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Santa Fe has always been special. When it was in the old digs on W. 69th, it was simply wonderful. In the "new" smaller presentation on 71st st., it is still usuallg good, and sometimes very good. There was a New Chef #1 who introduced some surprising and rather revolting dishes. He was thrown under the bus, and Old Chef came back for awhile, and was O.K. -Now New Chef #2 is here and sems quite good. The preentation and prep of the Fajitas is now excellent after a horrifying decline using seemingly government issued canned chicken. Now we are back to the good stuff. In general, the Menus is now very good, with some specials every day, and wonderful soups appear now and then. The same old pedestrian desserts, however. There is one near-englishless waiter/dogsbody who is not exactly an asset. A somewhat dopey Maitre D team, but a charming, charming decor and colors and a mostly appealing and friendly waitstaff. One word of warning - avoid the front of the restaurant near the bar, which is often crowded with noisy drunks!

After two wonderful recent meals here, I was thrilled to return. In short: The filet I ordered was overcooked AND cold, my partners fish was flavorless and also dry. I asked the waiter if I could speak to the New Chef I had heard so much about (and whose food was a delightful breath of fresh air) "He's not here anymore" was the response I got... Judging by this meal this restaurant should go the way of the Chef, and quickly.

I found this place through Menu Pages (I am an aspiring food writer) and I must say I was astonished at how wonderful the food was. I just had a Tuna special with a lovely rice and tomatillo sauce that was out of this world. The tuna (listed as "sushi grade" on the menu) was among the best I have ever eaten. Go, By all means GO !

I know a lot of people are upset that the menu has changed, but I too have been eating at Santa Fe for years, and am super excited about the new menu. The old food was good and familiar, but the new chef is definitely taking this place to the next level in terms of dining out. I came last night, and had the short rib special, and it was fantastic! The service is always terrific; promt, friendly, and never pushy. Even with the new menu the restaurant has not lost its neighborhood familiarity and atmostphere, and I always have a good time. The place, however, didn't seem to be too full last night. I really hope they are able to make it through the rough economic times, because it would be a shame to lose this place.

Very good drinks, I believe one of the best margaritas I have ever had. Though the waiter clearly had problems with the English language, we tried two specials that were wonderful (if they have it try the trout) I was surprised at what a lovely time we had. This is one nice little restaurant.

I have been going to Santa Fe now for about 7 years. I always enjoy the food, the margaritas, and the staff. Now, I just about flipped when I came in one night and found out that they have a new Chef. I tried one of the specials and just loved it. I think the new direction this classic UWS restaurant is going is fantastic. You have to try the margaritas.

waited 40 mins but was told the wait was only 15mins there was 5 empty tables that were never used to seat people / kind of a odd bathrooms with 5 min lines waiter arrived 30 mins after being seated to take the initial drink order and he forgot to place it he returned in 10 mins food arrived 20 mins later but was cold / waiter infromed and only said SORRY they did comp the the one drink round