When New Mexicans crave a burger, it most likely involves green chile and cheese. The Owl Bar and Cafe, in San Antonio, New Mexico, has been around since the 1940s. This family-run joint serves up a green chile cheeseburger that has topped best burger lists across New Mexico and the nation.
The Owl Bar and Cafe is located at at 77 US-380, (at the corner of Second Street and Main), in San Antonio, New Mexico.
Google Maps
The Owl was started by Frank Chavez (and his wife, Dee) when Frank returned from the Navy after World War II.
Kevin Baird/Flickr
Originally, it was a bar set in the San Antonio grocery store run by Dee’s dad.
rogersober/TripAdvisor
Though still true to its watering hole roots, most folks – locals and tourists alike – come for the burgers.
W.H. D/TripAdvisor
The iconic Owl Burger is a thin, crispy affair with roasted green chile and a slice of cheese.
Larry M./Yelp
Legend has it that the Owl is the home of the ORIGINAL green chile cheeseburger.
Derek P./Yelp
Though the burger’s origin is debated, the fame of the burger is undisputed. The Owl Burger has been praised by food critics, and most importantly, legions of satisfied eaters.
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The Owl bar started serving burgers when a hungry group of “prospectors” wanted food with their beers.
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To feed the prospectors, Frank set up a grill and began serving hamburgers.
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Turns out, the “prospectors” were really scientists who were secretly working on the atomic bomb in the nearby desert.
By United States Army Signal Corps [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Now, more than 70 years later, people from around the world visit the Owl. Many leave dollar bills and messages tacked to the wall.
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Frank’s daughter, Rowena Baca and her husband, Adoph, now run the bar. With their help, you can get Owl Burgers in Albuquerque too.
Owl Cafe/Facebook
The Albuquerque Owl is located at at 800 Eubank Boulevard, just off I-40.
Don Sampson/Flickr
Thick shakes and pie are popular at the 1950s-themed Albuquerque location.
Nancy B./Yelp
Like its San Antonio cousin, the Albuquerque Owl serves beans with green chile as an appetizer. It goes great with a saltine.
Sue_Moore_NM/TripAdvisor
Both locations serve more menu items,too, like green chile-topped fries.
Larry M./Yelp
Despite the other tempting treats, the Owl menu is all about the burgers.
rogersober/TripAdvisor
Made from freshly ground beef, the burger recipe hasn’t changed since 1948.
Ron E./Yelp
So, grab a buddy and hit the road for San Antonio (or Albuquerque) for a tasty bite of New Mexico burger history.
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Have you been to the original Owl? How about the one in Albuquerque? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
Google Maps
Kevin Baird/Flickr
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W.H. D/TripAdvisor
Larry M./Yelp
Derek P./Yelp
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Erich505/TripAdvisor
By United States Army Signal Corps [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Owl Cafe/Facebook
Don Sampson/Flickr
Nancy B./Yelp
Sue_Moore_NM/TripAdvisor
Ron E./Yelp
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