Orlando's

One of my favorite eateries in Taos. The vibe is cozy, warm, and friendly. While the place gets full, the fire in the courtyard is such a pleasant treat that I don’t mind waiting. The menu is great with a large selection of options even for vegetarians. The enchiladas were especially good, as were the beans. They also have a nice dessert selection with creative varieties of biscochitos. The staff is friendly, even while managing rush hour, a special skill. They also have beautiful talavera tilework and a fun color scheme decorating the place.

I visited on a Thursday evening, arriving at 4:30 PM to find only one other car waiting. Even at 4:55 PM, there were just us and three other cars. I wouldn’t recommend arriving 30 minutes early. Since the restaurant opens at 5 PM on weekdays, it’s best to arrive at 5 PM; there’s no need to rush. The food was top-notch.

There is a lovely dog-friendly courtyard with a fire to keep warm by while you wait for your table, and they can serve you drinks while you wait as well! Despite being busy, service was prompt and friendly, and the food was AMAZING, especially the chile rellenos!! And the absolute best queso I’ve ever had, hands-down. The colorful walls and New Mexican decorations just added to the already-great vibe. Cannot recommend strongly enough.

We arrived before opening time, 10:30 on a rainy Saturday. 3rd to be seated yet the restaurant filled up quick. Efficient and attentive staff with water refills and finished plates cleared. We enjoyed the Grilled shrimp & relleno combo with green chile-deeelicious! and the blue corn beef tacos. The relleno is fried to a crisp, filled with ooey gooey cheese and remains crisp, not soggy. The posole is flavourful alongside the beans. The restaurant isn’t as tiny as reviewers say. One WC in the back next to the itty bitty kitchen pushing out incredible plates! Cash forward or a 2.5% credit card fee. Worth the wait & Enjoy!

Very good chile caribe, made from pureed boiled whole red chile pods, not powder, and without roux. Posole very basic. Mains do not come with sopaipillas. Nice heat to the chile and salsa. Agave wine margarita is not so great, time for them to upgrade to the NM restaurant A+ liquor license. First come, first served (no reservations), and very long waits at peak times. (Over an hour for a party of five). Did not try the flan, but nearby tables loved it. Loud and cramped, difficult to hear.