Owl Bar & Cafe
77 US Hwy 380, San Antonio, NM, 87832
Owl Bar & Cafe Menu
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Address :
77 US Hwy 380
San Antonio, NM, 87832 - Phone (575) 835-9946
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Riley J.
Located approximately 90 miles from the outskirts of Albuquerque in the small New Mexican town of San Antonio lives the Owl Bar. The run down decor makes you legitimately question your decisions in life, food, and health. Ignore the need to panic and run to the nearest McDonalds for some high tech comfort and take a seat at one of the comfy dim-lighted booths. While perusing the menu order some alcohol or a soda, but avoid the water like the plague. It has a very distinct small town, old water stored in a well, kind of taste. Although, I have a pregnant ladies nose and taste buds, so I may just be crazy (still, for the love of god please don't get the water). Go for the chile cheese burger. It's a classic and it will blow your mind. It's seasoned well, it's cooked well, it has some hot green chile, and it's topped with just the right amount of condiments. Trust me. Since sides do not come with the burgers I generally get some chile cheese fries. Mostly, because I have a weird love for nacho cheese and green chile that can be fully extinguished for a few weeks after a heaping plate of these. Basically, it's delicious and you should thoroughly enjoy the very strange experience you have while eating here.
(4)Kent B.
The Owl Bar has a rich history that goes back to World War II scientific research activities in the area. That in itself makes it worth a visit. The green chile burgers and the beans with green chile are the icing on the cake and make it a Must Stop place to eat. Most folks these days are focused on green chile cheeseburgers. And the Owl makes an outstanding version. I prefer a green chile hamburger (that is, without cheese). It lets the chile and the burger tastes come through more. And the Owl uses great green chile that has a home processed flavor and texture to it. It carries a good hit of heat but lets that wonderful chile taste come through. The burger patty is a smashed style, thin and nicely griddled. Dilll pickles, onions and chopped lettuce top it off. Outstanding. The bowl of beans and green chile is outstanding as well. The perfectly cooked pinto beans have a great taste. And again, that Owl Bar green chile. You can get it in two sizes. Don't be shy. Service was quick and pleasant. For a taste of history and a great down home green chile beans and burger. This is THE place,
(5)Manny F.
This joint is frozen in time and that's what I like about it. The only thing I eat here is the green chile cheeseburger and onion rings which are always outstanding. If I was a drinker I would love to sit at the bar and drink myself in oblivion because the vibe is conducive to some serious drinking. A highly recommended stop on I-25.
(5)Aubrey J.
4 WORDS: Green Chile Cheese Burger Check this burger out, even if your just driving through town. Kind of a dark dive, but you're not going for the atmosphere. Delicious and they take call in/pick up orders!
(4)Barb O.
All I can say is 'don't bother'. We had planned to eat here on our way to see the sand hill cranes and pulled into the parking lot. Perhaps the lack of windows on the building would have been a tip off, but we thought - diamond in the rough - how hard is it to cook a great burger? Forget the lack of ambiance - everyone was certainly friendly enough - we just wanted the great green chili cheese burger touted on their website, in the reviews. Either things have changed - like the cook - or this never was much of a burger. Go spend your $5.50 a burger elsewhere.
(1)Danny Q.
Living very nearby in Socorro while in school we would periodically go to the Owl for the food. I have been there about 5 times and each time was mediocre, overpriced, and the portions were not very good. The fifth and final time I went there I, and my whole family, got food poisoning. While everyone has their bad days, I just can't bring myself to go there anymore. When we told them we had all gotten sick, and the Owl Bar was the only restaurant we had all ate at, they quickly denied it. Go at your own risk!
(1)Zoe L.
My expectations were way too high for this place after I'd seen it on national "best hamburger" lists in a couple magazines. I will no longer take recommendations from those lists. It's a dark, unfriendly (not chatty or smiley) bar restaurant that seems tired of catering to travelers driving through town. Burgers are just ok and the mediocre fries cost $3 for a small paper boat of fries!! I thought the burgers were still better than fast food, but my partner said he'd rather have a Jack-in-the-Box burger. Definitely not worth going out of your way to test the hype. Will not return. Next door is a gas station that sells an assortment of fudge flavors; across the street is a small produce market where you can buy chiles (roasted or not).
(2)Sarah C.
People that go have gone here during lunch or dinner time, ever wonder why you can get a seat here, but theres a 40 minute wait at the buckhorn... because its worth it. The place is dimly lit, and kinda feels grungy. Their fries are better than the buckhorns, but their burgers.... not impressed at all. service is also slow. And the kicker for me was that they close at 8, which since they are in the middle of nowhere thats fine, but a group of friends and i were celebrating the end of a project and were laughing and enjoying ourselves, and they basically told us "this is a family establishment, if you can't be quiet you will ahve to leave".... there was nobody there at all... and it was 7:30 anyways, they probably couldhave gotten 1 more beer out of us before they closed, but instead we finished up and scooted out, never to return. if you are starving in san antonio and can't get into the buckhorn, or make it socorro (15 min north) go ahead and eat here, but there is much better out there.
(1)Eloy W.
The Service gets 5 STARS! This place is unbelievably welcoming, the waitress sat us and took our drink orders right on the spot. I believe they had a special but I can't remember. They were very attentive and talkative with us about the town and how much better their burger was than the rival across the street heh! The food was a solid 3 STARS! Analysis - Burger, a green chile cheese burger. Wayyy too much lettuce on mine but they put so much green chile it was alright. We split some fries and they are not too much to rave about. The combination of their chile and burger patties made for juicy bites after juicy bite.
(4)JT A.
Fantastic green chile cheeseburger, just a gooey, spicy, delicious meal! Went here for lunch, and while the service was a little slow it was to be expected with the amount of traffic that flows in and out of this place. The fries showed up after the cheeseburger, which I didn't mind much since I was completely focused on that cheeseburger. If your travels bring you near this place, you should stop in and check it out.
(4)Brian M.
My San Antonio, NM green chile cheeseburger adventures have come to an end. I've had Buckhorn and reviewed them, now it's time for Owl Bar & Cafe. I was pretty hungry coming here for lunch so promptness would have been appreciated. My sister-in-law and I sat ourselves down, as instructed by the sign when you enter. A good 5-10 minutes goes by with no one coming to our table. Eventually I looked over at a passing-by waitress and she came to our table to see if we had been helped yet. We got our drink orders in and asked to see a menu even though I knew what I wanted. I need to start being more efficient in my restaurant visits. I quickly ordered the famous green chile cheeseburger and some fries, though. The burger came out pretty quickly and looked awesome! It's a messy beast but no love lost there. It had a little bit more of a char and crisp on it than Buckhorn's burger, and I enjoyed that. The burger didn't last long due to my hunger, and overall, I was pleased with it's taste and uniqueness. It was hard to get the full green chile effect, though. I'd have to give the nod to Buckhorn in this battle of San Antonio supremacy. This is a local joint and I'm sure it serves it's people well, I few were there and they seemed to be regulars. If you're ever in San Antonio a few times or just really hungry, make sure to give both of these classic joints a try.
(3)Bella B.
We finally made a short & sweet trip over to the OWL :) took a road trip specifically to try there famous Green Chile Cheese burgers and cup of fresh beans! It was a toss up between the Buckhorn Tavern and The OWL and so glad WE CHOSE THE OWL!! The service & the friendly staff made for an inviting stop. The burgers are mouthwatering & delicious & good for the price, the bowl of fresh beans with green chile hit the spot. This place is divey and fun with juicy burgers the perfect little pit stop if your traveling down South, definitely a must stop!
(4)Destiny K.
Decent food. Came out pretty quick and the prices were cheap. No fountain soda only cans. Crappy service. Dark dive diner. Only saving grace was the green chili burger.
(3)Quinn A.
Had the green chile cheeseburger at Buckhorn couple of doors down, and I think I like this one better. The chile was alive!! Hot and fresh. Onion rings on the side were perfect - not too thick, crispy. I had my dog with me so I ate standing next to the car in the parking lot. That's not their fault - the bar and dining room was clean and comfortable - you just can't take the pooch inside a restaurant. Ce la vie! Maybe some day they will have a patio. I was told by a local that now I have to try the burger at Manny's. It took me a while to realize that is the same as Buckhorn- 'doh! They both rock, but this one maybe just a bit more .... your call.
(4)Jocelyn A.
Several years back I read an article about how the Owl Bar serves the best green chili cheeseburger in New Mexico, hands down. The article was written by a trusted food critic, so I have had the place bookmarked ever since. We got there sometime around noon on a weekday, and the place was hopping. All the tables were taken, but we were allowed to order food from the bar. The service was efficient, but not warm. I ordered up the famous green chili burger, and a side of chili and beans. The beans came out first, and they were loaded with green chili. This was some of the hottest chili I have had in a long time - hotter than anything we had in Santa Fe the following week. I like hot, but this batch was so hot you couldn't taste anything. If you can't take the heat, you may want to ask how hot the chili is that day before you place your order. On to the burger... As others have indicated, this is not a thick, meaty patty. It is drive-in style. I disagree, however, with those that say the meat was not well seasoned. It had plenty of seasoning, and was made with fatty beef, which provided lots of flavor in itself. It was a good hamburger, but not an excellent hamburger, and certainly not the best I have ever had (not even in the top 10). I think it is all about nostalgia with this place. The atmosphere is small town dive bar meets small town cafe. Would I stop again? Maybe, but I wouldn't drive out of the way just to go there.
(3)Amanda M.
