When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
La Choza
Why La Choza is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
La Choza, established in 1983 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has earned a reputation as a premier destination for authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine. The restaurant's long-standing history and family-owned, locally operated status make it a warm and inviting venue for friends to gather and enjoy traditional dishes. Its menu features award-winning red and green chile sourced freshly from Hatch and ground daily, ensuring exceptional flavor and quality. Beyond the food, La Choza boasts a charming setting in historic adobe buildings formerly part of the Mercer Ranch, with two dining rooms that were once the ranch's bunkhouse. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining beneath an original apple tree in the courtyard where views of the Santa Fe Railrunner and Southern Railroad add to the unique ambiance. The restaurant also offers a full bar with handcrafted margaritas, making it a popular place to relax with friends over great food and drinks. Its diverse menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, catering to a wide variety of preferences. This blend of tradition, quality, and atmosphere makes La Choza a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to experience genuine New Mexican flavors in a friendly, historic setting.
Here's what people think of La Choza
As of recent, La Choza holds a 4.5-star rating based on 197 reviews.
Overall, La Choza has received highly positive feedback reflected in its 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,600 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's authentic New Mexican cuisine, especially highlighting the award-winning red and green chile dishes as some of the best in Santa Fe. Many guests appreciate the warm, family-owned vibe as well as the inviting outdoor patio dining that captures the local spirit. The handcrafted margaritas and full bar also receive favorable mentions for complementing the dining experience. Positive reviews often note the consistency in food quality and the friendly service, reinforcing La Choza's reputation as a community favorite. However, some less favorable reviews mention occasional issues such as wait times, limited parking, or busy conditions during peak hours that can affect the dining experience. A few visitors have also noted variation in portion sizes and pricing. Despite these critiques, most guests feel the positives far outweigh the negatives and return for the flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere. In conclusion, La Choza's reviews demonstrate a strong overall satisfaction rooted in tasty traditional cuisine, quality service, and a unique setting that makes it an outstanding place to meet up with friends or family in Santa Fe.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tara Konya
We love a good food truck, and this little red truck absolutely hit the spot. Authentic, delicious, and packed with flavor! The corn tortillas for the tacos and the flour tortillas for the burritos were sooo fresh, soft, warm, and clearly made with care. The chips and salsa had a satisfying kick and were the perfect side. We tried the barbacoa and carnitas burritos, and both were cooked to perfection, tender, juicy, and packed with just the right amount of crispy edges. The tacos were equally impressive, with crisp, fresh onions that perfectly complemented the beef and a hint of lime that brightened each bite. You’ll be craving these tacos and burritos for days. Trust us! They accept both card and cash. Located in an industrial complex with available parking, or just walk over from VisionQuest Brewery if you’re already enjoying a few beers.
Bill B
I am going to make a bold statement here and say that this is the ONLY good carnitas taco in Boulder. $3 and it is loaded with lovely pork that has crispy ends. The tortilla is perfectly cooked, also with some crispy edges as you can see on the photo. Done in about 4 minutes with nice spicy salsas and wedges of lime. Other carnitas tacos in Boulder lack the texture and depth of flavor. Booyakasha.
Aki
Excellent lunch spot. Good food, very fast unless it’s the noon lunch rush, and very inexpensive. Four tacos and a good-sized burrito for less than $15, and you can get two different meats on the four tacos. The pastor is the best protein choice, IMO. Everything is good but every time I get two pastor tacos and two tacos with something else, and then I wish I had gotten four pastor tacos :)
Jon Williams
Two days in a row. I love this place. I think it's a father daughter run shop. Very friendly and the portions are enormous. Jumbo Smothered burrito was enough to feed a family of four. You will not be disappointed!
Grumpygillz
I got the breakfast burrito 🌯 Was pretty decent. The red salsa (peppers) wasn't blended good so was like chewing wood chips.
How to reach La Choza
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Website: None
Why La Choza may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at La Choza with your friends?
La Choza is an exceptional choice when it comes to gathering your friends or family for a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant boasts an inviting and authentic ambiance that instantly puts guests at ease, making it ideal for socializing and catching up. One of the key attractions of La Choza is its commitment to serving genuine Mexican cuisine with a focus on bold, flavorful dishes crafted from fresh ingredients. Whether you are a local or a traveler wanting to get off the beaten path, this place offers an authentic taste that transcends typical tourist fare, providing a unique cultural culinary experience. Additionally, the cuisine is served in generous portions perfect for sharing, encouraging a communal atmosphere. The staff is known to be welcoming and attentive, contributing to a relaxed environment where you can focus completely on your company. Overall, La Choza combines great food, a cozy setting, and a vibrant local vibe that makes it the perfect venue to rally your group for an afternoon or evening outing.
What activities can you enjoy at La Choza for a group meetup?
La Choza primarily offers a culinary experience that is conducive to group gatherings, centered around enjoying excellent Mexican food and drinks together. One of the main activities is sharing a variety of dishes such as sizzling fajitas, spicy shrimp diablo, and the rich Aztec tortilla soup. These dishes encourage conversation and the sharing of tastes among friends or family. The lively atmosphere allows for casual dining where groups can take their time savoring flavors and stories. The spacious seating arrangements accommodate larger parties comfortably, making it easier to converse without feeling crowded. Besides the food, the restaurant serves well-crafted margaritas which can be a pleasant way to start or complement a meal. Guests can also engage in reminiscing or planning adventures while enjoying the vibrant setting, which mixes traditional décor with a friendly, unpretentious feel. Moreover, since the restaurant is conveniently located near ferry ports or central areas (in some locations), it makes spontaneous or planned meetups both accessible and practical.
