Santa Fe Foodies

Where the Locals Go

Green Chile Cheeseburgers

New Mexico is famous for its green chile cheeseburgers. You could argue that the green chile cheeseburger is New Mexico’s unofficial dish. It may have been invented at the famous Owl Bar & Cafe in 1945, though no one can say for sure. But you’d be hard-pressed to come up with a single recipe representing this dish because there are as many versions of it as there are New Mexico restaurants that serve it. With so many places that prepare a fitting tribute to the GCCB, we can’t list them all. Below are recommendations from the Santa Fe Foodies group.​

 

  • Horseman’s Haven—The Land of Enchantment is full of many treasures, but the greatest of all is definitely our chile. Whether it be, red, green, or Christmas style (half red and half green), chile sauce is topped on every New Mexican dish and makes it a thousand times better. The general consensus is that the spiciest green chile in all of New Mexico can be found at this unassuming cafe, and you need to try it for yourself. This place might not look like much from the outside, but inside is a world of spicy flavor that will have you coming back time and time again. Whether it be a green chile cheeseburger or a smothered burrito, the green chile sauce is piled high and one of a kind. This green chile is as hot as it gets, so beginners beware.

  • Luminaria—Recognized as the 2021 Edible Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown Finalist, this is a top GCCB.

  • The Mineshaft Tavern—The MadChile Burger is so darn good it won the People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Santa Fe Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown. With three meat selections, as well as a veggie option, the Mine Shaft’s burger is already a step above most offerings. But, it’s the green chile that seals the deal. The MadChile Burger is not only slathered with a rich, spicy green chile, it is also capped with an entire deep-fried pepper.

  • Santa Fe Bite—Bite into history and one of the best burgers you will ever chow down on! The former owners of Bobcat Bite, Bonnie and John Eckre rebranded Santa Fe Bite and relocated to a strip center off St. Michael’s (after leaving the Garrett’s Desert Inn). Their fan base continues to roll in for a green chile cheeseburger and fries just like the old days. 

Become a Patron

Support Santa Fe Foodies!
$ 19
99 Billed yearly
  • Full Unlocked Features
  • 240 Restaurants
  • 190 Categories
  • 40+ Food Trucks
  • Benefits and discounts include-25% off HORNO appetizers, 20% off The Artisan’s Bottega, 10% off Dinner For Two, 10% off Mille crepes, 10% all Fusion Tacos orders, 10% off all Jesushi orders, 10% off all MacSanta Fe orders, and many more!

Unlock Full Restaurant Guide Features

Restaurant Hours, Website Links, Phone Numbers, Directions, Google Maps & More

Monthly
Members

$ 2
99
Per Month
  • 50+ Food Trucks
  • 182 Categories
  • 217 Restaurants
  • Full Unlocked Features

Visitors
Weekly

$ 9
99
Per Week
  • 50+ Food Trucks
  • 182 Categories
  • 217 Restaurants
  • Full Unlocked Features
  • Discounts & Deals to
    20+ Restaurants
    & Food Trucks
Popular

Website Launch Discount

$ 19
99
First Year
  • 50+ Food Trucks
  • 182 Categories
  • 217 Restaurants
  • Full Unlocked Features
  • Discounts & Deals to
    20+ Restaurants
    & Food Trucks
Popular

Participating Restaurants and Food Trucks Include

  • Bo’s Authentic Thai Food Truck
  • Chomp Full Bar
  • Fetch Delivery
  • Hidden Mountain Brewing
  • Horno
  • IL Encanto Italian Food Truck
  • Jesushi Sushi Food Truck
  • Mille French Cafe & Creperie
  • Monkey’s Food Truck
  • Poki Tako Food Truck
  • Santa Fe Oxygen Bar
  • Sweet Santa Fe
  • The Artisans Bodega
  • The Mineshaft Tavern