- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Counter Culture Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants American (New) Coffee & Tea, American (New) [Edit]
930 Baca StSanta Fe, NM 87503
(505) 995-1105
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 8 am - 3 pm
Tue-Sat 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Vinaigrette is a chic and green Santa Fe bistro that raises the "salad bar" with bold and delicious entrée salads. Featuring innovative flavor… read more »
37 reviews for Counter Culture Cafe
Review Highlights
"The cinnamon roll was a big as our 9 year old's head, we..."
(in 2 reviews)
"THE best french fries in NM."
(in 4 reviews)
"DJ played great beats on the patio."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
37 reviews in English
-
Review from april C.
Santa Fe, NM
11/26/2011
I am too poor to get the full Counter Culture experience, but I can buy a coffee here and do homework every once in a while. The food looks amazing, but it's not diner-cheap or anything.
What I love about this place is that it's welcoming enough for a couple college students to whip out their laptops and sip one coffee for a few hours, but the food, wine and beer offerings are "gourmet" enough to make this place a sit-down restaurant.
I ordered the Vietnam Coffee, which I've never had at a coffee shop before, and it was incredible!! It didn't taste like coffee, didn't take like a latte... it was just a creamy, delicious hot drink with sweetened condensed milk and I'm OBSESSED. Very sweet but not in a puckery way.
The baristas are hot, too. The diverse crowd was awesome, too. I ordered the french fries because there are Yelp reviews that declare them the "best in santa fe!" I didn't really like them, but my man-friend did. They were very thin and kind of greasy. My man-friend said they were like the last couple fries in your In-N-Out box. True dat. Also, what's up with Santa fe and a blend of coffee called "black lightning"? I thought that was something my college cafeteria came up with, but I've seen it as several restaurants, including Counter Culture. Word. -
Review from Andrea S.
Santa Fe, NM
1/29/2012
After reading the reviews on Yelp, my husband and I decided to try this cafe for lunch. I have to say that while we liked the self-serve, Berkeley-like feel of the cafe, the food choices and quality left something to be desired.
I had the Asian plate (veggie rice paper rolls and peanut noodles) while my husband had the turkey sandwich and chili combo. All we could really say about the place was that it was "okay." The place feels very organic, but they don't make their own breads, which was disappointing for a cafe of this type, and the food we did have was rather bland and uninspired. We both agreed immediately that we can get the same type of food, but more customized and possibly higher-quality (and tastier) at the Whole Foods (which we LOVE here in Santa Fe! Great prepared foods section!) if you don't want to make it yourself, or at home if you are feeling up to cooking for yourself.
I don't think we'll be going back to Counter Culture anytime soon as a result. It just wasn't special enough in this place of amazing dining options. -
Review from DestinationFamilyVacation M.
Phoenix, AZ
Great stop! We wanted to try a unique spot for breakfast and Counter Culture Cafe met every expectation!
We all ordered different items, the GIANT cinnamon roll, fruit & yogurt, pancakes and a chorizo ciabatta egg sandwich. The cinnamon roll was a big as our 9 year old's head, we all shared tasty rolls of cinnamon and sugar. The fruit & yogurt was exactly what the wife was craving, a little granola mixed in, her coffee in hand and she was in heaven. I loved my chorizo egg sandwich, it hit the spot with just enough ingredients to cover the ciabatta roll. The pancakes had no chance with our hungry daughter. They looked delicious, but I don't have first hand knowledge, you'll have to try them yourself.
We enjoyed the outdoor patio and wonderful food! The parking lot is a bit tight and the cafe is set a bit off the way. Well worth the stop! -
Review from Eli M.
NY
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
My girlfriend and I are visiting from Brooklyn. This place does not disappoint. The food is so good and the vibe so nice you may just want to move here.
-
Review from Erin B.
Oceano, CA
12/29/2011
My boyfriend and I are driving across the country and saw this place at our stop in NM and we were less than impressed to say the least. Our cinnamon roll was burned pretty bad and my chai tea sucked. the ambiance was nice but the food sucked.
-
Review from evan g.
Santa Fe, NM
1/1/2012
Good food, great local hangout, and reasonably priced.
-
Review from Linda M.
Santa Fe, NM
1/14/2012
Best breakfast burritos in town smothered in green chile with lots of bacon and huge. Definitely could be shared by two. Our go-to breakfast spot. Friendly staff and customers. Peaceful, local hangout. Their chai tea is good too. ALERT: The Counter Culture does not accept credit cards so you need cash or a check to pay.
-
Review from Daniel C.
Santa Fe, NM
12/3/2011
A perfect lunch place. Healthy, veggie, multi-cultural, delicious, inexpensive offerings. I can almost not order the spring rolls. Oh, coffee is excellent too.
