Always a special dining experience at the Compound!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Underwood
It was the middle of the afternoon. I had just gotten off the plane. I was starving. I headed over to Canyon road. I was looking for a place to eat. One of the galleries suggested the Tea Room. I walked 15 minutes to the Tea Room. There, they said it was 20 minutes until their lunch service was finished so they would not seat me. I left. Still starving. On the walk back down Canyon Road, I saw a sign for The Compound. I decided to check it out. I am very, very, very glad I did. At The Compound, the ambiance was great. Excellent people watching. People that you wondered what their story was. The service was perfect. Astrea was attentive, but not intrusive. She was also very personable and knowledgeable about the food. Her suggestions were spot on. The food was excellent. The ceviche was great. The venison sausage was very unique. I did not want to take the last bite because I didn’t want it to end. The bread pudding was as good as it gets. This restaurant made me want to buy a house in Santa Fe. If you’re in Santa Fe, don’t miss your chance to eat at The Compound.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yue LI
Was looking forward to dine here. But a disappointment. Quality of food matched the price tag. Service was subpar. Most of the night, our server was not to be seen. When we saw them, they just walked pass as if we were not there. We felt left alone as if we were in a buffet restaurant or second class guests. The table was wobbling, as if it were a makeshift table that were not meant for four people. The front room where we were seated felt cold (opposite of warm and intimate), and the lighting could be dimmer. Overall, the service was as good as none. This is very disappointing for a restaurant that was highly regarded on the internet and of this price tag. The food was more than decent, but I am afraid not good enough for us to come back to deal with the mediocre service and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Alfredo Barrenechea
We hadn't been to Compound in a whileBut sure we're glad we went back! Food was amazing service & atmosphere were outstanding.Geronimo has become our go-to, but we're going to have to start alternating with Compound.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas Murphy
This place is old school. It's been open since 1966. It is always on point. We try to make it here for either lunch or dinner. Our last trip was for our 20th Anniversary and it did not disappoint. The staff is wonderful and the food is amazing. Reservations are a must.
The atmosphere was lovely, but my initial waitress had an attitude with me when I asked about gluten free. The other staff were nice and respectful at least, but the food was so not worth it. The carrot soup tasted like raw eggs, the potatoe chips were stale and the meat in the sandwich was old tasting... the flavors were not what is expected in a high end restaurant. I could of had a better meal down the road at a local cafe. Deeply dissapointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Jason B
We have heard great things about this restaurant over the years. We finally made it there with some friends recently and it was an excellent experience. Everyone had a wonderful time and was satisfied with the whole dinner.Our waiter was knowledgeable and professional. Every staff was efficient and helpful. And the food was creative and delicious. It’s a top notch restaurant and the prices align with the quality. Otherwise we would go back there frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin Gomez
Food is
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
M Eng
The bucatini chicken was delicious, the soup looked great but did not live up to expectations. I sat at the bar and it was a very cozy atmosphere. The bartender was not friendly and avoided all eye contact which was also commented on by the person sitting next to me. That influenced the experience. The service was not great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Sheila M
December 2023: I've eaten at the Compound several times over the years and this time I was, frankly, disappointed. I ordered a polenta that was over salted and a little bit oily. My dining companions had the duck and the steak and they said that both were "okay". I think the most disappointing part of the visit was our waiter. He seemed to be lacking in basic social graces and was not very knowledgeable about the menu. When our third dining partner sat down the waiter just said "drink?" The ambiance of the room was good and it was quiet. The whole experience was "fair". Dinner for three with 4 cocktails (the drinks were good), one non-alcoholic drink, one side order and no dessert was $387. So long to the so-so Compound.
We did the Xmas Eve dinner, which is special because of all the activity on Canyon Rd, giving us parking to stroll before dinner. Unbeknownst to me, it was a pre fixe dinner, 3 courses at $160 ++ pp. so for the money, about $800 for party of three with drinks. The experience did not live up to the over the top prices! The menu was good, but the preparation did not meet expectations. This place is a SF standard, known for great drinks, burgers and onion rings. It’s not a 5 star restaurant, and certainly not worth the exorbitant prices, even on Christmas Eve. Recent changes to bartender, sommelier and management and what appears to profit margins has transformed a favorite restaurant for the worse. I may try again for lunch, however,this experience has diminished my views of this classic Santa Fe restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Eileen Baca-Penner
Excellent food! At first, they forgot about us but once we got their attention the service was better. Tables too close together as I could hear everything being said in table next to me. Carpet could use replacement.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Sherrie Bellamy
Went there for Thanksgiving. Top rated chef, fixed price menu for that day. The presentation was awful. The turkey was an afterthought on the plate. Small end pieces of white and dark meat. Inedible I only ate the mashed potatoes and vegetable. I always take pictures of the food but it looked to awful to post.The actual restaurant was pretty. They sat us by the serving station just inside the door. I didn't make the reservation or I would have had them move us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Mike and Kath R
It’s been six years since we have been here. And we are so grateful that they are now open for lunch again. We were visiting from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Took the Rio Metro train up to have lunch and enjoy one of my favourite places to get mushroom polenta. One of our all-time favourite restaurants in Santa Fe. We highly recommend.
