Fuego 505 claims 2026 Green Chile Cheeseburger title in Albuquerque
Fuego 505, an Albuquerque restaurant, won the blind judging round of the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at the New Mexico State Fair. Badlands Burgers and Brews from Aztec took the people’s choice award.
The challenge featured eight restaurants from across the state competing in two categories. La Villa Burgers and Boba of Santa Rosa won second place in the blind judging competition, and Fat Sats of Belen took third.
Isleta Grill chef Leticia Romero served as a judge. Romero’s restaurant won the previous year’s challenge.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things – step out of the box just a little bit and try it,” Romero said.
She described her approach to the blind tasting. “I’m looking for flavor, taste, seasoning, components of texture, freshness, everything,” Romero said.
KRQE reporter David Romero was also among this year’s judges.
The full list of competitors:
- Fuego 505, Albuquerque
- Effingbar, Albuquerque
- Sparky’s, Hatch
- Stackers Burger Company, Albuquerque
- Badlands Burgers & Brews, Aztec
- Fat Sats, Belen
- La Villa Burgers and Boba, Santa Rosa
- Smash and Shake, Albuquerque
