Horseman's Haven Cafe ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico

Latest visit: Jun 2018

First visit: Sep 2006

When we first visited Horseman's Haven Cafe, we were on the lookout for the spiciest chile in town. And we found it! We've been regular visitors ever since. While we don't dine here every time we go to Santa Fe (there's so many great restaurants, so little time), we do try for an occasional visit. Especially when I'm hankering for their green!

One aspect of New Mexican cuisine you will discover if spending much time in Santa Fe, is an almost apologetic approach to spicy chile heat. You cannot read more than one page of any local restaurant guide without running into the familiar words "it's not about the heat, it's about the flavor". And while the RJG wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment, what if we really do want the heat and the flavor? Answer: Horseman's Haven. This unassuming diner on the way out of town was once a local secret. Today it's found its way onto one of the many food TV shows that proliferate. And yet you would never know that by walking in. It still seems a secret, even with the notoriety. The menu is a mix of breakfast and lunch/dinner entrees. The recipes have more of a Mexican slant than what is normally associated with del norte cuisine. And whatever you decide to get, you will want to smother it in green chile. If you do not have any heat tolerance, my recommendation would be to steer clear of this place. If you crave spice, this is your nirvana. The waitstaff will not warn you. They presume you know what you're doing. Even the basic green is very - very - hot. And honestly, its just about perfect, and the flavors do peak nicely. They also have what is called a "Level 2". That's it. No other explanation is offered. If you ask about it, you will learn it is their "very spicy" green chile - and at that point receive a warning about it. We did try it on our first visit. Whoa. I was defeated. According to our waiter that day, they actually go up as high as Level 5 (?!?!). Not sure how that is even possible. In any event, the green chile is Horseman's Haven Cafe's raison d'etre. Nothing else of distinction I can offer. Whether it's eggs, or a chicken burrito, everything is good here - and made better with the green chile smothering it.

As for "drankin''" there is no alcohol served. Strictly diner offerings. They also state no free refills on sodas. But then again the glass they give you is huge, so hard to imagine needing another. We always get water. As a reminder, when eating hot food, don't try to quell the heat with water or soda. That only makes it worse. Get a milk instead. We just tough it out ourselves, and lightly sip on water.

As mentioned above, Horseman's Haven is an unassuming spot far south of town on Cerrillos, and shares a parking lot with a gas station (Giant). You can expect a large crowd for a Sunday breakfast, but otherwise, the restaurant is usually semi-full and comfortable. It's a classic western diner, with dark woods and counter seating if preferred.

Here's a much better review than mine. Somehow I ran into it immediately after he published it, and added a comment as well (apparently Texans are wimpy now. I beg to differ...). Horseman's Haven opened in 1981 and is still run by the original owners.

9/10/06; 9/9/15 (new entry); 6/26/18

Alexander's Tavern ~ Baltimore, Maryland

Latest visit: Jun 2018

First visit: Dec 2016

So we begin our Baltimore sojourn at Alexander’s Tavern. As apropos as anywhere else the RJG frequents in Baltimore I suppose. As mentioned in the year end update, I started working in Baltimore in November of 2016 and I’m here/there roughly once a month give or take a week. While my job and role have changed immensely in the last one year plus, the places I frequent to dine and drink have not. My current company is decidedly a non-liquid lunch kind of environment (dinner is a different story…). And I couldn’t see how it would be anyway, as I pretty much work non-stop from 5a to 6p (sometimes more), except to pull away for 30 minutes (or maybe an hour) of lunch bliss and an hour in the morning to run the beautiful Harbor East/Fells Point, which is quite picturesque at sunrise while running the wooden boardwalk. I state all of this because dinner for me is all about the taverns and brewhouses. I have isolated the non-alcoholic restaurants to lunch and the ones with a healthy beer selection to dinner. When I was a “road warrior” consultant in the 1990s, I preferred to fly in on Sunday to get settled, and that remains the same in Baltimore – and if I travel international I often times prefer to land on Saturday night to allow a day to adjust. So with that we start with dinner... and on Sunday it’s more of a late afternoon, so I can get to bed early.

Alexander’s Tavern sits in Fells Point, amidst numerous watering holes. Of course prior to the 1980s, these places were hardcore bars frequented by sailors, dockworkers, and shipbuilders. Occasionally a Naval ship will still port in Fells Point and rest assured the area transforms itself quite nicely to a bygone era. Alexander’s Tavern is one of the more known places in Fells Point, and is definitely popular on weekends. They have a narrow bar area, and a full restaurant, plus a little outdoor seating. Likely you can find a spot in the restaurant at any time. But I prefer the bar myself…

One of the great things about the taverns in Baltimore is the Italian tradition and background the city maintains. So “bar food” is elevated to a higher standard right from the get. And Alexander’s Tavern is a place I’ve enjoyed going to for things like chicken parm and meatball subs, pizzas, and occasionally they’ll offer a baked cast iron pasta dish (they did in the winter of 2016, didn’t see it this year). But of course they offer more than that, and their soft tacos are another recommendation. The main point here – and will be reflected in many of my other Baltimore reviews – is that food is decidedly not an afterthought. It is not just a little something to fill patrons while they quaff liters of beer. While I may not frequent Alexander’s Tavern every trip, it certainly remains a go-to place. I've never left disappointed.

As far as the beer selection goes, they have a healthy selection of cans and bottles. Their taps are sufficient, though it’s not as locally focused as I prefer. It’s rare I find something new here, especially now.

As mentioned in the prelude, Alexander’s Tavern in in the heart of Fells Point. Usual flat screens with sports, and classic rock blaring in the background. And loud patrons, each yelling louder the next. All good fun.

12/1/16; 1/7/18 (new entry); 6/11/18