Whenever I make the trip up to Albuquerque the big question is always whether I eat somewhere up there or stop in San Antonio to grab one of my favorite burgers. It can be super busy but for a small kitchen in a small place they manage to turn out a lot of food pretty quickly to handle a lot of customers. I've met people that have traveled from all over the country and stopped in because of the word of mouth. Everyone that eats there seems to be enjoying themselves and the staff is always pleasant. It's a good atmosphere and the food is delicious. read more

Again a great burger. And my wife had a delicious taco salad with moist chicken. Fast service. Interesting law enforcement patches on the walls. Worth the drive. Better than the Owl in my humble opinion. read more

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Great service and amazing food. Good selection of beer and a nice environment for food a drink.

An absolute place to stop by if you're passing through the area! This restaurant has one of the best burgers in New Mexico. The green chili cheeseburger is outstanding and also filling. The service was very friendly too. I would definitely come here again! read more

Both indoor and covered outdoor seating available. Tried the Buckhorn Burger since it's rated #7 best burger in the country and yeah, that patty is legit. Bun was pretty standard though, but overall worth the price and trip. Nothing comes with the burger, so I ordered a side of fries and they were super oily and not particularly crispy or seasoned. Others in my group were similarly unimpressed with the onion rings. Would come back for the burger but nothing else. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Buckhorn Burger with side of fries - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

I came here with a work group while we were staying in the area, and it is definitely one of the best options nearby. It had been recommended by others, and I'm really glad we made the (short) trip out here. It looks very unassuming from the outside, but has a warm atmosphere inside and seems to be a very popular spot for both locals and visitors. Thankfully we got here early on a Wednesday night, because the place is not huge and the inside filled up quickly... people were being advised of waits. There was an outdoor eating area, but it was snowing... I took a chance and ordered a wine-based margarita, having no idea what to expect. Holy moly is this drink delicious! I had three (I wasn't the driver)! Everybody in our party got the green chile burger and thought it was fantastic. I'm not a burger person, so I got a grilled chicken sandwich. They could make it on a role or on sourdough bread... I had to try the bread - it was really good! Nothing fancy about the sandwich, just yummy food that was well cooked. Our service throughout was lovely, and everybody was very kind and welcoming. If you're in the area, this is NOT a place to miss! read more

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The Buckhorn is a very popular restaurant in a remote and small community. So be prepared to wait a bit if there's a lot of customers. That being said it is definitely worth the wait. We love the chile and the handmade burgers. There's a reason they've won the awards! Try the Buckhorn Steak Burger, smothered. read more

Green Tavern New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge part 4 of 4 Since 1918, the Buckhorn Tavern has been feeding locals, hungry travelers, and visitors to the nearby Bosque del Apache with their tasty homemade food that includes their famous Buckhorn Burger. Their success hasn't gone unnoticed despite their humble middle-of-nowhere location, as their Buckhorn Burger was named one of America's Best Burgers--#7 to be exact--by GQ Magazine; #3 "Baddest Burger in the Land" by the Nightlife Flavor Roundup (Marlboro.com); #1 Burger in the West by Saveur Magazine; as well as countless features in publications like Everyday with Rachel Ray, Sunset Magazine, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and New Mexico Magazine, just to name a few. The grandson of the original owner, Bob Olguin, even beat Bobby Flay in an episode (S6:E12) of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." The Olguin family sold the business back in 2019 to some locals, but it's important to note that despite the ownership change, the recipes are still the same ones used by the original family and the quality and consistency continues to this day. While all the accolades are well and good, the final determination is to be done by yours truly, and (spoiler alert) the live up to the hype! Let's get to the goods: Green Chile Burger (aka The Buckhorn Burger): The Bun: Tasty artisanal bun is only about a step-down from homemade. 4/5 Green Chiles: Check! There's nothing to complain about here, as the chilies were delicious, seasoned well, and grilled to perfection. 5/5 Cheese: The NM standard for cheese is a slice--or three--of American cheese - and they got that right here. The cheese was melted perfectly and didn't overwhelm the burger or chilies. 5/5 Ancillary topping: The burger came with a minimum of toppings, just a slice of tomato and onion to pair with the copious amount of green chiles and massive burger. 4/5 Burger: By-far, the Buckhorn burger was the biggest pot of the four, weighing in at a whopping 1/2lb/ea. The seasonings in the beef were terrific and paired well with the chiles, as the burger on the whole was a harmonious meal. 5/5 Fries: Housemade fries and rings were outstanding; crispy, well-seasoned, and fried to perfection. 5/5 Conclusion: Overall, at 28 out of 30 points, the Buckhorn Burger holds its own against some weighty competition and comes away with my gold standard for Green Chile Cheeseburgers. Other observations: *Small dirt lot and some street parking *Outdoor dining *Local brews (can & bottle only) *Friendly service *Family-friendly Conclusion: Fantastic burger, terrific service, historic location, and tasty libations--what's not to like?! Highly recommended. read more

