Magdalena Cafe (And Steakhouse) is pretty much what you'd expect in a small town in central NM. They're only open for breakfast and lunch (and dinners on Thursday and Friday). The green was hot, but the red was meh (both in taste and in spiciness). I got the daily special, which was hamburger steak, covered in chili cheese fries -- although it was really chile cheese fries. The cup I got had something strange clinging to the outside of it (my only guess is that it was a booger), so I asked for a straw. The fries were greasy, even without any chile on them. That being said, it was a filling meal, and they were very accommodating of our large group showing up near closing. It was a cheap meal, and, unlike many New Mexican restaurants, they serve Lemonade. If you're going to be stopping in Magdalena to eat, you don't have that many options, so it should get the job done. If you can make it to Socorro, however, I'd recommend waiting. Some other information: They serve Coke (not Pepsi), and they're open from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm (aside from their dinner hours). There's a parking lot just to the south of the building.
(3)
Andy C.
5 stars for the oasis! I was driving through New Mexico and I was really hungry and finding nothing. Then, like a beaming light of glory, I saw the sign for the Magdalena Cafe. Without knowing anything, I rushed in and took a seat. I was just hoping for a cheap burger and maybe a fry at that point. Little did I know that the Magdalena burger with bacon was about to become one of the best burgers I have ever put in my mouth. It was amazing. I am not a big fan of chillies, but it was almost perfect! The town and the people were really nice too. If you ever find yourself within a reasonable radius of this place- get the Magdalena burger with bacon, an order of fries, and few more reasons to be thankful you are in the desert!
(5)
Jamal B.
Food is good. Waiters are friendly But the service is real slow. Just needs fast service. Been coming here for since open.
(4)
Alli F.
Must stop here for the Green Chile Cheese Burger- great flavor (heat, spice), generous portions and very reasonable prices. If you're headed to or from the VLA this is the perfect lunch spot- not the best service- but hey, you can't win them all! Hands down better than Buckhorn.
(4)
Spiny N.
We ate here twice while staying in Magdalena. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. The food was overall much better then what I expect for a town this size. Breakfast fare is pretty standard cafe food with nothing too creative but everything done well. Eggs, pancakes etc. dinner was a medium rare ribeye for me and fried shrimp plate for my wife. My daughter had the chicken strips with gravy and mashed potatoes on the side. Both plate dinners came with the soup and salad bar. The salad bar was OK but I skipped that in favor of the soup. An excellent example of the New Mexican green chili stew. (If you are a first time visitor to this great state, don't leave until you give it a try). I could have had several bowls of that and been content but there was more. My steak was large, tender, flavorful and cooked to a perfect MR. The shrimp platter consisted of 9 large shrimp in a panko breading. Not over cooked like we find sometimes at other out of the way locals. Since it was March 14, we couldn't resist pie for dessert. A rocky road ice cream pie that was more then enough for all of us to share. Service was very good. Ambiance was a step above the usual for a small town cafe. The big challenge with eating here is the hours. Open most mornings but very limited dinner service.
(5)
Carolyn D.
Love this place! I am only sorry it took me so long to discover it. I was there again this past May and had a wonderful lunch as usual. I have not had dinner there because I seem to always be driving through Magdalena on my way to Albuquerque. I like it better than any place I've tried in Socorro.
Tom C.
Magdalena Cafe (And Steakhouse) is pretty much what you'd expect in a small town in central NM. They're only open for breakfast and lunch (and dinners on Thursday and Friday). The green was hot, but the red was meh (both in taste and in spiciness). I got the daily special, which was hamburger steak, covered in chili cheese fries -- although it was really chile cheese fries. The cup I got had something strange clinging to the outside of it (my only guess is that it was a booger), so I asked for a straw. The fries were greasy, even without any chile on them. That being said, it was a filling meal, and they were very accommodating of our large group showing up near closing. It was a cheap meal, and, unlike many New Mexican restaurants, they serve Lemonade. If you're going to be stopping in Magdalena to eat, you don't have that many options, so it should get the job done. If you can make it to Socorro, however, I'd recommend waiting. Some other information: They serve Coke (not Pepsi), and they're open from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm (aside from their dinner hours). There's a parking lot just to the south of the building.
(3)Andy C.
5 stars for the oasis! I was driving through New Mexico and I was really hungry and finding nothing. Then, like a beaming light of glory, I saw the sign for the Magdalena Cafe. Without knowing anything, I rushed in and took a seat. I was just hoping for a cheap burger and maybe a fry at that point. Little did I know that the Magdalena burger with bacon was about to become one of the best burgers I have ever put in my mouth. It was amazing. I am not a big fan of chillies, but it was almost perfect! The town and the people were really nice too. If you ever find yourself within a reasonable radius of this place- get the Magdalena burger with bacon, an order of fries, and few more reasons to be thankful you are in the desert!
(5)Jamal B.
Food is good. Waiters are friendly But the service is real slow. Just needs fast service. Been coming here for since open.
(4)Alli F.
Must stop here for the Green Chile Cheese Burger- great flavor (heat, spice), generous portions and very reasonable prices. If you're headed to or from the VLA this is the perfect lunch spot- not the best service- but hey, you can't win them all! Hands down better than Buckhorn.
(4)Spiny N.
We ate here twice while staying in Magdalena. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. The food was overall much better then what I expect for a town this size. Breakfast fare is pretty standard cafe food with nothing too creative but everything done well. Eggs, pancakes etc. dinner was a medium rare ribeye for me and fried shrimp plate for my wife. My daughter had the chicken strips with gravy and mashed potatoes on the side. Both plate dinners came with the soup and salad bar. The salad bar was OK but I skipped that in favor of the soup. An excellent example of the New Mexican green chili stew. (If you are a first time visitor to this great state, don't leave until you give it a try). I could have had several bowls of that and been content but there was more. My steak was large, tender, flavorful and cooked to a perfect MR. The shrimp platter consisted of 9 large shrimp in a panko breading. Not over cooked like we find sometimes at other out of the way locals. Since it was March 14, we couldn't resist pie for dessert. A rocky road ice cream pie that was more then enough for all of us to share. Service was very good. Ambiance was a step above the usual for a small town cafe. The big challenge with eating here is the hours. Open most mornings but very limited dinner service.
(5)Carolyn D.
Love this place! I am only sorry it took me so long to discover it. I was there again this past May and had a wonderful lunch as usual. I have not had dinner there because I seem to always be driving through Magdalena on my way to Albuquerque. I like it better than any place I've tried in Socorro.
(5)