Barbecue in Santa Fe means more than just smoky ribs and tangy sauce—here, it’s a blend of Southwestern tradition, bold flavors, and true local character. Whether you want sticky-sweet brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or something with a New Mexican twist, this city’s lineup will surprise you.
Let’s get to it.
BOXCAR
At Boxcar, you’ll quickly notice the fearless approach to southern comfort food. They tackle pork, beef, and cheese in creative combos that deliver big on flavor and even bigger on fun.
Their BBQ Burnt Ends arrive slow-roasted to near perfection… served on a bed of cheddar grits that may redefine what you thought possible in a side dish. Ribs appear char-grilled then glazed with your choice of sauce while crispy fries and crisp slaw work overtime to keep pace. Wing lovers face delicious indecision as a flight of sauces lands at the table, each more tempting than the last.
The El Cubano turns up the pork factor featuring smoked Kyzer pork, honey ham, Swiss cheese, and traditional sandwich fixings on a buttery brioche bun. Then there are the loaded nachos which might weigh more than some small dishes. Prices climb to around $40 for an entrée, but those portions will leave you rethinking single-diner strategies.
Boxcar offers dine-in, takeout, and catering options for sharing the feast. View the menu and start planning that cheat day.
Cowgirl
Since 1993, Cowgirl BBQ has anchored itself in Santa Fe’s historic Guadalupe district with a cheerful blend of Texas-style barbecue and Southwestern comfort food. The moment you step inside, the chatter of families mingles with the clatter of plates while a shaded patio invites anyone in need of fresh air. Kids vanish behind the Kiddie Corral, giving adults a moment to focus on the main event.
Mesquite-smoked baby back ribs and tender sliced brisket lead the lineup alongside pulled pork, chicken, and sausage. Every bite pairs perfectly with the house Salsa Diablo BBQ sauce, fiery enough to prove you’re well past the Midwest. Sides range from creamy mac and cheese to hearty beans, green chile, and cornbread that sticks around in a very good way.
Cowgirl’s BBQ Nachos earned praise from the Wall Street Journal and Food Network, which is basically a seal of approval. Make sure there’s room for the Ice Cream Baked Potato—a sweet finish that really lives up to its name. Check out the current menu here.
Santafamous Street Eats
At Santafamous Street Eats, the New Mexican accent comes through as clearly as the smoke from the grill. This food truck is all about generous portions and bold local flavor. Slow-smoked pulled pork finds new life in tacos and burritos, each filled until they almost burst. There are also BBQ sandwiches, tangy coleslaw, baked beans and sweet cornbread.
A rotating lineup of specials keeps everyone coming back. They serve lunch Monday through Friday and take weekends off, so plan your cravings around the schedule. Curbside counter service keeps things simple. Prices stay affordable and reviews hover around 4.9 stars from well over a hundred fans.
Catering is available for events that demand applause rather than polite nods. You can build a party pack for birthdays, office gatherings or casual get-togethers. Whether you grab a quick bite or feed a crowd, Santafamous Street Eats delivers consistent quality, hearty portions and a memorable taste of New Mexico barbecue…no plates required. their Facebook page.
The Ranch House
Over in Santa Fe, The Ranch House blends Texas oak smoke with New Mexican flair. They coax brisket for 18 hours until it’s meltingly tender, then add green chile just because they can.
The menu covers brisket, baby back ribs, smoked chicken and house-made sausage. You’re welcome to order a single item, but many people surrender and sample them all. Every rub and sauce is crafted in-house, from a sweet Red Chile Honey Glaze to the fiery Diablo for spice lovers.
Sides hold their own. Green chile cornbread, calabacitas and creamy mac and cheese round out the plate. Big portions come without big city prices. Owner-operators Josh Baum and Ann Gordon have been serving locals and visitors since 2011.
If you want to host a gathering, bulk BBQ and party packs are available for easy pickup. Casual indoor seating pairs nicely with a cold beer at happy hour. The Ranch House ranks among TripAdvisor’s Top 25 for everyday dining in the U.S., proof that great barbecue knows no boundaries. Sink your teeth into the menu here.
Whole Hog Café
Stepping into Whole Hog Café, you’ll find Memphis-style barbecue front and center. They smoke pecan-wood meats the traditional way, giving “slow and low” its starring role.
Award-winning skills show up in trophies from Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Pulled pork arrives tender enough to fall apart on its own. Beef brisket has a deep smoky flavor. Baby back ribs come with a notable snap. Generous portion sizes ensure you won’t leave hungry.
Seven house-made sauces range from molasses-kissed sweetness to the tongue-torching Volcano for brave taste buds. Sides pull their weight too. Jalapeño mac and cheese adds a kick and baked beans bring sweet and savory balance.