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I'm out here for work and drive by the Buckhorn Tavern daily when working. I've been here years ago, but this is the first time I've visited in over ten years. It did not disappoint and was as good as I remember from years ago! The green chile cheeseburger is a must if you've never been here before. I promise it will not disappoint! Also get the fries to accompany the meal. They are freshly cooked and crispy. The service was superb even though the place was busy and the ambiance is very casual. The chips and salsa are a great starter while you wait for your burgers to come out. The salsa has a small kick, but it is delicious! If you are in San Antonio New Mexico then do yourself a favor and stop in for a burger! read more

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Buckhorn was stop on our way to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Decided to stop for dinner as we didn't really know what options (if many or any at all) we would have in T or C late at night. The Buckhorn is a small place but don't fret, if the dining room is full, there is a few picnic tables outside that you can sit at as well. That's where we ended up. It was the first Friday night of October, temperature hadn't really dropped yet, to be honest it was still warm. We were greeted by flies. The norm when you sit outside, especially when they are swarming some hot fresh food! LOL We ordered the taco burgers, and of course, a green chile cheeseburger. That is was they are known for. Hell, apparently good 'ol Bobby Flay from the Food Network made an appearance here for the green chile cheeseburger, some maybe, ten years past or so. So we had to have it right? We also got an order of fries to share, along with an order of chips and salsa to start. So here's how it went down. As the sun went down, so did the flies. They traded places with the mosquitos! As I got eaten alive, our food found its way out. Everything is made to order. Even the tortilla chips are fried to order. The chips and salsa were delicious! Fresh salsa, and spicy too. Hot tortilla chips too. The taco burgers were hefty sized, but suuuper messy to eat. They fell apart when you picked them up. The green chile cheeseburger was, good. Nothing spectacular about it, to me, but it was good. The bun wasn't soggy on the bottom and the chile wasn't too hot. Actually, it wasn't really hot, at all. The salsa had more heat. The fries, we pretty good. I liked them more than my burger! They are cut and fried to order, not frozen. If you haven't stopped, check em out. They is long standing rivalry between them and the Owl Cafe across the street. Which do you like better? read more

Buckhorn Tavern - The freshly fried tortillas chips and salsa! 10/10! - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

After spending the morning touring the Trinity Site, we stopped here for a light lunch snack. Uh, big mistake. The famous "green chile cheeseburger" is not a snack. It's a half pound monster. Which is not to say that it isn't absolutely delicious. Quite busy with tourists today but probably not usually so busy, we waited a bit for a table and then placed our orders. The burger (with a basket of fries big enough to feed three hungry dudes) took 20 minutes. Worth it. Yeah, the reputation lives up to the quality. Delicious, perfectly cooked and topped with cheese and green chiles (and lettuce, tomato, onion). Yummy! [Review 21031 overall - 103 in New Mexico - 2016 of 2023.] read more

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This place used to be the best place for burgers. Customer service is very bad. It has gone downhill since the new owners took over read more

I'm so confused as to why this place doesn't have a higher review score. We were there today, were greeted with friendly smiles. Our waitress could not have been better. We got green chile cheeseburgers & fries. The burgers were generously sized. The meat was very well seasoned & cooked perfectly. The fries were also delicious. We'll be staying in the area for only 3 more days - - will return to the Buckhorn 2 or 3 more times, no doubt! read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Green chile cheeseburger ("Buckhorn Burger") & fries. Scrumptious! - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

Great place! Went to the Owl cafe and I truly hate to say this as I love the ABQ location, this place beats it hands down as to food. Had the green Chile burger. Beautiful and awesome. Someone said it fell apart in a review? Well so does In and Out. If you can only pick one place I would come back here no contest. Staff definitely excellent also. Really friendly and accommodating. And super cute decor. Try the Fred sauce on the smothered burrito. It's a mushroom sauce, one of those things you have to try. Also the onion rings are excellent, some of the best I've had, and I'm old! read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Green chile burger no cheese. Huge. And the amazing onion rings! - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

Really a zero rating due to: Never open since 2020. Tried again today 12/31/2025. Phone number does not work either. Front door always locked. Tried on the weekend, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday. Time to tell friends, move on and head over to the Owl Cafe! read more

