Go Hungry No More!
DESCRIPTION: Over the past several years, I've been lucky enough to eat at Chu Chu's many times. Any jerk can throw together sauce, cheese and toppings, but it take a true Master to come up with a superb crust and Chu Chu's has crust down to an art. How do they do it? Is it the water? The oven? Some combination of ingredients? I don't know, but whenever I'm in Zuni I have to have at least one meal at Chu Chu's. Oh yeah, service, though slow (hey, it's the best pizza for hundreds of miles), is very friendly. Ambiance is hectic as patrons walk in and rush out. The wonderful aroma of fresh-baking pizza makes waiting for your meal difficult; I'm salivating just remembering it.
DATE: 2006-04-25
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Pizza - Your choice of toppings

DESCRIPTION: My wife and I stopped in while touring thru the mountains. We both had the Taco dinner. The food was delicious, the salsa is made fresh daily and the servings were perfect.
DATE: 2003-06-24
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Taco dinner, Fajitas for two

Not so good this time
DESCRIPTION: We went back over the July 4th weekend because the food was so good before. Sadly we were disappointed this time. There has been a recent change of management, the waiter who was so prompt with service was gone and the service was sketchy as best.
DATE: 2003-07-17
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2

Recent Visit To Smokey Bear Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: Wow! I suppose since the person's review above there has been a change in owners and they also manage it. The food was wonderful, the service was friendly, complete and all anyone could ever ask for. The prices? Compared with other restaurants in Lincoln County they are the most reasonable; such as, breakfast specials for $1.99 which includes two eggs, hash browns and toast or biscuit. Lunch specials and dinner specials from $5.99 to $7.99. No complaints here.
DATE: 2005-12-10
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Oh my god...the green chili stew or the catfish or fried chicken dinners. The blue plate specials are $4.99 and filling as well as fantastic.

Quite Possibly the Best Green Chile Cheese Burgers
DESCRIPTION: I grew up in about 2 hours from the Owl Bar. I have since moved to New York, and honestly dream about their green chile cheeseburgers. They are not big, don't expect Fuddruckerian proportions, a small person can order two burgers. Everything is a la carte, so if you want fries order them. If you have the opportunity it is about 15 miles south of Socorro NM and right off the exit on I-25. 4 stars, two thumbs up, if you love hamburgers, it is a great place to go.
DATE: 2002-01-30
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Green Chile Cheeseburger

Over Rated
DESCRIPTION: Overall, I would say that this establishment is over-rated; however, it does possess some unique qualities. The staff is very friendly and the establishment very clean! The interior is very homey, the menu extremely limited (steaks are available), and the price is high for what you get. The burgers are delicious, but small. It was hard to find or taste the green chile in the burger I ordered. I was advised to order at least a double meat burger because the patties are small, I did, and it was an adequate amount of food. I did not like the fact that the server brings the french-fries to the table before the hamburgers are served. Everyone had finished their fries before the burgers were brought to our table. This restaurant was packed full of patrons; however, the service was very fast and somewhat efficient. One unique item you will find here is people sign dollar bills for which the cafe posts on their walls throughout. At some point, the owners take the money and donate it to charity. There are also several pictures of "Stars" posted on the walls throughout the establishment. I don't see what the hype is over this "famous" place, but it was fun and not too bad. For a family of five it costs us $29.00 not including the tip for burgers, fries, drinks, and two beers.
DATE: 2002-12-29
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Hamburger

Owl - OverRated
DESCRIPTION: Over rated to the maximum for what it is!
DATE: 2003-09-04
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Green Chile Cheese Burger

Resting on its laurels
DESCRIPTION: The Owl used to be good. That's why it's famous. The guy who made it famous is no longer there. Sad to say, I had both the worst burger and the worst banquet food of my life at the Owl within the past year. Written 11/03.
DATE: 2003-11-17
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : burger across the street

Very enjoyable place to eat
DESCRIPTION: We stop at the Owl Bar everytime we go to Socorro, New Mexico. The atmosphere is unique and the food is always very tasty. Service is fast and friendly.
DATE: 2003-12-30
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Green Chili Burger

Living on old reputation
DESCRIPTION: I swear it has declined over time. Not that it's bad, but for a buck more Mannie's Buckhorn (a stone's throw to the southwest) gets you a memorable green chile cheeseburger, much larger and higher quality ingredients.
DATE: 2005-06-26
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : green chile cheeseburger

AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE!!!!!!!!!!
DESCRIPTION: Have eaten at the Owl Bar & Grill, while traveling through the area, over the last twenty-odd years. My first taste of the famous green chile cheeseburger was when I lived in Socorro, NM, in the late 70's. Back then, you needed to hold the burgers with both hands. You could also actually taste the green chile. The ambiance has remained unchanged, the restrooms are exactly the same size...you have to go back into the hallway to change your mind. The service has also continued to be fast and friendly. Serving the fries and drink first, is to keep you entertained during the long wait for your burger. Every time we've stopped by, it's been packed with patrons. It's a Bosque del Apaches Refuge bird watcher haven. Locals from Socorro only visit for bragging rights and to "remember the good ole days", maybe thats why we still stop by. The Owl is Bar is closed on Sunday. Worth stopping in just to say you've been there, and buy a tee-shirt as proof. There is also an Owl Bar & Grill in Albuquerque.
DATE: 2005-07-14
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Double Green Chile Cheeseburger w/extra Green Chile!

