Santa Fe Restaurants | A Guide to Green Chile Cheeseburgers

The Best Green Chile Cheeseburger in Santa Fe

Nothing captures the essence of New Mexico cuisine like a green chile cheeseburger. While no one knows exactly who first paired green chile with a grilled patty, this iconic dish rose to fame during the golden age of Route 66, becoming a beloved staple of roadside diners across the state.

A truly great green chile cheeseburger is all about balance — where the smoky heat of roasted green chile meets the creamy richness of melted cheese and the juicy perfection of a well-cooked patty. Add the crunch of a toasted bun and thoughtful toppings like bacon, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce, and you’ve got a masterpiece of taste and texture.

This quintessential New Mexico flavor has become a culinary calling card, drawing food lovers from far and wide. For many, it’s more than just a dish — it’s a taste of home.

When Santa Fe’s green chile cheeseburgers feel like home to you, why not make it official? Discover your ideal home base with property listings from Ricky Allen and Tara Earley.

Where to Find the Best Green Chile Cheeseburgers in Santa Fe

The New Mexico green chile cheeseburger is a treasure found in restaurants across the state, but Santa Fe holds a special place for burger lovers. From smoky and spicy to rich and savory, each restaurant puts its own creative spin on this classic, making it a must-try experience for anyone visiting or calling the city home.

If you’re a true foodie — or just someone who appreciates a great burger — you’ll love exploring New Mexico’s official Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail. This guide showcases the state’s top spots, chosen by locals who know their burgers best.

For longtime Santa Fe resident Ricky Allen, green chile cheeseburgers speak to the soul of New Mexico. After tasting his way through the city’s best, he invites you to dive in and discover your favorites. Who knows? You might even find your new go-to burger joint in the process.

Atrisco

At the family-owned Atrisco Cafe & Bar, the Green Chile Cheeseburger Deluxe is a true homage to local flavors. This mouthwatering creation begins with six ounces of New Mexico grass-fed ground beef, cooked and seasoned perfectly and topped with your choice of melted cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese. Freshly roasted New Mexico green chile is generously piled on, delivering that signature kick of flavor.

For those who love the classics, tomato, lettuce, and onions come on the side, ready for you to customize your burger just the way you like it. And no green chile cheeseburger is complete without a side of house-cut fries.

Boxcar

Boxcar’s burger menu is comprehensive and packed with mouth-watering options. You could, for example, try the bison burger, the Black & Blue Burger with smoked bacon, blue cheese, and black pepper aioli, or the R.I.P. Burger topped with a jalapeño popper, guacamole, onion rings, and cheddar cheese.

When green chile is calling your name, the Norteno Burger with New Mexico Hatch green chile and melted cheddar cheese steals the show. Pair it with Parmesan truffle fries, and you’ve got a perfect match.

Don’t forget to check out the house-made deep-fried pickle chips, served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce — because who can resist fried pickles?

Cowgirl

When hunger strikes with a vengeance, head to Cowgirl BBQ and order the aptly named “Mother” — the Mother of all Green Chile Cheeseburgers.

A fan favorite and winner of the Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown’s People’s Choice award, this masterpiece features a secret blend of grilled beef and local buffalo, applewood-smoked bacon, melted brie, truffled green chile, and a slice of heirloom tomato. All these flavors are stacked on a cheddar-green chile bun for an unforgettable bite. Hand-cut truffle fries are served on the side. . . if you’ve got room.

Del Charro

Del Charro Saloon at the Inn of the Governors serves up a decadent twist with its Stuffed Green Chile Cheeseburger. It features locally sourced ground beef topped with house-made chipotle BBQ sauce, then stuffed with applewood-smoked bacon, green chile, and Gorgonzola cheese. To top it off, you’ll get a side of house-made green chile relish for an extra kick.

For a more traditional take, try Del Charro’s New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger. Made with local grass-fed beef, Hatch green chile, and local cheddar cheese, it’s a classic that never disappoints.

Whichever you choose, one thing’s for sure — you’ll leave feeling stuffed.

El Farol

Savor a fantastic green chile cheeseburger at El Farol, one of Santa Fe’s most historic and iconic restaurants. Known for its traditional tapas and Spanish entrées, El Farol also serves up a delicious green chile cheeseburger that’s not to be missed.