We had the green chili cheeseburger and the American style burger with Texas toast. So good. The burgers are huge, and the prices are fantastic for what you get! Wait staff is friendly and attentive. A must stop when nearby! read more

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Buckhorn is famous for their burgers and they are delicious! This time I got a stacked grilled cheese very good they made it in a heart shape for Mother's Day. Buckhorn never disappoints the food it always good, service is always friendly. Passing through stop by. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Stacked grilled cheese, Onion rings, Chips and Salsa and fresh Ice Tea - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

I'm confident saying that this is the best green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico. The vibe and staff are great, too, and the outdoor space is really convenient. The only drawback is that the fresh cut fries and freshly ground beef means that when they're busy, it can be food. This is what REAL food means, folks. If you want frozen food tossed in a fryer because you really have somewhere to be (and you probably don't, because we're in the Land of Mañana), there are other options for you. read more

Outstanding green chili cheeseburger in a very cool location. This has been my favorite meal so far in New Mexico and my all-time favorite green chili cheeseburger. It's huge! And it's delicious! Super flavorful burger and the green chili was just right! Not too spicy but also not bland at all. read more

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Truckers driving north on I25 don't eat in Hatch or Las Cruces down shift your gears and turn right onto 68 US Highway 380. When you get into San Antonio park your truck on the left side of the road where there is plenty room. Now walk 300 yards to this place. Visitors from 49 states follow the same instructions I gave the truckers, but park in front or side parking spaces. California visitors keep driving to Canada and don't stop. [Joking] lol. Everyone is welcome. I drove almost five hours to this place because I was craving a green chili New Mexico burger. I was told by an old timer that this is the place to go. 76 year history Rated #7 burger place in America by GQ magazine # 3 baddest burger in the land by Marlboro.com #1 burger in the west by saveur magazine In 2009 Bobby Flay lost a throw down at this tavern. This burger lived up to its hype! I ordered the green chili buckhorn burger with bacon and a basket of onion rings and fries. The green chili was fresh and tasty and not to hot. The bun was moist and the burger was cooked perfect! Each bite was something to savor and the burger was huge. The French fries and onion rings were also homemade and perfectly salted and battered. Was it worth a five hour drive from Arizona? You Bet! Yum Yum! read more

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Stopped by on a recent return trip from Ruidoso and the green chile cheeseburger was very very good. They seem to offer a good list of beers and such, a good amount of burger and food options but you kind of have to go with the classics. I skipped the beer because I was driving but I will say the water comes with the good ice. As a New Mexican, I obviously take my green chile very seriously and a green chile cheeseburger has to be done right. They know what they are doing here for sure. The burger was well seasoned, chile had good flavor but wasn't too hot. Also a huge bonus for their fries because they were perfect, not too thin but still crispy for being on the thicker side. We sat outside on the little patio and the weather was great. Service was friendly and fast, they weren't very busy though. read more

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Drove from Belen to San Antonio to try the famous buckhorn burger. Can't say I'm disappointed at all! We ordered a double buckhorn and fries.... And I can honestly say I'll be returning. When we pulled in, it was expectedly busy. They told us it would be about a 15-20 min wait to be seated, but I'd say it was only about 10. We had a slightly bigger party with 5 of us. Considering it's a smaller place we were one of the bigger groups. Despite the fact that all the tables were taken, we got out food out fast and it was all flawless. The meat in the burger tasted fresh and not frozen. The chile wasn't too hot at all, but did have a great flavor. The fries are cut as they are ordered and come out crispy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside... so perfect! Only sad that they didn't have fountain drinks so it was pay by the drink. But not that big of a deal overall. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Buckhorn burger (double) and fries - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

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May 2009 former owner Manny Olguin went head on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Manny's supper delicious New Mexico green chili cheese burger beat Bobby Flay for the best chili cheeseburger. The tradition lives on, my hubby and I ordered 2 Buckhorn burgers what's everything on it (thick tender juicy beef patty, NM chopped green chili's, mustard, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles on a fresh bun). We also ordered the onion rings/French fry combo. This wonderful restaurant is a must try, we will be back!! Excellent customer service!! read more

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This is an interesting place. They make a good green chili cheese burger Today's review is entirely based on the management or owner. This guy is amazing, taking care of the front, kitchen, tables, delegating, and being a great example for his employees If you hear some banging around in the kitchen, never fear, it is a potato juggling artist making Fries. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Sign - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

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Don't let the outside put you off! The green chilies burger absolutely delicious and the hand it fries. We arrived at 5:30 only a few people at tables it filled up pretty quickly after that just a heads up. A Wednesday night. Enjoyed the Elephants on Parade brewery beer in a cold glass. read more

