When Frank Chavez came home to San Antonio, New Mexico, in 1945 after serving in the US Navy during the “Big War”, he and his wife, Dee opened a little bar in the grocery store operated by Dee’s father, JE Miera. JE had been in business since the late 1930’s serving the needs of the local folks.
Soon after the Owl Bar opened, it became the hangout of a handful of so-called prospectors who had moved into the tiny community. These “prospectors” were actually atomic scientists who would later activate the famous Trinity Site explosion, the first test of the atom bomb used to end the war with its devastation of two Japanese cities. At the request of the “prospectors” and other patrons, Frank put in a grill behind the bar and began cooking hamburgers. Thus the birth of the world famous “Owl Burger”, the green chile cheeseburger of which its recipe remains unchanged since 1948.
Frank and Dee’s daughter, Rowena, and her husband, Adolph Baca, operate the Owl Bar in much the same way Frank and Dee did. On June 1, 2018, Adolph and Rowena’s daughter, Janice took over the reins of the Owl, becoming the fourth generation to operate the Owl. It is with much pride that she continues to operate the business in much the same way as her great grandfather, grandparents and parents.
The bar itself, originally from Conrad Hilton’s first rooming house right here in San Antonio, still supports the elbows of numerous passersby. They include many of the rich and famous of New Mexico as well as the world who have heard of this legendary spot.
New Mexico Restaurants NOW! feat. Janice Argabright – Owl Bar & Cafe – San Antonio, NM
Sponsored by: NMRA Chef’s Table Sponsors
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Owl Bar & Cafe in Pictures
Ordering & Menu Options
Location & Contact Information
77 US-380
San Antonio, NM 87832
(575) 835-9946
I’ve had my share of GCCB’s. My first, and forever best, was at The Owl. In the early 70’s I attended and graduated from New Mexico School of Mines in nearby Socorro. One summer I hauled hay from farms up and down the Rio Grande, including a bunch inside the Bosque del Apache game refuge. On the frequent occasions my route took me through San Antonio, I’d take orders from the crew and bring back a big sack of Owlburgers. Here’s to my two mates on the hay cubers: Hello Mel and Mel.