Plaza Cafe Santa Fe

75 Plus Years
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Last summer, Don and I had a memorable meal at Plaza Cafe, in downtown Santa Fe.

The menu told us it had been around for 75 years, but the history goes further back.

Serving Since 1905

This prime spot, overlooking the historic Santa Fe Plaza, has been serving up authentic traditional dishes, for 120 years.

The pretty building is older than it looks. It doesn't have the soft curves you see in so many of Santa Fe's historic pueblo style buildings. This building on the Plaza, has housed a restaurant since 1905. I'm guessing the building is even older.

​New Owner in 1947

​In 1947 a Greek immigrant named Dan Razatos, took over the Plaza Cafe.. from another owner, who was also a Greek immigrant. 

While running his cafe, Dan met and married a local girl named Beneranda. Together they raised 6 kids and ran the Plaza Cafe together. Son Leonardo owns today.

Our Visit in 2024 

​The cafe's exterior didn't look much different when we arrived in 2024, than when Mr. Razotos opened in 1947.

The brick and glass reminded me of Ben Franklin's or Cunningham Drugs, from when I lived in Grinnell, Iowa in the 1960s.

Classic Diner

​The interior was bright and cheery at 11:30 am. 

The old fashioned diner look was quite a surprise. It's not what we usually expect in Santa Fe.

​Counter Seating

​It was tempting to have a seat at the counter. I loved swiveling on a stool when I was a kid at Cunningham's... having grilled cheese or ice cream.

It's always fun keeping an eye on the action. Especially when there's a friendly staff of nearly a dozen, dressed in white shirts with black bowties!

Design with China

I was also entertained by the display above the counter.

What a clever way to make use of broken diner china... cups, saucers and plates!

Tables & Booths

​Most guests opted for tables. Actually all guests did.

I was sorry the tables filled quickly before I could get nosy and look at some of the framed photos and art.

​I did manage to sneak a peek at this photo. Taken in 1949, during the Fiesta Parade. ​

Too bad the cafe no longer has that great neon sign.

Near the Window

We were seated at a comfy table in the front section. A great view of the whole restaurant and the colorful patio, just out the window.

Don sat beneath a wreath of red chiles and displayed jars of Plaza Cafe's special sauces. Salsas, I presume.

Portrait

​Not far from where Don was sitting, was a large portrait on the wall. 

Beneranda Razatos ran the cafe for many years without the help of Dan. Her husband died 25 years before her, in 2022. She was well loved at the Plaza and in the community.

Breakfast & Lunch

The cafe served breakfast until 4, so Don was able to order scrambled eggs with a big slab of ham, hash browns and toast.

He was mighty pleased.
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​The lunch/dinner menu offered everything from Posole (pork & hominy stew) to grilled salmon. But I chose a spinach salad that made me so happy!

My bowl was full of goodies! Was this a shredded hard boiled egg? It was a tasty topping, sprinkled over my greens, onions, mushrooms and bacon. The warm bacon vinaigrette dressing was tangy-yummy! The chili-cheddar crostini was an added treat. I think our server Esther called in Pepper Bread.

Surprise in the Wall

I took a trip to the restroom after we finished and found 2 surprises. One was the fun wallpaper in the hallway.

The other was behind glass. Part of the original adobe wall was on display. I'm sure this building has had many renovations, but somewhere along the way, they decided to preserve this peek at the past. I wish I could have found more history about the age of the building before 1905!

Cheers to Esther!

Our server Esther took such good care of us. She chatted and answered silly questions every time she stopped by our table. She was efficient and friendly and I finally just had to ask how long she'd been working at The Plaza.

42 years! "What!!? You must have been a baby!" Before long we heard more of her story. She'd moved to the States as a teen in 1986. She found herself working for the Razotos Family and was very grateful for their support. She laughed as she remembered the very first order she took and how she messed it up. Eventually she became a citizen and brought her parents and 10 siblings from Guatemala. There were many servers working on that July day and we lucked out with Esther!

Heading Off

We left feeling happily satisfied with our breakfast/lunch.  

But we were even more pleased that we'd experienced another side of Santa Fe. Our little retro diner had a whole different kind of vibe and history than much of Old Santa Fe. And our server made the experience extra nice.

Next Time

In a couple of weeks we'll be back in Santa Fe, dining on New Mexican cuisine, at some of our favorite places. 

I'm hoping to return to Plaza Cafe. It's a refreshing change. This time I hope to sit on the patio, overlooking the old Plaza. And maybe I'll order the Greek Salad, in honor of the Cafe's Greek roots. That should be just right... along with a Red Velvet Cupcake! 

I hope we see Esther!
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