Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Owl Cafe

    3.8 (731 reviews)
    ModerateDiners, American
    Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order The Owl Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    The Owl Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    THE OWL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Owl Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Owl Breakfast Burrito
    Mia M.

    What a great way to kick off the new year! I had been to Owl Cafe once before with a group of seniors, and the staff was so nice and accommodating. The restaurant is accessible with a great menu for folks old and young! It has a cool old school dinner aesthetic with great swag for purchase. I returned yesterday for a nice New Year's Day brunch- no wait and the food came out quickly. We mistakenly ordered appetizers, they were delicious. The only mistake was the portion size was so large we were unable to even scratch the surface on completing them! The pickle pile was literally so big- you need at least a pickle loving family of 4 to be able to put a dent in them. My breakfast burrito was awesome, great beans and loaded with eggs. The burger was big and juicy, and the fries crispy. The shake had a bunch of large brownie chunks which I love! I'll definitely be back.

    Cafe stools
    James M.

    We had lunch at the Owl Cafe (now Owl Bar & Cafe). Great nachos and enchiladas. Service was great. Like being in a way-back-machine, the place originated in 1945 in San Antonio, NM, as a burger joint for Manhattan Project scientists. In 1986, locals relocated it to Albuquerque's Eubank Blvd, keeping the green chile cheeseburger recipe and 1940s vibe. Iconic for Route 66 nostalgia.

    Achievement wall
    Keasha E.

    Classic dinner atmosphere, plenty of seating, service was quick and waitress was very friendly, the food was decent, made to order so it came out hot, we all decided the food overall could have used some seasoning but for the most part tasted good, the fries were good.

    "Owl"licious Nachos
    Megan C.

    I haven't been here in years, but I was craving a chocolate malt so we stopped by on a Saturday for lunch. We were seated right away and our waitress was very friendly. We started with a half onion log which was crispy and delicious. My husband had the nachos and I had a Reuben. The nachos were good with lots of melty cheese. I liked my Reuben with fries, but I thought $18 was pretty steep price wise. My husband also got a soda and I had a chocolate malt at the end. Yum! All in all, this set is back $70 with a 20% tip.

    Tuna melt with fries add on
    Angie K.

    I was reminded recently that the Owl had changed owners and a friend really wanted to make sure his favorite tuna melt was still the deliciousness that he remembered, so off we went. The service as always was amazing and the servers were super friendly. It's a cute little diner with a lot of fun merchandise with some owl-related puns. So also a good place to grab some souvenirs for visitors. They bring you some beans likely mixed with chile and some crackers as a tasty appetizer. I was thrilled to learn there was also a vegetarian version and it was absolutely delightful.I had to try the highly recommended tuna melt. Though I got mine with the side of fries. Normally it comes with chips and salsa so the fries are an add on. The sandwich did not disappoint! I will be back to try some more things.

    Outside
    Robert C.

    Stopped in here for a quick lunch and it was like entering a time capsule. This has cool 60's vibe and it was pretty good to see. When you sit down they bring you some beans with green chilis. They were delicious. We both had cheese burgers with fires and the fries were very well seasoned. The cheeseburgers were fresh and hot. They have a huge amount of shake flavors. I had the cherry one and it was thick and flavorful. Definitely give this place a try

    Exterior view
    Marty S.

    Great food, great service, and kitschy decor makes the Owl Cafe a great meal spot. I went to the Owl based on a recommendation from Roadside America. I was not disappointed. I went in on Saturday evening for an early dinner, and was seated immediately. The server was friendly and efficient. My meatloaf was delivered fast and piping hot. Everything was cooked perfectly. I was so impressed that I even bought a T-Shirt!!

    The green chile cheeseburger at the Owl Cafe - yum
    Laura P.

    When in Albuquerque, do yourself a favor and head over to the owl café! Outstanding green chili cheeseburgers, tall, frosty hand-made shakes, delicious cheesy french fries and homemade pies are on the menu at this landmark Albuquerque restaurant that celebrates the heyday and quirkiness of Route 66. While their typical American diner fare is awesome, do yourself a favor and get the New Mexico specialties: posole (pork cubes in red chile gravy), Red or Green enchilada, Chiles Rellenos, or the NM state burger: the green chile cheeseburger. Wash it down with a handmade shake - I got the Hot Mamma (vanilla and green chile). At, caramba was it good!! I had a cup of red posole (instead of fries) and a green chile cheeseburger for lunch, and it was a GREAT lunch! Located 1 block north of the I-40 along Eubank, the Owl Cafe can be super busy at lunch and dinnertime, so make a reservation to ensure you don't have to wait. And pick up a T-shirt too - they have lots of cool designs! 5 Love the Owl stars!

