend sitting at the community table! We have only done breakfast here, but have never been disappointed. My favorite dish hands down is the huevos barbacoa con chile d'arbol salsa! It is amazing! This place can get very busy so you may have to wait to be seated but it's worth it. Fun atmosphere!
(4)Pat S.
We stopped by here for lunch and had a great meal. We sat at the communal table and enjoyed visiting with interesting people (and seeing what they ordered). The menu is interesting and there is plenty to choose from. We had lunch for breakfast, which was nice because we had skipped breakfast. Several people were having desserts and they looked fabulous, but we were too full. We stopped by later that evening for coffee and dessert and stood there for over 5 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge us and seat us. Several wait persons walked by and glared at us and the hostess behind the desk glanced our way, but no one said anything. Finally, the hostess said "do you have reservations?" It was 9 pm on a Wednesday night - no. When I told her we didn't have reservations, but just wanted coffee and dessert - would there be a table opening soon, we'd be happy to wait - she dismissed us rudely with "if you don't have reservations, we can't help you." Gee, thanks. It would have been nice to know that FIVE MINUTES ago! Although the food is good there, based on our experience the other night, we went elsewhere for breakfast this morning. I'd rather spend my time and money where they appreciate it.
(4)Serena T.
PHENOMENAL! Despite having a minor issue with our hostess the service that followed and the food overcompensated for any minor irritation we had earlier regarding our dinner reservation. Definitely make a reservation as this place was jumping and granted it was a Saturday but during our stay in Santa Fe we often passed this place and always saw a line out the door. My friend and I weren't famished so we ordered appetizers as entrees as our meals. The portion was more than enough to fill our stomachs even if we had been ravenous. I ordered the Carne Asada skewers - they should call it heaven on a stick. The flavor was sooooo good - there was a smokiness and rich flavor to the meat that was complimented well with the fresh salsa and guacamole. It completely hit the spot. I couldn't resist ordering dessert and our waiter recommended the Tres Leche cake - not a big fan of tres leche but our waiter assured us that it was very light and even he wasn't a fan of tres leche but highly recommended this dessert option. So we pushed our reluctance aside and jumped in with high hopes and we were not disappointed. I could have dreams about this cake, that's how good it was. It was light, moist and filled fresh sliced strawberries in the middle. It was everything a cake should be...I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it. This is a MUST if you are going to Santa Fe. Definitely the highlight meal of my entire trip to New Mexico!
(5)Brent S.
Crazy overpriced. Decent food. Extremely slow service, it took us 2.5 hours to have 1 course.
(1)Orlando S.
A must try while in Santa Fe! Food , ambiance and service is superb. Try the community table and dine with some of the most interesting new friends that have come from around the globe to visit northern New Mexico.
(5)Craig B.
I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. Very nice and attentive staff. Had the breakfast burrito and juice = $20!!!! So for two people plus tip you could be looking at $50 breakfast.
(3)Michael J.
Kicking and screaming, we finally succumbed to trying one of the hottest foodie restaurants in Old Santa Fe. We chose Cafe Pasqual's because of several friends' recommendations. Oh what a prissy experience it turned out to be. Our greeter and waitress both were efficient, but lacked the friendliness gene. The whole room had a weird vibe: cozy but cold, festive in its colorful decorations, but austere in its attitude and service. It was like they were doing you a favor for taking your reservation and serving you. This was also reflected in the menu. For starters, Abbe ordered the Nopales Cactus salad, accurately described as coming with Strips of Poblano Chiles, Tomato, & Red Onion on Butter Lettuce with Red Wine Vinegar and Cotija Cheese ($12). Despite the interesting description, she found it samey and a bit boring. I started with the intriguing Salad of Match Stick Celery Root Remoulade with Pomegranate Seeds ($11), which turned out to be a very generous serving of celery roots topped with a topping of very, very salty capers that overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients, including the poor pomegranate seeds. This salad was interesting but I felt like I'd endured it rather than enjoyed it. Alas, was a recurring theme for the remainder of our meal. When Abbe's Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Tomatoes, Saffron, Prunes, Sultana Raisins, Ginger and Toasted Almonds on Lemon Parsley Couscous ($27) arrived, after a couple of bites she exclaimed "Boy is this...rich." She too, endured the entree, but was not a very happy camper. I took the plunge on something truly different, and ordered the Roasted Sugar Pumpkin filled with Chipotle Cream Stew of Portobello and Button Mushrooms, Carrots, Zucchini, Corn and Quinoa, served with Toasted Crostini ($27). What I got was a small soccer ball of a pumpkin filled with a very rich not tremendously interesting stew. And the whole pumpkin was plunked on top of some quite dry quinoa, as kind of an afterthought. All this was accompanied by 2 small and sad looking crostini for dipping, but a few healthy chunks of some nice French bread would have been more satisfying. In our minds, we both felt good about eating at a place whose menu states: "We buy from certified organic farmers and producers who do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs. We offer Wheat-Free Green Chile and Mole Sauces. All our water is filtered and served upon request." But in our souls, we felt like we had been served uncompromisingly "interesting" food. A meal whose sole purpose was to strenuously illustrate how daring and creative the chef was, but at expense (which was indeed considerable) of the diners' enjoyability. Management should spend less time watching the Food Channel, and try, instead, cooking more accessible, and more satisfying food. Our hostess brought us a dessert menus. She seemed surprised, and almost hurt, when we declined any of the slightly tortured offerings. When she brought our check, she gave us a small mound of chocolate fudge, on the house. More sugary than chocolately, but it's the thought that counts. And it was the nicest thing about our experience at this strangely austere and vastly overrated restaurant.
(2)Joanna G.
Love this place every time. It's a great spot to chat with people- I recommend sitting at the community table! We have only done breakfast here, but have never been disappointed. My favorite dish hands down is the huevos barbacoa con chile d'arbol salsa! It is amazing! This place can get very busy so you may have to wait to be seated but it's worth it. Fun atmosphere!
(4)Jennifer D.
While walking through the plaza, the boyfriend and I passed a large crowd and long line for Pasqual's. Once again, we were attracted to the crowdedness and made note to come back for lunch. We came back on a Saturday around noon. The restaurant was already full, but there was only 1 party ahead of us, and we were told that our wait would be about 5 - 10 minutes. The host also offered communal seating if that opened up first. Not too shabby. The ambiance of the restaurant is very "Santa Fe" - lots of artsy Native American decor, lots of patrons in yoga gear, and I'm pretty sure I saw an iPad at various tables. We were quickly seated at a small table. I quickly scanned the many local, organic New Mexican options, but went straight to Yelp to help me decide. I finally decided on the huevos rancheros and SO THANKFUL that the boyfriend decided to get the smoked trout hash. He is getting better mind reading. The huevos rancheros tasted average. Two over-easy eggs nesting on top of a bed black beans that hide a layer of melted jack cheese and corn tortilla. It was difficult to get ALL of those elements into one bite since the eggs and beans were runny and the corn tortilla was difficult to "slice." Also, I asked for a side of green and red chile, so the small saucers that contained them were set right on the eggs. When I tried to move the saucers off the plate, it revealed broken egg whites, so the yolk ran everywhere. The smoked trout hash was delicious, though more potato than smoked trout. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but a BIIIIT overhyped.
(3)Maggie P.
You will probably have to wait about half an hour or more, but it is definitely worth it. The staff are all extremely friendly and accommodating. My mom and I went across the street into a shop while we waited, and the host came in calling our name to find us before going on to the next person. The food is absolutely marvelous; I had the mango chicken quesadilla and wouldn't have changed a thing. The place is small with a lot of traditional-looking decorations and has just wonderful ambiance. Sit at the community table if you can! You meet neat people.
(5)Mr G.
Really enjoyed both our meals here. Breakfast was next level... I would recommend the Polenta (has green chiles inside) with chorizo with red chile and corn. It came with two eggs which I got poached. Amazing meal, and even though they were very busy.. our waiter was calm, relaxed, and professional. He never once made us feel rushed or that we should leave in order to seat more folks. That's pretty classy b/c this place gets very busy. No lie, it's a tight squeeze in there.. but it's not a huge place, so it actually makes sense. I loved it, and we went back for dinner the following night.. equally good. Thanks for the meal's pasqual's people!
(5)Elle L.
During our 2 days in Santa Fe, we ate here as well as at The Shed and Luminaria (inside Inn and Spa at Loretto). All were good meals, but our favorite was Cafe Pasqual's. A friend of mine said that her favorite was breakfast. I liked lunch better. I wish I could go back for the dinner menu.
(5)Al Z.
Two reviews: Breakfast and Dinner.... Don't let the "vegetarian" word in the descriptor scare are you away- there's plenty of meat here. And if there's no line, it means you got lucky. There's almost always a line (and for dinner- get reservations!). The menu has not changed much over the years, and neither has the decor. But for some reason, it still works. It's like coming home. You anticipate the meal, the flavors, the welcoming dining room and staff. Breakfast: Coffee (excellent), juice that certainly tasted fresh, and 3 different entrees. Pasqual's is THE place to trust the chef and kitchen for ingredient blends you wouldn't normally consider. Bananas, peas, black beans, eggs and "Christmas" chile (red and green), excellent. Corned beef hash with chile? Mmmm. And "basics" like a chorizo burrito served Christmas-style is tasty and you'll want more- but you're too full for now. Service is quick and if there's a line, take a seat at the community table. Dinner: you need reservations. But if you don't, the staff tries real hard to get you in...but it might be a while. But when you get your table, the service rivals any. Top notch. I believe it's hard to find a "miss" on the menu (can't speak to the vegetarian menu). The nopales salad is a must, tacos, lamb, yucatan pork- all hits, including the sides. Great blends of flavors, colors and textures. Definitely has the flavors you are looking for in the southwest without being just a plate of tacos or enchiladas. It's creative and tasty, and pulls influences from every corner of the globe. Dessert? Portions large enough that you may want to give up- but try to save room for one. On the way out, pick up some cookies that are made in-house. Best around. Yes, it's been here forever, and yes, every tourist goes here, and yes, parts of the menu haven't changed forever. That said, if you are going through Santa Fe, cafe Pasqual is a must-stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Strike that. Make it "and" instead of "or"
(5)Karen W.
Good food, nice espresso - great place to come for breakfast. Food was flavorful, espresso was bold with nice crema. Service was excellent. Espresso very nice but expensive - 4 dollars per cup.
(4)Robin S.
Very yummy breakfast food after a long wait - definitely falls into the same category as Mama's in San Francisco (Is it worth it?). We got there on a Sunday 10 minutes after opening, and we were told it would be 40 minutes. We browsed a nearby shop for 20 minutes and came back to find out they had called us and had been bumped. We were assured it wouldn't be another 40 minutes, but it was. The service was very good, but the food did take its time, making the entire experience about 2 and a half hours (for eggs!). The chile relleno was amazing, probably the best I've ever had. The Huevos Montulenos were weird and, in the right mouth, good - but I was on the fence. The Rancheros were awesome though. The orange juice was from concentrate, unfortunately, but I guess that's to be expected inland. If you ain't got shit else to do, I recommend going.
(3)Sarah F.
After all of my years of going here...I have never considered giving it anything below 5 stars. I've been for brunch, lunch, & dinner and am never disappointed. The menu stays fresh with new specials but concrete with it's old time favorites. Pasqual's stays true to New Mexican cuisine traditionals but always adds it's own twist. I am and will always be in love with this place. A must go to if you are in Santa Fe. I suck (or maybe rock) and always order the Free range chicken breast sandwich. It is so good I bought the cookbook so I could try and recreate this masterpiece in center city Philadelphia...still working on it though. What makes the sandwich is the homemade green chili corn bread and the caramelized onions and jalapenos. A must have. You also can't go wrong with the corn beef hash or juevos montulenos for breakfast. Dessert: Order a date shake if they have it. It will blow your mind. The most savory caramely taste you will ever experience Now with every good place you have to wait to get a table. Truly anticipate a 45 min wait if you are going for brunch when they don't take reservations. Put your name in and enjoy being a block away from the plaza. Enjoy!
(5)Sadie C.
How I wish Pasquals had a little outpost in Vancouver. The high ceilings, the cozy feelings, the well established restaurant vibes and the FOOD! 6 months later, I am still thinking about that cornbread BLT with watermelon gazpacho. It just felt like a treat to be there and I can't wait to go back.
(5)claire g.
Some dishes really good (veg chile relleno) some blah (veg enchilada - unseasoned tofu and spinach) Kids dishes very overpriced - $10 for a simple burrito but it was large so could be split. Great service and nice atmosphere.
(4)Tony S.
Another great meal at Pasqual's. The food (see details below) was top notch as always, the service was professional, and we finally got a window table. ;-) It's pricey, but felt it's worth it. But, you should expect a wait for table (see note at bottom). FOOD & DRINK: Ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate with Soy Milk served in a pint glass. It was to die for! Great balance of sweet & creamy. GRIDDLED POLENTA WITH SAUTÉED CHORIZO, CORN & RED CHILE I get this every time because it's that good. Simple, but perfectly made. Pricey, but oh so tasty. The portion is large enough to share - $15 MAGA'S CHEESE BLINTZES - OMG! The best blintzes we've ever had a restaurant, including Jewish Delis in NYC. Light, fluffy and perfectly done. They even rivaled my Mom's recipe for Russian Blintzes from the Old Country (she doesn't Yelp, so please don't tell her!) - $14 and they were totally worth every mouthful! PASQUAL'S WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES - very good pancakes with lots of body, texture and good jam & syrup. But, given the price of $10, we would probably order something more exotic next time. NOTE: There is nearly always a wait. For Sunday breakfast, we arrived 30 minutes before they opened. Got a nice table, but still had to wait another 15 minutes since the entire restaurant filled up at once (we were, however, pre-warned about this possibility when we called the night before. Thought you should know too!) But, we're willing to wait for this food. Enjoy!
(5)Marie W.
This is the most amazing food in Santa Fe! Found Café Pasqual's on Yelp and decided to go for lunch. We barely made the 3:00 cut off for lunch and the restaurant was still full, a good sign! We decided on the community table, which was fun because others gave us some good tips for what to order. I decided on the TOASTED BLT WITH GREEN CHILE AND CHILE BACON Chile Rubbed Bacon, Roasted Green Chile Strips, Jack, Tomato, and Mayo on Our Toasted Chile Cornbread with choice of a Field Greens Hubby got: CARNE ASADA Marinated and Grilled Skirt Steak with Guacamole, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Black Beans, Grilled Sweet Red Peppers, Poblano Chile and Onion with Two Yellow Corn Tortillas Yum and Yum! So good, we returned for breakfast the next day: HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sautéed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla (Get the green, the new culinary crack!) GRIDDLED POLENTA WITH SAUTÉED CHORIZO, CORN AND RED CHILE Green Chile-Flecked Fried Polenta on a Pool of Red Chile Sauce, topped with Our Chorizo, Roasted Corn Niblets and Two Eggs Your Way It is said that to achieve mastery in anything, one needs 10,000 hours of practice. Café Pasqual's has been open for 34 years, which means they have achieved culinary mastery 15 times over!
(5)Asher D.
Not a great experience. I came to Santa Fe solo for a few days. I loved their menu and the casual atmosphere. But the entire staff seemed to go out of their way to make me feel unwelcome for dining alone. The hostess asked me twice what I wanted before she gave me a table. I am a fairly well-dressed guy with means, who tips very well. So its not like I looked homeless. They just didn't seem to want me there, even on a very slow Wednesday night. I ended up leaving before ordering (after the third waiter gave me a few rude comments). Very disappointing. Oh well, I took my business elsewhere.
(1)Cyndy L.
We enjoyed breakfast today at Pasqual's although not sure I would brave the crowds again any time soon. If you go to this place with the word "amazing" in your head, you may be slightly disappointed, but if you go simply expecting very good and creative breakfast food, you should come away satisfied. The huevos motuleños and griddled polenta were both tasty with interesting flavors. Kids enjoyed their (big) wheat pancakes. The fantastical piñatas hanging from the ceiling were a fun decorative touch.
(4)D R.
Very very good food but seemed somewhat inconsistent, service was uneven, and price is expensive. Carne asada was delicious on one visit, just good on another. I see the appeal, but think all the rave reviews are somewhat overrated.
(4)Rachel E.
We came for breakfast on Friday expecting to beat the crowds...no such luck. We were told the wait would be about 20 minutes - it was more like 30. (I have a hard time holding that against them since it's SO hard to estimate, but we were hungry so I'm going to anyway.) Coffee was ok, a little weak for my personal taste. But they did come by to refill it frequently along with our waters. But then, my chile relleno came out. O.M.G. It was really that good. My boyfriend ordered the huevos rancheros and said it was good, although he did agree my food was better (shocking, I know). We left stuffed and happy. Would definitely recommend for breakfast.
(4)Lauren T.
DO NOT believe the hype! The food was very mediocre at best--my $28 vegetarian southwestern combo was bland, mushy, cold and watery. The mole was atrocious and tasted like I ate a bowl of potpourri. Coming from Texas, I have really ridiculously high standards for what constitues good Mexican-inspired dishes. This place...no. Maybe their other items are worthy of the rave reviews, but for this gal, absolutely not. Cafe Pasquale's is a total tourist trap and a "everyone else says it's good, so I will too" kind of place. The worst offense is the PRICE. Oh my god...I am not cheap by any means and will happily pay a pretty penny for a tasty well-prepared meal. However, $30 for a very mediocre Mexican combo plate is obscene, especially when it probably cost them $5 to make. Ugh. I felt ripped off and would love to spare another traveler from that feeling! Don't do it! This is not a real Mexican restaurant!
(2)RaDar T.
Hands down the most delicious breakfast place in all the land! We dined at a communal table which made for great entertainment. Didn't want to want for a separate table, so we decided to sit there and meet some new people. They recommended the hot chocolate so we had to order. The best choice we made all day! The sweetest and most chocolate filled drink in the world! The pancakes are a must try. They are so flavorful and yummy! Also, the thick turkey bacon was great. Must try this breakfast cafe which is in a great location!
(5)FortSki G.
One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Fe. We stopped in for a Halloween dinner which by no surprise was wonderful. - stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and pomegranate (one of my families favorites albeit it was a bit bland that evening) - cioppino (the broth base is unbelievable) - figs wrapped in prosciutto - ice cream sunday (homemade ice cream) If you visit Santa Fe, we highly recommend making a reservation or waiting for a meal at Pasqual's. If you are a breakfast lover... you will be blown away.
(4)Kelly M.
Good breakfast burrito. But the green chili wasn't the stew that I know and love. More like chopped canned green chiles with a little bit of juice. Still good. Oct 31 Yelp Challenge: #18/31
(4)R B.
There's a reason this place is famous! Try the slow cooked barbacoa breakfast, or the pan fried polenta. The rich sauces really make these dishes. Don't miss the pastries in the case as you're checking out, they're made in-house and just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth after a spicy meal! It's worth waiting if there's a LONG line, trust me!
(5)Hungry T.
Delicious fun! We ate a late breakfast here and had to wait over an hour to be seated at the communal table in the middle of the restaurant (two things that we always try to avoid!). But at Pasquale's it was all part of the experience. Breakfast burrito, chile relleno and polenta all were amazing! Whole wheat pancakes are also a must have! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Jane D.
Everyone told me to go. They all raved about Pasqual's. While the food was okay, the service barely passed as marginal. We went around 1100 and there was about a 20 minute wait, which is typical from what I understand. We sat at the communal table and met the people on either side of us. Everyone was frustrated at the number of flies and the slow service (one man's meal was entirely forgotten about). It seemed as if there was only one server for the entire restaurant and one bus boy. The server looked like he was about to pull his hair out. The food was okay. The toast for my sandwich was burnt and a little too crunchy for my taste. Our neighbor felt his meal was slightly bland. Bland is an overall good description of the entire experience. It has cool ambiance and I can see how it would be a favorite of many if just a few things had been different. I'm counting on the fact that I was just there on an off day and would be willing to try again.
(3)Jen N.
This is VERY good, higher-end mexican food in Santa Fe. It is a quaint restaurant with a lot of crunchy/earthy characteristics. We started with dates filled with goat cheese and wrapped with grilled prosciutto. Yum. We then shared a sampler plate which consisted of a tamale, chile relleno and an enchilada with mole sauce, accompanied by a sweet plantain. It was a huge plate and plenty to share. Mole here = top two best I have had. It was a classier version of the other mole I like in Austin at some restaurant I cannot remember near the W (helpful, I know). Wine and beer selection was nice as well. It was a cozy, flavorful meal with a menu full of interesting combinations that have a Mexican flare. It's a small restaurant, calling ahead is a good idea.
(5)JA C.
Really lousy service. Food not cooked as requested. No apology from staff. It was as if we were more of an annoyance than a guest. Will never go back.
(1)Kathryn B.
Well we five weary travelers had stumbled upon this restaurant. There were many people waiting outside. We were so hungry and hesitated waiting, but IT WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT. All of us had the most amazing meals, and a couple of us had restrictive diets. Not only were the wait staff pleasant, kind, and accommodating, but at the end of the lunch hour, they still seemed to be happy to see us. I had never had mole before, and after stating that, our server promptly left and brought back a ramekin for me to try! I got the mole enchiladas, which were amazing. My friends also loved the BLT and quinoa burger. The chai was so fantastic, not at all sweet but spicy as heck in a good way. We also managed to fit in the small dessert plate, which was a wonderful assortment of cake, pie, and cookie. Delicious! We basically couldn't eat supper bc we enjoyed ourselves a bit too much. Needless to say, we plan on having breakfast here as well!!
(5)RT S.
Very busy with minimal wait time of 40 minutes for breakfast due to small dinning area. There are some good local breakfast dishes. We ordered french toast w bacon and polento w chirozo. It was a decent breakfast.
(3)Dan T.
This place was Fantastic, well worth the wait for Breakfast. Fresh food that really shined. Came with high praise from friends and this place absolutely stood up to their recommendations. I would absolutely go back to this place and would love to try their lunch when I come back to Santa Fe. A must try!!
(5)Jessica F.
Wow. Just wow. After seeing reviews on here, I was slightly worried this would be overpriced with poor service. Yes, it was expensive, but extremely worth it. Service was prompt, cordial, and efficient. Ambiance was cheery, unpretentious, and cozy, but still elegant. The food was outstanding. Three of us had the Pupusa as an appetizer, and the Garden Enchiladas and the Plato Supremo with the Tamale and chicken mole. My friends raved about the chile relleno and we all found the mole to be the most delicious, perfectly balanced we've ever had. Everything else was so flavorful, perfectly cooked, and filling without being heavy. We had a couple baked sweets out of the case at the cashier...yum! All of this, combined with fact that they are using organic, locally-sourced ingredients makes this place well worth your time and money,
(5)Barbara R.
WORST omelette I have ever had in my life. Seriously. Overcooked and rubbery - Jack cheese flavorless - could not even taste the chives. Hash browns on the plate - overcooked, too. Asked for 'fire-roasted' tomato salsa ON THE SIDE - and they smeared it all over the top of the omelette? What cook does that? The salsa itself was more like pureed canned fire-roasted tomatoes. No seasoning or spices at all. Don't call it salsa if it's not salsa. Another person at our table ordered the breakfast burrito and ate about 3 bites - the egg inside was overcooked and the green chili was flavorless. The wait staff looked not happy to be there. The owner (or manager) was rushed, abrupt, and just didn't seem to be handling a breakfast 'crowd' with any grace or patience at all. Get out of the business, then. I can't figure out the 'crowd' part to save my life. The manager got into a little 'tiff' with a customer who wanted to buy some little animal paper mache animals. He bordered on rude and snotty. Couldn't help but hear them as I was 2 feet from the check out register. The guy had no class. The woman who offered (what I thought) was a reasonable amount handled his rudeness with more grace than I would have, I can tell you that. Be an art gallery or be a restaurant. They aren't doing a great job of either, truly. A crowded little place. Still have some 1999 James Beard certificates in their window. That should have been a clue. Would not recommend to anyone or go there again.
(2)Janice B.
The best meal we had in Santa Fe...food was delicious, our waiter was awesome..a great meal to end our stay in lovely Santa Fe.
(4)C. B.
I just love Pasqual's. Been going there for years and it's home away from home when I'm in the area. I make a special effort to go there because the food is wonderful, they support local growers and organic produce, the atmosphere is happy and welcoming. Of course it's touristy but so what? I'm a tourist. It's a great place to talk to people from other areas. I recommend Pasqual's.
(5)Eric B.
As good as the reviews say. Get there early to avoid lines. Had a fantastic breakfast here. The rest is just stating what everyone else does. It's really good. It's a fun locations space. The service quick and courteous. We will make this a must go place every time we are in town.
(5)Abi F.
This is a Santa Fe must visit for out of towners. My friend who had lived here recommended it for our visit and in spite of the 1 hour wait time given we chose to put our names on the list. It turned out to be more like 35 minutes and we just walked around nearby art galleries so the time flew. When we did get seated, the menu was full of farm fresh and organically sourced ingredients! It was so hard to choose - but I ended up with the two choice platter - chicken enchiladas and chile rellenos, my mom had the jicama, orange and green chile marinaded chicken salad and my sister had the blue tortilla enchiladas with carne asada. We decided to share one agave wine margarita - which after 1 sip quickly turned into 1 glass each because it was so delicious and refreshing! After we completely finished every last drop on our plates and were way past the point of too full - we slowly finished our margaritas to gear up for the return to galleries and shopping. We have decided that this will be our first stop every time we return to Santa Fe. Well worth the wait. The decor is artsy, quaint and very New Mexico bohemian feeling. It's truly a cool local experience.
(5)Joshua M.
cozy and intimate you can seat in the shared central table and engage fellow visitors in conversation or have a private table, whatever your preferred seating arrangement it will be comfortable and pleasant as this place is a feels good place. my friend had their omlet I had the Mole, we also enjoyed the fresh brat salad juices and the Hot chocolate. All dishes were excellent and had their own personality, a visit to Pasqual's is a recommended pleasure
(5)Sadie P.
We were visiting Santa Fe and the staff at the Inn we were staying at suggested this Pasqual's as our 1st dinner. They called ahead for us to get us a table and boy am I glad; two seconds after we walked in the place was packed. It is not a big restaurant so it fills quickly. We had prompt service, but he was not the friendliest guy in the world, I might be picky but in a city that is mainly tourist you would think he would be a little more informative about the menu. We had the warm fresh brie, it was amazing. I love brie but this was fantastic. We also had the lamb and the mole enchiladas, both were great. By far the best meal we had in Santa Fe!! It was a wonderful recommendation from our Inn staff.
(4)Janet V.
Best meal in Santa Fe, best meal in a long time. Worth the money. A close to perfect dinner experience. We will go to Santa Fe just to eat here. Great staff, great food, comfy atmosphere.
(5)Matt H.
Tight fit, ecliptic atmosphere, crowded - even in the off season. Food was fantastic, I had the carne asada with a fantastic jalapeño salsa. We were not able to sit at the community table, but the people sitting there looked like they were enjoying each others company.
(4)James P.
Great spot for Breakfast! I had the Hot Chocolate (Amazing!), and Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs (Homemade and Amazing!) I'll be back for sure!
(5)Michelle R.
First of all, this place is too adorable to adequately describe. If Disney wanted to create a fairytale cafe with a southwestern twist, this would be it. Twinkly lights, gorgeous plants, a stunning mural and interesting art pieces adorned the walls and Ceiling creating a calming and inviting ambiance. I ordered the huevos rancheros with green chile and it did not disappoint! Had a good amount of heat to it, but didn't overwhelm the palette, so you could still taste the rich, warm flavours. The coffee was not swill, and it had been many days on the road with terrible "coffee", so this greatly enhanced the experience. Friendly staff, quality food, and a wonderful aesthetic. Would definitely come back!
(5)Bud P.
Really great place. We eat here every time we are in Santa Fe. Excellent food and atmosphere.
(5)Mae S.
Absolutely wonderful food & service. We remembered eating here years ago and found it still wonderful this month. My smoked trout with poached egg was superb! Wish I could come back more often.
(5)Adele F.
Came here for brunch last Monday at around 10 am. At that time, wait was only about 15 minutes for three people. I would recommend coming here on a weekday unless you are willing to go hangry for a long time. Pros: - fun atmosphere, especially when seated at the communal table - great Mocha latte (with almond milk) - good intro to Santa Fe flavors - inexpensive - good, quick service Cons: - great that it's funky and artsy but it's one of those places that's not entirely clean/spotless -wait can be long
(4)Hana V.
High quality ingredients, original recipes (they sell their own cookbook), fun and colorful decor. Lots of organic goodies. Their mole is particularly delicious, although I really don't think you can go wrong with their fantastic menu which spoils you for choice upon delicious choice. Service pretty good, friendly server. Make a reservation unless you are OK with sitting at the community table (there aren't that many private tables and they fill up).
(5)Prabin S.
We found this place in Yelp and decided to try before heading out to Grand Canyon. The food was extremely good. I ordered Quinoa Burger and it hit the spot.
(4)Oscar the Death Cat B.
We picked Cafe Pasquals for our first dinner on our Santa Fe trip. If you have read any other reviews, you will already know that their dining room is mighty small, and even on an off-peak-season Wednesday night, with the rest of the plaza pretty much dead by 6 PM, there was still a wait to get into Pasquals. Reservations are recommended. We tried the pupusa, lamb barbacoa tacos, and a combo platter consisting of a chile relleno, mole enchilada, tamal, and a beef skewer. For dessert we shared a blackberry pie with homemade ice cream. All the dishes were satisfying, though not especially innovative. Pasqual's might be worth a stop for dinner if you plan ahead with reservations, but it's not worth a long wait to get in. If you are indifferent about how organic your food is, you could probably find similarly satisying fare elswehere for a lower price. Breakfast and brunch seem to be where they really excel, but unfortunately our vacation schedule did not provide time for a return trip.
(3)Greg A.
My wife had the Enchiladas and thought they were awesome. I had the sole filet which was also great, BUT, neither the menu nor the waiter mentioned that this $29 entree included nothing but meat. The waiter later told me that that's what "sole" meant. For $29 they could have at least thrown a few veggies on my plate. My most wonderful wife shared her plate with me and saved me from leaving hungry.
(3)Jerome W.
Pretty dang good for breakfast in Santa Fe! It's a bit cramped inside when you first walk in and get seated, but everyone in Santa Fe is super nice. They actually smile and say hello which is quite refreshing when you come from the bowels of southern California. So don't be afraid to cuddle up to your neighbors. I had the Pasqual's favorite which comes with wheat pancakes, sausage, and two eggs. My friend got the breakfast quesedilla which was delicious as well. Their lattes and hot chocolate looked really good too. The bacon is a bit over priced, but overall it was good and would definitely come back next time we're in town. Thanks Cafe Pasqual! You put the A in Santa Fe!
(4)Cheryl S.
Have never been disappointed with breakfast at Pasqual's! We have been stopping as often as possible for over 10 years on our travels thru Santa Fe and have never regretted the time it sometimes take to get a table. Count on a wait and if you get right in as we did on a Monday morning, just be thrilled. We try to sit at the communal table when possible, always meet interesting people who love to share other great places to eat. This trip I had the smoked trout hash and my husband had his favorite dish (can't remember name) which is plantains, peas, eggs, etc.. To die for! You leave raving about the food and planning on when you can return.
(5)Jill B.
Expensive for what it is. I never understood there popularity unless all you care about is a place to be seen, tradition, and organic food. Their tortillas are dry and awful, sauces under seasoned and you will wait an hour to eat there.
(1)Morgan S.
Worth the wait for their delicious breakfast. Everything I tasted was great--durango omelette, huevos rancheros, chorizo burrito. Good latte as well.
(4)Cecilia T.
This new Mexican brunch café was simply AMAZING. The atmosphere is super cute and cozy with an open atmosphere and ethnic décor. I love the strings of red chili pepper decorated with Christmas lights! The breakfast burrito was SOOOO GOOD. I MEAN SOOO-OHHHH GOOD. It came in this aluminum wrapping which at first we were like "Uhh this is ghetto." But then you realize it's wrapped to protect the PERFECTLY crisped burrito wrapping that houses this friggin amazing concoction of potato, flavorful cheese to DIEEEEE for, green chilies, etc. It was totally a standout dish and my hubby and I agreed this was strongly THE BEST Breakfast burrito we've ever had. Also had the Brioche French toast which while it was tasty and very good, it couldn't be compared to the breakfast burrito. Crisp corn flakes on a tasty bread, with melted butter and syrup to flavor this melting dish. We cleaned our plates! The service is nice, and as we came in the winter and on a weekday, there was absolutely no wait at 10:30a.m. Coffee is just ok- can't figure out why it's so expensive. Oh man, I wanna go back NOW for more of their food. It's very fresh!
(5)Imo M.
Just ate at Cafe Pasqual's again, this time brunch/lunch. The place was way too crowded and the service was not keeping up. Definitely try it at dinnertime for a more predictable experience. Service is better at night, when reservations are encouraged. The food is still good and worth the hassle, but you don't want to feel like you're eating and running in a place like this. One thing that makes lunch special is the offering of the healthy veggie "Licuado" (shake). A shot is more than enough ($3).
(4)Shannon G.
Cute atmosphere! Fortunately we had reservations (they were booked solid until after 9 p.m). We had great service and the food was tasty but pricey. I appreciate organic food but if you are vegan, your options are limited to 2-3 items and not any cheaper. Options for kid friendly food was very limited. My girls enjoyed the roasted corn and would of loved more than just one ear. I would of loved more than one for them as well since it was $8! Overall, we enjoyed our evening there but I don't think we would return.
(3)Mary Ann T.
Party of 6. The food was great. Had the Plato Supremo. The service was wonderful, but I forget his name. The evening was a bit ruined , except for the company, when we saw a roach go up the wall and hide under the print beside our booth which was right next to the kitchen door. That does it for me.
(2)Holly B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed into a small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than their communal table Food was ok, certainly not worth the price. It tries to come off as an authentic cultural hole in the wall but misses the mark. Instead looks like every other restaurant in Austin TX and Santa Cruz CA except more expensive without the culinary expertise.
(1)Jo M.
WAAAAAAY over rated. After waiting for 20 minutes, we sat in the corner at a tiny overcrowded table, waited way too long for an over priced mediocre breakfast. It's great that their organic, but I think at this point they are just coasting on their reputation. There is much better food to be had out there, with out the snobby staff making you wait for each and everything you ask for.
(2)Khuyen P.
This was my 3rd visit to Cafe Pasqual's and is always totally worth the wait and the splurge. I'm not a morning person and I especially don't have an appetite at 8 a.m....and I was not feeling that great but I was leaving Santa Fe and my friends wanted to eat breakfast before they left as well. I had talked this place up so much they wanted to come here. SO we got here early and the wait was non existent for us. 15 minutes later and it was full to capacity. I wasn't really feeling food ready but something simple sounded good. I ordered the Two Egg breakfast: poached on home made English Muffins and strawberry ham and home fries. The eggs were terrific and the english muffins rocked my world. It was so fresh and clean tasting..something my palate doesn't get acquainted with that often. The potatoes were okay, but not as good as they could have been...sort of bland. The Huevos Rancheros, Brioche French Toast and Durango Omelet were all declared DELICIOUS by my friends and here's where the story ends. Do Come here and Do come back.
