Cafecito – Mexican
This sun-drenched cafe hums with the spirited energy of a Buenos Aires morning, inviting guests to linger over the aroma of toasted medialunas and rich, dark espresso. The kitchen weaves together bold South American flavors and brunch favorites, from savory breakfast empanadas and smoky salmon tartines to golden pancakes draped in velvety dulce de leche. It is a soulful neighborhood retreat where every plate, whether a zesty olive lebneh tapenade or a hearty Gaucho-style scramble, celebrates the art of the leisurely, flavor-packed start to the day.
Shoofly Street https://www.cafecitosantafe.comRating: 3/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Cafecito
Dairy-Free at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including De La Tierra Bowl, Hummus Plate and House Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 4 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including House Salad, Pan Seared Stuffed Trout and Chimichurri (8oz). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 16 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chimi Fries (Small), De La Tierra Bowl and Hummus Plate. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Smoked Salmon Tartine and Ham and Cheese Empanada. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 6 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including De La Tierra Bowl, Hummus Plate and House Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 13 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chimi Fries (Small), De La Tierra Bowl and Hummus Plate. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 7 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including De La Tierra Bowl, Hummus Plate and Smoked Salmon Tartine. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at Cafecito
Cafecito in Santa Fe has 15 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Three Sisters Empanada, De La Tierra Bowl and Breakfast Empanada. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Cafecito
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Lomito Completo | 38.6 g | 68 g |
| The Gaucho | 74.4 g | 56 g |
| Milanesa Sandwich | 120.3 g | 43.5 g |
| Stuffed Dates | 24.5 g | 41.8 g |
| Santa Fe Empanada | 4.3 g | 36.7 g |
| Portobello Sandwich | 79.3 g | 29.2 g |
| Cobb Salad | 43.9 g | 28.2 g |
| Smoked Salmon Tartine | 10.3 g | 25 g |
| Steak Frites | 49.3 g | 24.1 g |
| Avocado Toast | 32 g | 23 g |
| De La Tierra Bowl | 28.8 g | 22.6 g |
| Granola Bowl | 57.5 g | 22.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its friendly staff and casual atmosphere, guests highlight the welcoming service that creates a relaxed environment for a low-key meal. Diners appreciate the straightforward menu and adequate portions, noting the restaurant
Menu
Breakfast
Served from 8AM-11:00AM
- Granola Bowl - $9.5: vanilla yogurt, pistachio coconut granola, fruit Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Smoked Salmon Tartine - $16: dill cream cheese, red onion, cherry tomato, arugula, smoked salmon, capers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Avocado Toast - $16: local sourdough, cranberry salsa macha, pickled red onion, feta, micro cilantro, arugula Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Omelette - $15: organic eggs, provolone, chimi spiced potato, choice of 3: bell pepper, red onion, arugula, ham, roasted mushroom Available at: breakfast, brunch
- The Gaucho - $22: organic scrambled eggs, flank steak, provolone, cherry tomato, quince jam, local sourdough Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Pancake with Dulce de Leche - $10: rolled crepe with banana, dulce de leche, whipped cream, berries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Medialuna Sandwich - $15: provolone, bacon, scrambled egg, local croissant Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Breakfast Empanada - $18: organic eggs, hash brown, provolone, bacon, red chile, chimichurri, side salad Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Gramajo Scramble - $17: organic eggs, ham, red onion, roasted mushroom, chimi fries, green chili Available at: breakfast, brunch
Appetizers
- Olive Lebneh Tapenade - $9: lebneh yogurt, olive tapenade, za'atar oil, lavash Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seasonal Soup - $6: Daily soup Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stuffed Dates - $8: medjool dates, feta cheese, honey Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hummus Plate - $9: garbanzo, lavash bread, carrot, cucumber Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bread Basket - $9: housemade focaccia, medialuna, sourdough, jam and butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
Salads
- House Salad - $12: local greens, arugula, tomato, cucumber, shaved carrot, shaved beets, citrus vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cobb Salad - $19: local greens, bacon, boiled egg, cucumber, feta, milanesa chicken, avocado, sun dried tomato, olives, cherry tomato, red wine vinaigrette Available at: dinner, lunch
- Argentine Steak Salad - $18: local greens, butternut squash, tomato, flank steak, feta, house balsamic Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Milanesa Sandwich - $20: house focaccia, house fried chicken, lettuce, pickled red onion, house aioli Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lomito Completo - $20: pebete bun, flank steak, provolone, ham, lettuce, red onion, house aioli, fried egg Available at: dinner, lunch
