Sunset, Cocktails, and a Classic Green Chile Cheeseburger at the Bell Tower

There are few places in Santa Fe where the day ends quite as beautifully as it does at the Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda on the Plaza. Perched above the historic heart of the city, the rooftop offers a front-row seat to one of northern New Mexico’s most memorable nightly rituals: the sunset.

Sunset from the Bell Tower Bar, Santa Fe, NM

As the sun dips behind the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the sky becomes a layered canvas of fiery orange, soft pink, and deep violet. Adobe rooftops glow warmly below, church bells echo faintly through the Plaza, and the pace of the city slows just enough to savor the moment. It’s the kind of view that reminds you why Santa Fe has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for generations.

After a day spent exploring the Plaza, browsing galleries, and discovering exceptional Native American jewelry—from turquoise-studded silver bracelets to intricately crafted necklaces—the Bell Tower is the perfect place to pause and reflect. It’s an ideal way to cap off a day of meaningful purchases and soaking in the distinctive charm that makes Santa Fe unlike anywhere else.

The Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda, Santa Fe, NM

The experience is elevated even further by the Bell Tower’s expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you choose a classic margarita, a thoughtfully balanced tequila or mezcal cocktail, or a crisp glass of wine, each drink is mixed with care and meant to complement the setting. There’s something special about sipping a perfectly made cocktail as the sky changes color, the evening air cools, and the lights of the city begin to flicker on below.

And then there’s the green chile cheeseburger—arguably one of the most satisfying comfort foods in New Mexico, and one the Bell Tower executes beautifully. Juicy, flavorful, and topped with roasted green chile that delivers just the right balance of heat and earthiness, it’s a dish that feels both familiar and indulgent. Paired with a cocktail and that panoramic sunset view, it becomes more than a meal—it’s a quintessential Santa Fe experience.

The Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda, Santa Fe, NM after sunset.

Whether you’re a local unwinding after a day downtown or a visitor savoring every moment of the city, an evening at the Bell Tower at La Fonda is hard to beat. Come for the sunset, stay for the cocktails, and don’t leave without ordering the green chile cheeseburger—a perfect ending to a day spent immersed in the art, culture, and enduring beauty of Santa Fe.