Chef Cristina Martinez believes dining should be more than just a meal. The menu at Old Martinez Hall celebrates casual New Mexican favorites in a fun, approachable way, featuring Frito pie, carne asada, and standout burgers. The bar complements the menu with local brews and signature cocktails crafted by mixologist Lucas Swallows. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, both food and drinks reflect the flavors of Northern New Mexico throughout the year.
Visitor to Taos fiesta, NM
Photo by Russell Lee LC-DIG-ds-00781
A Look Back
Old Martinez Hall, a historic adobe in Ranchos de Taos, across from San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, has hosted weddings, dances, and community gatherings.
The plaza, Ranchos de Taos, NM
Photo by John Collier LC-USW3-013731
Resting in the shade on fiesta day
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012847
Taos, NM
Photo by Arthur Rothstein LC-USF34- 002712-E
Merry-go-round, possibly America’s oldest
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012869
Notable
Georgia O’Keeffe’s trip to Taos inspired at least 23 paintings of crosses seen from Mabel Dodge Luhan’s guesthouse.
Penitente cross
Photo by John Collier LC-USW3-013748
Hotel in the square in fiesta regalia
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012849
Taos Valley
Photo by John Collier LC-USW3-013738
Musicians playing at the fiesta
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012844
San Francisco de Asís Mission Church
Photo by John Collier LC-USW3-013736
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012848
Courtesy of
Photos of Taos from Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection 1939-1942.
Driving cows to pasture
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012408
Merry-go-round powered by two men
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012845
Ofelia Trujillo Sandoval feeding chickens
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF34-034280
Visitors to the fiesta
Photo by Russell Lee LC-USF33-012845
Village scene at noon
Photo by Arthur Rothstein LC-USF34-001695
The plaza, Ranchos de Taos
Photo by John Collier LC-USW3-013729
History
1900s
Old Martinez Hall is located in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, directly across from the renowned San Francisco de Asís Mission Church. The two-story, 15,000-square-foot structure has served various purposes throughout its history, including hosting numerous weddings, dances, and community events. It is celebrated for its historical significance and architectural beauty.
1960s
Over the years, Old Martinez Hall has attracted guests like Dennis Hopper, Ricky Nelson, and Jack Nicholson. Dennis Hopper, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker, developed a fondness for the region while filming “Easy Rider” in 1968 with co-star Peter Fonda. In 1970, Hopper purchased the property adjacent to Old Martinez Hall, which became his residence for over a decade. To commemorate his legacy, Taos established Dennis Hopper Day, celebrated annually on his birthday, May 17.
2010s
German cosmetics manufacturer Martina Gebhardt acquired the hall and renamed it Old Martina’s Hall. She invested approximately $4 million in restoring the building, preserving its Pueblo Revival architecture characterized by thick adobe walls and viga and latilla ceilings. The renovation transformed the hall into a vibrant community center, featuring a restaurant, private dining rooms, dance hall, and full-service bar.
2020s
Jim Long purchased the historic building in 2025 and returned it to its original name, Old Martinez Hall. Today, Cristina Martinez leads the Hall as manager and partner operator, keeping it warm, welcoming, and true to its roots.