***** (5 stars)
This is a nice place right near the center of old Santa Fe, with quite a bit of patio seating, most of it well shaded by umbrellas.
We had the breakfast sandwich and the breakfast burrito. Both were good, and fairly similar, except that the sandwich was grilled and the burrito was covered in green chili sauce (which is optional, but was very good).
Service was friendly.
The Pantry Rio
229 Galisteo St
Santa Fe, NM 87501
***** (5 stars)
This was a real treat! Capturing all the ambiance of an old Fred Harvey Hotel, this place is definitely worth a stop on Route 66.
The food and cocktails were excellent, and the service was truly friendly. We shared pork carnitas, and smoked grilled ribs. Both were terrific.
The Mexican Firing Squad is a serious drink, and the Turquoise Margarita is a fun one.
After your meal, the parking lot is easy walking distance to the famous corner in Winslow Arizona for your photo op.
The Turquoise Room
303 E Second St
Winslow, AZ 86047
***** (5 stars)
Excellent food is topped by truly great service at this fine dining but not stuffy restaurant right off historic Route 66.
The real standout here was a special appetizer using ladyfingers(!), feta, apples, and bacon. It sounds weird but it was fantastic and unique.
Meals include a soup or salad. The gaspacho was nice and spicy, and the Caesar salad was classic, but with the dressing on the side. The salmon and ribeye were both very good.
The wine list is great, and really concentrates on the complex chewy reds that we love.
Our server's wine knowledge was truly impressive, and he offered us a ton of great tips for visiting the area.
Seared
119 San Pasquale Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
**** (4 stars)
This is a nice little coffee and cafe place convenient to the Sandi's Peak Tramway. The usual selection of coffe drinks is available, plus good made to order food like bagels and crepes. Service was friendly although prep times can be long.
The Burrow Cafe
12501 Candelaria Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
***** (5 stars)
We came here for the amazing 360 degree views, but the food is really good, too. I just sat at the bar and had the chip trio, but the people around me were raving about the wings, meatloaf, and other dishes.
My Ten 3 Margarita was excellent.
Service at the bar was great.
Ten 3
30 Tramway Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
**** (4 stars)
This trendy place offers a new take on traditional Mexican dishes such as Carnitas and Mole. For example, The Mole Poblano features Buffalo. The sauce is quite flavorful, but the accompanying rice and refried beans would not pass muster at the most pedestrian of Mexican restaurants.
Given that the dish is the restaurant's namesake, the Elotes are a particularly good appetizer. They are served in the increasingly popular deconstructed style (essentially really good creamed corn), which makes them much easier to eat.
There are a wide variety of made-to-order Margaritas.
Service at the bar was extremely friendly and attentive.
It's expensive but, hey, this is Sedona.
Elote Cafe
350 Jordan Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336
***** (5 stars)
This nice little coffee shop is just off the main road through Sedona. They have a nice selection of locally made pastries, plus the usual coffee drinks. It's nice to patronize local business rather than the chains.
Cuptown
274 Apple Ave
Sedona, AZ 86336
***** (5 stars)
I was not expecting the rooms to be that great and selected this place solely for the experience, but actually they are quite nice. Surprisingly spacious and very clean. And of course some great photo ops!
Front desk staff is very friendly.
If you go, be sure to get food at Howard's Donuts, almost next door. Great breakfast sandwiches and donuts and coffee!
Wigwam Motel
2728 E Foothill Blvd
San Bernardino, CA 92410
***** (5 stars)
Charming and stylish new American cafe and bar in the heart of historic Jerome. The Cauliflower Steak Sandwich is the single best presentation of cauliflower steak I have ever had. Friendly service and a nice vibe.
The Clinkscale
309 Main St
Jerome, AZ 86331
***** (5 stars)
What a great find! Although the grapes are not grown locally (they are from Southern Arizona) the winemaking here is impeccable. You will find many classic varieties from Europe that you rarely see in the US, and every one of a dozen wines we tried was perfectly crafted.
And what a wonderful host we had for our tasting! Even though he has only been with the winery for six months, he was very knowledgable and accommodating, providing us with great recommendations for not only wines, but also local sights and restaurants.
This was our favorite stop in this wine country.
Chateau Tumbleweed
1151 W State Rt 89A
Clarkdale, AZ 86324