Warm spring-like weather has arrived early in Santa Fe this year. It’s almost May and the temperatures are hovering right around a blissfully perfect 70 degrees. The local cherry trees are festooned with quivering white blossoms and green leaves are beginning to poke their heads out of branches.

With its shaded porches, picturesque scenery, and welcoming community atmosphere, Canyon Road is the perfect place to revel in the warm weather with an alfresco lunch or dinner. Five restaurants are woven into Canyon Road’s fabric of galleries and boutiques. Each offers a distinct cuisine complemented by a wonderful outdoor seating area.

Café Des Artistes

At the foot of Canyon Road you will find a tiny café tucked into the side of the road. With a shady patio and a tasty selection of sandwiches, baked goods, and drinks, Café Des Artistes is a great place for a casual lunch or an afternoon drink.

Geronimo

Up the road a bit you will find Geronimo, a mainstay of the Santa Fe culinary scene. Its innovative, up-scale cuisine is perfect for those looking for a refined lunch or dinner. And with a broad front porch overlooking the heart of Canyon Road, it is a fine place to watch the comings and goings of the city’s arts district.

The Compound

Home to James Beard award-winning chef Mark Kiffin, The Compound is another legendary Santa Fe eatery. It resides off the road a bit in an old adobe farmhouse, and offers a menu inspired by traditional Southwestern flavors. Beautifully ornamented with flowers and fountains, its outdoor patios and gardens are a blissful retreat from everyday life.

El Farol

A favorite local hangout, El Farol is famed for its Spanish cuisine and spirited atmosphere. The live music often lasts well into the night, and the dance floor is always buzzing with revelers. A few tapas and a glass of sangria on the restaurant’s front porch is the perfect way to pass a spring evening.

The Tea House

Perched at the top of Canyon Road, the Tea House is a favorite local café. With its relaxed vibe and casual menu, it draws in all types of Santa Fe denizens, from businessmen to artists and local students. A morning cup of tea (they have a selection of hundreds) or a light lunch in their lovely garden is the perfect break from your day.

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Carl