In 1952 Thornton and Polly
Carswell began renovation of a shed located at 27 Burro
Alley in Santa Fe. The shed had been used to house burros
which had carried loads of pinon wood into town for sale
as fuel. After being relieved of their burden their owners
tucked them into the shed and retired around the corner
to the cantina on San Francisco Street to enjoy the fruits
of their labor
After several months, the restaurant
opened on July 4, 1953 with indoor seating for 22 and
room for 20 more guests on the patio which backed up to
the back patio of Frank's Lounge ( since replaced by The
Palace Restaurant and office building).
The restaurant quickly became popular
with local
artists and residents offering dishes from around the
world . Sundays would find jazz musicians sitting in
impromptu jam sessions and others simply enjoying the
warm laid back atmosphere reflecting the era as well
as the values of the restaurant ownership.
