Is it Elk Horn Cafe or Elk Horn Restaurant? Either way, it's a purveyor of delicious food and friendly service. My wife raved about the french fries and enjoyed her green chile burger. The ground-beef enchiladas were good (as opposed to great), and I really enjoyed the rice and beans. Smallish glasses and my great thirst after a hot day's work both contributed to the downing of a half-dozen iced teas! We went on a Monday night - special hours - and we'd love to have this place as a regular dinner option in Chama. read more

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Great place for lunch, breakfast and coffee, this was our go to place while visiting the area. Seating inside and outside. Not a fancy place, but a good local cafe to get food and drinks while in the area. Staff were nice and food was good. Great New Mexico and American fare. No issues, would come back again. read more

The waitress was so nice and greeted me when I entered the cafe. Even though it was 11:10, I asked her if I could have breakfast instead of lunch. She said Yes. The food was so good read more

Elk Horn Cafe - Huevos Rancheros - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

Great food! Great service! Huge burger, delicious chicken fried steak, tasty tacos! Definitely worth the visit and the price! Nice, comfortable dining area, soft music read more

My wife and I visited here on October 23, 2020. The inside is closed, including the bathrooms, but there are plenty of tables outside to sit at. We order through a window in the side of the restaurant. The young man taking our order was new and super nice. I ordered the Fireman burger with a side salad. My Fireman was an open faced burger smothered with Christmas and cheddar cheese and lettuce and tomato. My wife ordered the breakfast burrito. I will admit I loved the red sauce. It was much more flavorful than the green. The side salad was small but stuffed with fresh vegetables, including cucumbers and green and red bell peppers. My wife's burrito was huge and she said it was delicious. Altogether we spent $26.99 for a large, filling lunch. I would definitely recommend the Elk Horn Cafe if you are hungry and like comfort food. read more

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This place has good food (I liked the enchiladas), friendly service, and EXCELLENT pies. The pie crusts are way better than what you find in most restaurants. They may not be quite as good as my grandmother's pie crusts, but they're darn close! It's a local cafe, but it has very nice atmosphere. Tongue-and-groove knotty pine and some nice art on the walls. read more

We were here for lunch yesterday. My husband enjoyed the shrimp tacos and the pinto beans and rice. I enjoyed the puffy battered Chili rellenos with the Spanish rice and the pico de Gallo. The service with Susie and Larry was very attentive. It was really pleasant on the patio under the shade of the birch tree. We came back for breakfast, and ate inside as only 53 degrees outside now. The bacon and eggs are wonderful. Glad we made it back for a second go round. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - This is it! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

This one of my favorite places on the trip so far. Really laid back venue with shaded dog friendly patio. I had the Carnitas tacos for $11.95 and they were quite super nice and friendly. It's a local favorite for a reason. Check it out. Listed in: The Great Southwest Adventure - 2019 https://www.yelp.com/collection/2t6-zVlNVIUt4pCdPPkrtA read more

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You get better service if you're a local. Everyone is short staffed, so I'm not going to hammer that point. After 20 minutes we put our order in with our server. The food came out pretty quickly. We never saw her again. The bus boy - who was the hardest working individual in the place - provided refills etc. the food: mediocre at best. I had huevos rancheros with green chile. I couldn't even taste the green chile. The hashbrowns were undercooked. The best I can say is I was starving and it was filling. Husband had chicken fried steak and eggs. Chicken fried steak was frozen and not hand breaded. Hashbrowns undercooked. Eggs were fine. Again. It was filling. Not a lot of open breakfast options in town, but I'd pass on this one. read more

This place is hopping. The staff are great! And the food was absolutely incredible! Would definitely recommend

Stopped here while camping in the area. Food was pretty good, and plentiful. I give it 4 stars because of the great service. Barbara our waitress was so sweet, she really cared about her customers. Not a lot of options in this area, I would go again if I was ever in the area. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - Chicken fried steak was yummy - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

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I'm seriously behind my game on reviewing, but this humble restaurant would actually be worth the several hundred mile drive all the way back just to confirm that I wasn't dreaming the first time. We had just come out of a long stretch of road where there was no cell service and few signs of civilization. A gnawing hunger was growing in our bellies, and Yelp came to the rescue with an answer of Elk Horn. When we pulled up at the place, we weren't quite certain what to expect, as in true Northern New Mexican style, it was a low-slung stucco building, looking for all the world like an old West saloon with some modernish windows popped in. When we got inside, I couldn't help but smile at the decoration, absolutely rife with the eponymous elk horns, and even a few full hunting trophies. While this would absolutely shock a few vegans I know, it is just part of the local color in this region. Our server was nursing a sprained ankle, and the other server on shift had a shoulder injury, so we ended up having a good, long chat with the owner, who was on the floor to carry food for his injured servers. I can't enthuse enough about the homey, friendly feel of this place, or the generosity of spirit and portions. The fare is simple, ample and well executed, but it's the people, the atmosphere, and the culture of service that make me wish I could give a sixth star here. You see, we arrived within 10 minutes of opening, and wanting a dessert concoction from a picture posted on yelp that we didn't know the name of. It wasn't even on the menu, and the component sopapillas had yet to be prepped for the day, but the whole staff decided that they weren't going to let us travel on disappointed and just as we were about to request the check, presented us with one of the most amazing desserts we have ever tried. Definitely coming back any time we travel through the region. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