-
Review from Rennie C.
Santa Fe, NM
7/1/2011
Breakfast served til 5, and a nice selection of soups, salads and sandwiches in a friendly laid back atmosphere with free wifi.
Nice patio too.
No credit cards accepted, so bring your cash ! -
Review from Ritchie A.
Santa Clara, CA
7/24/2011
The food at Counter Culture is top shelf. I spent a few days working here and was consistently impressed with everything I ordered. Friendly staff, great breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. There's a patio near the parking lot, as well as a cozier one out back. Filtered water is tasty and courtesy a company across the street, props for small local companies supporting each other.
This is a bit strange-in-a-good-way: the men's room reminded me of a summer camp. The unfinished plywood walls smelled particularly "woodsy" or something.
While I was working there one afternoon, one of the servers asked me if I'd been having any troubles with the internet and said she'd reboot the router. That's service, I hadn't noticed any problems.
Watch out for Google Maps directions, it shows Counter Culture being further down Baca than they are. -
Review from Lyndon T.
Cedar Park, TX
7/14/2011
Passing through Santa Fe on a road trip and expected to hit southwestern joints all along the way. However, we needed to break from the green chiles and tortillas so we hit up Counter Culture.
Sooo glad we did. I went there wanting something fairly light and got the Thai Salmon Soup. Fantastic flavor and felt that there was real thought that was put into what goes in that soup bowl. My wife got the asian combo and the noodles were perfect with some super fresh spring rolls. Great selection of beer as well.
As for the place - it could not get any more casual. The entrance seems more like the backdoor of a restaurant where you think you are walking straight into where they wash dishes. Very cool vibe and that night had a live DJ spinning. It really did not feel it was trying to be anything but a place where you get grub that was prepared with care and an environment where you can chill as long as you want. -
Review from Myranda j.
Cass Corridor, Detroit, MI
10/9/2011 2 photos
This place is wonderful! i felt so at home, the food was delicious as well as the iced soy chai that i got. i had the brie plate with fruit and baguette, so good!! it felt so comfortable being in here, i felt like i was back home in Midtown Detroit at some of my favorite little places. go here and you will love it. service is friendly and all around excellent!
-
Review from N A.
Santa Fe, NM
10/22/2011
Hmmm I must have chosen a wrong sandwich or something!! I really wanted to like this place, but I only liked my sandwich and coffee moderately...
The atmosphere is really cool, and the wait staff was nice too. I just had a way too high expectation on my food probably. Well, I will try something else next time to see if I was missing anything... -
Review from Steve H.
Waco, TX
2/27/2011 1 photo
Eclectic selection, fast service. Rachel, vegetarian wife enjoyed split pea soup, I chowed on the "hand held burrito." Shared a hummus plate that was excellent.
BTW, "Hand held" does not mean small. I was satisfied completely by the amount of food.
You will want to be aware that, unlike almost any eatery you choose, Counter Culture Cafe takes only cash or local checks. I walked across the street to the nearest ATM. The food was worthy of opening an account at a Santa Fe bank. -
Review from Shane D.
Austin, TX
8/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The smells in this place are blissful torture! I was only in Santa Fe for a few days, but after enjoying lunch and reading the menu, I knew I wanted to come back for more... so I did. Stopped in for breakfast and enjoyed a delicious latte and a cinnamon roll bigger than my head (fortunately, the left over cinnamon roll kept well for the drive home).
This place reminds me of Austin, TX - a very relaxed and open place with great food and friendly staff. -
Review from Kathie T.
Excellent food! We had the Asian platter with spring rolls and noodles. Sauce was a little heavy but tasty. We had the Thai salmon coconut soup and it has got to be the best soup I've ever ever had! Beer selection was good. Fun and eclectic crowd of all ages. DJ played great beats on the patio.
-
Review from Drunken Monkey Q.
Santa Fe, NM
9/7/2011
THE best french fries in NM!!! And they have cinnamon buns the size of your head. The cash only thing kind of sucks though.
-
Review from Douglas S.
Dallas, TX
4/10/2008
I always wanted to visit Counter Culture, but never did for the longest time. It makes no sense. They won the Santa Fe Reporters Restaurant of the Year 1999-2000, were walking distance from where I lived and everybody said it was great.
I guess the thing is, is that I never considered it a real restaurant, but more of a deli/coffee shop. I have never been more wrong.
So, one day I decided to check this place out for myself. I grabbed a newspaper and took my hearty appetite on a quick trip down Baca St. Oh, what a pleasant surprise. It has not only everything I want, but need in an eating establishment of this kind. Order and pay, get your number, then find a place to sprawl. Does anyone love a reading materials rack?
