This Historic New Mexico Restaurant Puts You In The Center Of The American Old West

The best small-town restaurants in the United States are more than just places to grab a meal — they're a way to truly get to know the region you're visiting. Even better? When those eateries have their own rich histories to immerse yourself in. Eating at the oldest restaurants in the US is a pursuit worth planning road trips around. If you're Southwest-bound, or if you love Old West history, we've got a must-visit destination for you: The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos, New Mexico.

The Buckhorn is a bar, steakhouse, and entertainment venue that predates the nearby town of Silver City, opening its doors in 1863 — seven years before the community was established after the discovery of silver. Miners began flocking there, a steady stream only increased by the subsequent discoveries of gold, copper, and turquoise. Saloons like The Buckhorn opened to serve the growing population of settlers and miners. While several historic saloons remain scattered throughout New Mexico, The Buckhorn stands out as a Silver City-area institution that has remained a local fixture for more than 160 years. And it's everything you picture when you imagine an authentic Old West saloon, from its adobe walls to its creaky floors, substantial wooden bar, and taxidermied décor. The Buckhorn was also right at the center of fascinating Old West history. The legendary Billy the Kid lived in Silver City from 1873 to 1875. 

In 1915, a vote was taken on whether the county surrounding Pinos Altos would become dry. Fortunately for The Buckhorn, that proposal was rejected, allowing the historic saloon to continue offering visitors a step back into the Old West.

Today, visitors appreciate The Buckhorn's food, ambiance, and history. A Yelp! user calls The Buckhorn "one of the best restaurant experiences I have had in ages," saying the green chile stew is "the best I've ever had." They add that the dish came "as close to that platonic ideal as I could possibly imagine," and that they "would drive a long way just to get another bowl." Beyond that tasty stew, the state's specialty Hatch green chiles appear in a creamy macaroni and cheese, as well as a kicky sauce that smothers French fries alongside gooey white cheddar. They even give the classic >chicken fettuccine alfredo a fresh and exciting New Mexico twist of heat. The menu also features a selection of steaks, from New York strip to a "cowboy-cut ribeye," along with seafood and pasta entrées, salads, burgers, and pulled pork. Live music fills both the saloon and the adjacent opera house, where the entertainment and decor remain true to the Old West period.

Another Yelp!-er says The Buckhorn is an "amazing rustic restaurant tucked away in Pinos Altos. The vibe, the interior, the saloon feeling, was all amazing." A reviewer on Trip Advisor adds that the cocktails do not disappoint at this saloon, with a prickly pear margarita capturing more of New Mexico's signature flavors. Another reviewer summed it up by saying, "The Buckhorn is a hidden gem ... The place is clean with great staff ... The Green Chili Stew is to die for."