The Owl Bar & Cafe

The Owl Bar & Cafe

77 US-380, San Antonio, NM 87832, United States

+1 575-835-9946

Cafe, Bar, Hamburger restaurant, Restaurant
(1856)
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About This Place

Located in the heart of San Antonio, New Mexico, The Owl Bar & Cafe offers a quintessential Southwestern dining experience that expertly blends tradition with comfort. This beloved restaurant is well-known for its authentic New Mexican cuisine, with a special emphasis on green chile—arguably the star ingredient of the region. Whether you're stopping by for a satisfying breakfast burrito or settling in for a hearty dinner, The Owl Bar & Cafe promises a hearty, flavorful meal served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The menu is a treasure trove of classic American and New Mexican favorites. The Green Chile Cheeseburger stands out as a must-try dish, praised by locals and visitors alike for its perfect balance of smoky green chile and melty cheese piled high on a perfectly smashed patty. Served piping hot with crispy golden fries, this burger is a comforting explosion of flavor. Don’t miss the Green Chile Cheese Fries or the Green Chile Hamburger for a spicy twist on traditional sides and sandwiches. For breakfast lovers, the Breakfast Burrito packed with fresh, vibrant flavors truly sets the tone for an energizing day.

From those craving a juicy Double Cheeseburger and Fries to fans of simple classics like the Grilled Cheese and BLT Sandwich, The Owl Bar & Cafe’s menu delivers with no-fuss dishes that emphasize quality and authenticity. Their dinner options, such as the savory T-Bone Steak or the tender 7oz Sirloin Steak, provide a filling conclusion to any visit. Side dishes like Nachos & Jalapeños, golden Onion Rings, and a fresh Side Salad round out the meals with perfectly balanced textures and flavors.

What truly elevates the experience at The Owl Bar & Cafe is its inviting ambiance. Step inside and you’re greeted by a cozy setting brimming with character—walls adorned with hundreds of owl figurines and memorabilia create a quirky, homely vibe that invites diners to relax and savor their meals. The combination of rustic charm and friendly service makes the dining experience feel intimate and memorable. Many patrons mention feeling right at home, a sentiment echoed by customer Michael Dale who highlighted the “very home like” atmosphere and praised the kindness of Ms. Betty.

The Owl Bar & Cafe is not just about the food; it’s about celebrating and indulging in the culinary heritage of New Mexico with every bite. Classic cocktails like the Michelada and Bloody Mary complement your meal perfectly, whether you’re winding down after a long day or simply enjoying a social night out. The bar’s lively yet laid-back environment matches the quality of the food with warmth and personality.

Customers consistently rave about The Owl Bar & Cafe’s unbeatable smash-style burgers, crispy fries, and authentic green chile dishes. Longtime patrons like L Romero swear by their stop here, appreciating the “delicious, no frills” approach that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Christian Umstattd praises it as an iconic spot with a “phenomenal” burger and a “great atmosphere.” And Kelly Smith’s cherished family memories here underline the timeless appeal of this local gem, where the food surpasses all expectations.

If you find yourself driving through San Antonio, a visit to The Owl Bar & Cafe is essential. It’s a place where tradition, flavor, and hospitality come together in perfect harmony—a genuine taste of New Mexico’s culinary soul wrapped up in every green chile cheeseburger and every smile from the staff. The next time hunger strikes, take that exit off I-25 and treat yourself to a meal that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Trendy
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Thursday
    09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Friday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Michael Dale
    4 week ago

    What an outstanding stop we made! We have passed this little spot so many times and never stopped. Boy are we glad we did. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere is very home like. The history of the area is so fascinating and Ms. Betty was the sweetest! Almost as sweet as my tea was. I couldn’t recommend this spot any stronger! Get the Green Chili Cheese Burger! So good!!

  • L Romero
    1 month ago

    Lifetime patron. Regardless of where I live, I always take the San Antonio exit off of I-25 to scarf down a delicious, no frills (minus the hundreds of owl tchotchkes) green chili cheese (smash) burger. In my estimation, the Owl burgers are the first smash burgers made. The fries are delicious and served piping hot made from large, thicker cut Russets and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Top off your meal with a canned Coke. Don't forget to bring a dollar to tack onto the wall, along with the many, many patrons, movie stars, and saints During my college days at NM Tech/School of Mines, I ran the 12.1 miles it took to reach the "Owl" for good reason. The prize? An ice cold bottle of Budweiser on the house.It was a college student's dream I also received a blue T-shirt sporting the owl logo and the phrase, "I ran to the Owl bar and cafe." Run, walk, ride m, or drive. However you do it, get to the owl bar and cafe! PS My mother is the model .

  • Christian Umstattd
    2 month ago

    Love this spot! We come to Socorro county once or twice a year and have been hitting up buckhorn but I’m fully sold on the Owl now. Great atmosphere, full bar and the burger is phenomenal. Nothing fancy, just a great all American burger, the way it should be

  • Kelly Smith
    2 month ago

    ICONIC. My family always stopped here when traveling through during my childhood and it was always delicious. Remembering this, I brought my own family on our summer road trip this year. My husband looked at the photos and said it looked mediocre. When we arrived, he said "okay, it's cooler in here than the photos showed." When the food arrived, he said "this food has no right to be this good." We got green chile cheeseburgers, green chile cheese fries, cheese fries (no chile), and our children ordered some plain stuff. It was all incredibly delicious. I ended up eating more cheese fries than I thought I would, so I could have a break from the spice of the green chile. I might recommend ordering a dish with the green chile and one without (like green chile on just your burger or just your fries). Atmosphere is dark, comfy, laid back, and assertively air conditioned. Service was friendly and prompt.

  • Diane F
    3 month ago

    That was the best smashed green chili cheese burger I've had. Onion rings were crunchy but edible, and the onion was cooked. I love the donation wall for your local charities. Waitresses were attentive and polite. I missed your front door. It looked like a service door. I should have read the WELCOME sign on it. I will be stopping in when I come through this way again.

  • Michelle
    3 month ago

    What a wonderful little place to eat. You can put a dollar on the wall and at the end of the year all the money is donated to charity. My ONLY complaint is that my burger was literally BURIED in a mound of fries! I thought it didn't exist. But that is just a me problem! :) Food and service were wonderful.

  • Jose Dominguez
    4 month ago

    The owl was perfect! Stopped in on our way to Ruidoso and looking forward to next visit for sure. Service was great, food was delicious and it came out extremely fast!

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