Back to Santa FeRed or Green: Chef-Guided New Mexican Lunch Immersion
4.9 ★ · 122 reviews · from USD149

Skip to the front of the famously long lines to savor authentic New Mexican flavors with a seated luncheon at one of Santa Fe’s most beloved generational eateries. Enjoy award-winning chile, top-shelf Margaritas, artisan confections and our rich local history on this flavorful journey.
Led by a formally trained culinary expert, this immersive lunch tour explores the origins and evolution of NM’s distinct cuisine through a guided comparative tasting that highlights the key differences between Mexican and New Mexican flavors. To elevate the experience, we’ll celebrate Santa Fe’s status as the Margarita Capital of America with a top-shelf margarita pairing for each course, showcasing different styles and expressions of this iconic cocktail.
After indulging in a feast of local flavors, we’ll finish on a sweet note with a locally inspired dessert at Santa Fe’s premier craft ice creamery.
Check AvailabilityWhat Travelers Say4.9 ★ · 122 reviews
- Nearly every reviewer singles out Lauren by name as the tour's defining element, describing her as knowledgeable, warm, funny, and genuinely passionate about New Mexican food and culture — several noted that her chef background gave the experience a depth that set it apart from a typical walking tour.
- The central concept of the tour — tasting New Mexican and Mexican cuisine side by side — resonated strongly across reviews, with many travelers saying it was the most effective way to understand the differences between the two culinary traditions, including how honey, chile variety, and margarita style all shift the flavor experience.
- Specific stops drew consistent praise: La Choza was called out as living up to its reputation, with the enchiladas and margarita pairings frequently mentioned as highlights, while the green chile ice cream at the end of the tour repeatedly caught guests off guard in the best way.
- Multiple reviewers appreciated the small group size, noting it created an intimate, almost private-tour feel where everyone could hear Lauren clearly and conversations flowed naturally — at least one traveler mentioned arriving solo and leaving feeling like part of the group.
- A practical theme that appeared across many reviews was Lauren's habit of offering bonus recommendations for restaurants, activities, and shopping beyond the tour itself, with several guests saying this added real value to the rest of their Santa Fe trip — and a few advising others to book it early in their stay for that reason.
- Reviewers with specific needs found the tour accommodating: at least one guest noted full accessibility for a mobility scooter with no navigation issues, and another mentioned that Lauren arranged mocktails without any fuss — suggesting the experience is flexible for a range of dietary and physical needs.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
What's Included✓ Locally inspired food and beverage tastings.
✓ Fun, passionate and knowledgeable local guide
✕ Hotel pick up and drop off
✕ Customary gratuity for your guide
Itinerary1
Guided walking tour of the Farmer's Market
Meeting PointWe meet underneath the Santa Fe Railyard Water Tower. This is directly across the railroad tracks from the Violet Crown movie theater.
Good to Know- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- PLEASE SPECIFY AT TIME OF BOOKING (or no later than 48 hours prior to tour) if you or your guests require GLUTEN-FREE, VEGETARIAN OR NON-ALCOHOLIC substitutions. We can only guarantee those options but will do our best with any other critical allergies.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. This is a walking tour. Moderate amount of walking required -- tour is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long, but spread out between the four stops. You MUST be in good walking condition to enjoy this tour. No refunds will be give to those who are unable to complete the tour route
- Locations visited are subject to change
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- A maximum of 12 people per booking
- This is an adult experience for guests 16 years and over. if you would like to bring your child please contact us to discuss and we are happy to make it work.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.