The Original Plaza Cafe Downtown

54 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM http://www.plazacafesantafe.com

No Reservations

5 Spoon Scale

Accessibility & Seating	🥄🥄🥄	Very busy & crowded. Tight tables.
Noise Level	🥄🥄🥄🥄	Loud, but could hear everyone at my table.
Food	🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄	Really good, but REALLY loved desserts!!!

I went to the Plaza Cafe on Friday, April 22. It is on the plaza in Santa Fe, NM. I have been there a couple of times before when I was in Santa Fe with my Uncle Miles. It was hard to be there without him this time, but I did it–I was so brave.

It was after 1:00 and it was still really busy at this restaurant. There always is a crowd here, but it is worth it. We waited about 20 minutes to get one of the tables at the front of the restaurant that would work for my wheelchair. The tables are close together and there are only a few tables that work for me. There is not a lot of space to get through the restaurant, so waiters and people going to the bathroom would be bumping me if I weren’t at the front of the restaurant. I would say it is worth the wait to get a table!

It looks like an old school diner inside and so there is some background noise. If there was music, it was not obnoxious and I didn’t really notice it. I could hear everyone at the table. There is a lot going on in the restaurant, so if you have sensory issues, it could be overwhelming. The restaurant has been around since 1905 (a really long time). My mom says she used to see it when her family went to Santa Fe in the 70’s and 80’s and it was busy then too.

My dad and I split the chicken fried steak. It came with beans, hash brown, eggs and tortillas with green Chile sauce. It was really good. The steak was really tender with a crispy outside. The sauce wasn’t too spicy and was delicious. All the sides were good too. Moira had pancakes and bacon and liked it. Aunt Emily had the blue corn enchiladas. My mom had the spicy fish and chips. Everybody’s food looked great and they all enjoyed it.

The best came when it was time for dessert. We ordered one of everything and split it. There was caramel apple pie, key lime pie, coconut cake, biscochitos (cookies) and quatro leches cupcake. We had to order a second cupcake because they were so good. They have a pastry chef that makes the desserts there. The caramel apple pie was really decadent. I want another one (I tried to buy a whole pie, but mom wouldn’t let me). The cupcakes had just come out of the oven and the milk filling just oozed out. They are all worth it!!!!

Emily and my parents ordered the 75th anniversary margarita. It was too strong for Emily, but my parents loved it. There is a picture of what’s in it below.

I always enjoy a meal at the Plaza Cafe and you should try it if you are ever in Santa Fe. I think it should be on the show Diners Drive-Ins and Dives!