They have a great menu too. With over 10 salads, close to 20 sandwiches from the Hummus, to the burger (one of the best in town...shh) to the Prosciutto, all the way to the Meatball Grinder. Some organic, all fresh.
Now open for dinner. -
Review from Peter C.
Santa Fe, NM
4/5/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Love, love, love Counter Culture! Been coming here for years. One of the best lunch spot in town!
-
Review from Pei K.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2009
Visiting Counter Culture became a Saturday afternoon tradition for me and my friends during our time in Santa Fe. I tried their breakfast and lunch options, but never managed a visit for dinner. My top choice for a meal here was one of their sandwiches with their haystax fries. All the sandwiches I tried were great (and almost too large), but my favorite was the Caprese (tomato and mozzarella on focaccia bread). The fries are the absolute best - thin and crispy, like a cross between french fries and potato chips. So good. Just thinking about them makes me want them, which is a problem now that I'm back in California and I no longer have access whenever I want.
When you walk in, you order at the counter and they give you a number to take to your table, along with your silverware, napkins, and drink (serve yourself water). They have two outdoor dining areas (an open one out front by the parking lot and an enclosed one out back) and a nice inside space. On busy days, parking in their lot can be tough and the patios can fill up, but there's always seating available inside. Be sure to bring cash, as they are cash only. -
Review from Paul B.
Santa Fe, NM
3/23/2011
Counter Culture really has terrific food, although I've not yet tried their breakfast. The sandwiches are terrific, the bread fresh, with creative use of ingredients. I have also had the Mediterranean plate and it was excellent, the hummus was great and the plate was more than I could eat. The atmosphere is a little stark and you have to find your own silverware and napkins, but the service is fast. The parking lot is very small and it may be dicey finding a stall during lunch hours, but it's worth the effort.
-
Review from Giancarlo S.
Reno, NV
6/12/2011
I've only eaten lunch here (~20 times). Service always fast and almost always friendly, though counter staff can get agitated during a rush. Food arrives fast even when nearly full. I've never had to wait for a table. Staff friendly to children. Food always consistent (a rare feat) - cool food cool, hot food always hot. Easy to share a sandwich w/ fries between two folks, add a soup or salad if hungry. Tasty desserts, look for cheap day-old brownies, etc. - yum. Cash/check only is annoying.
-
Review from abby z.
Santa Fe, NM
2/26/2007
There seems to be this strange cultural shame in Santa Fe, where restauarants only feel it is acceptable to charge sane prices if they pretend they are coffee shops. I went to the Counter Culture Cafe with some friends on my birthday, and while you do have to pay in cash at the counter and it /does/ have a comfortably settled-in coffee shop vibe to the decour, I had rainbow trout. Now the rainbow trout was amazing, don't get me wrong, but coffee shops don't serve trout. They sell coffee. A great meal under fifteen bucks should be celebrated, not hurriedly swept under the rug in the name of coffee! The spinach and chicken enchilida my friend had came with /plaintains/. That is not a coffee shop food! Be out and proud, Counter Culture, and stop living a lie!
...This is all my way of saying that this restuarant is comfy, delicious and cheap and I will be coming back many, many times. -
Review from Scott M.
Castle Rock, CO
3/16/2011 1 photo
Yum! Great green chili, coffee, outdoor patio, cinnamon rolls, burritos, etc
-
Review from Johan E.
Boulder, CO
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Now that was one great vegan smothered burrito! I will be back.
-
Review from Mark N.
Absecon, NJ
1/1/2011
During my 4 years of living in Santa Fe ( I just moved away in Nov) , I was a regular at this place. I particularly like going for breakfastor lunch, but they have dinner to and sell beer.. One orders at the counter, they bring the food to you.. Important: It is CASH ONLY! so be prepared! I like it because not many tourists know about it, is somewhat off the beaten track in a sort of warehouse looking place next to a glass blowing shop. But it is just a half block off a major street (Cerrillos) and thus actually pretty convenient to get to.
-
Review from Zane P.
Mountain View, CA
6/27/2007
I enjoyed a late lunch at Counter Culture on a Wednesday afternoon. I picked a boring burger, but it was anything but boring. The beef tasted very fresh and the shoestring potato french fries were so good that I could not stop feeding my mouth with them.
Unfortunately, this establishment lacks a good tea selection. If I want Tazo tea, I go to St**b**ks. However, it was nice of the server to put it on ice per my request, but the tea was under-steeped at around one minute.
Also, I must add that parking was a bit of a problem. Counter Cultures lot is a logistical nightmare at lunch hour. My companions and I had little choice but to park in a prohibited lot next door and risked being towed. -
Review from Bianca R.
