Black Bird Saloon

I want to speak bad of this place so it stays a secret, but I can't. The staff is the absolute best. The most welcoming feeling as soon as you walk in. It is small with very limited seating, but even if you sat on your tailgate to enjoy a beer and burger is just as good.

I had the finest steak salad and French 75 I’ll probably ever have in my life. The hostess was outstanding, service was prompt, prices were not jacked up. What a memorable meal in a super cool atmosphere.

The quality of food is awesome. The food wasn’t hot, although we sat outside so I can’t blame! Service and atmosphere were great.

Walking in, I was expecting it to be a bit unfriendly because it's counter service and they make a big deal about no changes to the menu items, no substitutions. Okay chef, you're in charge. But no, they're lovely and friendly and the food is TERRIFIC -- world class. What a great place. The venison sandwich with cherry compote was one of the best meals of my life. Friendly service, comfy tables, yummy drinks. The sage infused French 75 simply terrific, I have to try to make it at home. Must come back. WOW.

We drove 2.5 hours from Magdalena, NM to check out the sweet little town of Madrid and Cerrillos. We had read about Blackbird Saloon and how it was a husband and wife operation, similar to ours at our own diner. We loved their story and the concept and everything in the photos online looked very thoughtful, vintage, and old world. We ate there twice during our trip. Once for dinner, and once for brunch. For dinner we had the market pork chop, trumpet mushroom toast, and a takeaway cheese board. All delicious, simple, high quality ingredients. Great casual service, beautiful and cozy ambiance. Brunch was also great. Met the owner Patrick, front of house manager Suzanne, and the in house baker Leslie. All very lovely people. Will definitely be back and tell everyone about this place!

A wonderful hole in the wall place to stop in anytime! Feel lucky to live closeby…our 3 rd time there and they never disappoint! Drinks from the bar was also excellent! Thank you Black Bird Saloon for making our dining experience pleasant! See you when you return after the winter break!

We bring nearly every guest that visits us in Santa Fe down to Blackbird for lunch. The sandwiches are truly unique and each we have tried is incredible. The chips and fries both are excellent too so worthy of ordering both if you have at least four people! Because everything is made to order, it takes a bit to get your sandwich but we just find it relaxing to grab a beer and sit and wait or walk to see a little of Cerillos. The staff is all quite friendly and the space is quaint. What else could we want?!

Service was very slow and I believe it was due to all the takeout orders that were ahead of us. There was very few people in the restaurant but it took about 40 minutes to receive our food. At about the 30-minute mark we inquired why it was taking so long and was told there was a lot of orders ahead of us. I generally don't have a problem with that if we're informed. Upon ordering if they would have said, it's going to be a longer wait today, that would have given us an option to stay or go. Food at this restaurant is very creative and very thoughtfully prepared but in my mind it wasn't worth waiting 40 minutes. I don't really care for the shoe string french fries ... was unaware that they were shoestring before I ordered them. The sliders were pretty good although I prefer my meat to be cooked all the way through and these were rare but at this point I wasn't going to send them back because I was really hungry. In general I would say the service needs to be improved a bit. I understand that take out orders are important for the support of the business but when you walk into the actual restaurant and you have to wait 40 minutes, it might be a good idea to expand the kitchen and or staff. I got two sliders, a basket of fries to share, my friend got a pastrami sandwich and a small beer and the total came to $44 which I thought was a lot. The menu expensive and appears the chef has put a lot of thought into creating the menu.

Way off the beaten path but so worth the effort. Game meat influenced dishes galore. You will never ever believe that menu choices in this one horse town rare find.

Hosting a retreat in Santa Fe and stopped by here to have brunch. Great service and adorable on the inside! Made me feel like I was in an old-timey saloon hence the name. Very unique menu! Will definitely be back to try some more things. We had: Grilled Avocado : really good and excellent sauce Burger + fries: massive burger! Very flavorful, fries were only okay Homemade chips: good crisp and seasoning, went great with the avocado Campfire: the rabbit and rattlesnake sausage was cool! Very herby and regular sausage texture, the elk & bison lil smokies were good and had a cool texture similar to jerky Lavender sparkling water was nice, the lavender lemonade was delicious

Had lunch at the Black Bird Saloon and enjoyed the good food and service! Great place to stop on the Turquoise Trail.

