Great food, personalized service, and atmosphere are always part of the experience of dining and drinking out. Even pre-pandemic, outdoor dining has always had an allure. When posed with the question “inside or outside?” we almost always unanimously opt for the open air. With access to some of the most spectacular sunsets, a big sky, and one of the longer warm seasons in the country, New Mexico has an abundance of great patios on which to enjoy your meal. This is by no means an exhaustive list—if you have the lowdown on the best patios in your city or county, drop us a line, and we will be sure to check them out.
Farm & Table
What we are eating and drinking: Charcuterie board and bottle of rosé
Worth noting: Farm & Table has created three unique spaces on their farm for exclusive dining. Each deck features dining and lounge furniture so you can enjoy the sunset over the ten-acre pasture. Pre-order your charcuterie board and wine the day before, and your picnic space will be ready when you arrive.
Find: 8917 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, farmandtablenm.com
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
What we are drinking and eating: Mezcal paloma and the weekend special: two-pound tomahawk chop rib eye from Marfa Meat (not pictured)
Worth noting: Like nowhere else, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is a desert oasis. They offer a locally sourced menu with many items grown right on the property. Ardovino’s hosts a farmers market year-round on Saturday mornings, where you can shop and then enjoy brunch.
Find: 1 Ardovinos Dr, Sunland Park, ardovinos.com
Amador Patio Bar & Grill
What we are drinking: Red Agave Margarita with hibiscus syrup and a chile rim
Worth noting: The Amador patio is the main entertainment hub of the venue, where you can always catch live music. Thursday evenings are comedy night.
Find: 302 S Main St, Las Cruces, amadorpbg.com
Apothecary Lounge
What we are drinking: Lowrider Bicycle made with Corralejo Blanco Tequila, Ancho Reyes Red Chile Liqueur, red chile demerara, Marble Cerveza, and gold flake
Worth noting: Apothecary Lounge, located on the Hotel Parq Central rooftop, is the ideal place to bask in the unbeaten views of Albuquerque, with uninterrupted sightlines of the mountains, downtown city lights, and captivating sunsets.
Find: 806 Central SE, Albuquerque,
hotelparqcentral.com/apothecary-lounge
Rancho de Chimayó
What we are drinking: Frozen prickly pear margarita
Pro tip: While waiting for your food to arrive, don’t forget to stroll the grounds that sit behind the restaurant. With perfect timing, you can witness a spectacular sunset over the rooftop.
Find: 300 Juan Medina Rd, Chimayó, ranchodechimayo.com
Santacafé
What we are eating and drinking: Mezcal caipirinha and Maine lobster rolls with tartar and tarragon butter
Worth noting: Santacafé has been a restaurant icon for over forty years. It was bought in 2019 by Santa Fe restaurateur Quinn Stephenson, the driving force behind another Santa Fe legend, Coyote Cafe.
Find: 231 Washington, Santa Fe, santacafe.com
Sacred Grounds Coffee &
Tea House / Glencoe Distillery Tasting Room
What we are drinking: Angel’s Share Margarita made with Glencoe Distillery Aquila
Worth noting: Located in midtown Ruidoso, the back deck is nestled in the ponderosa pines overlooking the Rio Ruidoso.
Find: 2704 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso,
sacredgrounds-coffee-and-tea-house.com
Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar
What we are eating: Rib eye steak served with scallion-smashed fingerling potatoes, garlic-sautéed asparagus, and cabernet demi-glace, along with a glass of rosé
Worth noting: Prairie Star is set against the backdrop of the Santa Ana golf course and unobscured views of the Sandia mountains. Chef Myles Lucero creates special prix fixe Wine & Dine menus every Wednesday and Thursday, which include three courses and a bottle of wine for two people.
Find: 288 Prairie Star Rd, Santa Ana Pueblo, mynewmexicogolf.com/prairiestar
The Compound
What we are eating: Wild mushrooms and organic stone ground polenta
Worth noting: Mark Kiffin, owner of The Compound Restaurant, and James Beard Best Chef of the Southwest 2005 celebrated his 20th anniversary as the owner in 2020. Through his tenure, Kiffin has developed a signature Contemporary American menu, using New World influences combined with the culinary style and flavors of the Mediterranean all paired with professional service and an award-winning wine menu.
Find: 653 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, compoundrestaurant.com
Drop us an email at info@ediblenm.com with your best finds from anywhere in the Land of Enchantment.
