Ever traveled the New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail?
The 100+ eateries on the trail are located all over the state. From bonafide “burger joints” to fine restaurants, if it serves a decent green chile cheeseburger (GCC), it’s sure to be on the list.
GCC’s are special, to be sure. Green chile is THEstaple of New Mexican cuisine and adds a kick to the taste experience you can’t get any other way. But not all green chile cheeseburgers are created equal.
Some are more equal than others.
Still eating my way through the list, but confident enough to pronounce the GCC at Sparky’s Burgers, in the town of Hatch, as one of the best.
It’s that good.
THE PLATE
Lots of flavor with a combo of spices, grilled.
With a side of Sweet Corn with Hatch Green Chile and Onion . . . oh yeah!
Green Chile Cheeseburger at Sparky’s in Hatch, NM Click To TweetHubby and I walked in the door with our mouths set on sharing the 10-oz. ribeye, another Sparky’s menu item. Was gonna have my portion smothered in the optional green chile queso, of course . . . but they had run out.
But we’re not complaining, our burgers more than satisfied. Plus, the drive north from Las Cruces takes less than 45 minutes . . . so coming back soon to sample Sparky’s ribeye, barbecue, and more will be easy to do.
THE PLACE
What is the dining atmosphere like? Upbeat, which suited us fine since we had come there to party, celebrating our anniversary, like we do that every month.
Yeah, we’re mushy that way.
The point is, Sparky’s vibe fit the bill.
Colorful decor with vintage memorabilia all around. And lots of other hungry diners, too. Most of them genuinely friendly.
Like the couple who stepped off the line to give us a boost when we, having eaten and left, came back into Sparky’s to announce we’d left our lights on and our battery was dead. Turns out they were from Las Cruces, too.
Las Cruces people and Sparky’s ~ they both rock!
Never tried a Mexican cheeseburger, but the one that you are describing seems great. I guess the green chile adds ‘kick’ to the taste, like you say.
And how, Anda! You come to the table here expecting your green chile dish to bite ~ not burn ~ at least a little. “Burn” is bad, but “bite” . . . that’s a GOOD thing.
I have not even tried the Hatch Chile! I know that is pretty bad. They were in season not that long ago and, of course, some made their way to California. I was on vacation when my coworkers did their annual chili cook off. So, I lost the opportunity to try some of the chilis made with Hatch. I had to try them on hamburgers.
Yes, you DO have to experience Hatch green chile on your hamburgers, Ruth. Sure you’d luv them since you don’t don’t seem to mind a bit (or more!) of spice in your food. Put a mark on your calendar now, to look out for fresh chile next August. Glad to meet another international travel-loving foodie who also enjoys the offerings closer to home. Thanx for the visit!
You had me at green chilies. I’m not sure if the canned ones are the same, but whether they are or not, I’m sure I’d like that burger. Like you, minus the bun.
There’s something about the combination of chilies and cheese that enhances both flavors. Have you tried them in scrambled eggs? Yum.
With scrambled eggs . . . can’t believe I haven’t tried this! Thanx for the idea, Linda. Here’s one for you, when you can’t get your chile FRESH: forget the cans and buy in jars only, so you can SEE it has that yum 🙂 roasted flavor. Merry Christmas!