Fantastic experience here. We stayed in Los Cerillos and had a very nice surprise finding Black Bird Saloon. The very unassuming and low key atmosphere was met with friendly staff and amazing high class plates created carefully and thoughtfully. 5/5 stars absolutely recommended.

Well worth the trip, especially if you find yourself near Madrid The food is incredible, as well as the staff, and Black Bird Saloon fits in perfectly with this quaint old town

Wife and I each got a burger. Medium was undercooked and medium well was overcooked. Flavorless. Fries were so salty my tongue bled and I can still taste the salt two hours later. Nope.

The food was grossly overpriced for the amount you got and for how greasy everything was. I can't say I'll ever go back.

Los Cerillos is a small town set off the highway. Don't let that fool you. The Blackbird Saloon has exceptional food, excellent service and great atmosphere. The owner and servers are super friendly and very helpful. The menu is NOT run of the mill, and it will take you a bit to see there is a lot to digest (sorry!) The elk burger is excellent. Breakfast dishes are too good for words. We'd easily drive from Santa Fe to eat here.

Great food, service, and mellow atmosphere! Love the vibe! . Cerrillos is a lovely place!

Cool rustic spot on the 14! Good drinks and tasty house made chips. Game meat burgers looked killer so another trip back is due.

Don't walk, run to this restaurant in the tiny town of Cerrillos, NM. Excellent menu with outstanding ingredients. Dining room looks like an old saloon.

We stopped in for a quick pint and the service was friendly and fast. We didn't eat but the food looked delicious when we peeked at the other tables and the menu was impressive. They have a small shop section selling local meat and pickled goods which I always appreciate. I'd like to drive back and eat a meal when we have time. But the pint was good!

Great game meat cooked in relateable items. Great waygu salad and Bison Pastrami "Rueben" Cool old west tavern with friendly staff and diverse clientele.

I keep thinking about Blackbird Saloon's response to an honest review and it really chaps my a$$. I'll get down to the nitty gritty. The food is not good; I got a breakfast burrito and it was alllllllll tortilla. They do not accept any substitutes, so good luck to those who "get the vibe"; you lucked out! The meat is overcooked -- in every dish (we have eaten here more than once). Too much black garlic in one dish, too many foraged foods so you cannot even taste one thing over the other. If they respond with another mean mention, I'll respond too. This site is for honesty and the food, no matter how many weird jams and foodstuff you put in, does not equal a great meal. They re-did the space nicely, so great for that.

Best burger I've ever had. The green chili was not too spicy, everything on this handcrafted burger was fresh, and the portions were large... definitely worth the price. I'm pretty sure they were the owners, but there were two guys behind the counter who were very kind and really cool to talk to. The restaurant is in a really small quiet town so the ambiance was very relaxing after a long drive.

Green chili cheese burger is sublime. Big basket of match stick French fries completed the experience. Wooden tables on the front portal were perfect. What a delight to find a top flight restaurant in a little out of the way historic New Mexico town. And it's a great ride to get there on a motorcycle. Will be back again soon.

The most enjoyable dining experience of our three day's between Santa Fe and ABQ. We were treated to terrific food, wonderfully imagined and prepared. We'll be back many many times in the future...it's just that innovative!! We love it! Thank you Patrick (owner) and your wife for "getting it" ...nice atmosphere, engaged owners, great hospitality and a terrific, innovative menu! Kick A"" is all I can say. We are so impressed.

Amazing food, friendly service! Local ingredients... fun ambiance, like I stepped into a western movie with an attitude. But not fake-y Disney. I had a "Cult of the Ancestors," and it was the best sandwich I have ever had... Great beers on tap, yummy house made chips. Everything we got was great. If you're nearby, this is the place. Stop. You will not be sorry. Really, eat here.

This saloon has fantastic food. The elk burger with blue cheese and blueberry compote was amazing.

