Locals and tourists converge on Michael’s Kitchen, because everything is prepared from scratch, it’s family friendly, and affordable. You may spot a celebrity in the dining room, though it is unlikely that they will be wearing full make-up and paparazzi prepped. It’s Taos. Taos is chill.
Michael’s prepares 50-gallons of red and green chile every day. Whereas their chile isn’t the hottest, it is flavorful, there’s no worries about incinerating the taste buds of visitors, AND they dole it out generously. During a busy weekend, they go through about 330 dozen eggs, with the kitchen cranking out standard American fare, breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, breakfast enchiladas, and Poor Man’s Eggs Benedict (smothered with red, green, or vegetarian green chile). A perk for those who get up late: Michael’s serves breakfast all day.
If the New Mexican comfort food isn’t your jam, no worries. They serve all the standard café fare, with a droolworthy bakery case of fresh, made from scratch, cream puffs, doughnuts, monstrous cinnamon rolls, English muffins, a variety of breads, including green chile cheese bread. Their New Mexico dishes are popular at lunch; however, they serve Philly cheese steaks, various sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and pork shops to make sure no one leaves the table hungry. It is a large menu. They have something for everyone and every dish on the menu is tasty.
History
Michael’s Kitchen has been in business since 1974. Located on the main drag in Taos, Pueblo Road, the original building, Spivey’s, was constructed in the 1940’s. The restaurant is a multi-generational endeavor at this point, though some of the original staff still work there.
Michael Ninneman discovered Taos while visiting from California. He uprooted his family, spending three years tweaking recipes and the menu. Years later, Michael remarried, welcoming two step-daughters into his family, Gina and Vanessa. Gina returned to Taos with her fiancé, Derek, after college. Though neither had a degree in hospitality or business, they dedicated several years of their careers learning every aspect of the business.
Gina and Derek purchased Michael’s Kitchen in 2005, carrying on day-to-day operations with the same delicious recipes and generous portions that made the place a mainstay in Taos for decades. The staff didn’t realize anything had changed, because it was intended to be a transition, passing a beloved local diner from one generation to the next.
Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery
304 C N, Pueblo St Rd
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-4178
Hours
Seven Day a Week from 7 AM – 2 PM.