Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Santa Fe, New Mexico

A word to the wise: Don't skip the most important meal of the day in Santa Fe. Along with venerable mainstays serving heaping portions of huevos rancheros and enchiladas, you'll also find a new generation of cozy spots serving pastries, warm coffee, and healthy juices and smoothies. Here are seven places that could easily nab the title of best breakfast in Santa Fe (or at the very least, help you kick start your day with something delicious).

Tia Sophia's

Since 1975, Tia Sophia's has been a diner-style landmark that caters to out-of-towners and locals. This spot doles out portions of simple New Mexican classics like huevos rancheros and massive burritos (easily shared) with a choice of green or spicy red chili.

Café Pasqual's

Café Pasqual's is an always-bustling bastion of Southwestern cooking. This downtown spot fills up fast, so it's best to arrive when it opens at 8 a.m. Once seated at a community table, order a hot cup of coffee, and corned beef hash with two eggs, or griddled polenta with sautéed chorizo, corn, and red chile.

Counter Culture

An arty, no-frills warehouse café, Counter Culture serves the local crowd a proper breakfast spread where house-made giant cinnamon rolls take center stage. Other options include French toast made from said cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and fried egg sandwiches, which can all be enjoyed on their large patio. But come prepared, they only take cash.

Modern General

Part healthy café, part general store, the chic Modern General serves third-wave coffee and fresh pressed juices alongside naturally leavened bread, grain bowls, and signature Czech kolaches. Try the Modcake, a nutritious twist on the classic flapjack thanks to the addition of ancient grain flours, fresh vegetables and fruit, and made-from-scratch toppings.

Tune Up Café

A lively morning crew rolls into Tune Up Café for hefty plates loaded with chef Jesus Rivera's signature scrambled eggs with green onions and tomato. If you're craving something sweet, opt for the buttermilk pancakes with your choice of banana, blueberry, or chocolate chips. Unlike most greasy spoons, this hole-in-the-wall also boasts plenty of gluten-free options.

Clafoutis

Popular French café Clafoutis is both a delicious and affordable choice for a breakfast. With a boulangerie specializing in freshly baked baguettes and pastries that rival Paris, you can't go wrong with any of the items on its massive menu — whether you're in the mood for croque monsieur, salmon quiche, or perfectly thin all-day crepes.

The Pantry Restaurant

A respected roadside stop since 1948, The Pantry serves well-priced traditional breakfast items like blue corn cinnamon pancakes, chile relleno omelets, chicken fried steak smothered with country gravy, and cups upon cups of Aroma Coffee. Trust us, you won't leave hungry.