    See all

    1 month ago

    Fantastic food fantastic service from Megan C. Very dog friendly on the porch love this place!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greshka P.
    1580
    1428
    7265

    3 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mia M.
    373
    206
    1000

    4 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 4
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Keasha E.
    1
    276
    1047

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Barb V.
    0
    106
    6

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Great food and service. Love their breakfast menu. Request repainting the parking lot 2 years ago to allow for more parking. Thanks.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim W.
    29
    25
    0

    5 months ago

    I've eaten here many times. I really like the ambiance, the food is good, and the service is outstanding.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glenn C.
    1434
    1694
    5454

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 2

    5 months ago

    Classic New Mexican fare with large portions. I'm a big fan of owl decor and enjoyed the experience. Service was quick & attentive.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark A.
    0
    83
    107

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Food was great and service was even better- recommend the country fried steak with home fries. DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT A SLICE OF PIE

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ted C.
    455
    2922
    4618

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Tried a variety of breakfast orders, love them all. Wonderful old days nostalgia too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chuck L.
    51
    18
    20

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    The food was great, and the service was impeccable! Our server was so kind. The diner feel is amazing, I feel like I time traveled to 1959!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    This is the cutest diner with amazing food and large portions. The service was quick and the employees are so kind and helpful!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Xx X.
    13
    282
    2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 19

    Ask the Community - The Owl Cafe

    You might also consider

    66 Diner

    66 Diner

    (454 reviews)

    $$

    Midtown/University

    Really solid staple in iconic building. Really delicious food here but more of classic diner…read morestables with New Mexico twist. Decor is amazing with pez and signs (defs a good stop for tourists). Staff was super kind and food came fast. Small parking lot (as expected) as we missed part of the lot is quick right up the hill. Overall enjoyed the turkey melt with green chiles (ok) and country fried steak (really good). Large portions and lots of history- recommend.

    Service was quick and efficient. Ty w decor of the whole place is super fun. The night we went,…read moretheir were may prom kids. Seems like a fun and affordable place to go for a start to a prom night. Love the pez dispensers all over the high shelving. I felt like a burger and this seemed like a good place for it. I got the green chili burger with bacon and it was delicious. It was a bit pink- more than I like but I ate it and it was yummy. No ketchup needed. Very much New Mexico and full of flavor. We had to get shakes since they were recommended by the staff at the hotel. I would have gotten it anyway cause this seemed like the perfect place for it. They were think and so good. I saw some other desserts and I think I might have rolled over in my seat if I even tried them. They were huge! I got 3 glasses of shake and after a half marathon, it was well earned. My friend had the fish and chips and malt. She lived both. My shake wasn't fully mixed with peanut butter but it was still thickly delicious. I'd go back for a burger and shake fix. Might need my prom dress next time.

    Vick's Vittles Country Kitchen - Santa Fe Pancakes

    Vick's Vittles Country Kitchen

    (422 reviews)

    $$

    Eastside

    04/13/26 First of…read moreall, don't let the other reviews of a "sketchy" area deter you from visiting Vick's Vittles. The area looks old and poor, but near the restaurant, we didn't see anything sketchy. When we were leaving, we did see some homeless people at the main intersection, but we didn't see anything we'd describe as sketchy. We did notice there is a mobile home park behind the restaurant, but there is a wall between the mobile home park and the restaurant parking lot. Even if there were police surrounding the mobile home park, we'd still venture inside to eat. The food is that good. We shared the cowboy breakfast burrito and the Santa Fe pancakes. Both were filling and ridiculously good. The Santa Fe pancakes made with blue corn, roasted piñons, green chili, and cheddar jack cheese were different than anything else we've ever had. I'll admit I didn't love my first bite or two, but the more I ate, the more I wanted. The pancakes are dry, but if you drizzle some syrup, it's the perfect match. The accompanying eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly. The cowboy breakfast burrito is massive, filling, and worth every calorie. Even though we were stuffed, we had to get the peach with green chile turnover. We asked if the turnover is served warm and our waitress replied that she could warm it up for is. I'm not sure that it is normally served warm, but I highly recommend it. The turnover flaky, the glaze was silky once warmed up and the peach with green chile was unique and delicious. Five star service and food. I highly recommend Vick's Vittles and hope that I'm in the area again so I can try more of this delicious food.

