The Owl is a must stop if you're driving Route 66 this year. Great diner food at fairly reasonable prices. Most recently, we joined our son for breakfast. They happily split the senior two eggs and bacon breakfast for us, equally giving us hash browns (they have home fries if you prefer) an egg, slice of bacon and a slice of sourdough toast. It also included a free cup of coffee for me. Our son had the Huevos Rancheros with green and a flour tortilla. He liked the taste but he did complain it was a bit too soupy. Since he got my spouse's leftover hash browns, that was easily resolved. Overall, you get the ambiance of a true diner. The wonderful food mirrors that. If you're looking for a bit of roadside nostalgia, the Owl is a great place to find it. read more

Took my team to lunch for jobs well done. Love the nostalgic atmosphere. The food is amazing. We had enchiladas, salad and the famous green chile cheese burger. Our waitress was attentive and efficient...greats service! read more

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Super fun and relaxing 50s style diner with a great vibe, fantastic waitstaff, and delicious food! My buddy and I were seated right away when we walked in. We chose a booth (better lighting for food photos) and got our menu and drink order. My friend got the California cheeseburger and I asked the Owlchiladas. When the food order arrived, I knew this was a good choice. The enchiladas with green chili sauce. The food was fantastic and completely filled the plate. A super sized meal! We finished off with a milkshake for desert! They have a large list of delicious shakes! I picked the New Mexico, a blend of dark chocolate with zesty red chili. Cold, creamy, and sweet with just a hint of spice. read more

The Owl Cafe - The New Mexico shake - Diners Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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To go order beans and green chili bowl and a garden salad. I noted in two different places no onions in the salad! Charged for a bowl of beans and a garden salad. What I got was a cups worth of beans and a cup worth of side salad with plenty of onions. I also ordered blue cheese dressing and got ranch read more

The Owl Cafe - "Garden Salad ". With no onions?? - Diners Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Very cool retro vibes and diner style. I did not care for the food I ordered the owl enchiladas and it tasted like cream of chicken covered in cheese. Service was decent. read more

This is a fun place to stop by. We went for lunch and really enjoyed the retro diner vibe, with counter seating, which was what we selected. The milkshakes are very popular; they had a designated person just for them and he did not stop working on them the entire time we were there. They have lots of things on the menu, but I was set on the Green Chile Burger. I have learnt to ask how hot the Green Chile is before ordering, and they kindly gave me a taste of it to try. I ordered it and was delicious! Service is a little hit or miss, there's some waiting time, but worth the visit. read more

Everything went well-food, service, 50's ambiance. The NM shake was the best shake I have ever had in my life. I have nothing negative to say about the Owl Cafe and I have been going there for 20 plus years. read more

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What a great way to kick off the new year! I had been to Owl Cafe once before with a group of seniors, and the staff was so nice and accommodating. The restaurant is accessible with a great menu for folks old and young! It has a cool old school dinner aesthetic with great swag for purchase. I returned yesterday for a nice New Year's Day brunch- no wait and the food came out quickly. We mistakenly ordered appetizers, they were delicious. The only mistake was the portion size was so large we were unable to even scratch the surface on completing them! The pickle pile was literally so big- you need at least a pickle loving family of 4 to be able to put a dent in them. My breakfast burrito was awesome, great beans and loaded with eggs. The burger was big and juicy, and the fries crispy. The shake had a bunch of large brownie chunks which I love! I'll definitely be back. read more

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Inedible food! I ordered a southwest roast beef sandwich and I knew I was in trouble with the first bite. I could barely bite through it and when I opened the sandwich up the "beef" was almost exclusively fat and gristle! This restaurant is one I have gone to for many, many years! I will not be back. read more

My brothers and I stopped in here for lunch midway through our ride. Starving and walking into the place, we were met immediately with a very cheerful person. We were seated and right away our orders were taken. The food came out quickly at all menu items ordered looked amazing! I had to go with a traditional green chili cheeseburger and it was a smart decision! if I could've eaten more, I would've ordered a second however, I was absolutely stuffed! The burger and the fries were spot on and my brothers menu items were clearly a good choice for them as well! It got busy quick, but the staff seemingly stayed on top of the rush. Looking around, the establishment is clean, and with guest departing, the staff quickly cleaned the tables thoroughly for the next customer to be seated. No complaints at all about this place! read more

We had lunch at the Owl Cafe (now Owl Bar & Cafe). Great nachos and enchiladas. Service was great. Like being in a way-back-machine, the place originated in 1945 in San Antonio, NM, as a burger joint for Manhattan Project scientists. In 1986, locals relocated it to Albuquerque's Eubank Blvd, keeping the green chile cheeseburger recipe and 1940s vibe. Iconic for Route 66 nostalgia. read more

The Owl Cafe - Cafe stools - Diners Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Me and my sister went for lunch and were fortunate to have Megan as our server. Megan was engaging, attentive and real. Thank you for making our visit to the restaurant so pleasant. read more

