One of the great restaurant origin stories in New Mexico history traces itself to a small grocery store in the town of San Antonio, New Mexico, 90 miles south of Albuquerque. The year was 1945 and Dee and Frank Chavez were running a bar in the store owned by Dee’s father.
In response to a sudden influx of new customers — scientists from the Manhattan Project who were in the area preparing for a nuclear test at the nearby missile range — the Chavezes installed a grill and served up cheeseburgers topped with local green chile. The scientists were smitten, and the Owl Cafe was born. It would go on to become one of the most acclaimed burger joints in the country.
Still iconic: New management, same good service and reliable dishes at Owl Cafe
Huevos Rancheros, one of the all-day breakfast specials at Owl Cafe, with red chile on the side.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
The Owl Cafe stands on the east side of Eubank Boulevard near Interstate 40.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
Owlchiladas, a variation on enchiladas with creamy green chile chicken sauce over a stack of corn tortillas.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
Owl Cafe’s famous Green Chile Cheeseburger with sweet potato fries.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
A complimentary bowl of beans and green chile starts every meal at Owl Cafe.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
Two Owl Cafe shakes: Banana Rama, left, and Chocolate.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
A jukebox at the entrance to Owl Cafe.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
Every booth at Owl Cafe has its own jukebox.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
More than 100 owl figurines decorate the dining room at Owl Cafe.
Richard S. Dargan / For the Journal
The dining room at Owl Cafe looks much the same as it did under previous ownership.
