8 Scrumptious Spots for Green Chile Cheeseburgers
New Mexico is famous for many things, but a special favorite is the green chile cheeseburger with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that take an ordinary burger to the next level. The Owl Bar & Café claims to being the creator of the first ever green chile cheeseburger, but you’ll find many restaurants now creating their own delicious versions of the burger.
Peak harvest season for chiles is typically August through September, but green chiles can be found year-round in New Mexico, making the state the undisputed champion of this special cheeseburger. Add some hand-cut seasoned fries or onion rings and you’ll be satisfied beyond belief.
Check out these nearby favorite burger places (the first three are within 30 miles of Mariposa) or travel the state to find your favorite spot. It’s fun to follow New Mexico Tourism’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, a listing of the Land of Enchantment’s most outstanding green chile cheeseburger restaurants, drive-ins, diners, dives, joints, cafes, roadside stands and bowling alleys.
Nearby favorites:
Turtle Mountain Brewing Company
Stop in “The Pub” for an exceptional green chile “Hatch” burger with chile, cheddar and bacon, plus maybe a pint of one of the beers they have on tap. Enjoy yourself and fill up in a fun atmosphere.
Location: Two locations, 905 36th Place SE, Rio Rancho, about 13 miles from Mariposa, or 7835 Enchanted Hills Blvd., NE, Rio Rancho, about 10 miles from Mariposa.
Blake’s Lotabuger
A New Mexico traditions since 1942, Blake’s burgers have been featured on AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad and voted the World’s Best Green Chile Cheeseburger by National Geographic. The burgers are generously sized and delicious. There are 70+ locations across New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona; some locations are better than others regarding food and service.
Locations: 1304 Warrior Way, Santa Ana Pueblo location is 10 miles from Mariposa.
Bob’s Burgers
Bob’s is a fast-food chain where customers can satisfy their Green Chile Cheeseburger and fries’ cravings, but customers have varied reviews of the food and service. Give it a try as you follow the cheeseburger trail!
Location: Multiple locations, closest to Mariposa is 2312 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, about 11 miles
The Owl Bar & Café
The original Owl Bar & Café in San Antonio, New Mexico lays claim to being the creator of the first ever green chile cheeseburger. Their burgers are juicy and moist, with loads of melted American cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and their famous green chili sauce. Non-natives might find it a bit hot, but locals think it’s just right. Established in 1945, they now also have another location on Eubank Blvd. in Albuquerque. Both are a family-friendly dining experience.
Location: 800 Eubank Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, about 30 miles from Mariposa, but the original is at 77 US-380, San Antonio, NM, about 100 miles from Mariposa
Buckhorn Tavern
The green chile cheeseburger at the Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio is world famous thanks to the Food Network’s 2009 coverage of a green chile cheeseburger “throwdown.” The fantastic burgers are savory, and the bun barely contains all the goodness within.
Location: 68 US Highway 380, San Antonio, about 115 miles from Mariposa
Upscale Burgers & Shakes
Customers love the high-quality ingredients used on the burger, with just a good amount of green chile. Delicious potato wedges with cheese and green chile, plus a milkshakes to top it off!
Location: 10000 Coors Blvd Bypass NW, Suite C-1, Albuquerque, about 15 miles from Mariposa
Rustic on the Green
Rustic on the Green started out as a food truck and is now located in the food hall of a mall built into storage containers. Locals love to stop in and treat themselves to The Sacred Burger packed with green chile flavor and some loaded tots as well. Don’t miss it!
Location: 3600 Cutler Ave NE Albuquerque, about 30 miles from Mariposa
MÁS – Tapas y Vino: This hidden downtown Albuquerque gem, tucked inside the posh Hotel Andaluz, offers traditional Spanish flavors and local inspirations inside their full-service restaurant. Tapas y Vino by Marc Quinones offers a wide assortment of wines and specialty cocktails as well as Tapas (sophisticated small plates perfect for sharing). And of course, they have a tasty green chile burger on the menu. One guest described it as, “the perfect blend of spicy and smoky, and a generous portion of green chiles on the burger without being overpowering.”
Location: 125 E. Second St., NW, Albuquerque, 30.5 miles from Mariposa
Cost: $$
Our advice to you: Get started now! So many choices, so little time. Many will have you going back for seconds.
Looking for a new home or custom home site near Albuquerque? Nestled among the foothills of Rio Rancho, Mariposa is a master-planned community situated just 30 minutes north of Albuquerque. Mariposa is designed for living naturally and offers a fully equipped fitness center, resort-style indoor and outdoor pools, parks, sports courts, miles of trails and abundant open space, and endless views at the Mariposa Preserve and surrounding mountains. Learn more at https://www.liveinmariposa.com/
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