If you want to spend the night in the area, Casa Escondida (Hwy. 76, 505/351-4805, www.casaescondida.com [1], $109 s) is a lovely place, with a big backyard, a hot tub, and a sunny garden.
For lunch head right across the parking lot from the Santuario de Chimayó to Leona’s (505/351-4569, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Thurs.–Mon., $2), where you can pick up bulk chile and pistachios as well as delicious tamales and crumbly bizcochitos.
For a more leisurely sit-down lunch,
Rancho de Chimayó (County Rd. 98, 505/351-4444, www.ranchodechimayo.com [2], 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Tues.–Sun. Nov.–Apr., 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. daily May–Oct., $11) offers great red chile on a beautiful terrace—or inside the old adobe home by the fireplace in wintertime. The place is also open for breakfast 8:30–10 a.m. on weekends, and it’s a popular special-occasion spot for Santa Feans.
Links:
[1] http://www.casaescondida.com
[2] http://www.ranchodechimayo.com