This place is great! My fiancé and I prefer owl bar to buckhorn. We even ate 2 burgers back to back to compare! You can't go wrong with the green chili cheese burger, but if you want to switch it up try the patty melt. I get the feeling that locals go to owl bar, and tourists go to buckhorn. Can't go wrong either way but owl bar will always be my place.
(5)Jim D.
Stopped here last year when I was in NM, will stop again this year. Best burger around. The Green Chili burger was very solid However, the fries sucked, don't bother. Fun place, good service, a great pit stop.
(4)Jeff M.
It's a classic. I have been going here for like 20 years. Now, we are starting generation number 3 on Owl, as we took my daughter here the other day. We stopped on the way back from the Trinity Site. Both Buckhorn and Owl had long lines, we chose Owl becuase it was larger, and we knew the line would move faster. Not a regret. I have heard Buckhorn tastes better, but there is no way the atmosphere is the same.
(5)Adam B.
This place has been a family tradition of mine for at least 20 years. I stop anytime I can to get their green chile cheese burger. It's good... Believe me... But what's better is the fact that they have stood the test of time!
(5)Kevin G.
We were in Socorro for a conference, based on Yelp reviews we checked out the Owl. Awesome burgers, friendly staff, quick service!!!!! Loved it. We decided to do our own burger challenge and went across Street to Buckhorn. Ordered same thing, Green Chili Cheeseburgers. They were delicious too but..... Owl was better.
(5)Dan W.
We stopped after a day at the VLA and Bosque del Apache. It wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Green chile cheeseburgers, onion rings, and a grilled cheese sandwich for the vegetarian in the group. The grilled cheese got high marks. The burgers were very thin, the taste was ok but nothing outstanding. The onion rings I suspect were standard frozen fare. I didnt care for the breading, but my wife liked them because they were crispy. Four of us ate for about $30. For the price I can't complain but I would try one of the other couple of restaurants in town - if they are open.
(3)Tim B.
Largely unimpressive. The Green Chille Cheeseburger was ok, but nothing for me to write home about. Always unimpressed when a bar doesnt have a good beer on tap. All beers come in a bottle or can. And to top it off, its dark and kind of ugh inside. I'd give it a 3 out of 10 - I dont know why they are "World Famous", but I tend to think they gave themselves that title .....
(2)Sam S.
They do an ok job... On the up side the staff are super friendly and the burger is "good". The toppings are solid. On the down side the meat patties are thin and unseasoned. If you only have time for one GCCB (green chili cheese burger) go to Manny's across the street. The portions are larger, the patty is perfect and more to the point they made me the best GCCB I've ever had. I grew up stopping at the Owl, but today I have to say that Manny's is the best bite in town.
(3)Lisa Z.
Not bad but not as great as rumored. I would come back but next time I'm in the area I will try buckhorns across the way to compare.
(3)Tai H.
I don't get the hype... so for about $10 a person you can get a small burger, fries (that you have to order separate), and a can of soda. After eating burgers from Sparky's in Hatch, 5 guys, even Whataburger... this place is just not worthy of its reputation. It's mostly just a gimmick...go by so you can stick a dollar on the wall (not even the roof anymore)... You can buy package liquor after dinner... pro?
(3)Daniel E.
Your typical local dive bar with great Hamburgers, a very nice atmosphere and friendly staff. The Bar looks very likeable and comfortable. Just like a Hamburger Restaurant imported from the 1950s with all the wooden booths that come with it. I had a double cheese/pepper burger that was very good and tasty. You could tell they used their own ground meat instead of a frozen patty. Probably not "the world's finest burgers" as they claim, but so far the finest in the Southwest that I had!
(4)Boyd Z.
Great burgers. As good as anywhere better than any east coast bs. Great chili cheese fries. Great boiled beans with green chili. With a beer!
(5)Ruey S.
Famous? For what! The margeritas suck the bathroom was out of service, the chili cheese burger had to be choked down and the service was as to be expected considering the the rest of the regretable experience. Just say no!
(1)Sherry T.
Fantastic green chile cheese burgers and fries!
(5)UncleJim S.
The service was atrocious at best. After the fries were delivered and eaten the burgers came out. The burgers were just ok. Not worth the stop. Keep searching down the road
(2)Mark G.
the best burgers in the world. service was a little salty (almost dirty looks salty). fries were horrible. but the burgers, oh my.
(4)MrB R.
As most know there are two options in this tiny village. We tried the Owl based on what folks we know in Albuquerque and Las Cruces had to say about which was best. Quite honestly this place was saved from only one star by the fact that the food was at least edible. The feel of the place could be fun and the bar has an interesting story but quite frankly it is much too dark and we were left feeling it was all a bit less than clean - the better lit restroom didn't dispel that feeling. The service was quick but not particularly great. We went for the green chili cheese burgers and onion rings. The onion rings were decent and hot as the cook brought them out just after they were fried though we sort of expected them to be served with the burgers which came later. The problem was more with the burgers, couldn't tell if it was decent meat or not with so much stuff on them (not just the cheese and green chili). The wonder bread soft rolls added nothing and disintegrated pretty much right away - yuck - and to make matters worst our waitress carried our two plates stacked on top of each other resulting in one squished burger! In the end we felt like our lunch was pretty much thrown at us and that nobody cared if we actually enjoyed our meal.
(2)Jarrod L.
It's been many years since I've been here, but my experience then was so bad I've never gone back even though I used to live just a few miles away. I'd heard rave reviews about the green chile cheese burgers and had to try them. My and my companions' burgers were small, dry and overcooked. It just wasn't worth the small effort of going and waiting for a table.
(2)Daniel C.
I have enjoyed the original more than the others, although they are all good. A green chili cheeseburger like no other.
(5)Boyd C.
Known for their Green Chili Cheeseburger, the Owl is a place to stop if you need a quick bite to eat. The food is good, the green chili has a bit of kick to it and the service is friendly. The decor resembles TexAZ grill in Phoenix. Between the Buckhorn or the Owl, I preferred the Owl. The green chili was delicious and had a good deal of "kick" to it!
(4)bob o.
We stopped on our way back from Ruidoso. Had heard good things about their green chile burgers, so we stopped. We ordered their burgers and felt they were good but can't say great. I'd stop again if in the area but not otherwise.
(3)Tricia K.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher rating due to the press it has gotten. Stopped by here on the way to Ruidoso even though we just ate lunch in ABQ because of the publicity. My husband got the green chile cheeseburger and it arrived no frills on a tiny foam plate (no fries or anything included). It didn't look like anything special but it was actually really good. They must have special seasonings in the meat because it was super juicy and flavorful. This burger was definitely something different. The burgers are really cheap perhaps because they do not come with a side. But I highly recommend the burger. I ordered a slice of apple pie because I was full from my ABQ lunch and I was surprised at how good it was. It arrived smashed and nearly flattened but the crust was tender and the filling was fresh apple. I like to think the cranky service, disposable dishware and divey atmosphere are part of the charm.
(4)Tom B.
Best Green Chile Cheeseburger on planet Earth. Don't get the onion rings. Save room and get two burgers. "Smashed" patty, a little crispy around the edges, hanging over the bun, with the best green chile and just the right amount of cheese. Have been 'researching' GCCB around the state, now that Bobcat Bite is closed, Owl is the best. Have not bee to the one in Albuquerque.
(5)R S.
Agree on all counts .....why is there even a debate v. BUCKHORN.....poor.
(1)Kristina O.
I love me some green chile cheese burgers and I've heard that the Owl is supposed to have some of the best green chili cheeseburgers. So we decided on a little impromptu road trip to San Antonio ,NM. We drove by the Buckhorn ; Blue Moon neon sign glowing in the window, cars in front and "7 Best Burger in the U.S." prominently displayed on their sign. Did we stop? No. We kept on driving a few more yards and pulled into the empty Owl Bar and Cafe parking lot. I'm starting to wonder if my husband and I might be masochists. Dive bar decor, faux wood booths and tables , old upholstery, though the place did look and smell clean. Lots of patches on the walls; military , law enforcement , fire departments and pictures of customers in exotic locals with the Owl Bar bumper sticker. I ordered the "World Famous Green Chili Cheeseburger" and fries. The sides were a la carte. So it was around $9-10 for the burger and fries. The burger came out on this little plate sitting atop a napkin. For the price the burger was small. The toppings were cheap. You could tell by the taste that American cheese wasn't used but processed American cheese product. The tangy sauce didn't meld well with the green chile and the meat patty was thin and flavorless. Also the bottom bun fell apart. On to the fries. Frozen. Yep, I paid $9-10 for a sub par burger and once frozen fries. Liquor drinkers be forewarned that the owners of The Owl think Jack Daniel's is high end liquor, so you will be charged the high end liquor price of $6.25 a shot. I do not understand the hype for this place. I do have to say that the servers were nice.
(1)Randy G.
Bare bones, not fancy, great food. Don't go in here expecting microbrews, designer burgers ok folks. An institution. You get greasy, hand formed burger, droopy greasy fries and canned sodas. Love it. Get the green-chile cheese fries and a can of pop with your green-chile burger. You'll want two. Lots of history here related to the first A-bomb development and detonation, the Manhattan project and Dr. Oppenheimer. This is part of our state's legacy and I'm glad this place hasn't changed since then. Service is good but always very busy so don't be in a hurry.
(4)Dave B.
Love this place. We have to stop nomatter what. Green chili cheeseburger and onion rings. The best!
(5)Wes T.
