You’re driving up North Guadalupe Street, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are glowing that weird, beautiful shade of bruised purple, and you need a lightbulb. Or a greeting card. Or maybe just a really good breakfast burrito that doesn't cost thirty dollars. In a town like Santa Fe, where the Plaza has become a high-end museum for tourists, DeVargas Mall Santa Fe New Mexico is where the actual soul of the city hides out.
It's not a "mall" in the way people in Dallas or Phoenix think of malls. No glass elevators or teenagers riding hoverboards here. Honestly, it’s more of a community living room that happens to have a roof.
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The Weird History of the "DeVargas Mall" Name
People here are picky about names. If you call it "DeVargas Mall Santa Fe New Mexico," the locals might give you a side-eye. Technically, it’s the DeVargas Center. It started its life back in 1973, designed by the legendary Santa Fe architect William Lumpkins. Lumpkins was a master of the "Pueblo Revival" style, which explains why the place doesn't look like a giant concrete box.
Back in the day, this was the spot. We’re talking about a time when Montgomery Ward and JCPenney were the big anchors. Now? It’s a mix of massive national chains and tiny, quirky shops that have been there since the Reagan administration. It has survived the rise of the internet and the "death of the mall" mostly because it refuses to be boring.
Where to Eat Without the Tourist Surcharge
If you’re hungry, skip the overpriced balsamic-drizzled whatever near the Plaza and head straight here.
Atrisco Café & Bar is basically an institution. You want the green chile. Trust me. It’s spicy, but not "ruin your day" spicy. They do this New Mexican comfort food thing that feels like a hug from a grandmother you never had. Then there’s Dolina Bakery & Cafe. It’s technically Eastern European-inspired, which sounds out of place in the high desert, but their plum jam donuts? Unreal.
- Pizza Etc. – Great for a quick slice. Their crust is surprisingly thin and crispy for a mall joint.
- Dr. Field Goods Kitchen – This place is "rockin' fresh" as they say. Local meats, farm-to-table vibes, and a butcher shop right there.
- Señor Murphy Candymaker – If you leave without buying a box of pinon toffee, you’ve failed.
The Shopping Paradox: From Ross to Rare Books
You’ve got the heavy hitters like Ross Dress for Less and HomeGoods, which are always packed. People in Santa Fe love a bargain as much as they love turquoise. But the real magic is in the smaller bays.
Op.cit. Books is probably one of the best bookstores in the Southwest. It’s dense. It’s dusty in the right way. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a magazine and come out with a rare 1950s history of the Pueblo Revolt. Right nearby is Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe. If you enjoy cooking, stay away for the sake of your credit card. They have every gadget imaginable, plus a cooking school that’s actually legitimate.
There’s also a weirdly high concentration of hobby shops. Duke City Games is the go-to for the Magic: The Gathering and board game crowd. You’ll see people hunkered over tables on a Tuesday night like they’re planning a revolution, but they’re just trying to slay a dragon.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
Malls are supposed to be dead, right? Not this one. DeVargas Mall Santa Fe New Mexico works because it’s functional. You can go to the U.S. Post Office (which is remarkably efficient), get your hair cut at a local studio, and then walk over to Sprouts Farmers Market for groceries.
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It’s also the site of The Alley. It’s a bowling alley, sure, but it’s also a lounge and arcade. It’s where the "Old Santa Fe" families and the new arrivals actually mix. In a city that can feel increasingly divided by wealth, DeVargas is the great equalizer. Everyone needs a new pair of socks or a burrito eventually.
A Few Insider Tips for Your Visit
- The Parking Lot is a Maze: People drive like they’re in a demolition derby here. Be careful near the CVS entrance.
- The "Life-Size" Chess Board: There’s a giant chess set in the middle of the mall. It’s usually occupied by kids or very intense retirees. It’s fun to watch for five minutes.
- The Hidden Art: Since this is Santa Fe, even the mall has art. Look for the murals and the architectural details that William Lumpkins snuck in back in the seventies.
How to Do DeVargas Like a Local
If you want to experience the real vibe, show up on a Saturday morning. Grab a coffee at Starbucks (yeah, it’s a chain, but it’s the community hub here) or better yet, a pastry from Dolina. Walk through the bookstore. Check out the weird imports at the gift shops.
It’s not about "luxury." It’s about the fact that you can see a guy in a $2,000 Stetson standing in line behind a college student at the Post Office. That’s the real Santa Fe.
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Next Steps for Your Trip:
If you're heading to the center today, park on the west side near Sierra to avoid the heavy traffic by the grocery store. Start with a meal at Atrisco, then give yourself at least forty minutes to get lost in the stacks at Op.cit. Books. If you're traveling with kids, The Alley is your best bet for burning off energy before the drive back to the hotel.