The Compound has been my family's go-to restaurant for special occasions for decades, and has always been delightful. That is why our visit last week was so very disappointing. Our party of four was seated promptly at the time of our reservation. The ambience was lovely, as usual. The problem was our waiter, Emmanuel. I have been a server, and I understand that anyone can have a bad day; however, this felt personal. As three of our party were driving, the only alcohol we ordered was one glass of wine. From that moment on, Emmanuel began to treat us in a disdainful manner. I ordered the Schnitzel, which I have eaten on previous visits, and mentioned that I have an allergy to onions, just in case chives were typically added as a garnish. When our food arrived, the Schnitzel was served without the sauce, so was just a large piece of breaded chicken. Emmanuel did not come back to our table, and I observed him going to all the other tables in his section except ours. He even ironed the tablecloth on an adjacent table before returning to ask if everything was alright. I then had the opportunity to ask him about the sauce for my entree. He told me the sauce had scallions, onions and leeks in it, and added that the restaurant takes allergies very seriously. I told him that I was surprised the sauce contained all of these ingredients, as I have eaten it before and not had my typical reaction to onions. I asked him to please bring me a side dish of the sauce. Instead of simply fulfilling my request, Emmanuel proceeded to lecture me about how seriously the restaurant takes allergies, ignoring me telling him that I also take my allergy seriously and repeating that I have eaten this dish in the past without a problem. Several times, he loudly repeated that this decision was on me. I said, of course it is on me. He finally brought the sauce after my companions had just about finished their entrees. Because of Emmanuel's attitude toward us, we decided to forego dessert for this Birthday lunch, and we all left feeling quite disappointed. I think the management needs to have a discussion with this waiter about his attitude.
Always a special dining experience at the Compound!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was the middle of the afternoon. I had just gotten off the plane. I was starving. I headed over to Canyon road. I was looking for a place to eat. One of the galleries suggested the Tea Room. I walked 15 minutes to the Tea Room. There, they said it was 20 minutes until their lunch service was finished so they would not seat me. I left. Still starving. On the walk back down Canyon Road, I saw a sign for The Compound. I decided to check it out. I am very, very, very glad I did. At The Compound, the ambiance was great. Excellent people watching. People that you wondered what their story was. The service was perfect. Astrea was attentive, but not intrusive. She was also very personable and knowledgeable about the food. Her suggestions were spot on. The food was excellent. The ceviche was great. The venison sausage was very unique. I did not want to take the last bite because I didn’t want it to end. The bread pudding was as good as it gets. This restaurant made me want to buy a house in Santa Fe. If you’re in Santa Fe, don’t miss your chance to eat at The Compound.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was looking forward to dine here. But a disappointment. Quality of food matched the price tag. Service was subpar. Most of the night, our server was not to be seen. When we saw them, they just walked pass as if we were not there. We felt left alone as if we were in a buffet restaurant or second class guests. The table was wobbling, as if it were a makeshift table that were not meant for four people. The front room where we were seated felt cold (opposite of warm and intimate), and the lighting could be dimmer. Overall, the service was as good as none. This is very disappointing for a restaurant that was highly regarded on the internet and of this price tag. The food was more than decent, but I am afraid not good enough for us to come back to deal with the mediocre service and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
We hadn't been to Compound in a whileBut sure we're glad we went back! Food was amazing service & atmosphere were outstanding.Geronimo has become our go-to, but we're going to have to start alternating with Compound.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is old school. It's been open since 1966. It is always on point. We try to make it here for either lunch or dinner. Our last trip was for our 20th Anniversary and it did not disappoint. The staff is wonderful and the food is amazing. Reservations are a must.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Salad, Duck Confit, Beer Braised Beef Short Rib
The atmosphere was lovely, but my initial waitress had an attitude with me when I asked about gluten free. The other staff were nice and respectful at least, but the food was so not worth it. The carrot soup tasted like raw eggs, the potatoe chips were stale and the meat in the sandwich was old tasting... the flavors were not what is expected in a high end restaurant. I could of had a better meal down the road at a local cafe. Deeply dissapointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
We have heard great things about this restaurant over the years. We finally made it there with some friends recently and it was an excellent experience. Everyone had a wonderful time and was satisfied with the whole dinner.Our waiter was knowledgeable and professional. Every staff was efficient and helpful. And the food was creative and delicious. It’s a top notch restaurant and the prices align with the quality. Otherwise we would go back there frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