(5)Rosemarie F.
Loved, loved, loved this place! Came here for breakfast and the place was packed! It was only me and had to wait about 20 minutes. The place is relatively small, but they sat me at a 'group' table of 10. We were a mixed crew of 6 locals, a couple from NOLA, and me, the Damned Yankee! I had the huevos rancheros with red chili, blue corn tortilla. Yummy, yummy. Service was attentive, friendly. Only giving this a 4 as, well, it was breakfast. Wished I had more time to try Cafe Pasqual's for lunch or dinner. Bought both their cookbooks and everything I have tried so far is delicious. Stopped by several times to buy one of their cookies. Shortbread with rosemary! Unique, but I got hooked. New Mexican food, with a unique and creative twist! Lovely artsy Santa Fe decor! Definately a must stop next trip!!
(4)D G.
A great place to grab a tasty breakfast. Somewhat hectic with out of towners, but they know how to handle the crowds as they boast a large public seating table for walk-ins. Food was tasty and hot with plenty of vegetarian options. We'll be back.
(4)Angelica C.
definitely a must if you are visiting Santa Fe regardless of whether or not you're vegetarian this place is consistent! Please make a reservation as they are always very busy! as someone mention in the previous review, the acorn squash quinoa and pomegranate is to die for. Attentive service.
(5)Travis R.
Probably best Mexican meal I've ever had. The mole, the tamales, the chile relleno - it was all stunning. Be warned, however, everything is much spicer than the typical Mexican that you're used to (as it should be). The grilled prosciutto app will blow your mind. Do yourself a favor and visit this wonderful Santa Fe establishment.
(5)Karen C.
Poor ambiance and crowded seating and food too pretentious and pricey. My lamb cooked perfect but glaze sauce too sweet my husbands Combo Mexican platter as one of their signature dishes really not very tasty. Thought over priced for food offered and was disappointed as was told a 'must' eat place. Maybe lunch better
(3)Nancy M.
This is another smaller restaurant but it has great food and a loyal following. We were seated just as it opened for dinner and the place was packed nonstop until we left. They have a large community table so you can be seated sooner if you aren't waiting for a private one. They always have specials with a great wine list to choose from. We loved the flat bread sticks and gobbled them up with our wine. I ordered a warm mushroom spinach tart with melted cheese over a bed of greens and my friend had the appetizer order of muscles. Both dishes were delightful and we had a hard time finishing everything on our plates. The room is very cozy with some quirky decorating but the food is to die for. The staff worked hard to see that everyone is served and waited on even during a busy dinner hour. I had to order the strawberry shortcake but asked for ice cream instead of the whipped cream and it was fabulous. The sweetest strawberries ever and we ate the whole thing. Don't miss out on this if you are in town. Just try and get their early or don't mind a little wait. It is worth the time.
(4)Gilbert C.
Pompous menu and service and obscenely over priced . Stay away from this place and visit other fine restaurants in Santa Fe's plaza area. I would recommend The Shed or Tia Sophia's, The Ore House, Coyote Cafe, Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery all within walking distance of the plaza.
(1)Phil L.
Great spot for breakfast. Wish they had fresh squeeze orange juice but my juevos rancheros (actually were spicy which is how they're supposed to be I believe) were as good as it gets - I really don't think that I've had better. Very decent coffee here as well. And right in the middle of town - a super convenient location.
(5)Candy W.
We had a reservation for 5:30, when they first opened for dinner. Within 10 minutes the place was packed. All the staff worked well in tandem. Several stopped by our table many times to check on us. We shared the Vietnamese scallop salad (unbelievably tasty) and the lamb tangine (fantastic flavors but not usually on the menu). Then we ended with the Meyer lemon ice cream and meringue cookie. We should have skipped the dessert, only because we were so full already (and the cookie was a bit dry). But the entire dinner, atmosphere, and attention were so superlative, who cared about a cookie?! We will definitely come here again if we ever return to Santa Fe.
(5)Sandy K.
Still one of the best restaurant experiences in all of Santa Fe! The food is absolutely incredible and the service and atmosphere are exceptional. I will keep coming here again and again and again!
(5)Erica V.
The food was fantastic. The service, not so much. Hostess was snotty when we got there for out reservation (it would be a miracle to get in here on a weekend with one as we found out the night before). We were seated for 15 minutes before out waiter came over. He just asked "what's for dinner?" Never asked about drinks. When I asked him to modify a dish to make it vegan, he wanted to argue about how it wouldn't taste as good without the cheese. For the record, the enchiladas were heaven without any cheese. His service continued to disappoint until it time to pay the bill.
(3)Charito S.
I came here last night for dinner with a group, and ate the Vietnamese scallops, Mexican hot chocolate, and the tomato soup. Everything was delicious, I all the morsels of food on my plate. The Vietnamese scallops came with a jicama type salad...I'm not a jicama type of person but that salad was delicious! Their food comes from their farmer's market, and they ensure that the food isn't treated with antibiotics and pesticides, organic and fresh. The atmosphere is warm and the staff are so friendly towards our group! I think I will go there for breakfast tomorrow and skip all the other restaurants that I want to try. I highly recommend! Call in advance for dinner, we got reservations a couple of days after our call...now I know why!
(5)Katy M.
Perhaps the meal I most look forward to whenever we head to Santa Fe. Sometimes we eat two meals a day here. Everything about it - the cozy space with the vibrant decor, the hosts who calmly manage the crazy wait on weekends, the warm and efficient service and most importantly, the delicious, creative cuisine (both New Mexican and not) is a homerun. Stand-out dishes include the mole enchiladas (don't tell them I told you, but they'll make them with chicken if you ask, even though they recently switched to turkey on the menu) - one of the best moles I've tasted - pancakes, huevos barbacoa (written up in Cooking Light a few years back - who knew this was diet food?), huevos rancheros, and if you're craving something healthy, the nine-grain cereal (packages of which you can buy to take home). Famous for brunch but if you don't feel like waiting, they take dinner reservations and the food is equally crave-worthy.
(5)Sonny L.
After reading all of the superstar reviews, I booked a reservation at Cafe Pasqual's on a recent trip to Santa Fe. Needless to say I was sorely disappointed. The service was mediocre, the vibe was utterly pretentious and the food was outrageously overpriced. If I'm going to pay $27 for a vegetarian Chile en Nogada, it better be orgasmic. It was not. It was super dull and not complex as one would have anticipated with all the ingredients listed. Napo's Pupusa had the texture of cardboard. I have no problem paying extra at a restaurant that touts organic seasonal ingredients. I understand the reality of growing your own organic food and the care it takes. However, I expect the beauty of the ingredients to speak for themselves. I was hoping to fine a tiny slice of New Mexico meets Chez Panisse in Santa Fe. All I found was a restaurant full of stuffy rich tourists. On a side note, our waiter ordered the wrong entree for one of our guests and instead of comping it, he brought us 2 cookies at the end of the meal. The only problem is that we had a table of 3, not 2. And really, who on earth would pay $14 for 2 tiny freakin' tacos. Call me spoiled, but I live in the land of bad ass tacos. On a final note, I did like the interior design. The cafe is beautiful and reminded me of Katahdin Restaurant in Portland, Maine, but I would not recommend this place.
(2)Anastasia B.
The eggs barbacoa with chile d'arbol was my first meal upon arriving in Santa Fe for the weekend. If I wasn't famished from not eating anything all day except for a salty bag of Southwest peanuts, I'd say that the slow-cooked marinated Niman Ranch beef with onion, cilantro and Cotija cheese on white corn tortillas and two eggs with refried pinto beans and chile d'arbol salsa for $17.45 was tasty enough but nothing too special. But since I was starving to the point that eating a piece of cardboard would've been appetizing, my meal (although pricey) was delicious and satisfying. 3 stars for satiating my hunger pains and entertaining me with funky ceiling décor during my fast 15 minute wait.
(3)Kevin R.
Cafe Pasqual's is a pretty decent Mexican restaurant on the corner of a very busy "intersection" (quotes because the streets are small but still handle a great deal of traffic). The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner and when dinner time starts rolling around there is usually a small crowd gathered outside the door wanting to beat the rush for tables. Knowing this, we came for an early lunch. Mwahah! I have no complaints on the food. It was very tasty! However, the prices are pretty high and the servings are minuscule. Meh.. Is it just me or do most Mexican restaurants usually give outrageously humongous portions? I guess Pasqual's missed the memo...
(3)timm s.
Did not live up to the hype.... I was visiting Santa Fe this past weekend and wanted to soak up all of the great food hots spots while in town. We were staying at the newly remodeled Hotel St. Francis so the restaurant was VERY close (right across the street). It does not have a prominent sign .... but the LARGE crowd outside gives it away. We were VERY lucky to by pass the crowd and get seated at a small table on the side of the colorful dinning room right away. NO WAIT (apparently that is unheard of)!!! The service was mediocre. I had the whole wheat pancakes with one egg. The pancakes .... DELICIOUS!! The eggs .... not so much. The price .... EXPENSIVE! It was around $12 for 3 pancakes and one egg. YIKES!! I know it is Santa Fe.... and I am not cheap by any means .... but that seems a weeeeeeeeeeeee-bit over priced. If I had to wait for 45 minutes.... I'm afraid I would have to bump the rating down to two stars. Don't wait... It's not THAT great!!
(3)Katy B.
I have eaten here 2 times, both for special occasions as it is on the pricy side. First time I went for dinner.. I got the chicken mole enchiladas i think it was..., It was smothered and drenched in the sauce that was just ok.. and didn't really come wtih anything...really left something to be desired..and NOT cheap.. (I know these ingredients aren't expensive...)Second time i decided to go on my b-day for brunch(as ive heard so many things about the breakfast). Waited 45 min to then sit at a communal table..2 inches from the other people and we were sitting side by side.(which is fine for a hot dog joint... but for a pricey romantic bday brunch with my boyfriend i was a little disappointed.)Again, the food was just ok, and it was sooo expensive..100% not worth it. Not to mention it was SUPER loud in there. I found the staff Snooty, rushed and unconcerned. Mind not blown... especially with all the hype. Actually it is mind blowing, how they get away with this stuff.
(1)S K.
If you like being packed in like sardines and paying for over priced mediocre food...this place is for you!! Do not recommend. 0 star
(1)Amanda R.
My boyfriend and I ate here during a three day vacation to Santa Fe. Not only was it a waste of money and a night out, the entree he ordered was visually disgusting. He ordered pork that was served inside a cocoon like leaf. When he opened the leaf mashed pork and gooey juice came pouring out all over the other food in his plate. It gave the impression of camping trip gone terribly wrong. What might happen if someone took a laxative and had only a leaf to catch their watery stool. The site of this made us so sick neither one of us could eat. When we expressed this to the manager there, she couldn't seem to understand so she just kept asking us what was wrong. She did take my boyfriend's entree off the check but over charged us for the other items we ordered.None of the food our was exactly superb and surly not worth the money. We went there expecting a wonderful experience based on the reviews, instead we left disappointed and nauseated. None of the staff ever really apologized or tried to compensate for our poor experience. They just acted as though they had their culinary brilliance had been forsaken;never mind sour stomachs and ruined dinner. By the way the place is too small don't go and expect to have elbow room if your arm is over a foot long. In sum this place is best for you if you are blind, short and have a steel stomach. I do however; highly recommend the restaurant across the street, Tabla de Los Santos.
(1)Jessica R.
Amazing. Seriously amazing. Came for dinner on vacation with my husband. We both left stuffed and satisfied! If I lived in Santa Fe, I'd come here all the time. The food is fantastic; the best Mexican I've ever had. Staff is friendly and prompt. And the ambiance is captivating, somewhere between authentic southwest and kitsch. Loved it!
(5)F. P.
Got to Santa Fe before 10am and first thing on the list was to check out the much acclaimed Cafe Pasqual's. Was told there was a 45-minute wait (already?!) but that was fine because it gave us time to check out the plaza. Verdict? Pretty good but way overpriced. Couldn't help but feel that I was in a tourist trip (we were seated at the community table and everyone was from elsewhere). I had the huevos motulenos (eggs with black beens, sauteed bananas, feta cheese, salsa and Christmas chile). Pretty good but I actually wasn't too fond of the bananas which were mushy and over-ripe and sweet. What this dish did do was confirm that I was more a fan of green chile than red. I also had a bite of the breakfast quesadilla with applewood bacon, which was delicious. I probably wouldn't return to this place only because it's near impossible to get seated and simply overpriced ($50 w tax & tip for a quesadilla, huevos, OJ and coffee is kind of ridiculous). People had recommended Tia Sophia as an alternative (just as good but at half the price) ... maybe will give that a shot next time.
(3)vicken h.
we had been to Pasqual's 10 years ago and 5 years ago...and were looking forward to it again. What a big disappointment!!. the food was below average at best. my carne asada was soaked / over marinated, the grilled vegetables were almost raw and not grilled, my tortilla was half soaked. The lamb chops with pomegranate molasses had no seasoning to offset the tartness of the molasses. The lentil stew was something you get at a diner. The service was very good and the waiter was informed. Overall for the prices you are paying I would expect everything to be perfect.
(1)Chuck C.
My wife and I have visited Santa Fe several times...and have tried a number of local eateries. Today we ate breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Both the atmosphere and cuisine are quintessential Santa Fe. The staff was friendly and attentive. We will be back. My wife had the Maga's Cheese Blintzes with strawberry jam and sour cream. It was rich and scrumptious. I had the Huevos Barbacoa con Chile D'Arbol Salsa, a stunningly flavorful combination of slow-cooked marinated shredded beef, eggs, pintos and Cotija cheese atop corn tortillas. I posted the pics here. If you're looking for food and ambiance that capture the essence of Santa Fe, along with the friendliest service staff in town, check out Cafe Pasqual's. You won't regret it! CJC, Jr.
(5)Natasha M.
I have been to a LOT of wonderful restaurants from San Francisco to NYC. Some inexpensive or reasonable, and some very expensive (but amazing!) I have NEVER been as offended at the prices of items on a menu than I was at this place. Corn on the Cob for $9? Add chicken to a Caesar salad for $12? Are you kidding me? I was so upset that I would have left had I not been a guest of my father's whom I was visiting. I chose the tacos on the appetizer menu (2 for $14), and ended up eating 2 corn/steak tacos (with no side of rice or beans or anything) that were mediocre at best. The apricots w/mushrooms and nuts were gross (they served them at the beginning) no one at the table could finish theirs, and my daughters Thai noodles weren't all that imaginative. Edible, yes, but not $19 worthy. They advertise being an all-organic restaurant, but do they really need to insult by their ridiculous prices? It wasn't even worth paying "regular" prices for me to return. I'm happy back in San Francisco where you can have the most amazing dishes every few feet!
(1)Brad B.
Authentic, friendly but tight quarters. The bison green chili burger is a must and the pigs n figs are great. Taco starters ok not great. Would go back.
(4)Doug P.
Hands down the best breakfast i have ever had! Grilled polenta, spicy chorizo, sweet corn and amazing red chili. GO!
(5)J L.
I don't get all the rave reviews. We tried this small, upscale cafe out after many locals insisted it's the best. Not impressed in the least. Far too pretentious with food that's as boring as the personality of our waitress. The good thing, however, is that the service is fast and attentive. They work together as a team to move people in and out quickly. We were here for dinner and found the menu odd. Yes, it's local and organic and that demands a much higher price, but seriously, the items on the menu are plain weird and do not taste all that great. We are small people who get full easily but we left here hungry and broke. The grilled artichoke appetizer tasted just like the grill and while I don't know what type of grill they use, I very much tasted heavy doses of propane. It was inedible. Their version of the wine margarita is mostly margarita mix, very little, if any wine, and the Green Goddess salad dressing tasted like fish. Husband got the Buffalo burger and some kind of over-seasoned potatoes; he said it was just okay. Nothing special, especially for the price. (If you want mushrooms on that it's an additional $7. Laughable.) There are much better places to eat in Santa Fe for that price and it's not even about the money. It's just plain weird food.
(2)Andrea S.
This restaurant is A+ Mexican cuisine with some other options mixed in (think salads, sandwiches and a dinner menu we did not peruse). My husband and I ate at the community table for Sunday breakfast (a shared table with other guests -- recommended if you don't mind some casual chatting with fellow diners and a shorter wait time). I had the blue lady enchilada (vegetarian lunch item) with sauteed zucchini and onion. Other than not actually being blue, the enchilada was absolutely fabulous! I would order this again in a heartbeat. My husband was also very impressed with his meal, the Durango omelet. The only two negatives about this place are the prices (total was $50 for breakfast for two people) and the coffee. I had regular drip coffee and was underwhelmed by its strength and quality, and my husband had a vanilla latte and was similarly disappointed. However, the food is good enough that we will probably go back when we have guests in town, even though the prices make it cost-prohibitive for a weekly dining spot for just the two of us. This chef is also a James Beard Award nominee, which is impressive to say the least.
(4)Kim P.
Cafe Pasqual's provided the most sublime plate of scrambled eggs, toast and home fries I have ever had in my life. The eggs (with scallions) were carefully cooked to absolute fluffy perfection, not a brown spot in in sight. The housemade nut toast was glorious, the housemade salsa a delectable rich brown, and the potatoes perfectly crunchy-tender and beautifully seasoned. Of course, it was also freakin' $15.75, with a 20-minute wait to be seated on a weekday mid-morning. I suppose I should detract a star for the questionable value, but it seems unfair, since we knew what we were getting into and the service was also amazing. If you don't mind waiting and dropping some bucks, Cafe Pasqual's will provide a blissful version of your usual proletarian meal.
(5)Jen N.
Fantastic mole chicken enchiladas. Nothing but shredded chicken inside. My sister had the veggie enchiladas with green chile sauce and I must say these were delicious, too. Very generous portions. We didn't have to wait at noon on a weekday - that made us pretty happy, too.
(4)Jennifer B.
As an out-of-towner with a vacation planning disability, I'm a little bit high off myself for picking a "hot on Yelp!" restaurant without consulting Yelp. That's what you get with your veteran status I guess. You can spot 'em a mile away. What tipped me off to its hotness, and my later satisfaction, was the mention of organic ingredients, a pretty scarce entity in these parts. That plus all the colorful tile, and an unusual mezzanine set up on the floor that let in lots of light. I ended up liking my brunch dish quite a bit - the use of feta cheese and bananas with a huevos rancheros-style dish was novel and wonderfully pulled-off - AND the "Christmas" red chile, green chile, and mole sauces satisfied my boyfriend's spicy quotient, which is no easy feat. Good coffee too. I really thought the ambiance was cute enough. For some reason it irritated my boyfriends sense of authenticity, but I'm not convinced he knows what he's talking about when it comes to things that irritate him...I mean, authenticity.
(4)Niamh O.
Om nom nom. My boyfriend took me here for a birthday dinner when we were traveling through Santa Fe. The restaurant was wonderfully eclectic, noisy, and casual. The food was out-of-this-world, and the service was beyond friendly. In fact, the waiter recommended a whole syllabus of excellent restaurants for us to try while we were in town. The wine list wasn't extensive, but it was solid. And the kitsch factor was excellent. Our dinner was so delicious, we went back for breakfast (having heard that Pasqual's breakfast was unbeatable). I'm a New Mexican cuisine noob, but holy heck, that was amazing. While I loved the dinner, it was a bit pricey for our grad student budgets. I would instantly recommend the breakfast to a budget traveler, looking to get a taste of the famous joint. Go! Eat eggs and chile! And enjoy.
(5)Jacob K.
Very fresh food with healthy options. Excellent service. Very unique and cozy atmosphere. Pricey. i.e., a restaurant in downtown Santa Fe.
(4)Albert M.
great atmosphere for the casual, laid back personality. There is even a community table, how's that for social networking. The Blue Lady Enchilada was exceptional, surely a dish to have if you will only be here once. Also don't miss an opportunity to try their corn bread. I believe you can buy a loaf to take home, if it makes it that far without you eating all of it.
(4)HoustonBuffalo S.
Phenomenal! I was in SF for 6 days and ate breakfast here 3 of them, and only ate breakfast other places the other 3 because of our group size. Small, quirky, attentive, delicious! Servers are all smiling, there when you need them, proffesionals. Food is inspiring! Huevos Multenanos is a dish you have to try to believe. Polenta cake with eggs is excellent. Others had quesadillas, cinnamon toast, bacon, never a complaint. The community table is a great idea for such a small restaurant. If you prefer artificial sweetener for your coffee you need to bring it with you. Really really worth both the wait and price.
(5)Marina V.
Why does Pasqual's not have a five star average?? I went here twice... a year ago... so this review is not going to be very detail-oriented. But I felt the need to put my 5 stars in because it is JUST THAT GOOD. C and I were in Santa Fe and looking for a place to eat dinner. Having already dropped a dime to stay at 10,000 Waves (Japanese bathhouse) and with many more miles to travel, we didn't have much money to spend. But my friend Buster, who's been to Santa Fe mucho, had highly recommended Pasqual's. After traipsing through town several rounds, we saw right through the tourist traps of some of the other restaurants. It had to be Pasqual's. After a bit of a wait, we were seated in the *ahem* cozy dining room (you can sort of rub elbows with your neighbor, NYC-style.. but it really does just add to the ambiance of the place! the room was colorful, eclectic, and charming) Broke as we were, we split a plate (not typical of us.. but it was pretty late too). We chose the Plato Supremo, and proceeded to eat the most delicious chile relleno I've ever had to date. There was a scrumptious mole enchilada and a tamal of some sort too.. and a carne asada skewer. Not to downplay the entire plate-- it was all incredible! But the chile relleno is still something I dream about.. After some direct deposit action, we returned THE NEXT MORNING and threw down for brunch.. I had the smoked trout hash and I believe C had the huevo rancheros but I can't quite remember (it was a whole year ago..) and fresh squeezed mimosas...mmm... I ordered the cookbook ("Cooking with Cafe Pasqual's") as soon as we returned to Austin.
(5)Jim B.
We were intrigued. Cafe Pasquale's is always packed. Always. Reservations are hard to get unless you like dining early or late. Especially when they make you call to get one. Yes, they refused to give us a reservation in person. We're fairly certain the same person who forced us to call from the corner outside answered the phone. This should have been our first warning. But, we decided to forgive them their eccentricities and lock in reservations for dinner the next day. The menu looks appealing. Fresh, organic, etc. Expensive, yes. (Think $50/person minimum.) But, I assumed they would be worth it. Impossible to get reservations, remember? I was wrong. Appetizer: papusas. Verdict: Good. But, no better than my local (and much cheaper) papusas cart (on the corner of South Boulder and 42 in Lousville.) Entree: Mexican sampler plate. Verdict: mediocre. Lunch at Antojito's Maria was vastly superior, and much cheaper.) Leaving the seeds in the chili relleno is not the latest taste and texture sensation. It's laziness. Last I checked, chicken mole wasn't a dessert. So, perhaps less sugar next time. Dessert: beet cake. Verdict: huge waste of calories. I really wanted the homemade toasted pinon ice cream. (I had a teeny tiny bit of hope the recipe would be worth copying.) But, they had none. So, I went for the "weirdest" item on the menu. "What's beet cake?" I asked. The waiter responded, "Beets have as much sugar as carrots. And, you'd think carrot cake was weird if you had never heard of it before." So enticing. And, so disappointing. You have to really pay attention to taste the beet. Granted I had just had poorly balanced Mexican food, so my palate was a bit damaged. Still, it's not so much beet cake as bland cake with too much cream cheese frosting. Ambiance: poor. This is a tiny restaurant with tables so close together it's more claustrophobic than intimate. Having to shout to be heard didn't add to the charm. Cafe Pasqual's should be ashamed. I could've assembled a better meal for half the cost with a trip to Antojito's Maria and Whole Foods.
(2)Lauren M.
We were in town and luckily could come in on a Friday morning around 11am so while the place was full, we were able to sit down at the community table without a wait. Service is quick and the menu is great - almost too much to choose from. My husband went with the Durango omelet and I got the Huevos Barbacoa. Mine was very good, lots of flavor. He also enjoyed his - it came with this delicious, almost sweet thick wheat bread - i need some of that to soak up my dish. My husband ordered a capuccino and it came in this big bowl - too much for him. The fresh OJ is good. We enjoyed our meal so much (and everything else coming out around us looked so good), that we made a reservation for dinner the next night, but then had to cancel. Regardless, highly recommended, and from what I hear, for any meal.
(5)Spoon G.
Awesome for breakfast and dinner but it is expensive! I am from San Francisco and these prices were high. I guess all the publicity and TV shows help fuel the hype. I liked the mole and the squash with quinoa. Juices also very fresh, desserts awesome too. Host with pony tail was a bit creepy though.
(4)Ryan D.
Super Duper Yummy is pretty much all I can say. I am only reviewing the breakfast/lunch/brunch but wow so good. Went with three friends and we ordered 2 Huevos Montelenos, One Genova Omlette, and the Trout hash. While my personal favorite was the monetlenos all dishes were excellent. Do not be deterred by the bananas on the montelenos as they work well with the dish. I ordered it with Christmas (red and green) chile and both had excellent flavor and not too spicy. I did a little change up and got eggs scrambled as I am not a runny eggs person. The trout hash was my second favorite with perfectly done potatoes and delicious trout. Yes I know the place is a little touristy...and the line can be a bit long but it is worth the wait. Put your name on the list, go check out a gallery in the plaza and come back to fill your tummy with deliciousness!
(5)Steve K.
Great food, too much food...we are stuffed. They gave us the window table. Well done. Steve and Cindy
(5)David M.
I loved Pasqual's- ate here 2 times in 3 days during my stay. The cowboy waiter sounded like the narrator from Lebowski, and the food was top notch from basics like oatmeal and pancakes to flourishes like the huevos motulenos. The decor is very festive and the prices right. Can't wait to return.
(5)Raina F.
A-maze-ing. Seriously, everything we ate was to die for. Make reservations - we walked in at 11 and made a reservation for 1pm, however it is generally very busy. There was no kids menu but they were very willing to work with us and the french toast I ordered my toddler made him, and the rest of us picking off his plate, very happy. The Caesar salad dressing is made in house and was perfectly creamy and tangy. The pineapple/ginger juice was pleasantly refreshing. We also ordered an assortment of cookies at the end and I ate way too much trying to have a bit of each. I would definitely go there again, in fact it would be my first stop in Santa Fe.
(5)Arlene C.
You know you have to go to a restaurant that has been recommended by a native. We had to wait until the next day, as it is impossible to get in without a reservation on the same night. I love the kitchy decor. From the antique French pastry display to the hanging chillies & colorful Mexican cut-outs strung across the room. It made me feel like a kid, it was so lively! I had the ENCHILADAS ~ Sautéed Chard, Grilled Zucchini, & Jack Cheese, under Guajillo, Ancho & Chile d'Arbol Red Chile or Roasted Green Chile, with a Grilled Banana, Fresh Corn Torte & Cilantro Rice 23. We shared the NAPO'S PUPUSA ~ Griddled Corn Masa Cake with Green Chile, Zucchini, Corn, Jack Cheese & Poblanos with Roasted Tomato Salsa & Salvadoran Escabeche 12. Yes, pricey, but wonderful complex flavors! It is a rare occasion that I am too full to get dessert...next time.
(4)Charlotte M.
The meal was superb and the dessert was wonderful. Actually, never had anything I would not recommend.
(5)Carl P.
this place is always jammin', but the service is right there with the demand - and the food is fantastic. the menu is pretty unique, so don't come here looking for your run of the mill items...they take the basics and run with it, creating some fun and enjoyable breakfast and lunch items. it's worth a try, at least once, just to say you were here...but chances are, like me, you'll be back for more. my only complaint is the cost - when two people go for breakfast and it's $50, damn...
(4)Emily U.
We don't go to Santa Fe without at least one meal here. Affordable for breakfast- pricey for dinner. At dinner you MUST have a reservation or you'll never get in. We were there for breakfast in the morning and made reservations for that night. Glad we did because they were turning people away at the door. Don't turn your nose up at the Community Table- it will get you eating faster in the morning and you can meet some really interesting people and locals. Amazing food. its really enough said. If I could pick a last meal, it would be here.
(5)N O.
We had a late breakfast given the long wait to get a table. But it was worth it. With 2 kids and 2 adults, you are bound to hear some complaints, but none from our group! We raved about it all. I will say that this place was described as moderately priced, but we left there with over a $100 tab for breakfast-yikes.
(4)Jill V.
My friend and I recently visited here while on vacation. We visited for breakfast and were seated right away. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. We both loved the coffee (I even bought some to take home). I had the crepes stuffed with cheese with fruit on top - amazing! I took some baked goods to go too (cookies) which were all really tasty. After breakfast we visited the little shop upstairs and really enjoyed looking at the art and gift trinkets. A must see place while in Santa Fe!
(5)Krista F.
This place is tiny, but worthy of the wait. It is a bustling atmosphere, so if that is not your thing, I would venture elsewhere. We went to Cafe Pasqual's on a recommendation from our hotel concierge. It was too packed, so returned on a Monday morning. We checked out of our hotel and rolled down to the restaurant around 10:30am. It was still crowded, but we had a very short 10 minute wait before being seated in the "community seating" area. Basically, we sat at a great big table in the middle of the restaurant with other diners. Not a big deal because we are talkers and didn't mind conversing with others enjoying breakfast. But, it did tend to get a little hectic with waiters squeezing behind your seat to wait on other customers. I ordered the chorizo burrito with no cheese. The chorizo is their own special blend and was delicious. I topped it with the tomatillo sauce, and it was out of this world. There are potatoes included within the burrito, and it was a little mushy for me. I would have removed the potatoes too. My boyfriend had the breakfast quesadillas, and they were fantastic. They add guacamole as a layer, and it was refreshing and tasty. Good: Fantastic food. Hands down best breakfast food if you like the savory type. Bad: Holy Crowded Space, Batman! On top of it being a very small place (with one of the smallest bathroom hallways I have seen in the world), merchandise and decorations hang on anything that stands still. I feel a little bit sketchy on the cleanliness of places that do this because, really, how often are they selling that stuff to diners? It didn't seem to be flying of the shelves and dust tends to gather.
(4)Scott N.
We've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. We've only eaten breakfast here, however. We love their breakfasts. My go to breakfast is Huevos Rancheros & their's is excellent. The atmosphere is excellent and the service has always been great.
(4)Chirag P.
Highly recommended and we saw the constant long lines, so on the morning of our departure from Santa Fe, we got up early and stood in line... it was definitely worth the wait. All Organic food, we got to sit at a Family table with 6 strangers and in no time, we were all cracking jokes and having a good ole time while enjoying when of the better brunches I've had. I tried the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS, which if you read the description, sounds funky, but it tastes damn good. My wife had the Huevos Rancheros and was quite pleased as well. They have some outstanding breakfast drinks/shakes so give those a shot as well. Really crazy creative decor and very small, but seem to move people in/out quickly. Very friendly staff as well.
(5)Jean Y.
Few good things happened here while we're having breakfast right before the Christmas. 1) We got the booth right away. 10 minutes later people waiting outside on a very cold morning. 2) Menu with lots of healthy, gluten free stuffs was cool, especially a green smoothie with the fruit vege mixed. It took a while,' cause it wax first drink that morning, meaning they have to find all of the parts of the blender. Understandable excuse. 3) coffee was good. 4) the place was so cozy with lots of stuffs hanging. 5) my hash brown was unbelievable! 6) we are all super happy with our drinks and food. 7) save the best for the last: our server was too cool and nice. He was so funny. Didn't get his his name, though he'll be there when we come back for sure.. He's been Santa Fe for 33 years! He gave us such a great feeling that super cold morning in Santa Fe...Thanks..
(4)Mark F.
Always a line and you'll want to know why Extremely friendly team put on a good meal. I felt like family but maybe that's because I was sat at a community table rather than waiting for my own. Good way to make friends and take a look at what they're eating. MIxed with locals and visitors is nice to see they like their own. I chose wisely with the Griddled Polenta with red chili sauce and chorizo topped with two eggs my way, over easy. Wow that's good stuff. The heartiness of the polenta is broken down only slightly by the chili and chorizo. This is a big, fill dish and perfect for a cool morning to keep you work. It was amazing and luckily, in their cook book, Spirited Recipes from Santa Fe. Light background music did not distract from the conversation nor drown out others chatter in the air with many "wow", "this is great" and "fantastic" as I listened to other happy eaters. No kidding my friends, this stuff is great.
(4)Juan G.
Best breakfast in the Northern Hemisphere!
(5)M H.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. It's some of the most inventive, delicious food I've had and the atmosphere is a great deal of fun. You can share a table with strangers, which makes for a quirky, enjoyable experience. The decor is very charming, as is the location in an historic structure near the Santa Fe Plaza.
(5)Lucia N.
Amazing food with unique flavors and quality ingredients. The prices are pretty high for the casual atmosphere. Cozy but crowed atmosphere, probably hard to navigate in a wheelchair.
(4)Rachel S.
Small intimate restaurant with something for everyone. We went on a Saturday and while it looked crowded it was still only about a 20min wait. They have a community table but we sat at one of benches. The food came out fast and was delicious. It was a little pricey. They also sell a cookbook with some tasty recipes.
(4)Crystal F.
My favorite in Santa Fe! Delicious, creative, and fun. Big fan!
(5)Cheryl S.
Amazing quinoa burger! Fast and sincerely friendly service...I am so thankful nobody gave me an attitude when I came in 8 minutes before the kitchen closed. I will definitely be back and hopefully bring friends and family for breakfast. Cute atmosphere too!
(5)K P.
They do things with a banana that you would not believe. But seriously, Cafe Pasqual's is great. It's rare that an upscale restaurant has both delicious food, great service, great atmosphere, great location. A must during a trip to Santa Fe.
(5)Kristofer Y.
Really great food! Somebody knows spices and cooking! Service was excellent, caring and sincere!
(5)Constant C.
I love Pasqual's! I've been eating here since 1992 and it's still good. The menu is varied and interesting, and all the ingredients are of the best quality and flavor. You can get GF, vegetarian, meat.. whatever you need. They will even turn you on to new recipes you didn't know you would need from that point forward. Be prepared to wait, or maybe try an off time if you can't stand waiting. This place is always busy and it is small. There is a community table and private tables. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. The staff have always been helpful and efficient, no matter how swamped they are. They are like restaurant super heroes! You might also want to prepare yourself for the prices. It is a little spendy, especially for dinner, but it is a completely reasonable and fair exchange for the quality of food and service you get. It is well worth the planning, the wait and the price.
(4)Rohn G.
A wonderful breakfast as always. I have the chorizo burrito and it was perfect. I also recommend a side of wheat toast, really wonderful bread.
(5)Paul T.
