Santa Fe's Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown: Top Finalists Revealed
Santa Fe proudly claims the title of Green Chile Cheeseburger Capital of the World, backed by our annual Smackdown competition. Over 10,000 enthusiasts voted to select the top six contenders, judged on September 12. Here are the standout finalists, each showcasing exceptional flavor profiles from local chefs.
Look closely: Chef Marc Quiñones adds a jalapeño challenge to his green chile cheeseburger.
Luminaria Lights Up Your Palate
At Luminaria in the Inn and Spa at Loretto, Chef Marc Quiñones elevates his entry with balsamic grilled onions atop a grass-fed patty. Sharp cheddar and fresh-roasted New Mexico green chile deliver balanced heat, complemented by Bibb lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, and house-made potato chips that vanish quickly.
The burger is a thing of beauty at Terra, and so are those crunchy onion rings.
The Taste is Terra-ific
A scenic drive north rewards visitors with the Terra burger at Four Seasons Resort and Spa. Chef Andrew Cooper uses Northern New Mexico-grown chile, supporting the Farmers’ Market Institute (Smackdown beneficiary). Green chile and pepper jack infuse the brioche bun, paired with chipotle BBQ sauce under perfectly cooked local beef, plus red chile onion rings.
Every good cowgirl needs a good mother, I mean, burger.
How I Ate Your Mother(burger)
Chef Patrick Lambert's Mother Burger at Cowgirl BBQ, 2013 People's Choice winner, features ground buffalo-beef blend, bacon, melted brie, green chile, and a chile-cheddar bun. Each bite varies in texture and flavor, served with truffle fries and extensive on-tap beers.
Cheers for the choice of chimichurri on the Anasazi Burger.
There’s Nothing Ancient History About This Burger
Chef Juan Bochenski at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi grills 100% Wagyu beef a la parilla for a perfect crust. Green chile-chimichurri sauce nods to his Argentinian roots, with provolone, avocado, and a fresh brioche bun. House-made BBQ chips complete the plate.
Oh My Amaya!
It’s Never Too Late to Get In to Win
Amaya at Hotel Santa Fe's last-minute entry—a half-pound natural bison burger by Chef Walter Dominguez—packs fire-roasted green chile and extra-sharp cheddar. Tempura onion rings shine, enjoyed on the covered patio amid Pueblo dances.
Even Zozobra (read more about him here) wanted a glimpse of the alien!
Area 51 Comes to Santa Fe
At Second Street Brewery, Chef Shawn Perry's creation tops an all-beef patty with blue-corn-dusted chile relleno, stout queso, fried red onions, bacon, guacamole, chipotle mayo, and chopped green chile for an out-of-this-world experience.
Don’t Miss the Lip-Smacking Smackdown
Secure tickets soon—this event sells out. Enjoy the six finalists plus a Lucky No. 7 selected by radio host Carlos Duran, with beer included, for an unforgettable evening.
