Raton: Shopping & Dining

Solano’s

Shopping

Raton’s “MainStreet” shopping can be broken down into two areas, the 1stnd Street shops along Raton’s main avenue. Street shops across from the railroad, and the 2

The 1st Street shops are mainly located in historic buildings, like the Old PassGallery (145 s. 1st.) This gallery, featuring photography, jewelry, and paintings, is located in the old Wells Fargo building erected in 1910. Find vintage glassware and artwork at the Heirloom Shop (132 S. 1st) and antiques tools at the Tool Shed (150 S.1st.).
2nd street is the main drag through “MainStreet” Raton, and offers plenty of great shopping. Solano’s Boot and Western Wear (116 s. 2nd.) contains not only and endless supply of boots and colorful Western wear, they also have a collection of 300-plus hats donated by locals that adorn the walls. The owners are even trying to put together a book documenting the stories from their “Hat Cemetery.” Rubin’s (113 S. 2nd.) western wear shop has been family owned since 1916. For the Raider, Cowboy or Bronco fan in Raton, the Sports Arena (113 S. 2nd) is the spot to gear up for gameday. Consignments and collectables are on tap at the new Center Mall (123 s. 2nd.) and Woody’s (139 S. 2nd.) huge furniture outlet is the place to shop for home furnishings. At the Santa Fe Trail Traders (100 S. 2nd.) offers every funky Southwestern souvenir you can think of, and Mia’s Hallmark (112 S. 2nd.) is your place for a quick thoughtful gift or card. (113 S. 2 (139 S. 2

Dining

Find wireless internet, coffee, Italian sodas, sandwiches, and snacks at Raton’s newest hangout and adjoining faith-based bookstore Enchanted Grounds (111 Park Avenue, 575-455-2219).
Steaks, seafood, “stack-your-own” burgers, and a good wine list are some of the highlights of The Icehouse Restaurant (945 South 2nd Street, 575-445-2339). Great rustic atmosphere in the original ice storage building dating back to 1890.

Adjacent to the El Portal hotel, locals’ haunt Park Avenue Café (240 Park Avenue, 575-445-9090) has an enticing ambiance with its homey wood floors and arched doorways.

Park Ave. Café and the El Portal Hotel

Wooden floors, white stucco walls, and a tin ceiling make the ambiance spare but soothing at the White House Café (133 Cook Avenue, 575-445-9992), which serves sandwiches for lunch. The tranquility is a contrast to the more popular White House Saloon next door where they serve cold beers all day and night and even let you order pizza to the bar after hours.

Displays of fresh cookies, pies, and breads tempt you at Grace Bakery and Coffee Shop (134 S. 2nd., 575-445-3781) while you look over their menu of American and New Mexican lunch and breakfast favorites.