Deep in the small former mining town of Madrid, New Mexico, travelers discover something unexpected: a historic roadhouse serving some of the state’s most celebrated burgers.
The Mine Shaft Tavern has transformed from a working miner’s watering hole into a destination that draws bikers, movie stars, musicians, and burger lovers from across the Southwest. 🍔
How Mine Shaft Tavern won local’s hearts
The secret to winning over locals started with respect for New Mexico’s greatest treasure: green chile.
The award-winning Mad Chile Burger earned its place on the official New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, proving this tavern understood what mattered most to New Mexicans.
Built with wagyu beef, chipotle dijonnaise, freshly chopped Hatch green chile, and a tempura battered green chile strip, this burger became the tavern’s calling card.
But the Mad Chile Burger alone didn’t capture hearts. The tavern’s commitment to live music every weekend, its twelve local microbrews on tap, and hand-shaken margaritas created a gathering place where community thrived. 🎸
The building itself—dating back to Madrid’s coal mining days—carries stories in every weathered timber. When the New Mexico Tourism Department recognized it as a treasure, locals nodded in agreement. They’d already known this for years.
The tavern’s appearance in movies like Wild Hogs and TV shows like Longmire only confirmed what the community had embraced: this was their special place, now shared with the world.
Food Highlights
- Mad Chile Burger: This award-winning creation features wagyu beef topped with chipotle dijonnaise, fresh Hatch green chile, and a tempura-battered green chile strip that delivers serious New Mexico flavor in every bite 🌶️
- Green Chile Cheeseburger: The tavern’s signature dish that put them on the map, showcasing why they’re famous for “New Mexico Roadhouse Cuisine” with perfectly melted cheese and roasted green chile
- Bison Burger with Green Chili Sauce: A leaner alternative that still delivers bold Southwest flavors with tender bison meat complemented by tangy green chili sauce
- BBQ Brisket Sandwich: Slow-smoked brisket piled high and served with their famous hand-cut fries for those wanting a break from burgers
- Hand-Cut Fries: Freshly prepared golden fries that pair perfectly with any burger, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside
- Green Chile Stew: A warming bowl of traditional New Mexican comfort food that showcases the region’s beloved chile in hearty stew form
Atmosphere
The atmosphere transports visitors back to Madrid’s coal mining heyday with rustic wooden beams, vintage mining memorabilia, and an authentic roadhouse vibe that feels genuinely lived-in rather than manufactured. 🪵
Inside the historic tavern, dim lighting and well-worn bar stools create an intimate setting perfect for conversation over craft beers. Outside at the Cantina overlooking Madrid, guests enjoy stunning mountain views while live musicians perform on weekends.
The space manages to feel simultaneously laid-back and lively—a place where solo travelers feel welcome at the bar while families gather around outdoor tables. Movie set appeal meets genuine local hangout, resulting in an ambiance that’s impossible to replicate. ⛰️
Bottom Line
Visit for the award-winning Mad Chile Burger on the state’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, stay for live music every weekend with mountain views from the Cantina, and enjoy twelve local microbrews on tap with hand-shaken margaritas in an authentic historic mining tavern featured in Wild Hogs and Longmire. 🎬
Address: 2846 State Highway 14 N, Madrid, NM 87010
📞 (505) 473-0743
🕐 Open Sun-Thu, 11:30 AM–8 PM | Fri-Sat, 11:30 AM–9 PM