No better sight than my sweet wife across the table at Pascual's, early in the morning, she with her Durango Omelet and me with my Smoked Trout Hash. We pass through Santa Fe every summer on the way home from Montana to renew our love affair with Pascual's. If they ever change the menu I'll know the end of the world is at hand.
(5)Maria F.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, forever, the end. There are so many things that are annoying about Pasqual's: zillions of tourists, almost always a wait, crowded, carpeted, and for some reason the past several times I've been there it smells faintly sour, like mildew or sour milk? (Maybe stuff is embedded in the carpet?) But I don't even care, because the food is amazing. Breakfast is the best, I think, followed by lunch and then dinner. (Which is fortunate, because breakfast is much more affordable!) Breakfast quesadilla (light cheese) and a Mexican mocha are my jam. Soups are always delicious. (There's a pear/butternut squash one I die for.) The garlic salsa brie thing is delicious, the warm squid salad is too, oh god the chorizo, I could go on and on. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. ' Service is professional, down-to-earth, and friendly.
(5)Teema C.
This place was good, but I didn't think the taste of the food was spectacular. It is great however that they use local, organic foods, this also equates to pricer dishes. I had the breakfast burrito with both red and green chili and hubby had the huevos motulenos, both dishes were good. The place was packed and more ppl just kept pouring in.
(3)Ira Y.
Food is awesome qua tasty but way overpriced with small portions. Breakfast is less egregious but for dinner be prepared to spend a lot and feel a bit uncomfortable with your portions.
(3)Tanner P.
Second time going here. This time was not as good as the first. It was Easter morning, I'll give them....but there was only a 5 minute wait to be seated and the service literally took forever before we could even order ... (about 35 minutes of sitting at a table with only a glass of water). The server was friendly. The food quality depended on what we ordered. I ordered pancakes, eggs, bacon and a Bhakti chai tea. Ok, so everything I ordered aside from the bacon tasted completely watered down and was nearly tasteless. The chai was basically water with a shy hint of actual chia. The pancakes were dry... Oh and they charge $3 for extra syrup (it says directly on the menu). Though ordered at the same time, my partner's chai was forgotten about, then delivered after we had been waiting for it for about 20 minutes after I got mine. His tasted just as bad as mine. I realize one doesn't travel to Santa Fe, NM to have the world's best Bhakti chai, but if you can't get it right, just take it off the menu and stick to the traditional foods of the area. Overall, I expected better because I've had better at this establishment. The staff did not seem stressed or busy at all (they were very casual and easy going), though they were definitely working all about. I'd give it a "meh" because I HAVE experienced better in Santa Fe with that same price range.
(2)Kelsey C.
Usually when I believe a place deserves five stars it's because they really deserve five stars, here I wish I could give more than a four but still less than four and a half for three reasons, they re-use glasses that have already touched the tables on other tables without cleaning them and they have these water containers that got left on our table twice and reused so the cleaning standards aren't perfect and two when we first walked in and then we got seated about ten minutes after I checked in (with reservation of course ten minutes without reservation here is as far as I can see unheard of at 7:15) and we got our water and then we were left alone no drinks besides water which was fine for me but the person I was with wanted a glass of wine, now I'm from Texas so as she said things are a little different, but from my (perhaps spoiled view of good service standards) perspective we were left alone for too long and to be honest I was a little peeved before we even met our waiter. Now the reason I can't give this place five stars is not based off of my experience however of these five peoples' who waited for their reservation right in front of us - for around an hour after their reservation. Now if this was based off my own experience I'd probably bump it up one more star but seeing as how they stood for an hour after their reservation, I personally think that this is at least worth note. I mean they were offered some other options and they chose to wait for the right sized table but I watched the clock it was an hour so if you're having a party with approximately ten people this is perfect and for small tables of two, three, and four are perfect but anything over that all the way up to ten you should probably go somewhere else unless the incident I saw was isolated which I don't believe it was as even small groups with reservations have to wait at least ten minutes, we got really lucky. The people that waited for an hour were a group of five and I think only two or three of the tables are equipped to seat exactly that, any bigger and they will try to save it, unless someone takes too long with dinner and they're desperate. Now onto the rest of the evening and other tips for this place. I got the reservations three and a half weeks in advance which as most people will tell you is recommended and I asked for seven but that time was already gone, this wasn't a big deal as I got one for fifteen minutes later but if you want to eat here at a decent time you need to reserve at least two weeks in advance because walk ins had to make reservations for times like ten thirty. They're booked. The party in particular that I'm talking about was a party of two who walked in two hours before their "reservation". Anyhow after our waiter finally remembered us things picked up. We actually way over ordered - but it all sounded so good that we couldn't resist - we ordered that day's appetizer which were fried squash blossoms stuffed with cream cheese served over arugula. We also got some tamales where we got the choice between the green chile and the red sauce tamales we got one of each, but dug into it before I could get a picture. Now the green chile tamale had a little bit of a bite to me but I love spicy food, and have the tolerance for it the person I was eating with does not and thought that they were moderately spicy, this was her favorite of the two, I personally liked the other one more but then again it was too hot for her to barely stand and she couldn't eat her half. Anyhow the fried blossoms were amazing as well, and I think it was worth feeling stuffed afterwards. Next our entree, we both had to get the mole chicken enchiladas because we both really wanted them, and I for some stupid reason didn't think sharing was a good idea these are not normal enchiladas, these are burrito sized enchiladas. We should have shared we both had an enchilada left over so sharing would've been perfect and we both liked different sides but I thought I was too hungry for that, dear goodness. The mole was fantastic as were the enchiladas. All of the sides fantastic, I devoured the torte as soon as I tasted it. It's sweet and really rounds out the spicy mole and that's coming from me, my companion didn't complain about the spiciness but she loved the mole so much I imagine no amount of spiciness could have deterred her she loved the rice served with it which I personally thought was a little bland but we both loved the jimica salad, which added a lot of freshness. Honestly I thought the rice could have been left off the dish, it didn't add anything. Then I broke and ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate. I was already stuffed but I read on here that it is amazing so I had to try it. I would do it again, it was worth having to be rolled out of there. Also the owner and or manager (I suspect a little bit of both) came up and talked to us, will be going back. Great food, good service.
(4)Julie T.
This brunch place place probably doesn't need my review. By the time we got there when it opened, it was already a 20 mins wait. The food was the best I had in nm so if you have a layover or limited time, this is the one place you must go. Their red and green chile with eggs and stewed bananas were a great mouthful of flavor! Their chorizo was a burst of spiciness that makes you want to keep digging in. Go there and you won't regret it.
(4)Susan B.
I do not throw five stars out lightly. I've only done it at one other restaurant, my local favorite. This was where my daughter and I ate our first night in Santa Fe this spring. It was, we agree, one of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. Great atmosphere, good service, good wine and the food was just simply amazing. Reservations are essential and it is absolutely worth the time you'll wait to get a table.
(5)Tallie T.
We have been going to this restaurant for 20 years. Every time I wonder if it is worth going back. The prices are insane for what you get and I do not think they spend a lot of effort cleaning. One patron sitting next to us was allowed to bring in her dog (on its own chair). That said their Mole sauce is excellent and they always have a few dishes that are perfect - so - excellent on food but...
(3)Alli A.
This has become my favorite breakfast spot in Santa Fe. Great cup of coffee! Great atmosphere and love the community table.
(5)Laura K.
Excellent tacos barbacoas!
(4)Amy R.
It's been 7 years since my last visit to Santa Fe and to Cafe Pasqual's and I wondered if it would still live up to the amazing meals in my memory. The answer is a big yes. We visited earlier tonight. I forgot to make a reservation until one day earlier so the only dinner options were 5:30 or 8:30. Early bird special, it is! Nina was our server and we were in excellent and kind hands. We ordered the pupusa to start and it looked small but was extraordinary. Every component worked and was delicious. We shared the scallop entree and it came with only two scallops but the portion turned out to be satisfying. It was served with what seems like a simple saffron rice, naked sugar snap peas and crispy leeks (these were very yummy). We debated ordering more food but opted to go right to dessert. Nina gave us recommendations and we were torn. There's a dessert sampler..,pastry chef's choice. Lucky us...it included generous servings of the three most suggested items! (We ordered the small.) Wow! My husband is not a chocolate lover in the slightest but he fell hard for the chocolate budino. I was surprised by the tres leches cake that was, by far, the best version of this I've ever had. The peach blueberry pie had a whipped cream with vanilla bean specks that was so good. On the 4 or 5 trips I've made up Santa Fe in my life, I have visited Cafe Pasqual's once or twice on each trip and have never had anything but raves across the board.
(5)Pe A.
Very unique restaurant. We were referred here. Very tiny. Bathroom hallway is very claustrophobic lol. The drink menu was extensive but was really made up of non-mainstream stuff. Tried 3 of their beverages and ended up asking for coke and they didn't offer it so I just got water. The drink situation really was frustrating but the food was totally amazing. We had the enchilada lady blue and the carne asada. Both so delicious. However, near the end of my meal I found a gray hair...then another gray hair. Both short. Don't think we will return. But the staff was nice.
(3)Matt H.
Had breakfast at this small joint - lucky to get the last table before the line started forming since they don't take recommendations for anything but dinner. I had the chorizo burrito and my wife had huevos rancheros with tofu instead of eggs. Overall, the food was tasty. I would have preferred no potatoes but next time. The service was very attentive, friendly and inviting. Would definitely go back for another meal.
(4)M B.
So everyone says this place is great. I have been twice...the menu is quirky, and inventive but you will be amazed. Try something new! The food is awesome, the atmosphere is busy, eclectic and welcoming. If you are not sure try it...this place doesn't disappoint.
(5)Roy H.
Lively atmosphere, great food, friendly service. We'd go back in a minute when visiting Santa Fe!
(4)Ellen G.
Really good. I had the green chili BLT. It was outstanding and the kale salad was soooooooo delicious as a side. Hubs had the blue lady enchiladas. Those were really good but the BLT was the showstopper.
(5)Jocelyn B.
While driving across the country, delicious meals are my top priority, rivaling a clean bed and avoiding car trouble. So we take restaurant choice really seriously. This was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had in my life, and that's really saying something. Deep, complex, rich spiced flavors without too much heat in the Chile rellenos, perfectly complemented by poached eggs. I would have bought a vat of the salsa if they sold it. Dark, roasty coffee. The corn bread is completely different from what we expected, but wow so delicious and crumbly and toasty and yum. Adorably decorated, with what I've gathered is quintessential Santa Fe kitsch-decor, including a (claustrophobic) but truly gorgeous bathroom. We went around 11ish and were seated right away, but it would have been worth the wait if we'd arrived at a busier time. Perhaps the was our server, Arturo, who shamelessly and sweetly hit on my wife. I'd say he didn't bat an eyelash when we explained that we're married to each other, but he did bat his eyelashes in the most charming of ways. He gave us great recommendations for how to spend our sole day in Santa Fe, and his dessert suggestions were outstanding: a chocolate walnut brownie masquerading as a cookie, and this little creamy chimney custard situation whose proper name I can't recall. Wowee wow wow this was a spectacular meal. Highly recommend!
(5)Tony Y.
very friendly service. the $5 coffee, being organic at all, was actually pretty worth it. Definitely one of the better breakfast i've had overall. but then mexican food is great all meals a day. it was really cool to have the owner come by and check on us. very healthy menu, and great place to get out of the cold.
(5)Elizabeth H.
Super-tasty pancakes, delicious grilled polenta with red chile, but not-so-great breakfast quesadilla. To be fair, that quesadilla was probably a dumb thing to order in the first place. I really wanted to try the BLT, but they wouldn't serve it to me before 11a, so our sweet waitress said she would put the chili bacon in a quesadilla. The chili bacon was the only good thing about it. Aside from the food, this place is way over-priced and the decor is unappetizing.
(3)Amber A.
Super cool, eclectic restaurant in Sante Fe. Food was awesome, service was great. Left full and happy.....and with a cookbook and the best chocolate bar I have ever had. I was with coworkers and we got salads, split the Mole Enchilada and Fish dishes. De-licious!!
(4)Tess B.
Delicious, I had the lamb and it was so incredibly flavorful. Plus the atmosphere there is so great. Adorable corner of Santa Fe.
(5)Dawn W.
This place is so amazing that we went twice in two days. Enough said. Just go, trust me.
(5)Xavier R.
This restaurant is in the middle of the plaza area and was a great find. The decorations are very Mexican inspired and the food was very good. I tried the quinoa burger with a side salad- very tasty. The place is busy but the staff are attentive and polite.
(4)Taffany H.
Cafe Pasquale came highly recommended to us by two locals who were total strangers to us. First was a guy we sat next to on the plane while traveling to NM, the second was the Bandelier NPS volunteer. When we finally made our way to Pasquale Cafe, parking could be a bit challenging but not a formidable task. Getting a seat during a rush Sunday Brunch/Lunch hours, however, required a bit of patience. After putting our name down on the wait-list, the really friendly host called us in after the 30 minutes wait and we were seated in a very bustling cafe with tables occupied by locals and tourists alike. The sights and smells of great food and good looking green chile made us indecisive for what the one thing we could order since this would be the one and only meal we'd have in Santa Fe. We deferred the judgement to our friendly waiter who promptly suggested the Blue Lady Enchiladas and the Polenta bowl. OMG, this was the best enchiladas I've ever had in my life!!! I had mine with carne asada that was sandwiched in between two corn tortillas, and blanketed with red sauce,gooey cheese, and green chile. The carne asada was juicy, tender and perfectly seasoned. I just couldn't believe that I've finally found the best enchiladas worth a 3 hour plane ride and an hour drive just for a taste. And yes, the polenta with red chile chorizo, sweet corn and two over easy eggs was just as good, the red chile sauce was savory with a little kick of spice to keep you awake. The service was super friendly, New Mexico Nice--which is quite on par with Minnesota Nice. Definitely worth a trip and the wait. Can't wait to come back again soon!
(5)Sherry C.
Very tiny restaurant. Food was great and costy, the green juice tastes pretty good. The service was poor.
(4)Sandy F.
30 min wait for good food but very over priced for breakfast. Service was fair to poor.
(3)Keith B.
That Hurt Pasqual's has been around for many years and is quite popular. It is definitely best to make reservations for dinner. Ours was for 8:30pm and we still had to wait a while for a table. For a casual, fun place, the prices are very high. Across the board the food was good, but not great, especially for what was charged. The best item was the Carne Asada appetizer. Oh yeah, also the chocolate meringue cookie that came with our dessert. Service was a mish-mash. It was hard to know who our waiter was since we were visited by several different servers. Because of that we were double-charged for one item and since they hand-write their bills, it was hard to see. I would not go back for dinner. $155 was way too much for what the two of us got. I might try breakfast or lunch, but I wouldn't wait if there was a line. I just don't get the popularity of this place. It is a drive, but go instead to "Jambo's" which has more flavor for less than half the price.
(3)Deane L.
For our final night in Santa Fe, we decided to return to Cafe Pasqual's for the first time in about 8 years. I ordered the pan-seared Scallops and, though I have eaten them all over the world, I can attest that they were the finest I have ever eaten. My wife had a wonderful salmon dish, and the couple with us also loved their meals. We enjoyed a nice Sauvignon Blanc and finished the evening with some wonderful flan and French press coffee with wonderful service and a nice atmosphere. All together a night to remember. Deane L
(5)GT W.
Type. . . . . . . . . . ..Upscale Mexican/Southwest Location. . . . . . . ..Downtown Santa Fe Prices. . . . . . . . . ..High Beer Selection. . ...Good Wine List, Beer Unknown Food Level. . . . ....Very High Staff. . . . . . . . . . ..Attentive, Professional Noise Level. . . . ...Lively, Medium Décor. . . . . . . . . ..Homely, Local Artsy, Mobiles hanging from ceiling, Spanish Tile Good for Kids. . ...Maybe Parking. . . . . . . ...None, Public Pay Lot Cash Only. . . . . ..No Recommended. ..Yes Comments: We had to put our name on the list to get a table, wait was about 45 minutes. Oustanding, eclectic menu that combines South American and Mexican with Southwest US flair. Incredible mole sauce really stole the show for the enchiladas. Everyone else in my group loved their dishes. Cocktails were also quite good. In short, would return in a heartbeat and was one of the highlights of my road trip.
(5)Jennifer R.
We love this place, and it's a must when we are staying in Santa Fe. This visit, we even went twice. The decor is cool and colorful, and if you can catch it at a time when there isn't a wait, the experience is much better (go early or past the morning rush - it gets busy and is in demand). We had the Durango omelet and the special chile and brown sugar bacon. YUM. Really without compare. The espresso milkshake is also highly recommended. Our service was also good, with the exception of one forgotten juice. The only negative here is the price - you're going to buy a $17 omelet or a $5 small juice or an $11 milkshake - it's very expensive. But the food is delicious and it's an authentic Santa Fe experience. I also highly recommend the wedding cookies as a snack for later!
(5)Kathy M.
This felt a lot like a local spot that all the tourists go to. We were lucky and did not have to wait for a table, but if we would have had to wait, there was definitely a lot to look at! There were various items hanging everywhere. Hubby said the coffee was really, really good. I ordered a breakfast burrito and thought it was good, but the green chili sauce was not all that hot, just had a mild green chili flavor. Hubby ordered the HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS and thought it had a unique taste and was very good. We thought it was a little overpriced, but what you tend to pay when on vacation.
(4)Julie S.
I liked Cafe Pasqual's so much that I visited twice during my stay in Santa Fe. You could tell they use very fresh ingredients, and aren't afraid to kick up the spice! I love that. There are tons of items on the menu, which is why I had to come back to try another dish. The first time I was there, I had the chicken mole enchiladas. I don't usually like mole sauce because I find savory chocolate dishes a bit strange and outside my comfort level. But at Pasquals, the mole is so amazingly delicious that I gobbled up the entire dish without a drop of leftovers. I highly recommend this dish. The second time I was there, I tried their cheese enchiladas with "Christmas style" sauce (half red/half green sauce). It was delicious as well, but I managed not to gorge myself that time. The bf tried their chorizo breakfast burrito. Also very yummy. If you're in town, Cafe Pasqual's is definitely worth a visit.
(5)Erin H.
Great food with great flavor. Had breakfast there & you can't go wrong. We will be back!!
(4)Sophia O.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon during Indian Market, so I was prepared for a crowded, less than enjoyable experience. Yes, the place was crowded, yes, the wait was long, but the food was amazing. We waited about 50 minutes for a table and were finally squished in next to two couples who wouldn't stop gabbing about Los Angeles real estate. I had the quinoa burger on a brioche bun, which was topped with guacamole, fried shallots, tomato chutney, and sprouts. It was one of the best vegetarian burgers I've had in Santa Fe, and I really appreciated how they actually put thought into the toppings (something you don't see everywhere with veggie burgers). The potatoes were good, but came out cold. I know this place is famous for its Mexican food - my mom and brother got the mole enchiladas and blue lady enchiladas respectively, and said both were delicious. The food came quickly, and our waiter was funny and attentive even though the place was packed. The only downside was that you're seated so close to other tables that it's difficult to have your own conversation. It's also a busy atmosphere, so even though we weren't hurried out of there by the staff, it was difficult to not feel rushed. If you can get in here on a weekday afternoon, I definitely recommend visiting.
(4)Jen H.
My husband and I just finished having dinner here. I ordered the carne asada and hubby ordered the opened faced steak sandwich. My steak was pretty tasteless. It was served with cilantro rice, guacamole and grilled veggies. I didn't taste a hint of cilantro in the rice. It was extremely bland. The guac was just okay. The veggies weren't that great either. Husband's meal was pretty good but not worth recommending. I think this place was extremely overpriced. I sure wish we had picked a different place for dinner.
(2)Rob W.
Only had 2 days in Santa Fe and ate here for breakfast both times. Very very tasty. Wife loved the huevos barbacoa, nicely cooked meat. I really enjoyed the huevos motulenos. Had the combo green red christmas chile and both were very good. Couldn't pick one color over the other the next time either. Really liked the banana in this dish which I can sometimes take or leave. Tried the cactus salad, which was nice. Not spectacular but good. Had the plato primo with the garden enchilada which was also good, but the huevos motulenos were better.
(4)Solomon W.
Cafe Pasqual's incites all sorts of emotions of nostalgia for the Texas boy who has gone skiing once or twice. The vibe of old Santa Fe reminds you of a ski town, yet with adobe-Spanish flare; CP's menu wields classic breakfast dishes (huevos rancheros and corned beef hash) with "made in-house" aspects; and the upscale pricing on traditional dishes brings me back to the fancy breakfasts in many a Texas city. For starters, the $15 bowl of fried potatoes, smothered in salsa, though pricey triggers so many childhood memories--from the love for potatoes... that are fried...to the first taste of salsa... perhaps even the growing love for cheese and sour cream. With not a care in the world on how this type of dish would affect your health long-term. On the other end, the brisket and eggs, though pricier, certainly gives you more bang for your buck--didn't momma always say to have meat with your breakfast to keep your tummy full? Slow-cooked beef... runny eggs... can't lose. This classic eatery set on the well-traveled Don Gaspar (totally made that last part up) provides quality food with a very New-Mexican feel.
(4)Unica V.
After having Pasqual's on our "still need to try" restaurant list for some time, we finally dined there last night. The food: My husband had the Lamb Chops which were cooked very well. The pomegranate sauce added a very unique and good taste. The potatoes and tomato/cucumber salad that accompanied the dish were spiced up in a way I've never had before. Very good! I had the Cochinita pork which came shredded and wrapped in a banana leaf. The pork was very tender, but a bit sweet for my liking. However, when you took a bite of the fried plantains with the pork, they complimented eachother nicely. Overall a very tasty dish. The service: Very attentive and friendly staff. The waitress was there when we needed her and not overbearing. The price: Ouch! Compared to most restaurants in Santa Fe, the food is overpriced. For our two dishes the bill was $80 which didn't include drinks. That's a bit much. We did enjoy our dinner and can now check it off our lost.
(4)Kate M.
Nice little place in city plaza. Got breakfast here and ordered the huevos barbacoa. Nice hearty ingredients with the right amount of spice and flavor. Service here was really quick and friendly! The decor was probably my favorite part of the restaurant. Lots of charming eclectic Santa Fe architecture and decorations. The place felt slightly touristy, but that's expected in this part of town. The dishes were a bit pricey, and the latte my friend got was $5.50 (more expensive than Starbucks!).
(4)Jennifer L.
Us weary campers stumbled in here after The Shed had a 45 minute wait. This came up on my yelp app, but I had no idea it was kind of fancy and expensive. The space is very tiny and filled with wealthy Santa Fe elite covered in turquoise and pashmina shawls. We probably would have walked out and left, but the hostess was so cordial and nice we decided to stay. The menu was refreshingly not exclusively NM cuisine. Since plates are around $18 we decided to share everything. We split the pupusa appetizer and the bison burger. Both were stunningly delicious. Then we had the fig cookie with carmel salt ice cream that was divine. The cookie was surprisingly delicious and fresh. There really aren't any affordable/cheap options in the downtown area so either drive out of downtown or buck up and treat yo self!
(4)David L.
Excellent experience today. Our check was generously adjusted after we explained the error from our previous visit. Bill did an outstanding job, my Durango omlette was prepared perfectly, and our meal was priced appropriately. Kudos for a genuine interest in customer satisfaction.
(5)C. H.
I thought it was great. Had the smoked trout hash and my husband had the red chili barlacoa. Man that hash was to die for! I'd like to try the whole menu. Had mexican hot chocolate which was also very good. Well worth it.
(5)Monika W.
I was recently in Santa Fe for a spa conference and one of my scheduled activities was a group dinner at Cafe Pasqual's. I was very excited to see so many locally grown items on the menu! Chard? Really? Awesome! I opted for the special, Moroccan chicken tajine with preserved lemons and artichokes and was not disappointed. My entire group was equally pleased with their choices...cannot say the same for our colleagues sent to other restaurants. And to satisfy a group of professional spa operators who are accustomed to eating and drinking the finest the world has to offer, is saying an awful lot! So grateful to the event planner who steered me toward Pasqual's, otherwise I would have missed it. I am Yelping to keep other travelers from that horrible possibility! Space is tight and we made it work...but if you are interested in going with a large group be sure to call in advance to work out the details.
(5)Anne M.
It's nice to know that some things never change. We had brunch at Pasqual's this morning. The one hour wait was so worth it! The food was simply fabulous. Enough said.
(5)John M.
My last visit consisted of pancakes, 2 eggs and turkey bacon. i love places that serve pure maple syrup. No wait this time! The menu is great and so is the staff.
(4)Nancy D.
Yes, the reviews are all over the place. As a critical diner, I have to say: go try it. We arrived at lunch to a completely full dining room. The host (not a particularly friendly chap) said we could wait for "a while" or sit at the community dining table. Well, color me happy! While I don't consider myself particularly fond of chatting with strangers, community tables are always a can't-miss for me. Where else can you get free reviews and opinions of others experiencing the city (well, except for Yelp)? If you get stuck with a particularly annoying individual, keep in mind it is only for a meal. Our table included a couple from Santa Fe, a couple from our home town, a solo traveler and some other people we didn't really talk to. Our fellow diners steered us to other great dining and local attractions. Enough about that. I had the carne asada. It was a solid dish served with every tasty beans and accompanying pepperss but had the disappointment of pre-made tortillas (why don't restaurants in Santa Fe make fresh tortillas?!). Hubby had the BLT and thank goodness he is generous with his food! This "sandwich" is served on cornbread, so get ready to pull out your forks halfway through. But tasty? Absolutely. Everyone at our table was pleased with their food, ranging from satisfied to thrilled. There was even a little sharing going on, food and recommendations alike. If you are walking around the plaza, tired and dazed and looking for a good meal, open the screen door and let it slam.
(4)Lindsay D.
This was pitched as the best restaurant in Santa Fe and it had great food. I was traveling alone and appreciated the "communal table" option, which resulted in sharing dinner with folks from across the country. A small place with a great vibe, you'll need to make reservations. I had the Plato Supremo which was lovely, the chile was the best. Expensive, but good food.
(4)Jonathan B.
You have to go to Pasqual's. Go there for breakfast. Go there for lunch. You won't find higher quality and better flavors anywhere. It's really good. This time, I was amazed at how good there hamburger is. Seriously. I never thought Cafe Pasqual's was a place to get a burger, but it was amazing. I would not recommend taking young kids. It's a tight place and, quite frankly, the staff didn't seem to appreciate their presence.
(5)Morgan P.
I love the polenta smothered in a delicious red chile sauce, with a poached egg on top! My husband's corned beef & hash was very good. We also got one of their pancakes on the side - perfect! The ambiance is great - colorful decorations, and fun vibe. The downside: so packed, takes a while to get in AND it is very pricey. Staff is hurried, but nice.
(4)Lauren C.
[They are not off to a good impression. We were on time for our 7:30 reservation...it's 7:42. There's an empty table. It's been empty since we got here. No one is talking to us...7:47, my friend just asked the hostess when we'd be seated for our 7:30 reservation...hostess was annoyed and said we'd be seated when they were ready. There's only one empty table, already set...] The portion in brackets (above) was me typing as we stood, waiting for our table. I waited to type the rest of this review until after we'd eaten and I wasn't so annoyed in the moment about the horrible service. REST OF REVIEW The hostess eventually came over and said another group had asked to be seated at our table, and they were going to bump us from our reservation, but since the other group was a half hour late, she would seat us. She acted like honoring our reservation was doing us a grand favor. She then seated us at the only empty table. It had been set and empty this whole time. No apology. I was really hoping some good food would make up for it. The food is underwhelming. For the prices quoted, I assumed it would be much better. I live in SF and these prices aren't surprising in and of themselves...but I'd never pay this much for the quality (or lack thereof) here. It was very underwhelming. It sounds great on the menu, but the execution is lacking. Sad to say that I don't recommend this place due to the rude service and mediocre food. I'm so, so close to giving them a single star because of their poor service, but will give them the benefit of the doubt that the hostess was having an off night or has been replaced with someone who was appropriately trained.
(2)Maisha R.
To me, this place had kind of a hippie vibe going on with very eccentric green and yellow paint, ceiling hangings, and a very relaxed atmosphere. It looked different than what I'd anticipated but I was really looking forward to trying the food. We started with the brie, green and red salsa, and roasted garlic appetizer that we spread on small pieces of baguette. The combination sounded a little odd but it worked well. For my entree, I ordered the plato supremo - chile relleno, mole chicken enchilada, and taco with beef - so that I could try a few different items on their menu. I've never been a fan of chile relleno, but this one, in an "omelet style" was more about the cheese than the chile, which was right up my alley. The chicken in the enchilada and the 12-hour braised beef in the taco were so flavorful that I ended up eating the meat out of the tortillas, as they were a little overcooked and hard. I asked for all of the sauces on the side, which was nice so I could experiment with different flavor combinations. Others enjoyed the tamales, carne asada skewers, and cochinita pibil- yucan style. For dessert, we enjoyed a couple of slices of strawberry rhubarb pie and chocolate mousse. The portions were generous, service was adequate, and the food was solid. It wasn't the best place we tried in Santa Fe but we enjoyed our evening.
(4)Sam E.
Our first meal in Santa Fe and I must say - it was a great one! Friendly staff, fast service and great food! They were able to accommodate for gluten free and even warned us of items that have gluten in them. The space is quaint and cute and perfect after a stroll through the city and feels like someone's home. Very cozy! Mole enchiladas were excellent and taste light and not heavy at all. Carne asada was excellent with a side of grilled vegetables, corn tortillas and black beans. Def recommend!
(5)Nick C.
Quality, expensive ($25-40 entrees) food in a casual setting with great service. I probably wouldn't go back, since I can have an almost as good experience at a fraction of the price elsewhere (or cook most of the dishes at home, there's nothing exotic here), but if you're not price sensitive sure, why not, grab a bite there.
(4)Rich C.
We love Cafe Pasqualles! They have great food, friendly and attentive waiters, and a quirky atmosphere that's, well, very Santa Fe! We always have the toasted Brie appetizer and a glass or two of the house wine, which has always been very good, but our entrees vary from them to time depending upon what's on the menu. The last trip I had salmon with a yellow coconut curry sauce which was outstanding. I was a little weary to order it; curry can be delicious or it can be overpowering. In this case, the coconut curry was subtle and delicious. I just love the atmosphere, I wish Pasqualles was here in Albuquerque, but it's definitely worth the drive."!
(5)Wendy B.
We finally got into to eat here since there is usually a long wait. I loved my dish with the chili Relleno and a chicken enchilada. Next time I will try their tamales. Very good but very expensive!!!
(4)Matt D.
I'm so glad we got to come eat here while in town. Everything from the wine selection to the quality of food was dialed in. The portion size was good and great for sharing with a significant other. There's a reason this place has been around for as long as it has and won so many awards.
(5)Dominic S.
Excellent food, excellent wine, a little on the pricey side. We went for dinner and had a great experience. Lots of people we talked to recommended breakfast but we did not make it there as we looked for places where we could take our dog. This was not one of them. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Santa Fe. I'd recommend a reservation for dinner as the place is quite small and there really is no waiting area to speak of.
(4)Cynthia C.
Fantastic meal in Santa Fe! Make sure to make reservations. The menu, while not extensive, appears to have something for everyone. Waitstaff was very nice and helpful. Can't wait to go again when next in Santa Fe!
(5)Ron D.
Famous restaurant with a large menu. However, found the food to be average pedestrian with flavors other than its obsession with capstan in almost everything. I love spicy food but unintentionally ingested a very hot habanero pepper from the pork dish that was so burning I could not eat anything further. For someone other than like me who can tolerate spicy food, it would be dangerous to their health. It took my breath away for 15 mins. No warning about the actual habanero peppers being in the dish. Did not enjoy the meal and will not likely go back and we are locals. So many other good restaurants in town rather than this overpriced landmark for tourists.
(2)Keith R.
This place never disappoints. Food is always fresh, hot, delicious and served promptly. There is usually a wait but it is always well worth it!
(5)laird h.
This place was recommended to us by a friend, and we ended up going for both dinner and breakfast. Indeed, the food was fantastic, as advertised. And we liked the low-key ambiance. But for what we got, it did seem a bit overpriced. Given the waiting lists, obviously their prices are what the market can bear (I guess given the location near the plaza and the lack of competition from similar restaurants locally), but for us Californians used to this type of cuisine, the prices were about 50% more than what we're used to paying.
(4)D. W.
Went here for breakfast with a friend while we were in town and I must say that the Huevos Motulenos was delicious! The food here is a healthier version of New Mexican cuisine with really fresh flavor. I have only been for breakfast but assume that dinner is quite good as well. This restaurant is also located in a fun part of town but prepare for a lengthy wait. Cheers!
(4)Lee W.
Had one of our first meals in Santa Fe at Cafe Pasqual's. Met a nice couple who was also visiting from California and decided to share a table and their company. Probably the highlight of the evening. The menu is interesting, typical Santa Fe with a Mediterranean flair. The food was very good. The Zinfandel was excellent, served perfectly. The dessert were over-the-top decadent. We would definitely go there again. It is a small room and a tight squeeze. We were lucky to be in Santa Fe when it wasn't a busy time of year otherwise it is difficult to get in there. Enjoy!
(4)Mike E.
Sometimes the stars align and things go better than you could've hoped, such was the case when me and my GF stopped by Cafe Pasqual's for brunch a few weeks ago. We got a late start on the day so by the time we were hungry it was almost 2, which is when many places downtown close for a few hours. We arrived at the door to see a very large group of people obviously waiting for a table. Figuring we had nothing to lose we went in to see how long of a wait it was. The host said he'd seat us right away if we didn't mind sharing a table with a couple of other folks. We said hell yeah, we'll take it! After getting a couple of glasses of wine to toast the awesome road trip we were winding down we looked for something to grab us on the menu. I was in the mood for some New Mexican cuisine of the lunch variety so I went for the Blue Lady Enchiladas with chicken covered with green chile. It also came with black beans and cilantro rice, and was all really good. Afterwards I felt like I'd "done" the Santa Fe type of food thing, so I checked it off the list. My girlfriend went with the Griddled Polenta with Chorizo, Corn, and Red Chile. It came with a couple of eggs in it and was also very good. The service was good, and everyone was very nice. I'm not sure about the dinner service but I can recommend Cafe Pascal's to anyone looking for breakfast or lunch. Just remember they have a public table and don't be afraid of sitting next to a stranger, they ALMOST never bite!
(4)Ted R.
Always fabulous service. Always a visual delight. Enjoy the posters and the prayer flags. Great wine list too. Incredible food at these prices, 5 stars, please! And the building is an historic treasure. There's no end to the reasons why this is one of my favorite restaurants in the US of A. The enchiladas are really that amazing. The espresso milkshake too. Do lunch at Cafe Pasqual's, it's a little easier to get in without reservation stress if you go in the afternoon. They serve breakfast late...you know, at least once, you've been on that vacation where you don't get rolling till around 2 and you want some brek-brek. Not sure how you could beat this option. I'm counting the days until my next visit to Santa Fe...and Pasqual's!
