Posted in New Mexico Dining February 17, 2021 by

The Remote Restaurant In New Mexico With The Most Fascinating Story

The community of Tres Piedras is a speck on the map between Taos and Chama. It’s easy to blow right through this tiny town, on your way up US-285 toward the Colorado border. However, that would be a mistake because there’s a restaurant here that’s more than just a pit stop; it’s a destination. Learn more about the iconic Chili Line Depot in New Mexico.

Chili Line Depot got its name because the building housing this restaurant was once a bar and dancehall, situated on the old Chili Line Railroad.
Facebook/Chili Line Depot
The Chili Line was part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad and it was unusual because it had narrow-gauge tracks.
Wikimedia Commons/Otto Perry
Built near the end of the 19th century, this corridor was intended to be the railway’s main line connecting Denver to the Mexican border. However, that dream proved unrealistic and, during the 1940s, the Chili Line was abandoned.
This building wasn’t converted into a restaurant right away. Instead, it served as New Mexico’s first roller skating rink! It has also been used as a movie theater.
Tripadvisor/Do Will
Now the Chili Line Depot in New Mexico is a restaurant...
Facebook/Chili Line Depot
...that also offers a couple of hotel rooms...
Tripadvisor/management
...and even a bunkroom.
Facebook/Chili Line Depot
This place has to be a one-stop shop because there’s nothing else around.
Tres Piedras is convenient to the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument so, while the area is blessed with wilderness and natural beauty galore, amenities are harder to come by.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Despite the lack of competition, the restaurant’s food is stellar. If you’re around for breakfast, a smothered burrito is the way to go.
Facebook/Chili Line Depot
Later in the day, try a pulled pork sandwich or a green chile cheeseburger. The burgers are delicious because the owners make them using their own grass-fed beef.
Tripadvisor/Patricia B
Be sure to save room for dessert. Good luck choosing between a decadent cinnamon roll…
Facebook/Chili Line Depot
…and a hunk of homemade carrot cake.
Facebook/Chili Line Depot

As you savor your food, look around you and marvel at the many different purposes this one building has served throughout history.

Have you ever eaten at the Chili Line Depot in New Mexico? If so, what did you think? We’d love to hear all about your experiences — be sure to tell us in the comments below! For more information, you can visit the Chili Line Depot in New Mexico website.

If you’re a railway fan, continue on to Chama, where you can take the best train ride in the nation. More interested in out-of-the-way dining? Then check out these other small New Mexico towns with amazing restaurants.

Address: 38429 US Hwy 285, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Chili Line Depot in New Mexico

February 22, 2021
Beth C.

What are the most famous restaurants in New Mexico?

There’s no doubt about it: New Mexico is a foodie’s paradise. If you’re visiting New Mexico or lucky enough to live in the Land of Enchantment, you know there’s no shortage of delicious food options to enjoy. Some of the best and most famous of these restaurants include Charlie’s Spic & Span Passion Pie Cafe, The Pantry in Santa Fe, Owl Bar & Cafe, Three Rivers Eatery and Brew House, Zeffiro Pizzeria Napoletana, Bouche in Santa Fe, Farm and Table in Albuquerque, Geronimo, and Elisa’s House of Pies and Restaurant in Deming. Learn more about these delicious New Mexico restaurants.

Can I take a scenic train ride through New Mexico?

Traveling by train is a magical experience. The scenery whirling by, the comfortable seats, the excitement of travel, it all adds to an experience that’s hard to beat. Fortunately, New Mexico offers plenty of scenic train travel. At the top of the list is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This open-air ride offers a round-trip experience from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado. If you opt for the open-air gondola, you’ll have an unbeatable experience of the surrounding scenery and fresh mountain air. Learn more about the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

What are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Mexico?

Now that you’ve learned about some of the most famous restaurants in New Mexico, we’d like to introduce you to some lesser-known destinations that are every bit as delicious. It’s here that you’ll find locals and true foodies. The following restaurants belong on your New Mexico dining bucket list: El Farolito Restaurant in El Rito, Hi-D-Ho Drive-In in Alamogordo, Billy Ray’s Restaurant & Lounge in Roswell, Duran Central Pharmacy in Albuquerque, Genaro’s Cafe in Gallup, Range Cafe in Bernalillo, The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos, Chopes Bar & Cafe in La Mesa, Jambo Cafe in Santa Fe, Montano’s Restaurant in Belen, and Burger Nook in Las Cruces. Learn more about these hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Mexico.

Address: 38429 US Hwy 285, Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA