SANTA FE CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Three Hours on Foot Through Santa Fe’s Chef-Driven Bars and Kitchens
A 2-Hour walking restaurant tour that visits Market Steer, Horno, Joe’s Tequila Bar and other stops in downtown Santa Fe — useful for planning timing, age requirements, and what each stop highlights.
Three Hours on Foot Through Santa Fe’s Chef-Driven Bars and Kitchens.
Adventure brief
Three Hours on Foot Through Santa Fe’s Chef-Driven Bars and Kitchens
Embark on a delightful 3-hour walking restaurant tour in Santa Fe led by local chefs and guides, sampling the city’s contemporary steakhouse fare, street-food-influenced dishes, and an immersive agave-spirit program while moving between intimate neighborhood venues.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a hub of Southwestern flavor, rich history, and lively street culture. The Restaurant Walk II tour by Santa Fe School of Cooking offers a delicious, immersive experience through the city's most iconic eateries. Over approximately three hours, you'll stroll through the bustling streets, sampling dishes and drinks from celebrated local spots like Market Steer Steakhouse, Horno, and Joe’s Tequila Bar. These establishments showcase the best of Santa Fe’s culinary diversity—from succulent steaks to street food-inspired bites and curated tequila tastings—each with its own story and signature flavor. This guided tour is perfect for food lovers eager to taste authentic New Mexican cuisine while gaining insight into the area's rich cultural tapestry. The lively atmosphere combined with expert commentary makes it a standout activity for visitors seeking a taste of Santa Fe's vibrant food scene. What sets this tour apart is its balance of flavor exploration and cultural education, making it a memorable way to connect with the local community. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, the tour’s mix of renowned chefs and unique eateries ensures a flavorful journey through the heart of Santa Fe. The event regularly highlights the city’s renowned culinary scene, blending historic influences with contemporary twists, all within walking distance of downtown. Participants leave not just satiated but also equipped with insider knowledge about Santa Fe’s culinary heritage, making this tour a must-do for visitors wanting to indulge their palate and enrich their trip. Side streets, lively patios, and the city's vibrant energy make this an activity you'll cherish as a highlight of your Santa Fe adventure.
Route Schematic
Stops Along the Route
The walk links a series of downtown restaurants and bars where guides introduce each kitchen and its standout offerings.
Market Steer Steakhouse
A chef-driven steakhouse run by Kristina Goode; Chef Kathleen Crook brings national recognition to the kitchen and the restaurant relocated to a new site in summer 2024.
Horno Restaurant
Chef David Sellers’ return to Santa Fe; Horno emphasizes street-food influences with Italian, Mediterranean and Southeast Asian touches in a casual setting.
Joe’s Tequila Bar
Part of the Inn on the Alameda at Paseo de Peralta and Alameda, Joe’s operates as a café by day and a spirited tasting destination by night with an extensive agave-spirit program.
La Fogata Grill
A family-rooted restaurant near the Santa Fe Plaza that celebrates the culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Veracruz and the Yucatán alongside New Mexican flavors.
Boxcar (listed stop)
Boxcar is included in the tour title as one of the listed stops for this restaurant walk.
Restaurants are subject to change due to booking conflicts; the operator will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Market Steer: Modern Steakhouse, Local Buzz
Market Steer is run by owner and general manager Kristina Goode with culinary leadership that includes Chef Kathleen Crook, a nationally recognized chef; the restaurant was voted #1 Best New Restaurant by SF Reporters Best of Santa Fe in 2019 and moved into a new location in summer 2024.
Horno: Street-Food Inspirations
Horno marks the return of Chef David Sellers and is framed around street-food influences with a mix of Italian, Mediterranean and touches of Southeast Asia, presented in a casual-dining format alongside thoughtfully paired wines.
Joe’s Tequila Bar: Agave-Focused Tastings
By day a bright café and by night a lively meeting spot, Joe’s Tequila Bar (part of the Inn on the Alameda) offers flights and single-pour tastings of agave spirits, curated margaritas and a selection of more than 250 tequilas, mezcals and agave spirits.
What the day feels like
What the Walk Feels Like
The tour unfolds as a Friday-afternoon walking circuit through downtown Santa Fe, moving from one chef-led venue to the next over three hours so guests can taste signature dishes, learn about the kitchens and spirit programs, and absorb the convivial atmosphere of each stop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tours run Friday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and last three hours; they begin at The Santa Fe School of Cooking.
The operator designates this as an adult tour; participants should note any age restrictions before booking.
Expect a walking route between multiple downtown venues with multiple small tastings and spirit flights at participating locations; restaurants occasionally change due to booking conflicts.
Because chefs provide generous tastings, the operator advises guests to reconsider making dinner reservations for the evening of the tour.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Restaurant Walk II?
The walking restaurant tour lasts three hours.
Where does the tour begin and when does it run?
Tours begin at The Santa Fe School of Cooking and run Friday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Is there an age restriction for this tour?
Yes — this tour is for adults only; participants should confirm the operator’s age policy when booking.
Will I be visiting Market Steer, Horno and Joe’s Tequila Bar?
Yes; the tour lists Market Steer Steakhouse, Horno and Joe’s Tequila Bar among its stops (restaurants are, however, subject to change due to booking conflicts).
Should I make dinner reservations after the tour?
The operator suggests reconsidering dinner reservations for the evening of the tour because the tastings are substantial.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-10-31T03:07:23.570Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.