Whether you choose takeout or dine-in, there’s a solid beer list to round out the meal. Follow the aroma and don’t be surprised if you need room for a to-go box. Whole Hog Café proves Memphis-style barbecue can thrive outside Tennessee…right here in Santa Fe. Dig into their award-winning flavors here.
Michael Dunn’s “B.B.Q DUNN RIGHT”
On Sunday mornings in Santa Fe, a quiet stretch of Cerrillos Road transforms into a smoky stage for B.B.Q DUNN RIGHT. Open from late morning until early evening, this spot turns exclusivity into a rustic asset. It feels unhurried without any hint of pretension.
The menu keeps things simple. You’ll only find house-smoked ribs as the main event. No brisket or secret rubs are advertised here. Instead, the team lets the meat speak for itself, lending an air of mystery to the exact spices and techniques. Sauce comes on the side, so each bite stays true to that pure smoky flavor.
Customer opinions split the difference, resulting in a 3.7-star average. Half of the reviews celebrate fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Others admit they should have settled for a burger down the street. Still, if you’re rib-curious and free on Sunday, Dunn deserves a spot on your list… just don’t expect a platter big enough for an all-star social media moment. Is Sunday calling you to BBQ?
Steam & Smoke Craft BBQ
At Steam & Smoke Craft BBQ, in Santa Fe’s Railyard district, pitmaster Al runs the kitchen with a playful take on tradition. This place shows how patience transforms smoke into flavor. Every cut waits its turn.
The Porter Pulled Pork spends fourteen hours absorbing hardwood smoke and local porter, emerging tender with a subtle hoppy hint. Ribs arrive sticky and rich, a true standout. The Cheddar Bacon Sausage comes slathered in red chili bourbon sauce. It refuses to play it safe. Even the mac n cheese gets an upgrade with aged cheddar and a crunchy topping.
Portion sizes won’t leave you overwhelmed, but the focus here is on quality over quantity. With pulled pork plates priced around eleven dollars, you’ll be happy to leave room for pie.
Steam & Smoke keeps the mood light and the barbecue serious. If you want craft barbecue that delivers big on taste without the fuss, this spot has what you need. See what Steam & Smoke is cooking up.
Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue
In the mountain town of Cloudcroft, Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue brings Central Texas tradition to New Mexico’s pine forests.
Founder James Jackson transformed a historic mercantile into a cozy smokehouse.
Brick pits burn post oak wood around the clock, ensuring that every brisket emerges tender and infused with deep flavor.
The menu reads like a Texas barbecue dream. Brisket smoked overnight joins dinosaur ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, and chicken until the day’s supply is gone.
Each plate arrives alongside classic sides such as creamy mac and cheese, tangy potato salad, and a nod to local tastes with green chile cornbread.
Don’t arrive late or risk seeing a “sold out” sign, since lines form early and the hype is well earned. Ranked among Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots, Mad Jack’s is proof that a mountaintop setting and authentic smoking techniques make for legendary meals. Generous portions ensure you leave satisfied if you score a seat. See why people line up on the mountain.
Ribs Hickory Pit BBQ
When it comes to no-nonsense barbecue, Ribs Hickory Pit BBQ stands out in its devotion to low and slow smoking. They treat brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken and sausage with the same care, using a blend of hickory and oak that brings out deep smoky flavors. The menu pairs house-made sauces and signature rubs with classic sides like creamy mac and cheese, tangy beans and moist cornbread.
This spot draws on both Texas and Carolina traditions. You get brisket with a barky crust and pulled pork with a lively bite of vinegar and spice. Prices stay reasonable and the portions would satisfy just about anyone, even those who claim they aren’t that hungry. Table service keeps things casual and easy. If you need to feed a crowd, catering and party packs are available.
Ribs Hickory Pit BBQ makes a strong case for your next barbecue fix. Reviews are glowing and the atmosphere stays laid-back…exactly how barbecue should be. over here.
Smokey Shack BBQ
Down in Española, Smokey Shack BBQ has earned a reputation for taking Texas-style smoked meat to new heights. Each cut gets its moment over real wood, soaking up layers of smoke and flavor.
Their brisket arrives tender with a bark that snaps. Ribs are juicy and fall-off-the-bone perfect. The pulled pork stands out so much that melt-in-your-mouth might as well be their slogan. You’ll also find jalapeño cheddar sausage and smoked turkey breast filling out the lineup.
House-made sauces add variety. One is tangy, another is sweet, and a third is built for serious heat. All invite you to dip, dunk and revisit each bite. Inside, seating stays casual but the portions are generous enough to demand a takeout box.
Classic sides play supporting roles. Coleslaw, potato salad and peach cobbler deliver just the right balance. Open Monday through Friday, Smokey Shack BBQ proves your next barbecue craving doesn’t have to wait for the weekend…or a flight to Texas. Fire up your tastebuds here.
