| Tia Sophia's Casual New Mexican Cafe 210 W. San Francisco, downtown Santa Fe 505-983-9880 |
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| Santa Fe Restaurant Review: Tia Sophia's is a "cafe" in the old-time sense of the word. This is where locals have been coming for breakfast and lunch for over 30 years -- joined by a few lucky tourists who happen to stumble on it. SETTING - A small cafe, tucked between the shops just down the street from the Plaza in downtown. Breakfast is served from 7-11, Lunch from 11-2, Monday through Saturday. Like many small town diners, it is not open in the evening (and does not serve alcohol). FOOD - A simple menu with traditional "New Mexican" and cafe-type listings. Daily breakfast and lunch specials. At lunch there's the Santa Fe Plate (tamale, beef taco, cheese enchilada, beans, posole, and chile, with a sopaipilla) or the Atrisco Plate (green chile stew, rolled yellow corn enchilada, etc.) or my personal favorite, the Small Combo (chile relleno, rolled blue corn cheese enchilada, beans, posole, and sopaipilla $7.25), served hot on a metal plate. The chile relleno has an exceptionally good breading and is probably the best I've ever tasted. Also hamburgers, salads, etc. I've never been there for breakfast, but judging by lunch, the huevos rancheros and other breakfast fare should be a treat. AMBIANCE - "Eat where the locals eat." Very casual -- business workers and shoppers. Long, narrow cafe with an open kitchen in the center. Besides the small booths and tables, there are a few stools at the counter looking into the kitchen, occupied by diners maybe reading a newspaper and drinking coffee. The staff (none under 40 that I've seen), work like a well-oiled machine and seem to be Tia Sophia veterans who greet customers like old friends (I'd guess that many of them are). Tip: the open window in the small men's room looks out into a tiny 8x8 secret courtyard with tree. RESERVATIONS - I don't think they take them, and there is often a wait. However, as with any cafe, service is fast and the tables turn quickly. BOTTOM LINE - Step back in time for some Santa Fe "comfort food" at Tia Sophia's. |
| Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews |
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