A Perfect Weekend Getaway (+ Gluten and Dairy-Free) in Santa Fe, New Mexico
A Perfect Weekend Getaway, and Dairy and Gluten-Free Santa Fe, New Mexico
Please find “***” next to any of the places I was hosted. As always, all opinions are expressed as my own.
Santa Fe is an underrated major cultural hub of history, arts, entertainment, politics and fine dining. It’s also the capital of New Mexico, and it has everything from great gluten-free and plant-based cuisine, to hot springs, MEOW WOLF, the oldest house and church in the US, and great sustainable /slow-fashion. I fell in love with it, and can’t wait to return back!
Food
*Although gluten-friendly, and aware, some of these establishments do not have dedicated gluten-free environments. Please use your best judgment, and ensure that the waiting staff is aware of the severity of your food restrictions prior to dining.
Coffee
Iconik Coffee
This coffee shop is adorable! It’s a great spot to hangout indoors and outdoors while you enjoy your delicious drink. It’s nearby awesome shopping too. They also have gluten-free pastries (keep in mind, they are baked in a shared kitchen).
To-Go Food +Juice+ Groceries
La Montañita Grocery Co-op Food Market 913 W Alameda St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you’re looking for something more cost-effective and on-the-go, then La Montañita is your spot. They have an extensive gluten-free selection of just about everything in their large grocery store. In addition, they have a kitchen in the back and serve hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
They also have a salad bar, juice bar, and offer pizzas, soups, bakery items and a full deli. Keep in mind that although they try their best to avoid cross-contact, everything is made in the same area. Tip: If you’re in from out-of-town and part of another co-op, they will still provide you with a discount.
Breakfast
Love Yourself Café *** 199 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
This was a delicious experience. Their seasonal menus are completely gluten-free, organic, vegetarian, low-glycemic, mostly soy free, and farm-to-table, when possible. We shared the Banana Bread French Toast with bananas, strawberries, ghee and shredded coconut. Served with real maple syrup and coconut whipped cream.
On the savory end, we shared the Guatemalan potato cake patties served with greens, a fried egg, refried black beans, cilantro and salsa. Suffice it to say, our plates were wiped clean. The owner, Denice, started this cafe in conjunction with the Light Vessel Spa, next door. She saw that a primary factor in maintaining health pre and post-transformation is nutrition. And let me tell you, this menu will transform you. It is beautiful, nutritious and delicious.
Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe 1620 St Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Annapurna is a 100% organic, plant based, and ayurvedic restaurant with multiple locations in Albuquerque and in Santa Fe. The owner, Yashoda, is a lifetime vegetarian, and strives to make sure just about anyone can eat safely in her restaurants.
Their menu clearly states what is gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan. In addition, as with ayurvedic tradition, proper doshas are also marked next to each item. Doshas are derived from the elements, and are biological energies found in the body and mind. This includes pitta (fire) reducing, vata (air) reducing, kapha (water) reducing, and tri-doshic.
Some of their gluten-free menu items include cardamom pancakes, yogi bowl, dal soup, south indian sampler, and ALL desserts/baked goods (they are also vegan, soy-free and refined-sugar free).
Lunch
Body Cafe - 333 West Cordova Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Body Cafe is a 100% gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, and organic cafe inside of Body Santa Fe. The ambiance is calm and natural, which pairs perfectly with any of their light-fare dishes, such as their spring rolls, salads and smoothies.
The owner, Lori, wanted a cafe that would fit the atmosphere of her all-encompassing wellness center, which also serves as a yoga studio, spa, sustainable clothing store, and offers childcare.
They have a deli with plenty of delicious and healthy desserts, including gourmet chocolates, and food-to-go. They also host dinners each Saturday. Be sure to call to make a reservation.
Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen 1512 Pacheco Street, Building B, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Sweetwater Harvest’s menu/facility is ENTIRELY gluten-free, seasonal, organic, with many plant-based and paleo-friendly options. They pride themselves on using fresh, whole food ingredients.