Why is La Choza perfect for a group of friends or family?
La Choza's welcoming atmosphere and authentic cuisine make it perfect for those looking to spend quality time with friends or family. Its combination of warm hospitality and excellent food helps create a convivial environment where everyone feels at home. The menu is diverse, offering something for everyone, from classic Mexican dishes to more robust New Mexican specialties, satisfying different palates within a group. The moderately priced dishes with generous servings make sharing easy and affordable, enhancing the communal dining experience. The casual yet lively setting allows guests to relax, chat, and enjoy each other's company without feeling rushed, ideal for both small and larger group gatherings. Furthermore, the staff’s attentiveness ensures that service runs smoothly, so groups don’t have to worry about logistical hassles, allowing them to focus on enjoying the event. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up after a long week, La Choza provides a perfect backdrop for making new memories together.
What types of food and drinks are recommended for group dining?
La Choza shines when it comes to flavor-packed dishes that are crowd-pleasers ideal for groups. Their fajitas, known for their generous portions of cheese and fresh meats, are celebrated among guests and perfect for sharing across the table. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the shrimp diablo offers a spicy kick that complements milder dishes well. The Aztec soup, a flavorful tortilla soup, is also highly recommended and makes a great starter to any meal. Guests often praise the chunky and fresh guacamole, which works wonderfully as a communal appetizer to enjoy while chatting. The drink menu includes margaritas that are well-balanced and refreshing, striking the right note without being overly sweet, making them a favorite accompaniment to the food. The variety of options ensures each member of a group, whether they prefer seafood, meat, mild or spicy dishes, can find satisfying choices. By offering plates that encourage sharing and tasting, La Choza turns dining into a fun and interactive group experience.
How does the ambiance of La Choza enhance group gatherings?
The ambiance at La Choza is both authentic and inviting, playing a large role in making it a top spot for group gatherings. The decor reflects traditional Mexican aesthetics, which adds cultural richness and a warm, vibrant feel to the space without feeling overly touristy. This authenticity makes it a refreshing environment for locals and visitors alike who want a genuine taste of Mexico in both food and atmosphere. The restaurant features clean and comfortable seating arrangements, including spacious booths and tables that accommodate groups well, giving freedom to converse and move without feeling cramped. The energetic yet relaxed vibe encourages easy-going interactions where groups can share laughs, stories, and enjoy each other's company comfortably. Additionally, clean restrooms and well-kept facilities contribute to an overall pleasant experience for all guests. This combination of atmosphere, comfort, and cultural flair ensures that guests spend quality time together in a setting that feels both special and accessible.
What practical considerations make La Choza suitable for group meetups?
Several practical factors make La Choza an excellent choice for organizing group meetups. Its location is often accessible, whether near central city spots or ferry terminals, allowing easy arrivals and departures for all group members. The restaurant accepts reservations or encourages early arrival to minimize waiting time, which is crucial for larger parties wanting to maximize their time together. The menu’s pricing is fair considering the quality and portions, ensuring the event can remain budget-friendly, especially for larger groups splitting the bill. The staff’s ability to manage orders efficiently and accommodate special requests adds to the convenience, relieving stress often encountered with group dining. Furthermore, the restaurant's reliable operating hours and consistent quality mean you can plan meetups without worrying about unexpected closures or disappointing food. These details create a hassle-free environment where organizers can confidently bring friends or family together for a seamless social experience.
What kind of group events is La Choza ideal for?
La Choza suits a wide range of group events, from casual get-togethers to small celebrations. Its casual yet authentic setting is ideal for birthday parties, reunion dinners, or informal work gatherings where the focus is on great food and lively conversation. The generous portions and diverse menu accommodate mixed groups easily, including those wanting to enjoy traditional Mexican dishes or explore New Mexican specialties. The atmosphere is relaxed enough to host gatherings where guests can linger comfortably, making it suitable for after-work meetups or weekend brunches with friends and family. Additionally, the restaurant’s friendly staff and spacious layout make it possible to handle special requests or adjust arrangements to fit the occasion. Whether it’s a group of close friends, families with children, or a mix of acquaintances, La Choza provides an environment that facilitates connection, celebration, and shared enjoyment.
How do customer reviews support La Choza’s reputation as a great meetup spot?
Customer reviews consistently highlight La Choza’s authentic food, welcoming service, and friendly atmosphere, reinforcing its appeal as a group meetup spot. Guests frequently commend the generous portions and the quality of dishes like fajitas and guacamole, which encourage communal dining and sharing. The staff is often described as attentive and friendly, contributing to an overall positive dining experience that is relaxed and enjoyable for groups. Many reviewers note that the restaurant offers a genuine culinary experience away from tourist traps, making it an ideal spot for those seeking authenticity. Although some reviews mention busy times, this reflects the popularity and demand for La Choza, boosting its reputation. Cleanliness and comfort are also praised, improving the overall appeal for families or larger groups. Collectively, these reviews underline why La Choza is a trusted and beloved destination for friends and families looking to rally and create memorable moments together.