(5)Colette R.
Pretty good - should have had the corn cake plate!!! Sampled one with breakfast and it was amazing! Coffee is not good... Get an espresso drink instead.
(3)Erika A.
From the friendly, personalized service to the chorizo burrito smothered with green and red chile, this place certainly did not disappoint! Try the chorizo breakfast burrito with red AND green chile, and definitely don't miss the small treasure trove of a dessert case with French pastries that rival those I've had in many other cities. A must try is the canelle- a tiny little bundt cake cooked in a beeswax coated copper tin. It's divine. Pasquale's is a cozy unique respite from the overly stiff and expensive hotel restaurants and chains nearby. Must visit!
(4)Eric K.
We had read such good things about Cafe Pasqual from travel magazines, Rachael Ray books, etc. that we wanted to give it a try during our Santa Fe vacation. So, we visited Cafe Pasqual's on a chilly November Friday morning. I gave our name to the man at the door and he asked if we wanted a private or shared table. Hmmm. Well, private is always nice since we're not in high school anymore, but since there was a wait, we offered to take the first available. There was a 20-minute wait on a weekday morning during Santa Fe's non-peak season, and no indoor seating/waiting area. Everyone stood on the street corner like vagabonds waiting for a table. We wondered how crowded it got during the warmer peak season and on weekends. We browsed the menu while we waited in the cold. The breakfast options looked limited compared to other restaurants around town and nothing really stood out as "special" or "exceptional." The only difference was that all the options were twice the price. We really couldn't understand how they might prepare the same egg dish better than other places. A breakfast burrito for $14.95 when others offered them for as low as $5.95? We crossed our name off the list and went next door to the Atomic Grill where there was no wait, delicious food, and the breakfast didn't empty our wallets.
(3)Dean G.
Although it may not appear to be a fancy-pants restaurant, Pasqual's is actually quite a nice place for dinner (calling it a "cafe" might be a tad misleading). My wife and I went here after several recommendations, and we were not disappointed. First of all, I love the idea of the community table. We did not have reservations (having stumbled upon it one evening without meaning to), and the place was pretty full on that particular Wednesday evening. But they did have space at the community table, where you can sit without reservation and probably eat next to someone you don't know. If strangers scare you, then this is probably not for you. But if you're okay with eating near people you don't know, then go for it! It's a terrific idea. The decor inside is hectic and casual, which, again, makes the prices for the food seem a little odd. The hanging peppers, flags, and murals all add to the homey feel. I liked it: there's no reason you can't pair good food and funky decorations. But really, the food was excellent. We ordered: Baked brie Lamb Burger Plato Supremo You need to order the Brie. For $17? Yes, order it and never look back. It's so, so good. The cheese is warm and gooey, and the head of garlic is perfect with it. The chilis are the perfect amount of spicy. Will your breath stink? Oh yes. Will it be worth it? Oh yes indeed. The Plato was wonderful as well, especially the Tamale. It was thick and had a corn bread consistency. Excellent! The whole plate was beautiful and colorful. But most of all, everything tasted great. The mole sauce was also exceptional: very chocolatey and spicy. We loved it. And oh my goodness, the lamb burger was heavenly. English muffins for the bun are excellent for soaking up the juice. The yogurt sauce is creamy and tangy, and the meat is rich. I loved it so much. We did not have room for desert, but I wish we had! Someday we will return and try the desert. Do yourself a favor and go to Pasqual's when in Santa Fe. Be ready to shell out a few bucks for it, but you will not go away disappointed. (There is also a cookbook from the restaurant that we bought, which has some great photos and excellent recipes we can't wait to try at home.)
(5)Michael O.
Ehhh... I have mixed feelings on this place... This is a restaurant that just doesn't know what it wants to grow up to be. The restaurant had a nice homey feel to it which was surprising given how crowded it is but I would have hated sitting in the middle of the packed house. When we sat down we were greeted by our server reasonably quickly. To say the menu was pretentious would be an understatement. The exclusion of almost anything not deemed "organic" or trendy was a real turn off. The menu is also too pricey for the setting, the food quality, and the ingredients. The have no liquor, which (in my opinion) is ridiculous at a restaurant that charges $30-$40 for most of the entree's. The list of beers was pretty limited and I don't think that wine complemented the menu items well, you may have a different opinion. After scanning the menu almost everyone at the table was concerned they wouldn't find anything they wanted to eat. Only one person out of the five of us ordered from the entree list because it was just so unappetizing sounding. The server couldn't help either - she clearly had no idea what the flavor profiles of the dishes were and hadn't tried some of them. She also was clueless about the flavor profiles of the beer. Four of us ordered appetizers for dinner - not because of the price (heck - even the appetizer were close to $20 each) but because it was the only thing we felt like eating. One of us ordered the pumpkin soup / stew from the entree list. All the food was good (not phenomenal, but good) - the person that ordered the pumpkin dish thought it was great. When I go to a restaurant I expect two things at a minimum - good (not great) food and good (not great) service. When I get both of those things I'll happily give a clean restaurant 3 stars - "Great" earns an extra star in each associated category. I got good food and good service in a clean restaurant, which would normally result in three stars but I have to take away a star for one simple reason - the price. The way the restaurant prices its food takes what should have been "Good" and made me compare it to finer dining establishments, and that's where it just didn't stack up. The food (simple Mexican fare) was "good" at $10, but at nearly twice that it was just not a good value, as important, the service was no where near as polished as it should have been given the pricing. Oh, and in case you're wondering - I judge each restaurant on the merit of its category - equal stars does not mean a burger joint is as good as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Maybe I'll visit again after it grows up.
(2)Cathy R.
Omg. Every visit to Santa Fe includes a stop here. Crowded, noisy, fun. Food is so original. Never an empty seat and I know why.
(5)D P.
Still as good as before! I love this place. Mole enchiladas, classy wine list, attentive service, and amazing mexican wedding cookies.
(5)AVID C.
The two stars are because there are better restaurants in Santa Fe based on the food we ate today. I had the griddled polenta with chorizo in red chile with eggs. Ordered my eggs over medium, but when they arrived they were not runny and close to over hard. Daughter's chicken sandwich: chicken breast was dry, not juicy and mayo and cheese dressing was excessive. Bread was falling apart because of all the mayo so sandwich disintegrated.The kale salad was good. Hubby had potatoes and eggs which he said were okay. Crunchy home fries were good. Service was excellent and attentive. Decor is fun and interesting.
(2)Tori B.
Though I do understand this is a Santa Fe "must try" I left my breakfast dining experience wondering what the hype is all about. After waiting 45 minutes for a table, we were seated and sort of promptly greeted. The host was very friendly and made sure we got our table as soon as possible, but our waitress wasn't too friendly and didn't provide suggestions on what is "good," much I found quite odd. After an internal debate, I choose the polenta and red chili. It was fine. Didn't blow me away and made my tummy hurt pretty quickly after. My Husband had the huevos with carne asada (I think) and seemed to really like his. I tried the meat and it was flavorful and good. Perhaps we should have come for lunch because more of that appealed to me, but alas maybe next time. The prices here are crazy! Our two meals and drinks was like $50! That's just way too high- and the portions aren't that big. So, not sure what the real buzz is all about, but maybe I just got the wrong thing...
(3)Allison L.
Don't get all huffy about my 3 starts until you read the review. Thanks. So as a tourist in a somewhat of a touristy town we heard this place was the bomb! When we walked in, its very bright and friendly. However, most people wait outside for their table as it gets incredibly crowded in the front. I think the place is adorably authentic. Our waiter was decent. Nothing special, I felt like he was getting irritated with us. (Sidenote: The people we were with are from the north, so they didn't know a lot of the Mexican terms for food...) I ordered the Corn cakes with zucchini squash and red peppers. I actually thought it was really bland. The only thing on that plate that had flavor was the corn cakes and even those were a little dry. BF had the mole and thought it was ok, it was like a soup broth. A good mole needs to have a little bit of a thicker consistency, not sure if this is just how they made their mole though. He said he had better at home. The other people we were with enjoyed their meals, they said they had had nothing like it before. For dessert we shared the blueberry pie and the lemon sheet cake with raspberries (AMAZING!!!!!). The wine was delicious, yay. Overall I thought the meal was overpriced for what we received. However, it is a touristy town so they can get away with that. They also sell a cookbook, which actually looked interesting. Good meal. Not great. Had better. If I come back, it'll prolly be just for dessert or wine. Or BOTH!
(3)Jimmy G.
Skip this tourist rip off joint.
(1)Felita S.
LOVE CAFE PASQUAL'S! I'd want to eat there every day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. First came here for a family dinner - and ordered family-style, and raved over all the food! Then came here for breakfast twice in a row - and wanted to eat here daily. So cozy and delicious and a fabulous variety of awesome breakfast foods. Super fabulous lattes in a huge white bowl. I wanted to order everything on the menu! Highly recommend. Yes, very busy on weekends - so be prepared to wait in line. Worth the wait. Also bought the Cookbook!
(5)Steph C.
My fiance and I came to Cafe Pasqual's for a nice vacation dinner while we were in Santa Fe. It was our spendiest meal in town, but it was well worthwhile, with pleasant atmosphere and great food. We booked a table for two at 8:30 on a Tuesday night, and the place was essentially packed. There were a couple large parties, which filled up a good chunk of the small space. We were one of the only couples, but while I wouldn't call Pasqual's romantic, it didn't lack at all for warmth or intimacy. Service was friendly, and the pace was leisurely but never too slow. We shared a bottle of red zinfandel with our meal, and it amplified Pasqual's natural good vibes. The food was delicious, starting with a big glass of flatbread sticks, crunchy and studded with sesame seeds. We also shared the warm French brie appetizer, which was more than big enough for two. This was a giant platter of half-melted brie served with a roasted head of garlic and roasted tomato-jalapeño and tomatillo salsas, with sliced baguette to carry the bounty. The cheese was gooey and warm and it went beautifully with the salsas and the soft smushable whole cloves of garlic. The entrees ran the gamut in price and genre, and I saw no reason not to order the plato supremo, which was essentially a fancy combination plate. It came with an Anaheim chile relleno, a chicken or tofu mole enchilada, and a choice of beef barbacoa taco or tamale, all served with cilantro rice. Great for the indecisive, with a serving of Pasqual's popular mole as part of the bargain. I chose the chicken enchilada and the beef taco, and these both seemed like good choices to me. The mole enchilada was definitely the highlight of the meal, the dark mole sauce rich and savory with just the softest edge of sweetness. The enchilada underneath it was flavorful in its own right, and both the wet tortilla and tender shredded chicken made good showings. The chile relleno was also excellent, dribbling with cheese and topped with red salsa. The taco was the weak link on the dish, not bad but not memorable, and maybe a bit dry both inside and out. The cilantro rice was great - I will say, though, that I can never really hate on cilantro rice. While I tackled my giant entree, Matt B. dined on seared sea scallops, served with orange-saffron butter, creamy spinach, and fried onion strips over saffron rice. The scallops were cooked just right, tender but firm and plenty meaty. All the sides were great as well - picky Matt left a lot of the rice and spinach and onions alone, and I went to town. We were pretty full by dessert, but we powered through, ordering a peach crisp and an espresso milkshake to send us off with bellies bursting. The desserts weren't the high point of the meal, but they were tasty enough. The peach crisp was warm with a nice oaty top, with a heap of whipped cream on the side. It wasn't sweet at all, and I thought it would actually have benefited from riper peaches or a little more sugar. The espresso milkshake was gritty and thick and very good, dessert and coffee in one. The meal was expensive enough that I think it'd be hard to be a regular, even if I lived in town. I'm glad we went, though, and I'd recommend Pasqual's for a splurge. The food hit the spot, and the space was friendly. I'd consider coming again on a future trip to Santa Fe.
(4)Audra S.
Fresh, organic, delicious food in a fun, colorful and artistic atmosphere. I had the "Plato Primo" with a chili relleno, Oaxacan tamale, beans and cilantro rice. The Oaxacan tamale had black beans, corn and some amazing spices. The rest of my party enjoyed their meals too: a goat cheese omelet with pine nuts and the breakfast quesadilla. All the sauces were delicious, especially the chipotle salsa. Service was excellent and everyone was pleasant. The art on the walls is spectacular (one would expect no less in Santa Fe) and there were fresh flowers on the tables. Going to the ladies' room was an adventure, it feels like stepping back in time because the building is very old and the passageways to the restrooms are narrow.
(4)Lynn H.
Anaheim chili relleno with fire roasted tomato salsa, enchilada with chicken in a wonderful mole, beef barbacoa taco slow cooked with chili d'arbol salsa and lime. Beautiful art--the walls and the food. So glad I ate here.
(5)Rachael P.
Way too expensive for breakfast. The overcharge fees for everything being organic is absolutely ridiculous!!! $5.25 for a certified organic cup of chai tea as a reference or how about a side of (count them) 13 blueberries and a half banana sliced for $7. And the wait. Come close to an hour earlier than when you are hungry because that's how long the wait will be. And it's just not worth it for what you order. The special is blah, the corn beef hash just like jerky, and the grand pancakes simply just whole wheat bisquick. And also the blintz are filled with cottage cheese not ricotta or mascarpone. This is never disclosed. Overall. Not worth a second visit.
(2)Samay J.
We went here for breakfast about one week ago. Food: We ordered the vegetarian polenta with corn and red chile, as well as the huevos motulenos. The red chile is spicy and tasty. Both dishes were excellent. The organic coffee was excellent as well. Service: excellent as well. Service was prompt, professional and with a smile. You felt very welcome as soon as you stepped into the door. Environment: Clean and cozy. Seating is limited so come early if you don't want to wait. Overall: excellent. Good vegetarian and organic options.
(5)Todd C.
The best spot in Santa Fe for breakfast! I had HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS; she had the DURANGO OMELETTE. Both were unique and delicious. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We highly recommend!
(5)Whitney M.
No complaints here! The cafe was cute, cozy, and very friendly! I had the five grain hot cereal for breakfast. It was delicious, but I couldn't finish it all. My travel partner had the breakfast quesadillas. She was kind enough to share. It's such a simple dish, but absolutely awesome!
(5)Armando Z.
Merry Christmas !! I am giving you a present and it is this place! A menu that tracks the full range of New Mexican cuisine,. If your a ding dong that thinks us New Mexican food is burrito's and nachos go elsewhere and make my wait shorter.
(5)J E.
Good, just doesn't live up to the ridiculous hype. We came here for breakfast and dinner, and I would say I liked the dinner better. The breakfast was good, but soooooooo heavy. Eating lunch later in the day was basically a mistake because we were still full, although I will say that this was basically par for the course our whole week in Santa Fe so I shouldn't blame Pasqual's too much. We had the smoked trout hash and huevos motulenos, both were tasty. For dinner, I really liked sitting at the communal table, there were some odd birds offering us fliers for their self-realization seminar or whatever, but overall it was fun. Their menu seems to change frequently (looks different online from when we were there) so I can't say everything we had but there was definitely a very good soup (black beans or lentils maybe?) and we had the pupusa which was also good. Other things we had were certainly tasty but I can't remember them specifically, so... We had some good local beer too. I get the feeling that their focus is first and foremost on the ingredients and second on the recipes, which I definitely can appreciate because I care about where my food comes from. If you're visiting Santa Fe, you should pay them a visit, just don't over-order like we did.
(3)Daniel C.
Homemade style mexican food.. but at a price... I'd definitely go back again... mmm..
(5)Jamie W.
Made a very last minute reservation for Pasqual's and was kind of given a bit of a "I'm doing you a favor" attitude over the phone. That kind of thing usually really irks me so good thing that the food was delicious or I wouldn't be able to recommend this place. The good: excellent food, excellent wine list. Good service. We had the tacos barbacoa, tamales and the plato supremo. The tacos weren't as great as the rest of our meal but okay. The bad/ugly: I like my space. I don't like to rub elbows with my fellow diners. This place is CRAMPED. The bathroom is panic attack inducing and HOT. When people complain that this place is small and cramped, they aren't kidding. I don't think Pasqual's is overpriced for the quality and caliber of cooking and ingredients. It may not be fancy, but they're not going for a "diner" feel either, especially not at dinner service. As for overhyped... I don't know, I'd never heard of it before and tend not to get myself too hyped for any dining experience. We hit up a lot of great restaurants in Santa Fe but the food here was definitely high on my list. If it were a little more roomy, it'd be my favorite!
(4)Suzanne C.
This place is fantastic! Loved it! We went twice, once for lunch & once for late night snacks - The restaurant is casual, but cute, and the staff is VERY friendly! All VERY Yummy: TWO MOLE ENCHILADAS (Chicken) GRILLED FREE-RANGE CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH NAPO'S PUPUSA MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE ORGANIC GINGER ALE NECTARINE PIE WITH BUTTERMILK ICE CREAM I only have two negative comments: 1.)PIGS AND FIGS: Skip This! They were stingy with the bacon and figs. They only give you 1 bacon-wrapped fig with the salad for $11 (or 2 if you pay $16) There are too many other good dishes there to waste your time with this one. However, the 1 bacon-wrapped fig I tasted was good. 2.)GRILLED GREEN CHILE CHEESE BURGER: They don't have it on the dinner menu ... so we couldn't try it :( Note: Certain Dishes are not meant for sensitive stomachs, mostly the spicy ones, especially if you are not used to eating New Mexican food. Certain Friends of mine learned the hard way ... argh!
(4)Alicia K.
This is a tough review to write b/c the FOOD IS PHENOMENAL, but it's INSANELY OVERPRICED!!! Went here today for brunch with 3 other adults. Super cute place, lots of color and natural light, and very nice servers, even though they're pretty much always busy as this place is a tourist trap. We ordered the following: 1. Eggs Barbacoa w/Chile d'arbol - amazing flavor overall and the eggs on top just sealed the deal. It could have used a little more tortilla & eggs and a little less beans, but it was delicious. 2. Huevos Motulenos - this is their signature dish, and while it reads strangely on the meny, it tastes AMAZING in your mouth! Crazy mix of ingredients (bananas, eggs, peas, cheese, beans...) that really just work. Could have used a bit more cheese to be able to have some with every bite, but good none the less. 3. Huevos Rancheros - some of the best I've ever had! Amazing sauce. 4. Pasqual's Favorite - was like eating dessert for breakfast! They're pancakes are truly awesome w/a grainy texture that really works and a flavor that is fantastic! Applewood smoked bacon was cooked perfectly -- a little crispy for that nice crunch, but still full of flavor and most definitely NOT burnt. So ok, the food was great, but the dishes were $18+ each and the portions weren't huge. They looked big b/c there are normally beans taking up much of the large plate, but the two males in our group were still hungry afterward, and for $18 per person for BREAKFAST, that seemed a little unreasonable. Why not 2 stars? Because the food is amazing AND they use almost ALL ORGANIC ingredients! This is something I value and it brings a freshness you can taste to the table. Should you go here? Sure -- if money isn't an object and you're looking for a super tasty, Mexican food style breakfast, then this is the place for you! Trying to work on a budget? Try someplace else.
(3)Erik B.
Great for breakfast but a flop for dinner. Three of us ended up having three appetizers and a salad - no alcohol - a soft drink, a sparkling water and a lemonade and it came to over $80. Might have been palatable if the food was extraordinary but sadly it was only mediocre. A healthy price to be paid for the name, location, crowded space and noise. A real let down.
(1)slapaham s.
our favorite place to eat in Santa Fe. We had an amazing brunch here and had to come back the next day for lunch. Seriously jaw-droppingly good food. Fresh green chiles, smoked trout hash, a huge huge omelette, great service, great everything. not cheap, but that didn't stop us from multiple visits....
(5)Geoff And Jenni G.
Superb! Organic, tasty ingredients... Very friendly staff and interesting decor... Lots of healthy options that taste fantastic. Would not hesitate to recommend... but get there early to avoid a long wait...
(5)B B.
Another great meal at this iconic Santa Fe restaurant. Service was prompt, waitstaff cordial and attentive. Atmosphere always bustling and a bit loud, but that is the nature of this must-eat-at-restaurant-when-in-Santa-Fe. Everything we've tried so far (over several visits) has been delicious. Great location within waling distance to everything in downtown.
(5)Laura N.
We were not overly impressed with the food. Their signature dish is the mole burrito, however it was almost drowning in the sauce which, though it was good, was just too much. They served with it a corn torte. This was also on the sweet side. My husband had the Plato Supremo, which included an excellent Chile relleno, however the beef barbecoa taco was quite bland. The salad nopal was excellent. Service was good and decor beautiful.
(3)Johnny T.
Breakfast schmeakfast. Come for dinner. Towards the latter seatings of the evening. Call ahead for reservations. Make your way in. Realize that the place *is* as small as rumored. Make nice with the hostess (owner?). Get a choice table atop the small staircase (all the better to look down upon your subjects). Order a glass of white wine. Begin to realize you're in for a treat. Pasqual's is the bee's knees. Locals know it. Tourists know it. Before you start to get bent out of shape for paying $23 for enchiladas, know that a.) the ingredients are local, b.) the product is delicious and c.) it's money well spent. For me, I settled in with an extremely generous pour of white wine by a server with a big smile and patient heart. She walked me through the menu and helped me come up with courses that not only would give me a definitive CP experience, but highlight the mouth-watering qualities of Santa Fe fare. I began with the papusa. The griddled masa cake with zucchini, jack cheese and chiles was served with a smoky salsa and escabeche. Escabeche!! Wow. Who serves that? And, in the States? Every bite was joyous, a mood I conveyed to my hostess who smiled back and me and toasted to my happiness. Yep. Small restaurants do the small things that make big impacts. I made it through my appetizer to be presented with my chicken mole enchiladas. The plate was ginormous. I have a big mouth, big hands and a big appetite and I was, initially, overwhelmed by the presentation. Two Paul Bunyan-sized enchiladas were packed to the brim with shredded organic chicken and topped with a black mole that smelled of chocolate, whispered of heat and tasted of savory perfection. Meat eater that I am, though, my favorite parts of the plate were the sides. The cilantro rice was a verdant delight of grains that popped with every chew. The orange-jicama salad almost made me forget that I had a return flight to Chicago. Fragrant as it was beautiful to look at, the texture of the jicama blended naturally with the punch of the citrus. What a brilliant way to cut through the substance of a large meat dish. These were $30 enchiladas that *should* have cost $30. But, you're not done. You're on vacation, live a little. Get dessert. Odds are you're stuffed, so go light. Anything made with fruit will be a sure bet. The night I was there, my life was changed by a watermelon granita. This is shaved ice for adults. This is cool, refreshing fruit made even cooler, sweeter and more enticing by a skilled chef. The dish comes with almond cookies. Save them for later. By the time I finished, had an extended conversation with the hostess, hugged (!), and stumbled into the night, I was fully sated and completely happy. Breakfast schmeakfast. Dinner's where it's at.
(5)ruth a.
Had dinner there on friday evening with 4 friends. This was the first time for dinner there, my prior experience was breakfast which was pretty good. Dinner, not so much. We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and were seated about 15 minutes late, that was understandable, it was very busy and we were seated on a raised area at a table that could only seat 4 but they apparently felt that the person sitting at the end of the table could straddle the center table leg. The waiter took our order for drinks and advised he would be back soon to take our dinner order. 20 minutes later no drinks, no waiter, finally a nice woman came and apologized and said the waiter would be right there. We ordered the lamb burger with greens, the Moroccan lamb, scallops and the elk filet. Finally our orders came out and it was apparent that the scallops were the only dish that was hot. Everything else had been sitting in the kitchen waiting for the scallops, which were very good. Conversation was impossible because of the noise and the amount of people crammed into much to small an area. I am at a loss to understand this restaurants popularity. Will stick to breakfast only in the future.
(2)Jed B.
Great as always. Buffalo burger with maytag blue ( the best). But I going for breakfast, my favorite meal there, next trip
(4)Kari F.
Delicious food and great service. Came to Santa Fe for a long weekend from CA and ending up heading to Cafe Pasqual's twice. First visit I had the smoked trout hash with the gruyere potato cake--a great combination of flavors and still with a Southwestern flare. Second time, a basic vegetable omelette with potatoes and I was still impressed. The food is fresh and organic and has Santa Fe flavors with out the heaviness of many of the other food options in the area. And while the restaurant is described as vegetarian, there are many delicious non-vegetarian options. Cafe Pasqual's is a local favorite so try to come early for breakfast and make reservations for dinner.
(5)Marina N.
Very nice staff! Worth a 15 min wait. About 2 blocks from the plaza. The niman ranch beef with huevos was delicious. I would go again to have this dish. The huevos rancheros with your choice of sauce (I got tomatilla salsa) were good. Also got a Mexican hot chocolate and organic pomegranate juice.
(3)Jay S.
Understand that I hate everything. I am not a gourmet and I think most of the yelp reviews are silly. I was totally unprepared to find out how bitchen' this place was. We arrived an hour early and less one in our party; and were made welcome anyway (the town was pretty empty, which helped). We started by splitting a nopales salad, which was still gigantic (I noticed that almost everyrestaurantt in NM serves gigantic portionss) and delicious: kind of a re-imagined nopales salad with a really light vinagrette that was spectacular. We split the vegetarian combo and a stew of vegetables in a squash gourd., which was really awesome. We got a cookie plate to take back to our place that was indescribably great. To top it off, the wait staff was as good as any I've experienced at any restaurant, anywhere. I was really, really happy to have had the opportunity to eat at Pasqual's.
(5)Lisa P.
There are not enough words in the English language to properly describe how delectable Pasqual's Smoked Trout Hash tastes and that is saying a lot. This dish is a must have for me every time I go to Santa Fe. Even if I have to wait 2 hours in line to have the dish it is well worth the time in my opinion.
(5)Garen M.
I've never waited an hour for breakfast before, but it was worth it. The food and service was excellent.
(4)Alex M.
I don't think I can report more than anyone else. This place is awesome. I sat at the communal table where I talked with other tourists and indulged in the Hippie Dippy Green Drink and some dish with fried plantains. This place isn't cheap but it is tasty.
(4)Denise N.
Interesting place. Expensive, but I suppose it was worth it. The food was tasty, fresh and creative and the cooks were not afraid of spices! Their margaritas are made from agave wine, not tequila (no hard liqueur license), but they were still pretty tasty. Walk-ins typically get seated at a communal table in the center of the restaurant. Expect to pay around $25 to $30 an entree (and $10+ per drink).
(3)Patty K.
Pasqual's has always been a "must eat at" each year when we visit Santa Fe. We have always loved it until this year. We brought 4 other "newbies" and were all so disappointed by the food and service. Six of us were squished into a 4 top table after waiting 20 minutes for our table (we had reservations). The wait was understandable but the tight quarters were not okay. We had to get out of our chairs and move aside everytime someone around us needed to get out. The food was very so-so compared to years past. Definately not an enjoyable evening.
(2)Jennifer R.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world...not just in New Mexico! We don't live in Santa Fe anymore, but whenever we're back to visit, Pasqual's is a must (Pasqual's is probably the main reasons we come back to visit). We have had breakfast, lunch, dinner...all excellent, fresh...not pretentious, just well executed. I've lived in some very good places for food (San Francisco, New York, etc.) but if I had to name a favorite restaurant, this would be it. The downside is that they are very popular with locals and tourists alike, and it is not a big place, so make reservations if you can (the up side is that they do take reservations) but we have also had a fun time sitting at the community table as you can meet people from all over.
(5)Bill V.
Intimate little restaurant with some serous local food. I had dinner here and it was an exceptional experience. The service was polished, friendly, and professional without being intrusive. The food was creative and thoughtful without being overdone. I ordered a dish humbly-described as haddock fish tacos, and was treated with a beautiful filet of haddock, perfectly cook in a delicate chili sauce, and accompanied with a variety of crisp slaws. I love it when a restaurant under-sells and then surprises. I guess that reflects the confidence that comes with a bunch of James Beard Awards.
(5)Dennis U.
This place is worth a visit to see the work of a master of squeezing the most income out of a small space as possible. First its a high end "foody" restaurant with people waiting out in the street to get in for the interesting and tasty eats. Inside the use of space is maximized to the limits allowed by fire code, including a communal table where you never know who you will be dining with... lots more efficient use of space than a whole bunch of two tops. Finally there is the Cafe Pasqual's merchandising. Cook books, t shirts calenders.... I must have seen the cookbooks in a dozen stores outside of the restaurant. I'm surprised that there isn't a cable TV show as well. All of this around a restaurant that seats 40 people! So when they are seated what do they get? ...a fascinating selection of good food. Around the table we had Huevos Rancheros, Cheese Grits with chorizo, and Huevos Motulenos. I had the latter and it was interesting. eggs with black beans, peas, feta and a banana over a tortilla with a bit of each of the chili sauces on top. The beans were a touch too runny for my taste and the bananas could have been plantains but it was pretty good. The rancheros and the cheese grits were great as well. The menu has lots of exotic things to choose from, smoked trout hash and the five grained cereal among the many. I was a bit scared off by the "vegetarian" category of the restaurant but from what I saw it only means you can get a decent vegetarian entree. A lot of folks grouse about the prices but they obviously have not dined in a hotel recently... besides this is good and interesting food. Well worth the trip and worth many revisits.
(4)Walt S.
Your in Santa Fe so you expect a beautiful colorful happy restaurant with great food for breakfast or lunch. This is the one. If you are visiting, sit at the community table, you will meet nice folks and have great conversation. Anything on the menu is great, won't be disappointed.
(5)Robyn R.
It sounds like I should have gone here for breakfast instead of dinner. The food was ok but not worth the $$. In the end we had an expensive dinner and we didn't think it was worth it. It didn't help that the couple sitting beside us was very loud so it was hard for me and my husband to have a conversation. Cool atmosphere/decorations inside.
(2)Angela K.
The food was creative and delicious, but after waiting for so long, and paying so much, I just don't think I'd recommend this spot.
(3)Eddie C.
Easily the most over rated restaurant in Santa Fe,NM. The sides that came with the lamb chops were downright disgusting. The artichoke hearts tasted like soap water, then when I mentioned this to the waiter & manager they told me "I must not know what balsamic tastes like". The only thing worse than the sides were the service.
(2)Carol T.
I found this restaurant on Yelp when we were looking for a place to have dinner. Unfortunately, they were totally booked and the hostess wasn't terribly friendly about it...we found somewhere else to eat that night. We went back again for lunch the next day and were happy we did! It was packed again, but they have a big, communal table in the middle and we were happy to sit there. We were surrounded by nice, friendly people and a woman next to us was swooning about how delicious her sandwich was. It's their grilled free-range chicken breast on cornbread, with caramelized onions, grilled jalapenos and mayonnaise. Unbelievably delicious! I only ordered a half sandwich - it was really filling since it came with soup and salad, but now I wish I'd had a whole one! It was one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten! It came with a yummy chili-tomato soup, equally delicious! The price was right, the food was fabulous! The service was friendly and fun. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in Santa Fe! And I'm going to buy their cookbook online - I hope this recipe is in there!
(5)Wholewheatwaffle S.
Went here for lunch, food is solid! It has a healthy Mexican appeal and....they don't just pile on loads of cheap food to make the plate look full; rather, they give you enough quality food to leave you more than satisfied. I love the environment of the place as well. It is worth the wait, a line out the door when we went. Oh, for a drink I had "Amie's Green Drink" and it was super healthy and yummy! Service was friendly.
(5)Spidermonkey J.
Stopped in while visiting from San Francisco. Yes, the food was prepared well and with fresh organic ingredients but I was so turned off by the price I would never go back. Seriously? San Francisco prices in Santa Fe? Get over yourselves...It's not that good.
(3)Ted S.
Went for dinner last night. Had the cauliflower appetizer shared amongst the 3 of us. We had the Spinach Quinoa salad, sampler plate, and lamb chops as our selections Food was delicious and well prepared. Will definitely return. highly recommend reservations. Service was good, attentive wait staff and helpful on questions. Portions were nicely sized and we felt like we got value for our money
(4)Christina V.
Amazing food, from Brunch to Dinner. The wait is worth it--the local flavors and home cooking make Pasqual's the best meal in Santa Fe.
(5)Kristen D.
My friends and I were a bit hesitant to sit at the communal table but it turned out to be fine.Everyone in my group loved their food. I had the lamb burger on an english muffin. I'm not usually the biggest fan of lamb but I have to say it was probably one of the best burtgers i've had.
(4)Annie S.
We give 5 stars for the food but 3 stars for service. We went on a Saturday night right when it opened and it was already packed. We could only sit at the communal table since we did not make a reservation. There were 8 other couples at the table. We ordered the dos tacos (amazing), carna asada skewers (also amazing and enough to be an entree) and scallops with snap peas and rice. Like I said, the food is really great and so fresh. However, what I did not like was the service. There were so many different staff that we did not know who was taking care of us. What really made it horrible is that one couple's order was completely forgotten about! We were already done eating and waiting for the check when they did not even get their entree! I could not believe that happened. They did not even apologize to the couple. It also took 20 minutes from requesting the check to actually getting it. Annoying. Another annoying thing is that they charge for every little item. I asked for a small side of pico de gallo and they charged $2. I mean is that a joke?! It was a 1 oz portion. I would go back again since the food was so good but I will definitely make a reservation and sit at my own table.
(4)Anne J.
The food here is good, but it's not exceptional...and especially not for the price. $7 to add bacon to your burger!? $11 milkshakes? $30 veggie enchiladas? You're better off going somewhere else where you can get food just as good for half the price.
(2)Ingrid M.
I will go straight to the point: I think this is the best breakfast I have ever had. I take my first meal of the day extremely seriously. It is the reason why I am a morning person. I got the huevos motulenos, described in their menu as "eggs Over Easy on Corn Tortillas with Black Beans Topped with Sauteéd Bananas, Feta Cheese, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Served with Green Chile or Tomatillo Salsa." I ordered mine with the green chile salsa, the most spicy of the salsas. All of those flavors complemented each other so nicely. I particularly like the contrast of the sweet bananas against the overall savory dish. In addition to a burst of flavor, you also get a lot of different textures in each bite. You get the silky eggs over easy, the creamy cheese, the soft corn tortillas, the bite of the beans and green peas, etc... This dish changed my perspective on the definition of breakfast. It no longer has to be omelets, pancakes, or oatmeal and toast. Do not get me wrong, I still love those things, but the huevos montulenos add so much more to your morning. Starting your morning with such flavors and texture- a breakfast with attitude- can only set you up for a magnificent day. The prices were cheap, the portions were perfect (whole or half), and my server Paula was a sweetheart. Everything came together quite lovely in this cozy and colorful place in the center of old Santa Fe. If only they would open one back home in Texas. One can only wish...
(5)J D.