For an extra-special evening, visit on a Friday or Saturday and enjoy your meal alongside a mesmerizing flamenco dinner show. Delicious food and world-class entertainment: it’s a Santa Fe experience like no other.

Joe’s Dining

Joe’s Dining, known for its commitment to local ingredients, offers a remarkable selection of flavorful burgers crafted with local grass-fed beef. Options include a Hawaiian-inspired burger with pineapple, ham, and teriyaki sauce, or the Pizza Burger, topped with grilled pepperoni, pizza sauce, and house-made fresh mozzarella.

For something unique, try the Greek Lamb Burger, featuring Tucumcari feta, Kalamata olives, and tzatziki. But if green chile is calling your name, their green chile cheeseburger won’t disappoint. Made with local La Mont’s buffalo, it’s rich, hearty, and topped with local green chile and sharp cheddar cheese. Served on a brioche bun from Fano, every detail is thoughtfully local.

Prefer grass-fed beef instead? No problem — you can customize it. Either way, you’re in for one heck of a burger.

La Plazuela

Did you know the original Route 66 once passed right by the historic La Fonda on the Plaza? From 1926 to 1937, the famed highway ran past this landmark, making it a perfect place to enjoy a green chile cheeseburger steeped in history. At La Plazuela, the hotel’s restaurant, you can enjoy a meal that’s not only flavorful but also part of the celebrated Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, a true double delight.

La Plazuela’s burger features fresh-ground Black Angus beef, topped with green chile and your choice of smoked cheddar, American, or Swiss cheese. Served on toasted Telera bread, a traditional crusty Mexican bread, it’s a flavorful experience that’s both historic and satisfying.

Mine Shaft

Out in Madrid (New Mexico, not Spain!), the Mine Shaft Tavern’s green chile cheeseburger is so outstanding that not only is it included on New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, it also won a People’s Choice award from the Santa Fe Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown.

Known as the Mad Chile Burger, this standout features a half-pound of Black Angus chuck and Hatch green chile prepared two ways: roasted and chopped, plus a battered and fried whole chile for extra flavor. Add aged cheddar cheese and chipotle Dijonnaise, all served on a toasted brioche bun. You’d be mad to leave even a crumb behind.

Santa Fe Bite

Santa Fe Bite is world-famous for their green chile cheeseburgers — and for good reason. The buns are perfectly toasted, the meat is precisely seasoned, and every bite is a testament to their expertise. But what truly sets these burgers apart is how they’re cooked.

Using an old, cast-iron cooktop set to the ideal temperature, they achieve spot-on results every time. Whether you order your burger medium-rare or well-done, you’ll get exactly what you asked for, something few places can truly master.

Different Ways to Judge and Dress a Green Chile Cheeseburger

Having green chile on the menu is a foundation of Santa Fe’s culinary identity, offering a flavor profile that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. Hatch green chile, known for its robust taste, is the go-to choice for many. When judging a green chile cheeseburger, the chile’s flavor profile should take center stage.

Meat Choices

Beef is the classic foundation for most green chile cheeseburgers, but adventurous eaters can explore options like buffalo, lamb, or even ground turkey. Vegetarians aren’t left out either, as many restaurants offer veggie patties that pair beautifully with green chile. Whatever the meat, a skillfully cooked patty should have a flavorful char on the outside and a juicy interior, cooked perfectly to your liking.

Cheese Selection

Cheese plays a key role in the burger’s overall taste. Popular choices include pepper jack, American, sharp cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese. Each option brings its own unique flavor, so pick your favorite to complement the chile’s spice.

Buns and Toppings

The right presentation ties everything together. A toasted bun provides structure and a satisfying crunch, while toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, or even specialty additions such as bacon or avocado can elevate the experience. Ultimately, the perfect green chile cheeseburger is one that reflects your personal preferences while showcasing the bold flavors of New Mexico.

Savor the Flavor, Live the Lifestyle

For Ricky Allen, each bite tells a story of New Mexican tradition. As you enjoy this culinary staple, imagine making them a part of your everyday life. Let Ricky Allen and Tara Earley help you find the perfect home in Santa Fe, where you can engage with the flavors, culture, and beauty of this unique city.

Explore Ricky Allen Tara Earley Real Estate Group’s property listings today and take the first step toward living your best Santa Fe life.