Rio Chama Steakhouse

Description:

• Serving up tasty steaks in a refined ranch atmosphere, this is one of Santa Fe's most popular restaurants. It's a good spot for a business lunch or a fun-filled evening, and the patio is a bright spot during warm months. Service is efficient, and there's a full bar. I suggest sticking to the meat dishes here, though the fish and pasta dishes can be quite good too. At lunch or dinner you might start with the Capitol salad, with lots of fresh greens, piñon nuts, and blue cheese crumbles. My favorite for lunch is the [b/f]1/2 BLT with soup or salad, best when ordered with their green chile stew. Lunch also brings more formal dishes such as a lumpy crab over angel hair pasta. At dinner, the prime rib is a big hit, as is the filet mignon, both served with a potato and other vegetable. For dessert, try chocolate cake. The bar here romps during happy hour, when the booths fill up, martinis nearly overflow, and reasonably priced menu items sate post-work appetites.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010