This place could be 5-stars but for two things. First, it is terribly overpriced. $30+ for entrees is simply too much to pay for a casual place in Santa Fe. The food was great, the menu innovative, and the ingredients all fresh, but the quality simply doesn't match the high price. Second, and on top of that, is that they made us share a table! Granted, we had a nice conversation with our table mates, but again -- for the price they are charging, I would expect private tables to be the norm. The restaurant is tightly crowded and loud, and the menu too eclectic to have a single theme (where else can you find Indian dhal, Thai tom ka gai soup, and Mexican enchiladas all on the same menu? Maybe too eclectic. Again, if we were paying in the $15-$20 range for this food, casual atmosphere, and shared table, I would happily give Cafe Pasqual 5 stars. But it is simply way overpriced.
(3)Melissa M.
My dearest Pasqual - How I love thee!!! I was introduced to Pasqual's for my first trip to Santa Fe this past weekend. We waited about half an hour to eat and I ordered the griddled polenta with red chile sauce, chorizo and eggs. It was life-changing. Yes, Pasqual's is on the expensive side and yes, you'll have to wait....but when you wait for perfection it's worth it. It was a perfect amount of food, I was stuffed halfway through but coud not bear to not eat every morsel. Only my manners saved me from licking the plate, which is exactly what I wanted to do and thought it would be wierd if I asked for my last few crumbs of polenta and sauce to be put in a doggy bag. My boyfriend ordered the Chorizo burrito with red and green chile. My four pounds gained in Santa Fe was worth every single ounce. :)
(5)Amy H.
Better have a reservation. We were turned away and told unless we had a reservation they could not take us, wouldn't even let us wait for a table. Bad customer service
(1)jessica m.
They must have a great hype man...somewhere. Cuz it's not at the front door. The aging hippy with the thin grey ponytail was super elitist when we went for breakfast. When I asked (way prior to us even being seated) about the possibility of being seated if one of our party (of 4) would be a minute, I got a huuuuge lecture about how there are other diners waiting for a seat and if they did that for everyone what a problem they would have blah blah blah. And I understand, in a really busy place, sure. But guess what- they couldn't get us menus for the first 10 minutes after we were seated! And our coffee came....but no cream. Sooo we couldn't *actually* consume that for about 10 minutes too. I even had to send my poor guy out on a hunting expedition for some because I finally got so fed up. Point: if you're going to act like this is high-level shit, I'm going to expect some high-level ass shit. And here's the other thing, the food was overprice and overrated. There, I said it. BOO. pps, if you got an award 17 years ago, that's cool and all, but like, forreal you should put some updated stuff in your window. Unless you like, don't get awards now....hmm...
(1)DJ V.
Cafe Pasqual's is my favorite go to place for lunch when I visit Santa Fe a couple of times a year. I have been 3 tmes during this visit and hope to finally try breakfast tomorrow. As mentioned by others, it is a bit of a tight squeeze but I have enjoyed sitting at the communial table and meeting some local folks. I am giving this place because of the decor, the friendliness of the servers but most importantly because all of the ingredients are good quality (and organic) and everything is really tasty. I have been doing the "1/2 time" lunch special which is 1/2 a sandwich, a cup of soup and a side of salad - kale or field greens. The BLT was to die for and the chicken breast with manchego cheese & carmalizd onions was outstanding. Yesterday, I tried the green chile chicken enchiladas which came with lots of white meat and at my request, a side of kale salad instead of the rice and beans.
(5)Susie B.
Very tasty. Can be a long wait and cramped quarters, but it's fun talking to others.
(4)Tamara M.
If you only go to one place to eat in Santa Fe GO HERE.
(5)Paul P.
Favorite place to eat in Santa Fe! I ate here five days in a row when visiting my Uncle in the Hospital and the fifth time it was still as awesome as the first.
(5)A D.
We were told that you MUST go to Cafe Pasqual's if you happen to be in Santa Fe. So we did. We did not make any reservations but, we were there before 5:30 before the doors open for dinner. There was a line outside when we got there. Because we didn't have any reservations, we were seated at a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. (Seats 10). I am not a big fan of communal table but, it was a good way of meeting new friends. We all had a good time learning new things, hearing funny stories aside from seeing what the others had ordered. I had the conchinita pibil and paired with a spanish wine. My friend had the lamb chops prepared with pomegranate sauce. Both were very delicious! For dessert, we shared a mango sorbet with meringue cookie on the side and that was divine! Service was good. But, you can feel that they are in a bit of a rush because there is a huge group coming in (with reservations) and they need the table. I could have enjoyed my tea but, that was not going to happen. Place is a tight including the small hallway to the restroom. This place is worth a try if you happen to be visiting Santa Fe. It is $$$$, though.
(4)Greg D.
I've eaten here a dozen times over the past 25 years and every time the food and the service are exceptional.
(5)Andrew N.
The foods pretty good but there's lots of great breakfast joints in Santa Fe that have better service and no hour long wait for a cramped table. If you need to eat somewhere by the Plaza this will work if you have the time to wait.
(3)Martha S.
Offering vegetarian Mexican food, Cafe Pasqual's is what I would define as "comfort food." The environment (decor and people) and the food speaks to my soul. How I would love it if Cafe Pasqual's could be my Sunday morning tradition. But I digress. Do I recommend their food? Absolutely. Admittedly, of the three times I've been we've only eaten breakfast. Nonetheless, I'm confident that all the food is delicious. Nothing I've ordered (or the service) has ever failed me. Por ejemplo: HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS -- Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sauteed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla. The only sad thing about it was that it came with one tortilla. MM'S PAPAS FRITAS A Bowl of Home Fries Sauced with Red or Green Chile (I choose green), or Tomatillo d'Arbol Salsa, with Melted Jack, Sour Cream and Scallions and a Corn Tortilla I added two sunny-side up eggs and hubbs gave me his tortilla (that's love, ladies and gentlemen). Sad part of this meal is when it's over. BOULETTE'S YOGURT Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt with Toasted Pistachios, House Sesame Brittle and a Drizzle of Honey. I first tried this pre-vegetarian and when I was eating yogurt with mountains of sugar. I want this now: so clean, simple and healthful. If you're in Santa Fe, please get up early to have some delicious comfort food. Otherwise you will wait in line but it is most certainly worth the wait. For photos, go to: wp.me/p11jOD-IL
(5)David T.
For thirty some odd years Katherine Kagel's little breakfast/lunch spot has been a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. I remember the day she opened and I think that there has been a line out the door ever since. It's a cute, bright spot. Katherine is a creative chef with a commitment to quality ingredients. Mostly organic with lots of choices for vegetarians. So far, so good, right? Well yeah, except it is crazy expensive for what it is. The food is usually, not always, very good but I'm just not sure it's worth the cost anymore. Seriously, a plain cheese omelette is $9.00 - oh, you want guac, sausage, or ham in that - add $3.25 EACH. You can easily order a $20 omelette. Just two eggs, potatoes and toast - $8.00 - that's the $2.99 breakfast special all over town. Basically, breakfast starts at $9 and goes up to $17ish. Ouch. Lunch is just as bad. $15.75 for a plate of enchiladas or a burrito. So, basically by the time you add a beverage or maybe dessert, tax and tip you're looking at $25 a head. And, I just don't think it is ALL that special. They are open for dinner now (and you can make a reservation). But prices are similarly expensive. $15ish for first courses, mid $20s to high $30s for mains. For those prices you could be dining in style not in a diner. So, adios Pasqual mi amor. It was nice while it lasted. You'll find me down the street at Tia Sophia's if you want to hook up. Quick update Summer 2012: Prices have continued to soar. Better check out their menus and prices on-line or you may be in for a real surprise. Easy to blow through $25 or more a head for breakfast plus tax and tip. Seriously they nickel and dime you to death - $3 for toast - $1 for a tortilla. Total silliness.
(3)Ed F.
Came in for a late breakfast while in town - amazing SW eggs - ordered a quesadilla - I wish I could have that every day for breakfast. Could be busy in the AM so expect a short wait.
(4)Maryam J.
This restaurant is named after St. Pascual Baylon or San Pasqual, the Patron Saint of the Kitchen. The interior is small and informal, with wooden tables and low-key verve. The food outperforms its setting. I tried the corn cake with mushrooms and chipotle cream sauce and tasted other dishes at the table - an interesting fusion of Southwestern, Central American, and other influences. When the dessert menu appeared we could only feast visually: Passion fruit crème brulée, toasted pinon ice cream with fleur de sel caramel sauce, Oaxacan mango with chili lime salsa, watermelon granita with Mexican wedding cookie.
(4)Rebecca P.
Yum yum yum yum yum! And one more yum!!! This place is it!! Cafe Pasquel's is so good I wanted to eat every meal there while I was in Santa Fe (and trust me - after trying a neighboring cafe - I should have stuck with what I know is good!). I had the huevos motuleños and WOW! The black beans were cooked to perfection (cooked like my host mom in Oaxaca makes them) with a rich and creamy flavor that complimented the delicious tomatillo chili. The sauteed bananas were a surprising but outstanding addition to the meal. The rest of my table also raved their meals. Try the mole and the kale salad if you get the chance. The decor of Cafe Pasqual's is also delightful, fun and enjoyable. I will be back and I bought their cookbook to tide me over until I venture down to Santa Fe again. YUM!
(5)t b.
Trick me once, shame on you. Trick me twice, shame on me. Pasquale's obviously has a really good marketing machine. Food was average. Prices were OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. Avoid it. I won't be back. There are plenty of places within 3 minute walk that are just as good (or better) and don't require a 2nd mortgage.
(1)Maria D.
Unconventional menu and very flavorable. The wait for a table is well worth it. We will be back.
(5)Richard M.
I will admit, I have a pretty simplistic palate. I like what I like. So, when I first got a look at the crunchy hippy vibe at Pasqual's, I was turned off. Sorry, but I'm the kind of guy that rolls his eyes at the word, "organic." If Pasqual's served humble pie, I'd be eating it. After perusing the menu and becoming more and more depressed about the situation, I ordered the quesadilla. I am not lying when I say, it was the best quesadilla I have ever had. Every ingredient was so fresh and pure that even my limited taste buds could appreciate its perfection. It tasted like it had just been plucked off the quesadilla tree. In addition to my best damn quesadilla ever, our party of four experienced their best tamale ever and best grilled chicken sandwich ever. The place is cramped, the wait is long, but the staff is so friendly I felt my hunger-induced crankiness melt away after a minute or so. Definitely worth a try, even if you're a big baby like me.
(4)Annie M.
I had the scallops wrapped in bacon, my husband had the enchilladas. Delicious! And we walked away feeling full but not oily and heavy. The decor is really fun and lively, and the staff is so friendly. Definitely somewhere we look forward to returning to on our next visit to Santa Fe.
(5)Bryan R.
While in Santa Fe for only a day, I was recommended by a friend to head to Cafe Pasqual's. I was even told to tell them "The Duke" sent me. I don't believe this had any effect on the food or the service, positive or negative (although who knows, they could owe him a lot of money or something, haha). Aaaaaanyway... Pasqual's has the best chorizo I've ever had!!!! The blue corn enchiladas were fantastic as was the mammoth cappuccino that was served in a soup bowl. With only two meals in Santa Fe, I can't imagine I could've had anything better than Pasqual's. Though a tad pricey and apparently there is usually a long wait, the food and experience are absolutely worth it! If I were a more frequent visitor, I'd petition for some cool nickname myself. The Duke was right on about the food and the experience and I can see why he still raves about this fantastic restaurant. Unfortunately for The Duke, they surely have too many regulars to remember him.
(5)Christine S.
We had a great dinner here! I strongly recommend making reservations here. It isn't a very big place and it fills up fast. Luckily we did make our reservations. Great menu and great wine list. For their wines, they had a great variety of wines and there some great bottles. We were able to order a few different types of wines for the table. For dinner we ordered a Roasted Acorn Squash filled with Portobello and Porcini Mushrooms, Oven Roasted Niman Ranch Pork Chop and a Niman Ranch Port Stew Simmered in Cote du Rhone. YUM. What makes this place super special is the atmosphere and the sunset! This is a super romantic place to go at sunset. Next time I am there I am most definetly going to go there for Brunch...The menu looked great!
(5)Victoria Y.
Absolutely adorable setting for a restaurant! Reservations are a must but even if you don't make it and you come early enough, you can put your name down and then browse the nearby shops while you wait. The staff are wonderful and you should check out their gallery just around the corner and up the elevator. While some of the food could have used an extra kick (in my mind), my friend really enjoyed her dishes. We had the pupusa, tamale, carne asada skewers, and the tacos barbacoa. The carne asada skewers were delicious, the pupusa and tamale could have used a bit more chili I think. My favorite part though, was the dessert! We had this chocolate mousse cake, very thick with olive oil and salt, absolutely delicious! Overall four stars for tasty food and a wonderful ambiance.
(4)Scotty V.
It was good, but compared to the Shed or Tia Sophia's, I would rather spend my time there. EXPENSIVE for portions. Again, it was good food, but expected better value and taste for all the hype!
(3)Random D.
Pasqual's reminded me of some very informal tiny eating place that you would normally find in either in Berkeley or Santa Cruz - except that the menu was an expensive one. I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive "vegetarian" options in Cafe Pasqual's. Reservations are definitely needed if you are headed out for dinner. The French Brie was pretty decent - and the bread that came with it was fresh. The vegetarian enchillada was ok - not great. Overall, a nice experience. I wouldn't mind going in there and trying some other vegetarian options that are out there.
(3)Lisa R.
Before heading to Santa Fe, we got lots of people's recommendations on where to eat -- Pasqual's made everyone's list, so we had to try it. We came for brunch on a Saturday and were pleasantly surprised to only wait about 10 minutes for a table. You feel instantly at ease when you walk in... it's bright and bustling and everyone there (patrons AND employees) seem to be enjoying themselves. Love it already!! : ) Since we were on vacation, we of course started with mimosas that were the perfect juice to champagne ratio. Yum! Boyfriend had the huevos motulenos (a house specialty, apparently) - eggs and beans with sauteed bananas, feta cheese, green peas and chile. Sounds odd. But tasted pretty darn good. I went with the smoked trout hash that came highly recommended by a friend, and it was delicious! Everything about this place was just lovely - the food, the drinks, the service, even the sweet ladies sitting at the table next to us! Couldn't recommend this place more... I just wished we'd had time to come by and try more stuff on the menu!
(5)Brooke L.
Delicious! Buy the pottery, amazing bakeware.
(5)William W.
Their cheese grits are worth it all by themselves. Also, excellent pancakes and breakfast quesadilla. Coffee has room for improvement though.
(5)J W.
I heart Cafe Pasqual's! We ordered the daily special salad, consisted of mangoes, beets, greens and shredded mint leaves. Amazing!!!!!! All of the ingredients were ripe, super fresh and the salad was refreshing as expected! The lightness of the dressing went perfect with the salad and I think the beets were one of the best I've tasted :) Also tried the grilled squash and red onion enchilada, yum!!!!! Loved the green chile, it's got a nice kick! You'd appreciate it :) Cilantro rice was tasty as well, we devoured the whole plate with pleasure :P I also enjoyed my Mexican hot chocolate, and if you were wondering, their fruit liquado was just smoothie :) Another cute NM restaurants with interesting interior decors! FUN!
(4)Membrane S.
My boyfriend and I were delighted to find this lovely organic restaurant in downtown Santa Fe after being turned away by the pretentious Trattoria Nastoria (see review). Although the food is WAY pricier than the atmosphere would suggest, we found the restaurant cozy, charming, and yummy. My boyfriend got the baby back ribs and I got the mole enchiladas. Both dishes were fabulous. You can never go wrong with organic food because it is so fresh; the cornbread torte that comes with the meals is fabulous. The place was nearly full on a Tuesday night, so if you're going on a weekend night, I would highly suggest reservations. Our waiter was this adorably nice man, and their hostesses are excellent and deliver great customer service. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Matt H.
I'll make this short. Pasquals could be a sucky restaurant and still make money due to its location . . . but it isn't sucky. In fact it rocks! Breakfast is always good and I've had great meals later in the day as well. Especially dinner. Minus one star for weak coffee. I need stronger stuff after a night of drinking.
(4)Abby A.
Delicious dinner. Everything we ordered was delicious -- kale salad app, entrees, assorted cookies dessert. It was intimate, classy but casual, a great all around restaurant.
(5)Tony P.
My wife and I were lucky enough to get into Pasqual's on a Friday night after someone missed their reservation. We're very happy we ate there and it was the best food we've had in a while. I do thing the place is a little pricey overall, but not totally unreasonable compared to some of the better restaurants in San Francisco. We enjoyed the apricot and mushroom appetizer they brought to us while we were waiting to order. It was an interesting mix of savory and fruity flavors, but would have been a little better with a slightly riper apricot. For appetizers we chose the Halibut Ceviche and the Heirloom Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella, Balsamic vinegar and Basil. Both were absolutely wonderful and made a nice contrasting combination. We ate the Ceviche first and then the tomatoes. For our main courses I had the Tofu Mole Enchiladas and my wife had the Lamb Chops. The enchiladas were wonderful and it was great having a mole that didn't have chicken in it. It was served with a cilantro rice that complimented the dish perfectly. My wife said her lamb chops were amazing and she really enjoyed them. For dessert we ordered the chef's sampler and had a great combination of desserts including German Chocolate Cake, Cantaloupe Sorbet, Dark Chocolate Almond Bark and two others I don't remember. It was all very enjoyable and a little too much overall. We had it with coffee that was very good as well. We ordered the cheapest red wine on their menu a Chilean Carmenere for $30 a bottle that was very good. I thought their wine list was rather overpriced, but that might be because I'm from California and the local wines are cheaper here. I would recommend this place, but it is pricey. For dinner I consider it a $$$ restaurant rather than the $$ listed in the summary when I wrote this review. The staff was friendly and I enjoyed the fact that the wait staff didn't seem to be tied to particular tables. Each person helped us as we needed things and it worked well. The ambiance was nice and the decor is somewhat eclectic.
(5)Natalie D.
Teeny tiny! They take reservations for dinner (not sure about lunch or breakfast) and I would highly recommend making them. The combo plate with the relleno, chicken mole enchilada, and barbacoa taco was delicious - the relleno was one of the best I've ever had. Yum yum yum. This place came highly recommended and I can see why. Again, try to make reservations or expect to wait.
(4)Sarah P.
Cafe Pasqual's is definitely a cute, hip, little restaurant. We dined there for lunch with six adults, four kids and one infant. It was a tight squeeze, but they were able to seat us within 10 minutes (they only have one table to accomodate a group of this size). I ordered the cheese quesadilla and it was AWESOME! They used a little oil on the outside of the tortilla so it was crunchy on the outside. My husband ordered their whole wheat pancakes and LOVED them. I stole a bite from him and was extremely impressed with their taste and texture. Because we were visiting Santa Fe we purchased the restaurants cookbook and I am VERY eager to try out some of the recipes.
(4)Gretchen J.
On my endless quest for corned beef hash made from scratch, we were led to this place by the concierge at our hotel. Boy were we in for a treat! Be prepared to wait as this is such a popular place. The line fortunately moved pretty fast on a Saturday morning. The place boast a menu resulting from organic foods. Yes, I did ordered the corned beef hash that was delectable! The eggs came perfectly poached , potatoes perfectly creamy and with whole wheat toast ( baked on premises ) that is to die for. My husband ordered the smoke trout breakfast and it also was perfectly smoked and flaky soft topped by perfect poached eggs.
(5)D V.
Had a very nice dinner for four- wonderful brie appetizer and all of us were impressed with the size and quality of our entrees. The atmosphere is fun and charming. Our waiter was great. The cost was higher than expected, though, and seems to be mis-categorized on yelp- should be 3-4 $$signs. (One entree was priced at $38!)
(4)Adam S.
Been here three times now, and have yet to be disappointed. I really enjoy the mashed potatos with mole. Very unique. The beef is always top quality here.
(4)Susan E.
came for dinner and returned for breakfast and if i didn't live on the other end of the country, i'd join the line out the door as much as possible. a winner.
(5)Tony O.
Loved it, came with quite a reputation and lived up to it. Charming.
(4)Renee O.
I always have breakfast here when I'm in Santa Fe. The corned beef hash is wonderful, and I don't even like [other] corned beef hash.
(5)Ronald H.
Got to Sante Fe late in the day. Tired and being a first time visitor, we asked a friendly woman on the street where she liked to eat. If you have read other reviews of Cafe Pasqual's you know what happened next. We entered without a reservation and were offered seating at the community table immediately. The folks that came and went on either side of us were more than friendly. To top off the great conversation, I had the best (by far) bison burger I have ever had! When I get back to Santa Fe, I will not only return, but I will make a point of not getting a reservation so I might meet more great people.
(5)Kristin K.
So overpriced. I work with organic produce and proteins and know intimately their cost and I am deeply familiar with both real estate and labor costs. That being said, the bathroom was super cute but I felt like the floor wasn't quite level and the restaurant seating was rather tight. At our table we ordered the brie appetizer ($16), the small Maytag blue, beet and romaine salad ($11), the beef taco app ($17), the beef skewers w/guacamole ($16 and really tasty), we also had the filet entree plus mushrooms ($49) and finally espresso and bread pudding ($9) for dessert. Flavors all very good and portion sizes all very, very small. I found there to be great food at great prices elsewhere...(everyone else at my table was happy)
(3)Sam A.
The food aside, a big reason why so many tourists have come to this over-hyped restaurant is because Rachel Ray did a review of the place two years ago... The review was noteable because she ordered the blandest meal on the menu, and then was visibly shocked at the power of the green chili on the broadcast... Making her pretty much a laughingstock with the locals. On the same episode, Rachel Ray became visibly inebriated at another restaurant after drinking like a quarter margarita drink... You may be able to see the hilarity on Youtube, but as a food taster, it showed that she just doesn't have the stamina to review southwestern food.
(3)Megan T.
Delicious Christmas enchiladas! Love that they support local/ organic. Mexican hot chocolate was also high quality. Only reason not a 5 star in my book is that they were a bit overpriced. Chicken enchiladas for $18 or $15 for a chorizo breakfast burrito is a bit steep. A cozy and artsy establishment
(4)Sonya D.
Had to make reservations, food was good, but not quite worth the prices
(3)Gregory E.
Definitely not worth it. The bad experience started with the host (some guy in a ponytail) being completely rude upon confirming our name on the wait list. Next, the appetizer was returned because it was not cooked. And finally we both left with upset stomachs. It is one thing to pay high prices for good food but to pay top dollar for below average food especially in these economic times is ridiculous. It used to be a decent place to eat but don't waste your time and money now.
(1)De D.
It was all tasty. One recommendation DO NOT add carne asada. Chewiest little gross meats. Huge regret.
(4)Laurie H.
The bacon sandwich and kale salad is to die for. I don't mind the wait for a table. We put our name on the list and go walk around the plaza. I love love this restaurant
(5)Jenna B.
Avoid Cafe Pasqual's! Overrated and WAY overpriced! I am definitely a "foodie" and was not impressed. The restaurant is extremely tight and cramped (just look down the bathroom hallway for a laugh). Our food arrived less than 5 minutes after we ordered it- seemed like they were just trying to turn tables and get more people in and the server hardly said 10 words to us in between rushing from table to table. 2 beers + 2 entrees + 1 coffee + 1 dessert = $100... :( We had better food and ambiance in Tucson at Cafe Poca Cosa.
(2)Greg L.
This cafe has both excellent food and service. The quality of the food (they serve both pasture-raised and grass-fed products) is simply outstanding and you can taste the difference. It's worth noting that the atmosphere is very pleasant and relaxed too.
(5)David T.
The bottom line: Rich, complicated and luxurious mole. Good service and nice atmosphere. 4.5 stars. My father has been raving about Cafe Pasquale's mole for about 10 years. Needless to say, we had a reservation even before we landed in Albuquerque. On our first visit (we ended up going twice during our week-long visit to Santa Fe) my wife and I both ordered the "Plato Supremo," a sampler of sorts. I had the meaty option and she, the veggie. The chili relleno was tasty but the tacos, tamale and meat skewer were somewhat forgettable. The star, however, was the organic chicken mole enchilada. It was phenomenal, perfectly balanced spice and richness. The second time around, my wife and I split the halibut ceviche cocktail as a starter. The citrus and jalapeño spice were extremely well balanced and the fish was (slightly) chewy-textured and delicious. We then split the organic chicken mole enchiladas for dinner, spectacular again. The service was knowledgeable, friendly and relatively fast. The restaurant was small but well decorated (with much recycle-art). I look forward to my next visit and helping of mole.
(4)Ella L.
Two vegetarian mole enchiladas stuffed with zucchini, spinach, grilled tofu!! The mole is perfection as are the black beans topped with homemade sour cream. Chai latte is yummy spice and sweet combined, well-balanced indeed. To top it all is the chocolate budino tartlet with sea salt and olive oil... So rich and unique decadence that we had to share with our neighbor table. Love this place, everything hit the spot!
(5)Albert K.
Every person we spoke with that came through or from Santa Fe said that I had to go here. And this quaint little cafe restaurant in downtown was definitely the best restaurant we went to during our stay in SFe. My gf and I actually dined for dinner there twice as it was one of the few restaurants that was open late. Being used to late 9-10pm meals and with La Choza and the Shed both closed on Sunday night (restaurant closed on Sunday night??? wtf?) this ended being our choice two nights in a row. First night we waited and the second night we had a reservation. Both nights the staff was nice and friendly although not as attentive as they should have been. Water glasses were empty and they didn't really check up on us. First night we both had big plates, the Plata Supremo with a very tasty chicken mole for the gf and the filet mignon for myself. The filet mignon was not as tender as I'm used to (it didn't seem like it was aged) but the sauce was good as were the potatoes. I was a bit underwhelmed by the steak though the plata was quite good. Second night we had the halibut ceviche cocktail and the papusa... this time was much better choice of dish for me. And surprisingly, the seafood was good! People complain again that it's crowded or small... it didn't bother me. Noisy but not so much that you can't carry a conversation. All in all a solid restaurant, but I'd stick to the straight NM specialties and you'll have a better experience. I almost gave this place a 3 star due to lackluster service but the quality of the food versus the scarcity of good restaurants puts it back up there. PQR on this place isn't as good as it should be, but it still was the best overall that I had in Santa Fe.
(4)K G.
On a busy Christmas Eve lunch hour, we got a friendlier greeting at the host desk than other reviews have reported, and were given the option to wait a long time or sit at the community table; we dropped in on the community table, which is not our favorite thing to do. The food didn't quite live up to the hype, and was not a standout memory during a 5-day visit to town in which we did a lot of restaurant-hopping. We had the breakfast burrito that others found so amazing, and we really liked it - but with this place's reputation, I expected something more special. The huevos rancheros was fine, but not particularly memorable. For overall food taste, we thought Maria's, Tune-Up Cafe and the Casa Sena Cantina were each better than this. Prices seemed high for what we got. Service was friendly, but on the slow side; we needed to flag down our waiter a few times, and she was confused for a bit about who was with whom at the community table. My wife liked the pastel decor, but I found it unattractive. The restroom area is also worth mentioning in that the hallway and men's restroom were perhaps the most claustrophobic I've ever seen.
(3)Heidi F.
This place was VERY pricey; however the food was fabulous. They had very interesting combinations of food. I hope to go to this restaurant every time I am in Santa Fe. It's not authentic Santa Fe food, but the chef's certainly know how to impress people. The bathroom area was an experience. It was like being on a ship with narrow halls. It really was a cool hang. I would consider this place dressy if you are going to dine there for dinner.
(5)Maritza K.
WOW how far can you go on your 'old' reputation... Resting on their laurels, this place needs a new menu, a new chef, a new something. Their packaged granola to go is still the best I had, YET they have escalated the price to about 3 times to what I used to pay 9 yrs ago. Seriously? Whenever I see a line of tourists waiting I want to scream at them to go spend their money elsewhere, maybe buy one of their quaint old style Mexican calendars, I recommend those :)
(1)LINDA R.
Went for a early Sunday breakfast. VERY tiny crowded place, put name in: 30 min wait - only place to do so is out on the street. While waiting for hubby to park car, took a good look at breakfast menu - prices appeared very steep for eggs & toast, ect. After 10 mins, hubby went in to get menu - well, i was looking at wrong menu - now serving: SUNDAY BRUNCH - same items - 35% higher prices! $15 for eggs, potaoes, & toast? $10 for granola?! Me thinks not! So we walked around corner to the BEST decision ever: The Plaza Cafe!! $4 pancakes, $7 GIGANTIC breakfast - sooo glad we changed venues!
(1)Alan T.
Wow, went here for dinner and had an awesome meal. I had to stop myself and stare at the chicken mole enchilada for a minute - it was SO good. I had the Plato Supremo (Chile Relleno, Chicken Mole Enchilada & Barbacoa Taco) - highly recommended. We also had the Halibut Ceviche for appetizer - yum. All the people complaining about the wait: deal with it. Either call for reservations (dinner) or put your name in, get a cup of coffee and walk around for a little while (and relax, you're in the art mecca of the Southwest remember).
(5)joe r.
Their cornmeal bread is perfect as is everything else. I am from San Francisco find this to be on par with our best breakfast places
(4)Rachel L.
Here's the thing...when you're at 7000 feet and decide to drink multiple margaritas/sangria at every meal...you need fluids in the morning. By fluids, I mean coffee, water AND iced tea. Maybe they should have known when we came in with Starbucks in hand but maybe we should have known when they asked if we wanted to sit at a communal table. I understand the whole organic thing but my biggest beef with this place was that you couldn't get a pack of sugar to save your life. The lady gave me some weird sugar substitute made from wood chips - WTF??? I mean come on - can't a girl get some Splenda? I would have settled for good old fashioned raw sugar...NOPE - wood chips disguised as sugar!!! LAME!!!! Food was OK. I liked my breakfast quesadilla with bacon and green chili but it was kinda overpriced for what you got. My friend had some nice looking potatoes - I missed out on that one. I do think this place is really cute and they do a serious business because the line was out the door and the wait was over 30 minutes. We lucked out and were seated in 5 minutes. Not sure if it's a local or tourist crowd but it was definitely bustling. There on tons of places to eat in Santa Fe...not sure I would come back to this one for breakfast - maybe dinner though when I don't need sugar for my beverage!!
(2)Elizabeth Y.
I was visiting Santa Fe with my mom and sister, and was told this was the place for the breakfast. So, we decided to go there on our first morning in town, and it definitely set the tone for an awesome trip! We got there around 9am on a Saturday morning, and only had to wait around 20 min. for a table. Based on the previous reviews I'd read, I had mentally prepared myself to wait much longer, so, pleasant surprise there on the short wait. It did get even more packed though as we were leaving. They do apparently take reservations for dinner, but for breakfast it's first come first serve. The wheat pancakes were fluffier than any other pancakes I've ever had (soooo good) and the french toast was coated with corn flakes and extremely crispy and delicious. I also loved their selection of organic fresh squeezed juices; can't beat that first thing in the morning! Coffee/espresso drinks were also good. The place was super accommodating (had no problems changing out a few things here and there for us), and everyone we met there was extremely friendly. Overall, wish we had been able to go back one more time before we left! Our other breakfast experiences in Santa Fe couldn't compete.
(4)Michelle C.
This place is one of the best I have ever experienced We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the communal table which is really cool, you get to see all the delicious food and meet your neighbors. We started with the baked brie with red and green sauce with home made bread a must eat if you come here The mole Enchiladas are so good and you can get them vegetarian which I always thought was unheard of. The Osso Bucco was cooked perfectly and was falling off the bone. I am pretty sure you can't make a mistake here... The desserts looked amazing and I heard a lot of mmm's coming from the table
(5)Mindi s.
We waited an hour for a seat. We were clearly at THE place to have breakfast because there were several other restaurants surrounding Cafe Pasqual's offering breakfast but there were a ton a people huddled around the entrance waiting like we were. We got to sit at the community table which was cool but the food was just ok and incredibly expensive. I had the corned beef hash. The meat was tender and tasty but the potatoes were like home fries and too big to be part of the hash. My husband had a traditional breakfast with bacon, eggs, and pancakes but we certainly weren't wowed by either of our dishes. Breakfast for 2 people including tip ended up being almost $50! They are probably so used to catering to tourist that they had to dumb down the flavor of everything and it has been so hyped up (hence the crowd) they can charge whatever they like and get away with it. I'd skip it and try to find another place with less of a wait. The only redeeming quality was the decor. It was eclectic and Santa Fe-ish but had some inventive pieces on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.
(2)Kaoru S.
Great breakfast place. i like the community table, enjoying food together with others, fun way to meet locals and travelers. Dinner also delicious, one of favorite places in town.
(5)gert m.
I travel a fair amount and am always hoping to find great food experiences. This was not one of them. The food was just OK and the price was - well, outrageous. $29 for a plate with 2 chicken enchiladas and a splotch of mediocre bland "cilantro" rice! I don't know if there are a lot of locals that frequent this place, but with all the tourists trying to find a good meal it's always packed. Save your time and money and find another restaurant unless you can get the espresso milkshake to go. A good option is the Tesuque Market, a short drive out of town. Better food for half the price.
(2)Chas D.
Cafe Pasqual's is the other place I return to when I'm in Santa Fe (along with Plaza Cafe) and they are two blocks and world's apart. Where the Plaza is solidly traditional New Mexico-style Mexican, Pasqual's is innovative and experimental within the same genre. The diners at the Plaza are mostly down-to-earth locals -- at Pasqual's they're mostly upscale tourists. The cost of dinner at Pasqual's is double or triple that of the Plaza. But I Iove them both. Along with the terrific food, one thing I especially like about Pasqual's is the central "commons" table. A large table that seats 12-15 people. If you don't have a reservation and there's a spot, Pasqual's seats you at the "commons" (my word, not theirs), assuming you're willing, of course. Here you get a chance to meet new people and if you're traveling alone for work, it makes for a nice change from solo dining. The common table also works well for me as Pasqual's fills it's reservations early and I can never make up my mind where I want to eat that far in advance . . .
(4)N. C.
I know, I know, 16 bucks for a chicken sandwich sounds appalling to the uninitiated, but when you take into consideration the local, free range, organic, fresh, delicious goodness of said sandwich, you may just be mollified and give it a try. The desserts are divine, the service is knowledgeable and friendly, and I've never been disappointed by a meal there.
(4)Hopeless Coffee A.
What hasn't been said? As far as the prices go... This is an organic restaurant in the most expensive leasing area of Santa Fe. Which is a city with too small of a population to support all the restaurants it has. With that said I feel Pasqual's is pricey but its the cost of doing business. This place is small but more on the cozy side as opposed to crowded. The high ceilings and large windows ad extra dimension to the place taking away from the tiny dining area. The live plants mix well with its bright vibrant interior. My food was great. I got the Carne Asada and that came with some delicious black beans, fire roasted red and green bell peppers, onions, garlic and some very soft and fresh handmade tortillas. I was slightly disappointed in their red chili. It was smooth and smokey but lacked any heat. However, after having Café Guadalupe's rich earthy aromatic red chili everyone's in Santa Fe seemed ok. Everything on my plate had a little char, not burned (think blackened), to it that imparted a great smokey taste. Service was adequate. Pasqual's is the place for someone looking for fresh handmade organic and vegetarian options. If you are on a budget you can probably get the same great taste else where for a little cheaper but not much more cheaper in the most expensive leasing area of Santa Fe.