This spot was recommended to us as a place with amazing food. We were also told their prickly pear margarita was delicious...Let me just say this, we'd drive back to New Mexico from Dallas just to come eat here! The food is exceptional and the prickly pear margarita is so delicious you can't have just one, or two... If you're in the area, Make. It. Happen!

Absolutely fantastic place! Off the beaten path but well worth the drive. Food was excellent (don't miss their shoestring fries, whatever you do), and the hospitality was TOP-NOTCH! Burger was great, and had the trout grilled cheese which was divine! Thank you Patrick and team for a wonderful meal and conversation. If we're ever back in the area, we'll most certainly stop by.

Wife and I split an order of the Elk Sliders and the Sweet Cucumbers. Both were delicious, certainly would recommend stopping here for a meal when traveling along the Turquoise Highway.

Quite a ride from Santa Fe, but worth it if you're in the mood for interesting food in a casual place. Lots of game options.

Love, love, love. Best burgers. And fries! Better than any you'll find in Santa Fe. The saloon is really special. It's authentic old Southwest. Wish they were open year round.

Happened in, total accident, liked the outside of the bldg and viola! loved the menu & our selected choices. Very attractive Wild West ambiance, intriguing menus selections (focus on unique burger flavor combos), just feels like a good resting place to refresh - and is it ever. Four orders: green chili burger, wild boar, elk, and dry-aged beef plus two string fry orders. Place was packed on a Sunday at 1pm w/everybody smiling over their menu choices, food arrived fairly promptly considering and was still hot, and OMGreat Gosh A'mighty did the meal deliver on flavor! Juicy, cooked as asked, crispy yet tender bun, a symphony of flavors! We live 12hrs away but we'd be regulars if able! Keep this place afloat for it is a rare gem in a small town.

Great setting! Excellent serive! Delicious food! The Black Bird Saloon is going to become a habit for us, even though it's a bit of a drive for us.

Was here twice in a row, it is a great community gathering spot with tasty pub food, thirst quenchers, fun friendly lively conversations.

The menu at the unassuming café is impressive. There is a nice assortment of sandwiches, burgers and specialty dishes. I went for the sliced lamb folded in soft and flavorful naan bread. The sandwich was as hearty as it was delicious. Paired with the Blackbirds perfectly prepared matchstick French fries, this was a great meal in a very relaxing setting. My partner had the egg and green chile burrito. It, too, was a meal in itself. The only thing quirky about the Blackbird is that there is no chicken on the menu. My Dad used to quip, "That's a long way to go for a donut." It may be a long drive from Santa Fe to get to the Blackbird Saloon, but well worth the effort!

If you ain't never been here, I swear to all my mother taught me, Git Here Afore It's Too L8 Their cheese puts Wisconsin to shame. The Elk burger and the trout were fantastic. And the beer to wash it down was hand-crafted. Even the cab Sauvignon was great! And the ambiance--wooden floors, old fashioned bar with spittoon and foot rail. It thought Matt Dillon was gonna walk in any minute

This is the place. Everything was so delicious and well crafted. I had the elk burger with blueberry compote and it was fantastic. Enjoyed my meal and my piñon beverage.

This place is a gem! - hours of operation are only part of the week so check before you go! If you are staying in Santa Fe or anywhere else nearby definitely go! It was built in 1885 and was a saloon in the early 1900's. The old west charm is what drew us but the food is out of this world delicious and the chef puts a unique twist on so many dishes! Definitely order the grilled avocado. You won't regret it. Friendly owners and staff and very clean. We will come back again and again whenever we are in town.

Amazing menu! I got the elk & bison shorties w roasted jalapenos and sea salt. It was really hard to decide as the menu had hearty fare as well as local herbs, greens, and spices. The decor is so well kept and clean, you can enjoy the 1800s vibe without the dust of Masrid. This place is special, so go when it's open! 1 star off for guy who "served" us. His bad attitude polluted the place, and his whistling pissed me off. Come on dude, it's a small place and you represent it! Great menu. Amazing vibe. Ruined by passive aggressive whistling.

