5 Great and Affordable Restaurants in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a city with a wonderfully rich history and culture. From its unique college campuses to the shopping extravaganza that is The Plaza, there's never a lack of things to see or do. Going along with that, Santa Fe offers a wide variety of dining choices - but how can you tell which places are worth the money, and which places will break the bank? Here are five delicious, affordable restaurants in Santa Fe:

1. The Pantry

Located just around the corner from the College Of Santa Fe, The Pantry Restaurant is always bustling for weekend breakfasts. A classic diner with a New
Mexican twist, The Pantry offers delicious breakfasts and lunches on a budget. And for those of you with a love of green chile (and you really can't live in or visit Santa Fe without at least trying green chile), they offer it up in droves here. The Pantry Fries, their signature homefries with the perfect amount of cheese and spices, will give you cravings in the middle of the night. On saturdays, you simply have to try their Green Chile Chicken Soup, and their Roast Beef Burrito Grande is mouthwateringly scrumptious. Expect to drop about $10 a person, including coffee and more food than you can shake a stick at.

2. Yin Yang Chinese Restaurant

Hands down the best chinese joint in Santa Fe, Yin Yang offers fresh vegetables, delicious sauces, and an incredibly friendly waitstaff. Located in The Design Center, parking is plentiful and you're only just outside The Plaza. A relatively small place with a soothing atmosphere, Yin Yang is the perfect place to take a date or loved one, huddle close in a booth, and sip on some delicious tea. With Crab Rangoon that is simply to die for, delicious Orange Flavored Shrimp, and a healthy-sized vegetarian menu, this is a place to not miss. Expect to spend $15 a head, including drinks and appetizers.

3. Burrito Spot

Hungry at two in the morning, but fast food just doesn't sound appetizing? Head on down to the Santa Fe classic Burrito Spot, right off St. Michael's and Cerrillos. Kind of a hole-in-the-wall place, Burrito Spot won't knock you down with their decor, but they'll certainly blow you away with their prices and flavors. The California Burrito is my personal favorite - with carne asada, sour cream, cheese, potatoes, and salsa. Also recommended is their chips and salsa - for $1.95, you get a huge plate of tortilla chips, absolutely covered in cheese and pico de gallo. You can easily get out of here spending $6 a person, but be warned - they only accept cash.

4. Santa Fe Baking Company

Definitely the hippest coffee joint in town, The Santa Fe Baking Company offers mouthwatering coffee, pastries, breakfasts, and sandwiches. With an incredibly helpful (and, I must say attractive) staff, plentiful seating, and a laid-back ambience, it's the perfect place to unwind and read the newspaper. Though a little bit more expensive than your average coffee place, you can still get away with spending $10 on lunch and some gourmet coffee. Everything here is pretty much amazing, but I'm personally a huge fan of their Grilled Ham Torta.

5. Del Charro Restaurant

Located in the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza, Del Charro is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Their $5.50 signature margaritas pack far more wallop than you'd think, and they have a wide selection of food and appetizers to go along with your drinks. Always full of friendly faces, flowing drinks, and good times, Del Charro's nachos and quesadillas make the perfect complement to any of their delicious beverages - not to mention their to-die-for burgers. Expect to spend $10 - $15 for drinks and food.