Matt Swider

 

Green Chile Burgers in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Green and Red Chiles on the New Mexico state sign

New Mexico’s sign includes green and red chiles, a staple of this self-proclaimed “Land of Enchantment” state. We tried them first hand when we arrived in Santa Fe and ate dinner at the award-winning burger restaurant, Bobcat Bite. George saw it on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network and it’s the sole reason we went to Santa Fe instead of Albuquerque.

Bobcat Inn Bed & Breakfast sign Pueblo-styled Bobcat Inn Bed & Breakfast

Bobcat Bite is also the one and only reason we stayed at the Bobcat Inn next door. This pueblo-styled bed and breakfast was inexpensive for a B&B and conveniently located within walking distance, so after checking in at 6:30 PM, we hurried on over to sit down at Bobcat Bite, which closes at 7:50 PM. The odd closing time is due to an old 8:00 PM curfew that has since expired.

Bobcat Bite exterior Bobcat Bite Green Chile Burger with fried onions

Although I’m usually a plain ketchup-and-mustard burger guy, I ordered the green chile cheeseburger with fried onions on top. George said that it was the best burger he’s ever tasted. Mine started to fall apart halfway through, but I still enjoyed the unique flavor of this Santa Fe-exclusive burger.

Bobcat Inn's stuffed bobcats Bobcat Bite Green Chile Burger with fried onions

Rain crept in with the sunset as we finished our meal, so we hurried back to the B&B and scanned our rooms we’re staying in since they’re filled with unique ornaments. In addition to decorations like a stuffed bobcat and the skull of a longhorn steer, the Bobcat Inn includes free wireless Internet access, ideal for this quick update before turning in early. We have to wake up at the crack of dawn to drive to Mesa Verde, Colorado, where we camp for the first time on this roadtrip.