Unbelievable quality, BEST burger in this whole area! Trout & cheese was as rich as a dessert, we can't wait to experience their whole fare. Most Inventive. Tasty, juicy, flavorful. Be assured, owner Patrick is at the helm. Bartender, Gabriel, nearby to pour a cold beer....so kind & helpful. Outstanding, they're knocking it out of the park!! Thanks for all your hardwork. PBH, former Head Pro/GM for Pebble Beach MCH, former Host/Floor Manager for Clint Eastwood

Great sandwiches and atmosphere with rustic bar setting. Personnel very friendly and helpful Service prompt. Local beer on tap to complement the fare. Interesting town Would eat there again as the menu is enticing with many selections

I Iove driving down here from Santa Fe Best meats beer egg burrito burgers fries Super atmospheric Just super

I got off work early on Friday and, since state parks are now open, my husband and I decided to drive to Cerrillos Hills State Park and do a little hiking. We realized that we wouldn't get back to Madrid in time to eat there so we planned to head up to Santa Fe and get takeout. As we drove into Cerrillos, I spotted the Black Bird Saloon and remembered seeing it on Yelp; we decided that it was still open when we were done hiking we would go there for dinner. Fortunately for us, they were open and doing a brisk business. The saloon is fantastic; it's in a historic building with an antique wooden bar, wooden floors, a pot-bellied stove, and some creative artwork. The tables out front were full, but one opened up while we were waiting for our order, so we were able to sit outside on the patio next to the heaters and enjoy our meal. Let's talk about the food! My husband had the Old World Swine burger - wild boar topped with back bacon, house-made apple and onion jam, and an Irish whiskey cheddar sauce with a bit of a kick to it. It was really tasty. I loved my Ortiz sandwich - roasted lamb served in naan with tomatoes, cucumber, greens, grated Iberico cheese, and a yogurt sauce. It was delicious and I'd happily eat it again. We skipped the alcohol offerings since we had to drive home, but they have a really nice selection of wines and New Mexico beers. If you're driving the Turquoise Trail, be sure to stop at the Black Bird and enjoy a delicious meal.

Doesn't look like much when you drive by however this is one of the coolest western bars with food on this side of town, it's down the road from all the popular shops and restaurants in Madrid. The decor of the bar is rustic with tables nicely spread out, the small patio has two tables and the front doors remained open. Also kid friendly. Beer is cold, the food was delicious, some unique dishes like the lamb sandwich and the pastrami are a must try! If you're in the area you should definitely drop in.

Great food, lovely ambiance and really nice staff! Really nice location in Cerrillos,NM

Not exactly on the beaten track but well worth the trip. Excellent burgers and beer, friendly staff, interesting building, and a lot of folks coming in who seemed like regulars. Time it right or you may have a wait!

Patrick, I wrote the truth. I didn't say the food was bad. I'm sure part of the higher prices is because you're more rural. It is what it is.

Awesome little saloon just off the road in Los Cerillos. Definitely worth a visit for anyone driving between ABQ and Santa Fe. Really fresh and simple food made with love. I had a burger and a side of "raw slaw" - which was amazing. The lady ordered the avocado tacos and the house made chips. Both outstanding. Also had a couple nice pints of beer and some chocolate peanut butter cookies. This place is really a gem, set inside a very authentic saloon in an f mining town of maybe 200 people. So stop on in and give these guys some business. And then go hit the mining museum / petting zoo around the corne. It's wild. UPDATE: I've now been to Black Bird 3 times and it has not disappointed. This place is the real deal. I got the Lamb Pita - it was off the hook. So good. I might need another one before I leave this great state.