The Owl is still The Owl. I popped in here on the way to ABQ the other day, and it hasn't changed a bit. Dimly lit, booths kind of falling apart, and the ubiquitous green chile cheeseburger. I can't understand why anyone would order anything but that here, but whatever. Also, why don't they offer bacon? I would gladly pay for bacon on my cheeseburger.
(4)Sarah Z.
Great green chilly cheeseburger!! A great place to stop if your visiting the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge.
(4)Francis O.
Known for their green chili hamburgers, I was not overly impressed. A biker bar, but the bikers are middle aged people riding new Harleys from the city with their wives. Service was not great and the food was Okay. I would not make a special trip for this one.
(2)J. M.
This is the 3rd time I've stopped here, but the 4th green chili cheeseburger that I've eaten from here. I've compared them with Manny's Buckhorn Tavern across the street and just can't decide which burger is better. They are both pretty darn good in their own right, so I'm gonna call it a tie. Warning, though, the Owl's burger is definitely greasier, so if that's not your schtick, you may not like it as much. I got some french fries too which, like Manny's, was nothing spectacular. I might give the fries edge to the Owl, but not by much. Both restaurants serve canned soda and bottled beer, so they both lose points equally in that respect. Manny's has a limited selection of local beers whereas the Owl has only national brands, so the edge might go to Manny's on that one. Definitely worth a stop at both restaurants, though, to make your own decisions as to who the winner might be...
(3)Scott M.
THE classic green chili cheeseburger but they're always closed when I drive through San Antonio, NM
(3)Jazmine V.
I base by 4 stars off of the service and food alone. The service was very friendly. The people that are working here have been here for decades and they were so awesome and friendly towards my family. We had gone to the Buckhorn Tavern across the street just after opening time in pouring rain and they wouldn't open up the doors. So the friendliness of the staff at Owl Bar was welcome. My sister and I both had the green chile cheeseburger. We also split an order or chile cheese fries. The burgers were cooked somewhere between medium and medium well. They were absolutely, mouthwateringly delicious and not big and overwhelming. The fries were really good, topped with green chile and queso sauce. This place is definitely divey and walking the fine line of being a little dirty (lots of old saved bottles displayed that looked like they hadn't been dusted in a very long time). But I'll be back for a burger next time I'm in the San Antonio area. For the record, they are not in any way related to the OWL CAFE in Albuquerque.
(4)Cheyenne B.
This is your typical "mom & pop" cafe. Yes, the decor is very cluttered and hoardery, but you can't miss their green chile burgers. Their burgers are basically just a homemade burger, but they are so good! Their fries are also fresh and crispy. I visited on probably their busiest day of the year (the day when the Trinity Site is opened to the public) and the wait was pretty long, but they handled the crowd very well.
(4)Ricky H.
Worlds best green chili hamburgers No kidding the worlds best.
(5)Mark H.
Owl Bar you RAWK. The green chile cheeseburger is better than most and the best I've had south of the famed Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe. The Owl's 'gemuetlich' bar like atmosphere is a good place for a stop along the desolate stretch of Interstate between Truth or Consequences and Albuquerque (it's about halfway between the two towns). The fries are good and fresh. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich - that was even better than what I normally get in big cities like L.A. (!) - cruncy toastiness with a lot of good quality cheese. Recommended.
(4)Steven W.
Being a NM native I was not impressed with my visit. My burger was burnt and dry. The green chile was tasty but overall not a good green burger experience. And I love, I said LOVE green chile burgers. I am the guy who makes trips to Hatch so that I can keep my freezer stacked with Green Chile and use it on everything... So not sure if I got a bad day but the Owl Bar needs to do a whole lot better than the burger I go...
(2)Brian O.
After our visit to the Trinity Site which is only open for tourists twice a year, we stopped for a late lunch at the Owl Bar and Cafe. The atmosphere is very interesting and the menu is limited. The lighting can be dim in some areas. Service was outstanding. Our lunch of green chile cheese burgers, fries and onion rings were quickly served. The green chile cheeseburgers were delicious, but I have had better ones in New Mexico. The fries and onion rings were just okay.
(3)Sharon B.
Sharon reviews The Owl Bar I am writing a book about rural New Mexico, so I get to go to places that are out of the ordinary. I am also from rural New Mexico, so I have fond memories of going to the Owl Bar to celebrate little things in my family. I have a picture of myself celebrating after Kindergarten graduation. I am standing up in the round booth in the back room. My sister and I used to share a burger every time. So with that disclaimer, my review is tainted by history. I decided to take a new look at The Owl after being gone for about 5 years. It was just as good as I remember. The only sad part is they got rid of the jukebox. That jukebox was great - it had classic country, Spanish and Top 40 music all rolled up into one fun box. San Antonio, New Mexico is about 1.5 hours south of Albuquerque, just outside of Socorro. If you are in the area try The Owl. You drive up and it is quiet on the outside. You can see an Owl painted on the wall and you know you are there. In fact there isn't even one streetlight in the town so there is a little caution blinking light, its is right there. I am writing a book on rural New Mexico and San Antonio was one of my targets. It is rich in history and while you are there check out where Conrad Hilton grew up. Yes, of The Hilton's - Paris's great great grandfather or something like that - yes of the hotel chain, believe it or not. Great little town, with friendly people. The atmosphere at The Owl is kitchy fun. Wood paneling, a wonderful long wooden bar (I believe it is from Hilton's original hotel), and Owls everywhere. Little knick knack owls, crocheted owls, owl photos, owl paintings, and owl merchandise everywhere. It is so much fun just to look around. They collect dollar bills and pin them up with your name if you want to - onto the walls. Every year they donate the bills to charity. Rowen Baca, the owner is often there and fun to talk to. She has red hair and is usually running around. People who say this place is "grungy" just do not understand rural New Mexico and its flair. Take a seat and order a green chile cheeseburger, don't bother with the other stuff. Fries are nice as is a root beer to accompany the burger. The burger's patty is not frozen and is molded by hand. I should know as my cousin's ex-husband is one of the cooks. No, I am really not biased! Anyway, yes it does come on a small plate with a napkin under it and can be a tad soggy so - I take out the napkin right away and keep the tomatoes and condiments to a minimum. The green chile has a kick and is home made. It is all around family fun and better then going to a museum for New Mexico history!
(4)Paul P.
This is exactly what I was expecting and hoping for - a dive bar with greasy hamburgers. Service was very prompt. They have a very simple menu. I would just get the green chili cheeseburger though. I got the fries on the side but I'd skip them next time. I probably could have knocked back two burgers with ease if I really wanted a stomach ache later on.
(3)Chuck S.
Per the reviews most of my party tried the green chile cheeseburgers. We also ordered chile-cheese fries. Sodas come in the can and refills are not an option. For a bar, I was surprised they didn't have a soda machine. The chile cheeseburgers were very sloppy and not all that tasty. The chile-cheese fries were a MESS. There was lots of liquid on the plate and the fries got very very soggy. Next time I'll try the place across the street
(2)Joseph K.
There's a lively debate over the best green-chili cheeseburger, with 2 of the major contenders across the road from one another in the unlikely spot of San Antonio, NM. This review applies to both the Buckhorn and the Owl; we ate at both on the same day in order to judge. I expected them to be similar; I was surprised to find how different they were. The Owl's patty has a distinctive flat-top grill look and taste; we both thought it was a tad bit too small. The Buckhorn's patty was much larger but it lacked personality. We did not see a big difference in the cheese, maybe because it was pretty well obscured by the green chilies at both places. The Owl's chilies were a standout; definitely not for the faint of heart. Just the right texture, fresh tasting, packing quite a punch. The Buckhorn's chilies were milder and more tender. Buns were similar quality but the Buckhorn's did a better job of holding the whole thing together. Had French fries for the side at both places and the Buckhorn was the clear winner in this category. Fresh potatoes, not over-cooked - simply great. Atmosphere is a toss-up; service was a bit better at the Owl. Prices at both are ridiculously cheap for the quality. And the winner is........ My partner liked the Buckhorn the best. She liked the thicker patty, the milder chilies, and the way it stayed together when eating. I liked the Owl best. The flavor of the patty (however, next time I'll go with the double patty option) and the kick from the chilies. Plus, I don't mind my burger being messy when it's loaded with goodies. No clear winner and you can't go wrong with either place.
(5)Mark M.
I have my first green chile cheeseburger in August 1983 and have been talking about / raving about this place with multiple visits ever since. The food isn't fancy (and the décor kind of sucks now) -- it's just damn good and changed my idea of what a cheeseburger could be (especially growing up in the Northwest USA). Guaranteed stop for myself when anytime I'm nearby. Not much has changed over the past 31 years since first eating there and hopefully it will remain that way for the future!
(5)Leland S.
The Owl Bar is... The Owl Bar! It has not changed in decades, it does not have to! People describe this place as a "Dive Bar" well I do not! It's just a slice of real America with down home atmosphere and the most humble friendly people you would ever want to meet. They are famous for their Green Chili Burgers and the reason they are famous is they are tasty, messy & full of flavor, well worth my expectations. If you are some hipster dude with your nose in the air looking for a gourmet menu and long wine list, then... hipster go home, they don't need your kind here! This will be a regular stop on my way to and from Albuquerque.
(5)Andrew J.
I really enjoyed it for what it was, a no frills green chili cheeseburger. I loved the burger and thought it was great that it was served on a napkin. The weird thing? The three people at our table who ordered fries all got them before the burgers (like you would a salad) but they only came out one at a time. We just found that interesting.
(4)Christopher S.
