About
There are some restaurants that simply become landmarks in a community. Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, located north of the plaza on Paseo del Pueblo Norte, has been a landmark dining experience in Taos since 1974. Having served hungry locals and visitors for more than 50 years, its recipes still taste like home.
The existing building where Michael’s Kitchen is located went up in the 1940s and was first known as Spivey's. In early February of 1974, Michael Ninneman and his then-wife, Carol, uprooted their family from California to buy the restaurant after finding it on a Taos vacation.
After nearly three years perfecting the menu, they soon acquired the Fiesta Bakery just two blocks away. The new name became Michael's Kitchen Coffee Shop and Bakery, and it has become a Taos institution.
In 2005, ownership passed to family members Gina and Derek Apodaca. who kept the sale quiet for six months, and most employees didn't know it had happened. The goal was simple: nothing would change, and nothing did. Remarkably, some staff from the Spivey's days stayed on for decades, and the restaurant still employs a team of 50 or more.
The family-friendly atmosphere, fresh food prepared from scratch, and home made pastries continue to highlight why Michael’s Kitchen is considered to be one of the best restaurants in town.
Vibe
Michael's Kitchen feels like the cozy neighborhood dining spot every town hopes to have. The setting is casual and unfussy, with a home-style look that puts the focus on the food and the company. The restaurant simply aims to please, and on a busy day can serve up to 1,200 people while accommodating about 135 people at a time. It’s no wonder you may come across people waiting in line for breakfast here under the bright blue New Mexico sky. It’s a well-deserved wait.
Inside, the dining room has a cozy, lived-in charm. Booths and tables offer room for couples and friends. With relaxed seating for small get togethers, or space for large family outings, there is absolutely nothing cookie-cutter about Michael’s. Servers greet guests with a warm welcome, and many regulars are known by name.
The bakery case draws plenty of attention, so it's common to see diners pick out treats on the way to their seats. All their home made treats are created in their own downstairs bakery that can seasonally produce up to 175 different items!
Michael's Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery: Menu & Drinks
The menu blends hearty American comfort food with classic New Mexican flavors. Green chile is a must here. Diners often order an omelet loaded with vegetables and bacon, then add green chile for a smoky kick.
The New Mexican breakfast plates are another favorite. These platters pair eggs with local flavors and red or green chile, and the portions are large enough to fuel a morning on the trails or a stroll through the art galleries.
After a morning on the slopes at Taos Ski Valley, dig into one of the favorite lunch dishes: the Belly Buster. This two-patty burger is served with four strips of bacon, four slices of American cheese, avocado, and diced green chile with all the traditional toppings. Ay yes, and fries, as if you still had room.
Don’t forget to save room for something from the bakery, paired well with a hot cup of coffee. Many guests grab an extra treat to take back to their Taos vacation rental.
A meal at Michael's Kitchen is a taste of real Taos history. The recipes, the family ownership, and the longtime staff create an experience that chain restaurants can't match.
Local Tips
- Arrive early on weekends, as the dining room fills up fast.
- Stop by the bakery case to take pastries back to your Casago rental.
- The kids’ menu makes it family-friendly.
- Active duty and in-uniform military, police, and first responders receive 50% off.
