If you’re from Albuquerque, chances are you know the Owl Cafe. The iconic diner, which has served the metro area for 40 years, was recently named as the Best Diner in America, according to KRQE.
The Owl Cafe, located at 800 Eubank Boulevard NE, is known for its distinctive owl-shaped facade. It won The 64’s Best Diner in America tournament, defeating dozens well-known and beloved spots across the country, KRQE reported.
The cafe’s owners told KRQE they’re happy to see the recognition putting New Mexico in the spotlight. Co-owner Corey Moulton said the diner’s win also brings acknowledgment to Albuquerque’s often overlooked culinary scene, according to the news report.
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Per the news outlet, The 64 ran the online tournament using a single-elimination format, with fans voting to decide each round’s winner. The Owl Cafe ultimately came out on top, beating San Francisco’s Mel’s Drive-In in the finals.
KRQE reported that the Owl Cafe thanked the Albuquerque community and everyone who voted in the tournament. They also recognized their staff for helping keep the local landmark going strong.
The 64 hosted the contest on its online voting platform, The64.com. The website lets users participate in tournaments and vote for their favorite contenders across different categories, according to KOB 4.
The Owl Cafe serves New Mexican comfort food, including green chile cheeseburgers, enchiladas, and homemade breakfast dishes served all day, KOB 4 stated.
What's Next
The Owl Cafe will continue serving its customers. In a Facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/owlcafealbuquerque), the diner praised its hardworking staff, saying it couldn’t be prouder of the team that works every day to keep the Albuquerque landmark thriving. It thanked everyone who voted, shared, and showed their support.
In the same post, the Owl Cafe also said the win represents not just the business but Albuquerque and the entire state of New Mexico. It added that it has been part of Route 66 history since 1986 and looks forward to carrying that legacy into the future.
Why It Matters
The Owl Cafe’s win brings national attention to Albuquerque’s food scene and celebrates the local businesses that give the city its unique identity.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One's news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KRQE's reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
