Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Robert Willits of Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico. Vernon’s Speakeasy isn’t just a meal—it’s a high-end dining experience hidden behind a secret door, shaped by a chef who learned the craft from the ground up. It’s where New Mexico hospitality meets world-class steakhouse precision, and where travelers enjoy a night that feels both exclusive and deeply grounded in New Mexico tradition.
Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico: Meet the Chef
You started at Vernon’s as a dishwasher. What do you remember most?
Honestly, how serious it was. Even when washing dishes, you could feel the pressure of service. Everyone cared. I watched how the cooks moved, how they talked, and how they fixed things without stopping. That’s where I really started learning.
You didn’t attend culinary school. How did you learn to cook at a high level?
There were not a class, just high standards and accountability. Over the past 18 years at Vernon’s, I’ve learned my craft from the many chefs and cooks who came through the kitchen. Regardless of experience level, everyone contributed something—new techniques, flavor ideas, or small details that shaped how I cook today.
What changed when you moved into a leadership role?
Perspective. I’ve held every position in this kitchen, so I understand what each role entails. I don’t ask people to do anything I haven’t done myself. You earn respect by being consistent, especially during service.
Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico: Meet the Chef
What’s the most unexpected dish you’ve put on the menu?
We acquired a full alligator for a special Mardi Gras VIP menu that featured fried alligator, and we wanted to use every part of it. That led me to create Alligator Posole. Posole is such a New Mexican staple, but I wanted to try layering in flavors from the Deep South. Alligator has a mild, almost chicken-like quality, so it works surprisingly well with chili and hominy. It’s not about being strange for its own sake—it’s about respecting both traditions and letting them meet in the bowl.
Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico: Meet the Chef
Vernon’s Speakeasy is known for its secret door and high-profile guests. What’s it like cooking for that kind of clientele?
Over the years, Vernon’s has quietly hosted many of Hollywood’s elite. But celebrity isn’t the point. Once that door closes, everyone receives the same level of care. We’ve cooked for the Breaking Bad cast and Vince Gilligan, for Jessica Alba and Johnny Depp, to name a few, but the expectation remains the same. Precision, consistency, and discretion. The food still has to be right.
Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico: Meet the Chef
Why should readers visit Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico?
Vernon’s Speakeasy it’s the kind of steakhouse that takes every detail seriously. The decor, the service, the music, the sourcing, the execution—it’s all dialed in. You come here for a complete experience, not just a steak. It’s a place where people celebrate, where deals get made, and where moments last.