(4)Miguel M.
This restaurant serves New Mexican cuisine. Unfortunately, for my taste, it was a little too "New" and not enough "Mexican." I had the enchilada plate. The sauce tasted almost like a bland mole. Had this dish been a little more "Mexican," the sauce would have had some heat to it. Also, charging $21 for a plate of meatless enchiladas is utterly ridiculous. I don't dislike New Mexican cuisine and I'm fully aware that New Mexican food, although based on Mexican food, is not Mexican food. That said, I do like my food, be it New Mexican or Old Mexican, to be flavorful, which my meal at Cafe Pasqual's was not. All in all, I feel this restaurant has been seriously overrated here on Yelp.
(2)Adriane T.
Delicious. Loved the chipotle sweet potato soup and kale salad. Everything I saw go by from the kitchen looked great. Want to return and try more of the menu.
(5)Jim P.
Excellent food
(5)Pat C.
On our first visit to Santa Fe we had both a dinner and a breakfast at Pasqual's. both meals were great. The service was better than great with friendly and interesting staff. Excellent!!
(5)Rebecca S.
The food was fine. The place was small but charming. Our server was nice and helpful. This place gets talked about a lot and although there wasn't anything that I didn't like, I wasn't completely blown away, either. With so many other restaurants in Santa Fe I probably won't be back for a second visit. For awhile, anyways.
(3)Tell Y.
Santa Fe is an extension of Disneyland, but with genuinely nice people, not characters being paid to be nice. The entire town is staged authenticity, beautifully merchandised for tourists, and somehow, unexpectedly, I found myself to be one on a particular evening. Cafe Pasqual's? Over-priced terrible food. How could you screw up a $15 salad with amazing ingredients? How could you charge $29 for a flavorless mole? No, wait, how could you kill and waste an 'organic' chicken, which probably had a very happy free-range life too, only to cover it with the crap you call mole? I got trapped with a large group-none of which enjoyed their meals, seriously- otherwise, I stay away from tourist joints. Decent service though.
(1)Amy G.
What a lovely break to find tofu and teriayaki sauce on a downtown Santa Fe menu. We stepped in shortly before they were closing, apparently, but service was still attentive and pleasant. We started with a snap pea salad which they courteously divided for us individually. It came with flavorful crostini. My plate of tofu/pasta was cramped with colorful vegetables and more crustini dipped in various tapenades. Bottles of wine were pricey so we opted for beer and a glass of sparkling white. Pasquals, which obviously has been pleasing customers for 30 years, had the best mix of laid-back/classy, romantic, and friendly ambiance of any Santa Fe restaurant I tried. It is how I imagined more would be...a small dining room illuminated by quaint, colorful strung lights highlighting the best of both Southwest cuisine and decor without shoving it down your throat. You can taste the subtle influences of Spain, Japan and France and oh yes, New Mexico.
(4)Ken K.
Expect a thirty minute wait, but this place is worth it. The food is creative and amazing. I had a salmon burrito for breakfast with a wholewheat tortilla and fresh squeezed orange juice. The fish was delightful, well-cooked, and matched well with the fresh greens and cheese in my burrito. The orange juice was also excellent.
(4)Bruce E.
Yes.. All of you are accurate. They are extremely expensive. But they can be, located in the heart of Santa Fe. Sit at the communal table and order chicken mole enchiladas and you will feel better about your $17 dollor lunch, because it is pretty good.
(4)Travis B.
Insanely good food in DT Santa Fe. Whenever I'm around I have to go there. Fresh, real ingredients, well prepared new-american/new mexican style cuisine. Not cheap, but very good. Veggie friendly as well.
(5)Kd D.
Had huevos dish with sauteed banana, feta, tomatillo sauce, peas & black beans - sounds weird, right? It is amazing!!! Best flavor ever. Love this place. Sooooo worth the wait. Makes the Blue Corn Cafe taste like school lunch.
(5)Allison H.
Breakfast is amazing. Their coffee bar is inventive and delicious. I had the Pasquals omelette which I loved since I love anything with Guac. My father got this omlette that had beans and bananas! Weird, but the combo was good. The emphasis on wholesome/local ingredients was refreshing, although expensive at dinner. Also the wait was about 25 minutes on a weekday.
(5)Mukur H.
My fiance and I both had amazing meals here. She had the Huevos Rancheros with Green Chili sauce and it was beyond delicious. It was a bit spicy for her since she doesn't eat as spicy food as I or folks in New Mexico, but none the less she finished it since it was soo good. I had the Carne Asada and well that was delicious as well. I can't wait to go here again! I bought one of their cook books to take home with me, although it was pricy.
(5)Kasey O.
It takes a lot for me to say this since I'm from the South but those were absolutely the best Cheese Grits I have ever had in my life. They were spicy but not overpowering. Served in a huge skillet so I split them and the French Toast, which was just as good, with my friend. Like any restaurant in Santa Fe, I found that going early or way later is good so you don't have to wait. Went right when they opened for breakfast and seated right away. Friendly service, cute decor. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!
(5)Bruce B.
Expensive - yes; but always delicious. We go at least once on every visit. I get the smoked trout hash (potatoes, tomatillo sauce, poached eggs, cheese - very low cal, I'm sure!); Deanna the breakfast quesadillas. I've also enjoyed the huevos rancheros, cheese omelet, fried yellow and blue cornmeal mush - never a disappointment. Go!
(4)Sammy G.
Okay, it's a little pricey and always a long wait no matter the time of the day....but the food is absolutely awesome and authentic NEW Mexican cuisine....My personal favorite is the Corned Beef Hash with Eggs...made with big chunks of corned beef....and I always order a side of New Mexico Red Chile Sauce and just pour it over the top. Love the food here every time I visit...and I've had probably 25 meals here over the years. Not one disappointment. My cousin actually passed through town a few years ago and bought me their cookbook......I've made the Green Chile Stew a few times (I drive to Hatch, NM every August to buy roasted chiles and then freeze them).....the recipe is totally authentic and worth the 4 hour cooking time....Great REAL spot in Santa Fe.
(5)Yuki M.
We received Baaaad service. Granted it was lunch time, we waited 10 min to be seated even there were a couple of tables available. Another 10 min past by before we got menus. We felt deserted and neglected in a jam packed restaurant. After another 30 min past by before our Burittos showed and it was a wrong order! Our waiter was friendly but looked like he totally had hang-over... Food was nice, but would I come back to eat?? Maybe take out only for future...
(1)Bill E.
Cafe Pasqual's offers an outstanding breakfast and lunch that is well worth the wait. We waited about 1h 20m on a Saturday for brunch -- about 25 mins longer than originally quoted. Your best bet is to park in the public parking that is across the street, go put your name in, and go check out the city for an hour. The food was quite good. My breakfast burrito was good. BTW, everything is organic... you're not going to find diet coke or splenda here. The atmosphere is fun, and definitely special. No question about it, put this gem on your must list for Santa Fe!
(5)Rich R.
Highly placed in my top 10 anywhere on the planet, this is the jewel of Southwest Fusion. We'd travel to Santa Fe more often if we could, with meals at Pascual's topping the local destinations alongside of Taos, Ojo Caliente, Abiquiu, and Eagle Bear Ranch. Every dish at dinner last night was amazing, with the piece-de-resistance being the Lamb Chops in Pomegranate Molasses and Steamed Sugar Snap Peas. Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at Pascual's. Don't miss their new cookbook with 66 original, new recipes.
(5)Steven M.
Went here for breakfast July 7th - 2 people - small wait. Service was good - but the food was better. Huveos Rachero with both green and red chili sauce and black beans! Perfection in my book. Partner had the most amazing corned beef hash!! Large sizes! We could easily ave split either order but wanted to try both. Homemade whole heat toast too and fresh jam. I'll go back
(4)Levi B.
Came here for lunch and sat at the community table - very fun! My blue corn enchiladas were stellar... My parents weren't so fortunate - they ordered well-done buffalo burgers that ended up being very dry. Maybe blame that partly on prep, but also on them ordering them well-done in the first place (might have been ok if they ordered them medium - not sure). On the whole, it was a nice place for lunch in old town. Also saw some breakfast orders that looked pretty tasty...
(3)Elizabeth G.
Possibly my favorite restaurant (at least for lunch or brunch) in Santa Fe. Yes, you'll have to wait a while but it's definitely worth your time. Love: Huevos Motulenos Smoked Trout Hash Garlic Fries Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Chile Cornbread Anything with their tomatillo sauce I have had the same server many times and she is always delightful. I look forward to trying their dinner menu sometime soon.
(5)Stephanie H.
My favorite restaurant meal in the past... year... Wonderful vegetarian options and the best mole sauce I have ever had, including what I have made for myself. When mole is not good, I think it is inedible, and when it is good, it is something that is heavenly. Excellent service, high-quality and thoughtful ingredients, and a wine menu that is good and also pretty inexpensive for what you get.
(5)Jennifer B.
This is a great, charming place in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. The wait can be quite long, but certainly worth it! I had the half portion of the Lonche quesadilla which was great. Also with that I had the soup of the day, watermelon gazpacho. It was a little heavy on the onions, but great nonetheless. My absolute favorite was the kale salad. Shredded kale, pine nuts, ricotta salata, with a light, flavorful lemon and olive oil dressing was a delight!
(4)Jess M.
An all around perfect breakfast dining experience from start to finish. We arrived at this Santa Fe institution for a late Friday morning breakfast and the line was out the door. No problem, we stuck our name on the list and walked around the corner to a great photography gallery. Upon our return we were seated immediately and the service throughout the meal was timely, warm and extremely friendly. Cute decor, an amazing homey feel, just the sort of restaurant you want to hang out in for a long lazy meal. My Mexican Hot Chocolate was probably hands down the best hot cocoa i can remember drinking in recent history. Every single thing on the menu looked delectable, but I had to make a choice- so I choose two! The cheese blintzes were fabulous- just the right amount of savory and sweet, as was the super hearty breakfast quesedilla with delicious homemade avocado. Although these were both great choices- the king of the table was my friend's Huevos Moltulenos, a very interesting combo topped off by banana, feta cheese and green peas. Amazing flavor combinations all around, I wished we would have been in Santa Fe longer so we could have eaten dinner here as well!
(5)Julie P.
Egad! What happened to Cafe Pasqual's? My husband and I have eagerly dined at this restaurant every time we visited the Santa Fe area for the past 15 years. We noticed a downward trend in overall quality last year, but hoped it was just a phase that would be corrected. Sadly, our lunch experience this past Monday will be our last visit to this restaurant. My husband ordered one of the daily specials, Turkey Chile with a Corn Torta. I ordered Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad with Roasted Tomato-Poblano Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. We each had a glass of white wine from the Loire and split a Cannele and had two espressos for dessert. Check total: $62.00. First, my husband's review of the Turkey Chile and Corn Torta... I asked our waiter to describe one of the daily specials, turkey chili. He replied "it has turkey, beans, and is in a bowl. I think he looked in the mirror that morning and said, " today I will challenge myself to higher levels of eloquence." Ok, I thought, a $15 bowl of chili should be pretty special given Pasqual's reputation for great chili. So I enquired, what type of chili was in the dish? I got a deadpan answer: "red." Now for $15, you would think the chili description would be: "the turkey was named Sam and he had a great free range life in the foothills of Santa Fe or Taos, the heirloom beans were hand harvested from an organic, employee-owned farm, the chili was from Chimayo's September harvest, and I clipped the organic cilantro myself this morning from the rooftop garden." The chili comes, and it's just ok. It's served in about the same sized bowl that the cappuccino comes in. The cappuccinos are on the large side, but this was a fairly small serving of chili. It seemed more green than red, and was accompanied by some cornbread that was more oily than moist, something my wife would call underdone. Right about then a famous Travel Channel chef's voice (you know who I'm referring to) channeled into my brain, "only an idiot orders the special, particularly on a Monday at lunch. Everyone knows its recycled leftovers from the weekend or even from last Thursday." So was I the idiot? Was the waiter's terse description the equivalent of, "avoid this at all costs?" I must state that I have had many good, some even great meals here in the 15 years I have been eating at Pasqual's. Most of these more than justified the spendiness. Then I started looking around. The inside of the restaurant and the staff just looked tired and worn out. The light sconces on the wall all have large dark stained sections that look like they haven't be cleaned since day one. The furniture is in need of an update. Way beyond shabby chic. This place needs a fresh breeze of caring and much lower prices to regain the stature it once had and to lure me back. One final note to the positive, the wine list is good and I had a nice Loire white for $10 a glass. The waiter opened a fresh bottle to assure a full pour which was appreciated. Now for the salad review... Where to start? When I read the description of the Edward's Field Greens Chopped Salad it sounded healthy, full of organic greens and veggies, and just the ticket to get the week off to a good start after a weekend of indulging in some really fine Santa Fe cuisine. Boy, was I wrong. There were two size choices available: $8 for the small and $12 for the large. Since I was only having a salad for lunch, I treated myself to the large portion. I figured a $12 salad would be more than enough for me and was planning to share some with my husband. Not a chance. When the salad arrived, it was served in a pasta bowl style of plate and consisted of the following ingredients: approximately 1.5 cups of spring mix greens, two slices of radish (no, not whole radishes, just slices), one half of a red cherry tomato, one half of a yellow pear tomato, 4 small shavings of fennel, 8 pomegranate seeds, and 4 small slices of avocado. No dressing. (The waiter did bring the dressing after I pointed out that the greens were completely undressed.) The salad was accompanied by a very salty, slightly stale tasting triangle of seeded cheese pastry on the order of a cheese straw. I was gobsmacked. I know a restaurant needs to make a profit on every dish, but COME ON! This was one of the most pitiful restaurant salads that I have ever experienced, especially for the price. In comparison, the airline salad that I received that night on my journey home was done quite well. Go figure! In retrospect, we both should have sent our lunches back to the kitchen. Perhaps we are to blame for ordering incorrectly. Who knows. It's just a shame that this one-time award winning restaurant has fallen to this level.
(1)Jason M.
Nice casual, cozy corner spot. I got there at 5:30 so there's no wait. Staff was very friendly. We ordered butternet squash and Moroccan braised lamb, and we enjoyed both. The real surprise is the espresso coffee milkshake. It was delicious!
(5)Bonnie L.
Amazing, innovative menu with the expertise to carry it out. I haven,t had meals out this wonderful ... Maybe ever! And the service matched the food ... Fabulous!
(5)Lauren D.
You must must must come here if you are in Santa Fe. And you must prepare yourself for the wait. And it is ok to say you will sit at the community table because you don't want to be that guy. It's crowded, loud and a little crazy, but the breakfast food is delicious. Plus they sell fun schwag like coffee cups and donkey calendars (yes I have both).
(5)Leila F.
Amazing! So good! Our waiter was nice as ever too. we had the Chorizo burrito and huevos motulenos both of which are amazing. The huevos rancheros looked amazing as well and I can't wait to go back to order them again. Love this place-I always go there when I pass through Santa, Fe.
(5)Andrew M.
I was a jealous diner at Cafe Pasqual's. Don't get me wrong, I liked my cheese blintzes just fine. Not like bubby made, but hey, this is Santa Fe New Mexico not gammy's house. But my wife had the right idea. She ordered the cheesy grits. Oh baby were they good. She became very protective of her individual iron skillet filled goodness. Top them off with the house made sausage patties and waiting 30 minutes for a table in this classic Santa Fe eatery is a no brainer.
(4)Carlos J.
F'in deelish. Bread is to die for.
(5)Penelope B.
I've never had anything short of delicious food from Cafe Pasqual's. We have only been for breakfast/brunch. This time, the day after Thanksgiving, we arrived right at 8am and were in the first batch of diners. Good thing, too! By 8:30 there was a line out the door. For faster seating, try the community table, or tell the staff you're willing to sit with others (there was a four-top seated with two parties while we were there). This time i had the smoked trout on a bed of gruyere hash-browns along with some Mexican hot chocolate. We love their red chili and got a side of it. So good! We've tried many things on the breakfast menu. It's all good! Their chili is delicious.
(5)Helen T.
Great little restaurant in downtown Sante Fe. Very casual and laid back. Had breakfast one day during my trip and the huevos rancheros was great. Liked the communal table atmosphere and most of the tourists and locals were very friendly. I didn't mind the communal table since I'm usually travelling alone when in Santa Fe. It does get very busy there on weekends during the breakfast rush though. The menu is classic Santa Fe but if you prefer to avoid the downtown crowds and want a more classic diner experience try Telacote Cafe.
(4)Mike F.
I've been eating at this restaurant for 25 years. It serves , far and away, the best breakfast in Santa Fe--or anywhere. Try the buckwheat pancakes.
(5)Catherine T.
Very good ingredients. Beautiful but crowded space. Not good for kids despite the reviews. Nice servers. Pancakes and french toast slightly disappointing which is why I am docking one star.
(4)Ed M.
This is simply my favorite place in Santa Fe. They serve vegatarian and Mexican food in a truly innovative way. The menu items are unique. the huevos rancheros are simply to die for. In addition, it's a fun place. It's busy and noisy and very brightly painted. Get a seat at the community table if possible you just never know who you might find seated there. A real five star treat.
(5)B K.
If you find out you're going to die...go to Santa Fe, eat here...keep eating until you die. You'll definitely die with a smile on your face, trust me. This is my vote for America's most perfect Mexican restaurant -- I dream that they will open an outpost in Vegas -- I pray to the Mexican food gods and goddesses -- yes, I'm a passionate foodie with simple dreams really. What dishes, you ask? Order anything -- eat -- sigh -- I still dream of the food I ate here...nothing has ever come close...ever...and I love Mexican -- but this bite of heaven screwed it all up for me because I don't get to Santa Fe nearly enough -- and no one anymore comes close. When I do get to SF, even though there are other restaurants that I swear to myself I'll check out -- I don't -- I can't -- it would be wrong...cheating...I'd be unfaithful...I'd go home mad at myself for actually missing a meal at Pasqual's... I know, it's a sickness...and there is no cure... Unless you move to Vegas...hint, hint... I love the "Good for Groups" question here -- NO -- you'll take up too many seats and piss off the folks in line...go home, and save a seat for me!!!
(5)Julia E.
We loved this place!! My husband and I went here on our honeymoon for breakfast and really enjoyed it. The place was crowded but we sat down right away. I had the hand-held breakfast burrito which was incredible (although they charge $4 extra for bacon) and my husband had the breakfast quasedilla, also really good. Everything is organic which makes it worth how expensive it is (the average breakfast meals is probably $12-13). The service was fast, and everyone was incredibly friendly. Well worth stopping by!!
(5)Nathan C.
This place lives up to the hype. Fantastic smoked trout, with hash and poached eggs- so perfect. Best green chile I have had anywhere. The service was very friendly and attentive. Wonderful coffee and latte's too. Love the decor and vibe and bought a signed print, and some cookies and pastries for the road. If I lived nearby, I would eat here everyday. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
(5)Courtney S.
Well Yelpers, I think you built this place up a bit much. The wait was FOREVER, and while the food was good, I'm really not sure this dining experience topped the other place I ate. That said, however, the food really is delicious. I ordered the heuvos moutelenos which were alright but breakfast at Bagelmania a few days before was almost as good... although I don't think the ingredients there were as fresh and organic as at Pasqual's. My husband had his socks knocked off by his Durango omelette-- he loved it. Service was kind of spotty-- our waitresses (we couldn't tell which one was actually supposed to take care of us) weren't as available as I would have liked, but it worked out ok. Overall, this place is worth a visit; it is a Santa Fe landmark. If you can make reservations, do it! The wait is annoying. (And a quick tip from our visit-- we noticed the line diminished greatly around 10:45 am-- before lunch and after breakfast. Might be good to try it then!)
(4)Joshua R.
Excellent quesadillas, though not cheap. Was less impressed with the breakfast burrito.
(4)Christine H.
Best food in downtown! This charming, organic restaurant has a corner on the best breakfast & lunch in downtown Santa Fe. Try the Huevos Mulenos or anything with pancakes, they're extraordinarily light and served with authentic maple syrup.
(5)Kurt T.
Cafe Pasquals is the restaurant I have to visit every time I get to Santa Fe. Everything is good, but the chicken mole enchiladas are fantastic.
(5)John M.
This is not strictly a vegetarian restaurant but the lunch menu has several veggie options. The food was excellent and very fresh. Friendly staff as well. A great experience
(5)David S.
Food and service were outstanding. Definitely the best meal we had during our stay in Santa Fe.
(5)Lynn L.
Awwwww yeah....Cafe Pasqual's. I've only ever been here for breakfast and brunch, but boy is this food GOOD. There is such fantastic variety on their menu, and everything is fresh and delicious. Yes, you are going to have to wait for a table, but try and go during off-peak times when your wait is less than a half hour. On Sundays for brunch, you can wait well over an hour for a table. ugh. I agree with a previous reviewer - if you're with a big group, don't come here and mess up the table mojo. If you are more than a party of four and you want their delicious food, just get take out, please! Their mexican hot chocolate is amazing, and a luxurious treat. All fresh juices (ginger-pineapple = yum!), and a menu to labor over. Both sweet selections and savory dishes are equally flavorful and expertly prepared. I don't think I've ever had anything I didn't love. I'm also happy to see that they have soy chorizo on their menu (much healthier and remarkably similar in flavor!). I'm happy to visit Cafe Pasqual's each and every time I'm in Santa Fe.
(5)juju d.
The food was a C- in my opinion especially for the outrageous prices. They claim to be healthy and organic yet my boyfriend and my food came out within 6 minutes of ordering and looked like it had been nuked in the microwave. We ordered the Plato supremo and the Mole chicken enchiladas. The tables were too close together and we could hear everything both of the table conversations next to us were having. Not quite intimate. Not to forget after being sat, ordering, eating, and paying the bill we were out of the cafe within 35 minutes. Looks like they are trying to give people their ridiculous bills and then scoot them along. After dinner by boyfriend and I went to see a movie, we went back to our bed and breakfast and I had a terrible stomach ache. I laid down and quickly arose to the nearest trashcan. There I vomited about four times. Yep not only did I spend too much on dinner and didn't enjoy it, Neither did my stomach. I just threw up a $30 plate of mediocre food!!! Mole sauce shot out threw the nostrils, boy did it sting. Yum. Enjoy with caution.
(1)m w.
Went in as an excited tourist, left as a disappointed guest. Was there for breakfast/lunch not much of a selection on the menu. I understand that everything is local, organic and good for me. I appreciate all of that, but it wasn't tasty. I had the carrot cumin soup, it was okay, but not a WOW. My friends had an egg burrito and another had waffles. Not one of the six of us were impressed. It was busy and crowded. The place only holds so many people, and the space is cramped. Won't go back, won't recommend as a one time experience. They have a loyal following, but I can't see why. It is overpriced. No parking. No outdoor seating. Server, host and cashier not friendly or welcoming. It was stuffing in the place. Never mind the hype, skip this place and go to Denny's.
(2)J L.
Everyone raves about this place - it was recomended for breakfast by locals and friends, but we decided to go for dinner instead. Great atmosphere, above average service. We wanted to try several dishes on the menu, so instead of ordering entrees, we chose to split 4 appetizers for two of us...here's what we had: Grilled Chipotle Shrimp dish was $17 - very unimpressive with 3 pieces of medium-sized grilled shrimp sitting on top of guac with some chips on the side. $5.67 per shirmp. Describing this dish as disappointing and totally over-priced would be an understatement. Tacos Barbacoa - nothing more than just that. 2 flour tortilla tacos with tender beef and a side of decent salsa. I actually didn't care for the texture or flavor of the meat. Average. Warm Brie with Roasted Garlic with Salsa - loved this dish. Great flavor in the 2 salsas and the roasted garlic was fantastic. Grilled Corn Masa Cake - this was delicious and incredibly flavorful. Overall we had 2 great dishes and 2 below-average and over-priced dishes. That's the reason for the 3 stars. Next time we go, we'll definitely wait in line for breakfast, but for now, 3 stars.
(3)heather g.
We had high expectations for Pasqual's but while the food was okay, it felt to be overpriced. Many better restaurants to visit in Santa Fe.
(3)Brooke E.
Order the Warm French Brie and Whole Roasted Garlic with Salsas of Roasted Tomato~Jalapeo and Tomatillo! It is not something you will soon forget. My mouth waters at the thought. Make reservations! We go back to Santa Fe about once a year and we always plan a date to go there. Leave the kids with the grandparents and enjoy a great night out! If you go for brunch, try a pomegranate orange juice to drink with your meal.
(5)Kurt B.
Heavenly red chili. Heavenly flavor from the peppers. Bright colorful cafe for breakfast. Do it.
(5)Roberta L.
Look, the truth is that, given the frequency of my visits, Pasqual's would have been out of business many years ago, BUT, I have frequented Pasqual's over the course of at least 15 years and I am so sorry to have to say, Hasta la Vista, Baby! So looked forward to another fabulous meal when we visited yesterday but that will be my last visit. The pricing is just outrageous!!!!! I know and understand and am prepared to pay more for fine quality, organic, but this was way out of the realm of reality. E.g, I ordered a (Tuscan) panzanella salad. Folks I got about 1/2 slice of bread, some delicious heirloom tomatoes (total of about one), some cucumber a bit of cheese and some nice herbs and dressing-a really SMALL portion, for, are you ready? almost $15.00. The desserts, which we opted to skip, were, are you ready? $9.00 (for a piece of pie, for example) How do they come up with these prices? Always before, the food was good, pricey and plentiful and I was delighted to pay. No more. Just gouge the tourist who will ostensibly never return. BOOOOOO! AND BYE-BYE.
(2)Julia S.
Fresh & organic Southwestern cooking. We love this place. Amazing breakfasts. Huevos Barbacoa with Niman Ranch beef = delicious. Try the Huevos Motulenos. Sounds like a strange combo -- eggs, black beans, feta, green peas and green chile (with fried bananas on the side) but was awesome. Wait staff was a tad too cool for school, but given the general tastiness, I'm willing to overlook.
(4)Stacey B.
First, if you're a vegetarian and in Santa Fe, this seems to be the place to go. I was in Santa Fe on a business trip, and we wanted some southwestern fare. Our first two attempts didn't quite fit the bill, but this place did. Kind of pricey for a casual place (my sandwich at lunchtime was $16), but the food was very good. I got the portabello mushroom burger after my server explained that the Mole Vegetarian Enchiladas were spicy due to red chilis in the mole. The server was very helpful all around. My boss ordered the squash enchiladas and was very pleased. The place itself seems to be an institution. For example, they sell cookbooks and t-shirts and a few other things. Well, so do many places, and people seldom buy them. But in the hour or whatever that I was here, SEVERAL people bought t-shirts and cookbooks. Back to the vegetarian thing -- other places in Santa Fe seemed to have only one vegetarian thing and not be very veggie-friendly, but this place rocked. There were multiple vegetarian things for lunch. Plus, they serve breakfast anytime, and there were lots of vegetarian breakfast entrees, and some of them sounded pretty neat. A hot cereal make from multiple whole grains (umm, let's see, ... quinoa, amaranthe... can't remember the others but there were 5), cornmeal mush, and lots of other things. If I go back, I will get breakfast for sure. There is a Community Table in the center of the place where single and couple diners eat. Great so that one person doesn't take up a whole table, and sort of a friendly concept. Also, makes it less likely you'll have to wait for a table. The place is overall a bit crowded, and getting to the bathroom would be tricky if you are fat. Luckily, I'm not, so it was fun sneaking through the narrow passage to the bathroom, after snaking through the tables to get there. The bathroom was very clean and had a sink that looked like copper. The counter was turquoise tiles and very pretty and southwestern. The bathroom was also well-appointed, with paper towels out of a motion sensor dispenser, a hook for your coat (though you'd have to look for it), and nice soap. Even though the place seemed crowded in, TWO different people in wheelchairs ate there while I was there, so it is definitely wheelchair-accessible, though I'm sure they couldn't get to the bathroom. There is a small portion of the restaurant that is raised a few steps or so, but more than half the place is ground-level.
(5)DONNA K.
BAD SERVICE, UNSANITARY, EXPENSIVE, AND TERRIBLE FOOD!!! I had one of the worst dining experience of my life at Cafe Pasqual. What a waste of money! How are people giving good reviews for this place I still can't figure out. Stay as far as you can from this place.
(1)June P.
Hmmmm..... after all the hype about this place I was a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps because of the wait, even though we had a reservation, or because of my high expectations, dinner kind of fell flat for me. There are so many great Mexican/New Mexican places in New Mexico, that this place was for me, just over priced, regular (New) Mexican food.
(3)H M.
Only tourists eat here. $$$$ for breakfast? The corned-beef hash is delicious... But sitting at the community table Surrounded by tourquise earrings Makes you wonder Where the locals eat. "Not Here."
(3)Sarah B.
Skip the tacos - the meat is really fatty - and go straight for the mole plate. One of those rare meals where every last morsel is eaten, and if it wasn't taboo to lick a plate clean, I would have done it! (Also skip the flan)
(3)Rich C.
Definitely one of the best breakfasts in SF. I loved the atmosphere and the food was super fresh and very flavorful and well prepared. Just look at the pictures to prove my point. We will definitely be going back when we are in town!
(4)Nathaniel B.
Overpriced tripe. Be prepared to be jammed in an uncomfortably small space and judged by the staff for wanting to sit alone with your partner rather than at their community table.
(1)Food N.
My favorite breakfast, the Huevos Motuleños, yesterday was so mediocre that I was very disappointed. For the price of a dinner entreé at other NNM cuisine establishments, I expect more. Hope they're not simply resting on their laurels and getting complacent.
(2)Liz E.
I have heard wonderful things about Cafe Pasqual's over the years and had a chance to try it last week when I was in Santa Fe. We were able to get right in for breakfast since it was a week day. I understand why there are always so many people waiting to get in on the weekends. The place it TINY. I ordered the breakfast quesadilla with home made chorizo. When the food came boy was I disappointed by the presentation. There was a quesadilla slapped on a large plate. For $11.00 I found it to be totally uninspired. It would have been nice if they made it look a little more attractive by adding a garnish or two. I found the food to be OK but not as good as everyone proclaims it to be. I would give this restaurant a second try but there are so many other great restaurants in Santa Fe it may be awhile before I get around to trying it again. Side Note: I found the staff to be a little surly. Our waitress did not seem to be very interested in giving us food recommendations or ask us how we were enjoying our meal. We had to search her out to get the check when we were ready to leave.
(2)Donna R.
This is a must for breakfast when visiting Santa Fe. The breakfast menu is extensive. The community table that invites the most interesting conversations in the house should be the most coveted seat in the house. The food is fabulous, a locals favorite!
(5)John K.
Our top destination every time we come to Santa Fe. This is the Chez Pannisse of New Mexico. Delicous food from scratch and healthy too. We eat breakfast and lunch whenever we can and have never walked away disappointed. Large menu with something for all tastes. My god, I've been away for a day now and am missing Pascual's already. Been going here for over 20 years, and they still come through. I drink coffee out of one of their mugs and dream about the food every day.
(5)Susan L.
We had dinner at Cafe Pasqual on November 4 (reservations are critical, and in fact I'd made the reservation more than a month in advance; I'd long known of that restaurant's reputation). It's a very small and crowded place, with lots of wild/funky items on the walls and ceiling. The cooking is very inventive and most of their food is organic. We ordered the roasted pumpkin (a seasonal dish) and it was really good (stuffed with mushrooms & a wonderful cream sauce), and their famous "haystack" of garlic french fries were a treat (one order is enough for several people, and we couldn't manage to eat nearly all of them). Our server had a great sense of humor and he was also attentive. I didn't like the hostess, though; she ignored us initially, and she was a little condescending when we said we were too full for dessert.
(5)Ken H.
This is NOT an Asian restaurant... and NOT Chinese !
(3)L K.
Wow. The blue lady enchilada's= amazing, the mole=fantastic. Service was fast and food piping hot. Beer=Yum. This was the first place we ate on our trip to New Mexico and it set the bar impossibly high-nothing else we had in Santa Fe came close (even at 3X the price). Wait was long on a Saturday afternoon (45 minutes) but worth it all. Love, love, love.
(5)Alika Marie W.
Do yourself a favor go on a weekday for breakfast try the Huevos Motulenos-go early or you wait all day. Go for Lunch have Carne Asada...at 11:30 once again packed! Forget dinner, its painfully tightly reserved, buy the cookbook and go home. Tourists! But its Yummy!
(4)Jaime A.
Food is good, but it is overpriced for breakfast. The chili Relleno with eggs and black beans was a little undercooked but salsa was good-would have liked it to be a little spicier. Their homemade granola is delicious but $14 when you add yogurt and strawberries to it. Service is friendly and cute place.
(3)Jedi M.
Believe the hype! I always worry about a place that is talked about so much and in the end usually disappointed - not here. The place was packed and there was a line out the door the whole time we were there (another good sign of a great place) it took 15 min to read through the menu and decide, every thing sounded so good. Our meal was spectacular, and the cilantro green rice was probably the best rice dish I have ever had! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Christina H.
Not too shabby, definitely over-rated and a bit overpriced but so is everything else in Santa Fe. They are a very bustling business but still managed decent service while being understaffed and packed to the gills for breakfast. I was disappointed in their green chili but I have to admit I am very very particular about my green chili. Actually with few exceptions the only green chili I adore is outta my grandmother's greasy pot. Anyway, its a pretty good breakfast destination but try to book a reservation or plan on waiting a long time to be seated.
(3)Christine M.
Fantastic food, fantastic service. This place has such a great vibe. A must when in Santa Fe. Great breakfast!
(4)Louise O.
Generous portions and welcoming, bright ambiance. Carne Asada with Niman ranch beef -- absolutely delicious. The meat was grilled very simply but you could taste the natural flavor of the beef. The guac that came on the side was very good as well. Pancakes -- very fluffy and light. Corned beef hash -- not too dry, this was very tasty. Service: a little un-attentive and I had to ask for refills of water several times.
(4)dawson s.
Cafe Pasqual's is indeed a New Mexican institution. Anytime I'm in Santa Fe, Pasqual's is a must for brunch. The space is small, reservations are nearly always booked, but there's a communal table in the center of the dining room you can almost always sneak into (so long as you don't mind being elbow to elbow with strangers). Everything on the menu - from the southwestern specialties like the Tamal Dulce (sweet tamale), Durango Omelet (jack cheese, scallions, guacamole, mushrooms, sour cream and tomatillo d'arbol salsa) and Huevos Motulenos (eggs over easy on corn tortillas with black beans, sauted bananas, feta cheese, green peas, and green chile - trust me, it's yummm) to the classics like their Wholegrain Pancakes and homemade Hot Five Grain Cereal served with butter and maple syrup - will make your mouth water. If you want a serious breakfast, order up the El Presidente - smoked poblano chiles and Niman Ranch beef on fresh white corn tortillas, with a couple of eggs, pinto beans and cotija cheese - and a side of whole wheat pancakes. You'll have to walk it off, but it's worth it :) I've been here for dinner too which was very good, but something about going to a cafe style restaurant and paying more than $30 for a very petite filet in a small town never rubbed me the right way. For brek and brunch though, this is the only place to be. In the winter months when Santa Fe gets ice and even some serious snow, Pasqual's takes on an even more magical quality. Be sure to pick up one of their cookbooks while you're here. If you like to cook it'll quickly become one of your favorites. If not, you'll probably enjoy looking at the pictures :)
(4)Steve E.