- Portobello Sandwich - $18: house focaccia, tomato aioli, goat cheese, roasted portobello, arugula, pickled red onion Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Panino Imbatible - $16.5: house focaccia, prosciutto, burrata, balsamic glaze, arugula Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Pan Seared Stuffed Trout - $22: rainbow trout, walnuts, barberries, tarragon gremolata, mixed green side salad Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak Frites - $30: 6 oz. Filet Mignon, Pomegranate Demi-Glace, Chef's Butter, Chimi Fries Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pasta of the Month - $18: Featured pasta of the month Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Peruvian Roast Chicken - $15: roasted 1/4 chicken, fried yucca, mixed greens, aji verde Available at: dinner, lunch
- De La Tierra Bowl - $16: green lentil, kale, butternut squash, beet, cauliflower, cherry tomato, tahini maple dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Empanadas
All empanadas include chimichurri (available all day)
- Carne Empanada - $5.95: wagyu beef, bell pepper, egg Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ham and Cheese Empanada - $5.95: ham, provolone cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Humita Empanada - $5.95: corn, cream cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Santa Fe Empanada - $5.95: roast chicken, green chile, provolone Available at: dinner, lunch
- Three Sisters Empanada - $5.95: black bean, butternut squash, corn, cilantro Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mushroom Empanada - $5.95: local lions mane mushroom, crimini, parmesan Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetable Empanada - $5.95: spinach, ricotta, parmesan Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Empanada Flight (Two + Soup/Salad) - $16: mix and match two empanadas with soup or salad Available at: dinner, lunch
- Empanada Flight (Three + Soup/Salad) - $20: mix and match three empanadas with soup or salad Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Chimi Fries (Small) - $5: house made french fries, chimichurri seasoning, chimi ranch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chimi Fries (Large) - $8: house made french fries, chimichurri seasoning, chimi ranch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chimichurri (8oz) - $10: house made chimichurri sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Cafecito
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- The Argentine Steak Salad and Omelette both accommodate multiple diets including keto, gluten-free, high-protein, and sugar-free.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customers express concerns regarding the restaurant's average 3.0/5 rating, though specific negative feedback is not detailed in the provided summary.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the friendly staff, welcoming service, and casual atmosphere that creates a relaxed environment for a low-key meal.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The restaurant offers a straightforward menu of approximately 15 items, including breakfast empanadas, tartines, and various South American-inspired brunch dishes.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided restaurant data does not specify the total number of reviews for Cafecito.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- This budget-friendly restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine, featuring South American-inspired brunch favorites like empanadas, medialunas, and Gaucho-style scrambles.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- Cafecito is currently operational, with its website and menu details available, though specific daily hours of operation are not provided.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This budget-friendly ($) restaurant is ideal for casual dining, featuring a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and a low-key environment.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- The restaurant has a website at https://www.cafecitosantafe.com, though the provided data does not specify online ordering capabilities.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy a low-key meal in a casual atmosphere with friendly service, featuring brunch favorites like breakfast empanadas and dulce de leche pancakes.
- Is Cafecito dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Cafecito has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including De La Tierra Bowl, Hummus Plate and House Salad.
- What can I eat at Cafecito on a dairy-free diet?
- De La Tierra Bowl, Hummus Plate and House Salad carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Cafecito have vegan options?
- Yes. 6 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including De La Tierra Bowl and Hummus Plate.
- Is Cafecito gluten-free?
- 4 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Cafecito?
- Lomito Completo, at roughly 68g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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- Bumble Bee's Baja Grill — Mexican
- La Fogata Grill — Mexican
- Burrito Company — Mexican
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- Baked & Brew — American
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