Top 5 Places to Eat in Red River, New Mexico
Red River offers far more than your typical ski-town fare. From artisan coffee and breakfast to upscale steakhouse dining, this small town packs big flavors.
We’ve eaten it all and have put together this curated guide to the absolute best places to eat in Red River, New Mexico. And here's a pro tip: having a comfortable, centrally-located place to stay makes it easy to walk to these amazing restaurants without worrying about mountain driving after a satisfying meal.
Having a home base within walking distance of these restaurants and shops means you'll experience Red River like a local—no stress about parking, mountain driving conditions, or logistics. You step outside and you're already in the middle of everything.
What You’ll Find
Best Coffee & Breakfast
Top Pizza Spot
Premier Steakhouse
From Brunch to Dinner
Wine & Snacks
Bonus: Cooking at Your Rental
Planning Your Food Tour
Steam Coffee Co.
Steam is one of Red River's best coffee spots. This cozy spot has become a morning ritual for locals and savvy visitors alike. They offer handcrafted espresso drinks, smoothies, teas, pastries, and other small breakfast items.
Best For: Coffee enthusiasts, leisurely morning starts, and grab-and-go breakfast
Pro Tip: The outdoor seating in summer is perfect for people-watching on Main Street while you sip your latte.
Main Street Pizzeria
Looking for pizza in Red River? Main Street Pizzeria has a casual atmosphere that makes it perfect for families, groups, or a relaxed dinner after a day on the mountain. They have a variety of pizza options as well as sandwiches and desserts. Enjoy as takeout or onsite.
Best For: Casual family dinners, groups with varying tastes, and pizza lovers
Pro Tip: Order ahead during peak dinner hours (6-8 PM) on weekends. Their pizzas also reheat beautifully if you have a kitchen at your rental—leftovers make an excellent breakfast or late-night snack.
Bull O' The Woods Saloon
Operating since 1955, this is Red River's oldest continuously running restaurant. Bull O’ The Woods Saloon offers Thursdays steak night specials, and their happy hour has rotating deals. Bull O’ The Woods has the best burger in town, with delicious fries to pair with it.
Best For: Casual dining, game watching, extensive beer list
Pro Tip: Place your order at the counter and grab a drink to enjoy by the firepit or by the billiard tables.
VINE
VINE is a must-eat place in Red River. From brunch to dinner, their elevated take on home-cooked meals will be the best food you have in town. The cocktails, beer, and wine options are all top-notch. Their meatloaf and green chili mac and cheese are must-order items.
Best For: Date night, brunch, family dinner – all the things – go to VINE!
Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a table on the back patio to enjoy mountain views while you’re dining.
Noisy Water Winery
While the actual winery is located in nearby Ruidoso (about 90 minutes south), Noisy Water's presence in Red River makes this list because their wines are available locally and they represent the best of New Mexico's growing wine scene. Not into wine? They also have a rotating list of local New Mexico craft beers.
Best For: Wine enthusiasts wanting to explore New Mexico's wine scene, supporting local producers, and finding unique bottles you won't see in your home state.
Pro Tip: Grab a glass or can of beer and order a cheeseboard to enjoy on one of their two patios. The front is excellent for people watching on Main Street. The side has turf and umbrella-covered chairs.
BONUS: Enjoy a Home-Cooked Meal at Your Rental
Head down to Der Markt to grab groceries to cook your own meal at one of Main Street Retreat’s rental units. You’ll find all your typical grocery fare at this compact store. From breakfast to dinner, you can stock up on all your essentials.
There's something magical about cooking your own meal in the mountains. Your favorite playlist is on, you're sipping wine while you cook, and there's no rush—no waiting for a table, no worrying about restaurant closing times.
Best For: Groups who enjoy cooking together, romantic evenings without restaurant crowds, families with picky eaters or dietary restrictions, budget-conscious travelers (one nice meal out, one cooked in)
Pro Tip: Derk Markt also has a large selection of wine, spirits, and local beers to pair with your beer.
Planning Your Red River Food Tour
One of Main Street Retreat’s greatest advantages is its walkability. The entire downtown area stretches just over a mile along Main Street, with all five of our featured spots concentrated within walking distance of each other.
Staying centrally located means you can walk to Steam for morning coffee, stroll to Main Street Pizzeria for a casual dinner without worrying about parking, enjoy a few drinks with your steak at Bull O' The Woods without designated driver concerns, and easily stop at Vine and Der Markt to stock your kitchen.
Our short-term rental is ideally positioned within easy walking distance of all the spots featured in this guide. You'll be steps from Steam Coffee Bar, Main Street Pizzeria, Bull O' The Woods, Vine Wine & Spirits, and Der Markt—basically, you're in the heart of Red River's culinary scene. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, offering great flexibility for your dining plans.
Insider Tips on Dining in Red River
Timing Is Everything: Bring your patience during peak travel season, or head out to dinner early to avoid the crowds.
The Chile Question: When servers ask "red or green?" they're asking which chile sauce you prefer with your breakfast burrito or other dishes. Red is earthy and slightly sweeter; green is brighter and often hotter. Can't decide? Order "Christmas" to get both.
Altitude Adjustment: That 8,750-foot elevation isn't a joke. You might find yourself needing more water and feeling full faster. Pace yourself, especially with alcohol—it hits harder at altitude. The many nearby bars and restaurants means you can sip slowly without worrying about the drive home.
Pet-Friendly Options: Main Street Pizzeria has outdoor seating that welcomes well-behaved dogs. Noisy Water Winery is pet-friendly – both inside and out! Bull O’ the Woods has an expansive outdoor patio that is pet-friendly. Our rental allows pets, making it easy to include your furry friend in dinner plans.
Check availability for your Red River getaway.
