Location, Location. WOW. The burgers were off the chain. A lot of bang for your buck. Two scoops of ice cream in your floats.

Friday. May 9, 2025. Lunch. Sugar's is just north of Velarde, along the Rio Grande river, on the east side of the road. Pay attention, because if you blink you'll miss it. I came here with a co-worker and we were pretty hungry. We ordered at the window and ate at the nearby picnic table. I ordered the Sugar Daddy with Z'aatar seasoned fries. This double six ounce patty burger came with a sesame bun, mayo blend, lettuce, tomato slices, fried onions, fried garlic mushrooms, cheese, green chile and bacon. The double is a massive burger and I could barely fit this monster in my mouth. They don't skimp on anything and the bacon was crispy. Fries were good, I would have preferred onion rings but he said the machine would be working again in a couple of weeks. Great atmosphere, fast service, great food and very filling. read more

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We were finishing up camping in Red River and heading back to Albuquerque after a long vacation. We decided to stop at Aly's Sugars in Embudo Station. We have passed by it many times, but decided to try it. We got the Sugar's burger. It had bacon, mushrooms, green chile, carmelized onions and cheese. It came with hand cut fries. It was messy but so delicious. We sat outside on picnic tables in the shade. It was a super homey place with chickens outside. We definetly be back to eat some of the other food. read more

Sugar's Bbq & Hamburgers - Sugars burger with fries - Barbeque Near Me - Velarde, New Mexico

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Good coffee. Amazing burgers! Warm hospitality! Try the sugar, daddy! We came from Santa Fe. I had never been there before, but it was well worth the drive! read more

We ordered a Sugar's burger. It was delicious! I look forward to stopping in again to try one of their Gyro sandwiches. I also appreciated the good bluegrass music and the quality of the napkins. Don't pass this place by. read more

Stopped for a bite to eat, I believe it was operating as Aly's at Sugars. We ordered gyros and a cheeseburger with fries. It took about 20-30mins after ordering for our food to come out, but they have a beautiful area amongst the fruit trees with tables and chairs, so it was an enjoyable wait. Every single item we ordered was 10/10! Fresh veggies, warm food, everything was prepared well. Even the baklava and brownie for dessert were amazing! If you're not in a hurry, take the time to experience this gem of an eatery! read more

This is a must stop on the way to or from Taos, NM! We ordered burgers, the Sugar Burger and the Kiwi Burger and were amazed at the size. They were fresh, juicy and smothered in deliciousness. The beverage choices were wonderful and the service was done with a smile! We couldn't believe how reasonable the prices were especially when we were served with the burgers which included homemade fries. The menu is really nice and I can't wait to try some other items...although I don't know how I am ever going to get around that delicious burger! It is a great find and will be a destination for us. read more

Everything was amazing especially their fries they were the bomb the atmosphere was nice across from the Rio Grande our burgers were cooked to perfection and the staff were nice and friendly read more

New food cart on NM 68, Sugars served me a delicious Chile Cheeseburger. Great and welcome meal on the way north to Taos. Another guest was obviously enjoying her falafel. Recommend read more

SUGAR BURGERS are back! The new owners have what you are craving! The burger was fantastic. No BBQ listed on the men, but there are other tasty looking items and their wonderful SUGAR BURGER! read more

The best pulled pork sandwich in all of New Mexico Two weeks ago, on the way to Taos, NM. My husband and I finally stopped by Sugars BBQ, located in Embudo, NM. This little burger joint is off the high way at CR-68 Rd Mile Marker 18, East Side of the Highway. Make sure you slow down; I almost passed it. Sugars has been around for 20 years, serving up some of the best burgers and bbq sandwiches. The staff was very friendly (shout out to Jesse and Josephine). My food order did not take very long. The weather was so beautiful that day. I walked my pup around the property. They also have around ten picnic tables outside for you to enjoy your food. I got a bbq pork sandwich. It was perfect from the sauce to all the extra meat falling out. I also ordered the curly fries ( you can never go wrong with curly fries). This meal was an absolute treat. A little messy, but so worth it. I highly recommend it. It is so worth the drive if you are not from the area. I will definitely be returning, and when I do, I'm going for the Sugar Daddy! Fun fact- Sugars is named after the owners, Pitbull. They have a picture of him right underneath the menu. read more

