When we hear that an iconic venue is going into a remodel under new ownership, particularly when it’s the oldest bar / restaurant in the city that dates back to the late 1700’s, we hope and hold our breath that the integrity of the place and it’s rich history is maintained. Or we may mutter under our breaths, “Oh sweet angels of historic adobes don’t let them modernize it out of recognition.”
This past June we walked by for lunch to find it closed, with construction workers hammering and buzz saws whirring, and have talked about it since with the personal concern you might feel for your childhood home or your grandparent’s house in the hands of new owners.
To all of you who know and love Santa Fe’s El Farol of Canyon Road (including celebrity guests Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Willie Nelson, Juan Gabriel, and Liam Neeson to name a few) … we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Last week they re-opened and we were lucky enough to step through the doors to find it in good hands, by people who know it well and love it dearly, with a beautiful and thoughtful fresh look.
New owners Richard Freedman (also owner of nearby Teahouse – another must-do-see-and-taste of Canyon Road!) and longtime El Farol manager Freda Scott have taken great care to preserve and improve this treasure. Construction supervised by Freda’s husband Max (pictured with Freda above) has brightened up the walls with smooth cream plaster while protecting the original murals by renowned artist Alfred Morang.
Clean lines of barn doors opening to several dining areas, a long row of tufted leather seating in the bar area, interior lighting design, neutral palate, and carefully appointed accessorizing opens each room up to a casual minimalist elegance while allowing the artwork and murals to pop. The original bar of the cantina (once described by the New York Times as “one of the best bars on earth!”) still stands.
And now, a bit about the food!
We shared the above pictured Paella El Farol (presented by head Chef Shane Alexander) from the bountiful Spanish tapas menu offering Wild Shrimp with chili flakes, Ceviche, Flash Fried Avocado, 18 Month Cured Serrano Ham, Chorizo Y Pollo, Lamb with figs, Ribeye and Filet Mignon main dishes … so many small plates … have a peek here. And the Paella? Allow 30 – 40 minutes to prepare, it is well worth the wait and once you’ve tried it you’ll be counting the moments to your next date with this dish of shrimp, scallops, squid, chorizo, mussels, sofrito, peppers, safron and rice Calasparra. The peppers and seasoning don’t overwhelm the delicate seafood, the rice has a nice bite to it, and while everything blends together you can taste each individual ingredient.
Would we go so far as to say it’s the best we’ve had this side of the Mississippi? Yes, we would!
We can’t imagine dining at El Farol without ordering a margarita, and their drink menu does not disappoint with fresh citrus, Silver Coin tequila, the Flamenco with pomegranate, Mexican Flower with Blue Agave tequila and elderflower and many more delicious thirst quenching cocktails.
A special place that we are always sure to suggest to visitors new to Santa Fe who desire great food in an historic setting, situated along a famous road of galleries, a place where locals frequent, and the tradition of flamenco dancers and musical shows is carried on. We are so grateful to the new owners for elevating this jewel of The City Different while upholding it’s original charm.
Buen Provecho!
Amy & Mr.D
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16 comments
Had some very memorable lunches and dinners (and the Flamenco show) there. So glad to hear it will remain true. A treasure and a usual stop when I am there.
Mighty Pen, a treasure indeed. And we, too, are glad it’s the hands of people who’ve preserved the history of the place.
We LOVE El Farol best tapas anywhere! We will be in Santa Fe next week and plan to check out the remodel… praying it didn’t change too much. It had the PERFECT look and feel …
Shelly, we loved the menu selection and the new look is bright and airy without losing that true Santa Fe feel. One of our favorite things is that the murals stand out and have great lighting. Enjoy your stay in The City Different!
We will be in Santa Fe in two weeks and will be sure to try El Farol. Canyon Road is a special place for us where we buy most of our artwork. I cannot believe we have never stopped into El Farol and now we are inspired.
Dallas Gal, you will love it! The tapas menu offers something for everyone and are so fun to share. Indoors is lovely and the outside porch dining is so special on a sunny Santa Fe day. Check their website for flamenco and musical performances, they are known worldwide for this.
Paella of the gods! We are so there next trip to the city different!
Shannon & Drew, you will absolutely love it and please send pics so we can share with everyone and be totally envious!
I had the pleasure of having lunch at El Farol two years ago while traveling and this article and food shots have me wanting to revisit and try the new menu and paella. The new design is classy and true Santa Fe, and my wife is reconsidering our home decor now. I can’t wait so start mixing my margarita right away!
Starlifter, we also love the new lighter design and Santa Fe feel. Next time you go send pics of your dinner and we’ll share with everyone. Good luck with the re-design!
Now that’s a paella I would like to meet and I can almost smell it from your photos. Very nice article of a place that holds so much history and seems timeless.
LK, sounds like you and paella are at one with the universe, and we respect that more than you know! When you go please send pics so we can share with everyone!
It takes special people to renovate an iconic building and they did a beautiful job. I am loving how the light walls make the murals stand out. Well done!
Ally, we also love the lighter creamy wall plaster and noticed murals we hadn’t taken the time to study before. They also displayed wonderful black and white photography. It’s very much like walking into a museum, with great food, music, and super friendly people.
Wow! They did a beautiful job and the photos are amazing. What a special place and in good hands. Whew!
Sarah, we were amazed at how light and open El Farol feels now. Very grateful for people who respect the original integrity of an iconic building and accomplish what they did!