5 Best Burger Spots in Albuquerque that Locals Rave About

In Albuquerque, the question isn’t if there’s green chile on your burger—it’s how much. The city’s burger scene is all about New Mexico chile, char‑grilled flavor, and roadside‑style spots that locals swear by.

1. Blake’s Lotaburger

Blake’s is a New Mexico institution, and many locals will argue that you can’t talk about burgers here without putting Lotaburger at the top. It’s fast‑casual, no frills, and completely centered around green chile cheeseburgers.

The classic Lotaburger with cheese and green chile is the order: a straightforward patty, melted American or cheddar, and chopped roasted green chiles that bring both heat and flavor. It’s messy in the best way and tastes like pure New Mexico. Pair it with seasoned fries and a shake and you’ve basically tasted a piece of local history.

2. Laguna Burger (Old Town / Route 66)

Laguna Burger started at a gas station on the Laguna Pueblo and became legendary enough to expand into Albuquerque proper. The ABQ locations kept that “best roadside burger you’ve ever had” energy.

The signature Laguna Burger is a thick, juicy patty stacked with cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, and a generous hit of fire‑roasted green chile. The bun is sturdy and slightly sweet, soaking up juices without falling apart. It’s big, bold, and absolutely built around the flavor of the chile.

3. Holy Burger (Downtown / Nob Hill area)

Holy Burger brings a more modern burger‑bar feel to Albuquerque—sleek, casual, and very focused on quality ingredients. It’s the spot locals mention when they want something a little more “chef‑y” than drive‑through.

Burgers are griddled for maximum crust and topped with things like house pickles, roasted chiles, caramelized onions, bacon, and sharp cheeses. The Holy Green Chile Cheeseburger is the local go‑to, but they also do fun specials and solid veggie options. Fries, tots, and shakes are all well above average, making it a full burger‑and‑comfort‑food kind of night.

4. The Grill (Alameda)

The Grill looks like a low‑key roadside shack, which is exactly the energy you want if you’re chasing a great burger in New Mexico. It’s small, friendly, and very focused on doing a few things really well.

Burgers here are straightforward: juicy patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of red or green chile. The green chile cheeseburger is the move—smoky, spicy, and dripping just enough. Locals also love the steak fingers and fries, but the burger is the main attraction.

5. Nob Hill Bar & Grill

Nob Hill Bar & Grill is a neighborhood gastropub that treats its burgers with serious respect. The vibe is lively, with a strong beer list and a menu that straddles casual and upscale.

Their burgers feature high‑quality beef, brioche buns, and toppings like applewood bacon, roasted chiles, caramelized onions, and house sauces. The green chile cheeseburger here is richer and more “restaurant‑y” than the roadside versions, but still very rooted in New Mexico flavor. It’s a great spot if you want a burger with a good cocktail or local beer in a buzzy setting.