If there is one thing us New Mexicans love more than green chile, it’s a green chile cheeseburger. The beloved topping, which is like the ketchup of New Mexico (only better), goes on many things, but nowhere is it better than atop a hot, fresh, juicy patty of beef and cheese. So, in honor of the green chile cheeseburger, here are six New Mexico restaurants at which you can get a killer GCC:
ALBUQUERQUE
Rex’s Hamburgers
5555 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 837-2827
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but never judge a burger joint by its flimsy red and white sign. Inside Rex’s unassuming shopping center walls are hand-portioned patties from heaven. The beef is thick and juicy, but not greasy, and their green chile has the perfect balance of kick and flavor. Also, ONION RINGS. Get them.
BELEN
Circle T Drive-In
625 E Reinken Ave, Belen, NM 87002
(505) 864-2929
You know a place has a good green chile cheeseburger when customers return in spite of the service. The ladies of Circle T Drive-In in Belen are notorious for chatting up a storm while they make and take your order, but don’t let that dissuade you from trying the GGC at this local institution, it is what Circle T is known for.
LAS VEGAS
Blake’s Lotaburger
2302 N 7th St, Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505) 425-8460
www.lotaburger.com
California has In-N-Out, New Mexico has Lotaburger. All Blake’s Lotaburger patties are made from certified Angus beef, the buns are always soft, and the lettuce and tomato are always fresh. The spiciness of the green chile depends on the day, but regardless, you can always expect a good kick.
LOS LUNAS
Benny’s II
1503 Main St, Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2255
The green chile cheeseburger at Benny’s II in Los Lunas is king, literally. The “King Benny” burger is a local celebrity. The restaurant’s atmosphere is low key, for sure, so don’t expect top-notch ambiance or anything. Do expect an awesome burger, though.
RIO RANCHO
Rodeo Burgers
900 36th Pl SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-8386
www.nmrodeoburgers.com
Ride your pony right up to the window at Rodeo Burgers, Rio Rancho’s best joint for green chile cheeseburgers. Just kidding, don’t do that. It’s probably not sanitary…What you should do though, is order Rodeo’s Cowboy Burger, a hefty delight of meat, green chile, bell pepper, spam, and bacon (just add cheese). It’s probably a good thing you walk to the window to order—you’ll need some serious exercise after this burger.
SANTA FE
Five Star Burger
604 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-8977
www.5starburgers.com
Santa Fe is known for its worldly array of gourmet food, so it was hard choosing the City Different’s best place to get a killer green chile cheeseburger. Lumanaria, Second Street and Cowgirl are all contenders; however, Five Star Burger takes the crown. Their buns are airy on the inside, and firm (but not tough) on the outside. Five Star serves up hormone- and antibiotic-free angus beef, and the pepper jack cheese and green chile mayo they add on top make the burger even spicier (and more delicious). Wash down the heat with their stellar sweet potato fries.
You haven’t tried the “Big Mike” green chili burgers at “Big Mike’s Grill” in Rio Communities! Located at 2350 Hwy 47 (next to Allsups). They are large, juicy and just plain yummy! They easily beat the others.