Welcome to The Original Owl Bar & Cafe
"The Original Owl Bar & Cafe, located in San Antonio, NM, is a must-visit spot for lovers of classic American diner fare. With a wide range of vegetarian options and a cozy, divey atmosphere, this restaurant is perfect for groups and families alike. The menu features a variety of dishes available for takeout, delivery, or dining in, with options for every palate. From hearty lunches to satisfying dinners, The Original Owl Bar & Cafe has something for everyone. Plus, with amenities like outdoor seating, private dining, and happy hour specials, this restaurant truly stands out as a dining destination worth experiencing."
- 77 US Hwy 380 San Antonio, NM 8783277 US Hwy 380 San Antonio, NM 87832 Hotline: (575) 835-9946
Welcome to The Original Owl Bar & Cafe, a cornerstone of American diner culture nestled along the historic 77 US Hwy 380 in San Antonio, NM. This beloved establishment exudes a charm that beckons travelers and locals alike, promising a delightful fusion of flavors and an inviting atmosphere that’s as warm as the New Mexican sun.
As you step inside, the first thing that captures your attention is the bustling bar area, radiating an energy that sets the tone for your dining experience. The decor, adorned with quirky memorabilia and dollar bills, tells tales of the countless patrons—like the renowned scientists Oppenheimer and Teller—who have graced the cafe since its opening in 1948. With seating arrangements that invite both intimate meals and lively gatherings, it’s a place where community thrives.
One cannot mention The Original Owl Bar & Cafe without highlighting their renowned green chile cheeseburger. This isn’t just any burger; it’s a culinary legacy served at an astonishing price of just $6. Each bite is a testament to the consistency and quality that keep customers returning, featuring perfectly smashed beef, melted cheese, and homemade green chile that offers a delicious heat without overwhelming the palate. As customer reviews repeatedly attest, the burger remains a staple for good reason: it’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia.
Moreover, the cafe is a delight for families. Kid-friendly booths and a casual vibe make it an ideal stop for everyone. As noted by guests, the servers are attentive and quick, ensuring that even during lunchtime rushes, your experience remains seamless and enjoyable. Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty meal or a refreshing drink on their patio—where even your furry friends are welcome—you’re bound to feel the warmth of hospitality that has characterized The Owl Bar for decades.
For the sweet-toothed, dessert options like apple, cherry, and pecan pies, alongside the rich offerings of chocolate and carrot cakes, serve as the perfect ending to your meal. Pair any dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic touch that transports you back to simpler times.
In essence, The Original Owl Bar & Cafe stands as a beacon of culinary tradition in New Mexico. It’s a place where comfort food meets history, where every dish is crafted with care, and where you can feel the pulse of both the past and present in every bite. As echoed by patrons, an experience at The Owl Bar is not just a meal; it's a cherished moment waiting to be savored.

The Owl Bar is everything one would expect after you've heard about it. The food is great. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is exactly as advertised. All is great! Enjoyable and delicious!

Very friendly very kind servers. Nice atmosphere... same same as it's been for many many years. Delicious food. Consistency in the taste of their food. I've never had a bad meal or inconsistent meal here.

It's a seat yourself place so walk in and find a table. Service was good. Server was quick to get our drink orders and took orders all at one time. We didn't have to wait very long at all for our food. It seemed like it was out in about ten minutes or so. I had the green chile cheese burger and order of the green chile fries. Both were excellent! It is a bar and grill so you are greeted with the bar as soon as you walk in, but there are booths and tables in the same room and another room has more tables and chairs. The vibe is that it's a very causal place and kiddos are welcome! I'd definitely go back again!

First time at this historic bar & cafe and it was worth the visit. Service is very friendly and they will bring your food and beverages out to the patio. Their world famous green chile cheeseburger is full of flavor - a smashed burger with melted cheese, daily homemade green chile, with all the fixings at an unbelievable price of $6. "Prospectors", aka atomic scientists, such as Oppenheimer and Teller have had this same burger and the recipe hasn't changed since 1948. They have a great patio in back where your dogs can relax and explore if you are on a long road trip.