This evening, after driving the Turquoise Trail through the historic towns of Los Cerrillos and Madrid, we stopped at the Owl Cafe for dessert. My wife had chocolate cream pie and I had cherry pie with ice cream. The Owl Cafe has the feel of a historic diner, playing 50's and 60's music on their juke box. The service to our table was outstanding. read more

Best milkshakes I've ever had! The different flavors are so different and good. Had the cherry chocolate one and it was great, definitely recommend. read more

Beautiful retro ambiance with menu classics. The waitress and service was friendly and fast. A must try is their milkshakes - OMG! Delicious in the ABQ heat. read more

I haven't been here in years, but I was craving a chocolate malt so we stopped by on a Saturday for lunch. We were seated right away and our waitress was very friendly. We started with a half onion log which was crispy and delicious. My husband had the nachos and I had a Reuben. The nachos were good with lots of melty cheese. I liked my Reuben with fries, but I thought $18 was pretty steep price wise. My husband also got a soda and I had a chocolate malt at the end. Yum! All in all, this set is back $70 with a 20% tip. read more

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Classic dinner atmosphere, plenty of seating, service was quick and waitress was very friendly, the food was decent, made to order so it came out hot, we all decided the food overall could have used some seasoning but for the most part tasted good, the fries were good. read more

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I was reminded recently that the Owl had changed owners and a friend really wanted to make sure his favorite tuna melt was still the deliciousness that he remembered, so off we went. The service as always was amazing and the servers were super friendly. It's a cute little diner with a lot of fun merchandise with some owl-related puns. So also a good place to grab some souvenirs for visitors. They bring you some beans likely mixed with chile and some crackers as a tasty appetizer. I was thrilled to learn there was also a vegetarian version and it was absolutely delightful.I had to try the highly recommended tuna melt. Though I got mine with the side of fries. Normally it comes with chips and salsa so the fries are an add on. The sandwich did not disappoint! I will be back to try some more things. read more

The Owl Cafe - Tuna melt with fries add on - Diners Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Yes. I DID see it in the Breaking Bad Movie, El camino. And yes, I DID go there because I wanted to see where Walter and Jesse had breakfast after almost dying in the desert. But I also love old school diners and this is one of those. It's on an old street which at one time used to have many motels on it because it's very close to Route 66. My grandparents used to take us on vacation and we almost always stayed in motels like that and got breakfast in places like this. With post cards and chotchkes for sale. It has a lived in diner vibe with booths and lots of counter space. Some of the booths have those old fashioned jukebox machines. The waitresses have a haggered but friendly vibe and the coffee is strong and good. I ordered a blue cheese burger which was pretty expensive for a burger, but what isn't these days? What came was a gigantic smashed burger on a fluffy bun, piled with blue cheese; absolutely delicious. Maybe one of the best in town. The fries were crispy and well seasoned. I went there being a bit of a tourist and will come back as a regular. ********************************************************** Just a note for tourists. If you're looking for Route 66 it's Central Ave. If you head west from The Owl you will see remanants of it's glory days including Neon signs, Diners and Old motels. read more

The entire experience was great, our smiling server (Mary) answered our questions, we opted for the owlcheladas and the patty melt. The enchiladas were great according to my wife. The patty melt was tasty with the added green chilies, Well seasoned crispy fries topped off the plate. We split the New Mexico milk shake that's a delicious combo of chocolate and red chilies. The decor is reminiscent of the classic 60's diner. read more

Stopped in here for a quick lunch and it was like entering a time capsule. This has cool 60's vibe and it was pretty good to see. When you sit down they bring you some beans with green chilis. They were delicious. We both had cheese burgers with fires and the fries were very well seasoned. The cheeseburgers were fresh and hot. They have a huge amount of shake flavors. I had the cherry one and it was thick and flavorful. Definitely give this place a try read more

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Great food, great service, and kitschy decor makes the Owl Cafe a great meal spot. I went to the Owl based on a recommendation from Roadside America. I was not disappointed. I went in on Saturday evening for an early dinner, and was seated immediately. The server was friendly and efficient. My meatloaf was delivered fast and piping hot. Everything was cooked perfectly. I was so impressed that I even bought a T-Shirt!! read more

The Owl Cafe - Exterior view - Diners Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Lilly and Meg made me the best bloody Mary I've ever had in my LIFE! Highly recommend!

This has been a landmark cafe for decades. It's designed to look like a traditional railroad coach diner, complete with a rounded building entrance. It's been a long time since I've seen the tabletop jukebox by Sebring. Our waitress was welcoming and kept our coffee cups full! We all had the Huevos Rancheros with Hatch green chili. It's a sin not to do so here ;) The huevos were fantastic and the flour tortillas were home made. When you enter, there is a wall of plaques, clippings etc. covering the founders and the many awards they garnered over the years. One such clipping is about the "Best hamburger in Albuquerque?" Might have to try that. read more

