If you've lived in Socorro for more than a few years, you probably have fond memories of a little restaurant on Manzanares Street, near the plaza, called Martha's Black Dog. It was a great place to grab some (relatively) healthy and (always) delicious fare in a pleasant atmosphere just off Socorro's beautiful plaza.

When Martha decided to hang it up, many of us felt a great sense of loss over the Black Dog's untimely demise. Some even harbored ill feelings toward the landlords for (as rumor had it at that time) forcing Martha out. Well, some years have passed and now those rumors will just have to be considered water under the bridge. What's important now is that the owners, Patty and Karl Frisch, proceeded to fix the place up with some much needed repairs and open up a nice little place of their own. Besides some pleasant renovations and slightly more "yuppie" furnishings, the new owners did the most important thing right: they created good food and drink offerings. No restaurant will succeed, no matter how nice the digs, without good food!

Manzanares Street Coffeehouse has some great food. From pastries (I can personally vouch for their cinnamon rolls - do ask them to heat them if they aren't hot out of the oven and a glass of milk is highly recommended for accompaniment) to sandwiches to gelatto - yes, gelatto in Socorro, New Mexico, the new owners have done it right. Your stomach will not be disappointed. This is one of Socorro's treasures - I would say "hidden" treasures, but most of Socorro's cognoscenti have, by now, already discovered it, so it's not really a hidden treasure for most. If you're one of the few remaining Socorro folks who haven't tried them out, then I've got to ask, "what in the heck are you waiting for?!" My goodness, as if their good food and atmosphere wasn't enough, they've even got a website! An enthusiastic thumbs up for Manzanares Street Coffee House.