Where to eat in Santa Fe: our honest short list.

There are a lot of "best of Santa Fe" lists online and most of them lean tourist. Here's what we actually eat when we're in town for more than two days. Every place on this list comes from our family guide — nothing on it has ever been seasonal or speculative.

Harry's Roadhouse is our default. Old Las Vegas Hwy, very close to both houses, American comfort with a Southwest tilt and an eclectic, rotating menu. Request the back patio. Save room for the lemon meringue pie or the coconut cream.

Sazon is the absolute favorite for an upscale night out. Shelby Street, near the Plaza, elevated New Mexican cuisine. Order the Sopa De Amor and the Dulce Sinfonia. Book months ahead — really.

The Compound on Canyon Road is the contemporary American room when the occasion deserves it. The patio in summer, the fireplace room in winter, and reservations recommended.

For breakfast, Cafe Pasqual's is the obvious answer and it's still right. Get there before 9 or after 1. While you wait, walk a block to Doodlet's with the kids — it's a charming toy store right around the corner. Their gluten-free seed and nut bread is a must.

And for the casual lunch in the middle of a Canyon Road afternoon: The Teahouse. It's our absolute favorite lunch spot. Browse galleries while you wait for a table.