It’s the classic icon of American cuisine. Whether you take it with cheese and all the trimmings or with just a little bit of ketchup, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy a good hamburger. The best part is washing it down with a cool soda and adding heaping side of salty fries. Even vegetarians can get in on the game, with many burger joints offering up meatless versions of this timeless favorite.
A grand total of 97 restaurants in Las Cruces serve hamburgers. You’ll even find it on the menu at most Mexican food joints. Who has the best can be a controversial question and is often determined by personal preference more than anything.
We asked our online followers to vote on their favorites in three separate categories. The results are in and not surprising to anyone who regularly enjoys a good meal out on the town. While you may still have your own personal go-to burger joint, let’s face it, there’s plenty of good burger game in town. These three are definitely worth a taste.
Best Green Chile Cheeseburger in las cruces
Dick’s Cafe
Just like the hamburger itself stands as a symbol for American cuisine, the green chile cheeseburger is one of the most recognizable menu items in Southern New Mexico, This makes the competition for this category naturally pretty stiff. Taking top honors with 39 percent of the vote: local hot spot Dick’s Cafe. They’ve been slinging burgers since 1959, so it’s no wonder they’ve seemingly perfected the art. “Our burgers are made with fresh ground beef that we source locally every day and locally grown chile,” says owner Ace Perez. “Plus, all our patties are hand-formed with love.” Available in regular size, jumbo, and double meat jumbo—that’s 18 oz. of meat!—this local favorite is perfection when topped with a few slices of crispy bacon. They serve up some pretty tasty Mexican food too.
2305 S Valley Dr. (575) 524-1360
Online Reviews
“I have been coming here for the green chile cheeseburgers since I was in college in the early 90s. The place has stayed clean and updated, but the food is unchanged—fantastic!”
“Old school, the only way to eat. Green chile is fantastic.”
“If you are going to get a green chile cheeseburger anywhere in the country, this is the place to go.”
BEST UNIQUE BURGER
The Game and The Game II
With no less than 13 hamburgers on their menu ranging from the standard to the surprising, The Game and The Game II are the locals’ pick for the best places to find a unique burger. Topping options here include Texas chili beans, blue cheese, chipotle mayo, sautéed mushrooms, smoked sweet pepper bacon, and one of the restaurant’s signature items, pecan encrusted chile strips. If you’ve really got an appetite, try out the 3 Pound Burger Challenge. This monster is three layers of cheese-covered, bacon-piled, pecan encrusted chile goodness. If you can get it down in eight minutes, it’s free. If you can’t rise to the occasion, you’ll have to shell out $21.50. Also try the Corked Bat Burger. An 8oz. burger topped with Dickerson’s custom smoked sweet pepper bacon and your choice of cheese. Topped with two pecan encrusted chile strips.
Online Reviews
“I had the Corked Bat Burger which was very good. The highlight was the pecan encrusted green chile on top of the burger. Very tasty green chile!”
“Best burgers around! Corked Bat Burger is out of this world, delicious!”
“Corked Bat burger is phenomenal.”
The Game
2605 S. Espina 575-524-GAME
The Game II – Extra Innings
4131 Northrise Dr. 575-373-4623
Best Vegetarian Burger
Salud! de Mesilla
This off-menu, insider’s secret at Salud! de Mesilla is a must-try for any burger lover who has decided on living a meat free lifestyle. This authentic black bean burger patty is made with corn and peppers and topped with spinach and pickled vegetables. Owner Russell Hernandez points out that by itself the black bean patty is all vegan and that it can be subbed in for the beef patty in any of their other burgers. This trendy, foodie haven in Mesilla also received high marks in our other categories for burgers like the NM Trifecta with green chile and asadero cheese, and the Salud! Cowboy topped with onion, red pepper, and BBQ sauce.
online reviews
“We had black bean burgers for our lunch which were delicious and splurged on the prickly pear crème brulee for our dessert. We are thrilled with the menu as we like the gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. It is a breath of fresh air.”
“The trifecta burger was cooked to perfection. Ordered med well and was still juicy.”
“Great menu with refreshing choices you don’t find elsewhere.”
Salud! de Mesilla
1800 Avenida de Mesilla 575-323-3548
Hungry for More?
Next time you hit the road, check out these other tasty burger options
The Oinker
This decadent Hatch green chile cheeseburger is topped with a generous portion of smoked pulled pork. “If you are looking for a tasty bite, good music, and a lot of fun, make Sparky’s BBQ a stop on your next road trip through the Land of Enchantment,” shares owners Teako and Josie Nunn.
Awards: USA Today 10 Best – Readers’ Choice 2016 Best Green Chile Cheeseburger in NM.
Sparky’s Burgers, Barbeque, & Espresso
Hatch, New Mexico
sparkysburgers.com
The Tiger Burger
This is for the hungry: a double meat cheeseburger with fries named after the hometown team, the Alamogordo Tigers. True to burger culture roots, a friendly car-hop brings service to you. Plenty of outdoor seating as well. This burger joint comes highly recommended by long-time Southern New Mexicans.
Awards: Voted “Best Cheeseburger” for over 30 years by New Mexico True Culinary Treasures; notable spot on the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail
Hi-D-Ho Drive In
Alamogordo, New Mexico
facebook.com/HiDHoDriveIn
Western Bar’s Green Chile Cheeseburger
Just as the name states, this gem is loaded with meaty goodness, cheese, and New Mexico green chile. Funky and fantastic this 50+ year old bar and restaurant is a must stop on your way to or through Cloudcroft. Make sure to bring cash and you’ll definitely want to staple your own “memory” on the wall.
Western Bar & Café
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Chala’s Woodfire Grill
2790 Avenida de Mesilla
Burger Nook
1204 E. Madrid Ave.
Spotted Dog Brewery
2920 Avenida de Mesilla
Blake’s LotaBurger
1300 S. Valley Dr.
Posted by LasCruces.com
