You can practically feel the history of the place as you walk into Santa Fe’s Palace Prime Steak + Seafood, the newest incarnation at a location that have served locals and tourists alike for coming up on a couple of centuries.
That’s right. This fine dining establishment sits on the site of what was once a gambling saloon and a bordello in the mid-1800s.
After being totally renovated and reimagined, the restaurant reopened this past winter after a series of owners of the property long known as The Palace. Now, it features a spacious dining room, an outdoor patio and a separate bar.
General manager Julian Martinez took us through this site, pointing out some of the historic touches that hearken back to the past including the red wallpaper and red booths of the main dining room. Artwork from prominent Native American artists including Fritz Scholder, Tony Abeyta and George Rivera (who is a partner in the venture) adorns the walls.
What emerges from the kitchen are creations of esteemed local chef Rocky Durham.
The menu is updated weekly to include seasonal specialties such as Misty Point and Malpeque oysters, served with mescal mignonette, but there are many perennial favorites to keep you coming back.
You’ll find everything you would expect at a top-notch steakhouse, most with a southwestern or specifically Santa Fe twist, like the Caesar salad featuring ancho chili dressing.
Scottish salmon and rack of lamb are among the house specialties and the prime and certified Angus steaks are available in a variety of cuts and portion sizes. The green chili mac & cheese is always a favorite side dish. Those who save room for dessert could be rewarded with a lemon tiramisu or a decadent flourless chocolate cake among the choices.
Palace Prime is currently open Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. with the dining room and patio serving until 9 o’clock. Late-nighters should note the bar stays open until 11 p.m., and is the perfect place to wrap things up for the night.
Palace Prime Steak + Seafood, 142 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, (505) 919-9935