When in Albuquerque, do yourself a favor and head over to the owl café! Outstanding green chili cheeseburgers, tall, frosty hand-made shakes, delicious cheesy french fries and homemade pies are on the menu at this landmark Albuquerque restaurant that celebrates the heyday and quirkiness of Route 66. While their typical American diner fare is awesome, do yourself a favor and get the New Mexico specialties: posole (pork cubes in red chile gravy), Red or Green enchilada, Chiles Rellenos, or the NM state burger: the green chile cheeseburger. Wash it down with a handmade shake - I got the Hot Mamma (vanilla and green chile). At, caramba was it good!! I had a cup of red posole (instead of fries) and a green chile cheeseburger for lunch, and it was a GREAT lunch! Located 1 block north of the I-40 along Eubank, the Owl Cafe can be super busy at lunch and dinnertime, so make a reservation to ensure you don't have to wait. And pick up a T-shirt too - they have lots of cool designs! 5 Love the Owl stars! read more

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Great food fast friendly service 60's restaurant yet comfortable and clean. I had the BLT with fries all worth the price.

Overrated due to being on breaking bad. Food prices were high. Drink prices outrageous. 5 dollars for a pop! Burgers and sandwiches and quesadillas, empanadas etc were around 20 dollars each. Food was mediocre. I got a reuben sandwich which was fine. Came with tortillachips. I thought was supposed to come with fries. Others like their more traditional new mexican food of quesadilla and enchiladas. Gave us asmall dish for free of beans no big deal. 2 people split a milkshake. They put in2 glasses. They sell lots of souvenirs including t-shirts. Pies and cakes looked great. They had table juke boxes. read more

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The food was very good and the service and friendly nature of the staff was exceptional!! Love the old schools diner feel.

Was looking forward to a delicious green Chile cheeseburger, but didn't get it here. Hamburger was rubbery, bottom bun was wet and smushy. Also ordered onion rings. Big mistake. They were old, greasy and batter not cooked through. read more

OMG the prices! $17 for Huevos. $12 for a Frito Pie. House salad $7.50 Have I made 85 characters yet? But the green chile cheeseburger! Wow that green chile was great read more

Excellent retro home cooked comfort food, fun ambiance and the waitresses were a hoot!

I've eaten here many times. I really like the ambiance, the food is good, and the service is outstanding.

The waitress was amazing, however the food was not. chicken fried steak was tough and other plates lacked any flavor. Do not recommend this place. read more

Cool old school diner with jukebox's at each table. The service was excellent. I had the Albuquerque Patty Melt which of course has green chile on it! It was very good. read more

The Owl Cafe - Counter/Interior - Diners Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I was in ABQ for work and had finished way earlier than I thought I would so had plenty of time to try and find a place to eat. Green Chiles! Green Chiles! was a refrain that I heard over and over when I mentioned New Mexico. I was a little off the beaten path-lot of chain restaurants and storage units but not much else but Yelp directed me to The Owl Cafe and I liked the old school diner vibe it gave off, at the very least I could take a picture of the kitschy exterior. I walked in and the interior definitely had that old school diner vibe too. I got seated and Mary, my server dropped off a small bowl of pinto beans and green chiles. Since I already checked the box in getting chiles so I decided to go with their burger special which was cheap, like throwback to the 90s cheap. I did tell Mary that I wanted to get chiles and while the beans and chiles checked the box, I still had an itch to scratch. She suggested getting fries with chiles on top and get the Christmas style. She also checked on me a lot and made sure my Arnold Palmer was full during my meal. I had good hot meal at a fast casual price. read more

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Classic New Mexican fare with large portions. I'm a big fan of owl decor and enjoyed the experience. Service was quick & attentive.

The Owl Cafe in Albuquerque recently changed owners, and the boys from the VA Writing Group were interested in assessing whether the quality remained as we all remembered it. Good news--it's the same as before. Join Tom Neiman, Dan Wetmore, Mike Hibner, Mark Fleisher, and Jim Tritten as they sample the excellent food at the long-standing New Mexico favorite. Friendly service and interesting decor make this trip to the east side of town worth the drive. See if you can catch the seat where we saw a flashback sequence between Walter and Jess in the Breaking Bad movie "El Camino." Hint: it is at the end. Just click on the following YouTube link and enjoy our report. https://youtu.be/egGnPzgByoI?si=P0-ITxb9x9ThIT_G read more

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Super cute place, friendly staff. The menu has lots of cafe and NM options, including two types of green chile (vegetarian or with ground beef). My sister and I did feel that the red chile tasted like it came out of a can. The home made tortillas also did not seem fresh when we were there (noon on a Friday), but we enjoyed everything else very much and I would definitely go back and recommend it to others. The pancakes were huge and fluffy; the eggs were perfectly cooked, and the green chile had just the right amount of spice. read more

We stopped here for Sunday breakfast after Mass. We weren't sure what to expect. He had eggs , I had the french toast combo. Both were tasty and prepared well. The service was very good , provided by a very cheerful Isela. read more

This place has a chill diner atmosphere complete with little jukebox terminals at your table just like the diners from my childhood. Great selection of shakes and I really like the fried zucchini and mushrooms combo plate. Service is efficient and friendly. read more

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