I used to think the green chile at Garcia's was the best in town, but I was wrong.

My buddy from work kept telling me to try the hatch chile stew at Mary & Tito's Cafe on 4th Street. I finally went last Friday and got a bowl for $8. It was way more flavorful and had a better heat that built up slowly. I've been going to Garcia's for like 10 years, but this stuff changed my whole view. What's a local spot that totally surprised you with how good their food was?

3 comments

3 Comments

maryt6219d ago

Got to agree about Mary & Tito's, that place is a game changer. It makes you realize how many spots just coast on their old reputation. My own shocker was the carne adovada at Duran's Pharmacy. You walk in for aspirin and walk out with the best red chile you've ever had. It's the kind of place you'd drive right past, but now I go out of my way. Makes you wonder what other hidden spots we're all missing.

wright.lisa18d ago

My cousin swears by the green chile stew at this tiny gas station off I-25, Garcia's Pump-N-Go. It's that same idea @maryt62, where the best stuff hides in plain sight. Makes me want to pull over at every random stop now.

lane.cameron19d ago

Exactly, @maryt62, that's the real magic of a city's food scene. You have to be willing to stop at the weird little spots that don't look like much. I almost didn't go into Duran's the first time because, well, it's a pharmacy. But those are always the best finds. It totally changes how you look at every plain building you drive by. Now I make a point to try one new "why is there food here?" place every month.