This place is small but very delicious!
(5)Josh O.
When Jessi M. and I were driving cross country last year we stopped in Santa Fe to visit my mom. She took us here for dinner. It was fantastic. The food was simply amazing. I loved everything I had, and I tried a little bit of everyone's orders. A little pricey for a casual meal, but the food is totally worth it. They also sell a cookbook with their recipes in it, which is pretty cool.
(5)Inari T.
soup of the day was AWESOME. it was this chilled cucumber gazpatcho that was really spicy and awesome. yummy. enchilada was pretty good, i wasn't big fan of it. kale salad was yummy. overall, alright.
(3)Alexis F.
Lunch visit on a Saturday, waited about 30 minutes for 3 at the community table around noon. My dad had the only local wine offered, a sparkling wine that was actually surprisingly good (who knew NM could do sparkling?) I had a Pinkus Pils that was lovely and Germany and Beery and good. I had the chicken mole enchiladas, and the mole was really well balanced and tasty, with a little bit of heat. The soup of the day was delicious- a chilled green chile and avocado soup. nom nom nom. The decor is intentionally funky and festive, the community table was very quiet and introverted for our visit (despite our attempts, community conversation was stilted at best), and the bathrooms are tiny. Service is very friendly and mostly attentive, my water glass sat empty a few times for longer than I would have liked but it was very busy and I did not die of dehydration :)
(4)A. T.
Decent food. Certainly 1 star above nearby dives like the Atomic Grill. But definitely not worth the crazy wait.
(3)Sam P.
Probably would not go back. Too expensive and a little too touristy. Food was plentiful and tolerably well executed. We were disappointed, but not nearly as we were by Coyote Cafe down the street.
(3)Lianne M.
Awesome. On a recent trip to Santa Fe, we ate here twice! Once for breakfast (which had been highly reccomended) and once for lunch. I can't decide which was best, but I do know we will return to Cafe Pasqual's. I had the chicken enchiladas mole for lunch and they were superb. The chorizo breakfast burrito (with red and green or "christmas" sauce) was also excellent. Great service, fun atmosphere. You must visit Pasqual's if you are in Santa Fe!!!!!
(5)s r c.
Overrated,, Over hyped, and DEFINATELY Overpriced. You cant get out of there for less than $20-$25 a head for LUNCH !! This place has one thing going for it...... A downtown location with a 25+ year legacy. As a native Santa fean who has lived in the Bay Area for 30 years and traveled extensively seeking interesting restaurants that deliver fresh honest flavorful food I found Pasquals on a recent visit to be beyond disappointing. The mushy lamb burger was indeed rare (from frozen meat) but tasteless even adorned with the glop of "white fat" slather on top. The bun was airy "Bimbo" bread toasted to perfection with seeds on top. The whole wheat quesadilla was grilled to crispy melding the scant cheese filling to the only flavorful ingredient I could taste ... the guacamole. But wait! it was garnished with a few sprigs of cilantro to give it that oh so cosmo presentation & flair for only .... $11+ !!?? Among my pet peeves is going out to eat and leaving the establishment feeling not satisfied .... and also ripped off. skip this place, not worth it.
(1)yelper s.
Have always wanted to try Cafe Pasqual's and finally did it on this trip. We went for lunch and had to wait about 25 minutes at about 11:20. We walked back and sat on the plaza while we waited, then returned. My daughter had the watermelon gazpacho (even my husband loved it -- and he doesn't like watermelon) and a BLT with the MOST amazing bacon ever. I had a new salad that was incredible. And my husband had enchiladas and said if he had to pay $16 for enchiladas (as we had the night before at Maria's too), those were the ones. A lively, fun atmosphere and decent service. We took some cookies to go for dessert. Best meal of our trip.
(5)Paige H.
The food was excellent. I had the BLT with cornbread as the sandwich bread. It was very good. The place is super busy so either get a reservation or they let us put our names on a wait list then walk around for awhile and come back which was fine. I'd certainly return there. Service was good as well.
(4)Chase K.
Although the food wasn't bad, the 'tude could have been checked at the do. When we got our bill the orange juice that was ordered by my gorgeous, intelligent and funny dining partner was a staggering $4.75. Now, this is acceptable if it is fresh squeezed. But this oj was not. I inquired about this and was told it was because it was organic. Boo. The same guy came back later and said that they have to charge more and began explaining his business model and cost structure. No thanks. Again food was ok but the prices were ridic.
(2)Jordan N.
One of the best breakfast's I have had! A MUST TRY - HUEVOS MOTULEÑOS... Eggs Over Easy on Corn Tortillas with Black Beans Topped with Sauteéd Bananas, Feta Cheese, Green Peas, Salsa Fresca Served with Green Chile or Tomatillo Salsa. Holy goodness! And the cookies were fabulous as well!
(5)monolith ..
i had two very good dinners here on two consecutive nights! i would be hesitant to go to the same place twice but felt it was a place my boss should try while we were in santa fe. both nights we walked up fairly late 6ish w/o reservations and they were able to seat us at a private table. they act all huffy about it but whatever. i think this was on a tues and a wed. very interesting decor which eventually we asked the waitress about and apparently alot of the hanging stuff is for sale. yes you could be the proud owner of those paper mache pants for 90 dollars! very cool murals. the bathroom is tiny but kinda fits the ambiance. i like the ground level window! the food and service was excellent both nights. the price wasnt really a factor as i wasnt paying but yes it is expensive. a coworker and i tues night 1 app 2 entrees and beers was around a hundred. wed night we had a vey nice bottle of wine alot of appetizers and three entrees and it was up near 400 i think. both nights were absolutely worth it as the food was wonderful! the first night i had the sampler and the second night the filet. both were great as was the corn fritter appetizer thing. i loved the cabbage w beets that accompanied the corn fritter appetizer thing! small, quirky, little place w a lot of character which i would love to go back to. if you have a problem w tourists then you might want to run from santa fe as it seemed a bit like a southwestern art adobe disneyland.
(4)Nina H.
This place is very small. It has a nice kitschy feel and the menu choices seem imaginative but are poorly executed. The food is overpriced and bland. I ordered the special which was a shrimp tostada. Everything needed salt and there were about three shrimp on there cut into tiny pieces. There was no spice or sauce to speak of .. is this not the land of spicy well seasoned chile? Back in the day this chef was well renowned.. now I do not know what he is doing. This chef needs to better monitor this restaurant becasue the food is overpriced and mediocre. The food is not horrible.. I just expected well seasoned and well executed food when I am paying $15 for a tiny shrimp salad. If this was Top Chef Tom Colicchio would have ripped them a new (you know what). If you are a foodie this is NOT the place for you! It may have been THE place to be back in the 90's but now is just overhyped and overpriced. I guess I should have known better when we walked in at noon and our party of 8 was promptly seated. A better bet is La Fonda in the hotel. The food was well seasoned and the service was great.
(2)Josh M.
Pasqual's is a true Santa Fe institution. It is pretty much THE brunch place in town and weekend and holiday waits for a table can extend past 1hr if you don't get there pretty darned early. Why is this? Well, since you ask, it's because the food is extraordinary and unusual. They do have traditional New Mexican classics like Huevos Rancheros (with particularly good red and/or green chile), but they also have great alternatives like blintzes, whole-wheat pancakes, Huevos Moultenos (with black beans, bananas, sour cream, etc.- yum) and their own ab-fab five-grain hot cereal that's just the ticket on a cool morning. They have a small number of tables, so there's usually a wait, but if you're the social type, they do have a community table that seats about 10 people, so you can sneak in faster if you're up for that.
(4)Dawn G.
We were told there would be a 30 minute wait, but our table of five watched people come and go for an hour before we finally asked to be seated separately. My daughters sat at the communal table, and Stacy and I sat at a table for two. We were happy to be seated with the girls after 10 minutes when another couple finished at the same group table. But the wait was worth it. We started with a hot Mexican Chocolate and a hot White Chocolate. Both were superb! Later, I added a shot of espresso to the White Chocolate that made a delightful mocha. For breakfast, I had a trout hash that was fantastic! Large pieces of smoked trout with two poached eggs atop a stack of fried potatoes with salsa verde. The girls had a basil pesto omelet and breakfast quesadillas filled with eggs, cheese, and guacamole in a crispy (yet not greasy) tortilla. Stacy was disappointed with her heuvos moutelenos especially since she was told this was a "house favorite". I thought it had far to many black beans, so the rest of the dish was lost in them. All in all, this place is worth the visit, but get there early for breakfast or plan to wait an hour. Oh, and at $90 for a breakfast for 5 with the 18% gratuity added at checkout, there's no doubt that Pasqual's is on the high end. Good breakfasts can be had for nearly half this price.
(4)Christian N.
Festive ambiance. Quality food and friendly service. Very popular and crowded, yet we did not feel rushed. Had a nice experience here. Would recommend this place to anyone, ONLY if you don't have to wait FOREVER in line. Do what we did and make reservations ahead of time. They said they don't take reservations, but if you have a large group, call and reserve, they'll take it! ;)
(4)Joe M.
Not really a vegetarian restaurant, though vegetarians will find plenty of menu choices. Great for dinner (reservations help) and singles are welcome to sit at the shared table. A good place to have luscious dessert & coffee at 9 after most places in Santa Fe have closed for the night.
(4)A C.
As recommended by other yelpers, I ordered the mole chicken enchiladas-- but took it to go. Probably one of best moles I've had, though the chicken was a bit dry. Loved the cilantro rice. Price was steep. Minus one star.
(3)Larry F.
Great food, mole and pie
(5)Amy B.
Extremely disapointing experience...have been here before, but did not like it this time at all. Even though we had a reservation, had to wait at least 25 minutes for our table...other diners probably running behind due to slow service!! At one point, there were 15 people trying to cram into the TINY entry way. On a cold night...who wants to wait outside?? It took 35 minutes between appetizer and entree!?! Tables that had been seated much later after we arrived were served their entrees before our table. Waiter seemed to disappear for long intervals and was not very friendly. My mom had the fish and it was very dry...my sister and I had the chicken mole....way too spicy and not very flavorful. Would not go back again even if "reputation' seem to keep it going. It was my mom's 75th BD dinner...took so long that the "surprise" dessert we had planned almost didn't make it as my mom wanted to leave restautant...as she was tired of waiting for the waiter to come back with a dessert menu (20 minutes after entrees were taken away). I say Adios to Cafe Pasquals...too many other good restaurants to go to that don't cost $170.00 for 4 people and respect your time and business!
(1)Jeff H.
We had a fantastic breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's. Everything was fresh and tasted great. Service was wonderful. We will be back on every trip to Santa Fe.
(5)J W.
Beautiful New Mexican cuisine! A Santa Fe landmark that is worth the wait and the crowd.
(5)Fen Z.
Wow is this place expensive. The wait was a bit too long for 9:30 in the evening, and the food was somewhat uninteresting, though the best I've had in my little trip to Santa Fe. The desserts however were delicious; I recommend the French pastry with ice cream.
(3)Sarah S.
I was visiting Santa Fe, NM last week and had a beautiful meal at Cafe Pasqual's. We walked in just before the dinner rush and were quickly ushered to the "Pretty Booth" which was very pretty and a perfect perch to enjoy the restaurant fill up as soon as we were seated. The diners were a mixture of mostly locals and a few out-of-towners. The Staff was as friendly and attentive as could be, we both enjoyed a local Santa Fe, Nut Brown with our meal. We had Tamales steamed in a Banana Leaf to start, I had a delightful Dandelion Salad as a light main; which was perfectly composed, and had great flavor play between savory and acidic. My friend had Enchiladas with a Mole Sauce we both licked our plates clean! I also loved the Orange Chiffon Cake, It was so fluffy. Can't wait to visit again !
(4)Rochelle R.
Yummy! I ordered the tofu enchilada....I'm from LA, what do you expect? :) Actually, I ordered it because it sounded different. It was very good and inspired me to make my own version. The atmosphere was very good; it was crowded even on a weeknight around 9PM.
(5)greg r.
expensive but very good. their huevos rancheros and everything else on the menu is fantastic. though in santa fe it is really hard to find a place with bad food. seriously.
(4)Kate B.
This place was awesome! We came on the recommendation of my dad's barber, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong! The restaurant is small and simple, but the food is delicious. We showed up ~20 minutes before opening and there was already a line. Luckily, we managed to get in during the first wave. The service was efficient, the coffee kept coming and all 5 of us loved our meals. I decided to be adventurous and try the Huevos Moutelenos (bananas and eggs - sounded interesting) and it was delicious! We tried to come back the next day, but the line was ridiculously long. My only complaint about this place would be that they need to expand!
(5)laurie c.
we stopped in for a dinner with no reservations (how are we to know, we're from out of town) but luckily got seated pretty quickly. Although the food and service was good, it was so busy and loud that we felt kind of rushed. It also seemed pretty pricey for what you get. After I returned home a few months later, I stumbled upon a cookbook and realized this place must be pretty famous. Hmm, perhaps it's gone to their heads?
(3)Amy E.
Comfortable casual spot for lunch with a very extensive menu. We had no trouble getting a seat at the communal table. The food was very good, but it definitely caters to tourists -- $13 for huevos rancheros?!?
(4)Daniel C.
We have been to Pasqual's a couple of times. While it is a Santa Fe institution and is known as a "must go to" location, that could be a little bit of an exaggeration. Yes, the food can be incredible. I had a veggie mole burrito with tofu and the first time I had it it was unbeatable. But sometimes just a little inconsistent. My wife's dishes were a little bit of a disappointment. With the prices being relatively high, I would like to see a little more consistency in the dishes. But when they are on, they are almost unbeatable.
(4)Jessy B.
Okay, this is a must go for dinner - maybe even for a 2nd time. Food is really tasty - the mole tasted like chocolate. Nice ambience. Our waiter was very attentive, knowledgeable and nice. Yum Yum. My only complaint is that there is no hard alcohol - read: tequila. The wine list is good though. The lack of margaritas is my only reason for not giving this place 5 stars...
(4)luke e.
i've enjoyed one of the best meals i can remember here. i had the filet mignon(niman ranch beef, google it) and my date had the ahi tuna. the filet(medium rare) could be cut with a fork, and could nearly be eaten without chewing...it literally melted in your mouth. the tuna was equally delicious, and again, took little effort to eat...everything just melted in your mouth. high quality food, and a high quality talented chef make this a memorable meal. the downside is that for two people, after the appetizers, entrees and drinks, the bill is well over $100. money well spent in my opinion, just a forewarning to those that may be on a budget. if you're passing through santa fe, and would like a memorable and delicious meal, be sure to stop here, you won't regret it.
(5)abby z.
We got a reservation for 5:30 and we were lucky to have gotten anything at all. Pasqual's is kind of emblamatic of Santa Fe - it's small and crowded but beautiful with great, organic fun food that's a little on the steep side pricewise and very friendly service. I had the tofu mole enchiladas, which I wasn't too thrilled with, but that is because of personal issues where I was trying to give mole another chance but whups, no, still not too crazy about it. Our appetizers of warm brie and pupula (a corn cake) were wonderful though, and my mother's stuffed pepper was light and creamy and tasty. Definitely worth coming here, if only to scope out the metaphor.
(4)Eric P.
had to wait a long time for a table for one for a late dinner, then the service was slow initially. however, once the wait staff hit its stride it was top notch for the rest of the evening. had the Nieman beef skewers, which were about the most tender and succulent beef I have ever had. the corn cake were an interesting pancake/crepe-like interpretation on the dish, with wonderfully inventive and tasty filling. the orange flan was a fittingly satisfying finish to a very good meal. noisy and busy for sure, but probably the best meal I had in my week in Santa Fe.
(4)Suzanne K.
I expected a really good meal here, but my experience was totally unimpressive. I ordered the chili relleno and egg dish. To say it was ordinary may be giving it too much credit - there was no flavor at all. We sat at the community table which had the potential to be enjoyable, but It was so-so. According to the waiter, the chili relleno breakfast is one of their more popular dishes. Don't fall for it! If you go, pick something else. My tab came to $20 for 2 eggs, and one chili relleno with a side of black beans and coffee. Far and away the worst value of all the meals in my 5 days in the area. When the waiter picked up our check and payment, he asked us if we needed change (we put down $60 for a $44 bill), and after we told him that we did, he proceeded to pocket the whole amount. We had to ask for our change a second time, and gave him a lighter tip than we would have had he not presumed that we would be okay with him taking a 35% tip.
(1)Hannah L.
Oh deliciousness. The coffee was a bit blah, but everything else was so delicous that I could barely care. Even the english muffin and the marmalade was spectacular. Ang and I sat at the big community table and there was such a feeling of togetherness that I almost asked the guy next to me if I could have a bite of his omelet with the plaintains in it. But the main event was the huevos rancheros. Goodness. The flavors were split into four quadrants with salsas with different tomatillos. It was like the fourth of July in my mouth. There was a party in there so large that it moved upstairs to me brain and made me so happy from head to toe. This is what huevos rancheros should be. And the restaurant was lovely. Bustling and a little bit chaotic, but still at its most crazed it doesnt have that energy that fills the air around the crass and entitled New Yorker. I loved it.
(5)Benjamin K R.
Just a note most of the reviewers seem to have come here for lunch or dinner but Pasqual's absolutely shines as Santa Fe's spot for uspcale brunch.
(4)Tom C.
We got luckier and were seated IMMEDIATELY when we got in there for lunch yesterday. Every other time we'd come by their little street corner, the line was out the door and sometimes around the block and that convinced us to make other plans, but I guess we hit the jackpot yesterday. Glad we hit it right because it was all jam packed by the time we left. Still, we got in there with the toddler and had a SUPER lunch out of it. I had the carnitas burrito special with green chili, and it had just the right amount of heat and oodles of supporting flavor to make me a happy luncher. The wife had a chicken sandwich, and my mom got the enchiladas. Everyone went away happy. The atmosphere is cozy and very Santa Fe. Overall, it was a lot of fun and worth the time. I'd love to go back again and focus more on the breakfast items that everyone is raving about. I know that they serve breakfast stuff right through lunch, but we were definitely in lunch mode yesterday. Someday...
(4)R R.
This is some of the best food in Santa Fe and it's no wonder you will have to line up at the door, perusing a well-worn copy of their cookbook while you decide exactly what delicious thing to eat (mole enchiladas, corn bread chicken sandwich). While unbelievably expensive, especially for dinner, the food is always way beyond great. There is a breakfast dish that has green peas and bananas and it might sound weird, yes, but it is one of the best breakfasts I have ever had!
(5)Maura P.
the chicken mole enchilada was amazing the corn pudding wedge served with it was so fantastic and the plaintains...my goodness! the servings are very decent in size and I couldn't even fit a dessert in after 3/4 of my enchilada. the hostess was a bit absent, but our waiter was fine. the leftover bags are adorable
(4)Sophie S.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. Pasqual's is always satisfying. The communal table makes for interesting people watching and conversation, and the tables are great for an intimate dinner. Strangely this was one of the first places I ever had sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf, and it touched off a lifelong obsession. A great break/mix-up on the traditional Santa Fe cuisine.
(5)J B.
Having arrived in Santa Fe very hungry, we decided to follow our nose to the closest place that looks good. The schnoz led us to the front door of Cafe Pasqual's. Apparently, during the tourist season the place is always packed but we are not in the "season" and went right in and sat down. New Mexican style food and decor is something that you will enjoy here. The food is top notch and breakfast is served all day. The Huevos Rancheros and the Lamb Burger were our dishes and we were immensely satisfied. I will probably go back there again before I leave.
(4)Andrew J.
Wow... everyone gives this place 5 stars! i wish my experience was that good! It wasn't horrible... but I have quite a few complaints. First off, we were seated in the most cramped corner in the restaurant, we had to climb over each others chairs to get to our seats (we had to forget about using the restrooms at any point). I start to look at the wine list and pick out the Sutcliffe Colorado Pinot Nior, and when I go to order it, the waiter assumes I am ordering the merlot, and I QUICKLY correct him and tell him "no no no, definitely not the merlot, so the waiter cracks a bad joke referencing the movie "Sideways", which is a horrible movie... he made it seem like we were too young to know what good wine was... if he only knew. After this, the waiter disappears for quite a while after we are all quite eager to order. We finally flag down another waiter who is more than willing to take our order... I get the "Plato Supremo" ($34) which is a chile relleno, a chicken mole enchilada, red chile veggie tamale and a skewer of carne asada. Also ordered by the dining companions was a Thai green curry tofu dish ($28), a lamb chop/mashed potato dish ($38) and a seared rare ahi tuna dish($32). Now I mention the price because what we got, was in no way worth the price we paid, the portions were a bit off, and the flavor was a little lacking. There was a piece of paper found in the mashed potatoes, they gave me a green chile chicken tamale instead of the red chile veggie, the tuna was slightly overcooked and the curry had too much basil. But, the carrot soup that accompanied the tuna was amazing, as was the wine we picked. Also, another good experience was the host, she was the nicest person in the place, when she found out that we were locals, she came to our table and thanked us and gave us a bag of cookies! Now, one last problem that I MUST mention. When we were all just about finished, the busser came by and asked if we were finished, and all but one of us said yes (there was still some curry to be eaten). So he starts to walk away, and my friend says, "you can still take my plate though". He turns around and tells her, "no, I will come get them all together." then just walks away! Okay, now I understand that the proper way to bus a table is to take all of the plates at once when everyone is finished... but if the customer asks you to please take their plate, YOU NEVER REFUSE!!!! EVER! I had to keep myself from turning around and scolding him! I don't think I will EVER come back to this place... an extremely nice host doesn't make up for the things that went wrong.
(2)Arwen O.
The food is really quite good but I have seldom encountered such appalling service. We went for dinner and I was quite taken aback at how rude and unhelpful the hostess was. She almost refused to seat us away from a briskly blowing air conditioner, and even had the temerity to tell me it was colder at our eventual table, which blatantly wasn't true. Then, when I tried to help out by bringing some of our table settings over to the new table, she actually snapped at me and told me not to approach the table until it was set for us. We'd heard such great things about the place that we stayed anyway, and the food was wonderful (salmon baked in a banana leaf with sticky rice and green papaya salad) and our waiter helpful. We decided to give it a try for brunch later that weeked (their specialty) and our waiter was almost as snarky and rude as the hostess had been, and the famed corned beef hash was dry to boot. It may be some of the best food in Santa Fe, but I won't be back.
(3)James H.
EXCELLENT and unique meals, but be ready: it is EXPENSIVE. $13-18 per breakfast plate. So, a splurge, but worth it.
(4)Thomas B.
My family enjoyed a wonderful meal here tonight during our spring break holiday in New Mexico. The food is advertised as being locally sourced. All of it was quite good. I had an appetizer of dates wrapped in prosciutto that was unusual but the flavors really came together. My son had the carne a dada and polished it off. My wife loved her quinoa burger. Desserts were also very good. My espresso milkshake was amazing. My only suggestion would be to encourage them to expand their beer selection. It was a bit limited.
(5)Matt M.
Such an unassuming place on the outside, but the people inside are so warm and welcoming and more than accommodating for larger parties. It's a bit cramped inside, and we were able to get in quick because of reservations, but I think the small atmosphere lends to the homey ambiance of the restaurant. I ordered the housemade tamales (one chicken, one cheese) with the Christmas sauce. I actually liked the cheese one more than the chicken, as the chicken had a little too much bitter taste to it (still good though). The sauces were really nice though, and the tamales were cooked perfectly (not too dry or too wet). yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe… For dessert I ordered the meyer lemon meringue tart. I love lemon meringue, and meyer lemons are one of my favorites. Take a look at the peaks on the meringue (see picture)! I've tried at home to get nice looking peaks like that, but have never been able to get them to look like this. The tart was not overly sweet, and I loved every bite. yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe…
(4)Steve T.
The restaurant is small and during events like the Indian Market almost impossible to get into for breakfast and lunch but easy to make dinner reservations which is what we did. Cafe Pasqual's came highly recommended by people we met on our plane so we went despite that it is very pricey for dinner. The restaurant leans toward organic food so we expected good things. Our dinner was delicious and the service was attentive without being over bearing. There are some strange food pairings on their menu but they are happy to substitute which is nice. Desserts here are stellar. I would definitely return.
(4)Anthony R.
Great food but overall wayyyyy to expensive for a small crowded restaurant with a diner atmosphere. It's great that everything is organic but overpriced small portions are incredibly hard to deal with. I don't know what makes Pasqual's such a hot spot in Santa Fe beside the reputation.
(1)Adriana M.
Arrived when they opened for dinner. We were sat immediately but they did ask if we had a reservation. Staff was friendly enough. Loved that the menu had vegetarian and gluten free options for most of the items on the menu. Wine and beer list was good too. Our food was delicious. The gazpacho was the best thing we had. Thought it was a little pricey for the portion size but would probably still go back.
(4)Eduardo M.
Had lunch here last week and really enjoyed the Half-Time with the kale salad, a 1/2 BLT and a cup of chilled tomato/chipotle soup of the day. Wow, what a meal! Best BLT I've ever had, and the salad and soup rounded out a great dish. My wife ordered the fish tacos which she couldn't finish. Apparently the pickled onions served on the tacos had a very off flavor to them. I thought it was odd that she didn't finish her pickled onions because she usually loves them and devours every last bit whenever she come across them. Her smoothie, however, was quite tasty and nutritious.
(4)Benjamin P.
Amazing brunch food. I haven't been for lunch or dinner ever but have been 3-4 times visiting Santa Fe over the past 10 years. The breakfast food is always incredible, and this most recent trip was the best yet. Everything our table had, from coffee to syrup to omelet was amazing. Everything. The jam was amazing. The bread was amazing. The pancakes were amazing. You get the point. Go to Cafe Pasqual's. Stop reading this review and go eat. NOW. You won't be disappointed
(5)Nick P.
Fantastic! We all had great meals, great service, and great ambience. I sampled the food from everyone's plates and would like to try all the plates next time. The enchiladas were tasty as were the tamales and the blue corn enchiladas were amazing. I would come back again soon.
(5)Lisa S.
Everyone in Santa Fe said you must go to Pasqual's. We went for dinner, although have heard the breakfast is fantastic. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. We went relatively late (around 8-8:30 in the evening) and were seated right away. The squash blossoms were fantastic, the wine (some local) was very good. Great experience all the way! if you are doing dessert, do the Chef's sampler. You won't know which ones you'll get until it is served, but they are all so good!
(5)Nikki B.
I have heard tremendous things about Pasqual's from my step mom. Every time she visits Santa Fe, she HAS to go! Everything was great. The service, the food, the MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE!!! I had about 4 different mexican hot chocolates while I was visiting for a long weekend, and theirs was by far the best. I had an enchilada (I think?) and it was awesome. we were so full by the time we left... it was just a great experience.
(5)maryanne S.
I ordered the free-range chicken enchiladas and the server asked how I liked it. I asked for another. Another plate. As good as it gets. Hardest part is getting in. Best part is any meal there and the communal table is great! Dinner now is the staple it didn't used to be. Go there now!
(5)Erica L.
I visit Santa Fe every few months for work, and this is always at the top of my list as a must visit. Especially coming alone, the communal table is a gem. Great conversations and awesome people are pretty much guaranteed. I've stuck with more traditionally Santa Fe options because I'm always in the hunt for green chile. The tamales, mole enchiladas, and zucchini red and or green chile enchiladas are really to die for. The latter comes with a deliciously moist, sweet corn bread, steamed spinach, cilantro rice, and some corn sprinkled on the spicy but flavorful green chile smothered enchiladas. I can't get enough and I'm tempted to come here every night!
(5)Pete H.
We were driving across country with one night in Santa Fe so we wanted a meal that was memorable. Based on reviews and suggestions from locals we came here and were not disappointed. All of the food was delicious. The waiter was awesome giving us many tips on places to visit. We left with a hand drawn map on a napkin. But the best part was sitting at the communal table where we met members of a cult who invited us to pray with them and told us all about their "philosophy" and in the end tried to recruit us making for the quintessential Santa Fe experience.
(4)Esteban R.
My wife and I love this place! It not only some of the best breakfast/brunch/lunch in Santa Fe but Ivan and Arturo are by far our favorite servers in town. My 2 favorite items on the menu are the quinoa burger and the BLT. I always get them with the kale salad which is a must have. My wife always gets something new and is never disappointed. Pasquale's is always packed and whether your a local or tourist you won't be disappointed.
(5)Chris P.
Great breakfast, just be prepared to wait for a table. Very small dining room area, so it's a bit crowded waiting for your table and sometimes while eating too. But the food was excellent - my entire party was very happy with the food. Would rec and go back.
(4)Elaine B.
Beer & wine only. Locals, quaint & quiet. It being a cafe.. Smelled like coffee--if you're ok w/that smell for dinner. Farm to table concept. Food was good, but pricey: $24 for enchiladas! We actually decided to only have a drink & go somewhere else..but we had to order food, so had an appetizer..
(4)Mel D.
Love this place. Friendly service, wonderful food and great wines. We had fried plantains as an app, wonderful dipping sauce! Then chicken mole enchiladas, amazing and it is one of their specialties, the scallops and the pigs n figs. Everything was wonderful! My husband had one of the best glasses of granacha I've ever tried and they serve the delightful New Mexican Gruet (champagne). Truly worth the price and the wait. Make your reservations well in advance!
(5)Elizabeth H.
This is a fabulous breakfast place, and was actually worth the 30+ minutes we waited for a table. I had the chile relleno and my partner had the huevos rancheros. Big portions but we almost finished them, the food was so good! Just the right amount of spicy, and the beans were delicious. The restaurant itself has a great vibe and tons of handicrafts on the walls. We were there just before Easter so it was all decorated for spring. Very cute and a fun, lively place for weekend brunch.
(5)Don J.
One of the best you will find in Santa Fe....I had the free range chicken sandwich and loved it....highly recommend
(4)Amanda S.
Hands down the BEST breakfast restaurant in Santa Fe. This place is small- I love the community table- but efficiently run. I have been here twice now, and while it is a little pricey for breakfast (it was about $50 for two people, including tip) I think it is worth it. The flavors are incredible, and the freshness wonderful. The ingredients are mostly organic and truly New Mexican.
(5)Laurie P.
All the hype about this little hotspot is so true! The atmosphere is vibrant and fun -- and although the restaurant is small, we didn't have to wait long for a table for breakfast. The menu is full of New Mexican dishes and some traditional favorites like homemade pancakes (omg, so yum) and the best English muffins we've had in a long time. Definitely try the corned beef hash if you are in the mood for something hearty. But the pancakes have definitely won my heart. We'll have this place on our list for every future visit to Santa Fe!
(5)Caitlin L.
Awesome huevos rancheros! Super tiny and long wait, but once we were seated, they did not rush us out. Really great place.
(4)Caley D.
This is my favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. The food is consistent and always great. The service is spot on. Occasionally it takes a while for my food to come, but not much longer than restaurants half as packed. I normally go for breakfast/brunch, and there is always a wait. Be prepared for an hour+ wait for brunch unless you get there EARLY. Get a reservation for dinner. Eat here. It's the best. The chicken sandwich and smoked trout hash (side of x-mas!!), are my favorites.
(5)Jenn S.
This has to be my favorite restaurant EVER. We had a slightly snooty waitress at first who almost ruined the experience-I was with my younger niece and nephew and made the foolish mistake of asking if they had any kid options. She rolled her eyes, kind of snorted at me but then a nicer (more experienced) waitress stepped in to say that we could place half orders for them. Thank You, that's all I really wanted to know! Aside from that sort of rude moment it was heaven! I would drive back to Santa Fe every weekend to experience the breakfast I ate here...If I didn't purchase their cookbooks I just might!
(5)Erin M.
I went here while traveling. The food was very tasty but the wait was killer. It's definitely worth a visit if you don't mind waiting.
(4)Mark W.
Innovative southwestern-style breakfast place in center of purist area. Fresh and unique offerings. This placed was packed with customers every time I walked by. Lookd like a local crowd to me.
(5)Christina I.
This was the last place we ate before leaving Santa Fe and we were so glad we did the neatly hour wait and tried it. The Mocha Latte was very good in my opinion not being too sweet. Breakfast tasted fresh and had good flavor. I had the Chili Relleno and think this was favorite breakfast choice out of all I had in Santa Fe. It is on pricy side but great good!
(5)E. M.
Very delicious and exceptional flavors delighted us amid a busy lunch stop..all tables were full n the staff was booking it! Not a quiet peaceful place! It is a bit tight and I recommend you stagger your dining time slightly to avoid feeling rushed. The food is the center of the universe here! Recommend fish or haddock taco, any of the chili preparations, and the kale on the side. Wine varies.
(4)Adrienne G.
This place rocks hands down we had dinner the other night and had a variety of things did not dissapointment the potato pancake was out of this world I want to try the breakfast out!
(5)S Z.
Excellent food friendly atmosphere. Quite a busy small place! Party of 5 went at 2pm and was promptly seated after 15 min wait. Had to flag waiter down for water refills but other than that it's a great place to eat. Food was tasty. We would definitely stop by again.
(5)Kraig W.
Food was great and love the community table. Went by myself, able to meet two friendly people, and have a good conversation.
(5)Noreen C.
Loved it! Super food, great ambiance and people.
(5)Amber H.
Amazing food! Easy, casual atmosphere. Eclectic and creative dishes. Breakfast lunch or dinner... Delicious!!!
(5)Roberto A.
Very nice meal. It was pretty loud in there, but for some reason my wife and I could hear each other without difficulty. They have a really nice organic English beer and their entrées and desserts are very nice. I had the Buffalo Green Chili Burger with bacon..delicious.
(4)Allen P.
Cafe Pasqual's was recommended to us by a friend born in Santa Fe but living in our Austin, TX. Our expectations were high and this place exceeded them in every category. My wife had the corn beef hash and I had the griddled polenta with chorizo and red chile. They added a bit of jalapano since I prefer a bit more heat .. our server was down to earth with absolutely no attitude that is so common in the touristy areas. The food (and even the coffee) was amazing to compliment the personable service and great ambiance. This place has found a spot on our must visit list for whenever we're back this way.
(5)Amaryl P.
We LOVED Pasqual's! The food was the best mole sauce we've had since we've been on our vacation. The atmosphere is very European: small, quaint, it's our pleasure to be here. We loved our time there. Our best food in Sanfa Fe!
(5)Zia L.
Huevos Barbacoa was amazing and you get a lot of food. Lattes are pretty good too.
(5)J S.