A piece of history...not just food!
DESCRIPTION: In this part of the country you don't get too parsnickity about the cookin'. Rumor has it that the scientists from White Sands used to come here during the a-bomb days. I don't know for sure. Quaint, down home, and definitely not "franchise". This is a local place with local cultural ambiance and a laid back feel. Set your expectations accordingly and you won't be disappointed.
DATE: 2005-09-19
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : green chile burger

Best Hamburgers I ever had
DESCRIPTION: Nice Cafe' in Downtown Columbus. Have to get off highway. Great hamburgers, 11 to 12 different kinds. Daily specials good too. Homemade soups. Worth the 30 mile drive off Interstate 10 just to eat.
DATE: 2004-03-12
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Hamburgers, Specials, Soups, Breakfasts

Queen of GREAT FOOD and PINOCHLE desert!
DESCRIPTION: Ms Terry can also serve up a good game of pinochle!
DATE: 2004-03-13
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : T-Bone

Great Hamburgers
DESCRIPTION: Great place in the middle of nowhere. Huge, delicious burgers, several kinds. Try one with a milkshake!
DATE: 2006-04-17
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Hamburgers / Milkshakes

Wasn't bad
DESCRIPTION: Eagles Nest is so beautiful that it really doesn't matter what the food ends up tasting like
DATE: 2003-09-14
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Anything

New Mexico Original
DESCRIPTION: The best of New Mexico's original cuisine. Red chile at its best.
DATE: 2003-04-16
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Red Chile Dishes

Great home-cooked meals
DESCRIPTION: Great home-style Mexican food! Just like you are sitting in their home eating, because you are! If you want to know what Mexican food is supposed to taste like, Chope's is the place to go.
DATE: 2003-08-06
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : combination plate - try everything

Combo #2 is Best Mexican Meal You'll Ever Eat
DESCRIPTION: This is home cooking at its finest. I've been to many run-of-the-mill Mexican joints. They are not even in the same league as Chope's. Thursday nights is live entertainment - a strolling trio of young guitarists called "Los Guapos". Believe me, they are. Great music which adds to the excellence of the food.
DATE: 2004-01-08
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Combo #2 - enchiladas (red), tacos, b&r, relleno and egg overmedium

Great authentic NM Food.
DESCRIPTION: This is great NM food. Note, this is *NEW MEXICAN* food, not Mexican. There's a big difference, and this place is worth the effort. My family grew up eating at Chope's and I try to stop by whenever I visit my grandmother in Anthony, NM.
DATE: 2004-01-10
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Enchiladas, tamales, rellenos...

THE place to eat when in Las Cruces
DESCRIPTION: While I attended NM State Univ. in Las Cruces, Chope's was the tradition every Friday night. Chope's sets the bar high for other restaurants to try to live up to. The only drawback... the wait, which can be hours (it's good enough to wait for). Chope's is the best restaurant I have ever eaten at.
DATE: 2005-05-13
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : #3 combo plate (enchilladas, chile relleno and taco)

No other food better in the Valley
DESCRIPTION: The drive is well worth the trip. I have yet to find someone who doesn't like Chope's. I try to go as often as possible when I return. This IS how real Mexican food tastes!!!!
DATE: 2005-07-30
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Red Enchildas with a 32 OZ Coors Light

By Far the BEST I've ever tasted
DESCRIPTION: I was sitting in a restaurant one day in Phoenix, Arizona and saw a lady walk in with a Chope s T-Shirt and it immediately brought back GREAT Memories of my college days at N.M.S.U. My friends and I used to eat at Chope s religiously during my college days. I am now living in Phoenix, Arizona and I have yet to find a Mexican restaurant that even compares to Chope s. The Chile Rellenos and Red Enchiladas are the BEST! So if you are ever driving down Highway 28 through La Mesa, Chope s is a MUST! By the way the young woman I saw in the Chope s T-shirt was Chope s granddaughter who curently lives in Phoenix. She let me know every time a family member comes up to visit it is a MUST that they bring food from Chope s for her to eat.
DATE: 2005-08-18
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chile Rellenos & Red Enchiladas

Very, Very Good Mexican Food
DESCRIPTION: Chope's is a busy little place on Route 28 in La Mesa, NM. Make sure you go into the restaurant to the south and not the old bar. The atmosphere is small village cafe, yet it has its charm. Get there early because they get busy. The service is quite good; a number of elderly ladies are always moving about to make sure everything is OK. The food is prepared fresh and is very good. This is one place that deserves its reputation. Chile rellenos are supposedly the specialty of the house. They are excellent: big tasty chiles in a soft batter. I like the fact that they are not swimming in chile sauce as in so many other restaurants in this area. The rellenos also had more fresh cheese inside than other places. The enchiladas did also and the chile sauces were very good. The chips were a robust corn chip with a very spicy salsa. The gorditas were excellent. The sopapilla was large, but just average in quality. I also liked the fact that each table had a pitcher of cold water available-- a thoughtful touch. Rice and beans were good also, with some whole beans among the refried beans. All-in-all, a very enjoyable meal. One can tell the staff at Chope's cares and they are very friendly. I am not willing to say that the food here is "the" best Mexican food, but it certainly ranks right up there.
DATE: 2006-02-21
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Combo # 5, gorditas, rellenos

AMAZING
DESCRIPTION: Chope's is by far the best Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten at. Growing up in Las Cruces, it's safe to say I've had my fair share of Mexican food and Chope's rules all!!! The chile rellenos are unbelievable.
DATE: 2006-05-08
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : chile rellenos

great!!!!!
DESCRIPTION: Great little restaurant. Family owned and operated, so they really care if you enjoy and come back.
DATE: 2004-09-06
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : jumbo burger

DESCRIPTION: This Cafe is the best one you'll ever find! The people there are so nice and the food is the best!
DATE: 2004-03-07
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Green Chilie Cheese Burger

DESCRIPTION: For a real mountaintop experience, go back in time to the Weed Cafe. Shirley will cook you the best green chile cheeseburger you ever had--it's the friendliest cafe in NM and you'll go back every chance you get.
DATE: 2006-03-04
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Green chile cheeseburger