History of Southwest Cafe

This little cafe tucked away in the Copps Hill Common was opened in 1987 by Barbara Nevins. When she moved here from her home in New Mexico she brought her love of the Santa Fe cuisine with her to her sometimes referred to as "A little hole in the wall" Southwest Cafe. Having lived in Taos, New Mexico, she visits there every year in the Hatch Chile Season - August - September to bring back 500 lbs of hand chosen New Mexican Greens to be raised, peeled and then made into Daily Specials through January. The food reflects the local cuisine in Northern New Mexico. The Southwest ambience of the cafe can be credited much to the two renowned artist's and personal friends of Barbara, R.C. Gorman and Dennis Haggerty, whos visions enhance the walls of the little cafe - pictures, handpainted envelopes. In August of 2003, Barbara introduced her new chef Robert Ubaldo on the 16th anniversary of her opening. Chef Ubaldo has been a local area chef for many years. His passion is Southwestern/Mexican cuisine; he trained in Oaxaca, Mexico where he learned authentic ingredients and cooking techniques. Together they have many new specials! Join the cafe for "A Hot Night of Madness & Mariachis Under the Stars" when it celebrates it's birthday every year in the beginning of August.

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Type of Cuisine: Santa Fe/Southwest/Mexican Seating: 60 with Outside Patio Dress: Casual Ambience: Friendly, cozy Credit Cards:    Price Range: Lunch $7.95 - $11.95 Dinner $9.95 - $14.95

Maps: | Directions:

In Ridgefield:
Going South on Rt. 35 (Danbury Rd.) - Follow to Copps Hill Center (approx. 3 miles). Southwest Cafe is located on the right at 109 Danbury Rd. in the Copps Hill Common just after the Copps Hill Center.

Going North on Rt. 35 - Follow through town to Copps Hill Common. Southwest Cafe is located at 109 Danbury Rd on the left just before Copps Hill Center.

From Danbury and points North:
Int. 84 south/west or Int. 84 north/east to Route 7 - Ridgefield/Norwalk exit. Follow Rt. 7 to Rt. 35 (look for Belzoni Grill Restaurant). Make a right onto Rt. 35 (Danbury Rd.). Follow to Copps Hill Center (approx. 3 miles). Southwest Cafe is located on the right at 109 Danbury Rd. in the Copps Hill Common just after the Copps Hill Center.

From Norwalk, Westport and Int.95:
Rt.7 North to Rt. 102 in Branchville. Make a left onto Rt. 102 & follow all the way to the end. Make a right onto Rt. 35. Follow through town to Copps Hill Common. Southwest Cafe is located at 109 Danbury Rd on the left just before Copps Hill Center.

From Wilton & New Canaan:
Rt. 33 or Rt. 106 to Rt. 35. Follow through town to Copps Hill Common. Southwest Cafe is located at 109 Danbury Rd on the left just before Copps Hill Center.

From Fairfield:
Rt. 57 North to Rt. 107. Make a left and follow to Rt. 7. Make a right. Follow to Rt. 102 and make a left. Follow all the way to the end. Make a right onto Rt. 35. Follow through town to Copps Hill Common.   Southwest Cafe is located at 109 Danbury Rd on the left. just before Copps Hill Center.

Merritt Parkway Northbound:
Exit 41/Rt. 33 to Rt. 7. Follow Rt. 7 North to Rt. 102 in Branchville. Make a left onto Rt. 102 & follow all the way to the end. Make a right onto Rt. 35. Follow through town to Copps Hill Common. Southwest Cafe is located at 109 Danbury Rd on the left just before Copps Hill Center.

Merritt Parkway Southbound:
Exit 42/Rt. 57 North. Follow Rt. 57 North to Rt. 107. Make a left and follow to Rt. 7. Make a right. Follow to Rt. 102 and make a left. Follow all the way to the end. Make a right onto Rt. 35. Follow through town to Copps Hill Common. Southwest Cafe is located at 109 Danbury Rd on the left just before Copps Hill Center.