Elk Horn Restaurant — Restaurant in Chama

I'm seriously behind my game on reviewing, but this humble restaurant would actually be worth the several hundred mile drive all the way back just to confirm that I wasn't dreaming the first time.

We had just come out of a long stretch of road where there was no cell service and few signs of civilization. A gnawing hunger was growing in our bellies, and Yelp came to the rescue with an answer of Elk Horn. When we pulled up at the place, we weren't quite certain what to expect, as in true Northern New Mexican style, it was a low-slung stucco building, looking for all the world like an old West saloon with some modernish windows popped in.

When we got inside, I couldn't help but smile at the decoration, absolutely rife with the eponymous elk horns, and even a few full hunting trophies. While this would absolutely shock a few vegans I know, it is just part of the local color in this region.

Our server was nursing a sprained ankle, and the other server on shift had a shoulder injury, so we ended up having a good, long chat with the owner, who was on the floor to carry food for his injured servers. I can't enthuse enough about the homey, friendly feel of this place, or the generosity of spirit and portions.

The fare is simple, ample and well executed, but it's the people, the atmosphere, and the culture of service that make me wish I could give a sixth star here. You see, we arrived within 10 minutes of opening, and wanting a dessert concoction from a picture posted on yelp that we didn't know the name of. It wasn't even on the menu, and the component sopapillas had yet to be prepped for the day, but the whole staff decided that they weren't going to let us travel on disappointed and just as we were about to request the check, presented us with one of the most amazing desserts we have ever tried. Definitely coming back any time we travel...

Agree with the reviews that describe essentially indifferent, bored, lackluster service, e.g., having to remind the server about several things. Asked for a refill on the water and my mason jar cup was taken and never returned. Service just seems scatterbrained, which is not consistent with the restaurant being almost empty.

The food is very much Sysco truck quality food - that is, generic, off-brand, bland. The French fries are clearly frozen. Salsa tastes like it comes from canned tomatoes. Meh.

I offer three stars because this restaurant is in a tiny town. In a city, I would say more like a 2, for food quality and service. I came hungry and left full, for sure, but the food is overall mediocre American/New Mexican.

They accomodate as able for food allergies, but be prepared to explain everything step-by-step (e.g.,...

Delicious breakfast & courteous, welcoming greeting! There were 5 of us and seated immediately. Our greeter/server was enthusiastic & helpful the entire duration.

I ordered the #13 Old Fashioned Breakfast which included two fluffy pancakes, choice of egg & choice of bacon or sausage. All of it was delish!

My wife ordered the Breakfast Burrito with green chile & chorizo. She loved it! I had a taste and the green chile had a great taste and slight bite.

My father in law had the Huevos Rancheros and loved his as well.

Definitely recommend for Breakfast. Need to try...