This place is so special. The food is incredibly delicious, unique and!! such good medicine for the body and soul! It's actually kind of poetic... Miners handwarmer...Crow Jane... El chivato? Fuddled outlaw? sharp shooter? Lunch with two feathers? the Ortiz, Cult of the ancestors?! and more... I think its my favourite place in all of New Mexico to eat? really. I am serious. It's got a comfortable, Wild West artsy, funkiness with a surprising elegance, because it's all about quality. And the ambience. It's a whole experience, as you walk into a truly historical site and into an old Saloon, there is a lot to take in. The vibe is relaxed and always a good choice of music playing on the speakers. Seating is inside and outside. Take look around you and you will also see a mini grocery. You can buy your fresh local meat right there, for tomorrow evening's supper. I do. One rule you need to know, as you will be so over stimulated by the ambience and space. You just need to be sure you read the menu above you on the black board. It's a simple and easy setup. but it can take a moment to realise this. Also, there are incredible drink choices... so not only can you get some amazing local meat and vegetables cooked in a way you may have never tasted or experienced before, even with, a hamburger? no no no, their hamburgers are rich and delicious local meet, Chile whatever.. and the freshness is obvious, but something so good like a simple vinegar sweetened cucumber side salad, baked avocado with piñon and sour cream, cocao covered chips, a Ortiz lamb pita.... wild boar sausages butcher shop braun shweiger, and then extra special flavors... apricot compote on grilled rye...spanish goat cheese, blueberry mustard, onion jam, crispy sage...well Kelly, the chef here, and partner to Patrick, she may be a cullinary kind of a genius, I think? the flavours just kind of pop my eyes open. Also, enjoy...other surprises...good choices for local beer! yes. and wine, yes. and...local hard liquor yes. delicately put together in wonderful combinations...I can go on and on, but you must see for yourself. Its good medicine for the body and soul.

One hour and 35 minute wait for an okay-ish hamburger. No real service per se..find a table snd set it yourself from a utensil station of dubious sanitation. Order at the counter, pay in advance and wait. We were informed the food could take an hour..okay. but 95 minutes? After an hour and a quarter I went into a diabetic low sugar crisis. My wife begged for some chips or a few fries on a plate and explained the urgency. 15 minutes later...nothing. she went back and explained to staff again, and the response was "well you did not say it was an emergency" which is utter nonsense. The food finally came just as we were getting ready to head to urgent care. I ate enough to stabilize, and when able we left. We are never going back. The experience was awful, snd unnecessary. Shame on the blackbird saloon.

This place fed my soul! The saloon itself was super charming and the cold beer was just right on a nice warm afternoon. I got the Ortiz lamb pita and my mom got the Black Jack Ketchum burger... we were both blown away by flavor and the pure freshness of the ingredients. A true hidden gem.

Ambiance, service and quality of food makes this 5 stars for me. We went here a year ago and loved it so much we knew we needed to come back on our next trip. Got the locally sourced burger (and some of the best bacon you'll have). Takes a little while to cook (not a bad thing), just make sure you're not in a rush. Will be back and recommend it easily. Great food, great place.

Must stop here when visiting Madrid mining town cruising through the back ways of NM from ABQ to Santa Fee! Its a five minute trip past antiquity and arts-shopping with a "cow crossing warning sign" and UFO warning to this saloon-eatery - a food stop famous for bikers and world tourists alike. The interior looks like a snap back in history, with a great bar. Clean, full bar and modern kitchen! What makes it worthy my recommendation is the chef. Husband/Wife teaming up to serve us delicious Elk Burgers and a WAGU Beef-Pastrami Sandwiches that were from heaven. There is a whole menu with tons of choices...Shoe String Fries and Vegetarian choices included. My grub had finely shaved coleslaw and a Dijon sauce to die for! That lunch just made my trip! Thank You

Very happy we decided to get breakfast here instead of Madrid. The atmosphere, service, and food were outstanding. We had the green chili burrito, breakfast bowl with black rice, 2 gerdes sandwiches, the cheese plate and sausage sampler with charred jalapeños. Everything was wonderful but the breakfast sandwiches were the winners. The bacon and bandit sauce put them in a class of their own. The staff was very friendly and it was great to be able to meet the owner.

We love the Blackbird Saloon! The food is always amazing and the atmosphere and owners are incredible! Highly recommend

Quick drive from Santa Fe! You will thank me. Creative menu served in an authentic saloon atmosphere. We devoured everything. The Black Jack Ketchum burger was divine. If I could make a candle scent from the angus beef I would! The Ortiz lamb naan was amazing. Don't miss this gem at the beginning of the Turquoise Trail.