Not too long after leaving the Museum of Contemporary American Arts https://roadtosuchness.com/iaia-museum-of-contemporary-native-arts/ we passed under the hanging sign of the restaurant TheShed. “Let’s get lunch,” Michael beckoned. “Are you kidding!?” was all I could think as I followed him. I was ready and delighted. The Shed restaurant is one of the landmark restaurants in Santa Fe for excellent Southwest food. https://sfshed.com/ We were just coming out of long winter months, still in semi isolation. Walking into The Shed, experiencing again the festive atmosphere that surrounds you in Santa Fe and in this restaurant, that isolation was broken.
My very first winter visiting Santa Fe was also my very first visit to TheShed. At that visit we were escorted to our table beside a fireplace in one of the nine rooms of the restaurant. It was cozy and warm and if I remember right, the fireplace was red. All visits since then have been equally nice.
The Shed ... for Southwest Cuisine
Are you coming to Santa Fe for the first time or contemplating a trip in the future? This is one of the restaurants I would highly recommend for a great experience in Southwest cuisine. Southwest cuisine is full of chilis and full of hot! They grow along the Rio Grande but are best known from the town of Hatch in southern New Mexico. There is also the Chimayo variation that is nearer to Santa Fe. Whatever the variation, I am sure they will grow on you as they did on me.
My first choice when I am eating Southwest cuisine is usually tamales. This Saturday, however, Michael and I were both hungry for enchiladas. You can barely see the enchiladas peeking through in the photo below. They are smothered in goodness.
The Shed...A Look Inside
In the warmer months there is also seating outside. Being peak season here in Santa Fe, there can also be a line out front waiting to be seated. One summer with family guests in tow we were told it would be at least a half hour wait. We put our name on the waiting list rather than standing outside waiting, and took off for some window shopping. Afterwards, we walked briefly through the Plaza Sena which was originally a hacienda. Now it is filled with shops and a restaurant surrounding a beautiful garden. The Plaza Sena is not to be missed! Look for the arched entrances and check it out.
And have a great meal at The Shed restaurant! I guarantee it is a good choice for experiencing life and good local food here in Santa Fe.