Hello dear
Nestled on US-380 in San Antonio, New Mexico, Buckhorn Tavern stands out as a hidden gem worth the visit. Known for its exceptional, freshly made burgers—particularly the renowned green chili cheeseburger—this tavern draws rave reviews from satisfied customers. Diners consistently praise the warm, friendly service and the satisfying flavors that elevate each bite. The inviting yet rustic atmosphere adds to the charm, with patrons enjoying local craft beers alongside crispy fries and onion rings. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Buckhorn Tavern promises a delightful dining experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.
About
Welcome to Buckhorn Tavern, a hidden gem nestled at 68 US-380 in San Antonio, New Mexico. This rustic establishment may not be on the way to anywhere in particular, but for burger enthusiasts, it's a destination worth every mile. With a reputation that precedes it, Buckhorn Tavern serves up some of the best burgers in the Southwest, including their famed green chili cheeseburger.
The moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warm smiles of a dedicated staff who pour their passion into every plate. The atmosphere is charmingly aged, with a no-frills, down-to-earth vibe that invites comfort and relaxation. Guests rave about the quick service, even when the restaurant is bustling with customers eager to taste the culinary delights that await.
The Buckhorn Burger is the star of the show, often described as "the best" by patrons like Brian C., who compared it to even Bobby Flay's creations. The fresh ground meat is expertly cooked to perfection, topped with just the right amount of spicy green chili. This blend of quality ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that Burger aficionados simply can't resist. Accompanying the meal, the fresh-cut fries are a must-try, crispy on the outside yet fluffy within, providing the perfect complement to your burger indulgence.
Not only does Buckhorn Tavern satisfy your cravings, but it also offers a glimpse into local culture with a selection of souvenirs and regional goods available for browsing while your food is prepared. Customers like Deanna Lopez highlight the experience with tantalizing dishes, from classic fries to onion rings, adding to the feast.
For those embarking on a road trip or simply looking for a delightful dining experience, Buckhorn Tavern proves to be a worthy stop. As Raine Sorrows puts it, this establishment is home to “one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.” For a taste of fresh, made-to-order meal that reflects the heart of New Mexican cuisine and hospitality, Buckhorn Tavern is where memories are made, and appetites are satisfied. With so many heartfelt reviews echoing the same sentiment, it’s clear that this tavern is a culinary haven waiting to be discovered and revisited again and again.
“ One of the best burgers I’ve ever had. The owner and his staff are extremely friendly. Food was fresh made and quick to come out despite how busy they were. Next time I go I’m definitely buying a shirt to take home with me. ”
“ 4-28-25 This place is not on the way to anywhere, but the food was worth the trip. As stated in other reviews, the exterior is deceiving. I had the Buckhorn Burger (green chili cheeseburger) that beat Bobby Flay. Having eaten 3 different versions of the GCC in the last 30 hours, this is easily the best I’ve had. You can taste the fresh ground meat, and it was cooked perfectly. The chili topping is spicy but not crazy. The fresh cut fries were spectacular, washed down with a couple ice cold, local craft beers. The sweet, friendly gal serving us ran her tail off to make sure we wanted for nothing. And they have a small selection of souvenirs and local goods to browse while your food cooks. The building is aged and dingy, dark inside even. But the food and service makes all that forgettable. I recommend this restaurant. ”
“ Amazing burgers! I have passed by here for years either too early or too late to catch them open but will probably drive out here just to from now on! ”
“ I had heard this place had great food, and everyone was right! My hamburger with green chile and my boyfriends American melt were delicious. We decided to try both the onion rings and fries, and they were also very good. The bottled Dr. Pepper was the cherry on top. Highly recommend and will definitely return. ”
“ I discovered this place by chance during a road trip, and it turned out to be an incredible experience. Despite being busy, the servers were friendly, and the green chile burger was absolutely delicious—Koreans would love it for sure! ”
“ Classic dive bar and the 7th best green chili burger in America!!!! If you’re driving through, stop and get some great eats and brews. Seriously fresh bun and fries, excellent and way above what’s expected at 4 pm in the middle of small town, New Mexico. Came back again, so fresh! Fresh fries, fresh burger. Delicious beer! Wonderful staff. If this place was near a city it’d be slammed non stop. Absolutely love it! ”
“ This place looks very small from the outside and easy to miss, but we were so glad we chose to eat here. The food was delicious and the service was great! My husband had the buckhorn burger (famous green chile burger) and I had the sourdough melt burger (cheddar, havarti, grilled onions on thick sourdough toast) it was amazing! We also got fries and onion rings. All good. Great place to stop for a bite after visiting the Bosque del Apache wildlife refuge. ”
“ At first I thought there was a little hype with "world's 7th best burger", but after dining at the Buckhorn I'd have to agree! Fresh ground meat, grilled perfect, just a hint of pink in the center, and a 1/2 pound patty! The fries are made from freshly peeled potatoes, sliced and fried to order, excellent as well. This is a down home restaurant where the quality speaks for itself. You can taste the pride they put into preparing their meals. ”