The Best Burgers in Santa Fe
Santa Fe may be famous for its authentic New Mexican food, but every once in a while you just need to chow down on a good burger. Luckily, Santa Fe has options in that department, too. Many local restaurants pride themselves in their green chile cheeseburgers, a New Mexico classic featuring smoky, spicy Hatch green chile. We’re partial to a laid-back summer afternoon hike, followed by burgers and fries at one of the city’s many excellent burger joints. Bonus points for cool patio dining and locally brewed beer!
Burger Joints in the City Different
Best to-go burger: Blake’s Lotaburger
Best green chile cheese burger: Second Street Brewery
Best fries: The Burger Stand
1. Second Street Brewery
Where to find them:
Railyard location: 1607 Paseo De Peralta #10, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Second street location: 1814 2nd St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Rufina taproom: 2920 Rufina St, Santa Fe, NM 87507
What to get: Alien Burger, 2920 IPA
Originally located on the eponymous Second Street, Second Street Brewery has now expanded to include three different locations in Santa Fe, including one at the Railyard and one on up-and-coming Rufina Street on the south side. All three locations are great spots to grab a cool drink and a bite to eat, but the Railyard location is a pleasant half-mile walk from downtown if you’re looking to fill up on good food after a day of sightseeing. We recommend trying the Alien Burger, which is topped with chile-jack cheese, smoked bacon, stout queso, Hatch green chile, crispy fried onions, guacamole, and chipotle mayo, and quenching your thirst with the 2920 IPA (or whatever other seasonal brew strikes your fancy.)
2. The Burger Stand
Where to find them: 207 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
What to get: Classic burger with a side of duck fat fries
The Burger Stand has a simple premise: good burgers, good beer, and a comfortable, no-fuss atmosphere perfect for grabbing a drink with friends or having dinner with the whole family. While burgers are their main fare, they also offer vegan and vegetarian options including falafel, shitake mushroom burgers, salads, and more. They have a variety of local craft brews on tap, and malts and milkshakes if you’re in the mood for something sweet. Their spacious patio features string lights, picnic tables, and a secret-garden vibe in the middle of the city. For an authentic Burger Stand experience, we recommend the Classic burger with a side of irresistible duck fat fries.
3. Blake’s Lotaburger
Where to find them:
404 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
2004 St Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87501
3200 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
2820 W Zia Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
4706 Airport Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
What to get: Lotaburger with green chile and cheese
Blake’s Lotaburger is a local New Mexico chain serving up old-fashioned burgers and fries since 1952. They now have 90 locations in New Mexico, including five in Santa Fe. Their menu is composed of simple, satisfying fare: burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and breakfast burritos. Their burgers are the perfect fast and easy lunch to fuel up with during a busy day in Santa Fe!
4. Violet Crown
Where to find them: 1606 Alcaldesa St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
What to get: Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries
In the mood for dinner and a show? Located in the Railyard District of Santa Fe, Violet Crown is an indie movie theater showing both the latest hits and indie films. They offer a full menu, including a delicious burger and fries, along with a truly impressive rotating selection of craft beer on tap. You can enjoy dinner before the movie, or take your meal into the theater with you.
5. Del Charro
Where to find them: 101 W Alameda St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
What to get: Stuffed green chile cheeseburger, Santa Fe Trail Margarita
Del Charro is a fixture of downtown Santa Fe, serving up classic bar food for locals and tourists alike. They’re located next door to (and owned and operated by) the Inn of the Governors. Del Charro is a great place to stop for a casual meal, meet up for drinks with friends, or just come to grab a bit and enjoy the “old west” ambiance. For lunch or dinner, we recommend the stuffed green chile cheeseburger, featuring fresh ground beef with chipotle BBQ sauce, smoked bacon, NM autumn-roasted green chile, and gorgonzola cheese with house-made green chile relish. For drinks, we recommend the Santa Fe Trail Margarita, with Del Charro Double Barrel Tequila Reposada from Casa Herradura infused with Hatch Chiles for a light spicy bite, agave triple sec and sweet n’ sour mix.
6. Cowgirl
Where to find them: 319 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
What to get: The “mother of all green chile cheeseburgers,” buffalo burger
While Santa Fe may be better known for its New Mexican food than for its BBQ, Cowgirl doesn’t disappoint. They offer a wide selection of American comfort food, including delicious old-fashioned burgers and fries. During the warmer months, they have an expansive patio with frequent live music. We recommend their green chile cheeseburger, ambitiously dubbed “the mother of all green chile cheeseburgers,” or their buffalo burger if you’re looking for something a little different. If you’re visiting in the fall, they also have a great Oktoberfest menu!
7. El Parasol
Where to find them:
1833 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
298 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508
What to get: Hamburger with cheese, green chile, and double meat
El Parasol is another local chain that offers a blend of New Mexican and American cuisines, with two locations in Santa Fe as well as spots in nearby Espanola and Los Alamos. Be sure to call ahead and pick up your order at the drive-thru to skip waiting in line. While El Parasol’s tacos and burritos are delicious, their green chile cheeseburger is one of the best in the game - so much so that they’re even a featured stop on New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail. Their burgers are on the thin side, so we recommend ordering one with double the meat for extra deliciousness.
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