Almost everywhere you trek in the Southwest, you can feel history underfoot. In Taos, Old West heritage runs rampant and tales are as wild as the rugged terrain. Outlaw Hill, home of the famous Stakeout Grill and Bar, stakes its own claim to the great frontier.

Indians roamed these hills for centuries, establishing the Taos Pueblo, oldest continually inhabited dwelling in North America. Later, the mountains drew frontier folks of all sorts, from mountain men and miners to outlaws on the lam. That's where the Legend of Outlaw Hill comes in. Desperadoes holed up here, perched in a position where they could see for miles. If a posse was in pursuit, there were plenty of places to run -- on Tierra Blanca Road by horse trail toward Truchas or up a box canyon.

The view today is still wide and spectacular. To the west, the famous Rio Grand River stretches out for miles, winding its way through a deep canyon in the earth. East, you'll see the Picuris Mountains, and beyond the Carson National Forest and Taos Pueblo land.

And if you clear the trail dust out of your eyes, you can pick out Mesa Pedernal, 80 miles south, Tres Orejas, and Cerro Vista. San Antonio and Taos Mountains are also visible from the restaurant. San Antonio has the largest square footage at its base of any freestanding mountain in the U.S.

Along with the views, the ambiance at the Stakeout will put you at complete ease. Relax in a stunning atmosphere and treat yourself to the Stakeout's own brand of Southwest flair. Feast on international cuisine presented by Danilo and Mauro with the highest standards of excellence.

The history, the scenery, the atmosphere, the dining -- see for yourself why the Stakeout is more than a restaurant... it's an adventure.

"I love this restaurant. Maybe it's because you have to drive about a mile up a dirt road toward the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, but once you get there you'll have one of the greatest views of Taos (and the sunset). Or maybe it's because after you're inside, you're enveloped in the warmth of its rustic decor -- paneled walls, creaking hardwood floors, and a crackling fireplace in the winter. The food, which focuses on steak and seafood, is marvelous. You can start with baked Brie with sliced almonds and apples, or escargots baked with walnuts, herbs, white wine, and garlic. Move on to a wonderful filet mignon, served with Bearnaise sauce, or my favorite, duck Cumberland (half a duck roasted with apples and prunes and served with an orange currant sauce); this dish is never fatty and always leaves you feeling satisfied. Among the seafood offerings are salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, scallops, and shrimp. Try to time your reservation so that you will be able to see the spectacular sunset."

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