Random stop between Las Cruces and Colorado; pretty good and inexpensive. Got the green chile cheeseburger with fries and they were quite decent. Ambiance is total dive bar with lots of character. I guess they host some police convention nearby because there are ton of unit patches decorate the walls, as well as dollar bills with hand written notes. Not a ton of options on the menu (breakfast eggs and bacon, steak and some other offerings) but the food came out quick. Cleanliness is average to below average so just be prepared for the worst. Nice break during a long drive and there's quite a bit of history on the walls if you take the time to read them. Definitely recommend a stop if you are passing by!
(4)Danielle S.
I love owls. I also love burgers. This place was the perfect combination. Especially because they are known for their award-winning green chili cheeseburger. (Altho, I didn't order one.) This place is a total dive bar/restaurant in a semi-ghost town somewhere in the desert of New Mexico. Do not let this discourage you from stopping. The burger was made with fresh ground beef (you can tell by the distinct, imperfect, non-round shape of the patty) and thrown together with all the fixin's (if that's your thing). They are big, juicy, and definitely hit the spot. If spicy is your thing, definitely order the chili burger, but be prepared for the potential digestive aftermath. On a non-edible note: this place is STOCKED with owl-related items. Statues, pictures, paintings, carvings. You name it - they have it. I adore owls, at a somewhat unhealthy level, and ended up asking the waitress if the owner would be willing to sell one particularity cute owl to me. Surprisingly, she considered it, and said she would, had that specific one not been a gift. I give them the 5th star for entertaining my odd request.
(5)Angie M.
I thought the burger was just ok - nothing great that was worth putting my kids through hunger just to drive out and try this place out. Burgers were really small - we even thought they were kids meals. Fries were good but not included in the price which made the meal a little over-priced in my opinion. Nachos supreme were tiny and made with recycled ground beef. Sorry but this place was not all its hyped up to be. Can definitely get a much much better burger somewhere else! Waitress was very friendly.
(2)Kris S.
Best cheeseburger available in San Antonio, New Mexico at 7:45 pm on a Saturday night. That said, if you are traveling northbound on I-25 and have a package of Funyuns and some beef jerky on hand, keep pushing on to better dining options in the Duke City. Searching for an interesting dive bar? Don't miss this place!
(2)J. S.
This is a cozy, well-worn dive bar that seems to pack in the crowds, but I don't get the hype. The green chile cheeseburger was a hot, sloppy mess, indifferently slapped together and served on a too-small plate that left me hankering for utensils. The mayo seemed unnecessary, and the pickles did nothing but mask the green chile. That said, the burger was tasty. But not remarkably so. A guilty pleasure? Perhaps, but in a state where you can order red or green chile on practically anything, these unjustifiably famous burgers aren't worth a detour.
(2)Jes A.
This is a historic greasy-spoon, not a gourmet burger-joint. You aren't going to enjoy it if you don't realize this basic truth. The ambiance is great. No windows, dimly lit, locals lining the bar... very small-town-bar-in-New-Mexicoish. The bartender greeted me from behind the long, well-provisioned bar to the right of the entrance. She said I could sit wherever I liked, I liked the tall-backed booths to my left, so that's where I sat. The waitress was there really quickly. I guess I looked like a tourist, she knew I wanted the Green Chile Cheeseburger, fries and a drink. My drink was out almost immediately. The fries were dropped off a short time later by some kitchen-helper-type guy, followed by the waitress with the burger. Now, here's the thing, these are greasy burgers, smashed flat while cooking, topped with a slice of american cheese, served with green chile, iceberg lettuce and tomato (I get mine with mustard instead of mayo.) You will have to eat it fast, before the green chile reduces your bottom bun to mush. I freaking love it... had my first when I was 17 and still make it a point to stop in whenever I'm nearby. Anyhow, my point is, this is not where you go for a grilled-to-order patty topped with blue cheese crumbles and organic bacon. If that's what you want, there's some stuff in Soccorro, a few miles north on I-25 where you'll be happier. Oh... the fries rocked. I will be back next time I can justify a trip that far south.
(4)James G.
I love you Owl Bar. They have better burgers than the Buckhorn and their green chile cheese fries are awesome. The green chile cheese burger is better with mustard, rather than the default mayo. I read the reviews saying to go to the Buckhorn...all I can say is try them both and you'll see why I recommend the Owl Bar.
(4)Jordana G.
What a disappointment :( My sister lived in Albuquerque for 10 years and swore that we had to eat at the Owl in San Antonio. It was horrid. I generally love hole in the wall places, but not when the food sucks. The service was abysmal. The green chile cheeseburgers were definitely hand formed, but flavorless and resting on a lame wonderbread bun. It was not a good value for the money, either. I won't be back. I guess this place was really great a long time ago, but not now. Maybe the people who like it now don't know what a good green chile cheeseburger tastes like. I think Lot a Burger's green chile cheeseburger is probably better.
(1)Ben I.
I was on a bicycle trip passing through New Mex when I heard about this place from this book. hamburgeramerica.com/ha_… It was in my route and after a 93 mile day I made it there after passing the long stretch of canyon to its east. After a day like this anything seems to taste good, so if I would have rated it at a 5 there could be some bias to my rating. When I got the burger it looked perfect. Look at the picture I uploaded. Just to bad I could not taste the burger after the first bite becuase the green chilis were so hot. As for the other things: Hamburger was a ok price. $5.95 If I remember right. The Fries were over priced. $2.95, for a very small portion. And the fries came out 4 minutes before the burger. Service was good. Atmosphere is very dark and moving from the desert sun to this adobe building with no windows takes a while for you eyes to dilate. Walking out of the place I felt like I wasted $10. Except I could say I had been there and done that, but ten dollars is a high price to be able to say that.
(3)Darcey B.
Just stopped by on our way through town. We had seen this place recently on the Travel Channel and were excited to see a place featured on TV that we drive by occasionally. The green chile cheeseburgers were really good and reasonably priced. I was disappointed that the sodas were served warm in a can (with a cup of ice) as I was looking forward to a refreshing fountain drink. The French fries came in a small serving size for the price and most of them were burned and crunchy; the few that weren't burned were not good either. We ordered a small nachos supreme to share, which I imagine was assembled like this: small spoonful of nacho cheese on the plate, followed by approximately 10 chips drizzled with grease, unseasoned ground beef, beans, a giant pile of lettuce, and diced tomato. We had to dig deep for the chips and most of them had little to no cheese on them but were dripping in grease. There was a lack of flavor as well. Since we were on a long drive, I hoped they would have some items my toddler would eat, but there were no children's options on the menu besides perhaps a grilled cheese sandwich (which he doesn't like), so we had to make an additional stop at McDonald's in Socorro to get him something. We both agreed we should have just ordered the burgers, which is the only thing I can currently recommend from the Owl Cafe
(3)Frank S.
Ok, We saw the Throwdown with Bobby Flay where he took on the owner of the place across the street (Buckhorn) from the Owl. We were on a road trip, arriving in town at 8PM on a Friday night. At 7:50PM we called to see of the Buckhorn was open - and they said no - they close at 7:50PM. Ok fine - so we tried the Owl. They were open, and wanted our business. It had been a long enough day at work, and we were hungry - hungry for a darn good green chile cheeseburger - dangit! The Owl came to the rescue! The burgers were good, I am guessing locally raised beef judging by taste and quality. I love Day's Burgers in LC, and these were a little better. We also had green chile cheese fries - not as good as the ones at the High Desert Brewing Co. in Las Cruces, but good for a hungry traveler. Overall, food was good, service good, and it was nice to be in a homey, small town restaurant for the first time in years. The atmosphere was a fun change, reminding me of the tiny town where I lived as a teenager. Next time we are hungry in San Antonio - I lean toward going back to the Owl. Yes, I am curious about the folks who beat B.F. but hey, pickled onions on a green chile cheeseburger? A number of southern NM joints could have kicked B.F.'s arse with that performance! The closing at 7:50PM thing kind of irked me - we tried to leave LC in time to get to Buckhorn after we got off work, and to miss out by such a small window of time is irritating!
(4)Kevin I.
Geez I hate doing this. This place used to be really, really good. I'd drive up here (75 miles) just for a green chile cheese burger. They were GREAT! Unfortunately, that's "were" as in not any more. The last couple of times I've eaten here the pickles had that stale, nasty pungent smell that stays with you the whole day. And the last time I ate here the burger meat itself tasted like it had been soaking in stale water for a week. YUCK! I may come back, but it'll be a while before I try it again. What a shame. I guess I'll just go across the street to the Buckhorn and hope it's open (the Buckhorn is always closed when I drive through town).
(1)David J.
I finally made it back to the good old Owl Bar in San Antonio, NM. I grew up where a sojourn there was required to be a considered a real New Mexicano! You see...this place has amazing Green Chile Cheeseburgers and although there are many imitators there can be only one! The homemade peppered beef patties smothered with fresh green chile's and cheese was stupendous and brought back joyous recollections of why it was such a treat to dine there as a child and teen. It only took me 15 years to get back...I must be a moron. The owner, Rowena Baca, and her gracious staff were friendly and really wonderful people that deserve their success. Sure, this place has been featured on Food Network and various other magazines and programs, but nothing has gone to their heads. One interesting side note, the bar was from the original Hilton Hotel! Conrad Hilton was born in this charming Hispanic village on the Rio Abajo. A fancy Hilton old wood bar for a nuthin fancy country tavern serving the best hamburguesa con queso y chile this side of the Pecos!
(5)Brc P.
The best Green Chili Cheese Burger in the World. The best Green Chili Cheese Fries in the World. The Owl Cafe is a destination eatery worth a trip from anywhere! Everything else you have ever read about the Owl is probably true. Doesn't matter. The first 2 sentences tell the story.
