A Taste of Chama: Green Chile, Mountain Views and Small-Town Charm

Up near the Colorado border, Chama offers a side of New Mexico that feels a little different from the busier cities farther south. With cool mountain air, historic buildings, towering forests and the unmistakable sound of a steam locomotive rolling through town, Chama is the kind of place where slowing down comes naturally.

And while the scenery may be what brings people north, the food gives visitors another reason to stay awhile.

A Mountain Town Built Around the Railroad

From May through October, much of the activity in Chama centers around the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The narrow-gauge railroad, old locomotives and rail yard give the community a character that immediately connects visitors with northern New Mexico’s past.

Even without boarding the train, exploring the station and watching the locomotives depart is part of the Chama experience.

The drive into town is also worth the trip itself. Heading north through New Mexico brings views of colorful rock formations, the Rio Grande, mountain valleys, forests and the dramatic clouds that roll across the state during monsoon season.

Patsy’s: A Classic Chama Stop

For a traditional New Mexico meal, Patsy’s has been serving the community since 1991.

Founded by Patsy Lucero, the restaurant has been operated by her daughter Barbara Samora and Barbara’s husband, Antonio Samora, since 2001.

Green chile is the star here, appearing on everything from stuffed sopapillas to cheeseburgers. The green chile stew is another longtime favorite.

Patsy’s maintains the atmosphere of a true family-run restaurant. Visitors should keep in mind that the restaurant is cash only and is closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Exploring Terrace Avenue

After lunch, Terrace Avenue offers an easy place to explore Chama on foot.

The town doesn’t have rows of large stores or shopping centers. Instead, visitors will find a handful of local shops, galleries and historic buildings surrounded by mountain scenery.

That smaller scale is part of Chama’s appeal. Between the railroad, Western architecture and surrounding landscape, the town still carries reminders of an economy once shaped by ranching, sawmills, mining and the railroad.

Dinner at the Historic Iron Rail Inn

Another piece of Chama history can be found at the restored Iron Rail Inn.

The building originally served as lodging for Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad crews. Today, the restored property features wooden floors, a saloon-style bar, craft cocktails, draft beer and a small mercantile.

Upstairs, visitors can find a community room, pool table and balcony overlooking the rail yard and outdoor dining area.

The food mixes familiar comfort dishes with New Mexico touches. Menu selections include red chile enchiladas, ravioli and chicken sandwiches, with ingredients such as blue corn tortillas, fresh spinach and goat cheese giving several dishes their own twist.

Northern New Mexico Weaving at Tierra Wools

A short mountain drive from Chama also provides an opportunity to visit Tierra Wools, a northern New Mexico landmark that has been preserving regional weaving traditions since the 1980s.

Tierra Wools describes its approach as going “from hoof to loom,” working with wool from sheep raised in the surrounding region.

Visitors can shop for rugs, weavings and fiber-art supplies while also learning about traditional weaving methods, natural dyes, tools and the care of the animals that provide the wool.

Coffee and Lunch at Rio Chama Espresso

Back in town, Rio Chama Espresso Kitchen & Wine Bar offers one of Chama’s coziest stops.

Opened in 2019, the café occupies a tall wooden building that has served several purposes through the years, including a stained-glass gallery, post office and mechanic shop.

Today, the renovated space features a rustic mountain atmosphere and a large outdoor patio with a fire pit.

The breakfast and lunch menu includes items such as the Sunrise Sandwich, made with egg, bacon, pepper jack cheese and green chile on ciabatta. The café also serves smoothies, coffee and wine.

On Fridays and Saturdays, Rio Chama Espresso expands into dinner service with rotating comfort-food specials.

Live Music and Another Round of Green Chile

For an evening meal, Local offers another relaxed Chama dining experience.

The reopened diner features Saturday-night live music, with performers playing country and rock favorites.

The menu includes dishes such as catfish along with another northern New Mexico essential: the green chile cheeseburger.

In fact, green chile may be the thread connecting much of Chama’s food scene. Whether it’s piled onto a burger, poured over a stuffed sopapilla or cooked into a bowl of stew, northern New Mexico’s most recognizable ingredient is never difficult to find.

Where to Eat in Chama

Breakfast & Lunch
Rio Chama Espresso Kitchen & Wine Bar
614 Terrace Ave.
575-315-0001

Lunch
Patsy’s
1810 NM-17
575-756-2108

Lunch & Dinner
Iron Rail Inn
501 Terrace Ave.
575-537-1501

Dinner
Local
587 Terrace Ave.
575-756-1661

Worth the Drive North

Chama doesn’t need a packed itinerary to make a memorable trip.

A historic railroad, mountain scenery, local art, cool weather and plenty of green chile are more than enough.

For New Mexicans who have driven past the turnoff or spent years saying they’ll eventually make the trip north, Chama is a reminder that some of the state’s best experiences can still be found in its smallest communities.