Sugar's Bbq & Hamburgers - The menu - Barbeque Near Me - Velarde, New Mexico

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We stopped in for the brisket burrito today, they are open during Covid-19. You can't sit at their outside tables. For some reason I recall the burritos being at least half again as big, but it's been a few years since I've darkened their porch. Maybe I was super hungry today... 2 brisket burritos and 2 medium sodas was just under $21.00. read more

Well to start off one star is being generous. Customer service was HORRENDOUS. The manager, Heather complained about everything. The absolute worst customer service I have ever received. Heather cursed about me to colleagues in Spanish, as well as telling me that I shouldn't ask for salt and ketchup because we only got two items. We got a Sugar Burger and Nachos, when we got home the nachos barely had cheese and the meat was raw. When we went back and told them they only gave us a refund for the burger (the wrong amount) and said that "to learn math". Don't waste your time or money at this place of so called "business". read more

Sugar's Bbq & Hamburgers - The Sugar Burger - Barbeque Near Me - Velarde, New Mexico

Awesome little joint. The food will not disappoint. Every time we go we love it more.

This is a roadside bbq place. I thought the pulled pork sandwich was a bit overdone with just too much sauce. But I can be hella picky about bbq, Y'all. The food did take a bit but they are not a fast food place (even says so above the window where you order.) We were there on a chilly day so not a lot of competition. I did see a lot of locals eating there. My husband got nachos which he said were very good. They had brisket in them. Our friend got what I got. The portions are plentiful for sure. The staff was very friendly. I'd eat there again, but this time I'll try a burger. read more

This place is a joke. And the lady the works the window is sooo mean and snappy. I have tried to get food from this place 4 times. Twice I drove all the way out to the shack just to get back in my car and drive away solely because of the way that horrible lady talked to other customers, I did not want to be treated with such disrespect myself. The other two times I tried to call in so that I was able to avoid the terrible lady in the window and once I was left on hold and when I called back they just let it ring and ring and ring and the other time they somehow disconnected the phone and it would no longer ring. I will never try again lol no matter how good the food is said to be, it's not worth it at this point read more

Named after the owner's now deceased bull dog, Sugar's is a great BBQ joint. At first glance, you think it is nothing major, but this trailer off the side of the road pumps out some amazing food. The food is cooked to order and may take a bit (10-20 min depending on how many people are waiting in line). The location affords you an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. Orders are taken with a smile and service is good. You can eat sitting on a bench on the porch or any of the tables located conveniently located in the shde of the apple tree' I recommend the briskett green chile Burrito and the Sugar Burger. Make sure to visit Sugar's gravesite before you leave (located a few yards away from the main site). read more

Sugar's Bbq & Hamburgers - Best BBQ in the middle of nowhere. - Barbeque Near Me - Velarde, New Mexico

This place sucks! The service is horrible. Don't eat here. Apparently the cashier isn't capable of making a mistake. Such a waste of money!

Brisket burrito all day guys. Everything is good, but something special about the burrito. Also dinosaur nuggets that are shaped like dinosaurs. The large drink seems like it's over a liter. read more

Sugar's Bbq & Hamburgers - the outside of the restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Velarde, New Mexico

Zero not being an option giving the a 1 is very generous. Person working had a horrible attitude. When we told her our drink order was wrong she insisted it was our mistake and refused to remake our drinks. This could be a good roadside option but until they get rid of the worthless hateful person at the counter I would advise you to steer clear of this place read more

Get Sugar's Burger - green chile cheeseburger with bacon, mayo, grilled onion, mushrooms, lettuces ms tomato on a grilled bun. This was straight up the greatest burger shack experience I've ever had! Stopped after hearing the burgers were great and we're certainly not disappointed. This deserves 5-stars as one of the best burgers in NM, if not all of the U.S. Bring your whole family here in the spring to sit under the apple and cherry blossoms. It's right on the river with mostly local traffic. If I had another stomach I'd go back and have another burger and fries. We loved it! read more

Sugar's Bbq & Hamburgers - Sugar's Burger - green chile cheeseburger, bacon, mushrooms, mayo, grilled onion, lettuce and tomato on a grilled bun. - Barbeque Near Me - Velarde, New Mexico

The best place to go after rafting. Delicious food and dessert. The family who runs it is very kind

We'd driven by Sugar's a few times en route to Taos. Finally, my dad and I stopped in to treat ourselves to some smoked meats, and I'm so glad we did. The brisket was served simply -- on a tortilla with green chilis. And that's all it needed. Smoky, juicy, slight chew. Very nice. My dad tried the BBQ sandwich, the same smoked beef smothered in a tangy, a bit cloying, sauce. We swapped mid-way through and then decided we each like our own and swapped back. The portions are large, including their sodas and fresh-cut curly fries, so come hungry. The locals all seemed to eat in their cars so we did the same since it was a bit cold, but there are outside tables under a crabapple tree. After lunch, I suggest sneaking around the back for a peek at their smokers. read more

Got 2 ice cream cones which we both took two bites and literally threw away immediately. Only ice cream I've never eaten. For a place that has a sign that just says icecream, you should have more than vanilla softserve. Drove by this place a bunch living up here. Always wanted to check it out. Ice cream tasted spoiled and like it had wet paper in it. Lady that handed us icecream (during Corona virus) didnt wear gloves, or use a napkin to hand us our waffle cones. Her finger nails were long, and way dirtier than mine after camping and not showering for 3 days. F this place. read more

Always have frequented Sugars ever since I was little. Great BBQ county atmosphere. Food is steadily consistent most of the time. Every Sugar Burger or Sugar Daddy burger I get is messy but that's not a negative thing. Corn dogs I don't recommend. But the BBQ Brisket and Brisket burritos are awesome! Total spot on flavor, smoke and moist wise. It's an excellent place to eat after swimming in the Rio Grande read more

We stopped her on our way back to Albuquerque from Angelfire. The service was quick and the food was great. We had Sugar burgers. They are thick handmade beef patties with the regular toppings plus mushrooms, bacon and green Chile. Stop by and give them a try! read more

I put A LOT of tasty things in my mouth over the weekend - not the least of which was the brisket burrito with bbq sauce on the side, "A Johnny down the road special". Johnny being the owner of the Classical Gas Museum just down the road. It was a damn fine burrito - damn fine! BTW - this is a slow food joint. Just relax... Next time - the Sugar's burger! read more

Unique little place. Worth checking out. Sign on the wall says it all, "we are not fast food". On a busy day, I'd say 30-60 minute wait. Decent roadside food. My girlfriend got the Sugar Dog every time we went, they took it off the menu. My girlfriend will not be back. read more

Best burger hands-down I don't care where you're coming from or what part of the state but I've been to a lot of burger joint a lot of fast food joints in almost every different corner of New Mexico and yet this is the burger that I will travel all the time before it's simple it's tasty there is a lot of flavor and just a simplistic layout that they do it's very classic nice homestead in style makes you feel like you are on a vacation even if you are local going to this party town in the small little store read more

My goodness the food was just fabulous. We pulled off the road to change drivers and smelled a lingering yumminess in the air. My husband had the Sugar Burger - it had green chiles, bacon, cheese, mayo, onions, sautéed mushrooms. Fabulous!!! I had the BBQ Pork sandwich - they smoke the brisket themselves. Y'all, it was fabulous!! We talked to a lot of the locals after we are here - it is one of their favorites. read more

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We've driven past Sugar's many times over the years, and have either kept driving or the place was closed. Finally, we decided to give it a try. After all, it's a beat-up trailer with picnic tables in the middle of nowhere, so it appeals to our roadside culinary curiosity. We settled on a bunch off BBQ- beef ribs, pork, sausage, brisket. Sides of slaw, potato salad and beans. The potions are huge- depending on what you order, you may want to share some things. The BBQ- average, if you eat a lot of BBQ in different regions. For this area, it's pretty good. Sauce is mild, maybe a bit too sweet, but that's always a personal preference. The ribs were not "fall off the bone" tender, but acceptable. Sausage tasty, brisket a bit dry. Sides- uninspiring potato salad- skip it. Cole slaw was outstanding, and the beans had chunks of brisket- very good. We topped it off with a slice of "trillionaire pie", a frozen mass of something with cherries, chocolate chips, pineapple, coconut, who knows what else with a chocolate crust. It's a mass of sugar to keep the kids bouncing for hours. Not at all memorable and while we weren't crazy about it, it somehow disappeared anyway. You can't stop at Sugar's if you're in a hurry. The home-made sign above the walk-up counter tells you that they are not a fast food restaurant and everything is cooked to order. Inside you can see a sign that says something like "I'm retired so I don't have to do anything". You may find yourself waiting at the order window trying to place an order, watching tray after tray of food go out. They will take your order when they're ready. That's part of the charm and experience. (Side note, from standing at the order window for several minutes, my glasses were coated from the airborne grease coming from the fryers...) Seating is either in your car or at a picnic table, and as for restrooms- unless you like porta-potties that may not have been cleaned this year, I'd suggest you hold it. Are we glad we stopped? Yup. Next time we'll try some burgers or other stuff. Places like this are usually a good bet for one reason or another, and it's worth your time to grab a bite here. read more

I didn't come to New Mexico expecting to find barbecue like this. After a lovely trip rafting the Rio Grande, our guide suggested lunching at Sugar's, an outpost so humble we certainly would have bypassed it like all the other trailer-shacks lining the roads in NM. But this place is not only simply awesome in its pastoral setting, where you can eat at the picnic tables outside and watch the sheep across the street, but the barbecue is world-class, and that is no exaggeration. The ribs, especially, are some of the very best you'll find anywhere. GET THEM. And be sated NM-style as you blissfully move on to Santa Fe or Taos (or your local environs, should you be so lucky as to live in this wonderful place). read more

We were here on a Saturday afternoon and I had the brisket burrito, my wife had the pulled pork sando, we shared some BBQ beans. The beans were probably the best part of the meal, very good flavor. The burrito was a little dry and so I would ask for extra/some BBQ sauce if I had it again. The pork sando was okay, the sauce as a little too sweet. If you are in the area I would recommend stopping by, but I am not going to make another special trip. read more

Very average BBQ. We passed this on our way from Taos to Santa Fe and decided to go back after realizing there are few options in Valverde. I had a BBQ beef sandwich with fries. It came on a large bun and the beef was marinated in BBQ sauce. Only seating it outside The owners were very nice and I'd possibly stop here again if I don't want to wait until getting to Taos or Santa Fe read more

You definitely want to try a Sugar burger when you're here. But don't bypass the other goodies if you happen to arrive on certain days of the week. I had the pork ribs and they were HUGE and juicy and delicious. I hate baked beans, but a side of these got snuck in to my order when I wasn't paying attention. OMG I love baked beans. I'm ordering as much of these baked beans as I can carry next time... read more

This place has been a long time local favorite of mine and for good reason. They serve up a killer burger thats fresh and hits the spot every time. The sugar burger is notorious for being gigantic its practically a meal for two. I also enjoy their brisket burritos as well, very tasty. And the best part is they are conveniently located right off the highway between Espanola and Taos with plenty of picnic tables to enjoy your meal. Its a great place to stop and enjoy some great bbq. And if you have room for dessert try the trillionaire pie. read more

Another diamond in the rough. I have passed this great place hundreds of times to and from Taos. This trip with the family I decided we would stop. This was a great choice. The staff was extremely friendly. From the time you walk up to order the smell of the burgers is captivating and you would be disappointed with flavor. read more

Sugar burger was juicy and delicious (although we did put the green chili on the side- it was hot). Line was long but burger did NOT disappoint. Totally worth it. Things to note: The location is actually a bit south of what is listed in Yelp, and it's dangerous on the way out because of traffic bends. read more

The bomb.com best mouth-watering eats in New Mexico. Foodiea, put on your bucket list!

Driven by hundreds of times and finally stopped to check it out. Interesting road side trailer with some nice outdoor benches. I visited on a Sun and although there was a short line I wouldn't say it was really busy. There's a sign right above the window where you order that says "this isn't fast food". Please know that I discovered that means it takes 40-50 minutes to get your food. Lady taking your order isn't the least bit friendly and honestly just a friendly face could really changed the experience. Amazingly, after about 45 mins they called my name to tell me that they didn't have 2 of the three items I ordered. I decided to forge ahead with my brisket sandwich hoping I'd be absolutely wowed. Let's just say stick to the ice cream. My brisket tasted like that frozen stuff from Costco and was sloppy joe consistency. Meh. Hand smoked brisket it was not. Again if you aren't in a pinch for time, ice cream looked great. It's one of the few options between Espanola and Taos but I can't say it's worth a stop. read more