(3)Eloy W.
The Service gets 5 STARS! This place is unbelievably welcoming, the waitress sat us and took our drink orders right on the spot. I believe they had a special but I can't remember. They were very attentive and talkative with us about the town and how much better their burger was than the rival across the street heh! The food was a solid 3 STARS! Analysis - Burger, a green chile cheese burger. Wayyy too much lettuce on mine but they put so much green chile it was alright. We split some fries and they are not too much to rave about. The combination of their chile and burger patties made for juicy bites after juicy bite.
(4)JT A.
Fantastic green chile cheeseburger, just a gooey, spicy, delicious meal! Went here for lunch, and while the service was a little slow it was to be expected with the amount of traffic that flows in and out of this place. The fries showed up after the cheeseburger, which I didn't mind much since I was completely focused on that cheeseburger. If your travels bring you near this place, you should stop in and check it out.
(4)Destiny K.
Decent food. Came out pretty quick and the prices were cheap. No fountain soda only cans. Crappy service. Dark dive diner. Only saving grace was the green chili burger.
(3)Brian M.
My San Antonio, NM green chile cheeseburger adventures have come to an end. I've had Buckhorn and reviewed them, now it's time for Owl Bar & Cafe. I was pretty hungry coming here for lunch so promptness would have been appreciated. My sister-in-law and I sat ourselves down, as instructed by the sign when you enter. A good 5-10 minutes goes by with no one coming to our table. Eventually I looked over at a passing-by waitress and she came to our table to see if we had been helped yet. We got our drink orders in and asked to see a menu even though I knew what I wanted. I need to start being more efficient in my restaurant visits. I quickly ordered the famous green chile cheeseburger and some fries, though. The burger came out pretty quickly and looked awesome! It's a messy beast but no love lost there. It had a little bit more of a char and crisp on it than Buckhorn's burger, and I enjoyed that. The burger didn't last long due to my hunger, and overall, I was pleased with it's taste and uniqueness. It was hard to get the full green chile effect, though. I'd have to give the nod to Buckhorn in this battle of San Antonio supremacy. This is a local joint and I'm sure it serves it's people well, I few were there and they seemed to be regulars. If you're ever in San Antonio a few times or just really hungry, make sure to give both of these classic joints a try.
(3)Bella B.
We finally made a short & sweet trip over to the OWL :) took a road trip specifically to try there famous Green Chile Cheese burgers and cup of fresh beans! It was a toss up between the Buckhorn Tavern and The OWL and so glad WE CHOSE THE OWL!! The service & the friendly staff made for an inviting stop. The burgers are mouthwatering & delicious & good for the price, the bowl of fresh beans with green chile hit the spot. This place is divey and fun with juicy burgers the perfect little pit stop if your traveling down South, definitely a must stop!
(4)Jocelyn A.
Several years back I read an article about how the Owl Bar serves the best green chili cheeseburger in New Mexico, hands down. The article was written by a trusted food critic, so I have had the place bookmarked ever since. We got there sometime around noon on a weekday, and the place was hopping. All the tables were taken, but we were allowed to order food from the bar. The service was efficient, but not warm. I ordered up the famous green chili burger, and a side of chili and beans. The beans came out first, and they were loaded with green chili. This was some of the hottest chili I have had in a long time - hotter than anything we had in Santa Fe the following week. I like hot, but this batch was so hot you couldn't taste anything. If you can't take the heat, you may want to ask how hot the chili is that day before you place your order. On to the burger... As others have indicated, this is not a thick, meaty patty. It is drive-in style. I disagree, however, with those that say the meat was not well seasoned. It had plenty of seasoning, and was made with fatty beef, which provided lots of flavor in itself. It was a good hamburger, but not an excellent hamburger, and certainly not the best I have ever had (not even in the top 10). I think it is all about nostalgia with this place. The atmosphere is small town dive bar meets small town cafe. Would I stop again? Maybe, but I wouldn't drive out of the way just to go there.
(3)Amanda M.
This place is great! My fiancé and I prefer owl bar to buckhorn. We even ate 2 burgers back to back to compare! You can't go wrong with the green chili cheese burger, but if you want to switch it up try the patty melt. I get the feeling that locals go to owl bar, and tourists go to buckhorn. Can't go wrong either way but owl bar will always be my place.
(5)Jim D.
Stopped here last year when I was in NM, will stop again this year. Best burger around. The Green Chili burger was very solid However, the fries sucked, don't bother. Fun place, good service, a great pit stop.
(4)Jeff M.
It's a classic. I have been going here for like 20 years. Now, we are starting generation number 3 on Owl, as we took my daughter here the other day. We stopped on the way back from the Trinity Site. Both Buckhorn and Owl had long lines, we chose Owl becuase it was larger, and we knew the line would move faster. Not a regret. I have heard Buckhorn tastes better, but there is no way the atmosphere is the same.
(5)Adam B.
This place has been a family tradition of mine for at least 20 years. I stop anytime I can to get their green chile cheese burger. It's good... Believe me... But what's better is the fact that they have stood the test of time!
(5)Kevin G.
We were in Socorro for a conference, based on Yelp reviews we checked out the Owl. Awesome burgers, friendly staff, quick service!!!!! Loved it. We decided to do our own burger challenge and went across Street to Buckhorn. Ordered same thing, Green Chili Cheeseburgers. They were delicious too but..... Owl was better.
(5)Quinn A.
Had the green chile cheeseburger at Buckhorn couple of doors down, and I think I like this one better. The chile was alive!! Hot and fresh. Onion rings on the side were perfect - not too thick, crispy. I had my dog with me so I ate standing next to the car in the parking lot. That's not their fault - the bar and dining room was clean and comfortable - you just can't take the pooch inside a restaurant. Ce la vie! Maybe some day they will have a patio. I was told by a local that now I have to try the burger at Manny's. It took me a while to realize that is the same as Buckhorn- 'doh! They both rock, but this one maybe just a bit more .... your call.
(4)Tim B.
Largely unimpressive. The Green Chille Cheeseburger was ok, but nothing for me to write home about. Always unimpressed when a bar doesnt have a good beer on tap. All beers come in a bottle or can. And to top it off, its dark and kind of ugh inside. I'd give it a 3 out of 10 - I dont know why they are "World Famous", but I tend to think they gave themselves that title .....
(2)Riley J.
Located approximately 90 miles from the outskirts of Albuquerque in the small New Mexican town of San Antonio lives the Owl Bar. The run down decor makes you legitimately question your decisions in life, food, and health. Ignore the need to panic and run to the nearest McDonalds for some high tech comfort and take a seat at one of the comfy dim-lighted booths. While perusing the menu order some alcohol or a soda, but avoid the water like the plague. It has a very distinct small town, old water stored in a well, kind of taste. Although, I have a pregnant ladies nose and taste buds, so I may just be crazy (still, for the love of god please don't get the water). Go for the chile cheese burger. It's a classic and it will blow your mind. It's seasoned well, it's cooked well, it has some hot green chile, and it's topped with just the right amount of condiments. Trust me. Since sides do not come with the burgers I generally get some chile cheese fries. Mostly, because I have a weird love for nacho cheese and green chile that can be fully extinguished for a few weeks after a heaping plate of these. Basically, it's delicious and you should thoroughly enjoy the very strange experience you have while eating here.
(4)Kent B.
The Owl Bar has a rich history that goes back to World War II scientific research activities in the area. That in itself makes it worth a visit. The green chile burgers and the beans with green chile are the icing on the cake and make it a Must Stop place to eat. Most folks these days are focused on green chile cheeseburgers. And the Owl makes an outstanding version. I prefer a green chile hamburger (that is, without cheese). It lets the chile and the burger tastes come through more. And the Owl uses great green chile that has a home processed flavor and texture to it. It carries a good hit of heat but lets that wonderful chile taste come through. The burger patty is a smashed style, thin and nicely griddled. Dilll pickles, onions and chopped lettuce top it off. Outstanding. The bowl of beans and green chile is outstanding as well. The perfectly cooked pinto beans have a great taste. And again, that Owl Bar green chile. You can get it in two sizes. Don't be shy. Service was quick and pleasant. For a taste of history and a great down home green chile beans and burger. This is THE place,
(5)Manny F.
This joint is frozen in time and that's what I like about it. The only thing I eat here is the green chile cheeseburger and onion rings which are always outstanding. If I was a drinker I would love to sit at the bar and drink myself in oblivion because the vibe is conducive to some serious drinking. A highly recommended stop on I-25.
(5)Aubrey J.
4 WORDS: Green Chile Cheese Burger Check this burger out, even if your just driving through town. Kind of a dark dive, but you're not going for the atmosphere. Delicious and they take call in/pick up orders!
(4)Sarah C.
People that go have gone here during lunch or dinner time, ever wonder why you can get a seat here, but theres a 40 minute wait at the buckhorn... because its worth it. The place is dimly lit, and kinda feels grungy. Their fries are better than the buckhorns, but their burgers.... not impressed at all. service is also slow. And the kicker for me was that they close at 8, which since they are in the middle of nowhere thats fine, but a group of friends and i were celebrating the end of a project and were laughing and enjoying ourselves, and they basically told us "this is a family establishment, if you can't be quiet you will ahve to leave".... there was nobody there at all... and it was 7:30 anyways, they probably couldhave gotten 1 more beer out of us before they closed, but instead we finished up and scooted out, never to return. if you are starving in san antonio and can't get into the buckhorn, or make it socorro (15 min north) go ahead and eat here, but there is much better out there.
