"All The Chilis please! Located just half a block east of the Santa Fe Plaza, The Shed is a James Beard Award-winning institution that has been a cornerstone of New Mexican dining since 1953. Housed in a rambling adobe hacienda that dates back to 1692, it offers an experience that is as much about history as it is about heat. The Food: A Masterclass in Red Chile While many New Mexican restaurants focus on green chile, The Shed is world-renowned for its Red Chile. It is deep, dark, smokey, and carries a serious kick. Blue Corn Enchiladas: Their signature dish. The blue corn tortillas provide a nutty, earthy base for the sharp cheddar and that legendary red chile. Carne Adovada: Lean pork slow-roasted in red chile, garlic, and oregano until it’s fork-tender. It’s a purist’s version of the dish. Green Chile Stew: If you aren't a red chile fan, their green chile stew—brimming with pork and potatoes—is widely considered one of the best in the city. The Quirky Side: Every traditional entree is served with a basket of French Garlic Bread. It sounds out of place, but locals use it as the perfect tool to sop up the leftover spicy sauce. Mocha Cake: For dessert, this is non-negotiable. It’s a dark, rich, and dense cake that has become nearly as famous as the enchiladas. The Vibe & Ambiance Dining at The Shed feels like navigating a beautiful, colorful maze. The Setting: The restaurant consists of nine small, low-ceilinged rooms decorated with bright folk art and wooden beams. It’s cozy, vibrant, and bustling. The Courtyard: The Prince Patio is a sunny, flagstone courtyard shaded by trumpet vines—easily one of the most charming spots in Santa Fe for a lunchtime margarita. The Logistics (Crucial Advice) The Shed is victims of its own success, and the wait times reflect that. Reservations: They do take reservations for dinner, and you should book them far in advance if you can. PROTIP: The "Sister" Option: If the wait is too long, their sister restaurant, La Choza, is located near the Railyard. It serves a very similar menu (including the mocha cake) and is often favored by locals for being slightly more accessible. The Verdict Go if: You want the "Gold Standard" of New Mexican red chile and desire the quintessential Santa Fe atmosphere near the Plaza. Skip if: You are sensitive to high spice levels or have a low tolerance for tourist crowds and long wait times."

"Food and atmosphere was outstanding. This gem was recommended by a local we met in the park. It did not disappoint My only complaint was after being told they had unlimited refills on Coke I was to be charged after my third request. Which I should have been told limited refills on Coke. I would have e ordered an Ice tea instead. The best part of our visit aside from the great food was the care and welcoming of our fur babies in the patio area. It made the experience that much better for us all. Located in the heart of Santa Fe you are within walking distance to all the tourist destinations."

"When we arrived late into Santa Fe on Sat. evening, my bf decided for us to try this restaurant. We didn't have any reservations, but the hostess placed us down and we waited. The quality of food is really top-notch compared to another local Mexican spot we tried. It was really too spicy for me, so I am quite reluctant to say more about the food. I couldn't enjoy the chips and salsa because it was super spicy and burned my mouth up which tainted my taste buds. Our waiter was very understanding of my frustration with ordering a meal, as he understood I didn't want to order something with red or green Chile and not be able to eat it with enjoyment. He made certain that the kitchen staff didn't place any Chile on it at all. My blue soft shell enchiladas were very good. I also learned that neutralizing the spice with the garlic bread, some honey, or sour cream was the right way to go. In Texas, the folks would give milk. If you like extremely spicy food that you need other foods to complement it to help you out, then The Shed is your spot. It's not the Chile that is super hot to taste, it's just that this establishment cooks more "hot" or "peppery" than the other places."

"Aaron was a wonderful waiter, so friendly and helpful with making the perfect drink. I really enjoyed the enchilada plate and taco with added protein. They have lots of gluten free options! The atmosphere was fun and authentic, and sitting outside made it even more enjoyable. It’s such a dog friendly spot with plenty of dog lovers around."

"We had to check this place out since everyone says it’s a Santa Fe staple. We were quoted an hour and a half to two hours but were sat in one hour, so that was nice. The food was great! I loved the pozole side that comes with the enchilada plate. The chicken was well seasoned and the beans were so flavorful. The service was very lacking. He never came back to see how are food was, to refill our drinks, and I had to ask him to the bring the check. Would come back even though the service wasn’t good."