Let’s be real: a truly great burger is a rare find, and in Gallup, it’s practically a treasure hunt. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to settle for mediocrity when the craving hits. In fact, we’ve scoured this desert town to uncover the juiciest, cheesiest, most satisfying patties around. From classic drive-in nostalgia to gourmet creations that’ll make you forget you’re in New Mexico, here are the spots worth your hard-earned cash.
David’s Restaurant
$ | (505) 722-5319 | WEBSITE
David’s Restaurant is a standout New Mexican spot in Gallup that delivers things like amazing breakfast burritos with green chile, described as an automatic classic with incredible taste and service. If that wasn’t enough, they also serve delicious biscuits and gravy for breakfast that you’ll forget your usual morning routine for. The staff is welcoming, making guests feel at home with attentive service that ensures a pleasant visit despite any minor setbacks.
The cozy, quiet atmosphere and good parking make it a recommended spot for a return visit.
The 505 Burgers & Wings
$ | (505) 722-9311 | WEBSITE
The classic regular burger at The 505 Burgers & Wings is something we first described as ‘an outstanding piece of beefy, buttery, craftsmanship’. And the only way to get one is by sliding into their cozy booth. Which sounds comfortable because it is.
Blake’s Lotaburger
$ | (505) 863-6658 | WEBSITE
The Gallup location of this famous New Mexico burger joint serves exactly what you’re after – amazing breakfast burritos with green chili sauce – for under $10 a go. There’s burgers, fries, and milkshakes too, if you get carried away again.
McDonald’s
$ | (505) 863-4369 | WEBSITE
A long drive, a craving, your somewhat impatient passengers, and burgers. Throw in some fries and you’ve got yourself a meal. Gallup’s McDonald’s can take care of the hunger – with Big Macs, cheeseburgers, crispy fries, and their Chile burger served fresh at the counter.
Genaro’s Cafe
$ | (505) 863-6761 | WEBSITE
Genaro’s Cafe is a local favorite in Gallup, New Mexico, serving up generous portions of classic New Mexican cooking. There are plenty of sopapillas and pozoles to choose from, and their stuffed sopapilla is big enough to easily feed two to three people. The green chili pozole offers a milder, less spicy option that still delivers awesome flavor. Order at the counter.
The friendly service and welcoming atmosphere make it a great stop, though some recent visits have shown that the service can be lacking at times. The owner often visits tables to check on guests, which adds a personal touch, even if some servers could be more professional. While they don’t serve alcohol, the excellent food and overall experience keep customers coming back for those local flavors and hearty meals.
Taco Shack
$ | (505) 722-8938 | WEBSITE
Taco Shack is a solid Mexican spot with a handy drive-up window. Honestly, we’d rather navigate rush hour traffic than wait in a long line, but that window keeps things moving for some seriously satisfying food that you can grab and go. We’d suggest trying the green chile pork burrito, and splitting one of those massive breakfast burritos if you’re really hungry. Hello flavor town.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (505) 863-8129 | WEBSITE
The two of you have probably started to refer to every burger joint as Count Patty and asking if it would like to join your game of Uno. Time for Carl’s Jr. – not a formal name for that fast-food spot you just passed – but a Gallup quick-service restaurant you can now collect a satisfying meal from or arrange a quick stop to enjoy.
Expect things like the carb smart burger with a delicious char on the patty, the Super Star sandwich with neatly assembled ingredients and plenty of veggies, and a pleasant dining experience with a quiet atmosphere.
Dairy Queen (Treat)
$ | (505) 863-5172 | WEBSITE
Lucky, lucky you. That’s what we’d say to anyone in or around Gallup, because that’s where you can find Dairy Queen (Treat). It’s one of the city’s best spots for a sweet treat, and they’ve made their Oreo Blizzards, banana splits, surprisingly good burgers, and more available for a quick stop-in or a casual hangout. The service stays friendly and quick, the space stays clean and modern, and everything—from the ice cream to the chicken strips—comes out fresh, hot, and satisfying.
It’s a great place for families, for a solo treat-yourself moment, or just whenever you need something reliably good.
Wendy’s
$ | (505) 726-1071 | WEBSITE
On a busy afternoon the line for Wendy’s wraps around the building, with families, truckers, and road-trippers waiting patiently in the spacious parking lot. The good news is you can skip that line and get their chili-topped baked potato, or classic burger combo, straight through the drive-thru. The bad news? Now there’s no excuse to skip that quick, clean meal when you’re in Gallup.