Among the many New Mexico-centic debate topics – from the political to the sociological – the top spot still remains, “Who has the best green chile cheeseburger?”
Contenders for the throne rise and fall depending on location, time of year and the debater’s own personal tastes. But Laguna Burger, having captured the Best Green Chile Cheeseburger award at the 2016 New Mexico State Fair and having been named “the best” by readers of both Albuquerque Journal and Albuquerque the Magazine five years running, is almost always in contention for the favorite list. Rather than rest on its ketchup-crowned laurels, though, Laguna Burger continues to expand its empire. On Tuesday, the fast-food restaurant cut the ribbon on its sixth Albuquerque area location (not counting the traveling food truck)!
Photo by Roberto E. Rosales / City Desk Abq Credit: Photo by Roberto E. Rosales / City Desk Abq
The newest Laguna Burger location comes as something of a relief for Central Albuquerque residents. Rather than trek down to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or out to Rio Rancho, we can stick comfortably to the University/Nob Hill area. The popular Bricklight District across from UNM – at 105 Harvard Dr. SE to be precise – is where you can now score a delicious Big Bad Bacon Cheddar or a Rio Puerco Dog. The newest Laguna Burger location opens to the public today at 11 a.m. It will be the third metro location, and the second restaurant opened in the past year.
The Laguna Burger brand was introduced to the public in 2005. Born of a traditional, “no frills” New Mexico recipe popular at Laguna Pueblo feast days, the burger was first made available to the public at businesses operated by the tribe’s primary business entity, Laguna Development Corporation (LDC). LDC was formed in 1998 to manage Laguna’s business holdings including travel centers, convenience stores and casinos. Laguna Burger came to life inside Pit Stop convenience stores in Laguna and Rio Puerco before its cult popularity forced the tribe to expand into Albuquerque.
Now, with its convenient University Area location, Laguna Burger is poised to become a statewide brand, alongside Dion’s and Lotaburger. For more info, including menus and operating hours, head to Laguna Burger’s website.