    This is a classic rustic diner / cafe with all the kinds of all-day breakfast items you'd expect in…read moreNew Mexico -- plenty of middle-of-the-road "American" choices, and then lots of Southwestern specialties. And plenty of ways to customize your order to taste and for the size of your appetite. The main drawback, as others have noted, is that the location where they've been for decades has grown steadily bleaker, with a sketchy feel even during broad daylight. I say this as someone who lives in a rural setting but who has lived in some of the biggest cities in the world and as a person who's not easily scared off by "rough" neighborhoods. It's perfectly safe, but you want your wits about you as you come and go. Service is fantastically efficient, friendly, and thorough. Really good food, based on my single experience -- I had a pancake, an egg, and sausage along with coffee, and I ordered the "Santa Fe" style pancake. It's made with blue corn meal in the flour, along with piñon nuts and a little cheese, and it's a very satisfying meal in itself. I left full and ready to go back if I find myself in that part of Albuquerque again with an empty stomach.

    Vic's Daily Cafe - Breakfast burrito

    Vic's Daily Cafe

    (544 reviews)

    $$

    Business Parkway/Academy Acres

    Vic's Daily Café delivers exactly what a great neighborhood breakfast spot should: comforting food,…read morefriendly service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer over your coffee. From the moment we walked in, the staff were welcoming and attentive without ever feeling intrusive. Our server checked in regularly, kept the coffee full, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and genuinely hospitable. The food absolutely held its own. The biscuits and gravy were outstanding--fluffy, homemade biscuits smothered in a rich, savory gravy that tasted like it had been simmering all morning. We also ordered the pork cutlets, which were beautifully prepared: tender, flavorful, and cooked just right. Paired with the café's warm, pleasant ambiance, it made for a meal that felt both hearty and comforting. Vic's Daily Café is the kind of place that reminds you how satisfying a simple, well-executed breakfast can be.

    We came to Vic's Daily Cafe for brunch and it was delicious! I had the Navajo huevos rancheros…read morespecial and it was sooo good. The Duke City Turkey was also great, I definitely recommend adding bacon. We also ordered pancakes, eggs, and bacon and everything was tasty. Service was fast and our waitress Brenda B. was amazing and so sweet with all her tables. I'll definitely request her next time! The only reason for 4 stars is there wasn't a changing table in either restroom, so we had to go out to the car to change the baby, which wasn't very convenient.

    The Shop - Duck Hash:  Duck confit, potatoes, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, red chile, cheese and eggs your way. Oh my.

    The Shop

    (424 reviews)

    $$

    Nob Hill

    I've always heard about this place but had never eaten here until today. The line was extremely…read morelong, almost out the door but it actually moved pretty quickly. I was really happy to see that the menu clearly marked the gluten-free options. I originally decided on the chilaquiles since they were labeled gluten-free, but I asked to confirm that the chips weren't fried in a shared fryer. Unfortunately, the girl taking our order said they were, so I switched to the huevos rancheros. She wrote on the ticket that it was a gluten allergy so they would take extra precautions and prepare everything separately, which I really appreciated. My husband ordered the duck hash and said it was absolutely delicious! My son and his girlfriend got a burger and a Cubano sandwich, and they said both were amazing, they especially loved the French fries! My daughter ordered the Americano with a gluten-free waffle and loved it. My huevos rancheros were just okay, I wasn't too impressed. Definitely something I would not get again. Overall, my family really enjoyed their meals, and the food came out fairly quickly considering how busy it was.

    Came here for lunch with my co-workers and they were incredibly accommodating for our group of 10+!…read moreWe were tended immediately and got our food pretty quick! I got the Duck Confit burger which was fantastic! Duck was very tender and not gamey at all. Portions were very large and I would recommend sharing. Would definitely come back to try the rest of their menu.

    The Owl Cafe - diners - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...