Very beautiful place food was amazing they let my dogs on the patio and gave them water happy customer service a man named jerry helped us very funny guy read more

Elk Horn Cafe - The place we sat at - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

We were driving from Durango to Taos and had no clue where we were going to stop. The lone Yelp review was our only guide... and it turned out to be a great find. Driving through, there's not much to look at in Chama, and the Elk Horn Cafe was no exception, as the outside has as much charm as a dusty unpaved parking lot can give a place. The interior, however, was a different story. It had a nice, clean layout and the wait staff was cordial and helpful. I ordered the Green Chile Cheeseburger, which according to the menu won some kind of regional award. Very tasty burger although the chile was a bit hot. Picked some of it out, no problem. I don't recall if they serve beer, but it would have been a better complement to the tasty chile served on the burger. The fries were good and the refills plentiful. Give this oasis as try when crossing through the desert. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - The Chama Green Chile Burger at Elk Horn Cafe. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

Always good food. Today I had the chicken and walnut salad and it was delicious!! Lots of hot chicken on fresh lettuce with good blue cheese, great candies walnuts and soft raisins. Soooo good! Husband had club which he enjoyed and looked really good. We will be back! read more

Stopped in for breakfast in Chama. Oh well a shot in the light as we said, ok lets give it a shot. It was a good shot. We wanted breakfast at 11 or so and it was no problem. After looking at the menu we chose the breakfast burrito with bacon and oatmeal with raisin and brown sugar. We share almost everything and when we asked for a side of green chili sauce. That sauce made the burrito come to life! Very enjoyable. The fast friendly service was wonderful and the good value is a real plus I will come back next time I hit Chama. Look it up on the map and see where it hides! If you are a train buff, jump the steam train here for a real thrill. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - More elk horns - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

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A great little find! A terrific menu for breakfast and lunch, and a friendly, accommodating staff. Pleasant, charming atmosphere and delicious food. read more

As I was staying at the nearby Elkhorn Lodge, I had breakfast here twice. Same order: eggs sunny side up, bacon, hash browns. The first day, the eggs came scrambled. Since they weren't overcooked, I let it go. But the hashbrowns needed more cooking; they weren't crispy. Bacon was excellent. The second day, different cook, the eggs were perfect, hashbrowns crispy, but the bacon had a strange textured appearance (though it tasted fine). Unlimited coffee refills, friendly service. But a bit pricey--$15 for my breakfast. read more

First, there was no indoor dining which we didn't know till we arrived. End of September was a little chilly having to sit outside on the patio. Then, all the food was served on Styrofoam plates and cups. I don't understand why washing and sterilizing dishes is not preferable to styrofoam which is not recyclable. It is certainly not fun to cut food on a styrofoam plate. The food was just OK; the Huevos lacked flavor; and not even a good cup of coffee. None of our party of 7 was thrilled with the breakfast. read more

Great place to stop when in or traveling through Chama. We had lunch and everything ordered was presented beautifully and everyone working was friendly and inviting! My fav was the grilled chicken watermelon salad, my daughter enjoyed her nachos and my husband the Turkey with slices of green chile on a hoagie roll. Would defiantly stop in again! read more

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The food was very good. Will definitely eat here again when in the area. Tacos homemade and are delicious!

This quaint looking little place looked like the perfect choice for lunch. When we pulled in and they turned away a little boy who needed a restroom, that should have been our signal to leave. The owner is COVID Crazy--way overboard. You could only eat outside. The people were friendly enough, but they only had the capacity to cook one table at a time. 15 minutes after we ordered, they came out to tell me they were out of what I wanted. Didn't matter, as the food was nothing to write home about. And to top it all off, even if you're a paying customer, you can't use the restroom. read more

Stopped here for breakfast after several disappointing tries for meals during our trip through New Mexico. The breakfast was awesome. The atmosphere and food reminded me of an old-school coffee house. The pancakes were huge, the eggs were fresh and the biscuits and gravy were perfect. The service was awesome and the ladies were appreciative of our business and did not act like they were just tolerating us,"Tourists". read more

We had an excellent Mexican themed dinner. Served by a very friendly waitress. This is a place that is worth stopping for a meal. read more

Pretty good food. Time to get the food out to us after ordering was a little slow for 4 plates but overall the quality was pretty good. Waitress wasn't the friendliest but not the worst we've had either. We would go here again. read more

Great coffee, good food, nice people; it seems so simple what you want out of a restaurant, when you find it.

