When your stomach is growling right as you’ve arrived at a restaurant, appetizers are there to help. Sometimes, appetizers make the perfect main course, too. They’re a great dish to share with friends and a good way to eat lighter. While they’re often the small accompaniment to the main event, appetizers can some-times be the star of a meal. Here are the best places to get appetizers in New Mexico.
It wouldn’t be a New Mexico appetizer without green chile in it. The green chile meatballs here burst on the scene at the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta when the taste wowed judges. They’re made with lean ground beef, green chile, a few secret ingredients and served with a green chile dipping sauce. Maria’s has been a city landmark since 1950 and is known for authentic, home-style dishes, handmade tortillas and green … and red … chile sauces.
Quite often, the simplest dishes are the hardest to master. If you want to start a meal with a great basket of fresh tortilla chips and a healthy portion of salsa, gua-camole and queso … also known as the three amigos … this is the place. This location was named one of the top nine restaurants and one of the best mom and pops in the state. Next time you’re hankering for an appetizing appetizer, remember to “Head for the “Hills” where the Chili is hot and the people are cool.”
When you want to take a walk on the wild side and have something other than authentic New Mexican food, try some authentic Italian. Everything is made fresh daily, including the creamy horseradish and marinara dipping sauce served with the Calamari Pepperonata appetizer—hand-breaded calamari with cherry peppers, pepperoncini and black olives. Get a half order if you truly just want an appetizer or a full order as a meal.
If you’re just looking for a drink and a snack, you couldn’t find a better place. The brewmaster specially crafts 12 different brews, one of which they use in a popular appetizer … beer cheese fondue. It’s a blend of Gruyere and Swiss cheese, diced green chile and the Brewery’s own Aggie Amber ale. The fondue comes with sliced beef, apple slices and bread, all for dipping. A fun and delicious way to spend an evening with friends.
For more than 60 years, Sadie’s has been a place to come for authentic New Mexican food. Dishes from recipes passed down for generations fill the menu. One that’ll have you asking for more are the fried green chile strips with green chile ranch dipping sauce. They’re light, airy and spicy with just the right heat in the sauce. They’re so good, you’ll want a basket before dinner, as well as with dinner.