Embrace Nature’s Flavors Al Fresco

All the Best Patios in Taos

- | 4 min read

Imagine…

Picture this. You’re sitting outside under the shade of a cottonwood tree. The air is warm, an agreeable 83 degrees. Above you the sky is a deep cobalt blue and an armada of puffy white clouds sail overhead. A double peaked mountain looks down on you from the horizon. A breeze comes through and you realize you’re sitting at a table with your family and friends. A waiter approaches and sets down a margarita for you and just then the music starts up. You are in Taos, New Mexico in July.

Taos sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at an impressive altitude of 6969’. This high desert location insulates from the intense heat of lower elevations. In the evening, even in the height of summer, you might still want a jacket at night. Afternoon monsoons pass quickly in the summertime and cool things down just in time to find a spot at one of Taos’ amazing outdoor patios.

Foodie Scene in Taos

Taos is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, influenced by the rich heritage of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. Many restaurants highlight the region’s staple ingredients, such as green chilies, blue corn, and piñon nuts, in their menus, providing an authentic taste of New Mexico’s vibrant food scene. Discover the captivating fusion of flavors, warm hospitality, and al fresco ambiance that make dining in Taos an unforgettable experience.

The Historic Taos Inn & Adobe Bar

A neon sign sayin "Taos Inn: Rooms, Dining, Cocktails, Curios"

In the center of town you’ll find the Taos Inn. Along the main road through town you won’t miss the iconic neon sign, inviting you in. Inside you’ll find the Adobe Bar, also known as “the Living Room of Taos”. This location has been a gathering place for Taoseños for longer than living memory can serve. It was once an open air plaza centered around a well. Today you’ll find a fountain in the center of the room where the well once stood.

A fountain with four tall wooden pillars surrounding it sits in the middle of a hotel lobby.

This remains the place to meet up with friends and exchange the gossip of the day or to sit out on their patio for some of the best people watching you’re bound to find. The Adobe Bar is known for their margarita selection; try the world-famous Cowboy Buddha marg and split a plate of their nachos, a local’s favorite.

The Sagebrush Inn & Cantina

On the south side of town be sure to enjoy an afternoon on the patio at The Sagebrush Inn. Originally opened in 1931, The Sagebrush has been a staple for travelers and artists for decades. Georgia O’Keefe was a resident here for an entire year in the 1930’s, in what is now The Artists Loft. From the loft there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains, surely an inspiration for her. One of Taos’ most famous residents could be found at this watering hole often in the 1970’s, Dennis Hopper.

A bright red and pick cocktail garnished with lemon sits on a ledge

Today you’ll find an expansive patio and courtyard adjoining the original adobe building where you can gather with loved ones and hear live music while dining al fresco. Their diverse menu will be sure to please everyone in the crowd with choices from traditional New Mexican fare, burgers, steaks and pastas.

Two women are served food at an outdoor table.

Microbrews & Music

There is deep history and culinary tradition here in Taos, but there is also innovation and inspiration in the newer restaurants. Let’s head back to the center of town and visit the shady patio courtyard at Taos Mesa Brewing Tap Room. Taos’ own local microbrewery opened in 2012 with the central Tap Room coming online a few years later. This is a must-stop for beer lovers and pizza lovers alike. The kitchen is run off wood-fired ovens, giving you delectable and inventive pizzas with a New Mexican twist.

A wood fired pizza and salads on a table

Taos Mesa Brewing’s original location, “The Mothership”, is located on Hwy 64, a few miles west of town. The patio here never ends! Enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountains, sunsets and stargazing. The brewery is located here with an open view of the brewing facility from the (limited) indoor seating.

Here, it’s all about being outside.  There are two live music stages, a small stage near the patio where local and smaller traveling acts play each weekend. There is also a main stage that can accommodate larger touring shows. Keep an eye on their live music calendar and come boogie!

Table filled with people eating and drinking while a DJ plays in the background.

Embrace Nature’s Flavors

In Taos, New Mexico, outdoor dining is a delightful fusion of flavors, breathtaking scenery, and cultural richness. As you relish the distinct Southwestern cuisine, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, you’ll discover the true essence of Taos—a town that celebrates the harmony between its culinary treasures and the natural world. So, whether you’re a food enthusiast, a nature lover, or an art connoisseur, Taos beckons you to indulge in its vibrant outdoor dining scene, creating memories that will linger long after your visit.

 

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