Based on my first meal at the Elk Horn Cafe, I am going to stick my neck out and say this place has regional Hispanic cooking nailed. That plate of cheese enchiladas and onions with red chile had that certain wild deliciousness that comes right out of an adobe house. Because I have a business connection in Chama now, I will be back to the Elk Horn Cafe as often as I'm in town, and I will continue to explore the traditional items on the menu. I can't speak to the American food items because I didn't have that. read more

The wood paneling and simple tables do not tell this place's story. This is your go-to for exceptional New Mexican food and American staples like burgers and turkey that are made with care and attention to detail. The carne adobada enchiladas were awesome, but the secret to greatness were how the details were done. The rice and beans are both scratch and excellent. The beans had great pop which was nice for our vegetarian. We had no room for the pie but it looked great! Locals may look down their nose at you for being a tourist but the heck with that! This place rocks, and if you're passing through Chama on the way to here and there, you MUST STOP here! read more

I don't always write reviews but after reading these past reviews I must write one on the great Elk Horn Cafe. My family an I go to Chama at least one a year a always make it for Thanksgiving and for Hunting Season. Since I was young we have ALWAYS stopped at the Elk Horn at least a couple times each trip. I can NEVER think of a bad time, bad service, or bad food any time. I was in a couple days ago and our server was great. A man out of the back came and talked with us and was very nice. We talked about Brazos Canyon near his home and how much we loved the area compared to CA where we all grew up including him. Any place I can take my family with great food, great service and the cook or server will spend time chatting with us is a great place in my book. I will continue to enjoy many meals with my family at the Elk Horn. I highly recommend it. :) read more

Lipstick on the coffee mug; meal partially frozen; coffee did not taste like coffee. I will not return.

Awful experience from top to bottom. When we left, my wife said, "I'd rather go hungry than eat there again." Will summarize the experience: 1) waitress took our drink orders and got that right. We waited 15 minutes to order our food. I finally went inside to tell her we were ready - she forgot we had nor ordered. 2) we were only customers sitting outside. But every other table was loaded with dirty dishes that appeared to have been sitting out for 15-20 minutes. 3) food finally delivered and wife's was wrong. We asked them to redo my wife's sandwich. 4) daughter's order was wrong. We asked them to fix it. 5) they charge an extra fee for using a credit or debit card. Seriously. 6) waitress wouldn't bring us drink refills 7) I went inside to find the waitress so we could pay our bill. She asked the person behind the counter if they should give us a price break since they screwed up our orders so badly. Incredibly, right in front of me, the person said, "no." Don't go here. It's a waste of time and your money. read more

Stopped here on a lark returning from a cross country road trip. Glad we did as this was by far, the best meal all across the states. Authentic, homemade, lovely outdoor patio, friendly service. Try the pinto beans. Sopapillas to die for. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - Pinto beans, sopaipillas - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

Had a Chicharones Burito. Being from San Antonio, I pthought Tex Mex food was the best. This was pretty hard to beat.

Not sure where all the great reviews are coming from for this place. We had lunch there on 8/25/19 and the service was terrible. Plenty of staff on hand but waited over 10 minutes to be served drinks. Waitress seemed to be preoccupied with everything but her job. I ordered the Fireman burger with green chilis. Burger came swimming in some opaque goo with a couple of chilies in it. Fries were swimming in the goo as well. Bun was soaked making it impossible to eat with hands. Wife ordered tacos which ended up like a taco salad. Overall, food was less than average and service was nonexistent. Waitress charged us for 3 meals when only two were ordered. Took some time to sort that out at the register. I'd skip this out of the way place. read more

We were a bit confused as the yelp location isn't where the Elk Horn Restaurant is located. The photos are of the restaurant do I think we're all talking about the same place as the cafe. Anyway, great staff. Good food. Would make this a regular stop. read more

elkhorn cafe is best resturant in northern nm !WE always eat there on Memorial Day weekend!Past 20 30 years.We are CARANTA family and extended familys. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Taffy Rotunno read more

Simple diner offers tasty breakfast, inhabited mostly by locals. Sunny patio is a great option for those who'd like to eat with their dog. Country fried steak hit the spot! read more

Good food, large portions. The staff are friendly (pretty typical of northern new mex), service is slow if you compare it to the cities.

Elk Horn Lodge Cafe breakfast was amazing. The Huevos Rancheros was perfect and delicious. read more

Elk Horn Cafe - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Chama, New Mexico

We pulled into this restaurant leaving Chama headed home and we are sure glad we did! It was delicious! I got the Fireman burger with red chile (opened faced burger smothered with chile) it was so good! I ate every last bite! My husband had the Chipotle burger and he said would you definitely have again and our boys split the fish in chips which came with 2 filets, side salad, fries and hush puppies. There were so many good options we had a hard time picking! Can't wait for our next trip to Chama to try something else on their menu! read more