Items like their buckwheat banana pancakes, kimchi fried rice, yucca root flatbread pizzas, green chile bison cheeseburger, turkey tortilla soup, and carrot cake with golden raisins and walnuts are guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
They also have espresso, teas, organic fresh smoothies, organic and biodynamic wines, craft brews, sake and gluten-free baked goods.
Dinner
Apothecary Restaurant *** 133 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The moment I walked into Apothecary Restaurant @santafeoxygenbar , I felt a sense of calmness. Each table is adorned with a deck of angel cards, and Feng Shui reigns here. The menu is farm-to-table, as well as 100% gluten-free/organic/refined sugar-free, and most items are naturally (or can be made) plant-based.
I started with their #GoldenMilk Latte, made with house-made coconut milk and hoped their mug was bottomless because it was deliciously soothing. I also got to try their #celeryroot soup, which was their soup of the day. Nutrient and taste dense, I felt each spoonful to be healing. And for my main course, we shared their #VeganNachos with sprouted blue corn tortilla chips and cashew cheese.
So tasty, you might forget they are healthy. Lastly, we ended with their raw vegan #KeyLimePie. A perfect mixture of sweet and tangy, it seriously melted in my mouth. In addition to their amazing cuisine,
They have two other locations (located on the same street in old town Santa Fe) offer oxygen (high-altitude is a thing), massage and healing, intuitive readings, herbalism, classes, and more.
The owner, Kadimah (pictured), started with just healing work, until spirit told her she could also energetically heal people through nutrient-dense food. I’m personally trying to convince her to build a second location in San Diego. I look forward to returning back again for another meal, as well as a healing session.
Paper Dosa *** 551 W Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Paper Dosa is Santa Fe’s only south indian restaurant. Much of their menu is naturally gluten-free with the exception of a few items like their ‘uttapam’ (South Indian pancakes). Dosas are South Indian crepes made from fermented lentil and rice, which can be filled with vegetables and/or meat.
Or, you can just get a dosa with masala to dip it in on the side. Other interesting dishes include their beet cumin soup, cashew calamari, their various curry options, passion fruit custard, Puli Jeera soda (cumin-tamarind syrup, cilantro, mint and soda water).
They also offer a tasting menu, if you can’t choose between all of their amazing options. Be sure to tell them if you’re celiac, have an intolerance/sensitivity, or are allergic to anything. And don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line, as they were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and are considered a local hot spot. They are currently only open for dinner.
Izanami (Ten Thousand Waves) *** 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way #2, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Located a little outside of Santa Fe, in the paradise that is Ten Thousand Waves, this James Beard nominated Japanese restaurant offers gluten-free friendly lunch and dinners. If you’re already staying on the premises, you officially don’t have a reason to leave.
Their lunch menu includes shabu shabu, a Japanese Hot Pot that you can fill with various meats and vegetables. At dinner they have traditional Japanese Izakaya, small plates. Their fried menu is 100% gluten-free, and they use a dedicated fryer.
They fry mouthwatering plates like shrimp, chicken, and shichimi fries made up of russet potatoes. Most of their food comes from organic and sustainable purveyors, many of which are local. Their kitchen is extremely celiac-safe, and they offer quite a few vegan options. If you’re planning to visit their spa and walk over afterward your soak, they welcome dining in robes.
Santa Fe School of Cooking *** 125 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Looking for something fun to do and learn, as you get to eat? Then, this is your spot. They host live, hand-on demonstrations, as well as private events specializing in NM cuisines.
They also have a store filled with cookbooks, cooking items, unique pottery and gift baskets. A lot of NM buisine is naturally gluten-free because it’s corn-based, so I was able to enjoy some dairy-free enchiladas, topped with red chile sauce, with a side.
Boxcar 530 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Boxcar is a sports bar with a gluten-free menu, AND a separate fryer. We aren’t just talking about french fries… They have options like fried pickles, bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, and a tempura plate. Fried gluten-free goodness, most of us can only dream of.
Desert
Revolutionary Bakery - 418 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
A 100% gluten-free and organic (non-GMO) bakery, located inside the Design Center. Aside from being completely celiac-safe, they have lots of vegan options to choose from. They bake almost every type of bread (over 15 types), as well as fourteen different signature pastries, ranging from doughnuts, to pies, cinnamon rolls, and more.