Now that I had tried the burger joint across the street, we had to stop here. We made it just during the lunch rush (everyone was pretty much gone by the time we left). Service was friendly and food came out quickly. The decor was a little quirky with dollar bills and notes on the walls and pictures of famous people who had eaten there. Prices were reasonable ($21 for 2 burgers and an iced tea) and the green chile cheeseburger was good, but maybe not one of the top GCC's that I've had in the state. 2024 #38

Every once in a while, maybe twice a year or so I like going to eat at the Owl bar in San Antonio. They have really good green chile cheeseburgers, one of the best anywhere. The service has always been friendly and great in my opinion. The restaurant is dimly lit and cozy. The food comes out really fast. I wish there were chips and salsa that would be great so instead I got a cup of beans and chile and that was delicious. My BDGCCB was great. Next time I'm going to get a triple! My daughter couldn't finish her Chile cheese fries so I helped her and I have to say I prefer shredded cheese over nacho cheese which these had but they were still good. I had an order of onion rings with my burger and this place has some of the best onion rings anywhere. Prices are average for these days. No complaints here. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because the Chile wasn't hot, but was tasty and I like when all the food comes out together and here they brought our sides a few minutes ahead of our burgers. No big deal but that's why. Two thumbs up from me! Can't wait to come back soon!

Located just a short drive outside Albuquerque, the Owl Café is a local gem serving up some of the most delicious burgers you'll ever taste. Their cheeseburger, topped with fresh green chilis, strikes the perfect balance of flavor and heat, making it a quintessential New Mexico delight. Steeped in history, this charming café dates to the 1940s and once catered to the scientists of the Manhattan Project - yes, even Oppenheimer's crew likely savored these burgers! Adorned with photos of famous patrons and adorned with dollar bills, the walls tell stories of generosity and community spirit. Each December, these donated dollars go to support both local and national charities (patrons have the opportunity to leave their mark with a personalized note on their donation). Whether you're en route to White Sands National Park or simply craving a taste of authentic New Mexico cuisine, a visit to the Owl Bar & Café is an absolute must.

What fun! A road trip for a few days to Bosque del Apache and decided to go to original Owl Cafe. Have been to the one in Albuquerque which has amazing burgers. Same here. Photo is what's left over which is a lot as I don't eat much. We didn't realize was so close to the Trinity site as shown in the movie Oppenheimer. They could see the blast from here. Super interesting as is truly a piece of history. Another reason to see all this beautiful state has to offer!

Owl by Myself New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge part 2 of 4 First opened in 1945 after the war by veteran Frank Chavez, the Owl Bar & Café has been a staple on this side of New Mexico serving up the locals, as well as passing travelers good food and plenty of libations. Their Green Chile Cheeseburger has been on the menu since '48, and is purported to be the same recipe as back then. The Owl Bar was definitely a must-do in my Green Chile Cheeseburger challenge and seemed like a worthy contender. Green Chile Burger: The Bun: It's probably the worst out of the four buns I tried, as it didn't seem more than a grocery store hamburger bun, and not even a good one at that. 2/5 Green Chiles: Check! There's nothing to complain about here! 5/5 Cheese: The NM standard for cheese is a slice--or three--of American cheese, and they got that right here. 5/5 Ancillary topping: It does come with my standard Burger accouterments of lettuce and tomatoes, but in this case, I feel like they should've left them off as their flavors kinda water down the chiles. I do give them bonus points for using shredded lettuce, which is always a classy move. 3/5 Burger: Possibly the best pure burger out of the four as it's served smashburger-style with a nice hearty crust so that one can taste the years pit into that grill in every sense. 5/5 Fries: Their housemade fries and rings are superlative. And whatever you do, don't be shy and get the green chile cheese fries--mind blowing stuff! 5/5 Conclusion: Overall, at 25 out of 30 points, turns out a very not bad Green Chile Cheeseburger, but unfortunately, they took third out of fourth place in this hotly fought battle royale (w/ Cheese). Other observations: *Huge bar but none of the beers are on-tap *Service was Jekly-or-Hyde of one minute she loved us, and the next, she hated us. *Fairly large menu that includes breakfast *Very inexpensive (by Cali standards anyhow) *Small dirt lot parking Conclusion: Despite having what might be the best Burger in the competition, Owl Bar misses out on a few key details to put them over the top. However, they're still a fine dining option if you're in the area. **I know calling something "the best" is really lame and very arbitrary, but I need to do things like this to entertain myself.