(1)Darcey B.
Just stopped by on our way through town. We had seen this place recently on the Travel Channel and were excited to see a place featured on TV that we drive by occasionally. The green chile cheeseburgers were really good and reasonably priced. I was disappointed that the sodas were served warm in a can (with a cup of ice) as I was looking forward to a refreshing fountain drink. The French fries came in a small serving size for the price and most of them were burned and crunchy; the few that weren't burned were not good either. We ordered a small nachos supreme to share, which I imagine was assembled like this: small spoonful of nacho cheese on the plate, followed by approximately 10 chips drizzled with grease, unseasoned ground beef, beans, a giant pile of lettuce, and diced tomato. We had to dig deep for the chips and most of them had little to no cheese on them but were dripping in grease. There was a lack of flavor as well. Since we were on a long drive, I hoped they would have some items my toddler would eat, but there were no children's options on the menu besides perhaps a grilled cheese sandwich (which he doesn't like), so we had to make an additional stop at McDonald's in Socorro to get him something. We both agreed we should have just ordered the burgers, which is the only thing I can currently recommend from the Owl Cafe
(3)Brc P.
The best Green Chili Cheese Burger in the World. The best Green Chili Cheese Fries in the World. The Owl Cafe is a destination eatery worth a trip from anywhere! Everything else you have ever read about the Owl is probably true. Doesn't matter. The first 2 sentences tell the story.
(3)bob o.
We stopped on our way back from Ruidoso. Had heard good things about their green chile burgers, so we stopped. We ordered their burgers and felt they were good but can't say great. I'd stop again if in the area but not otherwise.
(3)Dan W.
We stopped after a day at the VLA and Bosque del Apache. It wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Green chile cheeseburgers, onion rings, and a grilled cheese sandwich for the vegetarian in the group. The grilled cheese got high marks. The burgers were very thin, the taste was ok but nothing outstanding. The onion rings I suspect were standard frozen fare. I didnt care for the breading, but my wife liked them because they were crispy. Four of us ate for about $30. For the price I can't complain but I would try one of the other couple of restaurants in town - if they are open.
(3)Sam S.
They do an ok job... On the up side the staff are super friendly and the burger is "good". The toppings are solid. On the down side the meat patties are thin and unseasoned. If you only have time for one GCCB (green chili cheese burger) go to Manny's across the street. The portions are larger, the patty is perfect and more to the point they made me the best GCCB I've ever had. I grew up stopping at the Owl, but today I have to say that Manny's is the best bite in town.
(3)Lisa Z.
Not bad but not as great as rumored. I would come back but next time I'm in the area I will try buckhorns across the way to compare.
(3)Tai H.
I don't get the hype... so for about $10 a person you can get a small burger, fries (that you have to order separate), and a can of soda. After eating burgers from Sparky's in Hatch, 5 guys, even Whataburger... this place is just not worthy of its reputation. It's mostly just a gimmick...go by so you can stick a dollar on the wall (not even the roof anymore)... You can buy package liquor after dinner... pro?
(3)Tricia K.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher rating due to the press it has gotten. Stopped by here on the way to Ruidoso even though we just ate lunch in ABQ because of the publicity. My husband got the green chile cheeseburger and it arrived no frills on a tiny foam plate (no fries or anything included). It didn't look like anything special but it was actually really good. They must have special seasonings in the meat because it was super juicy and flavorful. This burger was definitely something different. The burgers are really cheap perhaps because they do not come with a side. But I highly recommend the burger. I ordered a slice of apple pie because I was full from my ABQ lunch and I was surprised at how good it was. It arrived smashed and nearly flattened but the crust was tender and the filling was fresh apple. I like to think the cranky service, disposable dishware and divey atmosphere are part of the charm.
(4)Tom B.
Best Green Chile Cheeseburger on planet Earth. Don't get the onion rings. Save room and get two burgers. "Smashed" patty, a little crispy around the edges, hanging over the bun, with the best green chile and just the right amount of cheese. Have been 'researching' GCCB around the state, now that Bobcat Bite is closed, Owl is the best. Have not bee to the one in Albuquerque.
(5)R S.
Agree on all counts .....why is there even a debate v. BUCKHORN.....poor.
(1)Sarah Z.
Great green chilly cheeseburger!! A great place to stop if your visiting the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge.
(4)Francis O.
Known for their green chili hamburgers, I was not overly impressed. A biker bar, but the bikers are middle aged people riding new Harleys from the city with their wives. Service was not great and the food was Okay. I would not make a special trip for this one.
(2)Wes T.
The Owl is still The Owl. I popped in here on the way to ABQ the other day, and it hasn't changed a bit. Dimly lit, booths kind of falling apart, and the ubiquitous green chile cheeseburger. I can't understand why anyone would order anything but that here, but whatever. Also, why don't they offer bacon? I would gladly pay for bacon on my cheeseburger.
(4)Kristina O.
I love me some green chile cheese burgers and I've heard that the Owl is supposed to have some of the best green chili cheeseburgers. So we decided on a little impromptu road trip to San Antonio ,NM. We drove by the Buckhorn ; Blue Moon neon sign glowing in the window, cars in front and "7 Best Burger in the U.S." prominently displayed on their sign. Did we stop? No. We kept on driving a few more yards and pulled into the empty Owl Bar and Cafe parking lot. I'm starting to wonder if my husband and I might be masochists. Dive bar decor, faux wood booths and tables , old upholstery, though the place did look and smell clean. Lots of patches on the walls; military , law enforcement , fire departments and pictures of customers in exotic locals with the Owl Bar bumper sticker. I ordered the "World Famous Green Chili Cheeseburger" and fries. The sides were a la carte. So it was around $9-10 for the burger and fries. The burger came out on this little plate sitting atop a napkin. For the price the burger was small. The toppings were cheap. You could tell by the taste that American cheese wasn't used but processed American cheese product. The tangy sauce didn't meld well with the green chile and the meat patty was thin and flavorless. Also the bottom bun fell apart. On to the fries. Frozen. Yep, I paid $9-10 for a sub par burger and once frozen fries. Liquor drinkers be forewarned that the owners of The Owl think Jack Daniel's is high end liquor, so you will be charged the high end liquor price of $6.25 a shot. I do not understand the hype for this place. I do have to say that the servers were nice.
(1)Daniel E.
Your typical local dive bar with great Hamburgers, a very nice atmosphere and friendly staff. The Bar looks very likeable and comfortable. Just like a Hamburger Restaurant imported from the 1950s with all the wooden booths that come with it. I had a double cheese/pepper burger that was very good and tasty. You could tell they used their own ground meat instead of a frozen patty. Probably not "the world's finest burgers" as they claim, but so far the finest in the Southwest that I had!
(4)Boyd Z.
Great burgers. As good as anywhere better than any east coast bs. Great chili cheese fries. Great boiled beans with green chili. With a beer!
(5)Randy G.
Bare bones, not fancy, great food. Don't go in here expecting microbrews, designer burgers ok folks. An institution. You get greasy, hand formed burger, droopy greasy fries and canned sodas. Love it. Get the green-chile cheese fries and a can of pop with your green-chile burger. You'll want two. Lots of history here related to the first A-bomb development and detonation, the Manhattan project and Dr. Oppenheimer. This is part of our state's legacy and I'm glad this place hasn't changed since then. Service is good but always very busy so don't be in a hurry.
(4)Dave B.
Love this place. We have to stop nomatter what. Green chili cheeseburger and onion rings. The best!
(5)J. M.
This is the 3rd time I've stopped here, but the 4th green chili cheeseburger that I've eaten from here. I've compared them with Manny's Buckhorn Tavern across the street and just can't decide which burger is better. They are both pretty darn good in their own right, so I'm gonna call it a tie. Warning, though, the Owl's burger is definitely greasier, so if that's not your schtick, you may not like it as much. I got some french fries too which, like Manny's, was nothing spectacular. I might give the fries edge to the Owl, but not by much. Both restaurants serve canned soda and bottled beer, so they both lose points equally in that respect. Manny's has a limited selection of local beers whereas the Owl has only national brands, so the edge might go to Manny's on that one. Definitely worth a stop at both restaurants, though, to make your own decisions as to who the winner might be...
(3)Scott M.
THE classic green chili cheeseburger but they're always closed when I drive through San Antonio, NM
(3)Jazmine V.
I base by 4 stars off of the service and food alone. The service was very friendly. The people that are working here have been here for decades and they were so awesome and friendly towards my family. We had gone to the Buckhorn Tavern across the street just after opening time in pouring rain and they wouldn't open up the doors. So the friendliness of the staff at Owl Bar was welcome. My sister and I both had the green chile cheeseburger. We also split an order or chile cheese fries. The burgers were cooked somewhere between medium and medium well. They were absolutely, mouthwateringly delicious and not big and overwhelming. The fries were really good, topped with green chile and queso sauce. This place is definitely divey and walking the fine line of being a little dirty (lots of old saved bottles displayed that looked like they hadn't been dusted in a very long time). But I'll be back for a burger next time I'm in the San Antonio area. For the record, they are not in any way related to the OWL CAFE in Albuquerque.
(4)Cheyenne B.
This is your typical "mom & pop" cafe. Yes, the decor is very cluttered and hoardery, but you can't miss their green chile burgers. Their burgers are basically just a homemade burger, but they are so good! Their fries are also fresh and crispy. I visited on probably their busiest day of the year (the day when the Trinity Site is opened to the public) and the wait was pretty long, but they handled the crowd very well.
