Ok, everyone knows there are countless great burger spots all across New Mexico.
But when it comes to legendary status, two spots stand above the rest: The Range Café with its extraordinary comfort food twists, and the Buckhorn Tavern, whose green chile cheeseburger was mighty enough to defeat Bobby Flay himself.
The Range Café
The Range Café in Bernalillo, New Mexico brings a delightful twist to comfort food classics with its unique blend of Mexican and American dishes.
This local favorite has earned its reputation by transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
The restaurant’s motto “Ordinary Food Done Extraordinarily Well” perfectly captures its essence.
Food Highlights:
- Smash Patty Melt: Two perfect patties make this a filling comfort food masterpiece
- Santa Fe Line Burger: NM green chile, American cheese, a favorite
- Blue Corn Chile Rellenos: A local favorite that customers rave about, featuring a perfectly stuffed pepper in blue corn breading
- Chicken Fried Steak: A massive portion served with choice of white, brown, or green chile gravy
- Green Chile Apple Pie: A unique New Mexican twist on a classic dessert
Atmosphere
The restaurant offers a fun, eclectic vibe with vibrant decor and local art adorning the walls.
Live music from local New Mexico bands adds to the welcoming ambiance.
The space includes both a full-service bar and a cozy dining area, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Why It’s One of the Best in New Mexico:
The Range Café combines generous portions, friendly service, and creative takes on traditional dishes.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality and consistency has made it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
The dog-friendly patio and full bar add to its appeal as a gathering spot.
Address: 925 Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo, NM 87004
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Buckhorn Tavern
When a burger joint beats Bobby Flay in a throwdown, you know it’s something special.
The Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio, New Mexico has been serving up legendary burgers since 1943 when Manuel “Manny” Olguin first took over the family business that started in 1918.
This iconic roadside stop has earned its reputation as one of the top green chile cheeseburger destinations in New Mexico.
Food Highlights
- Buckhorn Burger: A massive, juicy patty topped with their famous green chile blend from local farms, American cheese, and chopped red onions
- Rio Grande Special: Fresh-cut fries smothered in both red and green chile with cheese
- Christmas Fries: A local favorite featuring both red and green chile toppings
- Tortilla Green Chile Cheeseburger: A unique twist on their classic, served with a buttered tortilla
- Award-Winning Onion Rings: Perfectly crispy, crunchy rings that you can bite right through
Atmosphere
The restaurant exudes a classic western tavern vibe with motorcycle t-shirts adorning the walls and an eclectic collection of eye-catching memorabilia.
The space maintains its original family-owned charm while serving up seriously good food.
Why It’s One of the Best in New Mexico:
The Buckhorn combines three generations of burger-crafting expertise with locally-sourced Hatch green chiles from Sichler Farms, Rosales Farms, and Bueno Family Farm.
Their commitment to quality ingredients and time-tested recipes makes every bite worth the trip.
Address: 68 Hwy 380, San Antonio, NM 87832