New York, NY
8/8/2010
A great casual spot for brunch or lunch. I love the counter experience. They have REALLY strong coffee, fresh food and a great selection of wine and beer. The fritatta was the best I've ever had served with a fresh micro green salad and an iced coffee. The sandwiches looked amazing and the baked goods sinful. Pancakes and bacon were out of this world. I will definitely be back to sample more. Love the fact that they serve breakfast everyday until 5pm. Don't forget to tip the lovely ladies and gents at the counter!
-
Review from Sam A.
Santa Fe, NM
5/2/2009
Well now, a breakfast for under $10 in Santa Fe? Say it isn't so. I have heard that the food at the Counter Culture was good, but it has stayed off my radar until today when I joined a few friends for breakfast.
Since I'm a huge fan of huevos rancheros, I used that dish as my test of this restaurant and wasn't disappointed at all... The presentation of the dish was way different than I'm used to, with black beans instead of pintos, and seemed a little showey... But I liked it.
I got a good look at the menu also and everything looked like something I would be into trying out, which is a rare feat because I am admittedly a bit pickey. Shocker of all shockers, their take on the local green chile actually had me grabbing two glasses of water too... I was impressed because that's how I like it.
I will definately go back, and soon. -
Review from WILLIAM A.
Walla Walla, WA
7/8/2010 1 photo
Just off Cerrillos, close to town, relaxed atmosphere, nice wait staff, seems older crowd, but I have seen music once..
-
Review from J R.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2010
I really wanted to like this place, as it fit what I like in a good brunch / coffee spot. However, my run in with the uber cool hipster manning the coffee bar cooled my thoughts about Counter Culture.
I really just wanted a skim - cappuccino, however when I asked for skim milk the attitude from the 'barsita' kicked in. She mentioned that they don't have skim milk. I was shocked as what coffee joint does not have skim milk? To boot, she couldn't believe that I didn't want whole milk with my cappuccino. After some brief argument of what I would or would not pay for .. I gave up and took my blueberry muffin.
I was thoroughly disappointed, though I doubt that the hipster got the memo that shelling out attitude at a coffee joint is a little much... -
Review from Maura P.
Hillsboro, OR
8/12/2007
we didn't find this place till right before we moved away in July of '06.
we tried to make up for it by eating there 3 times in 2 weeks!
good burgers and haystack fries. loved the chipotle chicken sandwich. bf ordered a tuna sandwich, was pretty tasty.
good Arnold Palmer's.
and you can feed the little birdies your leftover bread bits...if there are any. -
Review from Trisha H.
Reno, NV
6/12/2008
This is one of my all time favorite cafes in Santa Fe. I discovered it while attending college there. I have been eating there since 2001. I go back every time I visit NM, no matter what. The best sand which there is the chicken sandwich (its huge) and the fries are the best. You have to remember to order your fries though, they do not come with your sandwich. But don't worry you can order one plate that can feed at lest 2-4 people, they pile it high. Depends how hungry you are. This past May 2008 it was still delicious, they even extended their hours it used to close at 3pm now I see they close at 7pm.
-
Review from Caleb R.
Santa Fe, NM
10/8/2010
Great, friendly service, fantastic, fresh food. My favorite is a half turkey sandwich with split pea soup. Awesome! I have been here 30+ times and tried at least a dozen different items and I have not had a bad dish here yet. It is my wife's favorite place in town.
-
Review from Steve E.
Santa Fe, NM
11/20/2010
The food looked and smelled great, I enjoyed the place
-
Review from R R.
Portland, OR
6/27/2008
This is a wonderful place for eating on the back patio. The coffee is great, as are the sinful cinnamon buns. I have to say, though, that I am often disappointed with the fish dishes that look oh so tempting on the board. But hey, it's dumb to order fish in the desert. And I'm not crazy about their over-cheesy huevos. But you can't go wrong with their haystack fries and a burger. And seriously, those cinnamon buns...
-
Review from Shelley B.
Oakland, CA
12/27/2009
If you want to know where the locals really are ---- this is the spot. It's busy virtually all the time. The food is great. We have been for lunch and breakfast and plan to hit it again a time or two before we leave Santa Fe. The huevos rancheros, breakfast burrito, egg sandwich, the cinnamin roll french toast -- all delicious. We also tried the burger (green chile comes on the side and is really good) and the cobb salad which was great. Our kids love the cinnamin rolls (which are as big as 2.5 burritos) and the blue berry muffins are a must have. When you get sick of seeing the same menu at every place with the same blue corn enchiladas, this is your spot. Oh -- and it's inexpensive, it's really a great spot.