(4)Ricky H.
Worlds best green chili hamburgers No kidding the worlds best.
(5)Mark H.
Owl Bar you RAWK. The green chile cheeseburger is better than most and the best I've had south of the famed Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe. The Owl's 'gemuetlich' bar like atmosphere is a good place for a stop along the desolate stretch of Interstate between Truth or Consequences and Albuquerque (it's about halfway between the two towns). The fries are good and fresh. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich - that was even better than what I normally get in big cities like L.A. (!) - cruncy toastiness with a lot of good quality cheese. Recommended.
(4)Steven W.
Being a NM native I was not impressed with my visit. My burger was burnt and dry. The green chile was tasty but overall not a good green burger experience. And I love, I said LOVE green chile burgers. I am the guy who makes trips to Hatch so that I can keep my freezer stacked with Green Chile and use it on everything... So not sure if I got a bad day but the Owl Bar needs to do a whole lot better than the burger I go...
(2)Sharon B.
Sharon reviews The Owl Bar I am writing a book about rural New Mexico, so I get to go to places that are out of the ordinary. I am also from rural New Mexico, so I have fond memories of going to the Owl Bar to celebrate little things in my family. I have a picture of myself celebrating after Kindergarten graduation. I am standing up in the round booth in the back room. My sister and I used to share a burger every time. So with that disclaimer, my review is tainted by history. I decided to take a new look at The Owl after being gone for about 5 years. It was just as good as I remember. The only sad part is they got rid of the jukebox. That jukebox was great - it had classic country, Spanish and Top 40 music all rolled up into one fun box. San Antonio, New Mexico is about 1.5 hours south of Albuquerque, just outside of Socorro. If you are in the area try The Owl. You drive up and it is quiet on the outside. You can see an Owl painted on the wall and you know you are there. In fact there isn't even one streetlight in the town so there is a little caution blinking light, its is right there. I am writing a book on rural New Mexico and San Antonio was one of my targets. It is rich in history and while you are there check out where Conrad Hilton grew up. Yes, of The Hilton's - Paris's great great grandfather or something like that - yes of the hotel chain, believe it or not. Great little town, with friendly people. The atmosphere at The Owl is kitchy fun. Wood paneling, a wonderful long wooden bar (I believe it is from Hilton's original hotel), and Owls everywhere. Little knick knack owls, crocheted owls, owl photos, owl paintings, and owl merchandise everywhere. It is so much fun just to look around. They collect dollar bills and pin them up with your name if you want to - onto the walls. Every year they donate the bills to charity. Rowen Baca, the owner is often there and fun to talk to. She has red hair and is usually running around. People who say this place is "grungy" just do not understand rural New Mexico and its flair. Take a seat and order a green chile cheeseburger, don't bother with the other stuff. Fries are nice as is a root beer to accompany the burger. The burger's patty is not frozen and is molded by hand. I should know as my cousin's ex-husband is one of the cooks. No, I am really not biased! Anyway, yes it does come on a small plate with a napkin under it and can be a tad soggy so - I take out the napkin right away and keep the tomatoes and condiments to a minimum. The green chile has a kick and is home made. It is all around family fun and better then going to a museum for New Mexico history!
(4)Paul P.
This is exactly what I was expecting and hoping for - a dive bar with greasy hamburgers. Service was very prompt. They have a very simple menu. I would just get the green chili cheeseburger though. I got the fries on the side but I'd skip them next time. I probably could have knocked back two burgers with ease if I really wanted a stomach ache later on.
(3)Chuck S.
Per the reviews most of my party tried the green chile cheeseburgers. We also ordered chile-cheese fries. Sodas come in the can and refills are not an option. For a bar, I was surprised they didn't have a soda machine. The chile cheeseburgers were very sloppy and not all that tasty. The chile-cheese fries were a MESS. There was lots of liquid on the plate and the fries got very very soggy. Next time I'll try the place across the street
(2)Joseph K.
There's a lively debate over the best green-chili cheeseburger, with 2 of the major contenders across the road from one another in the unlikely spot of San Antonio, NM. This review applies to both the Buckhorn and the Owl; we ate at both on the same day in order to judge. I expected them to be similar; I was surprised to find how different they were. The Owl's patty has a distinctive flat-top grill look and taste; we both thought it was a tad bit too small. The Buckhorn's patty was much larger but it lacked personality. We did not see a big difference in the cheese, maybe because it was pretty well obscured by the green chilies at both places. The Owl's chilies were a standout; definitely not for the faint of heart. Just the right texture, fresh tasting, packing quite a punch. The Buckhorn's chilies were milder and more tender. Buns were similar quality but the Buckhorn's did a better job of holding the whole thing together. Had French fries for the side at both places and the Buckhorn was the clear winner in this category. Fresh potatoes, not over-cooked - simply great. Atmosphere is a toss-up; service was a bit better at the Owl. Prices at both are ridiculously cheap for the quality. And the winner is........ My partner liked the Buckhorn the best. She liked the thicker patty, the milder chilies, and the way it stayed together when eating. I liked the Owl best. The flavor of the patty (however, next time I'll go with the double patty option) and the kick from the chilies. Plus, I don't mind my burger being messy when it's loaded with goodies. No clear winner and you can't go wrong with either place.
(5)Mark M.
I have my first green chile cheeseburger in August 1983 and have been talking about / raving about this place with multiple visits ever since. The food isn't fancy (and the décor kind of sucks now) -- it's just damn good and changed my idea of what a cheeseburger could be (especially growing up in the Northwest USA). Guaranteed stop for myself when anytime I'm nearby. Not much has changed over the past 31 years since first eating there and hopefully it will remain that way for the future!
(5)Leland S.
The Owl Bar is... The Owl Bar! It has not changed in decades, it does not have to! People describe this place as a "Dive Bar" well I do not! It's just a slice of real America with down home atmosphere and the most humble friendly people you would ever want to meet. They are famous for their Green Chili Burgers and the reason they are famous is they are tasty, messy & full of flavor, well worth my expectations. If you are some hipster dude with your nose in the air looking for a gourmet menu and long wine list, then... hipster go home, they don't need your kind here! This will be a regular stop on my way to and from Albuquerque.
(5)Andrew J.
I really enjoyed it for what it was, a no frills green chili cheeseburger. I loved the burger and thought it was great that it was served on a napkin. The weird thing? The three people at our table who ordered fries all got them before the burgers (like you would a salad) but they only came out one at a time. We just found that interesting.
(4)Brian O.
After our visit to the Trinity Site which is only open for tourists twice a year, we stopped for a late lunch at the Owl Bar and Cafe. The atmosphere is very interesting and the menu is limited. The lighting can be dim in some areas. Service was outstanding. Our lunch of green chile cheese burgers, fries and onion rings were quickly served. The green chile cheeseburgers were delicious, but I have had better ones in New Mexico. The fries and onion rings were just okay.
(3)Christopher S.
Random stop between Las Cruces and Colorado; pretty good and inexpensive. Got the green chile cheeseburger with fries and they were quite decent. Ambiance is total dive bar with lots of character. I guess they host some police convention nearby because there are ton of unit patches decorate the walls, as well as dollar bills with hand written notes. Not a ton of options on the menu (breakfast eggs and bacon, steak and some other offerings) but the food came out quick. Cleanliness is average to below average so just be prepared for the worst. Nice break during a long drive and there's quite a bit of history on the walls if you take the time to read them. Definitely recommend a stop if you are passing by!
(4)Danielle S.
I love owls. I also love burgers. This place was the perfect combination. Especially because they are known for their award-winning green chili cheeseburger. (Altho, I didn't order one.) This place is a total dive bar/restaurant in a semi-ghost town somewhere in the desert of New Mexico. Do not let this discourage you from stopping. The burger was made with fresh ground beef (you can tell by the distinct, imperfect, non-round shape of the patty) and thrown together with all the fixin's (if that's your thing). They are big, juicy, and definitely hit the spot. If spicy is your thing, definitely order the chili burger, but be prepared for the potential digestive aftermath. On a non-edible note: this place is STOCKED with owl-related items. Statues, pictures, paintings, carvings. You name it - they have it. I adore owls, at a somewhat unhealthy level, and ended up asking the waitress if the owner would be willing to sell one particularity cute owl to me. Surprisingly, she considered it, and said she would, had that specific one not been a gift. I give them the 5th star for entertaining my odd request.
(5)Angie M.
I thought the burger was just ok - nothing great that was worth putting my kids through hunger just to drive out and try this place out. Burgers were really small - we even thought they were kids meals. Fries were good but not included in the price which made the meal a little over-priced in my opinion. Nachos supreme were tiny and made with recycled ground beef. Sorry but this place was not all its hyped up to be. Can definitely get a much much better burger somewhere else! Waitress was very friendly.
(2)Kris S.
Best cheeseburger available in San Antonio, New Mexico at 7:45 pm on a Saturday night. That said, if you are traveling northbound on I-25 and have a package of Funyuns and some beef jerky on hand, keep pushing on to better dining options in the Duke City. Searching for an interesting dive bar? Don't miss this place!
(2)J. S.
This is a cozy, well-worn dive bar that seems to pack in the crowds, but I don't get the hype. The green chile cheeseburger was a hot, sloppy mess, indifferently slapped together and served on a too-small plate that left me hankering for utensils. The mayo seemed unnecessary, and the pickles did nothing but mask the green chile. That said, the burger was tasty. But not remarkably so. A guilty pleasure? Perhaps, but in a state where you can order red or green chile on practically anything, these unjustifiably famous burgers aren't worth a detour.