Any celiac will leave here with enough dough to meet their culinary dreams. Don’t forget to pair your pastry, or bread with their coffee or tea options. The owner, Dionne, also hosts pizza-making classes from time-to-time, so be sure to check out their website for dates and sign-up info.
Drift and Porter (Santa Fe Railyard Market) 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Drift and Porter is a 100% gluten-free and vegan bakery located at the Railyard Artisan Market in the Santa Fe Farmers Market Pavillion on Sundays, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Their pastry menu offers cheesecakes, cookies, pies, scones, tarts and various other treats. All of which are first come first serve, so they run out quickly!
They also bake custom cakes, which you can order through their website. The owners, Matthew and John would like to tear down the stigma that one dietary choice is less or more desirable than the other. They look forward to having a storefront at some point in the future.
Tia Coco Chocolates (Terra Verde Organic / Santa Fe Railyard Market) 851W W San Mateo Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 / 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tia Coco Chocolates are 100% organic, gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free, soy-free and made with fair trade cacao. Their chocolate offerings include full chocolate bars, cashew butter cups, bars, and assorted packs. They also have a KETO sugar-free chocolate selection.
You can currently purchase their chocolate from their booth at the Railyard Artisan Market in the Santa Fe Farmers Market Pavillion on Sundays, from 11 AM to 4 PM or from their retail section in Terra Verde Organic.
In addition, you can purchase from them online. Tia Coco’s mission is to make New Mexico’s most delicious healthy chocolate that’s also good for the planet.
Things to Do
Meow Wolf *** 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Only the COOLEST place ever. This is an huge, interactive art installation with a mysterious narrative you have to solve throughout a house. Pop into outer space through a dryer, or through a fridge. I can’t wait to return back. They now have other locations in Las Vegas and Denver.
Spa at Ten Thousand Waves *** 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way #2, Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you’re planning a trip to Izanami, you might as well make it a spa day. Ten Thousand Waves Spa and Resort has been a Santa Fe travel destination since 1981. Inspired by Japanese mountain onsens (hot spring resorts), and located 1,000 feet above the city (closest hotel to the Santa Fe ski area), it really feels like a world away.
From the moment we stepped foot on the property, we were enamored by the serene energy, the architecture, the stillness, and the juniper filled mountains that surrounded us.
We decided to visit at night, which as I understand is a completely different experience than visiting during the day.
Being able to soak underneath a blanket of stars in their healing communal hot springs was priceless. I personally felt like I traveled back to a Japanese onsen. They also have cold plunges, private tubs, saunas, and a full spa menu.
The staff at both the spa, and at the restaurant were phenomenal. Matt was extremely accommodating at getting us checked in and out, and answering our many questions.
Sasha and Samantha made sure we had a wonderful culinary experience, and took my restrictions super seriously.
I look forward to returning back to stay the entire weekend, and try a private bath, as well as their lunchtime shabu shabu, and try a treatment (or two) at their award-winning spa. A big thank you to Duke who helped arrange this perfect visit.
San Miguel Chapel 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Originally built in 1610, this is known as the oldest church in the US. Go check it out while you’re in old town.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum ***217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
How can you visit Santa Fe, without visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe museum? Oh, wait. You can’t. I love everything I learned, and saw. And the giftshop is pretty cool too. I hope to visit Ghost Ranch in the future.
Santa Fe Oxygen Bar 133 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Visiting a town that sits at 7,200’ elevation can leave you feeling a little dizzy at first. So, while eating at Apothecary in old town, go breathe in some concentrated oxygen to get you back on your feet.
De Vargas Street House (oldest house in the US) 215 East De Vargas St., Santa Fe, New Mexico
This home rests on part of an ancient Indian pueblo dating from around 1200 CE. It’s connected to a cute gift shop worth checking out while you’re there.
The Loretto Chapel (and its mysterious chairs) 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Super cool church. Super cool story. I almost don’t want to ruin it for you. They don’t know how these stairs were built. Go visit, and find out why.