The bucatini chicken was delicious, the soup looked great but did not live up to expectations. I sat at the bar and it was a very cozy atmosphere. The bartender was not friendly and avoided all eye contact which was also commented on by the person sitting next to me. That influenced the experience. The service was not great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
December 2023: I've eaten at the Compound several times over the years and this time I was, frankly, disappointed. I ordered a polenta that was over salted and a little bit oily. My dining companions had the duck and the steak and they said that both were "okay". I think the most disappointing part of the visit was our waiter. He seemed to be lacking in basic social graces and was not very knowledgeable about the menu. When our third dining partner sat down the waiter just said "drink?" The ambiance of the room was good and it was quiet. The whole experience was "fair". Dinner for three with 4 cocktails (the drinks were good), one non-alcoholic drink, one side order and no dessert was $387. So long to the so-so Compound.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
We did the Xmas Eve dinner, which is special because of all the activity on Canyon Rd, giving us parking to stroll before dinner. Unbeknownst to me, it was a pre fixe dinner, 3 courses at $160 ++ pp. so for the money, about $800 for party of three with drinks. The experience did not live up to the over the top prices! The menu was good, but the preparation did not meet expectations. This place is a SF standard, known for great drinks, burgers and onion rings. It’s not a 5 star restaurant, and certainly not worth the exorbitant prices, even on Christmas Eve. Recent changes to bartender, sommelier and management and what appears to profit margins has transformed a favorite restaurant for the worse. I may try again for lunch, however,this experience has diminished my views of this classic Santa Fe restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Excellent food! At first, they forgot about us but once we got their attention the service was better. Tables too close together as I could hear everything being said in table next to me. Carpet could use replacement.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Went there for Thanksgiving. Top rated chef, fixed price menu for that day. The presentation was awful. The turkey was an afterthought on the plate. Small end pieces of white and dark meat. Inedible I only ate the mashed potatoes and vegetable. I always take pictures of the food but it looked to awful to post.The actual restaurant was pretty. They sat us by the serving station just inside the door. I didn't make the reservation or I would have had them move us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
It’s been six years since we have been here. And we are so grateful that they are now open for lunch again. We were visiting from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Took the Rio Metro train up to have lunch and enjoy one of my favourite places to get mushroom polenta. One of our all-time favourite restaurants in Santa Fe. We highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Salad, Wild Mushroom Polenta
The Compound has been my family's go-to restaurant for special occasions for decades, and has always been delightful. That is why our visit last week was so very disappointing. Our party of four was seated promptly at the time of our reservation. The ambience was lovely, as usual. The problem was our waiter, Emmanuel. I have been a server, and I understand that anyone can have a bad day; however, this felt personal. As three of our party were driving, the only alcohol we ordered was one glass of wine. From that moment on, Emmanuel began to treat us in a disdainful manner. I ordered the Schnitzel, which I have eaten on previous visits, and mentioned that I have an allergy to onions, just in case chives were typically added as a garnish. When our food arrived, the Schnitzel was served without the sauce, so was just a large piece of breaded chicken. Emmanuel did not come back to our table, and I observed him going to all the other tables in his section except ours. He even ironed the tablecloth on an adjacent table before returning to ask if everything was alright. I then had the opportunity to ask him about the sauce for my entree. He told me the sauce had scallions, onions and leeks in it, and added that the restaurant takes allergies very seriously. I told him that I was surprised the sauce contained all of these ingredients, as I have eaten it before and not had my typical reaction to onions. I asked him to please bring me a side dish of the sauce. Instead of simply fulfilling my request, Emmanuel proceeded to lecture me about how seriously the restaurant takes allergies, ignoring me telling him that I also take my allergy seriously and repeating that I have eaten this dish in the past without a problem. Several times, he loudly repeated that this decision was on me. I said, of course it is on me. He finally brought the sauce after my companions had just about finished their entrees. Because of Emmanuel's attitude toward us, we decided to forego dessert for this Birthday lunch, and we all left feeling quite disappointed. I think the management needs to have a discussion with this waiter about his attitude.