(2)Jes A.
This is a historic greasy-spoon, not a gourmet burger-joint. You aren't going to enjoy it if you don't realize this basic truth. The ambiance is great. No windows, dimly lit, locals lining the bar... very small-town-bar-in-New-Mexicoish. The bartender greeted me from behind the long, well-provisioned bar to the right of the entrance. She said I could sit wherever I liked, I liked the tall-backed booths to my left, so that's where I sat. The waitress was there really quickly. I guess I looked like a tourist, she knew I wanted the Green Chile Cheeseburger, fries and a drink. My drink was out almost immediately. The fries were dropped off a short time later by some kitchen-helper-type guy, followed by the waitress with the burger. Now, here's the thing, these are greasy burgers, smashed flat while cooking, topped with a slice of american cheese, served with green chile, iceberg lettuce and tomato (I get mine with mustard instead of mayo.) You will have to eat it fast, before the green chile reduces your bottom bun to mush. I freaking love it... had my first when I was 17 and still make it a point to stop in whenever I'm nearby. Anyhow, my point is, this is not where you go for a grilled-to-order patty topped with blue cheese crumbles and organic bacon. If that's what you want, there's some stuff in Soccorro, a few miles north on I-25 where you'll be happier. Oh... the fries rocked. I will be back next time I can justify a trip that far south.
(4)James G.
I love you Owl Bar. They have better burgers than the Buckhorn and their green chile cheese fries are awesome. The green chile cheese burger is better with mustard, rather than the default mayo. I read the reviews saying to go to the Buckhorn...all I can say is try them both and you'll see why I recommend the Owl Bar.
(4)Jordana G.
What a disappointment :( My sister lived in Albuquerque for 10 years and swore that we had to eat at the Owl in San Antonio. It was horrid. I generally love hole in the wall places, but not when the food sucks. The service was abysmal. The green chile cheeseburgers were definitely hand formed, but flavorless and resting on a lame wonderbread bun. It was not a good value for the money, either. I won't be back. I guess this place was really great a long time ago, but not now. Maybe the people who like it now don't know what a good green chile cheeseburger tastes like. I think Lot a Burger's green chile cheeseburger is probably better.
(1)Ben I.
I was on a bicycle trip passing through New Mex when I heard about this place from this book. hamburgeramerica.com/ha_… It was in my route and after a 93 mile day I made it there after passing the long stretch of canyon to its east. After a day like this anything seems to taste good, so if I would have rated it at a 5 there could be some bias to my rating. When I got the burger it looked perfect. Look at the picture I uploaded. Just to bad I could not taste the burger after the first bite becuase the green chilis were so hot. As for the other things: Hamburger was a ok price. $5.95 If I remember right. The Fries were over priced. $2.95, for a very small portion. And the fries came out 4 minutes before the burger. Service was good. Atmosphere is very dark and moving from the desert sun to this adobe building with no windows takes a while for you eyes to dilate. Walking out of the place I felt like I wasted $10. Except I could say I had been there and done that, but ten dollars is a high price to be able to say that.
(3)Barb O.
All I can say is 'don't bother'. We had planned to eat here on our way to see the sand hill cranes and pulled into the parking lot. Perhaps the lack of windows on the building would have been a tip off, but we thought - diamond in the rough - how hard is it to cook a great burger? Forget the lack of ambiance - everyone was certainly friendly enough - we just wanted the great green chili cheese burger touted on their website, in the reviews. Either things have changed - like the cook - or this never was much of a burger. Go spend your $5.50 a burger elsewhere.
(1)Danny Q.
Living very nearby in Socorro while in school we would periodically go to the Owl for the food. I have been there about 5 times and each time was mediocre, overpriced, and the portions were not very good. The fifth and final time I went there I, and my whole family, got food poisoning. While everyone has their bad days, I just can't bring myself to go there anymore. When we told them we had all gotten sick, and the Owl Bar was the only restaurant we had all ate at, they quickly denied it. Go at your own risk!
(1)Zoe L.
My expectations were way too high for this place after I'd seen it on national "best hamburger" lists in a couple magazines. I will no longer take recommendations from those lists. It's a dark, unfriendly (not chatty or smiley) bar restaurant that seems tired of catering to travelers driving through town. Burgers are just ok and the mediocre fries cost $3 for a small paper boat of fries!! I thought the burgers were still better than fast food, but my partner said he'd rather have a Jack-in-the-Box burger. Definitely not worth going out of your way to test the hype. Will not return. Next door is a gas station that sells an assortment of fudge flavors; across the street is a small produce market where you can buy chiles (roasted or not).
(2)Frank S.
Ok, We saw the Throwdown with Bobby Flay where he took on the owner of the place across the street (Buckhorn) from the Owl. We were on a road trip, arriving in town at 8PM on a Friday night. At 7:50PM we called to see of the Buckhorn was open - and they said no - they close at 7:50PM. Ok fine - so we tried the Owl. They were open, and wanted our business. It had been a long enough day at work, and we were hungry - hungry for a darn good green chile cheeseburger - dangit! The Owl came to the rescue! The burgers were good, I am guessing locally raised beef judging by taste and quality. I love Day's Burgers in LC, and these were a little better. We also had green chile cheese fries - not as good as the ones at the High Desert Brewing Co. in Las Cruces, but good for a hungry traveler. Overall, food was good, service good, and it was nice to be in a homey, small town restaurant for the first time in years. The atmosphere was a fun change, reminding me of the tiny town where I lived as a teenager. Next time we are hungry in San Antonio - I lean toward going back to the Owl. Yes, I am curious about the folks who beat B.F. but hey, pickled onions on a green chile cheeseburger? A number of southern NM joints could have kicked B.F.'s arse with that performance! The closing at 7:50PM thing kind of irked me - we tried to leave LC in time to get to Buckhorn after we got off work, and to miss out by such a small window of time is irritating!
(4)Kevin I.
Geez I hate doing this. This place used to be really, really good. I'd drive up here (75 miles) just for a green chile cheese burger. They were GREAT! Unfortunately, that's "were" as in not any more. The last couple of times I've eaten here the pickles had that stale, nasty pungent smell that stays with you the whole day. And the last time I ate here the burger meat itself tasted like it had been soaking in stale water for a week. YUCK! I may come back, but it'll be a while before I try it again. What a shame. I guess I'll just go across the street to the Buckhorn and hope it's open (the Buckhorn is always closed when I drive through town).
(1)Ruey S.
Famous? For what! The margeritas suck the bathroom was out of service, the chili cheese burger had to be choked down and the service was as to be expected considering the the rest of the regretable experience. Just say no!
(1)Sherry T.
Fantastic green chile cheese burgers and fries!
(5)UncleJim S.
The service was atrocious at best. After the fries were delivered and eaten the burgers came out. The burgers were just ok. Not worth the stop. Keep searching down the road
(2)Mark G.
the best burgers in the world. service was a little salty (almost dirty looks salty). fries were horrible. but the burgers, oh my.
(4)MrB R.
As most know there are two options in this tiny village. We tried the Owl based on what folks we know in Albuquerque and Las Cruces had to say about which was best. Quite honestly this place was saved from only one star by the fact that the food was at least edible. The feel of the place could be fun and the bar has an interesting story but quite frankly it is much too dark and we were left feeling it was all a bit less than clean - the better lit restroom didn't dispel that feeling. The service was quick but not particularly great. We went for the green chili cheese burgers and onion rings. The onion rings were decent and hot as the cook brought them out just after they were fried though we sort of expected them to be served with the burgers which came later. The problem was more with the burgers, couldn't tell if it was decent meat or not with so much stuff on them (not just the cheese and green chili). The wonder bread soft rolls added nothing and disintegrated pretty much right away - yuck - and to make matters worst our waitress carried our two plates stacked on top of each other resulting in one squished burger! In the end we felt like our lunch was pretty much thrown at us and that nobody cared if we actually enjoyed our meal.
(2)Jarrod L.
It's been many years since I've been here, but my experience then was so bad I've never gone back even though I used to live just a few miles away. I'd heard rave reviews about the green chile cheese burgers and had to try them. My and my companions' burgers were small, dry and overcooked. It just wasn't worth the small effort of going and waiting for a table.
(2)Daniel C.
I have enjoyed the original more than the others, although they are all good. A green chili cheeseburger like no other.
(5)Boyd C.
Known for their Green Chili Cheeseburger, the Owl is a place to stop if you need a quick bite to eat. The food is good, the green chili has a bit of kick to it and the service is friendly. The decor resembles TexAZ grill in Phoenix. Between the Buckhorn or the Owl, I preferred the Owl. The green chili was delicious and had a good deal of "kick" to it!
(4)David J.
I finally made it back to the good old Owl Bar in San Antonio, NM. I grew up where a sojourn there was required to be a considered a real New Mexicano! You see...this place has amazing Green Chile Cheeseburgers and although there are many imitators there can be only one! The homemade peppered beef patties smothered with fresh green chile's and cheese was stupendous and brought back joyous recollections of why it was such a treat to dine there as a child and teen. It only took me 15 years to get back...I must be a moron. The owner, Rowena Baca, and her gracious staff were friendly and really wonderful people that deserve their success. Sure, this place has been featured on Food Network and various other magazines and programs, but nothing has gone to their heads. One interesting side note, the bar was from the original Hilton Hotel! Conrad Hilton was born in this charming Hispanic village on the Rio Abajo. A fancy Hilton old wood bar for a nuthin fancy country tavern serving the best hamburguesa con queso y chile this side of the Pecos!
(5)