Euro-Latino might be the best catch-all term for the menu at
Gutiz (812-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Wed.–Sun., 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Tues., $8), but of course you’ll find green chile in some dishes—and then there’s the unclassifiable French toast, which involves raspberry cream and peanut butter (honest, it’s good!). Other inventive breakfast dishes include poached eggs and salsa on subtly spiced Spanish rice. Or you can opt for a more traditional croque monsieur for lunch. Dinner service (starting at 5 p.m.) was just about to begin at the time of research, with dishes such as paella going for about $15. If the restaurant’s legions of fans support the evening service, it will doubtless be a success.
Locals like Graham’s Grille (106 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, 575/751-1350, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) because its menu satisfies simple cravings—for a creamy chicken salad on a buttery brioche roll, or mac-and-cheese with green chile—and some you didn’t even know you had, such as one for fresh nacho chips drizzled with chocolate, a genius salty-sweet fusion. Creatively, falafel is the vegetarian option in dishes such as burritos. Spacious and airy, with lots of blond wood, the space is restful, and so are the prices—nothing’s over $20. There are two entrances and two separate dining rooms—the smaller seating area at the back entrance (in the alley off the plaza) looks onto an open kitchen.