Given the number of old buildings still standing in the Land of Enchantment, it’s not surprising that some of them are haunted. The small town of Mesilla has a well preserved and extensive historic district. Here, you’ll find a story about forbidden love and murder that haunts a local restaurant to this day.
The Double Eagle is housed inside a building that used to be a hacienda, owned by the Maes family. Senora Maes expected great things of her oldest son, Armando - she wanted him to marry an aristocrat.
As you can see from the ornate decor, like the Lalique and Baccarat crystal chandeliers, this was a woman who aimed high.
However, Armando, became besotted with a household servant named Inez. Although she returned his feelings, their relationship had to remain a secret due to his mother’s ambition and the differences in their social positions.
When Senora Maes discovered the relationship, she demanded that it end and banished Inez from her home.
One day, Senora Maes came home unexpectedly, interrupting the lovers’ tryst. She grabbed her sewing shears from a basket on the patio and attacked Inez, stabbing her. As the Senora was preparing to strike again, Armando threw his body over Inez and the blade that was meant for his beloved struck him instead.
Inez died in Armando’s arms; he slipped into unconsciousness, dying three days after her, without ever waking up.
Armando’s bedroom, where the double homicide took place, is now the Carlotta Salon. The paranormal occurrences here lead many to believe that the two spirits remain at the Double Eagle to this day, united at last.
At this restaurant, furniture seems to move on its own, wine glasses break when no one is close by, and then there is the sound of whispering…
A set of his and hers chairs are inside the Carlotta Room. The chairs have worn patches of velvet that some believe are in the shape of two people!
This building actually contains two restaurants.
Indulge in perfectly-aged steak in the more formal Double Eagle (which includes the Carlotta Room)…
...Or take on the largest green chile cheeseburger on the planet – it’s 12 inches in diameter!
Peppers is on the enclosed patio.
Pair your meal with one of the establishment’s renowned margaritas. That way you're guaranteed to have a positive encounter with spirits.
So, next time you fancy a great meal and a ghost story, head to 2355 Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla.
Be sure to let us know if you spot Armando or Inez. We’d love to hear about your paranormal encounters on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.
Fans of "spirited" restaurants should also dine at the Luna Mansion in Los Lunas, which is another of New Mexico's haunted eateries.
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