If there is one thing for sure, New Mexicans love their chile. From the green chile smothered burritos to the dried ristras hanging outside homes and businesses, it is clear we are all about our chile. Plus, we not only serve up the more well-known red chile, but we are also known for our green chile. To fully appreciate New Mexico’s chile the best times to visit are late summer into early fall. During this harvest season, the “green version” is roasted and the “red version” is dried to have enough on hand for making tacos, burritos, salads, burgers, and more!
From red and green chile to vegetarian and pork chile, there is something for everyone. And while no matter where you are in the state you will most likely come across a restaurant serving up this spicy favorite. So, we’ve gathered up a list of our favorites on where to find the best chile in Taos.
Michael’s Kitchen
Since 1974, the casual breakfast spot, Michael’s Kitchen, has been serving up breakfast favorites to locals and tourists alike here in Taos. You can’t go wrong with their Huevos Rancheros. Or try their true classic, the breakfast burrito, packed with eggs, cheese, bacon, and of course green chile.
La Cueva Café
Preparing all their chile-based dishes with gluten-free flour, while also following a totally vegetarian recipe, La Cueva Café puts the word healthy back into New Mexican dishes. If you are feeling ambitious, try their combination platter of a chile Relleno, chicken enchilada, and a beef taco, all covered in red chile for just the right amount of spiciness.
Orlando’s
As a long-time local favorite, you would be remised to not stop in at Orlando’s. Try their classic red chile chicken enchiladas, with all the flavor and without the spice. A typical taco here is flavored “Taos style,” with a green-chile mayo. If you happen to visit on a nice warm day, take your food outside and enjoy their outdoor patio.
Eske’s Brew Pub
Yes, you can even find green chile in beer! Eske’s Brew Pub has just that and more. Known for their live music and lively outdoor patio, can you think of a better place to enjoy a green chile beer?
Antonito’s
Where else could you find the best chile in Taos but at Antonito’s? Winner of the best red chile at the Taos Chile challenge (2012) and the second place for best green and red chile (2011), Antonito’s has been serving up New Mexican style dishes with a twist for a while. A must-try is their chimichangas made with chicken, beef or pork, smothered in green chile.
Stray Dog Cantina
Located at the base of the Taos Ski Valley, Stray Dog Cantina offers completely vegetarian green and red chile. Their chile is from Chimayo, a local town nearby. And when you ask visitors and locals what their favorite item on the menu is, hands down the winner is their green chile cheeseburger.
Stay at Hotel La Fonda de Taos
Discover the best chile in Taos with a visit to one of these restaurants and with a stay at the historic Hotel La Fonda de Taos. Located in the Taos Plaza, we are a stone’s throw away from restaurants, shops, museums, and more. We offer spacious and comfortable rooms with a bit of that southwest flare that you can only find in Taos. So, come join us for your next trip out west and let us show you how we do chile in New Mexico!