Came across this place by accident while we were headed to another restaurant. The dishes were delicious and we enjoyed the dining atmosphere. A little pricey but it was a nice treat. We ordered the Plato Supremo but the Barbacoa was definitely our favorite.
(5)Isabelle L.
This was very overrated and overpriced. The food was just ok as well as the service. They didn't have diet coke which is worth a star haha.
(2)Jak K.
We have eaten here two nights in succession and the food is terrific. Service is excellent as well. Amazing and inventive combinations drawing from all kinds of cuisines. We are hooked. Portions are very generous. Only eaten about half both nights but wished I could have eaten more.
(5)Grass W.
a little bit over priced, but the food was good!
(4)Maresa T.
Possibly my favorite Santa Fe restaurant. Amazing vegetarian selection that is seasonal and changing. I like to go there for dinner even though it is known for breakfast/brunch. Fabulous wine list too.
(5)Sheba G.
First of all, the wait wasn't that bad...we only waited 20 minutes for a table of 4. I started off with the elderberry spritzer (non-alcoholic). It was so refreshing and different (in a good way) since it's not a drink typically seen on menus. Our family had the lamb tacos specials, carne asana tacos and the vegetarian chile relleno and enchilada combo. The lamb tacos were so tasty! The cilantro rice was killer! The chile relleno had so much cheese oozing out....everything was deli push. Service was great too - friendly & helpful. I loved that they didn't rush us out even though there was a wait too.
(5)Sandy G.
Ate here today and had a great time. We were seated at the community table, OTW we would have had to wait. I ordered the quinoa burger with kale salad in the side. It was fresh, organic, and savory. Yum. We also shared a press pot of coffee and were treated to macaroon style cookie to finish off the meal, which was delicious. The service was good and the food super satisfying!
(5)Vic T.
Expectations for a flavorful sante fe breakfast will be well fulfilled here, along with great menu suggestions. We will return for more this visit and next
(5)John C.
Solid breakfast choice, went with the Christmas style chorizo breakfast burrito and wasn't disappointed. Would come again
(4)Joe S.
$25 for a plate of enchiladas and they don't have a full liquor license? Soooo overrated.
(1)A K.
Great food, but terrible service. Our server had a passive aggressive attitude to almost every request. "What are your salad dressings?" 4 second pause. "The ones we have are the ones listed on the menu".
(3)Erica R.
So GOOD
(5)Billy T B.
Sorta concerned about some of the reviews and statements about long lines but we were pleasantly surprised. We had brioche French toast, Pasqual's favorite, cheese omelette with ham. It was all very good. Cafe Pasqual is a little pricey, especially for breakfast but it was worth it. The coffee was a bit strong and tasted like it was from the bottom if the coffee pot to me. They have xylitol as an alternative to Splenda and it was ok. It was more stout than Starbucks. Great atmosphere, friendly service, walked right in at 8:45am for breakfast. We never saw anyone wait more than a couple of minutes. We will come back and Cafe Pasqual is a must on at least your first Santa Fe.
(4)john a.
Heard good things about the restaurant so stopped by today. Food was good. French press coffee was excellent. Service was slow which only added to the 20 min wait. Place was cramped and hot. I won't frequent the place but may stop by once a month or so...
(3)Darcy W.
Don't pass this place by, it's the best breakfast food, and worth the price, which was reasonable for locally sourced organic ingredients. The smoked trout hash was incredible, in fact everything was incredible! We were in a hurry and there at prime time Saturday morning. The service was fast, courteous, and our wait was minimal (15 minutes) for a good table. Absolutely worth it, the ambience was great too. The personal touches are everywhere. And the coffee is excellent!
(5)Bryce K.
You're probably going to have to wait in line, but it's worth it. I ordered the huevos rancheros. I wanted to try the huevos barbacoa, but wanted to save my meat-eating quota for later in the day. The huevos rancheros were good, but I was more impressed by the girlfriend's chile relleno. Darn it, her order is better than mine again!
(4)John G.
The huevos rancheros con chorizo was good but not as life changing as the photos implied.
(3)Laura A.
Great food any time of day, although brunch is best. I highly recommend the smoked trout hash (a friend from Denver still dreams about it) and my favorite is the huevos motulenos (eggs over easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sautéed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla). It may sound like a strange combination of ingredients, but it's absolutely delicious!
(4)Lee P.
Finally made it in here for breakfast. Not a long wait. Extremely interesting crowd including a diner next to us who ordered a glass of Cabernet with his eggs. A killer menu of southwest-inspired recipes. I had the Durango omelet with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, chorizo and green chiles. Fantastic. Great coffee. The best quality meal we had in Santa Fe.
(5)Shelley M.
Get there early to avoid a long wait, they do not take reservations. I've enjoyed every meal here to the fullest! Go ahead and sit at the community table if you are alone or with one other. You'll get seated more quickly and it's fun to dine with others who love great food. I really enjoy their breakfast meals, check those out even if it's lunch time. The Mexican cocoa is very good. The bathroom always has a queue and is tiny, but clean. Plan accordingly. If you must wait to be seated, go across the street to The Spirit of the Earth shop.
(5)Lynn D.
Had the Yucatan chicken salad and it was good. A bit overpriced. Flies were an annoying problem. I wish I had gone there for breakfast instead of lunch. I think breakfast might have been more deserving of the hype
(3)Greg S.
Food is fantastic. Loved the scallops cooked perfect. Tasted the fish tacos also fantastic.
(4)Kelly K.
Saw a line of people waiting for the 8am opening. Figured it must be good. Got in line and waited 15 minutes. The waitstaff was great at getting everyone settled. Unfortunately, things went downhill. I ordered coffee in a press pot for a pricey 5.45. The coffee was lukewarm and too many grinds got into my coffee. Sent it back and got a standard cup of coffee which had refills and was pricey at 2.75. Ordered the platter of wheat pancakes, applewood bacon, and an egg over hard. Wait was long as they sat the whole place at once-around 25 minutes. The pancakes were tasty and I appreciated the real maple syrup and butter. The two strips of bacon were rubbery and not worth eating. The egg was overcooked. Sent egg back and next version was runny. Sent that back and got a nasty version of scrambled egg. This platter was overpriced at 15 dollars and with quality lacking I was not impressed. I appreciated the waiter knocking off around 6 dollars for my bill when he saw that I did not eat the egg or bacon. The waiters are doing a great job. The cooking needs improving.
(2)Pat M.
A Santa Fe classic. Great creative dishes that are a pleasure to the palette. The restaurant is small, or "cozy", so you have to get their early and put your name. The last time I checked they did not take reservations. I found the wait staff to be very friendly. The cookies they sell at the front desk are awesome.
(4)Bob H.
Cafe Pasqual's is a small intimate restaurant in the downtown part of Santa Fe. Reservations are recommended, preferably a few days ahead of your visit. Because it only has about 15 tables the wait could be long if you don't have reservations. The food and service was very good and the desserts looked great, but I was too full to have one. They only serve beer and wine, but if you arrive early you can go across the street to the hotel, which has a full bar. I would return to Cafe Pasqual's and I recommend it.
(4)Giancarlo B.
Charming and quaint restaurant with fantastic service and out of this world food. We were visiting Santa Fe on our way to Colorado and decided to try Cafe Pasqual's. I had the Plato Supremo and my significant other ordered the cohinita. We both had to share because we couldn't take our eyes off of all the delicious food. Our server was the most professional and well serving gentleman we've ever had the pleasure of meeting at a restaurant. He gave us wonderful recommendations and was very amiable to converse with. Highly recommend this place.
(5)Kent W.
A friend recommended this place. We ate here two times in 5 days. Plato supremo is delicious. Has the best chile Relleno ever. Mole was complex and tasty. Service was attentive yet not pretentious. I recommend reservations as this place is popular. We arrived 5 minutes after opening and they were already half full.
(5)Chris U.
The meal was rather expensive for kind of average food...we are vegetarians, so we had a limited choice. The people on either side of us really liked their meat dishes. The plates were generous. We had breakfast here 10 years ago, and it was wonderful! The dinner was kind of average southwestern food, with beans and rice and cooked vegetables. The bread was good, but we expected more for one of the more expensive restaurants we went to in Santa Fe.
(3)C G.
I rarely write reviews, but this place deserves it. Cozy little joint with friendly staff that are clearly used to the frenzy and deal with it well. Food was hot, delicious if not a little pricey but worth it in my book. A local sitting next to us let us know that this is the perennial fave of the locals. I'd have to agree.
(5)Ryan O.
Our favorite breakfast place in all of Santa Fe. And maybe beyond! I had the griddled polenta and wish it had never ended. My wife had the rellena and loved it. Even the kiddo loved his pancakes, eggs, and bacon. An annual tradition - see you again next summer!
(5)Stan P.
OMG the food here was so damn good! Make a reservation today and go. A small hole in the wall space, but with the saving grace of an 8 top Community Table for those that did not make a reservation.
(5)Jen G.
This place is great! FIrst, it is so sweet. The inside is really cozy with lights and different levels. I LOVED the atmosphere. It was also super cheery. And the service was excellent -- the servers were super nice. The food was also excellent. It was torture picking. Everything we had was great! Including dessert.
(4)Lisa P.
If you are with a man for dinner prepare to be totally ignored.
(2)Calin D.
Thoughful, well sourced, high quality food here. Upon entering Cafe Pasqual's you'll find lots of bright colors, particularly greens in a variety of shades, and an atmosphere that speaks of a well tended garden. While the seating is limited, the location manages to merge a variety of tables into a cozy space filled with many things to hold your visual interest while sharing it with other patrons. The friendly wait staff definitely follow the healthy guidelines that the menu here supports, and it was nice to find folks who believe in what they do in all aspects of their lives. The patrons dining when I visited were all well-kept professionals, (with me as the somewhat scruffy touristy exception of course), though I was happy to find out that most were locals. The green chili tamales were quite good, though priced a bit steep even for organic fare. If I visit again, I'll be sure to bring my friends Ben and Grant, and next time I'll dress up a bit more than down, though I can say that I was not made to feel unwelcome, for which I was grateful. Salud
(4)Heather T.
It's been too long since I've been to Pasquale's. This is usually my must do for food in Santa Fe. The hubs and I planned this for a Sunday morning breakfast. We arrived fifteen minutes before opening and got seated right away. Within 30 minutes the place was packed. We started with a coffee and chai latte. The chai latte came in a large glass and was too much for me to finish. I also got a pineapple ginger juice to go which was cold and refreshing. For the main event I ordered the papas bravas with Christmas chili and 2 over easy eggs. The potatoes were cooked almost to the point of being too overdone. But the chili with melted cheese and over easy eggs was perfection. The hubs ordered the smoked trout hash. The fish was perfect and the saltiest thing on the plate. The rest of the ingredients were not salty which made for a really nice balance. We really enjoyed our brunch even if it was on the pricey side for what we ordered.
(4)Michael U.
Items sampled include: Canele Coffee Orange Juice Maga's Cheese Blintzes - 3 home made blintzes, golden from the skillet, strawberry jam and sour cream Griddled Polenta with Sauteed Chorizo, Corn, Red Chile - Chile Flecked Fried Polenta in a pool of red chile sauce, piled with house chorizo, roasted corn nibblets, 2 eggs your way Moving on to the Beard Awarded Café Pasqual's, perhaps Santa Fe's most well-known restaurant, for a proper breakfast before completing the final leg of our trip I'd personally like to think that my disappointment with the meal was due to overinflated expectations or ordering incorrectly but in reality the fact of the matter is that Café Pasqual's simply does not execute at the level of a restaurant so well regarded. Beginning first with average coffee served luke warm and paired with an overcooked and gummy canele before progressing to eggs so over-poached that I sent them back to the kitchen there really was not much to like about Pasqual aside from the décor and perhaps the crispy golden blintzes - though I certainly won't tolerate being packed into such a small space to pay $14 for them ever again.
(2)Wayne E.
Well, it has only been about 10 years since I first had the chance to get on the Pasqual bandwagon. The good news...it is better than I remembered. The bad news...I don't think I can go 10 years between these amazing meals! We had the chance to have both Breakfast and Dinner at the Café in our brief visit. I think I like the super relaxed breakfast almost more than the romantic and amazing dinner.....but the food was the star in both occasions. The bacon wrapped figs, the chorizo burrito, the thai salmon (yes, Thai), the carne asada salad, perfect sides, the red sauce, the green sauce, the amazing wine....yes...it is all good! The staff is super attentive, fun, and helpful in helping you select from so many creative dishes....breakfast or dinner! I kept seeing dishes rolling to other tables that I said "I have to try that next time!" Definitely a must hit if your are in Sante Fe! Oh, and if you have time, check out the gallery upstairs...cool art, decorations, and micaceous pottery....very nice.
(5)Jacqueline C.
Appetizers great...Dessert way too sweet. I came here with my mom and we decided to order three appetizers and share rather than getting two separate entrees. Boy of boy was I glad that we did that. We got the ceviche, pupusa, & the tamales. Every one of these were just delicious. The Ceviche was unique because it had flounder which is something I have never seen or tried. It had just the right amount of everything in it and I would definitely have to say that it is the best one I have ever had. The tamale and pupusa were both delicious as well. The pupusa was crispy and not overly cheesy and greasy. It was just the right amount. The tamales on the other hand were drenched in red and green chile that was just perfect. All the flavors balanced each other out extremely well. Lastly we decided to end the meal with the goat cheese ice cream and it's house made sauce. Right when I tasted it I knew I didn't like it. The ice cream was not smooth or creamy at all. Instead it had a grainy crumbly like texture. This is supposed to be ice cream not actual frozen goat cheese! And to top it off it was drenched in an overly sweet sauce that pretty much ruined the whole dessert. I took one bite and I was done. Other than the dessert I would definitely come back for the brunch and dinner.
(4)Alittle G.
Sensory overload when you walk in the door. A riot of colors, lively diners having a truly fun time, and delicious, sensuous smells. Love it. The dishes were lovingly prepared, with attention to detail. Great Santa Fe cuisine. It was like taqueria food, but more refined, with quality, fresh and organic ingredients. Still, I was expecting a little more from a James Beard restaurant, in comparison to some of the other mind blowing experiences with award winners. I think I wanted the spices to be stronger, or have more of a creative punch. Came here with the girlfriends, and laughed and had a fun time all nite. Service was great. Excellent place for high spirits, laughter, happiness, great drinks, and solid enjoyable food.
(4)Molly E.
I think this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe because they use organic ingredients. Their food is delicious and everything sounded so good, it was difficult to decide. I wanted to keep coming back to try more of their offerings, but unfortunately everyone seems to know this is the best restaurant in Santa Fe, and there is always a wait of at least 30 minutes, sometimes a full hour.
(4)Mark Richard B.
What an amazing restaurant with contemporary Southwest cooking. The chili-rubbed bacon is awesome. Every dish is cooked with the finest ingredients even something simple as cilantro rice perfectly made. Mole is perfect. Definitely worth a visit if you visit Santa Fe.
(5)Kaitlin H.
Chicken sandwich is good, with sweet onion inside. Satay is good to try too. Not really like their smoothies.
(4)Susan R.
Been here many times on our frequent visits to Santa Fe. Every dish is delicious! Pies are amazing. Huevos Rancheros indescribably tantalizing!
(5)Sue S.
Have been eating here every trip to SF since 2006. Great breakfast and lunches. 15-20 minute waits every time. That tells you it is good eats.
(4)Kristi W.
Excellent food and great ambiance. Best chili rellano we've ever had. The rib eye steak was one of the specials and deliciously served with smashed potatoes covered in mole sauce. We also had the mole enchiladas which were fabulous and served with some sort of cornbread that was to die for! The Plato supreme was a favorite dish among our group. Others in our party have eaten there for brunch and shared it was delicious as well. You will need a reservation.
(4)Kerstyn P.
One of my very favorite spots for brunch. I like that they serve organic produce - the salads are crispy fresh with just the right amount of dressing.The red and green chile are very decent and the Cappuchinos are the best! The community table is a great plus, since I can go for a quick (healthy) lunch anytime by myself. Great people watching is gratis! The only minus: it is so popular, you have to calculate in some waiting time...but just opposite is the marvelous Doodlets Store and your waiting time is transformed into fun time!
(5)Savannah G.
Hmmm...food is really good, but over priced and still reaching for the stars...oh wait... is that why we all go? If your in town making a film, why then of course you'll go but can the locals still afford to eat here? I fear not. Unless of course you have a trust, plane, east side palace or are otherwise re-inventing your self in Santa Fe and are from the "city". Again the food is great, mostly organic, somewhat creative new mexican inspired smallish portions. But why in the hundred plus times Ive been there do I never see any really Native people eating here? Why can't it be this good and be affordable in the off season too? Just saying a restaurant with it's namesake the patron saint of kitchens should be available to "la gente popular".
(3)Jane V.
I loved this place! It was everything that I was looking for during my recent trip to Santa Fe... Perfect ambiance (intimate and charming interior with southwestern tiles and decor), and even better food. I had the Christmas enchiladas and the BEST Hot chocolate of my life. Service a little slow, but didn't even care as I was enjoying the setting.
(5)N S.
I loved this place so much, I wished that I lived in Santa Fe. Hmm . . . I'd be there all the time. I ordered the enchiladas with red and green chilis, which were flavorful and complex. One of my friends raved about his salad with blood oranges and pine nuts. Not super fancy, but quaint and really, really good. P.S. Make a reservation.
(4)Jimie D.
This place is the JAM! Amazing selection of food, awesome atmosphere, just the right amount of spice, and the most innovative ways I've ever seen chills & other peppers worked into dishes. Mmmm, can't wait to go back! Staff is extremely nice and attentive as well!
(5)Rich G.
We have enjoyed at least one meal on every visit to Santa Fe over several years and always loved Cafe Pasqual's. We ate there last week and although it was good, I can not honestly say it was great, or even on par with past visits. My wife and son both enjoyed their meals, however I had the Halibut and it was ok..... but not what I have come to expect at Cafe Pasqual's. We will certainly return, but I will stick with the more traditional Southwest plates in the future.
(4)Steven P.
Went there recently on my trip to Santa Fe. The food was awesome, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fun. We did not make reservations, which is recommended, however we were able to get seated at the community table which was surprisingly fun. Met some cool people and we all recommended food to each other. Definitely would eat there all the time if I lived closer!
(5)Nathan H.
Excellent. Had the burrito with bacon and wife had the french toast. The french toast was crunchy but soft in the center. Sat at the community table and had excellent conversation. Love this place
(5)Kimberly W.
I had a great dinner last night! The mole enchiladas were amazing, as was the date shake for dessert. My friend's Asada was absolutely perfect as well. The host and our waiter were super sweet - I'll definitely come back!
(5)J. Christopher E.
I've been here several times across the years. What could be said about this place that hasn't already been said? How bout this - the best place to sit, I think, is at one of the two tables by the window. How do you get one of these tables? Best bet is to show up during the week instead of the weekend, not be in a rush, and to note to the host that you're willing to wait to get one of the tables. (when sitting there, if it gets too hot, ask them to lower the blinds) Of course, if you're the social type, then sit at the communal table instead. How bout this - the meals are pretty big. If there's only two of you, how about ordering 'Pasqual's Favorite' with chorizo. Also order an extra tortilla. Share the main meal and then use the tortilla to make your own chorizo with scrambled egg burrito. And share a hot chocolate; you definitely need one, but very rich and heavy so you don't need two. This way you leave full but not too stuffed. How bout this - when sitting at the table by the window, take a picture of yourself with the geranium plants next to you and the tiles behind you and the morning sunlight coming in. It's a nice picture. How bout this - if nice outside, after breakfast, walk around the plaza to work off your breakfast and then after about 1 hour and fifteen minutes head over to the Coyote Cafe Cantina (mostly across the street from Pasqual's) for a bucket of Coronitas. Even if you followed the above advice and shared a breakfast you're likely still too full to order food so just have the beer.
(4)Lisa H.
After reading many outstanding reviews of Cafe Pasqual's on various website and travel books, we decided to book a table two days in advance in this place. The first impression of this place is that of a cozy small place with creative decor and oversized pinatas. The tables were close to each other, but still had the privacy. The menu represented quality rather than quantity, which I highly appreciate in restaurants. We finally made the wine choice (they had some wine by glass) and decided to have the Yucatan Style Pork and The Plato Supreme and my son had the Chicken Quesadilla. The pork was wrapped up in a banana leaf and was presented with fried plantains and calabacitas. The Plato Supreme had Chille Relleno, Chicken Tamales and Mole Enchilada. All the dishes were superb and tasted excellent. Specially the pork was shredded well and marinated with the right amount of spices before it was cooked and it had the smoked flavor of the banana leaf which made is very tasteful. The Chile Relleno with the green chille sauce was succulent and almost melted in the mouth. Overall a great restaurant with very well made food. I loved the feel of the restaurant, our servers were great and was happy to have tasted one of Santa Fe's great restaurants.
(5)Raven C.
Am at home sick because of their breakfast. I didn't eat much because it didn't taste well. Found cracked egg shells on my plate with pancakes... really gross. Potatoes were ones u probably would find in county jail they were so bad. Not to mention the host omitted the special which he kindly let the other people next to me know about. So I asked the other waiters about the special and they just looked at me turned their head and walked away. Now I'm home sick with diarrhea and all I can say is beware.
(1)Mike O.
Oh, woe. Cafe Pasqual's perhaps does not deserve this low rating, but perhaps I did not deserve the wait for overpriced, pretentiously made and described food. Let me make my case. I visited here one weeknight with a colleague, and we saw open tables and a nice menu. We were told that the wait would be up to two hours or more since we didn't have a reservation. I was puzzled by the open tables... I called the next day to make a reservation, and they again had nothing open until 8:30. "How about the following night?" I asked. Still, no openings, except for 5:30 and 8:30. Huh? Fine, we went with the 8:30. We were seated at a table that gave you about as much space as you'll get in places like NYC, which, strangely, was comforting, but what was not was that our server couldn't hold onto the fact that we had ordered two drinks. Not a stretch for the short-term memory I might have assumed, but you never know. The best part of the meal was the appetizer. We ordered tamales with Christmas chiles, and it was quite good. What is dismaying is that we paid four times as much for these little guys as I would at the local Mexican food truck for something as good if not better. Not sooner had we finished the tamales did the entrees arrive, which made me wonder: is stuff just sitting under heat lamps back in the kitchen? I had the mole enchiladas, and at a price of $28, I assumed I would be eating it with flakes and nuggets of gold in the meal. No such luck. The meal was just mediocre, and I couldn't finish it. At least the portions weren't small. I'm mildly dismayed at my own thoughts on this place, because I love organic, locally sourced food that is done artfully and has a new twist on local cuisine, but Cafe Pasqual's didn't work for me. This place isn't really as bad as the two-star rating I gave it, but it is certainly NOT worth the overrated Yelp reviews. It is overpriced, overpretentious, and it underdelivers. Here is a simple algorithm for eating in Santa Fe: if you have to get a reservation and it's not cheap but the menu does look promising, be very careful. If you have to get a reservation and it's cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO! If you don't have to get a reservation and it looks cheap and the menu looks good, go go GO!
(2)Laura G.
Absolutely delicious, best food so far in Santa Fe. The best thing we had was the carne asada, which was cooked to perfection, spicy salsa with guacamole for sauces. Also recommend whatever kind of fruit pie they have for dessert, ours was raspberry and apricot. Atmosphere is lovely, it is busy but not particularly noisy. Definitely get a reservation or you may not get a table though.
(5)Leahi M.
I enjoy coming here when my "rich" friends want to eat here, other than that I think it's a little pricey for my taste and don't mind if it's all organic or not...I can make organic food at home for way cheaper. The tables are very close to one another it felt like I was practically sitting on the woman's lap next to me, the food is delicious though. Service was also great, the atmosphere is a little busy for me, but it's always about the company your with that provides for the entertainment. I don't mind coming here, but it's not a place I'm super excited to go to when I think of New Mexican
(4)Susie E.
Ok place to eat. Lines can be long. Food is alright, nothing to write home to. Can't seem to figure out why all the tourists seem to flock to this place? nothing bad though.
(2)Nancy I.
I had one of the most imaginative, hi-quality, meals ever! I was a few minutes early, and had to wait a little, but I didn't mind, as at the stroke of the hour, I was seated.The atmosphere was straight out of the 70's, kind of hip, which is my generation. I felt right at home. There is a gallery upstairs; I did not have time to visit, but appreciate a restaurant that promotes local artists. My waiter was friendly and attentive. I mentioned that I was just getting used to the altitude, and slightly dehydrated; without my prompting, he kindly kept filling my water glass. I ordered the quinoa burger, as so many yelpies had sung its praises. I was not disappointed. The restaurant uses organic ingredients, which, of course, enhances the health benefits and fresh taste. I am not a vegetarian, but this was a delicious, complex burger. I never missed the meat. Usually the texture of veggie burgers ruin the eating pleasure for me, but this burger had the mouth-feel of a real beef burger. I can just imagine the painstaking hours of experimentation it took to get the taste and texture just right. This was served with guac, and tomato chutney. A side of beautiful field greens, watermellon radishes and other fresh, crisp veggies complemented the burger. The vinigrette was lovely and light. The portions were ample, and the prices reasonable. For dessert, I had a house-made fresh apricot galette.The crust was golden brown, light, and the apricots were sweet and a vibrant color. I would have loved to return to sample other delicious things. The restaurant puts out 2 cookbooks, and I will have to look into this. Make sure you check this restaurant out if you go to Santa Fe.
(5)John Jah F.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. All of the ingredients are fresh and used perfectly. The service is great! We had a friend from out of town and the server brought him water (in addition to his beer) and told him "out here in New Mexico you need to stay hydrated". It was very sweet. Speaking of sweets...the dessert cabinet (which is beautiful and mounted on the front desk) holds a little treasure trove of hand made sweets to choose from. All of them are delicious, I should know....I took one of each back to the hotel room. Hey, I'm on vacation and its ok if I want to go fat bastard style. The local beers are also a treat. They also have Sammy Smiths Nut Brown ale which goes great with green chile! The Agave wine margaritas are really a great mid day drink to have before strolling around the plaza. Spending the day with the girlfriend looking at shoes is a lot easier when you have one or two of those in ya. I recommend sitting at the community table, its really fun to talk to complete strangers about their lives....did that sound sarcastic? Because it really is fun!
(5)Lawrence P.
Easy review to write. Dinner Great food friendly service. Food well prepared. All organic. Outstanding
(5)joe j.
We are usually fans of this restaurant however recently it did not measure up. The burgers (Bison and Lamb) we ordered arrived medium and well done, not rare side of medium rare as we had ordered. They were running late seating us (we had a reservation) so we didn't want to send back. The starter came with jalapeno avocado dipping sauce that was pretty bland, which was a surprise. We have had good enchiladas with mole etc. on prior occasions so perhaps burgers aren't he way to go. On the other hand getting a burger temp right is pretty basic and the prices are on the higher side. Service was fine though.
(3)Sherry T.
Food: I tried the lamb quesadilla, which was included in their dinner specials menu. The food was seasoned well and the meat tender. The taste itself was delicious, but the serving size (at least for this dish) could have been a little more generous. I also tried their chocolate pecan pie, which I enjoyed. It was on the sweeter side, but totally satisfied my dessert craving. Price: I would have liked a larger portion size to compensate for the price. Atmosphere: The restaurant was very lively and I love their eclectic decorations. They serve small as well as larger groups. Service: Our server was actually hard to get a hold of. He spent a lot of time speaking to some of the tables and then disappear again. I know it was a busy evening, but my group and I would have appreciated it if he checked in on us after our entrees and desserts were served.
(3)Rob K.
We had one hour to spare, getting from Taos to Albuquerque to catch our plane home. Based on advice from a friend we can to Cafe Paquals and was it worth it. OMIGOD! Incredibly tasty food that's organic AND local. I made a detour on my vegetarian journey for the carne Asada-- skirt steak-- and it was worth it. Mmmmm good. My friend had the Mole enchiladas and said the mole sauce was probably the best he ever tasted. I grabbed four different pastries and they were out of this world, particularly the chocolate ones. While we had lunch, ALL of the breakfasts we saw being served looked absolutely amazing. There was a wait for lunch. The wait was worth it. This place is a treasure. BTW, while the place is in the downtown district, there's a municipal parking lot around the corner for $2 an hour. One last thing-- the people working there were great.
(5)Katherine M.
The best mole enchiladas I've ever had! Hands down! Very good tacos barbacoas. Amazing house Malbec. Warm and inviting decor. The place was packed, but the service was still outstanding. Unfortunately we left no room for dessert. I'm sure it would have been amazing.
(5)Margab M.
The staff add a lot of flare-calling some customers code names, which was a turn off and awkward (i.e. "Southwest is now paying"). Overall, quaint, delicious, and very crowded. It would not be a mistake to come here for delicious, tasty food- just be ok with the wait and uncomfortable customer favoritism in terms of wait time.
(2)Bobby S.
We are visiting Santa Fe for just two days and this place is so good that we ate here three times in those two day - cancelling reservations at La Boca even. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They are happy to make any substitution that you'd like and to make your meal perfect for you in every way. I had the Trout Hash and every last bite was amazing.I was stuffed but wanted more. The coffee is great which I find unusual for a place like this. And the vegan burger will rock your world. maybe I should move to santa fe just so that i can eat here more......
(5)Christen N.
The food was pretty good, and the menu was very friendly to those with dietary restrictions. But the prices were higher than was reasonable, even when taking into account the responsibly sourced ingredients. The atmosphere was cozy and chic. If you go, avoid going around 5; there is a big crowd when they reopen for dinner and you will wait forever.
(3)Morgan W.
Well, I know what's going to take me out of my way and driving for several minutes around the Square every single time I pass through Santa Fe. My husband and I stopped here for lunch on the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area. This is actually the first experience that I know of, of eating a restaurant run by a James Beard Award Winner. And now, I must seek out more of these individuals, and the eateries they run, and eat the living daylights out of their food. The portions are Just Right(tm). The plates arrive looking full but you don't feel like you need to be rolled out the front door, even when you're scrambling to mop up the last of the mole sauce with the edge of your fork, and begin to wonder how many looks you would get for licking the plates. The menu is large with lots of variety. Vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters will feel at home here. Great variety of breakfast and lunch dishes and SO MANY drink choices. Kudos for serving Blue Sky brand colas, they are definitely more delicious than conventional soda products. My husband and I both opted for the chicken mole enchiladas. I wish we'd each gotten something different but, it is what it is. The chicken tasted beautiful, moist and meaty and fresh, not rubbery or dry or stringy. Nice chocolate and red chile flavors in the mole sauce. Side of cilantro rice was well cooked and portioned well. The jicama-orange salad on the side was really neat: Triangle slabs of jicama with small orange pieces with the membrane peeled. I need to remember this presentation for the future. My husband and I absolutely destroyed our dishes. We were finished before tables who had gotten their food before us were even halfway finished. We opted to split a dessert of fresh mango and chili-lime salsa. The salsa was more like a sauce, which perfectly complimented the sliced mango. We wound up buying the book they had for sale which is full of the restaurant's recipes, and in fact right now there is a 4-quart stock pot of the restaurant's signature green chili simmering on the stove. So grateful we can continue to eat this incredible food at home!
(5)D. S.
Really delicious! We went here for breakfast 2 days in a row. Good customer service. Authentic atmosphere. Murals on the walls.
(5)Samuel C.
Right downtown. Park in the public lot across the street and do yourself a favor. Pretty good food, especially breakfast. Drawback is the line you usually have to wait in to get a table most weekend mornings.
(3)Donna K.
We were told that this was a must-eat place when in Santa Fe. The food was very good, the service was great and the wait wasn't as long as I had expected, however, the prices were crazy expensive! We spent $50 on a basic breakfast for two of Huevos Rancheros and pancakes, bacon and 1 egg. Two OJs were $11!!! Who charges $5.50 for a small glass of juice? If you have that kind of money to spend on breakfast, you won't be disappointed.
(3)Ryan H.
Great little spot in Santa Fe. Great food, great service, but at a price. Be prepared to pay high end downtown Santa Fe prices and make sure to call ahead or you might have to wait 30+ min for a table.
(4)Libbie C.
Good food. I had the corn cakes and they were awesome. They were one of the specials featured ($23). The service was splendid and not pushy. My mom loves this place and it seems to attract an older crowd. If I were to come back I think I would want to try their brunch menu.
(4)Lauren E.
With the very friendly staff and delicious food, Cafe Pasqual's is an amazing find! The osso bucco was very good and unique. It had wonderful citrus overtones. The carrot ginger soup was very well balanced. The scallops were cooked perfectly and wrapped in flavorful bacon. The pear sorbet was an absolute delight! Very refreshing and delicious! We would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Santa Fe. We were able to get in on a Friday night at around 7:30pm after about 20 minutes without a reservation. It is a small place, but the ambiance is fun and colorful!
(5)Robert C.
Lunch 30th October 2012 - Ratings: A = Excellent, C = Mediocre, E = Awful. Food B Service B- Ambience B Value for Money C We sat at the communal table in the middle because all the individual tables were full. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I had the smoked trout salad, my wife the chicken sandwich, and our friend the buffalo burger. All these were good but somewhat overpriced for what they were. The service was good. The bathrooms were very small.
(3)Diana M.
Only the most amazing Southwestern food Santa Fe has to offer. The homemade chili cornbread chicken sandwich is inspired. The green chili is smoky and warm. The green "Hippie" drink is fresh and energizing! They are farm to table with a passion for providing only the highest quality organic options. The service is friendly and we left so full just to return in a heartbeat the next day! We will definitely return. This is a MUST visit in Santa Fe. The weekends are sure to be a long wait for this gem of a quaint spot!
(5)Leland T.
Second time in as many months weve waited 45 minutes to get a meal here. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff super friendly, the food is very lacking and over priced. My wifey ordered a burger rare...... it came out burnt i was extremely disapointed in this because the presentation looked amazing. My chile was fairly bland and for a 25 dollar combo plate I was very unimpressed. I guess that pretty much somes up both experiences. I think I'll stick with The Pantry, way better food for a third of the price!
(2)H R.
Delicious! Cubano Sammy with tomatillo salsa and red cabbage slaw was terrific, as we're the fish tacos with kale salad. Cozy place and busy at lunch, but efficient as well. I'd come here again.
(5)Jim M.
We are foodies and love southwestern food. The food was very good in flavor, however the cumulative effect of all the slow burn dishes (tacos, tamales and rice) overwhelmed us. We stopped eating and left hungry. Would have helped to have a non spicy rice or some condiment to cut the heat. Staff was pleasant but not terribly receptive to our situation.
(2)Patron X.
Love, love, love to brunch here, and so does everyone else so prepare for an absurdly long wait. If you have the time then it's worth it. Everything I've had from egg dishes, to salads, to sandwiches have been delicious and the place is super cute with friendly servers. Whether you're a meat eater or vegetarian you'll find something on the menu that you'll love. I haven't ever been for dinner because the pricing for dinner seems absurdly high for the casualness of the restaurant but maybe one day.
(5)