This is my first time in New Mexico, so of course I have to try food items best known to NM. This includes their famous green chili! Being a lover of McDonalds, I seize any chance I can get if there's a special item on the menu. In NM, you can get a green chili double cheeseburger (that's the only place!). When my instructor asked what I had for dinner or what I have tried so far during my visit, I mentioned McDonalds. He laughed and told me I have to go to Buckhorn Tavern for a real green chili burger. I am so glad I took his recommendation. Buckhorn Tavern is rated #7 as America's best burger, and was a winner on one of Bobby Flay's throwdown dinner shows. I got the green chili on the side (as recommended by a local), and the burger lived up to the hype. The buns were fluffy, the patty was juicy and so fresh. You know when a burger is good when it falls apart after every bite. The tavern also has a very tavern-y/western feel to it. It even has a nice working chimney/fireplace! Oh, and also parking for horses for those cowboys to want to come in for a drink or two! read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Green chili burger - chili on the side - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

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My friend and I embarked on a green chile cheeseburger tour this past week. Our mission was to find the best green chile cheeseburger in the great state of New Mexico. We went to 11 different places and here are the results. Buckhorn Tavern ranked #4 out of 11. This place has been on my radar for years! Finally got the chance to try it out. We took a seat outside at a table, and our waitress came out to take our order (very friendly btw). I went with a green chile cheeseburger and a Coke to drink. Here is how it was....................... Green Chile Cheeseburger- First of all, this thing looked awesome! It was a huge burger, hand formed patty, seasoned well, topped with a lot of green chile, a slice of cheese and some lettuce tomato and pickle. First bite in, I was impressed. I got a lot of the well seasoned burger patty and the green chile. Second bite in is where it started to go South, though. The bun was in shambles. Cracking, breaking apart, basically disintegrating in front of my eyes. A few more bites and stuff started falling apart all over my plate. Like you couldn't pick it up without it falling apart. I spent the last 3/4 of the burger trying to hold it together, but wound up eating scraps off the plate. This was a damn shame, too. If this bun held together, this may have been #1 or 2 of the whole trip. Overall, it was still delicious and I am glad we stopped. This has been on my bucket list and I got to cross it off. I just wish it had a better bun. With a better bun, this burger would be perfect! read more

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We eat here fairly regularly and always have good service, the burgers are great, fries and onion rings are good but the Mexican food not so much. Order a burger and you'll be happy. We're local and prefer the buckhorn to the owl. Highly surprised that their rating is not higher. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Green chile cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

Just finished every morsel, it was DELICIOUS! We ordered 4 Green Chile Burgers and 2 baskets of fries & onion rings and a side salad. It did not disappoint! On top of the great food, we had great service and the staff was very hospitable. This may be a new favorite, just wished we lived closer but will make sure to drop in on roadtrips from Texas. Love supporting family owned businesses. read more

Wife and I were on the way to Gallup from Ruidoso and we spotted this place and decided to stop. This establishment is located in San Antonio, New Mexico - population is less than 100. We were not disappointed and the food would be welcome in San Antonio, Texas. In 2009 Bobby Flay (Food Network) lost a throw down to Bob Olguin over the best green chili cheeseburger. Bob sold the place in 2019 and it is thriving again. I had a bunless version of the Buckhorn burger (It's still a great burger) and wife had the street taco burgers which were very similar and just as delicious. We also had a side of onion rings and fries which are a great accompaniment. Jessica seated us promptly, and provided us great service throughout our meal. If you're in the area make sure you stop. They didn't disappoint and I believe they treat all customers as family. Great atmosphere and food. read more

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Our first time to visit the Buckhorn Tavern, and we weren't disappointed. Burger was great and so were the fries, which you can hear them making while you are there. Get there early because it gets busy. Servers were nice. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - burger - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

Took the exit off I-25 heading to Roswell and as we were passing through San Antonio to the right we saw the Buckhorn Tavern . They had a sign out for their green Chile burger so we pulled in. Grabbed a couple burgers and fries . The burger really was exquisite, fries not so much. But then they do hang their hat on the burger. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - #7 in America they say , I would put this in the top 5 on my burger blog - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

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Upon entering Buckhorn Tavern, an establishment famously known for having the seventh best burger in the nation, every seat was filled at 3pm on a Tuesday. The interior is dark, and a bit dive-y, but the service is immaculate. We sat in the outdoor seating area, and the waitress, sensing a chill, immediately flicked on the heating element to keep us toasty. Not only did she cater to our needs, she offered a dog dish of water to us and our best furry friend. I highly recommend this restaurant, not just for the delicious burgers but for the wonderful waitstaff. read more

