La Choza

La Choza is the sister restaurant of The Shed, sharing the same Carswell family ownership and the same dedication to traditional New Mexican cooking, while offering a more casual, neighbourhood experience at slightly lower prices. Located on Alarid Street in a residential pocket of Santa Fe away from the tourist corridor, La Choza draws a loyal following of locals and returning visitors who prefer their New Mexican food without the Plaza-adjacent waits and price premiums. The menu mirrors many of The Shed's classics: blue corn enchiladas smothered in green or red chile, carne adovada (pork slow-cooked in red chile until it shreds), tamales made in-house, and sopaipillas served hot with honey. The green chile stew — a thick broth of roasted Hatch green chiles, pork, and potatoes — is consistently cited among the best in Santa Fe and is worth ordering on its own or as a side. The dining room is warm and unfussy, with adobe walls, wood-beam ceilings, and a small enclosed patio that fills quickly on pleasant days. No reservations are accepted; seating is strictly walk-in, and waits of 30 to 45 minutes are routine during peak hours. The trade-off is genuine value: most plates are priced well under $20, with combination platters around $16–$18. The restaurant serves no alcohol, keeping the experience simple and family-oriented. La Choza is closed on Sundays. For travelers seeking an honest New Mexican meal in Santa Fe without fine-dining prices or significant tourist crowds, La Choza consistently earns the highest marks from those who know where to eat.