Need recommendation for good restaurants near Ojo Caliente

[Mike Horrell]

Thanks, Gardener!

I think we'll just eat there. All the feedback we've had is quite positive.

[Santa Fe]

Espanola has El Paragua which is a decent old-time restaurant/bar that gets patronage from Los Alamos and the Sikhs as well as Espanola. It gets good reviews in Yelp.

El Paragua - Espanola, NM

I like Big Dawg for for a cheap basic breakfast. Their mini pancakes are great. (The maple syrup is fake however)

[Idunn]

When last I ate there, the Artesian restaurant at the Ojo Caliente resort was quite nice. Not to mention convenient. Since that time they've expanded and upscaled the resort, so the dining might be all the better.

I've never tried them, but there are a couple other options in town, and since it is a small place a simple matter to check them out. Maybe a gem you are looking for, possibly not.

Española would have several choices, and not that far a drive. It has been years, but when last there I enjoyed Anthony's at the Delta.

The mention of Abiquiu is also apt. I've no direct experience with dining there, but it would be an interesting visit and there might well be a good choice or two.

If a bit farther, and yourself in the mood, then there are plenty of great choices in Santa Fe. One way to approach that is to head to the Plaza, then look about on foot.

Something closer, with many fine choices as well, would be Taos. It is not uncommon to pop over to Ojo Caliente for a soak, so just as possible in reverse for dining. For Mexican the Guadalajara Grill (two locations) is a local favorite. In ambience and good, simple fare the Alley Cantina is a lot of fun. Is is entirely possible to go much more upscale as well. In that vein, the El Monte Sagrado would be worth checking out, although I've never actually eaten there.

You might also bear in mind that one doesn't necessarily have to drive through Tres Piedras to reach Taos. Yes, it is all paved road that way, but most certainly the long way around. From Ojo Caliente, the quicker route would be to turn right on NM 567 from US 285, heading east through Carson, NM. Continue on through Carson, heading due east until near the Rio Grande river gorge. The paved road will make a 90º bend to the right, following it will shortly lead you to a dirt road heading steeply down to cross the Rio Grande river, thence southwest along it to eventually join NM 68. At which point you could turn back north on NM 68 to reach Taos at last. It is an interesting drive and detour, but never mind that if no more than wishing to reach Taos. At this bend in the road, turn left instead onto the fairly good dirt road that heads more or less due north to intersect US 64 just west of the Gorge Bridge where it crosses the Rio Grande river (far below). It is then a simple matter to follow paved US 64 east into Taos. If taking such an excursion you might wish to do it first during daylight, but after that you should know your way.

Otherwise, the springs at Ojo Caliente are simply great, and you may be so relaxed that whatever comes to hand most easily will be more than fine.