"Nestled just south of Santa Fe on Old Las Vegas Highway, Harry’s Roadhouse is a beloved local hangout known for its relaxed vibe, colorful character, and seriously good comfort food. Set in a quirky converted roadside stop, it blends Southwestern cuisine with American classics – think enchiladas, tacos, burgers, fresh salads, and house-made desserts – all served in a warm and welcoming setting.
Harry’s Roadhouse serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a diverse menu, and daily specials made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Guests also love the friendly staff and generous portions, making it a standout choice for both locals and visitors searching for the best casual restaurants in Santa Fe.
With its cozy interior, vibrant decor, and inviting outdoor patio, Harry’s Roadhouse offers a true taste of the Santa Fe dining experience – perfect for everything from a quick lunch stop to a relaxed dinner with friends. Whether you’re craving traditional New Mexican cuisine or hearty comfort food, Harry’s delivers quality, flavor, and a genuine neighborhood feel.
Kathleen O'Brien
Owner
Behind this beloved Santa Fe gem stands Kathleen O'Brien, whose passion for hospitality has been the heartbeat of our establishment for over two decades. Starting her journey 24 years ago as a manager, Kathleen has since become the proud owner, infusing Harry's Roadhouse with her unique vision of warmth, welcome, and community.
"Our philosophy is simple: to make every visitor feel like Norm from Cheers – a place where 'everybody knows your name.' This isn't just about recognizing faces; it's about remembering your favorite table or bar seat, your preferred meal, and greeting you with a warmth that makes Harry's Roadhouse feel like an extension of your own kitchen. This philosophy has transformed our space into more than just a restaurant; it's a community hub where friendships flourish over shared meals.
We believe in the power of gratitude and thankfulness, both for the incredible people I work with and for you, our guests, who have chosen to make us a part of your lives. Whether you're here to celebrate, unwind, or enjoy a casual meal, we're here to make your experience memorable."
Mario Reyes Leon
Owner & Head Chef
In the heart of Harry's Roadhouse, where the kitchen buzzes with creativity and the air is fragrant with innovation, stands Mario Reyes Leon – a testament to dedication, passion, and culinary excellence. Mario's journey with Harry's Roadhouse began 23 years ago, a narrative rich with growth, learning, and an undying zeal for the culinary arts.
Starting as a dishwasher, Mario's curiosity and eagerness to learn set him apart. He wasn't content with just doing his job; he wanted to understand the why and the how behind every dish. This thirst for knowledge saw him rise through the ranks, absorbing every lesson the kitchen had to offer. His journey through the various roles in the kitchen was not just about mastering the technical aspects of cooking but also about discovering his own passion for flavors and gastronomy.
Nine years ago, Mario's dedication and talent culminated in his becoming the Chef of Harry's Roadhouse. In this role he has truly flourished, bringing his innovative vision and international inspiration to the forefront of the dining experience. Mario's approach to cooking is characterized by a constant quest for new flavors, a challenge he embraces with every dish he creates. His passion is evident in the weekly specials, where he draws from a palette of global cuisines to craft meals that transport diners around the world, igniting their passion for diverse flavors.
Mario's journey took an exciting turn when he became Kathleen's business partner, marking a new chapter in his career and in the story of Harry's Roadhouse.
HARRY'S ROADHOUSE HISTORY
Is there a real Harry?
Yes there is.
Harry Shapiro and Peyton Young launched the iconic Old Las Vegas Highway eatery in 1992.
It was originally a dairy farm, then a gas station on Route 66 (which had added a lunch counter) and then transformed into “a bunch of funky restaurants in the ’70s to cafes to guys who ran the Dragon Room," Harry recalls. “We wanted to keep that spirit alive, casual but interesting food.” A longtime resident remembers that after it was a gas station, it was the Romeros Family Restaurant, then two friends from Pecos opened a cafe, and after that it was a drama club.
Harry’s Roadhouse opened with just 30 seats and has expanded to 140, with additions of a bar, the entrance area and other rooms. “Why do this?” they pondered. “For us it was the joy in pleasing people, cooking, creating new specials while maintaining quality in the old ones, greeting people, bussing tables as part of a team and most importantly working side by side and developing friendships with a team of fellow employees.”
Harry’s Roadhouse has an ever-changing, eclectic menu. Some diners never stray from the meatloaf, and there are burgers, fried chicken and New Mexico cuisine. Global cuisine routinely finds its way onto the menu. Diners have found schnitzels, Spanish tapas, some Moroccan and Middle Easter dishes, “quasi-Asian stuff,” latkes and, of course, the pies that Shapiro acknowledges are part of the Roadhouse’s identity. But Harry’s also stayed attuned to societal shifts. “We definitely have more vegetarian and gluten-free foods over the last 10 years,” Peyton said.
But all good things come to end and in 2024, Harry and Payton retired and sold their beloved restaurant to two longtime employees, Kathleen O'Brien and Mario Reyes. Learn about them here.
Peyton Young, Zoe & Harry Shapiro in 2006. Photo by Jack Kotz.