Santa Fe Botanical Garden (Museum Hill) 715 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Although I didn’t have a chance to go, this is supposed to be 14 acres of sheer beauty (soon to be 20.5 acres). They are closed on Mondays.
Museum of International Folk Art (Museum Hill) 706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Once again, I tried to visit on a Monday and missed this gem. A museum full of folk art from around the world, and beautiful exhibitions. And apparently, a killer gift shop. I hope to go soon.
Shopping
Santa Fe Farmers Market (Saturdays 10-3) 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
This world-famous and renowned farmer’s place takes place every Saturday, from 10-3. Full of locally-grown everything, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, produce, plants, and everything else your heart and stomach desire. There is also a Tuesday market.
Santa Fe Railyard Artisan Market (Sundays 10-3) 1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you didn’t get enough on Saturday, or need an arts and crafts fix, then head over to the same area on Sunday. There are a few gluten-free bakery and dessert booths.
BODY of Santa Fe 333 W Cordova Rd Ste 200, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Whether you’re visiting the spa, or grabbing something #glutenfreevegan + delicious to eat, why not go on a shopping spree here. Everything is sustainably sourced and ethical, and just stunning.
HYPERCLASH 926 Baca St #1, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Vintage, beautiful boutique, including artist handmade clothing. I had so much fun just browsing through this shop, and look forward to returning back to shop some more.
Standard and Strange 201 Galisteo St #6, Santa Fe, NM 87501
In case you haven’t been to the og location in Oakland, or New York, this store has awesome denim, shoes and clothing from Japan, Europe and the US. Hip, beautiful fashion.
Red River Mercantile 235 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
If you’re looking for solid men’s fashion, then this is your spot. They have great denim, and other pieces to choose from. And the owner is awesome.
Folklore Santa Fe 370 Garcia St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
One of my favorite boutiques in Santa Fe, full of ethical apparel, sustainable homewares, handmade objects, clean beauty and rituals for wellness. Plus, it’s just beautiful.
Santa Fe Vintage 7501 Avenger Way, Suite C, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
A store full of gorgeous, curated vintage pieces, art, collectibles and more. I had a lot of fun browsing through here.
The Good Stuff - Cafe Vinyl 401 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
A cute, fun record store near old town, that also doubles as a coffee shop, and sells other fun items.
WMV VISVIM SANTA FE 222 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Gorgeous women’s Japanese streetwear with some men’s pieces mixed in.
Garcia Street Books 376 Garcia St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Who doesn’t love a local, independently owned bookstore? It has a little bit of everything, but there is an emphasis on art, literature and design.
Bad Moon Apothecary 376 Garcia St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Just your local magic / spiritual / witch apothecary shop. You can find crystals, books, and tools. They also offer readings and witchcraft classes.
Modern General Feed And Seed 637 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
This is an adorable contemporary general store, with curated kitchen tools, and items that are all non-toxic and sustainably sourced. They also have a cafe, with gluten-free items.
Shiprock Santa Fe Gallery 53 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
This is a gallery and store full of native american-sourced jewelry, pottery, books, Navajo rugs and blankets, furniture, fine art and more. They also host exhibitions.
Photo Eye Books 1300 Rufina Cir a3, Santa Fe, NM 87507
This is a fine-art photography bookstore that specializes in esoteric, limited editions and signed books throughout the world.
Palace of the Governors 105 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2014, USA
Every day, dozens of artists from around Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Southwest sell their work under the long portal that fronts the Palace of the Governors. This is a regulated program that ensures that high-quality, authentic artwork is sold by the artists or their family members. The palace itself is the state's history museum and the oldest public building in the U.S.
Better Together 1703 Lena St, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (CLOSED)
While drinking something yummy at Iconik, go check out this adorable clothing shop.
Where to Stay
El Rey Court 1862 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
El Rey Court is arguably the hippest hotel in Santa Fe, and it didn’t disappoint when I stayed. I loved how cute our room was, and hanging at the La Reina Bar. Read more HERE.