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I had been wanting to stop here every time I saw it on the drive to Ruidoso. So yesterday was the day. We got there about 11:20 and were the first ones on the patio (which was supposedly remodeled during the pandemic and had an outdoor cooling system and hanging plants). Our server (Kurt) was friendly and attentive. It was fun to read about the history of this place through a Google search while waiting and also about the famed Bobby Flay green chile cheeseburger throwdown. We got our food about 20 min after arriving- a BLT for my mom (in the $4 range), the famous Buckhorn green chile cheeseburger (one each for my dad and I, $8.20), and a large fry for $5.50 (made from 2 potatoes). I loved the fries, as they were hot, crisp, and seasoned. While the burger has made GQ's top 7 burgers to eat before you die, it was good, but probably wouldn't have made the Marie's GQ top list the chile did have some bite to it and unfortunately the bun started to fall apart. I could only eat half from the sheer size of it (and stuffing myself with fries). My mom enjoyed her BLT, with bacon slices galore. I like how they get their eggs, beef, and some of their cheese locally, so we do like supporting local. By the time we left (an hour after arriving), the parking lot was already filling up and the patio's 4 tables full. Overall, was a nice outing to break up the quick drive and was glad we finally stopped here. 2022 #25 read more

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Just look at all the photos of all the cool eats you'd wNt to try here. Place is famous, food is good owners are friendly and like to have you try plenty! Be hungry when you come! read more

If you are ever passing through San Antonio, New Mexico, you must stop and have a burger at Buckhorn Tavern. I insist. You can thank me later. The sign says their green chili cheeseburger has been named the number 7 cheeseburger in America by GQ Magazine (and it's been recognized by many others, too). I can now say, this is not hyperbole. The veggie burger I had here was the best one I've ever had. The staff is very friendly and welcoming, in fact, the owner greeted us as we entered and later came around to ask if our meal was okay (it was!) The restaurant is casual with rustic/Western vibe. The archway between the two dining areas is decorated with uniform patches from first responders from all over, which is interesting to check out while you wait on your burgers. Honestly I would have loved to have tried some other items on the menu (for example, the stacked enchiladas because I'll bet they're delicious), but I couldn't pass up the chance to try the 7th best chile cheeseburger in America. Who could? Beyond Beef burgers are available for non-meat eaters, so that's what I had. Honestly, there was nothing unexpected or out of the ordinary on my burger; it comes standard with Green chile, cheese, mustard, tomato, lettuce, chopped onion, and pickle. So how do they create so much flavor? They are generous with the shredded lettuce, the tomato slices were thick, a nice sprinkling of chopped onions, a big scoop of green chiles on top and melted cheddar cheese. The bun was white and toasted warm. In short, it had everything a good burger should have, but with an extra heaping helping of yummiess. Not sure how this is accomplished. It's a mystery, but it's true. Go. Enjoy. You're welcome. read more

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Great vegetarian (better then burger) green chili burger also the vegan burger tacos is also excellent. Good beer (canned beer not draft beer) always busy, staff super nice and friendly but service can be slow sometimes due to volume. read more

I gave this location a 4 of 5 soley for the service. It was pretty bad as she got my beer order wrong, later got my food order wrong, she seemed flustered with her other tables. Excluding that, the food was great and I would highly suggest the red chili over the green as it is hotter and spicier. The tavo burgers were a great choice and I would highly recommend. I was i.pressed with their selection of local beers in stock. If your headed to Las Cruces or Ruidoso or anything along those lines from Albuquerque I would highly suggest this place as a pit stop. Check attached photos! The patio was a great addition you could bring your dogs to! read more

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Buckhorn offers a nice break from being on the road and is worth the pit-stop. Grab yourself a beer and a bite to eat. The Chile isn't too hot but is flavorful. The green Chile is more chunky while the red Chile is more saucy, so you might be better off going Christmas. They are known for their burgers but we had the Chile cheese fries with ground beef and taco burgers. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Taco burgers - Burgers Near Me - San Antonio, New Mexico

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Wow! We ate at the Owl, right across the street, yesterday. Let me tell you, there is absolutely no comparison. The Buckhorn burger is by far the best green chili burger I have had to date. Fast and friendly service. Make sure to ask for Kurt. The fries are greasy but have a wonderful flavor. The Buckhorn Burger was so good, I practically inhaled it. Would I eat here again? Absolutely! I intend to before we leave. Highly recommended. Update: We have now eaten at Buckhorn four times and every time it is as good as the last. Kurt is always an attentive server and the food is always fantastic. If you are in the area, don't pass up the opportunity to try one of the nations best burgers. read more

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