| Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews |
| Lotaburger Hamburgers - New Mexico Style 5 Locations Below is the old one at 404 North Guadalupe, Santa Fe, NM. |
Santa Fe Restaurant Review:
I don't normally review chains -- there's nothing special about them -- but Lotaburger is an
exception: (1) It's only found in New Mexico, where it has acquired almost a cult status, and
(2) the cheeseburger with green chiles is the State Burger of New Mexico, and Lotaburger
has a good one.
SETTING - The old one, shown in these photos, is a plain-Jane 1950's-style hamburger stand
on the north edge of downtown. There are 4 newer ones scattered around the city so that
Santa Feans (FAY-ans) are never too far from a Lotaburger (see map linked below).
FOOD - Hand-prepared, certified Angus beef burgers made the old-fashioned way (your
choice of lettuce, pickles, onions, tomatoes, & mustard or mayo). The "Itsa-burger" is a little
smaller. But their green-chile cheeseburger is the off-menu specialty: a cheeseburger with
slightly hot Hatch green chiles on top. Just ask to add cheese and chiles. Fries come two
ways - definitely go with the Seasoned Fries. The burgers are made to order, so it's not as
fast as McDonald's where they have a dozen already made, warming under the heat lamp.
AMBIANCE - The old one is a white concrete block building. The newer ones are slightly
nicer. None have a drive-through. At the original, there is no inside seating. You walk up, stand
in line, place your order, and eat in your car or on one of their metal picnic tables. Or take it
to-go. The newer ones have some stools at a metal counter. Lotaburger is retro, but not in a
cutesy way - just utilitarian. Open kitchen - you can watch the burgers being made through the
window or behind the counter.
BOTTOM LINE - Is it the best burger you've ever had? Honestly, maybe not ... but it's
darned good, and Lotaburger is a Santa Fe tradition. So if you're visiting Santa Fe, why eat
at the same burger chains that you have back home? Just don't forget to ask for cheese &
green chiles. You can visit their web site for a little history and their brief menu.
I don't normally review chains -- there's nothing special about them -- but Lotaburger is an
exception: (1) It's only found in New Mexico, where it has acquired almost a cult status, and
(2) the cheeseburger with green chiles is the State Burger of New Mexico, and Lotaburger
has a good one.
SETTING - The old one, shown in these photos, is a plain-Jane 1950's-style hamburger stand
on the north edge of downtown. There are 4 newer ones scattered around the city so that
Santa Feans (FAY-ans) are never too far from a Lotaburger (see map linked below).
FOOD - Hand-prepared, certified Angus beef burgers made the old-fashioned way (your
choice of lettuce, pickles, onions, tomatoes, & mustard or mayo). The "Itsa-burger" is a little
smaller. But their green-chile cheeseburger is the off-menu specialty: a cheeseburger with
slightly hot Hatch green chiles on top. Just ask to add cheese and chiles. Fries come two
ways - definitely go with the Seasoned Fries. The burgers are made to order, so it's not as
fast as McDonald's where they have a dozen already made, warming under the heat lamp.
AMBIANCE - The old one is a white concrete block building. The newer ones are slightly
nicer. None have a drive-through. At the original, there is no inside seating. You walk up, stand
in line, place your order, and eat in your car or on one of their metal picnic tables. Or take it
to-go. The newer ones have some stools at a metal counter. Lotaburger is retro, but not in a
cutesy way - just utilitarian. Open kitchen - you can watch the burgers being made through the
window or behind the counter.
BOTTOM LINE - Is it the best burger you've ever had? Honestly, maybe not ... but it's
darned good, and Lotaburger is a Santa Fe tradition. So if you're visiting Santa Fe, why eat
at the same burger chains that you have back home? Just don't forget to ask for cheese &
green chiles. You can visit their web site for a little history and their brief menu.
| Show Map (The original Santa Fe Lotaburger, shown here, is "A", near downtown, at the top of the map) |
