Andrew R.
Yelp
We eat at Chala's Grill whenever we come down from Santa Fe, sometimes several visits in a week. The last time I came, I tried their Green Chile Cheese Burger (GCCB) and was just blown away. This time I had the Bruch version (Brunch Burger, weekends only) and it is similar and just as good as the original. The difference is instead of Green Chile, it comes with a Green Chile Jam and the addition of an egg, cooked to order. Both versions of the burger are amazing and after eating GCCB's for 30 years in New Mexico, I can state this is my favorite. I should add, in addition to eating nearly weekly at the original Bobcat Bite (for decades) and 8 or 9 years attending the Green Chile Cheeseburger Smack-Down, I've tried dozens of GCCBs in the state. We tried Sparky's on our way down this trip, it was good but not close to Chala's version. So what makes Chalas so amazing? The meat. Cooked perfectly to order (Med Rare for me) but over mesquite wood which produces a char and flavor that few others can match. The bun is made in-house and is perfection. They add homemade bacon which is super thick, smokey, and the perfect crispness. The burger is just the best GCCB I've ever had. With the Chile Jam and Egg or without, either version. The fries are also amazing: crispy with a great seasoning. But the optional side salad with red chile dressing is delicious so you might want to try that option. On this visit, my wife had the Brisket Hash (instead of pork) and it was fantastic. The brisket has a great smoky taste and a delicious bark. Absolutely consider this variation of the Hash. Our superb server on this visit was Turi.
We ate at Chala on the 2nd day and I had their Turkey sandwich which was very yummy. The turkey breast was smoked, tender, and moist. Great homemade bread topped with lettuce, tomato, and that awesome green chile jam. My wife had the Sausage Cemita which is house-made green chile sausage with onions on their bun, and a healthy dose of Gauc. Unusual and super delicious. Don't forget to try the Chala Tea, it is SOOOO good. Our excellent server on this visit was Errek.
We can't wait to return to Chala Grill in early March when we return to the area.